Chapter 52

Day 21 of Summer.

Opening up a new mode meant more tasks piled on. Sure, I could exclude magic since it needs constant practice anyway. But I still had to gather materials to craft equipment with an extra four slots or farm enough to fill them. The updated crop list at the shop needed checking. With cooking and recipes now available, I had to see what buffs each dish provided. Newly unlocked gear options required inspection too. And then there were those automatic harvest spirits from the “Intelligent Spirit” mod to look into.

Of course, all this wouldn’t happen overnight. It was a busy schedule on top of an already hectic routine—but who doesn’t love something fresh? Though not immediately actionable, today’s priority was crystal clear: housewarming preparations.

I woke up earlier than usual—before dawn, during that darkest part of twilight before sunrise.

The housewarming was scheduled around lunchtime, so finishing everything beforehand meant starting work in the early morning. Afterward, I’d have time left for final touches on the preparations.

In the dim pre-dawn light, Suri stirred groggily as they sensed my movement, stumbling about sleepily. Their clumsy movements made me chuckle softly.

To prevent any accidents mid-flight, I carefully cradled Suri in my hands and placed them on their usual perch—my right shoulder. Once settled, Suri nodded off again, lulled by the familiar spot. So cute how even young ones can’t resist sleep easily.

With Suri tucked safely on my shoulder, gripping tightly but gently, I stepped outside. The cool temperature just before sunrise was perfect for working; the earth hadn’t yet heated up, offering a peaceful calm compared to the afternoon heat.

Seeds were sown, harvests gathered… Someday soon, shadow clones, dark magic, or spirits would take over these repetitive tasks. Just thinking about freeing myself from labor sent shivers of excitement down my spine. Less time spent doing the same thing every day meant more opportunities for meaningful activities.

“Hmm…”

A smile played on my lips as I continued my chores. The sky slowly brightened, signaling the end of my morning routine.

As if on cue, a knock came at the door—it was Evangelin.

“Come in!”

“Shall we eat breakfast right away?”

Her steady tone never wavered, and I nodded in agreement. Jack extended his hand, which I softly clasped in mine. He really does like holding hands, smiling brightly as he did so—a truly adorable kid.

“How many people are coming?”

“Hmm…”

It might be more than expected. Thanks to cultivating good relationships with villagers, most agreed to clear their schedules despite the short notice. Only a few couldn’t make it due to prior commitments—Gilbert cited disinterest in crowded places—but otherwise, almost everyone said yes.

“Probably anywhere from dozens to over a hundred?”

“Huh?”

Even amidst chaos, Evangelin remained composed. She always seemed unshakable… except recently, when she’d occasionally let her guard down.

“That’s quite a crowd.”

“It looks like everyone likes you, Minho.”

“It’s the power of gifts.”

“No, anyone meeting you would feel the same way.”

“And you too, Evangelin?”

“…”

Trying to deflect with a joke, I tossed out a casual line, but Evangelin paused thoughtfully before answering.

This slight awkwardness lingered between us. Her cheeks faintly flushed.

Without speaking further, she busied herself in the kitchen, rummaging through utensils noisily—an unusual behavior for someone usually so graceful.

“Let’s keep breakfast simple?”

“Sure.”

Evangelin’s rigid motions finally softened as she began preparing ingredients and handling cookware delicately.

After a simple fried rice breakfast, we dove into housewarming prep. Despite seeming excessive, it felt different from Evangelin’s perspective. Plus, this was a great chance to experience the benefits of my improved cooking skill firsthand.

Morning passed smoothly as we started setting things up. Five dishes were planned for the large crowd. Though suggested to minimize variety, Evangelin confidently assured me she could handle it. In the end, five courses were confirmed:

Slightly blanched tomatoes.

Corn pancakes.

Clam pasta.

Braised ribs.

Various fruit desserts.

Though initially manageable, the lack of overlapping ingredients made preparation surprisingly busy, causing time to fly by unnoticed.

Jack greeted the first guest, who turned out to be familiar.

“Minho!”

“Anne?”

That dazzling golden hair, unaffected by sunlight, bounced cheerfully as she entered. Spotting Evangelin, she hesitated briefly.

“Hey! Oh… Are you helping Evangelin prepare?”

“Yeah, she offered to assist with cooking.”

“Oh, our Evie is such a great cook!”

Anne grinned mischievously, approaching me.

“Is there anything I can help with?”

Flirtatiously…

Looking up at me with playful eyes filled with mischief.

“Just set up tables? Moving plates would be enough.”

“Absolutely! Count me in!”

“Thank you, Anne.”

The gratitude came unexpectedly from Evangelin. Their gazes subtly intertwined, locking momentarily before both turned back to their respective tasks simultaneously.

With Anne’s early arrival, preparations progressed steadily. Anticipating a large turnout, long tables were arranged outside for food presentation. Delicious aromas wafted through the air, announcing the housewarming festivities.

“Minho!”

“Maxim!”

“Ha ha! Long time no see. Thought I’d bring some fish to help out.”

“Thanks!”

Starting with Maxim, guests gradually arrived.

“Hi, Minho!”

“Luana’s here.”

