Chapter 13
Eagerly, I rushed outside to check the moulded pots. Though already hard and dry, they still needed another full day under the sun. Only then could I gather enough wood to fire them up properly. When they cooled, I'd finally cook my first real meal. But before that, I needed ingredients.
"Kai," I asked curiously, my eyes fixed on the basket he brought, "I thought rice was scarce. How did you manage to get so much?"
My voice lowered as I added, "You didn't spend too much just to make me happy, did you?"
I was touched, but a little uneasy.
"Though I love being cared for like a girl… like a wife," I murmured, "that doesn't mean you should drain your pockets or put my happiness before your own wellbeing."
"You misunderstood, Pearl," he said softly.
It was the first time he called me by name instead of one of his usual endearments. I didn't like it. Somehow, it felt too distant—too formal. I frowned slightly.
"Did I mess up?" I couldn't help imagining things
As if sensing my discomfort, he quickly corrected himself.
"Wifey," he said, his tone warmer. "You misunderstood."
I looked up at him, wondering how he always seemed to read my mind so easily. Was he that in tune with me? His gaze held a flicker of something... fear?
"He's afraid I'll misunderstand him," I realized, my heart softening.
"Seriously?" I sighed. "Then tell me everything."
"Our dowry to females is rice," he explained, sitting beside me. "The amount we offer shows our status and how hard we've worked. Most males start saving from childhood. Everyone dreams of marrying someday. But me…" his voice trailed off. "I started late. Marriage was never in my plans."
He looked like a lost puppy—eyes downcast, fingers playing with the hem of his tunic.
Was he implying the rice was little? I blinked at the generous heap.
"Kai, this is a lot of rice. Even if we finish it all, we can always harvest more together," I reassured him, smiling.
Though, in truth, I had considered how difficult rice harvesting really was. The process was long, tedious—and I had no idea how to even begin.
"Give me your hunting knife," I said, sitting in front of the wood we had gathered.
Kai didn't move. Instead, he came to sit beside me.
"I can't let you near a knife," he said firmly. "I don't trust sharp things around you. Your safety means more."
His gaze was resolute. "Just tell me what to do. I'll try my best."
"Seriously?" I muttered, giving up the argument.
I started giving him instructions, and watched in awe as he sliced through the wood like it was nothing.
"Good thing he stopped me," I thought, watching the clean cuts. "It would've been so embarrassing struggling to cut even the softest part."
The first few tries were failures, but by the third, he got the hang of it. With each attempt, his hands moved with more confidence. Before long, he was crafting spoons, bowls, and plates like he'd done it all his life.
We began with a cooking spoon, then a turning spoon and chopping board. Next came eating spoons, forks, and chopsticks. Then plates—flat ones and soup bowls. I urged him to make extras, just in case. I even begged him to construct a basket to arrange the dishes neatly, and a smaller one filled with dry leaves to store eggs so they wouldn't break or roll around carelessly.
Time flew. The sky darkened, and stars began to appear.
"The scent on you is richer than before," Kai whispered, his voice teasing as his hand brushed my waist.
"Oh—" I muttered, cheeks heating. "I forgot to change my cotton."
I glared at the pervert before dashing to the waterfall for a quick rinse.
While I bathed, Kai carefully packed all the things we'd made, arranging them neatly in the kitchen. The leftover firewood, he stored at the back of the house, in a small room we had designated for storage. He wanted to keep it dry. After all, he'd once heard, wet wood doesn't make fire.
As I stepped out of the water and dressed, I noticed Kai watching me from afar. He didn't approach. He just sat there.
Then it hit me—he hadn't done anything remotely naughty since my period started. Even when I tried to kiss him, he used every ounce of willpower to stay composed.
A wicked idea flashed through my mind. A playful grin spread across my face.
Slowly, I walked toward him, swaying just enough to catch his attention. He frowned, clearly suspicious.
Without a word, I stood in front of him, then lowered myself onto his thigh, sitting on it. I smirked as I took his hand and placed it on my butt.
Realization dawned on Kai. His eyes darkened.
"You think I'll hold back?" he whispered, voice dropping an octave. "Tempting me, seducing me when you smell this sweet…"
He leaned in, lips brushing my ear.
"I'm a beast, wifey. I'm not some gentleman with endless patience. If the little rope holding my sanity snaps, I'll ravage you."
His voice was dangerously low, seductive—and full of warning.
I blinked. That wasn't the reaction I was expecting.
Wasn't he supposed to walk away? Avoid me? Instead… this?
"Kai… Kai… I-I need firewood for cooking," I stammered, backing away. "I'm sorry. I won't seduce you again."
All traces of mischief vanished. I looked pitiful now, flustered and embarrassed. I just wanted to escape.
Then smack.
A sharp spank landed on my ass, and an involuntary moan escaped my lips. Mortified, I covered my mouth, eyes wide.
Still holding me close, he whispered, "Still seducing me? Can you take responsibility for your actions?"
I couldn't reply. I could barely breathe. Still straddling his thigh, I could feel the firm press of his length against my stomach—and I blushed furiously.
"F-Firewood…" I mumbled, trying desperately to end the scene I started.
"Such a mood killer," he sighed, kissing my forehead before finally letting me go.
I ran like the wind, not daring to look back.
Kai stared at his own predicament, muttering under his breath, "You'll be the death of me."