Chapter 19

Spring has arrived in Forget-Me-Not Valley, bringing with it the vibrant colors of cherry blossoms in full bloom. The air is warmer, a welcome change after the cold Winter, and the once snow-covered ground is now covered in a fresh layer of green grass. The valley hums with life as the trees blossom, and flowers peek out from the earth, painting the landscape in bright hues.

Keira walks barefoot through the fields, her pink yukata swaying gently in the breeze. The once-heavy robes and armor she wore during her time as a princess have long been traded for this lighter, more comfortable attire. Her hair, once tightly bound in elaborate styles befitting her royal station, now flows freely down her back, catching the sunlight as she moves.

There is a calmness in Keira's steps, a sense of peace that eluded her during her first year in this unfamiliar world. When she first arrived, every sight and sound outside the small farmhouse overwhelmed her, filling her with anxiety and fear of the unknown. The vastness of the sky, the openness of the fields, the sounds of creatures she had never heard before—it was all too much.

But now, Keira revels in the beauty of her surroundings. The changing of the seasons has become a source of joy for her, each one bringing new experiences and a deeper connection to her new life. The heavy burden of her past, the responsibilities of ruling over a kingdom, has slowly faded into the background. The title of "Queen" feels like a distant memory, belonging to someone she used to be but no longer is.

As she wanders through the farm, she pauses to admire the delicate cherry blossoms, their petals falling like soft pink snowflakes around her. She reaches out and catches one in her hand, watching it rest gently in her palm. This world is so different from the one she left behind—here, she is free.

Keira smiles, closing her eyes as she lets the warm breeze wash over her. For the first time in what feels like forever, she is living for herself, not bound by duty or expectation. And though the transition has been difficult, she has found a kind of happiness here that she never knew before.

Yet, despite the beauty of the season and the peace it brings her, a small part of her wonders what lies ahead. Even though she is a princess, she cannot ever become a true queen, but what is she now? And where does she truly belong in this world that has now become her home? These thoughts linger in her mind like the cherry blossoms on the wind, drifting and uncertain, as she continues her quiet walk through the farm.

As Mark watches Keira move gracefully through the farm, a gentle smile plays on his lips, but beneath it, a bittersweet ache tugs at his heart. She is thriving, more vibrant and alive than he ever imagined when she first arrived in his home. The way she marvels at the cherry blossoms, how she revels in the simple joys of life—it's a transformation that fills him with pride. She has come so far, adapting to this new world with resilience and grace.

Yet, that very progress leaves Mark with a deep sense of uncertainty. Keira is blossoming, just like the flowers in the Spring air, and with each passing day, he realizes that she is becoming more independent, more capable of standing on her own. The thought both gladdens and saddens him. For so long, he's been her anchor, the one who guided her through the turbulence of transitioning from a princess in a forgotten realm, to his wife in a peaceful valley. But as much as he loves her, Mark knows that he can't be her only tether to this world forever.

There will come a day when Keira will need more than what the valley can offer. She's not just his wife—she's talented, beautiful, and kindhearted. She has a depth of wisdom and strength that goes beyond her years. It wouldn't be fair to keep her here, in this small corner of the world, when she could be so much more. The farm and the valley is peaceful, but it's also limited, and Keira deserves to find a purpose beyond simply being his companion.

Mark's love for her runs deep, but it's precisely that love that makes him realize he can't hold on to her too tightly. She deserves the chance to spread her wings, to discover who she truly is in this world that she's only begun to explore. It would be selfish to keep her here, like a caged bird in the very valley that once felt like her sanctuary.

But not yet. He isn't ready to let her go, and he senses that she's not ready to leave. There is still so much for her to learn, so much for her to experience. The world beyond the farm is vast and full of possibilities, but it's also full of uncertainties. Until she's ready to face it on her own terms, Mark will continue to be by her side, guiding her as best he can.

