CHAPTER 881: A LAZY DAY I

Pedrarruna Manor, Elfire City.

While the rest of the country enjoyed the third day of Bloom Week, April 27th, Theo and Aurora decided to do nothing that day.

Although they had lots of fun touring around the temples of Elffire City the day before, the two of them were still tired after walking around the whole day wearing Koromos.

Plus, ever since this holiday started, the two of them haven’t rested even for a minute. On Sunday, they prepared the Family Lunch, and on Monday, they spent the whole day outside.

Thus, the two siblings decided to spend the whole Tuesday at home doing nothing.

And their idea was so amazing that their friends decided to do the same in their own houses. Even Theo’s girlfriend, Ayia, decided to spend the day resting at her own house.

That’s why on that Tuesday morning, the two siblings were seen sleeping in until late morning.

Ever since Theo had come from vacation in January, he had been working on several projects without stopping. Even on Sundays, his supposed rest day, he still worked at the restaurant. Because of this, Theo decided to forget his projects on that Tuesday, and just enjoy his lazy day at home.

The digital clock on Theo’s nightstand showed 11:17 AM, but the display was in its off mode. His eyelids fluttered, the remnants of a deep sleep clinging to him. He’d drifted off around midnight, meaning he’d enjoyed nearly eleven uninterrupted hours of slumber – a luxury he hadn’t experienced in months. The sheer length of his sleep surprised him; he’d barely registered the gentle transition from darkness to dawn. Picking up his phone, the bright screen momentarily blinded him before he registered the time. Lunchtime loomed, a stark contrast to the peaceful darkness he’d inhabited for so long.

His room remained cloaked in an almost oppressive blackness. Theo cherished complete darkness for sleep, a preference facilitated by the sophisticated blackout system he’d installed. He swung his legs over the side of his plush, king-sized bed, the soft cotton sheets whispering against his skin. "Sylph," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep, "open the blackout curtains a little." The command was barely audible, yet the room responded instantly as the heavy, soundproof drapes began to retract, revealing slivers of bright sunlight.

After a refreshing shower, during which the invigorating spray chased away the last vestiges of sleep, Theo stepped back into his room. The transformation was dramatic. Sunlight poured in through the tall, arched windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the golden rays. A comfortable warmth permeated the space, a welcome change from the cool darkness.

He paused, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. "Hmm, I wonder if Aurora woke up already," he mused, addressing the silent room. Then, turning to the unseen presence that managed his home, he added, "Sylph, has Aurora woken up?"

"Boss," Sylph’s calm, synthesized voice replied, "I haven’t registered any disturbances coming from her room since last night. It is highly likely that she is still asleep."

Theo chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "That little sleepyhead," he said affectionately. The image of his younger sister, curled up in her own darkness-embracing room, brought a smile to his lips.

A pang of hunger spurred him into action. He decided to prepare a light lunch for himself and, considering Aurora’s penchant for sleeping late, a small, delectable breakfast to await her awakening. As he descended the grand staircase of his ancestral manor – a sprawling Victorian structure filled with echoing hallways and antique furnishings – he paused to send a quick "Good morning" text to his girlfriend. He didn’t expect an immediate response, knowing that Ayia was likely still enjoying the comforts of her own bed.

Theo turned on the kitchen’s TV on a channel that was showing a Bloom Week Temple Festival; the program also showed different ways to enjoy the holiday. And just like that, he started cooking a lunch/breakfast meal. His skillful hands handled the ingredients with a mastery worthy of his fame as a restaurant head chef. He decided to make some rice with side dishes like fried fish, glazed vegetables, soup, and others.

As Theo began to cook, his attention was drawn to the lively scenes on the television. The program showcased the vibrant Temple Festival, a riot of color and sound. People in bright silks danced a dizzying whirl, their movements fluid and joyous amidst a breathtaking display of cherry blossoms. The air seemed to hum with the celebratory music. The host, a woman with a warm smile and a voice like honeyed wine, interviewed a group of elderly residents, their faces etched with the wisdom of years and the glow of happy memories.

"This festival," one woman, her eyes twinkling, said in heavily accented English, "is a celebration of the harvest, of the gods’ blessings, and of the community’s spirit. We’ve been preparing for months!"

Another chimed in, "The recipes are passed down through generations. Each family has its own secret ingredient, you see!" She leaned conspiratorially towards the camera. "Mine? That’s a family secret!" She winked.

Theo chuckled, captivated. They shared snippets of their traditional recipes, emphasizing the use of local herbs and spices – "shiso leaves for a delicate fragrance," one explained, "and a pinch of sansho pepper for a delightful tingle on the tongue." Theo scribbled notes furiously, his culinary imagination ignited. He was particularly intrigued by their mention of a unique blend of ginger, lemongrass, and galangal used in their celebratory rice dish.

With a spark of inspiration, Theo started preparing his own rice, a simple dish elevated by the promise of these exotic flavours. He meticulously measured the water, ensuring the perfect consistency. He carefully ground the spices – fresh ginger, fragrant lemongrass, and earthy galangal – their aromas filling his kitchen with a heady perfume. He hummed along to the music still playing faintly from the television, a rhythmic counterpoint to the quiet clinking of his utensils. A smile played on his lips as he envisioned the final result, a dish infused not just with flavours, but with the spirit of the vibrant Temple Festival he had just witnessed. He adjusted the seasoning, a dash more of this, a pinch of that, guided by his own intuition and the inspiration gleaned from the television screen. The fish, he knew, would be more than just a common dish; it would be a testament to the power of culinary connection across cultures and generations.

His hands moved swiftly as he seasoned the fish and prepared the glaze for the vegetables. The soup was a simple yet flavorful concoction, made with fresh ingredients from the manor’s garden.

The kitchen soon filled with mouthwatering aromas, a delightful blend of spices and cooking ingredients. Theo worked efficiently, his years of culinary expertise evident in every move. As the rice cooker signaled the end of its cycle, he plated the food with care, arranging each dish artfully. He stepped back to admire his creation, a delicious spread fit for a lazy holiday lunch.

The program on TV shifted to showcase the beauty of the temples, their ancient architecture bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. It inspired Theo to add a final flourish to the meal, a sprinkle of chopped herbs, and a delicate edible flower as a garnish.

Just like that, Theo spent the end of the morning enjoying his time cooking while watching TV.

What an incredible way to start the day!