Chapter 49 - 049: Flowers and candles
By the time Anaria returned to her room, the exhaustion from the marketplace had finally caught up with her.
She closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment, letting out a tired breath. The day had been more eventful than she expected. The villagers had actually tried the soap. Some had taken an interest in the perfume. And somehow, the whole thing had ended with everyone knowing she was carrying Kenai’s child.
She still couldn’t believe how quickly things had changed.
Anaria walked over to the bed and lowered herself onto it. Her back complained the moment she settled down, making her wince before she finally found a comfortable position.
"At least it’s over," she muttered.
She pulled the blanket over herself and closed her eyes. For the first time since morning, she wasn’t thinking about soap, perfume, villagers, or what anyone thought of her. She was finally going to rest.
A familiar chime sounded inside her head.
Anaria’s eyes opened.
"Seriously?"
The Fox System appeared before her.
[Host.]
"What now?"
[Host has made progress with the villagers. However, the affection requirement remains.]
Anaria’s tired expression immediately disappeared. Kenai. She had been so caught up with everything at the marketplace that she had nearly forgotten about him.
The System displayed his current affection rate.
[Kenai’s affection: 15%.]
Anaria stared at the number. "Fifteen..."
That was better than before, but nowhere near enough.
[Deadline remains active.]
She fell backward onto the pillow. "I know."
Several options appeared before her.
[Possible methods:]
[Spend meaningful time with the target.]
[Personally care for the target.]
[Create emotional intimacy.]
[Do something specifically beneficial to the target.]
[Strengthen the relationship.]
Anaria read through them slowly. Her gaze stopped at one option. "Emotional intimacy..."
She sat up again. A small smile appeared on her face. That one might actually work.
If she was going to increase Kenai’s affection, she couldn’t keep relying on random chances. She needed to make an actual effort. And she already knew exactly how she wanted to do it.
"Fine," she murmured. "Let’s see how much this can increase."
Her tiredness suddenly seemed less important.
Anaria climbed out of bed and called for the servants. She asked them to bring flowers and candles, then began arranging everything herself. The flowers were placed around the room, while the candles were set where their light would soften the space without making it too bright.
Once she was satisfied, she prepared herself. She took a flower-petal bath, fixed her hair carefully afterward, and chose a nice outfit.
Standing before the mirror, she studied her reflection. Not bad.
A confident smile touched her lips. If this worked, she might finally get a decent increase. "Maybe five percent," she murmured. Her smile widened. "Or even ten."
That would solve a lot.
All she needed now was Kenai. She called one of the servants. "Go find Kenai and tell him I need him."
The servant bowed before leaving. Anaria glanced around the room once more. Everything was ready. Now she just had to wait for him.
The servant found Kenai at the outer part of the residence, where he was speaking with Rylan and Kai.
"Leader," the servant called.
Kenai turned. "What is it?"
"The lady asked me to tell you that she needs you."
Kenai’s brows pulled together. "Did she say why?"
"No, Leader. She only asked that you come."
Kenai’s expression changed slightly. "Is she alright?"
The servant nodded quickly. "She didn’t say anything was wrong."
Rylan glanced at Kai. Kai’s expression tightened. "You should go and check on her."
Kenai nodded. "I’ll be back."
He turned and headed toward the residence. Rylan watched him leave before looking at Kai. "What do you think she wants?" Kai shook his head. "I don’t know." Neither of them had an answer.
Kenai reached Anaria’s door and paused briefly before knocking.
Inside, Anaria heard the sound and immediately straightened. Her lips curved into a smile. Finally.
"Who is it?"
"Kenai."
Her face brightened. "Come in."
The door opened. Kenai stepped inside. He took one step and stopped.
His gaze moved slowly around the room. Flowers had been arranged everywhere, their soft petals catching the warm candlelight. The scent of roses and lavender mixed with the gentle fragrance of the candles, creating an intimate atmosphere that made him pause.
Kenai’s eyes returned to Anaria. She was sitting on the bed, looking at him with a smile that immediately made him suspicious.
He looked around once more. Then back at her. "What is all this?"
Anaria tried to keep her expression innocent. "What does it look like?"
Kenai gave her a long look. "Anaria."
She smiled wider. "What?"
He didn’t answer immediately. The flowers, the candles, the unfamiliar scent—it was enough to tell him that she had clearly prepared something.
"You asked me to come here."
"I did."
"Why?"
Anaria patted the space beside her. "Come here first."
Kenai remained where he was for a moment. Something about her tone made him even more suspicious. But he eventually walked closer.
Anaria watched him approach, trying not to look too pleased with herself. Everything had gone exactly the way she wanted. She had prepared the room. She had prepared herself. And now Kenai was finally here.
She only hoped the System would be as pleased with her plan as she was.
Kenai stopped in front of her. His eyes narrowed slightly. "You look very pleased with yourself."
Anaria tilted her head. "Maybe I am."
"Should I be worried?"
She laughed softly. "Why would you be?"
Kenai studied her face for another moment. "I don’t know yet."
Anaria smiled and patted the spot beside her again. "Sit down."
This time, Kenai did. Anaria’s smile returned. Now the real plan could begin. She took a slow breath, steadying herself for what she was about to do next.
Kenai sat on the bed instead of looking at her, his attention returned to the room.
His eyes moved over the flowers, the candles, then the faint scent hanging in the air.
Anaria watched him from the corner of her eye "Why was he looking around like that?"
Kenai finally turned to her "Are you feeling unwell?"