And so, as he watches Keira, her pink yukata fluttering in the breeze, Mark's heart swells with a mixture of pride, love, and quiet sorrow. He knows the day will come when he'll have to make that difficult decision—to set her free. But for now, he chooses to savor these moments, treasuring every smile, every laugh, and every step she takes toward the person she is becoming.

One early Spring afternoon, Mark returns to the farm after completing his deliveries around the valley. The air is crisp, and the scent of blossoming flowers lingers as he walks up the path toward the farmhouse. As soon as he steps inside, he's greeted by Keira, who beams at him with her usual warmth. Her pink yukata sways slightly as she approaches, her eyes immediately catching the small dish in his hands.

"Welcome home," Keira says, her voice soft but cheerful. She then notices the plate in his hands and asks, "What do you have there?"

Mark grins, lifting the small dish slightly. "Ruby gave me a slice of cake. She insisted I bring it home."

Keira's brow furrows slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Cake?" she echoes, the word foreign on her tongue. She leans in closer, catching the sweet aroma that wafts from the dish. The scent of sugar and butter dances in her nose, and she can't help but feel intrigued. Sweet things aren't common in her traditional meals, and she's not accustomed to desserts. Yet, something about this cake captivates her senses.

Mark notices the way her eyes linger on the dish, the way her curiosity glimmers in those deep, amber irises. He sets the cake down on the table, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Do you want to try it?" he asks, his voice gentle, knowing that she often hesitates with foods she's unfamiliar with.

Keira hesitates, glancing at the cake with a mixture of intrigue and uncertainty. She's always cautious about trying new foods, especially those that don't resemble anything from her homeland. But the aroma of the cake, so light and sweet, seems to call to her in a way that's hard to resist. "It smells… different," she admits softly.

Mark chuckles. "It's definitely different from the usual dishes you make. But I think you'll like it." He removes the cover, revealing the fluffy slice of cake, its surface dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar.

Keira's mouth waters involuntarily. She watches the cake intently, her curiosity growing stronger by the second. Finally, she decides to give it a try. Reaching for her chopsticks—her usual utensils of choice—she attempts to pick up a piece. But the cake is soft and airy, crumbling slightly under the delicate grip of her chopsticks. She frowns, clearly struggling with this unfamiliar texture.

Mark can't help but smile at her determination. Gently, he takes the chopsticks from her hand and sets them aside. "Here, let me help," he says, reaching for a fork. He cuts a small piece of the cake and lifts it to her mouth, his movements slow and patient, as if feeding a delicate bird.

Keira hesitates for only a moment before parting her lips. As soon as the cake touches her tongue, her eyes widen in surprise. The sweetness bursts across her taste buds, the light, airy texture melting in her mouth like nothing she's ever experienced before. For a moment, she simply sits there, eyes wide, savoring the sensation.

"It's… sweet," she murmurs, her voice filled with awe.

Mark chuckles softly. "That's cake for you. Do you like it?"

Keira's eyes light up as she takes the fork from Mark's hand, her movements suddenly eager. She cuts into the remaining slice of cake with uncharacteristic fervor, and within seconds, she's devouring the dessert with an intensity that leaves Mark standing there in stunned silence. He's used to her unorthodox eating habits—but this? This is something else entirely.

Bite after bite disappears as Keira indulges in the sweet treat, her cheeks puffed with cake as she chews enthusiastically. The delicate crumbs fall from the plate, but she pays them no mind, too focused on savoring every last bit of the fluffy, sugary goodness. The way she attacks the cake almost seems out of place for her normally composed demeanor, and yet, here she is—consumed by her newfound love for this strange and delightful dessert.

When the last crumb has disappeared, Keira sets down the fork, her eyes wide and bright as they turn to Mark. She swallows, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand in a rare display of carefree behavior. "Is there more?" she asks, her voice laced with anticipation, as if she's ready to dive into another slice at any moment.

