The rich aroma of home-cooked food filled the air—a hearty blend of meat and a hint of garlic, carrying a subtle saltiness that made one's mouth water. In the kitchen, a woman wearing a simple apron stood in front of an old stone stove. She gently lifted a spoon, scooping up a bit of steaming broth to taste.

image [https://truth.bahamut.com.tw/s01/202502/e6354e7a393a940830fa2bd3e624794c.PNG]

The wooden dining table was neatly covered with a clean cloth, and several side dishes were arranged in an orderly fashion—stir-fried greens, braised meat, and a bowl of hot, steaming soup. The wood grain of the table, worn slightly rough with age, still emitted a faint fragrance, as if whispering stories of countless warm and ordinary days.

"Mom! Uncle! We're home!"

A bright, youthful voice rang out along with the sound of the door opening, breaking the peaceful stillness of the kitchen. Aiko set down the spoon, patted the water stains on her apron, and walked to the entryway with a gentle smile. "Welcome home! How was school today?"

She crouched down and pulled the children into a warm embrace, her smile radiating the kind of tenderness only a mother could give.

However, the moment she noticed Tetsuya carrying his younger sister, Miyo, on his back, her brows knitted slightly in concern. "Oh? What's going on? Why are you carrying her like that?"

"Miyo twisted her ankle while playing hide-and-seek," Tetsuya explained.

Miyo, still drowsy from the ride home, rubbed her eyes at the sound of their conversation. Stretching lazily, she mumbled, "Onii-chan, put me down already."

Tetsuya carefully lowered her to the ground, and the little girl immediately ran into Aiko’s arms, snuggling against her. "Mom~ I'm home~"

Aiko gently stroked her daughter’s head and said softly, "Good girl. Let me see your foot."

Obediently, Miyo pulled down her sock, revealing a small scrape on her ankle and a faint bruise. Aiko frowned slightly, her heart aching at the sight. "It’s not too serious, and the treatment seems fine... hmm?" She leaned in and sniffed. Suddenly, her expression changed. "What’s that smell?"

Tetsuya pointed toward the kitchen and grinned. "Probably the stove burning something."

"Oh no!" Aiko let out a startled cry and dashed into the kitchen, hastily turning off the stove. Placing a hand over her chest, she sighed in relief before turning back to Miyo. "Sit down and rest for a bit. I’ll treat your foot in a moment." Then, she turned to Tetsuya. "Go set the table, quickly."

"Got it!" Tetsuya replied as he went to help. Halfway through, he suddenly asked, "By the way, Mom, where’s Uncle Makino? I haven’t seen him."

Aiko wiped her hands and glanced out the window. "Ishin went to chop wood. He should be back soon."

Just as she finished speaking, a loud boom sounded from outside, followed by a faint tremor that made the plates and cups on the table tremble as if they were dancing.

"Makino Ishin!"

Aiko’s voice was as sharp as thunder as she stormed toward the door, her brows furrowed tightly, her face full of exasperation.

Standing outside was a one-armed man—Makino Ishin. He waved with a bright smile. "I’m back!"

The next second, a wooden spoon came flying at him, landing a firm hit on his head.

"You idiot! Were you trying to scare us to death?! Can’t you put things down more gently? Do you want to bring the whole house down?!"

Ishin, clutching his head in pain, bent forward, groaning. "Owww… That hurt! That really hurt!" As he rubbed his head, he noticed that some of the food had been knocked into the air from the tremor. Reacting instinctively, he reached out to catch it, but the freshly cooked dish was still scorching hot.

"Aaaahhh! That’s hot!"

Seeing his clumsy distress, Aiko’s anger softened, and her tone became gentler.

"Fine, I’ll let it slide this time."

Ishin chuckled as he massaged his burned hand. "No big deal, no big deal. Aiko-sama is always so generous!"

His smile widened as he looked at the children and said, "Tetsuya, Miyo, having Aiko as your mom is truly a blessing from many lifetimes."

Hearing this, Aiko’s lips curled into a smug little smile. The pride in her expression was unmistakable.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Hmph, at least you know how to flatter me."

Then, she glanced at Ishin’s hand and added, "Wait here. I’ll treat that burn."

Ishin waved dismissively. "Nah, it’s just a little burn. No big deal. I get these all the time—just part of a rough guy’s daily life. It’ll be fine in no time."

Aiko shook her head and turned back to the kitchen to continue setting the table. "Ishin, help me bring some dishes over. And this time, be careful! No more disasters."

"Roger that, Aiko-sama!"

Ishin chuckled as he walked away, but not before calling out, "Little Miyo, give your uncle a hug!"

Miyo had just sat down at the dining table when she heard Ishin’s voice. Turning around, she was immediately lifted into his arms. However, her excitement quickly faded as she frowned.

"Ah! Ow, ow, ow… Uncle, your beard is so prickly! Let me go!"

Ishin burst into laughter, rubbing his rough chin. "Sorry about that, Little Miyo. I'll make sure to shave better next time."

She quickly pushed him away, her small face scrunching up in mild annoyance. Ishin found it amusing, and as he watched the warm atmosphere of this home, a soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Miyo, stretch out your leg and let Mommy take a look."

After placing the dishes on the table, Aiko sat beside Miyo, her voice gentle.

