Chapter 8

Snow fell in soft, glittering flakes over Keimonomimi Village, blanketing the rooftops and curling along the cobblestone streets like powdered sugar. Months had passed since the summer's chaos, and the air was now filled with the crisp scent of pine and freshly baked bread.

The villagers were busy preparing for Heimspresent, the most joyful festival of the year. Strings of golden lights draped from windows, and children chased each other through the snow, their laughter echoing through the streets.

At the center of the square, a massive evergreen stood tall, its branches half-covered in ornaments, half still bare. Fifi directed a small crowd of helpers, her tail flicking anxiously as she tried to maintain order among the enthusiastic decorators.

And then there was Princess Lulu.

Wearing a bright red winter coat and a fur-lined cap that sparkled far too much for early morning, she stood proudly in front of the tree with a box of ornaments in her arms—each one glittering, oversized, and likely too heavy for the branches they were meant to hang on.

"Isn't this exciting, Lucien?" she said, eyes shimmering like fresh snow. "We'll make this the most beautiful Heimspresent tree ever!"

Lucien and Fifi exchanged a knowing look. The last time Lulu helped "decorate," the village bakery had nearly caught fire from a glitter mishap.

"Lulu," Lucien said carefully, "how about… we take a little break from decorating for a bit? You've been working so hard."

Her head tilted, blonde hair catching the morning light. "A break? But I'm just getting started!"

"Yes, and that's exactly why you deserve it," he said with a forced smile. "Why don't you come with me for a while? I've got something special to show you."

Fifi instantly caught on to his plan. "Oh yes, Lulu, you go have fun with Lucien! We'll, uh, finish the rest of the decorations here!"

"Alright!" Lulu said cheerfully, placing the box of ornaments down; thankfully, without breaking any. "Lead the way, Elder Lucien!"

Lucien exhaled in relief as he led her away from the busy square, the sound of Fifi meowing orders fading behind them.

He glanced at Lulu, her breath forming little clouds of mist as she hummed a cheerful tune beside him. Whatever chaos he was about to prevent, he reminded himself, it was better than explaining to Fifi why the town tree had collapsed under the weight of royal enthusiasm.

And so, to keep the princess entertained, Lucien brought her home—Lulu crossed her arms and gave Lucien a pout that could melt the snow outside. "So, Elder Lucien," she said with mock regal dignity, "if I'm not allowed to help decorate, what exactly do you have in mind to keep me from spreading Heimspresent cheer?"

Lucien chuckled and motioned toward his bookshelf. "Something I think you'll appreciate, Your Highness—culture!"

Her head tilted in curiosity as Lucien reached for a thick, colorful book among the neatly lined spines. He brushed the dust off and held it out for her to see. "This," he said, "is called manga. A type of storytelling from… well, let's just say, far away."

Lulu blinked at the strange cover art. A bald man with a blank face and a bright yellow suit stood in a heroic pose, cape fluttering behind him. The title glimmered in bold letters: One Punch Man.

"What a strange-looking knight," Lulu murmured, tapping the cover with one gloved finger. "Is he strong?"

Lucien smirked. "Stronger than anyone else in his world. So strong, in fact, that he defeats every opponent with a single punch."

Lulu gasped. "One punch?! How dreadfully boring! What's the point of fighting if it ends that fast?"

"That's… kind of the joke," Lucien said, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's a story about strength, but also about what it means to be too strong."

She eyed the colorful pages suspiciously, then smiled like a curious child spotting candy. "I like the art," she said, running her fingers along the page. "It's so vivid! The faces! The motion! The colors!"

She turned and plopped herself right down on the floor in front of the fireplace, her skirt spreading around her like the petals of a scarlet flower. "Lucien, read it to me!"

He blinked. "You want me to… read manga to you?"

"Of course! You brought it out, didn't you? A proper lady must be entertained!"

Suppressing a sigh and a smile, Lucien sat on a nearby stool, flipping open the first volume. Lulu leaned forward eagerly, her eyes shining as he began to read.

"And so," Lucien said, adopting a storyteller's tone, "the world was overrun by monsters… and only one hero could stop them."

As he narrated, he turned the pages toward her, showing the vibrant panels. Lulu gasped and laughed at every exaggerated expression, especially when Saitama's deadpan face appeared after some grand, explosive battle.