Mark blinks, still processing what he just witnessed. "Uh... Well, Ruby sells cake at the inn, but—"

Before he can finish, Keira's already on her feet, rushing toward the front door, her wooden sandals clacking loudly against the floor as she slips them on. The determination in her eyes is unmistakable, and before Mark can say anything else, she's out the door, her pink yukata fluttering in the breeze as she makes a beeline for the inn.

Mark just stands there, dumbfounded. Watching Keira rush off like that, he can't help but shake his head, a small smile forming on his lips. The sight of her so thoroughly captivated by something as simple as cake is both endearing and utterly unexpected. He chuckles to himself, knowing that by the time he catches up, she'll likely be on her second slice at Ruby's inn.

At the inn, Ruby stands in the kitchen, double-checking the inventory of her ingredients. She feels satisfied with the numbers when she hears the front door open with a forceful clang. Turning around, she's startled to see Keira standing in front of her, breathing heavily, her pink yukata slightly disheveled from her sprint to the inn. Her eyes are wide with anticipation, and her mouth practically waters at the thought of more cake. It's as if she's appeared out of thin air, her sudden presence making Ruby blink in surprise.

"Keira? Are you alright, dear?" Ruby asks, her brow furrowed with concern as she wipes her hands on her apron.

Keira nods eagerly, though her breath still comes in quick gasps. "Cake... do you have more cake?"

Ruby lets out a small, sheepish laugh, taken aback by the sheer urgency in Keira's voice. "Well, yes, of course. I've got some fresh slices in the back. Just give me a moment."

Without hesitation, Ruby retrieves not one, but three large slices of cake from the kitchen. As soon as she sets the plates in front of Keira, the princess-turned-farmer's wife digs in with the same fervor that had surprised Mark earlier. One slice after another disappears, the sweet, creamy icing smeared on Keira's lips as she devours the dessert with pure, unfiltered joy.

Ruby watches in amazement, her own slice of cake forgotten as she witnesses Keira's newfound love for the treat. By the time Keira finishes the third slice, she leans back in her chair, patting her belly with a look of contentment that makes Ruby chuckle softly.

"You really enjoy cake that much, huh?" Ruby asks with a warm smile, leaning on the counter as she watches Keira bask in the afterglow of her sugar rush.

Keira nods, a gleam of happiness in her eyes. "I never had cake before. It's... amazing." She seems almost at a loss for words, still reveling in the experience.

Ruby's smile widens, an idea forming in her mind. "Well, if you like it that much, how about I teach you how to bake one yourself?"

Keira's eyes widen with excitement, though there's a hint of uncertainty in her voice when she asks, "Really? I can learn?"

"Of course, you can!" Ruby reassures her, her voice brimming with confidence. "You've done so well learning to cook homemade curry. Baking might be a little more complicated, but I have no doubt you can master it just as well."

Keira hesitates for a moment, clearly tempted by the idea but mindful of her responsibilities at the farm. "I... I'll need to ask Mark first."

Ruby nods understandingly. "Of course, take your time. But I'll be here whenever you're ready. Just let me know, and we'll get started."

With that, Keira rises from her chair, her decision made. She thanks Ruby and heads back home, her thoughts swirling with the possibility of mastering the art of baking. The idea of learning something new excites her, and the memory of the delicious cake fuels her determination. As she walks through the blossoming cherry trees on her way back to the farm, her heart is light, and her step is quick.

Back at the farm, she's greeted by the sight of Mark tending to the crops, and with a smile on her face, she knows exactly what she's going to ask him.

Keira nearly skips her way back to the farm, the excitement bubbling inside her too strong to contain. She sees Mark in the distance, diligently tending to the crops as usual, his hands moving skillfully over the soil. The sight of him always brings a warmth to her heart, but today, that warmth is mixed with a new sense of purpose.

"Mark!" she calls out as she approaches, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Mark looks up, wiping the sweat from his brow as he turns to greet her with a smile. "Hey, Keira. You seem cheerful. What's got you in such a good mood?"

Keira can barely keep still as she rushes to his side, her words tumbling out with eager energy. "I just came back from Ruby's inn. She's willing to teach me how to bake cakes! I was wondering... would it bother you if I spent some time learning how to bake?"

