"We’ll just cook again once the kitchen is repaired."

Vangar’s head snapped up, his gaze locking onto Rory.

Not only had his Female Master not grown angry—she hadn’t scolded him, hadn’t shown even a trace of displeasure.

"Female Master, I’ll arrange for people to repair the kitchen immediately."

He spoke at once, almost eager. He had caused the damage, so it was only right that he fixed it.

"Alright." Rory nodded. Since he was the one who had blown it up, it made sense for him to take responsibility.

Now that she knew it was only the kitchen—and nothing more serious—she felt completely at ease.

She looked at the men gathered there.

"That’s enough. Everything’s fine."

"Those who need sleep should go back to bed. We’ll use the kitchen once it’s repaired. For today, no cooking—just have nutrient drinks."

Then she glanced at Jasper and Vangar, suppressing a smile.

"You two should go wash up first. You’re both covered in soot."

Looking like that really wasn’t sustainable.

"We’ll go clean up now," Jasper said, shooting Vangar a glance before turning and heading upstairs.

Vangar lingered a moment longer, stealing one more look at Rory before quietly returning to his room as well.

Rory stifled a yawn, telling Paros and Wen to go back and rest, before pulling Yuel along with her.

Since breakfast was off the table, Rory downed a nutrient drink as soon as she returned to her room—then promptly pushed Yuel onto the bed.

Leaning over him, she looked down with a teasing glint in her eyes.

Her gaze drifted to the small fruit resting on his shoulder.

"Yuel... when do you think Terry will wake up?"

It had been days, and there was still no sign of him stirring.

"Probably in a few days."

Yuel met her gaze calmly.

Terry was still steadily absorbing energy—his life signs were stable. But as for when he would wake... even Yuel couldn’t tell.

Rory lifted a hand, lightly tipping up Yuel’s chin. Her voice softened as she leaned closer, whispering near his ear.

"Do you think... while Terry’s still asleep... I could sneak a few kisses?"

Lately, Yuel had been even more restrained than a monk—whenever he came to sleep beside her, he wrapped himself up tightly, keeping his distance.

Yuel’s long lashes trembled faintly.

He looked at her—those cool, moonlit eyes reflecting her face, playful and expectant.

"Rory... why not try and see?"

His voice was soft, tinged with a hint of tension. A faint blush crept along the tips of his ears.

He kept himself so tightly controlled precisely because he feared losing that control.

But Rory’s initiative... made his composure waver.

"Then I’ll try."

Her fingertips brushed lightly along his smooth jaw, savoring the warmth of his skin.

She leaned closer, her breath warm against his cheek, carrying her faint, familiar scent.

Yuel’s breathing faltered.

She drew nearer and nearer—close enough that he could count every lash framing her bright, starlit eyes.

Those eyes seemed to hold entire galaxies, pulling him in.

"Then try."

Suddenly, Yuel lifted his head and gently caught her lips.

Rory froze, eyes widening in surprise—she hadn’t expected him to make the first move.

But it was brief.

He pulled back just as quickly.

A soft smile curved his lips, his deep blue eyes shimmering with warmth and quiet amusement.

Rory stared at him, just about to lean down again—

Rumble

The distant roar of a warship cut through the air outside.

She stilled.

Yuel spoke softly, "Rory, that’s a warship. Vincent and Xarion should be back."

At the words, Rory quickly leaned in and planted a quick kiss on his cheek, then hopped off the bed and hurried to change.

Yuel: "..."

Watching her disappear into the dressing room, he lifted a hand to touch the spot she had just kissed, letting out a quiet, helpless sigh.

When, exactly... would days like this ever come to an end?

***

Outside, the warship descended slowly, its engines humming as it settled onto the landing ground.

Rory hurried out just in time to see Vincent and Xarion stepping down from the hatch.

"Vincent! Xarion!"

She ran toward them, her face lighting up with unmistakable joy.

Xarion, who had looked half-dead just moments ago, instantly straightened the second he saw her.

"Female Master!"

He called out, his voice bright with excitement.

In the next instant, a flash of white streaked past Rory’s vision. Before she could react, she was swept into Xarion’s arms.

"Female Master, I missed you so much."

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his voice thick with longing. His arms tightened around her, as if he wanted to press her into his very being.

These past days away from her had been unbearable.

Every moment, every breath—he had thought of her.

Thought of her until it nearly drove him mad.

Rory felt the strength of his embrace, the steady, powerful beat of his heart. She lifted her arms and hugged him back, her voice soft and warm.

"Xarion... I missed you too."

Vincent watched the two of them quietly, then stepped down from the warship and walked over.

He didn’t interrupt—just stood there, waiting.

Sensing his presence, Rory gently eased out of Xarion’s embrace. She turned toward Vincent, opening her arms with a smile.

"Vincent."

His eyes brightened instantly. He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.

Unlike Xarion’s fierce hold, Vincent’s embrace was gentle, controlled—yet no less full of warmth. He lowered his head slightly, his voice soft against her ear.

"Rory... I’m back."

"Welcome home."

Rising onto her toes, Rory placed a light kiss on his cheek.

The moment her lips touched him, the corner of Vincent’s mouth curved upward, a smile he couldn’t quite suppress.

Watching from the side, Xarion felt a sharp pang of jealousy.

She didn’t kiss me...

He stepped forward at once, his voice tinged with grievance.

"Female Master, I want one too. You didn’t kiss me earlier."

With a helpless sigh, she let go of Vincent and leaned in to give Xarion a quick kiss on the cheek as well.

Only then did Xarion look satisfied.

Stepping back, Rory carefully looked the two of them over, her gaze moving from one to the other.

Once she confirmed neither of them was injured, she finally relaxed.

"You’ve both worked hard these past few days."

"Not at all!" Xarion shook his head immediately, seizing the chance to take her hand.

His fingers brushed lightly over the back of her hand as he spoke in a low voice, "I’m not tired at all... I just missed you."

"Grrr—"

A loud, ill-timed rumble broke the moment.

Xarion froze.

Color rushed to his face instantly, his body going stiff as stone. He lowered his head, wishing he could disappear into the ground.

"Female Master... I... I didn’t mean to... I just... haven’t eaten properly in a while... I’m a bit hungry."

It was mortifying.

Ever since forming a bond with her, his mental strength and senses had recovered. But out there, conditions had been harsh.

The food Rory had given them had run out two days ago.

And Xarion had refused to drink nutrient solutions.

So he’d simply... endured the hunger.

"Rory," Vincent spoke calmly, stepping in to ease the tension, "since Xarion’s hungry, let’s go inside and talk while we eat."

In truth, he was hungry too.

Rory looked at the two of them, her heart aching a little.

They must not have eaten well at all while they were away.

But...

She gave a slightly helpless smile.

"There’s no proper meal today. If you want to eat... it’ll have to be grilled meat."