"Did you read it?" Subordinate Woman came out of the bath wearing a matching tracksuit and sweatshirt that mirrored Nat's outfit. She leaned over from behind, looking at the diary spread open on her lap.
"Hmm, yes." Nat nodded, her eyes still scanning the pages.
Both ladies were deep in conversation when suddenly Hazel jolted upright in the bed. Her hands clenched into fists as she opened her red, tired eyes, looking around with confusion at the two women standing nearby, her eyes searching for the sudden presence.
"You have good reaction, little lady." An old voice suddenly came from behind them, his voice was low hoping he would not scare them too much. "Don't worry. I am family. Sleep without any worry."
Hazel dreamily nodded at the voice, her exhaustion overpowering her alertness. She collapsed back onto the bed, curling into Zack's embrace and falling back into deep sleep.
"GRANDPA!" Nat looked back after the sudden shock wore off and saw Grandpa foolishly grinning at them. Her face lit up with joy as she rushed over and hugged him tightly.
"Grandpa?" Subordinate Woman stood up immediately and bowed deeply with respect.
"Good, good!" Grandpa patted both girls on the head affectionately. "I heard that brat is hurt again, so I came to check on him. Let me see if that stupid girl is healing him properly or not."
He walked over to the bed and lifted the blanket carefully. Underneath, naked Sasha lay pressed against Zack's body, sweat pouring down her skin….. A soft green hue emanated from her form, the healing energy being absorbed into Zack's wounds.
"Huh? Is Big Sister Sasha healing him like that?" Subordinate Woman tilted her head in confusion, her brow furrowing. "I thought she just loved to stick close to him."
"I would say she loves sleeping like that. Healing is just an excuse." Nat's eyes twitched as she stared at Sasha's peaceful, content face. "She is a bad bitch!"
"Haha! Nat, you are too cute!" Subordinate Woman giggled, covering her mouth as she watched Nat's irritated expression.
"They are doing fine." Grandpa settled into a relaxing chair beside the bed, his old bones creaking slightly as he sat. "I will stay here for a bit….. I finally got some peaceful time. That Esjar brat is so annoying.... He went to check on kids so he won't be bothering me for a while." He reached over and took a book from Nat's shelf, opening it casually. "You girls do whatever you want."
The girls bowed respectfully and headed outside after placing the diary back on the table. As they walked toward the kitchen, their matching outfits made many eyes turn and stare at them. The girls giggled together, linking arms as they walked happily down the corridor, their skipping footsteps goes forward in sink, Subordinate woman warm aura and Nat cheerful sharp beauty mixed together well, blinding anyone who try to stare at them.
They checked on everyone along the way… In one of the room, they found Uncle Esjar crying hard on Fia's shoulder while she struggled to restrain herself from hitting him, her hand raised but trembling with the effort of holding back.
After a while, both girls entered the spacious kitchen. Several people were already there, ready to cook food for everyone. Maids and butlers moved in the space efficiently, preparing ingredients and organizing cooking stations.
"Big Sister!" Little Princess suddenly came running from behind, her short dress bouncing with each step.
Nat saw her approaching and opened her arms wide. Little Princess crashed into her embrace, hugging her tightly.
"Big Sister, I am sorry for ditching you in the middle!" Little Princess spoke meekly, her voice muffled against Nat's shoulder as she squeezed tighter.
"It's okay, don't worry." Nat patted her back warmly, telling her everything is fine. While doing so, she noticed the guards and butlers sneaking glances at them. Nat realized what was catching their attention and pulled Little Princess away slightly to check out her cute outfit. Her eyes widened as she took in the revealing nature of the dress.
Nat smiled despite her concern and gently tucked a strand of hair behind Little Princess's ear. "It seems everything is going great between you and Alfie."
"Gah! Well... well... yes, somewhat." Little Princess grew shy, her cheeks flushing pink as she just nodded, unable to meet Nat's eyes.
