Morning Routines

Vanessa’s day began earlier than anyone’s.

At dawn, she woke naturally and pulled a cloak over her sleepwear.

After washing and arranging her hair, she left her room.

She walked through quiet halls and stairs to Fren’s door, knelt, and called out:

“Lord Fren, morning has come. May I enter?”

Unlike other times, Fren did not answer immediately.

He always took about thirty minutes to wake in the morning.

Finally, Fren’s sleepy voice emerged:

“Mm… come in…”

“Thank you.”

Vanessa opened the curtains and windows, briefly describing the day’s weather, and then began preparing the bath.

She pressed the golden button in the bathroom, and hot water rushed into a huge bath large enough for several elves.

Elves valued cleanliness highly, and bathing culture had evolved rapidly.

Even commoners used public baths frequently, while the upper class constructed enormous private ones.

It was said jokingly that bath size reflected social status.

Given that Fren, a member of the Elder Council with authority equal to royalty, owned such a grand bath, the saying seemed true.

Vanessa cracked open the bathroom door and asked:

“Lord Fren, which bath oil shall I use today?”

Still drowsy, Fren murmured:

“Anything…”

“Then I’ll use your favorite.”

Vanessa poured a fragrant mixture of dried fruit peel into the water.

She woke Fren and helped him walk to the bath.

They washed and prepared before entering the hot water.

Vanessa complimented him softly:

“You’ve built more muscle lately.”

Fren sighed tiredly.

“I still don’t understand why I must exercise. I’m not in the military anymore.”

Vanessa reminded him:

“You said an artist must take care of their body.”

“That’s true. A colleague ruined their health recently from working nonstop.”

While he explained, Vanessa struggled to focus, overwhelmed by the closeness and intimacy of bathing together.

After rinsing, they entered the bath and relaxed into the warmth.

Fren leaned his head on Vanessa’s shoulder, murmuring:

“A bath is the best…”

Vanessa agreed silently.

After spending time together in the bath, they dried off and dressed.

As Vanessa combed Fren’s hair, he spoke:

“About your room.”

Vanessa looked surprised.

“Would you like to move next door to mine?”

Vanessa hesitated.

“Would that be acceptable?”

“Of course. I don’t live with my mother anymore.”

He paused, then added:

“No. Better yet — share my room.”

He took Vanessa’s wrist gently.

“That way we’ll always be together.”

Vanessa lowered her gaze, anxious about others’ reactions.

Fren reassured her:

“Don’t worry. No damage will come to my reputation. You’re my masterpiece.”

Vanessa nodded, accepting the unspoken command.

She braided Fren’s hair, and he smiled approvingly.

“My schedule is full today — meetings, gatherings, and a party tonight.”

“Yes. Lord Nefer invited you.”

“This city never rests, does it?”

He sighed at the pile of documents on his desk.

“I hope I can arrive on time…”

“Shall I prepare swift horses and the carriage?”

“Yes, please. I don’t want to miss tonight. That guest is too interesting.”

Vanessa spoke cautiously:

“Because of him?”

Fren grinned.

“Yes. That werewolf — the one who proposed twice, to both my mother and me. How could I miss it?”

Vanessa’s expression darkened.

She remembered both proposals clearly.

That man’s temperament was notoriously violent.

Even though Vanessa never gossiped about nobles, this time she couldn’t help thinking:

He was truly terrible.