"Look at his face!" she giggled, pointing. "He looks like he just realized he forgot his lunch!"

Lucien couldn't help but chuckle. "You're not entirely wrong."

Minutes turned to an hour as the room filled with the soft crackle of the fire and Lulu's laughter. Outside, the faint sounds of the villagers decorating echoed through the snowy air, but within Lucien's cottage, time seemed to slow to a gentle, peaceful rhythm.

At one point, he glanced up from the book. Lulu had pulled her knees close, chin resting atop them, eyes wide with childlike wonder. "Lucien," she said softly, "do you think someone can really be that strong?"

He smiled faintly. "Strength takes many forms, Princess. Some people save the world with a punch. Others…" His gaze softened. "…help the people around them, even when they drive them crazy."

Lulu blinked, not quite understanding—but her smile warmed all the same. "Then I'll be the strongest Princess ever!" she declared.

Lucien just laughed, shaking his head. "You already are, Lulu."

By the time Lucien closed the back cover of One Punch Man, the moon hung high in the window, bathing the room in pale silver light. The fire had dwindled to a soft glow, and Lulu, who had been sitting cross-legged on the rug all this time, gave an exaggerated stretch and a yawn that could've come from a sleepy kitten.

Lucien chuckled, rubbing his neck. "I think that's enough heroics for one night. You actually stayed still for ten whole hours! That's got to be a record."

Lulu's lips curved into a small smile, but it faded as quickly as it came. She looked down at her lap, twiddling her fingers.

Lucien noticed immediately — it wasn't like her to be so quiet. "What's wrong?" he asked gently. "Didn't like the ending?"

She shook her head. "No, it was wonderful. The drawings, the colors, the silly bald man…" A small laugh escaped her before she sighed wistfully. "It's just that… back home, when I get read to, I'm never alone."

Lucien tilted his head. "Oh? Who usually reads with you?"

"My cat," she said simply. "Cupcake."

Lucien blinked. "Cupcake?"

Lulu nodded earnestly. "Mm-hm! She's a little orange tabby with white paws, and she has the softest fur in all of Atland. She always curls up beside me when I read. Or… well, when someone reads to me." Her smile faltered again, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "I miss her."

For a moment, Lucien didn't know what to say. It wasn't often that the princess let her royal guard down. But here she was, not the mischievous whirlwind who turned his days upside down, but a lonely young woman missing home and her beloved pet.

He opened his mouth automatically. "Maybe you should—"

Then he stopped. The words 'go home' were right on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed them. He'd promised her never ask her to return unless she chose to.

He cleared his throat instead and gave her a soft smile. "I'm sure Cupcake's safe at the castle. Probably being spoiled by the servants and fed the finest cream."

Lulu giggled, the sadness in her eyes softening. "Oh, she's terribly picky. She only drinks cream if it's warmed exactly to room temperature. The chef hates it."

Lucien laughed under his breath. "Sounds like she takes after her owner."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Lulu said, puffing out her cheeks playfully.

He stood, stretching his arms and closing the manga with a quiet thump. "Tell you what, I'll read you the next volume tomorrow. Same time, same spot."

Her eyes brightened instantly. "Promise?"

"Promise," he said, smiling.

Lulu rose to her feet, smoothing her skirt and stifling another yawn. "Then I suppose I can forgive you for keeping me from decorating the village," she said in a mock-serious tone. "But tomorrow, I expect both heroes and decorations."

"Deal," Lucien said, watching her head toward her room with a light skip in her step.

As the door clicked shut behind her, he looked down at the manga still in his hand. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Cupcake, huh?" he murmured to himself. "I'll have to think of something…"

Outside, snow continued to fall — soft, glittering flakes that whispered of the approaching Heimspresent festival and the warmth it would bring.

The next morning dawned crisp and bright, sunlight glittering across the snow like crushed glass. From inside Lucien's modest house came the cheerful sound of clattering dishes and a familiar off-key humming. Lulu was in the kitchen, wearing an apron three sizes too big and somehow managing to get flour on the ceiling.

Lucien peeked in, immediately deciding he didn't want to know how. "You're… busy," he said cautiously.