“I didn’t bring a gift, so I’ll sing a song instead. Sound good?”

“Appreciate it.”

Housewarmings don’t have a strict start time. People naturally settle in, share meals, and engage in conversation, creating a warm atmosphere organically. Managing the influx of visitors kept us busy.

Without Evangelin’s cooking assistance, the rhythm would’ve surely faltered.

“Nice place!”

“Haha, thank you.”

“Thanks for inviting me.”

Greetings exchanged.

Friendly laughter shared.

Compliments on the delicious food.

The mood warmed gradually. Preparing chilled water proved to be a wise decision against summer’s heat, evident by everyone holding a glass.

“Bass.”

“Minho, thank you for inviting me.”

“Not at all. By the way, do you handle livestock sales?”

“All animals in this village fall under my jurisdiction. Ask away.”

“My barn’s idle, so I’m interested in raising cows, sheep, goats, etc.”

“Large scale or small?”

“Let’s start small.”

“Got it. Two of each should suffice?”

“Thank you. How much will that cost?”

“I’ll arrange it. Expect at least ten thousand gold total.”

“Yes. Also, is poultry like chickens, ducks, rabbits possible?”

“Possible, though I don’t see a coop nearby?”

“I plan to build one soon. Might as well prepare everything together.”

During Bass’s visit, I finally broached the livestock topic I’d been delaying. Thankfully, he readily agreed. Finally, I’d get to raise animals—just need to construct a chicken coop, which shouldn’t be too difficult.

The cheerful atmosphere carried on until sunset. With partial help from guests, the housewarming party concluded without major issues. Avoiding alcohol altogether ensured no drunken disturbances, much to my relief.

After everyone departed, Evangelin and Anne stayed behind to assist with cleanup. Along with Luna, who playfully watched us with a smirk, only three remained while others left.

Tables moved back into storage bags, dirty items cleared away, and dishes washed—finally marking the party’s official end.

“Good job.”

Slumping onto the table, Anne patted my shoulder lightly.

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Our Evie worked hard too.”

Anne’s gentle touch extended towards Evangelin, who smiled warmly, placing her hand atop Anne’s.

“No, it was fun.”

“Evie?”

“Yes?”

“When did you start preparing with Minho? Doesn’t seem like something done in just one day.”

“About three days ago.”

“Ah, I see…”

Anne’s voice dragged lazily.

“Minho gave me a wonderful opportunity.”

“Huh? What kind of opportunity?”

“He hired me as his personal chef.”

“Per…sonal chef?”

Anne tilted her head slightly, emphasis creeping into her tone.

“Yes, it’s been three days.”

“Jealous. Minho gets to enjoy Evie’s cooking daily.”

“Wait, so Evangelin and Minho spend everyday together?”

Luna interjected abruptly, letting out a squeaky sound while cupping her cheeks.

“Mhm.”

“So?! You two sneakily kept this from us!”

Luna playfully nudged Evangelin’s back, who chuckled sheepishly.

“Hmm…”

Making meaningless noises, Anne alternated her gaze between me and Evangelin. Meaningless chatter ensued before eventually wrapping up.

No need to prepare separate dinner—they’d helped enough. Sending Evangelin off despite her insistence on cooking more, Luna and Jack accompanied her departure.

Before leaving, claiming she wanted to finish her ice water, Anne lingered, chin resting on the table while idly swirling her drink.

“You’re not going?”

“Do you want me to leave?”

“It’s getting late. You might have trouble finding your way back.”

“No worries, I see well in the dark.”

Anne grinned slowly, her signature charm point. That gradual spreading smile creating enticing corners.

“I didn’t know you two were so close.”

“Cooking brought us closer.”

“I see.”

Clack-

Tink

The cheerful sound of ice clinking against glass. Anne paused briefly while twirling her straw.

“Listen.”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t you think we should get closer too?”

“We’re already close, aren’t we?”

“Nope. Closer.”

Subtle innuendo laced her voice. Setting down her propped-up hand, Anne stood from her chair. Dragging it beside mine, she sat directly next to me, looking up expectantly.

“Closer?”

“Mhm.”

What’s she planning?

A hint of unease crept in. Anne’s unpredictable nature reminded me of a playful cat, making her actions hard to anticipate.

“Last time during the thunderstorm…”

“Yeah?”

“The lightning flashed and you stayed by me, remember?”

“Right.”

“Yeah. When you slept over at my place.”

“You had soft cheeks.”

“Hey! Stop teasing me!”

She pinched my cheek lightly.

“What about it?”

“Well… Since you stayed at my place once…”

“One?”

“One night you stayed at my house… Tonight, can I stay at yours?”

Though likely innocent, perhaps slightly mischievous…

The impact of those words hit hard. Subtle fox-like charm radiated from Anne. Intentional or not, only she knows—but she definitely has a knack for captivating others with words.

“Alright.”

“Great!”

Upon receiving permission, Anne quickly exited the house.

“Where are you going?”

“To grab pajamas!”

Pajamas… For some reason, Anne looked like someone who’d wear cat or fox-themed sleepwear.

—

And thus concludes another eventful day in the village.

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