Ch 22: Lunch and New Members

Serena's POV

A pleasant afternoon, you guys. It is currently 12 o'clock in the afternoon, and I'm currently preparing lunch for the builders, tutors, and for us.

You might be asking, "Wait, what??? Why are you cooking for your employees??" 'CAUSE THAT'S BASIC HUMAN DECENCY! Anyway, Val and Ro went to fetch the ONE AND ONLY OG MC Leon, and his mother—one of Rodan's tutors.

The builders and one of the tutors—Ms. Cecilia, are finalizing things to the cottage. While Crissy—my sweet pea, is sleeping, I prepared a hearty lunch.

The kitchen was buzzing with energy, so I decided on a big pot of creamy mushroom and chicken soup, paired with freshly baked herb focaccia. The soup simmered on the stove, filling the house with its comforting aroma.

For something lighter, I tossed a crisp garden salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. I also made a platter of honey-glazed roasted vegetables—carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers—perfect for a cold day.

Dessert was simple, but satisfying. Homemade apple crumble with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

"AND DONE! LUNCH IS READY TO SERVE!" I know, I'm so perfect. Like, Val should be grateful she bagged someone like me (nah, I'm just kidding).

"MOMMY! WE'RE BACK!!" I heard my son's enthusiastic voice. I went out and saw Val and Ro there with (I think) Leon and his mother. Rodan went to me and hugged my thighs, I swooped him up and kissed his forehead.

The sun was shining warmly, and I thought it would be nice to have lunch outside where everyone could relax together. "Sweety, can you ask Mom to spread out the picnic blanket?" He cutely tilted his head, and suddenly had a eureka moment.

"On it, Mommy! I'll help too!" He jumped out of my arms, and went to his Mom. I approached Leon and his mom—Brianna, and talked to her for a few minutes.

"Oh, look at me rambling. I'm sure it was a tough ride, I'll bring the food over there." She offered to help me, but I refused. 'BRO! I'M NOT NUTS TO ASK FOR A GUEST'S FAVOR Y'KNOW?'

I showed her where the picnic would be happening, and urged her to go there. After our comedic display, I started packing the food into baskets—carefully ladling the creamy mushroom and chicken soup into a large insulated pot to keep it warm.

The fresh herb focaccia went into a linen-lined basket to keep it soft and warm, and I wrapped the honey-glazed roasted vegetables in foil, stacking them into another basket. The salad was already in its big glass bowl, covered tightly, and I packed some wooden tongs for serving.

Dessert was my favorite part to pack—the apple crumble sat snug in a baking dish, and I added a small container of whipped cream on the side. I checked twice to make sure I had everything—spoons, napkins, and extra bowls for seconds (because I knew Rodan would ask).

Cristina cooed from her stroller as I carried the baskets outside, and I smiled as I saw the tutors chatting with the builders near the tree. Leon and his mom were already seated, laughing at something Rodan said. The sight made my chest swell with warmth. Lunch was ready, and so was I to share this moment of togetherness with everyone.

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"Mommy! Me and Leon are going to play games in the basement!" Ro said. I gave them permission, and told them to take care of themselves 'cause there's no one who will supervise them.

"Yes Mommy!" After that, they went down. "Hon, you must be tired. I'll take care of Crissy." My dear fiance said. She's such a worrywart 'IWUSHAJHA I LOVE YOU, MARRY ME!).

'SHUT UP, INNER VOICE!' *kuhum* anyway, "I'm not tired, hon. You should head to the other cottage." I told her. Surprisingly, the cottage seems to be done already. 'Ha... Hunters.. are they even human anymore?"

"Are you sure?" She asked me, I nodded and pushed her to go outside. She sighed resignedly, and went to the other cottage.

You know what I just realized? IT'S HARD TO SAY OUR COTTAGE OR OTHER COTTAGE. We should name them all, so that you and I won't get confused.

Hm..... For our (my family's) cottage, how about Hearthstone Cottage? Okay, hear me out. Hearthstone Cottage symbolizing warmth, family, and the heart of the estate. HA! I'M A GENIUS!

Okay..... For the tutors... Sagewood Cottage representing wisdom, learning, and growth. Fufufufufu bow down to me mortals.

Huh? What's that? Why am I not discussing this with Val? Well, like she said. My words are the absolute.

I placed Crissy onto her crib, and went outside to take a breather. When I went out, I saw Cecilia heading here. 'Hm? What could she possibly need here?' I asked myself.

"Hello again, Ms. Bellus." She greeted me, timidly. Oh, I forgot to tell you. In the novel, she was a teacher at the academy. Reed planned to add her to his harem, because she's the top 1 hunter when it comes to archery.

He planned multiple things, to make her fall in love. Though she didn't join them. She's like an unmovable wall, in desperation, Reed confessed his love for her.

Recalling that scene, I couldn't help but laugh mentally. It went like this—"Please go out with me, Teacher!" Then Cecilia said, "Ew, you're disgusting." Then walked off. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA SHE'S SUCH A GIRLBOSS!

Anyway, I asked her what she went here for. She said that Val ordered her to look after Ro and Leon. "Is that so?" I asked her, she nodded. "But that's not part of your job, right?" I asked her, she hesitantly nodded. 'Then???'

"I agreed so that Rodan will get comfortable with me...." She said, hm.. you're not finished yet are you? "And.. I just like kids. WAIT, NO THAT'S—what I mean is that–" I cut her off with a laugh, and told her I get it.

I told her where Ro and Leon are, and taught her the way. She thanked me, and headed down.

Standing at the edge of the garden, I recalled all the happy things. I couldn't help but smile when I realized a crucial thing. My family was growing—not just in the traditional sense, but in the way hearts make space for others.