Chapter 12
Chapter 12
“Yaaawn…”
Estelle woke up under the morning sunlight, still half-drowsy.
She had stayed up all night working in secret while Joshua slept, so she desperately wanted to stay in bed a little longer. But she couldn’t.
Normally, she would’ve woken up to Joshua preparing breakfast. But Joshua was still a patient, so that wasn’t possible.
Carefully, Estelle stroked Joshua’s head—still clinging to her in sleep—and slowly slipped out of bed, trying not to wake her.
“Soup might be best… or maybe porridge?”
It had been over a hundred years since she’d been sick, so she mulled it over seriously while tying on an apron embroidered with butterfly patterns.
Right. Vegetable porridge would be good.
For a world that was technically fantasy, it was amusing that rice was still a staple food. As someone who had once lived in Korea, it was strangely comforting.
She rolled up her sleeves and entered the kitchen, picking up a knife.
It had been three years since Joshua declared she would take over cooking duties and banished Estelle from the kitchen. The familiar feel of the blade, the apron, even the kitchen itself felt oddly nostalgic.
“Just wait, Joshua. I’ll make you the best breakfast ever.”
Was cooking always this fun?
She hadn’t even started, but her motivation was already burning.
Unfortunately, reality hit immediately.
“Where did I put the vegetables…?”
After turning the kitchen upside down, she finally found them.
Potatoes, carrots, onions.
She washed them, peeled them, and chopped them neatly before heating the pot with magic.
“Alright, now the water…”
She sautéed the potatoes first, added water, then rice, stirring carefully as it bubbled.
Then carrots and onions went in.
A bit more water.
And salt for seasoning.
“Simple, but decent.”
Not perfect—but edible.
She carefully carried the tray to Joshua’s room.
“Joshua, are you awake?”
Inside, Joshua was still hugging a pillow instead of Estelle, fast asleep.
Estelle smiled softly.
She placed the tray down and gently poked Joshua’s cheek.
Joshua stirred.
“…Mm…”
Her eyes slowly opened, squinting at the sunlight.
“Good morning,” Estelle greeted brightly.
“E-Estelle…?”
Joshua suddenly shot up in panic, realizing Estelle was wearing an apron.
“I’m sorry! I should be preparing breakfast—!”
“Calm down. You’re still recovering.”
Estelle pushed her back down.
“Breakfast is already ready. And today, you’re banned from doing any chores.”
“W-What?!”
“I said what I said.”
Joshua looked completely flustered as Estelle proudly lifted the bowl of porridge.
Estelle carefully blew on a spoonful.
“Say ahh.”
“I can eat by myself…”
“Oh really?”
Before Joshua could protest further, Estelle seized the moment and fed her.
“…How is it?”
Joshua chewed slowly.
“Delicious…”
Estelle exhaled in relief.
“Really? You’re not lying?”
“It’s really good.”
“Then what’s good about it?”
“…The carrots.”
Estelle froze for a moment.
Of course.
Last night, Joshua had mentioned she liked carrots.
Estelle’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.
“Want another ‘broom zoom’ spoon?”
“P-Please don’t call it that…”
Joshua’s face turned bright red.
Estelle laughed mischievously.
“You’re very easy to tease.”
She fed her again, this time more normally.
Until the bowl was empty.
After breakfast, Estelle leaned closer.
“Now let’s take a bath together—”
“I’M DOING IT MYSELF!!”
Joshua practically vanished under the blanket.
Estelle tilted her head.
“Did I go too far?”
After the bath, Estelle dried Joshua’s hair with magic.
“By the way, today you’re banned from taking care of patients.”
“Huh?”
“And stay away from the cauldron too. I’ll handle everything today.”
“But… you said it was my responsibility…”
“It still is.”
Estelle tightened her arms around Joshua from behind.
“But I’m worried about you.”
Joshua hesitated.
“…I have a condition too.”
“A condition?”
She fidgeted nervously.
“Promise you won’t laugh.”
“Alright. I promise.”
They hooked pinkies.
Then Joshua finally spoke.
“…C-Can I call you… Mom?”
Silence.
Estelle froze.
Something inside her broke open.
Warm. Overflowing. Impossible to describe.
Tears fell before she realized it.
“…Eh? E-Estelle?! I was joking! Please don’t cry!”
Joshua panicked, trying to take it back.
But Estelle only pulled her tighter.
“Joshua… JOSHUA—!!!”
She was trembling with happiness.
“Say it again. Please.”
“…M-Mom?”
“Yes. I’m Mom. Your mom.”
Estelle hugged her even tighter.
And for once, words were not enough.
Only warmth remained.