Getting used to this new routine had been easy, but today required an exception.
The usual post-wash nap was skipped. Instead, the path led straight to the library, the wrapped gift held firmly in hand.
The expectation proved right.
Sera was found there, completely buried in a novel. Her recent addiction to books seemed to be reaching a fever pitch.
Approaching with audible steps did nothing to break her focus, so the book was snatched away with a sudden, uncharacteristic move.
Immediately, a face flushed with burning anger looked up. The look in her eyes made it clear that her immersion had been shattered in the most violent way possible.
Doing this wasn't common—usually, the peace was kept. But lately, a nagging urge to mess with her while she read had been eating at the back of her mind.
The truth had to be faced: teasing people was an addiction.
"My... dear... husband... what is the meaning of this?"
Her self-control was actually impressive. Only the slight tremble in her shoulders gave away the true depth of her fury.
Taking a seat in the chair opposite her, the question was posed. "Is reading really more important than your husband?"
She reached out, gripping the book with surprising strength. "I really don't want to talk about this subject right now."
A slight sting of annoyance hit. "But it's time for the meal, isn't it?"
Sera's expression shifted from anger to a heavy pout. "Fine, I'll do it. Just give me ten minutes to finish this chapter."
Ten minutes was an eternity.
This was becoming a problem. Usually, a hobby like this wouldn't be a bad sign, but for a woman with no responsibilities or obligations, it was turning into an obsession.
She wasn't exactly acting like a typical housewife.
Still, the heart wasn't cold enough to kill her joy. The book was released.
She snatched it back instantly, burying her head once more in the sea of words.
A small wave of frustration followed, but a part of me felt pleased for her.
Finally, she was acting like a normal girl instead of a cold, opportunistic block of ice.
Sudden changes aren't always a good sign, but for now, it was a welcome one. Her transformation since the wedding was enough to raise questions, yet it was better than the alternative.
During those ten minutes, the initial excitement began to fade. Time truly is the greatest enemy of any emotion.
Suddenly, a suspicious thought flickered through the mind.
Why hasn't that Level 3 monster appeared since that day? Did it die?
That would be a stroke of luck, though the silence felt like a warning of something dangerous.
The train of thought was snapped by a sudden tug. Sera stood there, looking refreshed. "Since I'm finished, allow me to fulfil a desire that has been lingering for days."
There was no resistance. To be honest, curiosity was high regarding what this "desire" could be.
After a few steps that felt strangely romantic, the destination was reached: The Kitchen.
The moment we stepped inside, every spark of excitement vanished from Sera's face.
Her eyes turned flat and dull—the look of a dead fish.
The expression was truly beyond measure.
She turned toward me.
If looks could kill, life would have ended right then and there.
One didn't need to be an expert in body language to read her face: disappointment, misery, and pure rage.
"Forget anything about that desire," she announced coldly. "I only have one wish now. Get out of my sight. I don't want to see you anywhere near here."
Message received.
The urge to burst into laughter was barely contained while exiting.
Being led from the quiet peace of a library into a kitchen with the task of cooking the worst meat imaginable... it was a diabolical move.
The wait for the food didn't last long, mostly because Sera clearly wanted to be done with the task.
"My dear wife," I said with a bright smile as the meal was served. "You have my deepest thanks for your speed in the kitchen."
With a lip that twitched every few seconds, she replied, "Don't mention it."
Don't mention it? More like you couldn't stand being in there with that monster's smell, I thought with a smirk.
Daring to say that out loud was out of the question. The aura surrounding her was a clear declaration of war.
Without another word, hands were washed, and a piece of bread was dipped into the meat broth.
The moment it was tasted, a silent prayer was sent up. Turning the meat of that disgusting creature into a halfway decent meal was nothing short of a miracle.
That beast was practically inedible.
In a wave of gratitude, the plate was wiped clean.
Expectations really do affect the appetite; I had expected my taste buds to suffer for weeks from the bad food.
Waiting for her to finish, there was a hope she would ask about the meal.
Instead, she remained quiet and visibly upset. Was that "desire" really that important to her?
Since the problem was emotional, the solution had to be the same.
I stood over her, watching as she looked up with a confused expression, wondering why I was just hovering there.
Ignoring her silent questions, I swept her up in a bridal carry and headed for the bathroom.
Despite her struggles and protests, she was carried inside.
The moment we entered, she broke free with a burst of strength.
She fixed her hair, which had become a mess during the struggle. "I don't want to. At least not today. I want to go back to my books."
Even though the face remained calm, those words stung a little on the inside.
Reaching for her waist, I asked softly, "But I want to. I've missed this."
She pushed against my chest with both hands. "Missed it? We did it last night!"
I leaned in closer, my voice dropping to a low tone. "Spending so many hours away from my moon has created a longing in the depths of my soul."
Sera let out a heavy sigh of frustration and slapped her own forehead. "Tell me the truth, Theo... what cheap book did you steal that trashy line from?"
I looked at her with genuine surprise.
"Since when did the words of my heart start sounding like a cheap novel to you?"