The Unenlightened Greenhorn Girl

Winter in Buena Village always arrived exceptionally long and overbearing.

Ever since the beast tide, the goose-feather-like heavy snow hadn't stopped, as if trying to bury the entire world in a white quilt. The mountain road leading to Broken Gold Town was completely blocked. The snow was so thick that not even the sturdiest draft horses could take a single step.

As a result, the eldest lady of the Norent family, Aria, who had originally clamored about staying for only one night, was forced to begin her long-term stay at Lynch's house.

At first, the villagers worried that this pampered noble young lady would throw tantrums over the crude living conditions.

But facts proved that as long as the food was good, the young lady was actually quite easy to take care of.

...

Early morning, just as the sky was getting light.

Lynch! Wake up! Look what time it is!

A flurry of hurried footsteps came from the second-floor staircase, followed by Aria's energetic shouts. We haven't done today's morning training yet! Plus, you said you'd take me to the back mountain to pick Ice Crystal Grass today! Hurry up, hurry up!

In the bedroom.

Lynch, who was sleeping soundly while holding his soft wife, painfully opened one eye and glanced at the pitch-black sky outside the window.

...Is this girl the reincarnation of a rooster?

Lynch sighed helplessly. He tucked Felsy back in as she tried to shrink into the blankets, kissed her on the forehead, and said, You keep sleeping. I'll take that overly energetic girl out for a walk.

Mmm...

Felsy murmured sleepily and rolled over, but a hint of a smile lingered on the corners of her lips.

Ever since Aria moved in, Felsy found that her role as the hostess had actually become much easier. Although this green-haired girl acted arrogant and aloof, deep down she was a restless, warm-hearted person. She even had a bit of an obsessive-compulsive disorder driven by chivalry, commonly known as I won't eat and live here for free.

...

Ten minutes later, at the gate of Lynch's courtyard.

Aria was already standing there, fully armed.

Her tattered puffy dress had long been thrown away. Now, she wore a set of leather armor that Lynch had asked the village tailor to resize for her, and a pair of thick deerskin boots on her feet. Her signature green curly hair was tied up in a neat high ponytail. In her hand, she held a short magic staff from who-knows-where (it was actually made by Lynch using leftover scraps).

Although she looked a bit like a child secretly wearing an adult's clothes, her spirit and energy were overflowing.

Morning, young lady.

Lynch walked out yawning, carrying a basket and a longsword on his back. With such heavy snow, how about we just stay home and warm up by the fire today?

No!

Aria righteously refused. As a future Holy Knight, how can I back down because of a little wind and snow? Besides... besides, that roast leg of lamb last night was too delicious. If I don't do some work, my conscience won't be at ease!

Seeing her serious expression, Lynch smiled.

This girl, despite her stubborn mouth, truly had an impeccable character.

Alright, let's go then.

One after the other, stepping on the thick snow, the two headed toward the deep mountains behind the village.

This had become their normal routine over the past few days.

Originally, Lynch thought that bringing a burden into the mountains would be very troublesome, but to his surprise, Aria turned out to be an unexpectedly reliable teammate.

Spirits of the wind, heed my call—Flowing Wind Barrier!

As soon as they entered the mountains, the oncoming cold wind was blocked by an invisible barrier.

Aria waved her staff and skillfully cast a windproof ward over both of them. Although it was only a Tier 1 wind spell, in this harsh weather, it was more effective than wearing ten cotton-padded jackets.

Thanks. Lynch felt his body lighten as the chill instantly vanished.

Hmph, it was just on the way.

Aria proudly raised her chin. Don't think I did it for you. I just didn't want to catch a cold myself.

The two continued deeper.

Although the deep mountains in winter were quiet, danger lurked within. Even though the beast tide had receded, there were still many straggling magical beasts roaming about.

Thirty meters to the front left, there's movement under the snowdrift.

Aria suddenly stopped, her ears twitching. As a mage with a wind affinity talent, she had a natural advantage in detecting airflow fluctuations.

Got it.

Lynch didn't waste any words. He drew his longsword backhandedly and dashed out like a cheetah.

Whoosh!

The snowdrift exploded as a long-ambushing Tundra Wolf fiercely lunged out.

But before this unlucky wolf even landed, it found its body becoming incredibly heavy.

Slow!

From behind, Aria accurately threw out a deceleration spell.