"I'm making breakfast!" Lulu announced proudly, holding up what appeared to be a burnt pancake shaped vaguely like a cat. "Isn't it cute?"

"Terrifying," Lucien muttered under his breath. "I mean—creative. Very creative."

He slipped his coat on, hoping to escape before she roped him into the taste-testing phsse of her cooking.

"I have an errand to run, Princess. Please don't burn down the house."

"I won't!" she sang, turning back to the stove. The pan immediately hissed and smoked ominously.

Lucien closed the door behind him and sighed into the winter air. "Please don't explode anything while I'm gone…"

Down in the quieter part of Keimonomimi Village, he found a familiar building marked with a sign carved into the shape of a mortar and pestle. The scent of herbs and spices hit him the moment he stepped inside.

"Lucien, old friend!" boomed a gravelly voice.

Lucien looked over and sees his old friend Lincale, a tall lizardman with emerald scales that shimmered like polished glass. He emerged from behind a stack of bubbling flasks. His spectacles sat crooked on his snout, and a faint puff of steam rose from one of the vials he held. "You've come at a fine time. I'm testing a new frost-resilient plant! It only wilted twice before being revived."

Lucien blinked. "That's… encouraging." He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Actually, I came to ask for a favor."

"Of course!" Lincale said cheerfully. "So long as it doesn't involve cleaning up any of the princess's… experiments."

Lucien sighed. "Not this time. I need you to travel to Atland. Deliver a message to the king and queen."

That made the lizardman pause. His tail flicked thoughtfully. "A diplomatic errand, then?"

Lucien nodded. "Something like that. It's… personal."

Lincale's sharp eyes softened with understanding. "Say no more, friend. I'll see it done."

Lucien handed him the sealed letter, stamped with his personal insignia. "Be careful on the road. And if anyone asks, this is a research request for magical plant exchange."

Lincale grinned. "Got it. I'll make sure the royal couple gets your message."

The days slipped by faster than anyone realized. Each morning, the snow blanketed Keimonomimi Village a little deeper, transforming rooftops, fences, and fields into a shimmering sea of white. The crisp winter air grew colder with every passing sunrise, filling every breath with tiny clouds of mist. Yet the dropping temperatures did little to dampen the spirits of the villagers. If anything, the cold only reminded everyone that Heimspresent was drawing near.

The entire town came alive with preparations. Brilliant banners of crimson and gold stretched gracefully between rooftops, fluttering gently whenever a winter breeze swept through the streets. Evergreen wreaths, decorated with sparkling glass berries and delicate ribbons, adorned every door and window, giving each home a warm, welcoming charm despite the snow outside. Everywhere Ryan walked, the comforting aroma of fresh bread, cinnamon pastries, sweet cakes, and holiday cookies drifted through the air, making it nearly impossible to pass a bakery without stopping to admire the treats inside.

And then there was Lulu. It seemed almost impossible to go anywhere in the village without spotting the energetic princess. One afternoon she insisted that the tallest pine tree in the town square deserved a proper star at its peak. Before anyone could stop her, she had already scrambled halfway up the snow-covered branches.

"Lulu!" several villagers called in unison.

"I'm almost there!" she shouted back cheerfully.

With one final stretch, she proudly secured the glittering golden star at the very top.

"I did—" The branch beneath her gave a loud crack. "…Uh-oh."

A heartbeat later, the princess disappeared into a massive pile of freshly fallen snow below. For a moment, the square fell completely silent. Then Lulu's arms and legs began flailing through the powder. She wasn't hurt. In fact, she was laughing.

When she finally stood up, she admired the impression she had left behind before dramatically placing her hands on her hips. "I meant to do that," she declared proudly. "It's called an artistic landing." The villagers exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter.

A few days later, Lulu volunteered to help Fifi prepare sweets for the Heimspresent celebration. "I can absolutely handle the ingredients!" Lulu announced with complete confidence.

Fifi smiled politely, though she wasn't entirely convinced. "All right," she said. "Please add the sugar while I mix the dough."

"You got it!"

Lulu eagerly grabbed the nearest jar marked with a large painted 'S' and poured a generous amount into the bowl. Only after the first batch came out of the oven did Fifi notice something was terribly wrong. She carefully broke off a piece of one cookie and took a bite.

