...The footsteps of the giant beast abruptly ceased on the mountaintop, and the morning mist rolled over Grin's furry back like milk.
Betty's skirt was lifted by the mountain wind, and the golden rose petals in her hair fluttered down, melting into the surging sea of clouds beneath their feet.
This was the Gina Mountain Range, the highest point within the Mathers Territory.
Many ferocious Magical Beasts lived in the mountain forests, but upon sensing Grin's presence at this moment, they became as quiet as if they had entered hibernation; even the little birds dared not chirp.
"Betty, look, the sun is out!"
Grin happily pointed it out to Betty.
The eastern horizon was violently torn open by a crack of gold and red.
The warm blade of light pierced the inky night curtain, dyeing the layered waves of clouds in a pattern interwoven with molten gold and rosy clouds.
The distant Elior Great Forest shed the deep shade of night, gradually revealing shades of green, resembling the dusty, ancient illustrations found in the Forbidden Library.
"Betty almost forgot the warmth of the sun..."
The girl's voice was softer than usual; she reached out to touch the incoming rosy glow, her fingertips catching a speck of fine, warm gold.
The red sun broke free from the restraint of the clouds, and in the instant it leaped up, ten thousand rays of light poured down.
Betty stopped talking, merely tilting her head slightly, letting the mountain wind brush against her cheek and the warm light settle upon her shoulders.
Threads of nascent warmth were quietly smoothing the loneliness within her heart.
Betty knelt on Grin's furry head, tangibly feeling his presence.
In this moment, she had her own sun.
Just as Betty was moved, Grin's teasing voice sounded from beneath her feet.
"Betty, do you believe I dare jump off this mountaintop?"
"What?"
Betty was slightly stunned by Grin's abrupt statement.
"You don't believe me, huh? Hold on tight!"
"Wait! Ah! You madman!"
...The human and the spirit played wildly in the mountains for a long time, chasing the mountain wind, tasting the clear forest spring water, and picking sweet and sour wild fruits.
It wasn't until dusk once again covered the mountains that they slowly returned to the Mansion, following the afterglow... Dinner time.
In the Mansion's dining room, Betty was sitting nestled in Grin's embrace.
She sat obediently, tilting her head up, waiting to be fed—a demeanor completely different from the haughty Great Spirit she usually was.
Emilia, holding a warm cup of black tea, watched the scene before her, her eyes full of surprise.
"When did Grin and Betty become so close?"
"Who knows? Maybe Betty fell in love with me at first sight."
Grin smiled, picked up a silver fork, speared a honey-coated baked apple, and offered it to Betty's mouth.
"Come on, Betty, open up—"
Betty snatched the apple slice with a soft 'ou wu,' her cheeks slightly puffed out. While chewing, she mumbled stubbornly:
"Hmph, don't misunderstand. Grin is merely Betty's newly acquired slave; taking care of Betty is his duty."
The maid sisters serving nearby had different thoughts as they watched this scene.
Rem secretly glanced at Betty from the corner of her eye, her clear blue eyes filled with envy.
Darn it, it's all because this body healed too quickly.
Otherwise, Green-kun would surely still be staying by her bedside, taking meticulous care of her like before.
But if she kept lying in bed pretending to be sick, her sister's workload would become too heavy.
After struggling for a while, Rem finally mustered her courage, carried her tray to Grin's side, and spoke softly.
"Green-kun, you must have been too busy taking care of Beatrice to eat yourself, right? Let Rem feed you."
Before the words even finished, a spoonful of meat broth was brought to Grin's lips.
"Ah?"
Grin subconsciously opened his mouth, and the warm broth slid down his throat, still containing some bits of meat.
As he chewed, he belatedly realized how strange the scene was.
Ram's eyes curved into a mischievous smile; clearly, she felt things weren't chaotic enough.
"Since that's the case, I, as the older sister, shall take care of Rem."
Saying that, she also picked up a plate of dessert and joined this bizarre feeding relay.
"Wait a minute! Wait! Why did things suddenly turn like this? Emilia, help me out!"
Grin frantically tried to push away the spoon being offered and turned to the Half-Elf girl beside him for rescue.
Emilia tilted her head, pondering seriously for a while, her clear purple eyes filled with confusion:
"Me... should I help too? Should I feed Ram something as well?"
Saying that, she genuinely picked up her own plate and looked eagerly toward Ram.
Big Fool, what are you doing?
If we follow this logic, should Betty feed you next?
Will it end up forming a circular feeding assembly line?
"Enough!"
Betty finally couldn't stand it anymore, extended her small hand, and slapped the dining table heavily. The crisp sound instantly silenced the noisy dining room.
"You unclean women, if you cause any more trouble, Betty will throw you all out!"
Hearing Betty's angry shout, everyone immediately fell silent and retracted the utensils in their hands.
Just then, a faint light flashed from Emilia's hair.
Puck yawned, squeezed out, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and looked at Betty.
As a Great Spirit who keeps standard office hours, he was ready to clock out.
But upon hearing Betty's angry tone, he, as her elder brother, roused himself and manifested.
"What happened? What could make you so angry, Betty?"
"elder brother..."
The moment she saw Puck, the anger on Betty's face instantly vanished, replaced by a rare softness.
She tugged at Grin's clothes, saying with a hint of grievance, "Hmph, Betty and Grin are intimately enjoying dinner, but these brats always try to steal some of Grin's attention."
Puck's gaze fell on Grin, his eyes swirling with a faint halo of magical power as he silently examined his body.
A moment later, he suddenly covered his mouth, his eyes wide with disbelief: "Betty, you actually signed a contract with Grin? This truly surprises me!"
"Hmph, he begged Betty to sign it," Betty lifted her chin proudly.
"That's wonderful! Betty, you've finally found the person destined for you. Congratulations!"
Puck circled excitedly in mid-air, his voice full of joy, "As your brother, I am truly happy for you."
"No, Grin is not the person written about in the books."
Betty tilted her head up and gently stroked Grin's cheek with her small hand.
"He is the only one Betty chose in her heart."
Puck watched Betty's growth with satisfaction, and as he saw the tenderness in his sister's eyes, his own eyes grew slightly moist.
Then Puck slowly flew in front of Grin, hovering before him, and bowed solemnly.
"Grin, I truly don't know how to thank you enough. I entrust this child to your care from now on. Arigato."
Grin nodded sincerely, gently stroking Betty's soft hair.
"Rest assured, Puck. Betty and I have already exchanged vows."
The warmth from his palm traveled through her hair into Betty's heart.
The girl's cheeks flushed slightly, but she did not pull away; instead, she snuggled closer into his embrace, clutching the corner of his clothes tightly.
"Someone's vows sounded so long-winded; anyone hearing it would think he was proposing marriage to Betty."
"Proposing marriage!"
Rem suddenly looked up, appearing somewhat panicked.
It must be said that she lived up to her reputation as a Great Spirit; she could actually achieve this level.
Darn it, Rem feels like she's falling behind!
Everyone was somewhat bewildered by Rem's reaction and involuntarily turned their gazes toward her.
As the older sister, how could Ram not know Rem's feelings? She quickly pulled her sister back and whispered to her ear.
"Don't worry, Rem. What Grin and Betty have is just a contract; proposing marriage is an exaggeration..."