Crimson Overlord-Chapter 389: Barbecue and Another Residence

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and violet, Orpheus and Luna gathered in the quiet courtyard for an evening of well-earned relaxation. The day had been full of challenges, but now it was time to unwind with laughter, good food, and shared moments of joy.

A small barbecue pit was set up at the center, the scent of sizzling meat blending with the cool evening breeze. Torches cast a warm glow across the space, their flames flickering against the backdrop of a star-studded sky. On a nearby table, bowls of fresh vegetables, bread, and an assortment of sauces waited to accompany the feast.

Luna took charge at the grill, her golden hair catching the firelight as she rolled up her sleeves with determination. "I’ve got this, Orpheus!" she said with a grin, tying a patterned apron around her waist. She adjusted the coals beneath the grate, coaxing the fire to burn evenly.

Orpheus raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the table. "Are you sure? Last time you nearly turned everything into smoke."

Luna laughed, playfully sticking out her tongue. "This time’s different. Watch and learn."

As the grill began to sizzle, Orpheus joined her, slicing vegetables with deft precision and sprinkling them with herbs. "Team effort," he said, placing the skewers onto the grate.

"Fine," Luna conceded, rolling her eyes but smiling. "Just don’t overshadow my masterpiece."

The two worked in harmony, teasing each other while flipping the skewers and basting the meat with sauce. At one point, a sudden flare-up caused Luna to jump back with a yelp, waving smoke out of her face.

"Careful," Orpheus said with a chuckle, steadying the flames with a wave of his hand. "You’re not trying to summon a dragon here."

"Ha-ha," she retorted, narrowing her eyes. "You think you’re so smooth, huh?"

"I know I am." He flashed her a smirk, earning a playful nudge from her elbow.

When the food was ready, they set the table together, arranging the grilled skewers alongside bread and a bowl of freshly tossed salad. Luna took a moment to sprinkle petals across the table, her artistic touch adding to the cozy atmosphere.

As they sat down to eat, the courtyard was filled with laughter and warmth. Orpheus leaned back in his chair, savoring the peaceful moment. "You know," he said, raising a glass of sparkling juice, "this is probably the best meal I’ve had in a while."

Luna arched an eyebrow. "Because of the food or the company?"

"Both," he replied easily, clinking his glass against hers.

As the evening wore on, the pair shared stories, jokes, and dreams for the future. Luna eventually brought out her harp, her fingers gliding over the strings to produce a soft, enchanting melody. The music blended with the crackling of the torches and the distant chirping of crickets.

Orpheus lay back on the grass, gazing up at the stars. "It’s nights like these that make everything worth it," he said quietly.

Luna glanced at him, her expression softening. "Agreed," she replied, her voice just above a whisper.

The two lingered there long after the food was gone, sharing the kind of laughter and companionship that made even the simplest moments feel extraordinary. In that serene courtyard, under a sky glittering with stars, Orpheus and Luna found a sense of peace that would stay with them long after the night ended.

The next morning, Orpheus and Luna decided to retreat to one of Luna’s other residences within the Morningstarr’s domain—a secluded, picturesque estate nestled amidst rolling hills and fragrant orchards. The mansion’s grand yet cozy design mirrored Luna’s refined taste, blending elegance with a touch of whimsy.

Inside the living room, the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. A crackling fireplace added a golden glow to the space, while tall windows let in streams of soft morning light. Shelves lined with books and various trinkets framed the room, and a plush rug stretched out before a low coffee table, where the couple had set up an array of games.

Luna grinned mischievously as she shuffled a deck of cards with deft hands. "Are you ready to lose again, Orpheus?"

Orpheus leaned back against the couch, arms folded with an amused smirk. "Lose? The last round was pure luck on your part. This time, skill wins out."

She arched an eyebrow, placing the cards on the table. "Let’s see about that." freeωebnovēl.c૦m

They began with a fast-paced card game, Luna’s competitive streak quickly emerging as she gleefully claimed victory in the first few rounds. Orpheus laughed at her triumphant expressions, purposefully dragging out his defeats just to see her exaggerated celebrations.

"One more game," he challenged, narrowing his eyes as he reshuffled the deck. "Winner gets the last pastry."

Luna’s gaze darted to the plate of flaky pastries on the side table. "You’re on."

The game was intense, filled with playful banter and mock accusations of cheating. In the end, Orpheus claimed victory with a triumphant shout. "Finally! The sweet taste of success—and pastry!" he said, reaching for the prize.

Before his hand could close around it, Luna snatched it away, taking a dramatic bite. "Too slow, champion," she teased, her golden eyes sparkling with mischief.

Orpheus feigned betrayal, clutching his chest. "You wound me, Luna. Truly."

She burst out laughing, nearly dropping the pastry. "Oh, stop. There are more in the kitchen!"

After a few more rounds of different games, including a board game that ended with both of them tangled in laughter over poorly made strategies, Luna suggested something different. She opened a cabinet to reveal an old-fashioned puzzle set.

"How about a little teamwork?" she asked, holding up the box.

Orpheus raised an eyebrow. "A puzzle? That’s hardly a game."

"Not everything has to be a competition," she replied with a grin. "Come on, let’s see how fast we can put this together."

They spread the puzzle pieces across the table, diving into the challenge with surprising enthusiasm. The morning stretched into the afternoon as they worked side by side, occasionally teasing each other over misplaced pieces or overly ambitious guesses.

At one point, Orpheus leaned back to stretch, watching Luna as she focused intently on a particularly tricky section. Her golden hair caught the sunlight streaming in from the windows, and her expression was one of pure concentration.

"You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?" he asked, his voice soft.

She glanced up, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Of course. It’s not every day I get to see you try so hard to keep up."

He laughed, shaking his head. "You’re impossible."

"And yet, here you are," she shot back, placing the final piece of the puzzle with a flourish.

When they finished, the completed puzzle revealed a vibrant image of a celestial night sky, stars and constellations glowing brightly. They sat back to admire their work, a sense of quiet satisfaction settling over them.

"This feels like cheating," Orpheus said with a smile. "It’s almost too peaceful."

Luna rested her head on his shoulder, her voice warm and content. "Not every victory has to be a battle. Sometimes, it’s enough just to share moments like this."

Orpheus nodded, his hand finding hers.

"You’re right. This is perfect."

They stayed there for a while longer, letting the calm embrace of the moment surround them. For Orpheus and Luna, the time spent together—whether in laughter or quiet companionship—was the greatest reward of all.