Mark listens to her with a growing smile, his heart swelling with affection for the woman before him. He gently places a hand on her shoulder, his touch reassuring. "Keira, you don't need to ask me for permission. You're free to do whatever makes you happy. If you want to learn how to bake cakes, go for it. I'll be fine with anything you decide."

Keira nods, but her expression softens into something more serious as she continues. "I just... I don't want you to think I'm neglecting my duties here. I've been trying so many new things, and I worry that... I hope you don't dislike me for it."

Mark's heart twinges at her words. He shakes his head, his voice gentle and reassuring. "There's no reason to feel guilty, Keira. You're not doing anything wrong. In fact, I'm glad you're exploring new things. You deserve to enjoy life."

Keira's eyes brighten with relief as she smiles at him, gratitude shining through. "Thank you, Mark. That means a lot to me."

She turns to head back toward the house, ready to prepare for her baking lessons with Ruby. But as she walks away, Mark can't help the small, quiet whisper that slips past his lips. "I'm the one who thinks I'm doing something wrong..."

His voice is barely audible, a murmur carried away by the breeze, but Keira's sharp ears catch the sound. She stops in her tracks and turns back, "Did you say something, Mark?"

He quickly schools his expression into a smile, shaking his head. "No, nothing. Just... go have fun with your baking lessons, alright?"

Keira tilts her head slightly, studying him for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. I'll be back later!"

As she walks away, Mark watches her with a bittersweet smile. He loves seeing her happy, thriving in this new life she's building, but the doubts that Witch Princess planted in his mind still linger like shadows. He can only hope that one day, he'll find the courage to confront them. But for now, he pushes those thoughts aside, determined to support Keira in her newfound passion, even if his heart remains conflicted.

Keira arrives at the inn bright and early the following day, wearing her protective clothing—an apron and the long bandana to keep her hair back—just like she did during her first cooking lesson with Ruby. The protective gear makes her look both serious and a bit out of place, but her determination shines through as she steps into the kitchen, eager to learn.

Ruby is already waiting for her, the kitchen filled with the comforting scent of warm dough and sugar. She greets Keira with a smile. "Ready to get started?"

Keira nods enthusiastically, her eyes wide with excitement. "Yes! I can't wait to learn."

Ruby begins by explaining each step of the process, carefully measuring out the ingredients and showing Keira how to mix them just right. As she watches, Keira is captivated by the precision and care Ruby puts into every movement. The way Ruby sifts the flour, the rhythm of her hands as she mixes the batter—it all seems like some sort of culinary magic to her.

Keira can't help but voice her wonder. "How did people even discover how to do this? It's so... complex."

Ruby chuckles softly, shaking her head as she whisks the dough. "Honestly, no one knows. These techniques have been passed down through countless generations. What we're doing here? It's the culmination of centuries of trial and error, perfected over time. We're just lucky to be able to enjoy the fruits of that labor."

Keira watches in awe, feeling a sense of connection to the past as she learns the ancient art of baking. Being part of something so enduring makes her heart swell with gratitude. This is more than just a lesson; it's a gift—a chance to learn skills that will last her a lifetime.

Once the cake is in the oven, Ruby turns to Keira with a grin. "Alright, now it's your turn. I'll be working with the clients if you need me, but I want you to try making a cake on your own."

As Ruby leaves, Keira feels a flutter of nerves, but she nods resolutely. She watches the recipe in her head, mentally reviewing each step before she starts. As she measures out the ingredients and mixes them, an idea sparks in her mind. What if she tried something different? Something that blends the techniques she's learned with something of her own heritage? With a determined gleam in her eyes, Keira decides to experiment. She takes out some rice flour—a staple in Hanabishi cuisine for noodles and bread—and carefully mixes it with the wheat flour. She hopes that this combination will bring a new texture and flavor to the cake, something unique that reflects her own identity.

