Can love be green? [Vinsmoke Yonji]

06. Argument and discussion

By the time she returned to the marital quarters, the afternoon light had softened. She closed the door behind her and looked around the room. It was unmistakably Yonji's.

Green was everywhere, though not in an overwhelming way. Heavy emerald curtains framed the tall windows, matching the canopy draped over the bed. Dark wooden furniture gave the room a sturdy feel, while touches of polished metal reminded her she was still in Germa.

Unlike the castle's austere corridors, the chamber felt comfortable. There was a large sofa near the windows, a thick rug covering most of the stone floor, and a fireplace that took the chill out of the room. A few books lay carelessly on a low table beside mechanical parts she couldn't identify, making the room feel lived in rather than perfectly arranged.

A salty breeze drifted through the slightly open window, carrying the distant sound of waves against Germa's hulls. She walked to the window before turning back toward the room. Her gaze settled on the bed for a moment before her thoughts drifted back to the laboratory below.

The rows of capsules, the sleeping soldiers and the pride in Yonji's voice as he had spoken about them.

A quiet knock interrupted her thoughts. Three gentle taps sounded at the door. "Come in."

The door opened cautiously. Cosette stepped inside, holding a small notebook and a fountain pen. She bowed. "Princess." There was still a hint of nervousness in her expression. "As you requested... I've brought a pen and paper."

She offered Cosette a small smile. "Thank you, Cosette. Come in."

The head chef stepped inside and carefully closed the door behind her.

Y/n gestured toward the sofa. "Sit."

Cosette immediately hesitated. "Princess, I can remain standing."

"I know."

Y/n smiled slightly. "But you don't need to."

The answer seemed to confuse her. After a moment, Cosette sat down at the edge of the sofa, her posture still perfectly formal. Y/n took the armchair opposite her. "First, I want to make something clear. This morning was not your fault."

The woman's expression shifted.

"Princess, as the head chef, I am responsible for—"

"You are responsible for the kitchen." Y/n interrupted gently. "Not for knowing things nobody told you."

Cosette went silent. "I should have asked about your preferences."

"And I should have told you."

Y/n shrugged slightly. "We both know now. That's what matters."

For a few seconds, Cosette simply stared at her. Then she slowly opened the notebook and the list began.

"Tea."