Lulu eagerly sampled one herself. "…These are… interesting."

Fifi slowly turned toward the princess, "Princess… these cookies are salty! How did you get the sugar and the salt mixed up?"

Lulu blinked innocently. "It said 'S' on the jar!" she protested, pointing toward the shelf. "That's an easy mix-up."

Fifi closed her eyes for a long moment before letting out a patient sigh. "I suppose it is…"

She gently set the ruined tray aside, "Let's forget the cookies for now."

Lulu tilted her head, "What should we do instead?"

Fifi smiled warmly, "Let's finish wrapping the presents for the children."

Lulu's sapphire-blue eyes sparkled, "Okay!"

She threw both hands into the air with enough enthusiasm to light up the entire room before eagerly rushing toward the mountain of colorful wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift boxes waiting nearby.

Within seconds, paper, ribbons, bows, and laughter filled the inn once again. Or at least… it started that way.

What should have been a simple afternoon of wrapping presents for the village children somehow descended into complete and utter chaos.

"Lulu," Fifi asked gently as she reached for another sheet of festive wrapping paper, "where did the ribbon go?"

Lulu looked up from the gift she was enthusiastically wrapping. "The ribbon? I used it."

Fifi blinked, "All of it?"

Lulu proudly held up a beautifully wrapped present. The box looked less like a gift and more like a colorful cocoon. Layer upon layer of ribbon circled it from every possible angle before meeting in an enormous bow that was nearly as large as the box itself.

"It needed more flair," Lulu explained confidently.

"I… see," said Fifi as she smiled as politely as she can whike searching for more supplies.

A few moments later, she frowned, "Lulu… where's the extra wrapping paper?"

"I wrapped it," Lulu said as she held up a box fikked with wrapping paper.

Fifi blinked, "…You wrapped the wrapping paper?"

"It looked lonely. I figured the children would want extra paper."

Fifi stared for a long moment before carefully opening one of the finished presents. Inside was a wooden toy, three rolls of ribbon, two unopened sheets of wrapping paper, and a pair of scissors.

As Fifi looked deeper in the box, "You also wrapped my tape dispenser?"

Lulu tilted her head, "I thought the children might need it too."

Fifi slowly pinched the bridge of her nose, silently wondering how her wrapping supplies had ended up becoming presents themselves. She spent far more time searching for missing scissors, tape, ribbons, and paper than she did actually wrapping gifts. Meanwhile, Lulu happily hummed a Heimspresent tune, completely unaware that every mystery Fifi solved led to another.

"Oh! I found the missing gift tags!" Lulu suddenly exclaimed.

"Wonderful!" Fifi said with obvious relief. "Where were they?"

Lulu reached into another wrapped present and proudly pulled out the entire bundle, "Right here!"

Fifi could only laugh. There really wasn't anything else she could do.

Day after day, Lulu insisted on helping. And yet, everyone quietly wished she wouldn't. It wasn't for lack of effort. Quite the opposite. Lulu threw herself into every task with boundless enthusiasm and a smile bright enough to melt the winter snow.

Unfortunately, enthusiasm and competence were not always close friends. If she swept the floor, she somehow scattered more dust than she collected. If she organized the shelves, no one could find anything afterward. If she carried supplies, half of them mysteriously vanished—only to be discovered hours later tucked inside gift boxes, behind flowerpots, or once, hanging from the antlers of a decorative reindeer.

Before long, the villagers had learned a simple rule. Whenever Princess Lulu cheerfully announced, "I'll help!"

Someone immediately replied, "Why don't you help… somewhere else?"

No one felt the effects more than Fifi. Each time the inn's front door swung open and Lulu stepped inside wearing her trademark cheerful grin, Fifi's cat tail gave an involuntary twitch. It was almost like a warning bell. Something is about to go wrong.

One afternoon, Lulu burst into the inn with Lucien following a few steps behind. "Fifi!" Lulu beamed. "I'm here to help!"

Fifi froze. She slowly turned toward Lucien and beckoned him closer with a single finger. Once he leaned in, she lowered her voice to a whisper, "Lucien, If she helps with one more thing, I'm going to wrap her in ribbon, put her in a giant present box, and hide her under the Heimspresent tree. And nobody is letting her out until the festival is over."