As the cake bakes, Keira anxiously waits, hoping her experiment will turn out well. When the timer finally dings, she pulls the cakes out of the oven, and the sight of the golden-brown surface fills her with pride. It looks perfect, but the real test will be in the taste. Ruby slices a piece of the cake Keira made and takes a bite, her expression thoughtful as she chews. Keira watches her intently, her heart pounding in her chest. After a moment, Ruby's eyes light up with surprise. "Keira, this is incredible! The cake is fluffier than the one I made before, and the flavor is so mild and rich. What did you do?"

Keira beams with pride, her heart swelling at Ruby's praise. "Really? I'm so glad you like it! I mixed rice flour with the wheat flour."

Ruby nods enthusiastically, finishing her slice. "You have a natural talent for this! You should definitely keep experimenting with recipes like this. You've got a real knack for it—who knows what kind of amazing cakes you'll come up with next?"

Keira's eyes shine with excitement as she imagines all the possibilities. Baking, just like cooking, has opened up a new world for her—a world where she can combine her past with her present, creating something entirely her own. As she and Ruby clean up the kitchen, Keira can't help but feel a new part of her awakening. She's found another piece of herself in this new hobby, another way to express who she is, something she would have never discovered if she had become a queen. And for that, she is deeply grateful.

The next day, when Mark comes home after another round of deliveries around the valley, he's met with an unexpected sight. As he steps inside the house, he pauses, his eyes widening in disbelief. Every inch of the table, counter, and even some of the chairs is covered with cakes, cupcakes, and pastries of all shapes and sizes. The sweet, intoxicating scent of sugar and freshly baked goods fills the air, creating an overwhelming sense of sweetness that nearly knocks him off his feet.

Mark blinks, struggling to process the sheer amount of baked goods that have taken over his home. "What… what happened here?" he mutters to himself, trying to make sense of the scene before him.

Hearing his voice, Keira emerges from the kitchen, her pink yukata dusted with flour, and a sheepish expression on her face. "Mark! You're home!" she says, her voice tinged with both excitement and a bit of guilt. "I… I may have gotten a little carried away."

Mark can't help but chuckle, despite the confusion still etched on his face. He surveys the sea of cakes, trying to comprehend how one person could bake so much in such a short time. "A little carried away?" he repeats, amused.

Keira fidgets slightly, looking around at her creations. "I was just… practicing. Ruby said I should keep experimenting, and I wanted to make the best cake I could. But I think I might have gone overboard…"

Mark shakes his head, unable to suppress his smile. "No, it's fine," he reassures her. He reaches out to grab a random cupcake from the nearest stack. Taking a bite, he savors the soft, fluffy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness. "This is really good, Keira. You've got a real talent for this."

Keira's face lights up with happiness at his praise. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely," Mark says, finishing the cupcake. "Have you ever thought about becoming a baker?"

Keira tilts her head in confusion. "A baker? What's that?"

Mark grins as he explains. "A baker is someone who owns a bakery—basically a shop where you sell things like cakes, bread, and other baked goods. Since you're so good at making cakes, you could think about starting your own bakery. You could share your creations with the whole valley, even further than that if you want."

Keira's eyes widen with intrigue at the idea. "You think I could do that?"

"Why not?" Mark replies with a smile. "You've already proven you're great at baking. And I'm sure everyone would love to taste your cakes."

Keira's face glows with excitement at the prospect. The idea of creating something of her own, something that would bring joy to others, fills her with joy. "I'll do it, then! I'll keep practicing until I can make the most delicious cake ever!" she declares, her voice filled with determination.

Mark watches her with pride and affection. Seeing her so enthusiastic about something new, so eager to carve out her own path, fills him with hope. Even though the future is still uncertain, moments like this remind him that Keira is finding her way—slowly but surely. As Keira dives back into her baking experiments, Mark silently marvels at how far she's come. Despite all the challenges she's faced, she's still growing, still finding joy in this new life. And that, at least for now, is enough to make him smile.