Taking advantage of the moment the Tundra Wolf's movements stiffened, Lynch's longsword arrived, accompanied by the humming sound of arcane oscillation.

Slash!

With a flash of sword light, the wolf's head fell to the ground.

Their cooperation was tacit, smooth as flowing water.

Beautifully done!

Lynch skillfully dug out the monster core and gave Aria a thumbs up. Your crowd control abilities are getting stronger and stronger. Truly worthy of being the lord's daughter.

Of course!

Aria shook her head proudly, her ponytail swishing back and forth behind her head. My talent is acknowledged even by Scarlett! If it weren't...

At this point, she seemed to remember something. Her voice trailed off as she secretly glanced at Lynch.

If I hadn't met a freak like you... I would definitely be the strongest.

Lynch pretended not to hear the freak remark and tossed the monster core into his bag.

Alright, with this ice-attribute monster core, plus the Ice Crystal Grass we just picked, today's mission is over-completed.

Lynch clapped his hands. Let's go, time to head home! I'll make you pickled cabbage fish for lunch!

Pickled cabbage fish? What's that... Whatever! As long as you make it, it's fine!

As soon as she heard about food, Aria's eyes instantly lit up like light bulbs, casting her slight gloom from a moment ago far out of her mind.

...

Approaching noon, by the window on the second floor of Lynch's house.

Felsy was holding a cup of hot tea, looking through the window at the two figures returning through the snow in the distance.

Beside her, Kuma was shelling peanuts, doubling as a relationship analyst while he worked.

My lady, look.

Kuma pointed out the window. The big one and the little one are back again. Tsk tsk, these past few days they've been going out as a pair every day. Not only do they hunt monsters together, but they also research some combo skills together. Aren't you worried?

Worried about what? Felsy took a sip of tea, her expression serene.

Worried that the green-haired girl will kidnap Brother Lynch!

Kuma exaggerated, Although she doesn't have your figure, and she isn't as pretty as you, but... but she's young! Only sixteen! The prime of invincible youth! And from what I see, she listens to whatever Brother Lynch says, and her eyes are full of admiration!

If it had been a few days ago, Felsy might have frowned upon hearing this, or even told Kuma to go pull some pranks.

But now...

Felsy looked down at the courtyard, where Aria was helping Lynch brush the snow off his clothes.

Wow! Lynch, look! This monster core is so bright! Can you let me play with it for a couple of days? I promise I won't lose it!

"No way, I need this to upgrade my equipment. If you want one, go kill it yourself."

"Stingy! I put in a lot of effort just now! I don't care, I want to play with it!"

Aria tugged at Lynch's sleeve, whining and acting shamelessly like a child who hadn't grown up, completely lacking any hint of romantic ambiguity or shyness between a man and a woman.

Her eyes were as clear as a shallow stream where you could see right to the bottom, holding nothing but a yearning for novelties and a craving for good food.

"Kuma."

Felsy set down her teacup, a helpless yet amused smile curving the corners of her lips. "Do you really think a girl who only knows how to drool over braised pork, and who just giggles foolishly and says 'Thank you, big brother' when Lynch wipes her face... understands anything about romance?"

Kuma paused, carefully recalling Aria's behavior over the past few days.

It seemed... she really didn't.

The girl's attitude toward Lynch was simply treating him as a "feeder who cooks delicious food" and a "captain who has a sharp tongue but is really strong."

Forget about having a crush; she had probably even forgotten that Lynch was a man, treating him purely as a sworn bro.

"This..." Kuma scratched his head. "Is this girl a bit dense?"

"She's not dense, she just hasn't caught on yet."

Felsy chuckled softly. Her tone had lost some of its previous hostility, replaced by the tolerance one might have for a younger generation. "In her world, there is nothing but magic and proving herself. And now, she's added one more thing—eating."

"If I were to get jealous over a little brat who hasn't even grown up yet, it would be far beneath me."

Just as they were speaking, the sound of the door opening came from downstairs, followed by Aria's loud voice:

"Sister Felsy! We're back! Look! We caught a white snow rabbit today! It's alive! Super cute!"

Thump, thump, thump.

Aria rushed upstairs holding a shivering snow rabbit and held it up to Felsy like she was presenting a treasure. Her little face, flushed red from the cold, was filled with excitement:

"Lynch originally wanted to make spicy rabbit heads out of it, but I stopped him! How could we eat something so cute? I'll give it to you as a pet, okay?"

