Sitting at the small table, Emma served everyone the food she had prepared.

Nana was awake, though not fully. She sat on William's lap in a daze, her head resting against his chest as she looked around the table to see what was on the menu.

Emma said, "Couldn't prepare pancakes, sorry, Nana." She still didn't have everything required in the kitchen, and many ingredients weren't available in this small village. Well, they couldn't ask for everything.

Nana didn't seem in the mood to complain. Just sitting here and eating with her brother and sister was more than enough for her.

William asked, "Want me to feed you?" She was bad with spoons, especially when the food was runny.

Nana, however, surprised him. She took the spoon, and without spilling, blew gently over the soup before bringing it up to his lips.

William's heart warmed, and Emma's lips curved as well, seeing the little one all grown up.

"She always insists on eating on her own, wanting to become her best version for you two," Vitori added, his eyes filled with affection for the girl who had become just as precious to him as the other two.

William took the spoon from Nana before telling her,

[Good job learning how to eat, but… big brother still wants to feed Nana.]

She blinked in surprise, her long lashes fluttering. Then she leaned back, closed her eyes, and parted her lips, waiting to be fed.

"Aww… Nana is so cute." But the little one was snatched away before she could be fed.

Emma hugged her tightly, the girl now resting comfortably in her lap.

Vitori and William chuckled at Nana's bewildered reaction before they began to eat.

Emma had prepared a simple yet delicious meal. After a few bites, Vitori spoke, "All those years you spent in the Tower, you were either in your room or the workshop. How did you become so good at cooking, Emma?"

Emma shrugged lightly. "I learn fast, so I watched the chefs at the academy and picked up a few things." In truth, she had cooked for herself often in her past life, but that was something she could never share.

Vitori felt a quiet joy as he ate the food his daughter had made. Honestly, even if it had been poisoned, he would have eaten it with a smile. But what lay before him was a meal worthy of competing with the finest chefs.

He glanced at her and saw Emma feeding Nana with gentle care. And while her hands were occupied, William leaned in from time to time, feeding Emma between bites.

The sight eased the weight in Vitori's heart.

He had never known a happy married life himself, and given how Emma had been in her early years, he had once feared she might never choose to build a family of her own.

But his fears had been misplaced. Not only had she grown into a woman who cherished her partner, but the man she had chosen was someone willing to stand against the world for her. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

'I just hope nothing disturbs their lives anymore.'

Even as he thought it, he knew it was unlikely... not after what William had awakened.

....

After finishing the meal, William said, "I'll take Nana out and show her around the place."

He held her in his arms, the little one clinging to his neck.

"Are you sure? You haven't fully recovered yet," Emma reminded him.

William chuckled. "It's not like a little wind will make things worse."

Emma huffed, then walked to the wardrobe and pulled something out. She came back and wrapped a thick muffler around his neck, making sure it covered Nana as well.

Leaning closer, she whispered, "Don't buy her too many sweets, okay?"

Nana flinched and turned to look at William.

Caught between one stern gaze and one pleading, he let out a quiet sigh and nodded. Not too many... but a few should be fine, right?

With that, he stepped out of the house with Nana.

Emma closed the door and turned, only to find her father already cleaning the table.

"You don't have to do that, you know," she said. "It's not like I have much to do these days."

She hadn't been training these days, not with all the moving and settling into this new place. Instead, she kept herself busy with chores, something she had come to genuinely enjoy.

"Hmm, I can see you've adjusted well to this new phase of your life."

"Are you disappointed?" Emma asked. She knew her father had always dreamed of her becoming the next head of the Tower, of taking his place and leading East Wind to greater heights.

"No, no. Not at all, Emma," Vitori said, shaking his head. "I wished for you to succeed me, yes, but only because I believed it would align with your own happiness."

He rested a hand on her head and added softly, "There is nothing greater than your happiness, dear. So no, I am not disappointed in you."

Emma let out a quiet breath, a small smile forming on her lips.

"Do you want some tea?" she asked.

Vitori shook his head lightly. "Let me make it. You've already cooked for us." He still wasn't used to seeing his daughter spend so much time in the kitchen, and it left him a little flustered.

Emma gave a helpless smile. "Come on, I'll show you where everything is."

He followed her eagerly to the kitchen. It wasn't spacious enough for both of them, so Emma stayed just outside and guided him.

Vitori followed her instructions carefully, gathering the ingredients without a mistake.

As he poured water into the pot, he spoke casually, "By the way, Emma..."

She hummed. "Yes?"

"When are you two planning to get married?"

Emma froze, heat rushing to her face. "Father?"

Vitori shrugged. "You're already living together, and you're certain about each other... so why wait?"

Emma fell silent.

He had never asked her this before.

There was no doubt between her and William. Not even a trace. And yet... she could feel a hesitation on his side.

Should she do something to push him?