Chapter 13
Chapter 13
“Yaaawn…”
Estelle opened her eyes to the morning sunlight.
She hadn’t slept properly after staying up all night working in secret from Joshua, so she really wanted to stay in bed a little longer. But that wasn’t possible.
Normally she would’ve woken up to Joshua preparing breakfast, but not today. Joshua was still a patient.
Carefully, Estelle stroked the head of the girl still clinging to her in sleep and quietly slipped out of bed.
“Maybe porridge is best.”
It had been over a hundred years since she’d been sick, but she still considered it seriously as she tied on an apron embroidered with butterfly patterns.
Right. Vegetable porridge.
In a fantasy world, rice being a staple food was oddly familiar. As someone who had once lived in Korea, it felt strangely comforting.
She entered the kitchen, rolled up her sleeves, and picked up a knife.
It had been three years since Joshua proudly declared she would take over cooking duties and banished Estelle from the kitchen. The feel of the knife, the apron, even the kitchen itself felt nostalgic.
“Wait for me, Joshua. I’ll make you the best breakfast.”
Cooking… was this always this enjoyable?
Before she even began, excitement already bubbled up.
Unfortunately, reality struck immediately.
“Where did I even put the vegetables…?”
The kitchen turned into chaos before she finally found them.
Potatoes, carrots, onions.
She washed, peeled, chopped, and heated them with magic. Potatoes went in first. Then water. Then rice. Stirring carefully as it simmered.
Carrots and onions followed.
A bit more water.
And salt.
“It’s not perfect… but edible.”
She carried the bowl carefully and headed to Joshua’s room.
“Joshua, are you awake?”
Inside, Joshua was still asleep, hugging a pillow instead of Estelle.
Estelle smiled.
She placed the tray down and gently poked her cheek.
Joshua stirred.
“…Mm…”
Her eyes slowly opened.
“Good morning,” Estelle said brightly.
“E-Estelle…?”
Joshua jolted upright in panic.
“I’m sorry! I should be preparing breakfast—!”
“Calm down. You’re still recovering.”
Estelle held her shoulders and pushed her back down.
“Breakfast is already done. And today, you’re banned from chores.”
“W-What?!”
“Why are you so surprised? I used to do everything before you came along.”
Estelle smiled smugly as she lifted a spoonful of porridge.
“Say ahh.”
“I can eat by myself…”
“Oh really?”
Joshua tried to protest, but Estelle was faster.
She fed her.
“…How is it?”
Joshua chewed slowly.
“Delicious…”
Relief washed over Estelle.
“Really? You’re not lying?”
“It’s really good.”
“And what part is good?”
“…The carrots.”
Ah.
So she remembered.
Last night’s conversation.
“Want another broom-zoom spoon?”
“P-Please stop calling it that…”
Joshua turned bright red.
Estelle laughed.
“You’re very easy to tease.”
She fed her again.
And again.
Until the bowl was empty.
After breakfast—
“By the way, today you’re banned from patient care.”
“Eh?”
“And stay away from the cauldron too. I’ll handle everything.”
“But… you said it was my responsibility…”
“I haven’t changed my mind.”
She hugged Joshua from behind.
“But I’m worried about you.”
Joshua hesitated.
“…I have a condition too.”
“A condition?”
She hesitated, then finally spoke.
“P-Please don’t laugh.”
“Alright. I promise.”
They linked pinkies.
Then—
“…Can I call you… Mom?”
Silence.
Estelle froze.
Something inside her cracked open.
Warm. Overflowing. Impossible to contain.
Tears fell before she realized it.
“…Eh? E-Estelle?! I was joking! Don’t cry!”
Joshua panicked.
But Estelle only pulled her closer.
“Joshua… JOSHUA—!!”
She hugged her tightly.
“Hug me again. Say it again.”
“…M-Mom?”
“Yes. Mom. I’m your mom.”
She held her tighter.
And Joshua, flustered beyond words, could only let herself be embraced.
For Estelle, who had lived her life watching stories of love and romance from the outside—
There was nothing more difficult than this overwhelming feeling she couldn’t put into words.