The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness

Chapter 56, Hospitality

“I’m back.”

The rush of air from the door stirred the wind chimes at the entrance, producing a crisp tinkling sound. Ailuka stepped into the foyer and casually hung her bag on the wall.

“No need to change your shoes, just come in.”

“Eh, is that really okay?”

“Since you’re not wearing any shoes, right?”

“Hehe, that’s true.”

Mu’en scratched his head, not wanting to be overly formal, and walked straight into the cozy little nest of the newlyweds.

A faint floral fragrance filled the air, and the surrounding decorations didn’t particularly evoke a festive or wedding atmosphere, but the arrangement of all the furniture and items felt very natural, making one unconsciously feel warm and at home.

“Even though you just got married, does life already feel this rich?”

Mu’en’s hand brushed over the impeccably maintained bookshelf, and his gaze inadvertently lingered on the pristine white walls.

On the wall hung a painting, depicting a sun-kissed, dark-skinned man laughing heartily, revealing his bright white teeth, alongside a reserved and composed middle-aged woman.

“Hmm?”

Looking at the painting, Mu’en stroked his chin and asked:

“Ailuka, the people in this painting, they’re not you, are they?”

“Of course not me.”

Ailuka walked over and glanced at the painting on the wall.

“This was painted when my parents got married.”

“Parents?”

“Yeah.”

Ailuka scratched her cheek a bit shyly:

“It’s a bit embarrassing to say, although I’ve been an adventurer for several years and have done fairly well, for various reasons, I haven’t saved much money with others, let alone buying a house in Belrand where the housing prices have skyrocketed.

So for now, I’m still living with my parents.”

“I see, I can somewhat understand.” Mu’en nodded seriously.

It seems that no matter which world you’re in, not being able to afford a house is a big problem.

“You can understand? I thought you were rich.”

“Haha, are there really rich people in this world who can’t even afford clothes and wander around naked?” Mu’en laughed, not intending to reveal his noble status.

“…Maybe.”

It was hard to tell whether Ailuka believed Mu’en’s words. She chatted with him casually while walking into the bedroom.

When she came out again, she had changed into comfortable home clothes, wearing a cute pink apron.

“Cooking might take a little time; do you want to drink something first?”

“…How about some coffee to wake me up?”

“Okay… eh, wait a minute.”

Just as Ailuka was about to go make coffee, she suddenly paused and said a bit shyly:

“It seems like there’s no coffee at home…”

“No coffee?”

Mu’en was taken aback, then with a strange expression said:

“Did a mouse steal your coffee too?”

“What mouse?”

Ailuka replied a bit annoyed: “I just suddenly remembered that my parents never drink coffee because it keeps them awake, so we probably don’t have any of that at home.”

“I see, then there’s no need to worry. Just get me something else.”

“We have black tea…”

“Forget the black tea! Just give me plain water!”

“Is that so? Alright then…”

Seeing Mu’en’s expression suddenly turn fearful, Ailuka wrinkled her nose in confusion and then walked into the kitchen.

Before long, she came out holding a cup of plain water.

“Speaking of which, what about your parents?” Mu En took the glass of water, thanked her, and asked.

“Haven’t I already said? It’s the busy season for farming.”

“Right now? But isn’t this your honeymoon?”

“That’s exactly why it’s the busy season.”

Ailuka tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and sighed:

“Even getting married is not as important as harvesting the wheat before the next rain comes.

Besides, it’s my wedding, not theirs.”

“I see… it really is more exhausting than I imagined.”

Mu En sighed again, feeling an urge to recite a poem about the hardships of farmers.

After thinking it over, he decided against it; in a Western fantasy world, poetry wouldn’t impress anyone.

“Is your husband out with you?” In the house, it was just Mu En and Ailuka, prompting Mu En to ask instinctively.

“No.”

Ailuka replied.

“He went out for something.”

“I see, he should be back soon, right? After all, dinner time is approaching. I just wonder if he’ll misunderstand seeing us two, a man and a woman, alone together, haha…” Mu En joked.

“No, he won’t be back for a while.”

“Eh?”

Mu En’s smile froze.

“What do you mean, ‘won’t be back for a while’?”

“Um… it’s nothing much.”

Ailuka habitually touched her cheek and sighed:

“I just found a note he left in the kitchen. He has something to take care of and will be back very late. It looks like it’ll just be the two of us for dinner.”

From noble mtl dot com

“We… two?”

Mu En’s eyes widened suddenly.

Something was off.

Very off.

Newlyweds.

Husband out.

Wife alone with a stranger.

And they would even have to finish dinner together until dark.

There are too many elements here to critique.

Newlywed Secret* Take.avi?

“Uh… is it really appropriate for just the two of us?”

Originally relaxed, Mu En suddenly became uneasy, nervously rubbing his hands as he said:

“How about I take my leave first? If the neighbors see us having dinner together, it might lead to some unnecessary misunderstandings.”

“Hmm? So guilty, does Mr. Mu En really have some ill intentions?”

Ailuka squinted her eyes and asked with a light laugh.

“How could that be? I just think it’s not good.” Mu En scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly.

“Then there’s no problem. You can stay here with peace of mind. I wouldn’t be rude enough to let my guest leave on an empty stomach, and besides…”

Ailuka’s lips curled into a smile, her face showing a look of happiness.

“My feelings with outsiders are not something trivial that can be shaken.”

“Ah, I see.”

Faced with Ailuka’s beaming expression, Mu En was momentarily stunned and then instinctively said:

“Your relationship with your husband is truly enviable.”

“Of course! He’s my favorite.”

Speaking of love, the newlywed Ailuka blushed like a girl.

“Oh dear, what am I saying? I’m sorry, Mr. Mu En. I accidentally let slip such shameless words again.”

“…It’s, it’s fine.”

Mu En twitched the corner of his mouth.

“I don’t mind.”

Really, it’s a mouthful of good dog food.

“Anyway… just stay here and wait for me to finish roasting the whole lamb. Don’t overthink it, and of course, no strange thoughts, okay?

Though I know you’re a pervert.”

“That last part was unnecessary!”

“Then, please look forward to it.”

Ailuka smiled as she walked into the kitchen.

……

“There are no sediments in the water.”

Mu En held up his cup, gazing at the clear water through the light coming from the window.

“The color is clear and transparent.”

—

After saying that, she brought it to her nose and sniffed.

“The smell is quite normal.”

She lightly tapped a bit of water with her finger and smeared it on her skin.

A few minutes later, there was no change.

“There are no adverse reactions either.”

“It seems like just a cup of ordinary boiled water.”

After experimenting with various methods, Mu En finally cautiously reached a conclusion.

“There’s no drug, nor anything strange added.”

“Logically speaking, there’s nothing wrong with Ai Luka herself, but…”

Mu En looked out the window.

The night was gradually deepening.

Above the clear sky, a few stars twinkled.

In the tranquil village, the occasional chirping of insects could be heard, but no other sounds.

“I can’t shake the feeling… that something is off.”

……

I love you.