"Hehe, my cute little sister is very cute." Nat's expression was flaunting at her sister but suddenly she turned more serious. "Still, don't overdo it. Make sure you wear such revealing outfits only when you are with him. Otherwise, it will bring unwanted attention."
Subordinate Woman came over and hugged Little Princess tightly from the side, talking cheerfully at her.
"Huh? But didn't you always encourage me to wear such clothes?" Little Princess looked up in confusion, her innocent eyes searching Nat's face for an explanation.
Subordinate Woman smirked hearing this. "Well, she got scolded by Boss, so she has become more docile! Hahaha!" She laughed hard, clearly enjoying Nat's embarrassment.
Little Princess also burst into laughter, giggling uncontrollably at her big sister's expense.
Nat pouted in shame, her face burning. "Humph! Whatever!"
"Big Sister, tell me what happened!" Little Princess jumped joyfully, her enthusiasm infectious. Her short one-piece skirt dress jumped with her, nearly revealing her panties.
Nat hastily reached down and pulled the dress down, her face showing alarm.
"Phew, was I always like that?" Nat muttered to herself, thinking back on her past behaviour. Her thoughts were interrupted by more laughter.
As more and more details about her big sister's adventures reached Little Princess's ears, she looked at Nat with increasing disbelief. However, she was also genuinely shocked because she had seen Nat's friends sometimes coming to Queen Palace to study. She processed everything she heard, then looked at Nat seriously.
"Big Sister, was it really that bad that Big Brother Zack got so angry with you?" Little Princess asked, her voice filled with confusion. "I mean, I did see you wearing cute dresses and having fun with them... Truthfully, I didn't find anything weird with that. You usually wore nearly nothing when Big Brother Zack came to visit you.... And you always stick to him so lovingly, so why Big brother Zack got so angry???" She paused, frowning slightly. "I mean, I don't get it….. Maybe once or twice you hurt him, but isn't that too much to get angry about the casual interaction you had with your friends???"
Nat heard this and just sighed deeply. She asked in return, her voice taking on a knowing tone, "Then will you accept several girls hovering beside Alfie??? And what if he threw away his usual cheap clothing and wore some charming, sexy clothes in front of other girls? Would you be okay if Alfie said he loved you but got cozy with other girls in the name of friendship? Even though they never do anything, just their laugh, their occasional touches, their stares at his body, their hugging, their hands touching his bod..."
"STOP! STOP! I GET IT, OKAY?! GEEZ!" Little Princess's voice cut through Nat's words as she pouted angrily, her face scrunched up. She clearly did not want to hear anymore.
"You are bad, Big Sister! Humph! It's good that you got scolded! You should learn from me!" Little Princess crossed her arms defiantly. "I never wore such clothes outside, only when I sleep at Alfie's house that I wore these clothes!.....And I am wearing this right now because I was in a hurry to meet my brothers and sisters!!!.... And me getting so cozy with others? HUMPH! I barely have any close friends! FUCK! THAT IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF! NOW I AM ANGRY! I WANT TO BEAT THAT BRAT!"
Little Princess was on a rollercoaster of emotions, her expressions changing rapidly from proud to horrified to angry.
"Hehehe!" Nat and Subordinate Woman laughed heartily, watching her realization unfold.
"DON'T LAUGH, BIG SISTER! YOU WERE ALWAYS LIKE THIS!" Little Princess's voice rose higher. "YOU STAND NAKED IN FRONT OF THE WINDOW WITHOUT ANY CARE!!!! I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I TRIED TO STOP YOU!.... AND YOU EVEN FILL MY BAG WITH THOSE CLOTHES!!!!...ALL THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE YOU YOURSELF ALWAYS WORE THESE THINGS BUT ENDED UP….. N.O.T….. SEDUCING BIG BROTHER ZACK... BUT YOUR FRIENDS INSTEAD! HAHAHAHA! IT IS FUNNY NOW! YOUR PROUD FACE WHEN YOU TOLD ME THAT YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT LOVE!!!! HAHAHAHA!"
