The heavy thud of the beast's footsteps finally ceased at the mountain's peak. The morning mist, thick and white as milk, washed over Grin's furred back. The mountain breeze caught the hem of Beatrice's skirt, sending the gilded rose petals from her hair fluttering down to join the sea of clouds swirling at their feet.
This was the Gina Mountains, the highest point in the Mathers Territory.
Though ferocious magical beasts claimed these forests, they remained deathly silent, sensing the overwhelming presence radiating from Grin. Even the birds refused to sing.
"Beatrice, look. The sun is out," Grin said, his voice a low rumble of delight.
A golden-red rift tore through the eastern horizon. The light pierced the inky night, bleeding across the layered clouds until they glowed like molten gold and crimson. In the distance, the Great Forest of Eliol shed its dark shadows, gradually revealing a deep, ancient green that looked like the dusty illustrations in the Forbidden Library.
"I had almost forgotten the temperature of the sun..." Beatrice whispered. She reached out, her small fingertips catching a speck of the warm gold spreading across the sky.
As the sun broke free and leaped into the firmament, its rays poured down in all directions. Beatrice stopped talking. She tilted her head back, letting the breeze caress her cheeks and the warmth settle on her shoulders. It was a gentle heat, like the first breath of spring, quietly soothing the cold loneliness that had occupied her heart for centuries.
Kneeling atop Grin's massive head, she felt the steady, living pulse beneath his fur. In this moment, she had a sun of her own.
Just as the emotion threatened to overwhelm her, Grin's provocative voice rang out from beneath her.
"Beatrice, do you think I'd dare jump off this mountain?"
"What?" she asked, startled by the sudden shift.
"Hold on tight!"
"Wait! You lunatic!"
The human and the spirit spent the day playing wildly across the peaks, chasing the wind and tasting the clear springs of the forest. It was only as dusk began to settle over the territory that they finally returned to the mansion, bathed in the orange afterglow of the evening.
Dinner time.
In the mansion's dining hall, the usual order had completely collapsed. Beatrice was sat firmly in Grin's lap, her head tilted back expectantly. It was a stark contrast to the prideful, distant Great Spirit of the past.
Emilia held her black tea, her purple eyes wide with surprise. "When did you two become such good friends?"
"Who knows? Maybe she fell in love at first sight," Grin teased. He picked up a silver fork, pierced a slice of honey-coated roasted apple, and held it to her lips. "Come on, Betty. Ah—"
Beatrice snapped her teeth around the apple, her cheeks puffing out. She mumbled stubbornly through the food, "Hmph. Do not misunderstand. Grin is merely my new slave. Taking care of me is his duty, in fact."
The maid sisters nearby watched the scene with vastly different expressions. Rem glanced at Beatrice out of the corner of her eye, her blue gaze shimmering with a very visible envy.
It's because this body healed too quickly, Rem thought bitterly. Otherwise, Grin-kun would still be at my bedside, taking care of me just like this.
She looked at her chores, then at the cozy pair. Hesitating for only a moment, Rem mustered her courage, took a plate, and walked over to Grin's side.
"Grin-kun, you've been busy with Beatrice all day. You haven't had time to eat, have you? Let Rem feed you."
Before he could answer, a spoonful of warm broth was pressed against his lips.
"Eh?"
Grin instinctively opened his mouth. The soup, rich with meat and herbs, slid down his throat. He chewed slowly, only then realizing how bizarre the situation had become.
A mischievous glint appeared in Ram's eyes. Things weren't nearly chaotic enough for her liking. "In that case, as the older sister, I shall take care of Rem."
She picked up a plate of snacks and joined the bizarre relay.
"Wait! Stop! What is happening?" Grin looked at the Half-Elf girl for salvation. "Emilia, help me!"
Emilia tilted her head, pondering the problem with intense concentration. Her eyes eventually filled with a confused, helpful light. "Should I help too? Should we feed Ram?"
She actually picked up her own plate and looked at Ram with eager anticipation.
You big fool, what are you doing? Grin thought. If this continues, is Beatrice going to feed Emilia? It's a production line of nonsense!
"That is enough!"
Beatrice slammed her small hand on the table. The sharp crack silenced the room instantly. "You unclean women! If you cause any more trouble, I will throw you all out, I suppose!"
The restaurant went still. Just then, a faint light flickered in Emilia's hair. Puck yawned as he crawled out, rubbing his sleepy eyes. As a Great Spirit with a strict 9-to-5 schedule, he was usually ready to clock out, but his sister's shout had piqued his interest.
"What happened? What could have made you so angry, Betty?"
"Brother..." The anger on Beatrice's face vanished, replaced by a rare softness. She tugged at Grin's sleeve. "Grin and I were enjoying an intimate dinner, and these children keep trying to steal his attention."
Puck's gaze fell on Grin, his eyes shimmering with a faint magical aura as he probed the air between them. A moment later, he covered his mouth in disbelief. "Betty... you actually signed a contract with him? This is astonishing!"
"Hmph. He begged me to sign it," she said, raising her chin.
"Wonderful!" Puck circled them in mid-air, his voice brimming with joy. "As your brother, I am truly happy for you."
"No, Grin is not 'That Person' from the book," Beatrice said softly. She reached up, her hand affectionately stroking Grin's cheek. "He is the only one I have ever chosen."
Puck watched them, his eyes welling with tears at the tender light in his sister's gaze. He flew down to Grin and bowed solemnly. "Grin, I don't know how to thank you. I am entrusting her to your care from now on."
Grin nodded, stroking Beatrice's soft hair. "Don't worry, Puck. We've already exchanged vows."
The warmth of his hand seeped into Beatrice's heart. Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she snuggled closer. "Someone's vows were so long-winded... you'd think he was proposing to me."
"Proposal!"
Rem stood up abruptly, her face pale with panic. As expected of a Great Spirit, the progress is terrifying! I'm falling behind!
Everyone turned to look at her. Ram, ever the protective sister, quickly pulled Rem back down and whispered into her ear. "Calm yourself, Rem. It's just a contract. The 'proposal' part is just her being dramatic..."