Eternal Undying Chronicles

The aroma filled the room, familiar yet elusive, and as Alicarde wandered toward the source, his curiosity peaked. Stepping into the kitchen, he found Malefica standing by the stove, gently stirring a pot while humming an unfamiliar tune. But it wasn't the cooking that caught his attention—it was her surprisingly relaxed demeanor.

Malefica wore a light white dress with long, loose sleeves, the fabric thin but not transparent. The dress, of course, failed to conceal her voluptuous figure, particularly the cleavage that naturally drew Alicarde's gaze. Her hair was tied in a bun, and she wasn't wearing her usual glasses, giving her an almost softer, more casual appearance.

Alicarde approached her from behind, stopping just inches away. He could feel the warmth radiating from her body as he leaned closer.

"So, what's cooking?" he asked, his voice low.

"Dinner. It's late, so I'm making it light." she replied, her nose brushing his slightly as she shifted her head.

"It's fortunate that the village stocks up on resources, especially for the kitchen. Otherwise, we'd be going to bed on empty stomachs."

Alicarde smiled, relieved that she didn't seem to mind his closeness. In fact, she had been surprisingly comfortable with physical contact since this trip began.

"It smells delicious. I had no idea you could cook so well. Mind if I taste it?"

Malefica turned her attention back to the pot.

"You can. I was going to ask for your opinion anyway. I've been cooking for myself all this time, so no one's ever really tasted my food before."

Alicarde's heart raced as he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, waiting for some kind of reprimand.

'She's not going to burn me, right?'

But Malefica didn't react, and he smiled, reassured by her calmness.

"In that case," he murmured, "can I be the first to taste your cooking?"

She nodded, spooning a bit of the food from the pot and turning to offer it to him. Alicarde opened his mouth, tasting the dish. He blinked, remaining silent for a moment.

"So? How is it?" Malefica's expression softened with an unexpected vulnerability, her eyes darting between him and the spoon.

Alicarde had never seen her look so anxious—it was endearing.

"It's... really good. Wow, I mean, this is amazing! You should cook more often."

Relief washed over her face as she smiled.

"I see."

Something about her reaction sparked a playful urge in him. He couldn't resist.

"Right. I've come to a decision," he declared, his tone suddenly serious.

Malefica raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"What decision?"

"I've decided..." He gently tilted her chin up, locking eyes with her.

"I want you to be my wife. Yes, become Mrs. Asad."

Malefica blinked, taken aback, her face slowly turning away.

"You shouldn't joke like that."

Alicarde was surprised by her shyness. Normally, she would've glared at him or scolded him for his insolence.

'Okay, I did not see that coming.' Find more chapters on empire

Sensing an opportunity, he pressed on.

"I'm not joking. You'd make a great wife. You know what they say, the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. And well, I am a man."

Malefica glanced back at him.

"But you said I'm old... and a spinster. You also said no man would want me."

Alicarde mentally face-palmed.

'What the hell, woman? I only said the first part, I didn't say no man would want you! All men would, me included.'

He sighed and decided to clarify.

"I wasn't serious. You're amazing, and any man would be lucky just to talk to you. Me included. I think you'd make an excellent wife, a great mom even, and everything else. You're beautiful and kind too…"

His words tumbled out faster than he could stop them, and Malefica simply watched him.

'Oh God, what am I even saying? Someone stop me!'

"I absolutely love everything about you. From the moment I saw you, I wanted to make that stern face blush. I wanted to see you smile, to make you laugh, and… I really—"

Before he could dig himself any deeper, one of the pots behind her began to foam over. Malefica turned quickly to handle it, and Alicarde exhaled in relief, his face flushed.

'What am I even doing today?'

He quietly slipped out of the kitchen while she finished cooking, eventually collapsing onto the bed. His heart still raced, his knees weak. This was a familiar sensation—the last time he felt this way was when he confessed his feelings to his high school crush. He thought he was over feeling that way about anyone, yet here he was, almost blurting out something incomprehensible.

'No, no, no... I just got carried away. Stay calm, dude. You got this. You know what they say, when a man and a woman are alone, the devil is the third party.'

Alicarde chuckled to himself, remembering the odd saying his grandmother used to tell him. It was her way of warning him about temptation when two people were left alone.

'Maybe that's why we're both acting so weird,' he mused, closing his eyes with a sigh.

Not long after, Malefica entered the room, setting a few dishes on the small table. It only had four chairs, so they sat facing each other. For some reason, Malefica avoided eye contact, and the air between them felt awkward. They ate in silence.

After their late dinner, it was time to sleep, which brought its own challenges. The room had only one bed, just large enough for two. Alicarde was about to suggest sleeping on the floor when Malefica spoke up.

"I'll take the left side. You stay on the right. And don't even think about taking advantage of the situation."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Alicarde nodded. It was better than sleeping on the floor, especially in winter. He wasn't about to turn her down.

With that, they climbed into bed. He could feel her so close, her warmth beside him. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he whispered.

"Good night."