Chapter 82

Juvia's cooking skills weren't bad, but they couldn't exactly be called amazing either. Compared to Mirajane, they didn't quite measure up.

Nate thought Mirajane's cooking could easily qualify her for a hotel chef position. He certainly didn't mind, though.

The two of them worked together in the kitchen. Juvia, flustered by Nate's presence, nearly caused a disaster. In the end, Nate had to step in, and they finally managed to prepare dinner.

As they brought the food to the table, Juvia lowered her head, disappointed.

"I'm sorry, Lord Knight, Juvia is so clumsy," she said softly, her voice full of regret.

She was actually quite competent when cooking alone, but having Nate watch her made her so nervous that she nearly cut her fingers off.

Nate smiled gently, picking up his fork. "You did your best. It's really well done. Be more confident."

Juvia immediately perked up, her eyes shining with hope. "Juvia will try harder! For Lord Knight, Juvia is willing to do anything!"

Nate's eyes were drawn to the pendant hanging around her neck. It was a Fairy Tail guild emblem, small and golden.

"Where did you get that?" he asked, curious.

Juvia gently held the pendant in her palm. "I bought it near the station. Juvia wants to join Fairy Tail, but after everything that happened, Juvia is worried that Master Makarov won't accept her."

Nate chuckled softly at her anxiousness. "Don't worry. I'll take you to meet the Master tomorrow. I'm sure he'll let you join."

Juvia's face lit up with joy. "Really? Juvia would be so happy!"

Her expression softened as she gazed at him. Nate couldn't help but notice her eyes filled with admiration.

"Aren't you going to eat?" he asked. "Aren't you hungry?"

Juvia shook her head, smiling. "Juvia is satisfied just watching Lord Knight eat~!"

Nate raised an eyebrow. "Juvia, do you… like me?"

Juvia's face flushed a deep red as she shyly but firmly replied, "Juvia likes Lord Knight very much."

Nate sighed, knowing the conversation had to turn serious. "I should tell you… I have a girlfriend, Ultear. She's one of the Council members now."

Hearing this, Juvia froze, her whole body seeming to melt, as if she were turning into water itself.

"Are you okay?" Nate asked, pulling her back into his arms. Juvia, with her unique powers, seemed to literally dissolve in her sadness.

"Juvia is heartbroken…" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Thunder rumbled outside as a storm began to brew.

Nate looked at the distressed girl in his arms, feeling somewhat helpless. "Listen, Juvia. I do have a girlfriend, but… I wouldn't mind having another. If you're okay with it, I'd like to be with you too."

Juvia's eyes widened, and her melted form slowly began to reassemble. She stared up at him, her face flushed with a mixture of emotions. Then, with newfound determination, she declared, "Juvia won't lose! Juvia loves Lord Knight, and Juvia won't lose to anyone!"

Nate smiled gently, pulling her closer. "Just don't fight with Ultear, okay? She's strong, and I don't want you getting hurt."

Juvia nodded fiercely. "Juvia will listen to Lord Knight! Juvia's love is strong, and Juvia won't lose to anyone!"

With that, Juvia wrapped her arms tightly around Nate, her resolve clear. Nate chuckled, admiring her determination.

"You're adorable," he said softly, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek.

Juvia melted further into his embrace, completely smitten, and he could feel the warmth radiating from her as if she were a living embodiment of water, gradually heating up.

Unable to resist the moment, Nate kissed her deeply, lifting her into his arms. She clung to him, shy but eager.

Upstairs, as the night deepened, their clothes found their way to the floor, and the villa was filled with the quiet intimacy between them.

The next morning, when Nate awoke, Juvia was lying on top of him, her face flushed with happiness.

"Good morning, Lord Knight~," she greeted, her voice full of affection.

"Morning," Nate replied, kissing her again. She was irresistible, and he found himself liking her more and more.

"Let's get up. We need to go see the Master," he reminded her.

Juvia, however, shook her head shyly, tightening her embrace. She didn't want to leave the warmth of his arms, content to stay by his side forever.