Lucien finally let out a weary chuckle, rubbing his temples, "Don't worry, I'll keep her busy."

To Fifi, those were the most comforting words she'd heard all week. And true to his word, Lucien found the perfect distraction. Every afternoon, just as the holiday preparations reached their busiest—and most dangerous—he guided Lulu to a quiet table in the corner of the inn and produced another volume of manga from his bag.

It quickly became a tradition. She gasped dramatically whenever Saitama clashed in battle, laughed so hard at the jokes that nearby customers couldn't help smiling, and bombarded Lucien with endless questions.

"Does this bald man really punch gods?"

"Why don't more heroes wear capes like him?"

"Could I become a superhero princess?"

By the time evening fell, she'd be content, eyes sparkling, hands resting beneath her chin like a child being told fairy tales. The world outside would quiet, the hearth would glow, and for a few peaceful hours, chaos would give way to calm. Unbeknownst to Lulu, however, a certain lizardman was already halfway to Atland carrying a message that would soon bring her the most unexpected Heimspresent gift she could imagine.

Snow drifted lazily from the sky, soft flakes glimmering like bits of starlight as evening settled over Keimonomimi Village. Warm light poured from Lucien's windows, spilling golden across the snow outside. Inside, the house was alive with the sounds and smells of Heimspresent Eve.

The aroma of sugar, cinnamon, and baked butter filled the air as Vivian — a cheerful Usagimimi with droopy brown ears — hummed a tune while arranging cookie trays by the fire. Her two daughters, Vio and Lily, peeked up at the counter, watching their mother shape the dough into little stars and bells.

"Can we decorate them after they bake, Mama?" Lily asked, bouncing on her toes.

"Of course, dear," Vivian said, twitching one long ear fondly. "But no eating the icing this time."

Lily looked wounded. "That was one time!"

From the sitting room, the sound of Ida's melodic voice carried through the air. The elven storyteller sat in an armchair, surrounded by a group of wide-eyed children. Her golden hair gleamed in the firelight as she turned the pages of an old leather-bound book.

"…and so, the Spirit of Heimspresent spread warmth across the frozen land, reminding everyone that even the smallest act of kindness can thaw the coldest heart," she read, smiling softly.

A few of the kids sighed dreamily. One fell asleep against her arm. Ida nodded before opening the next book to read the next story aloud for those who were awake and ready for the next Heimspresent tale. The fireplace cracked, providing warmpth and comfort to the small children.

Meanwhile, in the corner of the room, chaos had chosen a table and a victim. Trady, a sharp-eyed fox Keimonomimi with a sly grin and a gambler's confidence, was midway through a fierce game of Profiteer against none other than Princess Lulu.

"Ha! You'll never beat me this time," Trady said, fanning out her hand with a flourish. "I've been running card tables since before you learned how to swing that hair ribbon."

Lulu's eyes gleamed like a cat spotting a canary. "We'll see about that."

Two turns later, Lulu slammed her final card down — a bright red Swap card. "I'll take your hand now!" she chirped, swapping their cards in one swift motion.

Trady blinked. "Wait, what just—"

"And I pass my turn," Lulu finished proudly.

Trady grumbled and drew a card from the deck. The moment she saw it, her pupils shrank. "Oh no. No, no, no—" She slammed it down face-first, groaning. "I drew the Profiteer card."

Lulu clapped her hands with glee. "Which means… I win!"

The kids watching from the floor burst into laughter. Vivian peeked from the kitchen to see what was happening, shaking her head with a smile.

Ida closed her book mid-sentence, sighing good-naturedly. "Is anyone surprised?"

"Not in the slightest," said Trady, slumping over the table. "I'm beginning to suspect she's cursed."

"Not cursed," Lulu corrected cheerfully. "Blessed!" Her golden hair shimmered in the firelight as she laughed, pure joy radiating from her like a second hearth.

Outside, the night sparkled with frost. Snowflakes drifted lazily through the glow of lanterns, and the sound of laughter carried faintly across the village square. From the half-frozen barn behind his house, Lucien emerged — or rather, something that vaguely resembled Lucien did.

He adjusted the absurdly large reindeer head sitting askew on his shoulders. The fake fur suit itched like it had been stuffed with pine needles, and every step made the bell on his antler jingle mockingly. His breath fogged in the cold air as he muttered darkly under it.