Looking at the sparkling-eyed, expectant young girl in front of her, Felsy's attempt to maintain her aloof expression instantly crumbled.

She reached out, gently petting the snow rabbit, and conveniently smoothed out Aria's messy bangs.

"Mm, it's very cute."

Felsy said softly. "Then let's keep it. Go wash your hands, it's time to eat."

"Yay! Sister Felsy is the best!"

Aria cheered, stuffed the rabbit into Kuma's arms (Kuma: ?), and then dashed toward the washroom like a gust of wind.

Watching her retreating back, Felsy shook her head, a trace of warmth flashing through her eyes that even she didn't notice.

In this isolated and long winter, having such a loud and energetic little one around the house didn't seem... too bad.

...

Lunchtime was the liveliest part of the day for this makeshift family.

A large, steaming basin of fish with pickled cabbage sat on the dining table, accompanied by a few refreshing side dishes.

"Ooh! So hot, so hot! But it's so savory!"

Aria blew out hot air while stuffing fish slices into her mouth, eating without any care for her image. "Lynch, how exactly did you pickle this cabbage? Why is it ten thousand times better than what the chefs make in the castle?"

"Exclusive secret recipe, never to be shared."

Lynch picked up a piece of tofu and placed it in her bowl. "Eat slowly, no one is fighting you for it. Look at you, you've spilled soup all over yourself."

"Ah, it's fine, it's fine!" Aria wiped her mouth nonchalantly.

As she ate, her movements suddenly slowed down.

She looked across the table at Lynch, who was picking fish bones out for Felsy, and then at Felsy, who, despite not saying much, kept pushing the good food toward Lynch's bowl.

And beside her was Kuma, who was battling wits and courage with her over the last fish fillet.

The firelight from the fireplace reflected on everyone's faces, casting a warm and cozy glow.

"What's wrong?"

Lynch noticed her unusual behavior. "Not to your taste?"

"No, that's not it."

Aria shook her head and set down her chopsticks. A thin layer of mist suddenly welled up in her green eyes.

"I just feel... it's really nice here."

She lowered her head, her voice choking up slightly. "When I was in the castle, eating was a very serious affair. My father was always busy handling official business, and my mother... my mother always told me to mind my etiquette, to keep my back straight, not to move my hands recklessly, and especially not to speak loudly."

"The dining table there was very big, very long, but... very cold."

"I never knew that eating could be such a happy thing. That you could fight over food, chat, and laugh out loud."

At this point, she looked up at Lynch and Felsy, revealing a genuine, radiant smile that made one's heart ache:

"Brother Lynch, Sister Felsy. Thank you."

"This winter... is the happiest winter I've ever had in my entire life."

Lynch paused in surprise.

This was the first time this girl had earnestly called him "brother" instead of calling him by his name or calling him a "pervert."

He glanced at Felsy.

Felsy's expression was also very soft. She reached out, picked up a handkerchief, and gently wiped away a bit of broth from the corner of Aria's mouth.

"Since you're happy, then eat more."

Although Felsy's voice was still cool and clear, it carried a reassuring strength. "As long as you want, this will always be your home."

"Mm!"

Aria nodded heavily. Her tears couldn't be held back and finally fell, but her face bloomed into a huge smile.

"Then I want another bowl of rice! I'm going to eat Lynch into poverty!"

"Hey! You brat, you're biting the hand that feeds you, huh?"

"Bleh bleh bleh! It's your fault for cooking so well!"

"Kuma! Protect your fish fillet! The enemy is launching a full-scale attack!"

"Awoo! Whoever dares to touch my fish, I'll bite them to death!"

The small dining room was once again filled with cheerful laughter.

Outside the window, heavy snow swirled, freezing the entire world.

But inside this inconspicuous little cabin, three people (plus a fox) gathered around a steaming pot of fish with pickled cabbage. In this long, bitter winter, through good food and companionship, they wove together a warm memory called "home."

During this winter.

Lynch gained Tier 3 strength and won the witch's true heart.

And that dense, green-haired girl found right here the treasure she had always longed for but never obtained... the treasure known as "family."

As the saying goes, even nobles have their own regrets. Although the village lacked everything, it never lacked joy. Perhaps, this was exactly what Aria needed the most.