After decorating the tree beautifully, Lariette and Ruediger smiled in satisfaction. Just this alone helped to spread the festive aura in the living room.

Hopefully the snow would fall soon! The view outside the window would be so amazing!

Avaloria City had a decent snowfall annually. According to the weather forecast, the first snowfall might come during the third week of December.

Lariette had already anticipated having a nice cup of hot tea while she read books or watched movies when the fluffy white snow fell from the sky. Of course, it would be better to cuddle with her man.

How nice was this?

"It's so pretty!" Lariette exclaimed, her eyes full of hearts, "Hehe, I can't wait to take photos. Eddy, let's continue!"

Amused by his lady's enthusiasm, Ruediger chuckled, "Aye, aye, ma'am. Where should we continue?"

"The hallway!"

The pair moved from the tree to the rest of the apartment. They also took out the treasure trove of decorations from their boxes.

The pastel-colored living room gained a garland of pine needles and red velvet bows, which hung above the windows, including paper angels. A small family of ceramic snowmen took up residence on the cabinet under the mounted TV.

Heading to the entryway, Ruediger halted on his track to look at Lariette. He was holding a wreath adorned with tiny golden bells.

"Where's this going?"

"The door outside," Lariette quickly replied. She carried a box of other ceramic figurines, "First thing people see when they come in."

Ruediger laughed, "So you mean me, every day."

"Exactly."

He chuckled again but dutifully went to hang it where she directed. Well, it wouldn't be just them. Before heading to Moonville, they planned to host a small dinner so that guests would come.

The confirmed guests were Chairman Delaney, Madeline, Nathaniel, Elsie and Lorianne. Edmund, too.

While Ruediger was busy decorating the entryway, Lariette went to the kitchen with a spring in her step. She liked how festive the apartment turned out.

Humming softly, Lariette lined the shelves with more garlands, adding small elf figures between the spice jars. She also put a row of gingerbread-themed dish towels.

Ruediger appeared once he was done with his task. Leaning against the counter, he watched Lariette fuss with the placement of a particularly smug-looking elf on the kitchen island.

"I feel watched," he said while staring at the elf's grin, "How can I cook in peace?"

Without looking at him, she smirked, "Behave. He's the kitchen supervisor now. You'd better not hide any extra cookies or anything yummy from me."

"Poor guy doesn't know what he signed up for."

The teasing continued as the pair took turns positioning ornaments, lighting up corners and the balcony with fairy lights and debating where the ceramic figurines looked best.

"Lettie, put the reindeer with an angel or an elf. He needs friends," Ruediger clicked his tongue as he stared at the sole reindeer on the coffee table.

"Fine. I'll give him friends," Lariette huffed. She placed a little angel and an elf next to the reindeer, "You're quite naggy, you know?"

He snickered, "Still, you married me."

She threw him a glare, but her cheeks turned red. He swooped in to steal a kiss. What began as feather-light kisses, he deepened the rest.

By mid-afternoon, the apartment had been transformed into a cozy, cheerful winter wonderland.

The tree gleamed with white and golden lights, delicate glass baubles and soft-colored tinsel. The highlight was the pouty angel on the top.

At the same time, tiny reindeer, elves and angels decorated the corners and cabinets. The hanging garland, paper angels and fairy lights completed the festive look.

Lariette stood back, admiring their work. The box of ornaments was finally empty. She began taking photos, intending to send them to her grandfather and Madeline.

"Wow! It looks so perfect! Better than I imagined!" Lariette admitted. She simply sent all the photos instead of choosing them one by one.

Ruediger wrapped one arm around her shoulders. When he spoke, his tone was nothing short of bragging, "Of course it does. We make a good team, right?"

She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling both happy and fulfilled. Despite still being tired, she enjoyed the hours they spent together decorating this place.

"Honey, thanks for helping me."

"Anything to make you happy. Well, it's over lunchtime. Let's grab some food. How about some bread and soup?"

"Okay. Anything's fine with me."

The clock would shift to half past four soon. Because they started late, they ended late. Fortunately, they completed the decoration plan before nightfall.

The pair had a late lunch of grilled bread and the leftover soup. Then, they settled on the couch with hot cocoa, admiring the glow of the fairy lights. A drama was played on TV.

Ruediger thought of something as he drank the last bit of the hot cocoa. Looking at Lariette, she seemed happy and comfortable as she cuddled with him while watching the drama.

"Lettie, I've been meaning to ask you this."

"Mm?"

Lariette turned, tilting her chin up. She wondered what Ruediger wanted to inquire about. Somehow, he sounded a little bit nervous.

He grinned at the sight of her curious gaze. Without wasting time, he said, "Should we start sharing a room now? Instead of just having a separate one. Only if you're okay with it."

When he saw her eyes widen with twinkles in them, he laughed in helplessness.

"You're right! How could I forget this?"

Lariette slapped her forehead, earning more laughter from Ruediger.

Even though they could freely go to each other's rooms, it was still different from sharing the same one. She actually had the idea after he returned from his previous business trip to Norvonna, but it disappeared when she got busier.

Lariette knew that couples who maintained separate rooms existed, but the numbers were small, even though they had many vacant rooms at home. She herself liked sharing one with her beloved better.

"Is that a yes?" Ruediger still asked, a wide grin plastered on his face.

"Yes! Let's move your things tonight!"

Under her enthusiasm, he could only laugh in joy.