Little Princess laughed so hard she clutched her stomach, tears forming at the corners of her eyes from the sheer hilarity of Nat's past achievements.
"Pfftt!" Subordinate Woman couldn't help but join in, her shoulders shaking with laughter.
"GRRRRR!" Nat could only stomp her feet in frustration and anger. "Sigh... I was indeed full of myself. I hope I can do better for myself and for Zack..."
Subordinate Woman, after her laughter subsided, spoke more seriously. "Little Princess, it's not about the clothing but the intent... Boss would never have gotten angry if your stupid big sister wasn't so dense. Any man will love seeing his woman in cute and sexy clothes. It's just that she should wear them for him and not to please others."
She stared at Nat with a knowing look. Nat just coughed, her face showing embarrassment.
"Yes, yes! Whenever I wear a cute outfit, Alfie can barely look me in the eyes. It's cute!" Little Princess grabbed Subordinate Woman's hand and started giggling, eager to share her experience.
"Indeed! Even Boss secretly takes a peek when he thinks I am not looking, but I can feel his stare. It's quite cute to tease them like this, isn't it? Hehehe." Subordinate Woman shared her enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"GRRR!" Nat looked at them angrily, not knowing what to do. She felt completely thrown aside, left out of their bonding moment.
POKE... POKE...
"Hmmm?" Suddenly, Nat felt someone poking her shoulder. She turned and found Lewis smirking at her with that characteristic troublemaker expression. "Do you want to hear Hanna's embarrassing moments? Kekeke!"
"Sure!" Nat smiled evilly, her competitive spirit ignited.
The battlefield was divided into two parts, both sides laughing at each other while saying things mixed with truth and exaggerated lies, each trying to outdo the other with embarrassing stories.
They were only stopped when Queen Mother, Mother Julia, Mother Veny, Maren, and Miss Eva arrived with Lurvi and Tyra floating gracefully above their heads. The animals' presence added a mystical quality to the gathering. The mothers dragged everyone further inside the kitchen and started organizing the cooking of food.
"Is Zack awake? Can he eat solid food?" Mother Veny asked with concern, her eyes still looking puffed up from crying earlier.
"Yes, Mother Veny. Boss did wake up, and he is getting better. He can eat solid food." Subordinate Woman spoke reassuringly.
"Hmm, it's good to hear." Mother Julia nodded happily, relief washing over her features.
" I think Silja and Gloomy will also wake up afterwards. So we can prepare proper food for them." Queen Mother spoke up, her voice carrying authority. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Only Sio and Blake are heavily injured. What did the doctors say?" Miss Evangeline asked, worry creasing her brow.
"Everything is going to be fine, ladies! Don't worry! Let's focus on the task at hand!" Nat spoke proudly, trying to lift everyone's spirits with her enthusiasm.
"Yes, yes! We should focus on one goal at a time!" Little Princess nodded vigorously, supporting her big sister.
Everyone looked at the two ladies in confusion and started whispering among themselves.
"Why are these two here?"
"One can only eat, and another has only held a sword in her life. Is it okay for them to be here?"
"Did something happen?"
"Well, Boss scolded her."
"And Hanna kissed Alfie."
BLINK... BLINK... BLINK... BLINK...
"HAHAHAHA!"
"I GUESS THESE ARE VALID REASONS!"
"INDEED!"
"MY DAUGHTERS SUDDENLY WALKING A PATH OF RESPONSIBLITY... I THINK THIS ITSELF IS CONCERNING!"
"DON'T BE SO NEGATIVE, MALINA! IT'S A HAPPY MOMENT!"
"NAT GETTING SCOLDED IS A HAPPY MOMENT?"
BLINK... BLINK...
"WELL, WHATEVER! IT'S GOOD FOR ALL LADIES TO BE TOGETHER LIKE THIS! I AM SO HAPPY!"
"BUT I AM A MAN!"
BLINK... BLINK...
"YOU? For sure?"
"YES! NO DOUBT!"
"HMMM, SUSPICIOUS!"