Miyo obediently pulled up her pant leg, revealing a scraped shin. Though it wasn’t a serious wound, the red marks were enough to make one feel sympathy.

Ishin immediately put down his bowl and walked over. "Huh? Miyo, how did you get hurt?"

Aiko didn’t answer. Instead, she clasped her fingers together and began murmuring a soft incantation. "Mother of the earth, have mercy on those of this world—HEALING."

A faint golden light shimmered from Aiko’s hands, slowly enveloping Miyo’s injured leg. Gradually, the wound healed, and the redness and scratches disappeared as if they were never there.

"Mommy, I want to be a healer too!" Miyo’s eyes sparkled with longing as she looked up at Aiko.

"Huh?" Aiko paused, slightly taken aback.

"It’s not something you can just decide to become," Ishin said, ruffling Miyo’s hair. "Your mommy has a special gift. Not everyone can learn it."

"No! No! I want to be just like Mommy!" Miyo protested, clinging to Aiko’s arm, her voice filled with determination and a hint of childish whining.

image [https://truth.bahamut.com.tw/s01/202502/0ad08bdf31372524594b62072942fd53.PNG]

Aiko smiled gently and asked softly, "Even if it means being separated from Mommy, would you still want to learn?"

Miyo immediately shook her head and hugged Aiko tightly. "No… I don’t want to be apart from Mommy."

Ishin stepped closer, his hand gently patting Miyo’s head as he spoke seriously. "There aren’t many healers in this world. If people find out, they’ll take you away and force you into the army. You’re our precious little girl. We won’t let you face that danger."

Aiko stroked Miyo’s head tenderly. "Be good, Miyo. Let’s eat first. If the food gets cold, it won’t taste as good."

image [https://truth.bahamut.com.tw/s01/202502/bf26df7e3d23913aa028e5db4ef0a8ff.PNG]

Under the warm glow of the dining room lights, the family gathered around the table. The clinking of chopsticks and bowls echoed softly, accompanied by laughter. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, making the moment feel even cozier.

After dinner, the house was still bathed in the warm glow of the lights, the lingering scent of the meal drifting through the air. Aiko and Miyo had gone to the bathroom to bathe, leaving only Ishin and Tetsuya in the living room.

Ishin sat leisurely on a chair, his foot gently swaying as he held a cup of hot tea in his left hand. Though his face carried traces of fatigue, his smile was one of contentment. Meanwhile, Tetsuya sat at the dining table, resting his chin on his hands, deep in thought.

"Uncle Makino, after dinner tomorrow, do you have time to teach me how to build a small wooden house?" Tetsuya suddenly broke the silence, his voice hesitant yet filled with anticipation.

Ishin narrowed his eyes, setting down his tea. "Oh? Why the sudden request?"

"Because… Hinano…" Tetsuya’s voice trailed off, his gaze wavering for a moment before he took a deep breath. "I want to build a secret base for us… as a birthday present for her."

Ishin blinked, momentarily stunned, before bursting into laughter. His hearty chuckles were so strong that even his tea cup trembled slightly.

"Hahaha! Tetsuya, you’re really growing up! You even understand romance now?"

With a playful grin, Ishin reached out and gave Tetsuya a firm pat on the back, the sound ringing through the room.

"Ow! Ow, ow, ow! What was that for?!" Tetsuya yelped, jumping up and clutching his back.

Ishin grinned, unrepentant. "Hahaha, don’t be shy! It’s encouragement! Alright, no need to wait for tomorrow. Let’s go now. I’ll teach you right away!"

Before Tetsuya could even react, Ishin grabbed his arm and started pulling him toward the door.

"Ah—wait! Don’t pull me like that! I’m going to trip!" Tetsuya stumbled after him, his face a mix of helplessness and joy, unable to hide the excitement of being taken seriously.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, the wooden door closed softly, and steam filled the air. The warm yellow light reflected off the wooden walls, making the space feel especially cozy. Aiko and Miyo soaked together in the bathtub, their figures enveloped in mist, the scene radiating warmth and intimacy.

Miyo leaned back against the tub’s edge, her hands resting on the rim as she grinned proudly. "Mommy, I was amazing today! No one could find me during hide-and-seek!"

Aiko gently scooped up a handful of water and let it trickle over Miyo’s shoulder, a soft smile on her lips. "Such an amazing girl~ Do you have any special techniques you can teach Mommy?"

Miyo lifted her chin, still brimming with confidence. "It’s the ‘torch’ you taught me about! Everyone has a torch inside them. As long as I focus on those torches, I can tell where people are. Before they even get close, I’m already gone!"

Aiko listened, then gently ruffled Miyo’s damp hair. "That’s incredible. My little Miyo is really something. But… can you promise me one thing?"

Miyo tilted her head. "Hmm? What is it?"

Aiko cupped Miyo’s small face in her hands, her voice soft yet serious. "Don’t push yourself too hard. Focusing like that takes a lot of energy. Mommy doesn’t want you to get too exhausted, alright?"

Miyo blinked, then after a few seconds, nodded firmly. "Mm! I understand! Don’t worry, Mommy, I’ll be careful."

Aiko smiled and pulled Miyo into a gentle hug, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Such a good girl~ Tonight, you can stay in the bath a little longer as a reward!"

Amid the rising steam, the mother and daughter continued their quiet conversation, the warmth of their love filling the bathroom like a comforting embrace.