In the latter part of the afternoon, Lariette gathered with Ruediger and Chairman Delaney in the lounge. When the men played chess, she sprawled on the couch while reading a book, and her long hair splayed on the pillow.

Ruediger and Chairman Delaney were as engaged as always. Lariette occasionally peeked at them, only to find the game boring. She liked spending time reading instead.

The sky was still overcast outside, but fortunately, no rain fell. The heating system inside the manor was splendid in keeping the cold at bay.

The leaves and branches rustled when the breeze blew past them. Over time, the sky darkened further, although the hour was still early.

"Hah! Checkmate!"

Chairman Delaney happily announced his win when he landed the chess piece on the board. The motion created a sharp sound in the lounge.

Ruediger chuckled as he accepted defeat. The broad smile on his face showed he was amused by his loss.

Lariette glanced over from the book. She grinned at the sight of Chairman Delaney jotting the wins in the book.

"Seems like you can sleep better tonight, Grandpa," she said jokingly.

"Of course!"

Ruediger reached for the teapot standing atop a ceramic warmer. The temperature was still nicely hot. The earthy scent wafted in the air once he poured the reddish liquid into his cup.

"It's already five-ten," he glanced at the grandfather's clock in a corner of the lounge, "I'll prepare dinner soon. Grandpa, just wait for a delicious feast, okay?"

Chairman Delaney burst out laughing, "Hahaha! This old man will happily do so."

Because tonight was the rare time Ruediger and Lariette stayed at the manor, he proposed cooking dinner instead of relying on the live-in chef. She quickly agreed and offered to be his assistant.

The pair stayed in the lounge with the elderly man for fifteen more minutes, entertaining him by chatting. Then, they left for the kitchen.

Before Ruediger played chess with Chairman Delaney an hour ago, he had already prepared the boneless chicken thighs. He marinated them with thyme, rosemary, lemon zest and garlic, including some olive oil.

Ruediger and Lariette also prepped other ingredients for the accompanying dishes. They just needed to start cooking while the chicken thighs were roasted in the oven.

While tying her hair into a messy bun, Lariette saw Ruediger taking the thighs out of the fridge. She mused, "Wow~ An hour of a very herby spa. The chickens will surely taste great."

Ruediger shot her a look, "Of course. Have I ever failed my cooking magic?"

Lariette grinned, "Never."

For dinner, Ruediger decided to make creamy parsnip and apple soup, olive oil mashed potato, steamed broccoli with toasted almonds and savory carrot soufflé. He tried choosing dishes that wouldn't go against Chairman Delaney's regular diet.

Once the oven was preheated enough, Ruediger moved the herb-infused chicken thighs inside. Lariette was focused on the pot of soup on the stove, almost drooling from the divine smell.

The husband and wife worked well in the kitchen as they made dinner. Their movements were precise and nimble. By the end of it, a sweet and savory mix of aroma wafted in the air.

"Oh~ The chicken looks so crispy and juicy. I can't wait to dig in," Lariette commented as she glanced at the roasted chicken thighs, their skins golden and brown under the lights.

"As long as yummy food exists, you won't say no," Ruediger joked. He seized a chance to kiss Lariette's cheek when he walked past her with a tray of carrot soufflé.

She chuckled, not denying it. Delicious food made one happy.

While Ruediger put the dishes on the three-tiered trolley, Lariette brewed a pot of chamomile tea. She added honey and dried lavender buds. The floral aroma lingered as the steam rose gently from the spout.

The calming herbal tea was perfect to wash off any heavy and greasy feeling after having meat and creamy dishes. She also didn't forget to grab a pitcher of plain water.

"We can go now," said Lariette after placing the pot, pitcher and cups on the trolley.

"You go and call Grandpa," Ruediger replied while hanging the apron on the wall, "I'll bring these to the dining room."

"Okay~"

Lariette half-walked and half-ran, leaving Ruediger with a fleeting view of her back. He chuckled as he saw her disappear quickly at a corner, her footsteps echoing in the hallways before they faded completely.

Using a slight force, Ruediger pushed the trolley to the dining room, the wheels rolled smoothly on the polished floor. The home staff had already set the table with dishes and cutlery.

As Ruediger served the food on the table, his mind wandered to his private meeting with Chairman Delaney this afternoon.

'Grandpa said he'd tell her after dinner. How will... she react?'

Blinking slowly, Ruediger shook his head, burying the worries from being evident on his face.

Dinner began once Lariette and Chairman Delaney arrived a few minutes later.

To the lovebirds' delight, the elderly man thoroughly enjoyed the small feast. He couldn't stop himself until he cleared the plate from each dish. The soufflé also fit his taste well.

"Eddy, should I move in with you guys?" asked Chairman Delaney jokingly, a corner of his lips smeared with a light orange color from the dessert, "I can eat your cooking all the time."

"Grandpa, you're exaggerating," Ruediger laughed softly, "Your chef cooks better than I."

Chairman Delaney mocked a scowl, "Huh! Just say that you don't want me to bother your two-person world with Lari."

"Oh, I thought I had to be more direct," replied Ruediger with a wink.

"What a brat."

Lariette swept her gaze from Chairman Delaney to Ruediger, and then laughter spilled from her lips. She put another serving of the soufflé, this time a smaller cut, on her grandfather's plate.

"Grandpa, eat. Eddy's cooking is exclusive to me. You won't get it most of the time."

Chairman Delaney narrowed his eyes, "You're keeping him all to yourself, huh?"

"Of course! He's my dear husband," Lariette giggled, her cheeks flushed, "And he's the one who sticks like glue to me first."

"Ahem, can't deny that," Ruediger smirked.

Chairman Delaney shook his head, pretending to be helpless and upset, but the clear fondness in his eyes spelled what was in his heart and mind.

Witnessing how close and affectionate his granddaughter and her partner were brought relief to his old heart. Even if he had breathed his last soon, he could be at ease.