"WELL, YOU LOOK GIRLY ENOUGH, SO IT'S FINE!"
"GAAHHH!"
"IT LOOKS LIKE ALFIE HAS A TOUGH ROAD AHEAD!"
"BUT I AM NOT INTO HIM!!!!"
"GRRRRR!!!"
"LITTLE PRINCESS I AM TELLING YOU THE TRUTH!!!!!! KYYYAAAAA!!!!!"
"IT'S GOOD TO BE YOUNG!"
"I AM ALSO YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL!"
BLINK... BLINK... BLINK...
"THINKING ABOUT YOUNG... DID SHE GO HOME?"
"YES! SHE WAS SO EAGER TO GO BACK...FOR THE FIRST TIME SHE LEFT HER WORK MIDWAY!"
"WHO TOOK OVER?"
"GAAHHH! I FORGOT! SHE ASKED ME TO DO IT!"
"DON'T WORRY! I TOLD KYRA. SHE IS VERY TALENTED!"
"HMM, HOW IS HER SON? AND WHAT ABOUT JORRI? ANY SIGN OF THEM WAKING UP SOON?"
"NAT, HOLD THE KNIFE LIKE THIS! FIRST CUT THE TOP AND BOTTOM PART!"
"YES, YES! I KNOW!"
"JORRI AND HER SON ARE DOING FINE. I THINK THEY WILL WAKE UP SOON ENOUGH."
"SIGH... JORRI SURE IS A GREAT MAN. THIS MALINA IS JUST STUPID. I GUESS THAT'S WHY HER DAUGHTERS ARE TROUBLESOME!"
"OYE, OYE! WANT ME TO KILL YOU?"
"LEWIS, WHY ARE YOU THIS GOOD AT COOKING?"
"MY MOTHER MADE ME LEARN IT. CAN'T HELP IT!"
"GRRR!"
"MOTHER JULIA, FIA ALSO ACTED WEIRDLY DURING THE FIGHT. NOT LIKE SIO, BUT SHE SUDDENLY GOT VERY STRONG!"
"HMMM, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING. WE HAVE TO ASK TOOL GUY."
"THINGS DO HAPPEN WHEN THE CEREMONY GETS CLOSE!"
"NAT, ANY CHANCE OF YOU SUCCEEDING IN WORKING THE HEART MACHINE?"
"HA HA HA! I AM WORKING HARD, MOTHERS!"
"HEHE! SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO WORRY! ZACK IS A WALKING MACHINE FOR HER!"
"GRR! DON'T CALL HIM A MACHINE! I WILL BITE YOU!"
"THERE, THERE, NAT! STOP FIGHTING!"
"LITTLE PRINCESS, PASS ME THAT BOTTLE!"
"HERE, CATCH!"
"WAHHH! DON'T THROW IT LIKE THAT!"
"SUBORDINATE WOMAN, SWIFTLY TELL US YOUR NAME! IT'S WEIRD TO CALL YOU LIKE THIS!"
"I AM TRYING, MOTHERS!"
"HEHEHE!"
"STOP LAUGHING! I WILL BITE YOU!"
"ZACK, THAT BOY, SURE IS AMAZING COMING UP WITH THIS NEW SYSTEM! WHAT DO YOU GIRLS THINK? WILL IT WORK?"
"WE WILL MAKE IT WORK!"
"OH! HIGH SPIRIT! HIGH SPIRIT! I LIKE IT!"
"LEWIS, STOP JUMPING AROUND!"
"ZACK IS SUCH A MAMA'S BOY! I AM SURE HE THOUGHT OF ME WHEN PLANNING IT!"
"NO! HE WAS DOING IT FOR MY SAKE!"
"OF COURSE IT WAS FOR HIS QUEEN MOTHER! HE EVEN CONFESSED HIS LOVE FOR ME, SAYING I AM MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN NAT!"
"GRRRRR! FINE! I WILL TELL UNCLE JORRI TO FIND ANOTHER WOMAN FOR HIMSELF!"
"GRRRRR! BRAT!"
"STOP THROWING THE SPOONS!"
"WAAHH! IT'S DANGEROUS!"
"HEY, LEWIS! DON'T STICK TO ME WHEN I'M FOCUSING ON CUTTING!"
"MALINA, ARE YOU THINKING OF MAKING ISAFOLD THE LEADER?"
"WELL, I WANT TO CHANGE THE WAY THEY ARE CHOSEN. I AM STILL THINKING ABOUT THAT."
"HMMM..."
"IS MY FAMILY OKAY?"
"YES, THEY ARE! THEY DID VERY WELL OUT THERE!"
"THANK GOD!"
"HOW IS BROTHER OLIVER?"
"HE IS FINE! PROBABLY ENJOYING HIS NEWFOUND LOVE!"
"DID HE FINALLY ACCEPT HER?"
"HE DID!"
"I AM SURE EMMY WOULD BE SCREAMING INSIDE!"
"WILL SHE BE OKAY?"
"THEY WILL BE FINE!"
"BUT HE SURE LOVES MAIDS!"
"MAYBE... ZACK HAS A SECRET LOVER AS A MAID! THAT'S WHY HE DID SO MUCH FOR THEM!"
"GAAHHH! NO, HE DIDN'T!"
"HEHEHEHE!"
The kitchen was filled with beautiful ladies and their warm, soothing voices as they prepared a bountiful dinner for their family. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, laughter, and occasional playful arguments. Ingredients were chopped, pots were stirred, and delicious aromas began filling the air.
Nat found herself actually enjoying the process, even though she doesn't know what the hell is going on, her lack of experience is clearly showing. She watched the mothers work with ease, their hands moving with confidence born from years of feeding their families, Nat pouted hoping she could do the same in future. Little Princess stayed close to her, both of them learning together, making mistakes and laughing about them.
Subordinate Woman proved surprisingly competent in the kitchen, moving between tasks with efficiency. Lewis, despite the teasing about his girlish appearance, demonstrated genuine skill with the knife, his speedy cuts everything in precision.
Queen Mother orchestrated the entire operation like a conductor leading an orchestra. Her voice rose above the others periodically, giving instructions or settling disputes. Mother Julia and Mother Veny worked side by side, their movements synchronized from years of cooking together. Maren added her own flair to the dishes, while Miss Eva kept everyone organized on task.
The chaos was beautiful in its own way. Spoons flew through the air, caught or dodged with varying degrees of success. Ingredients were passed from hand to hand, sometimes thrown across the kitchen with reckless abandon. Laughter rang out constantly, mixing with mock arguments and affectionate insults.
Lurvi and Tyra floated overhead, occasionally swooping down to steal small bits of food when they thought no one was looking. The animals added their own sounds to the symphony, chirping or growling softly in contentment.
As the cooking progressed, the conversation continued to flow freely. Stories were shared, secrets were revealed, and bonds were strengthened. This was more than just preparing a meal. This was family coming together after surviving something terrible, finding comfort in the simple act of caring for each other.
Nat felt tears prick at her eyes as she looked around at all these strong, beautiful women who had come together to form a happy family. Women who had fought beside her, bled with her, and now stood beside her in this warm kitchen preparing food for those they loved.
She caught Little Princess looking at her with concern and quickly wiped her eyes, smiling to show she was okay. Little Princess smiled back, understanding passing between them without words.
The food slowly came together, dish after dish taking shape. Rich stews, fresh bread, roasted vegetables, tender meats, sweet desserts. They were preparing enough to feed an army, but that was fitting. Their family had become an army of sorts, bound not by blood alone but by choice and love and shared struggle.
"NAT! STOP DAYDREAMING AND FOCUS!" Queen Mother's voice cut through her thoughts.
"YES, MOTHER!" Nat jumped back to attention, returning to her task with renewed focus.
The kitchen continued to buzz with activity and warmth, filling the palace with the promise of a meal that would bring everyone together once more.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
Your fav food??
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