"All I have to do, is hand out presents to the kids… then maybe, this will all go smoothly for Lulu's special present," he told himself, voice muffled inside the costume. It sounded like a reasonable plan. A simple, peaceful evening.

Then, from his house, came a shriek of laughter loud enough to startle the snow off the roof. "I WIN AGAIN!"

Lucien froze mid-step. Even through the reindeer head, his ears twitched in disbelief. He could picture it perfectly; Lulu gleefully standing on a table, surrounded by defeated villagers.

He sighed. "…Never mind, looks like things are going to be just fine."

He reached for the enormous red sack leaning against the barn wall. It was nearly as big as he was, stuffed with brightly wrapped boxes, toys, and handmade sweets from the villagers. Slinging it over his shoulder, he took a deep breath and straightened the reindeer head.

"Alright," he said, voice dry with resignation. "It's showtime."

The bells on his antlers jingled as he trudged through the snow toward his home, Lulu was already plotting to make Heimspresent one the village would never forget.

The door to Lucien's house creaked open, letting in a rush of cold air and the soft jingle of bells. Every head turned. Vivian paused mid-cookie, Ida looked up from her storybook, and Trady froze in the middle of grumbling about Lulu's "unholy" Profiteer tactics.

And there he stood, a towering, wooly reindeer with glimmering gold antlers and a red velvet sack slung over one shoulder.

The children gasped. "It's the Heimspresent Reindeer!"

Lucien waved a gloved hoof in slow, ceremonial fashion.

Lulu, wide-eyed with delight, leaned over to Vivian and whispered much too loudly, "That's Lucien."

Vivian chuckled, "How can you tell?"

Lulu nodded with utter confidence. "I can tell by the way he walks — all stiff, like he's thinking about taxes."

Lucien internally screamed hearing Lulu judge his gait. But when a small child approached him with a hopeful smile, he immediately returned to character, making grand sweeping gestures and pulling gifts from his sack one by one. The children squealed with excitement as he handed each box out, bowing his head solemnly before moving to the next.

Lulu, unable to contain her energy, leapt up beside him. "I'll help! The royal assistant to the Heimspresent Reindeer has arrived!"

Lucien tried to shake his head, but she was already grabbing boxes, announcing each gift as if it were a royal decree.

"To little Lila — for being the bravest Usagimimi in the village! And to Tomas, for not crying during bath time!"

The kids cheered. Lucien could only nod along, praying no one noticed his visible sighs through the reindeer muzzle. The adults smiled watching Lulu help the Heimspresent Reindeer. For some odd reason, Lulu was the only person who believed that she was the only person who figured out the identity of the reindeer.

After the last child ran out into the snow clutching their presents, the house finally grew quiet. Vivian and the others tidied up the crumbs and mugs, whispering their goodnights before slipping out into the peaceful, moonlit village.

Ida thanked Lucien for making Heimspresent another success for the children. Trady truded out hoping that Lulu forgot about the wagers of the evening.

That left only Lulu — standing near the glowing hearth, cheeks flushed from excitement, eyes still shimmering from the warmth of the night.

Lucien exhaled, the bells on his antlers giving a final weary jingle. He reached up, lifted the massive reindeer head off his shoulders, and dropped it onto the couch with a thud. His hair stuck out in every direction, and his face was flushed from the heat of the suit.

Lulu giggled. "I knew it was you!"

He smiled wearily and motioned for her to wait. "One last gift. A special one just for you."

Lucien turned toward the back door and opened it to reveal a small, enchanted carrier sitting in the snow, softly glowing with protective magic to keep the contents warm. Inside, wrapped in a cozy blanket and purring contentedly, was Cupcake.

Lulu gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "C–Cupcake?"

Lucien nodded, smiling. "Lincale helped me. He created a gentle stasis spell so she could travel safely from Atland. No harm, no fear — just a magical nap until she got here."

Lulu rushed forward and opened the carrier. The orange tabby blinked, yawned, and immediately leapt into her arms, curling up with a soft, happy purr.

"Cupcake!" she cried, tears brimming. "You came all this way!"

Lucien chuckled softly. "Looks like she missed you too."

Cupcake purred louder, nuzzling Lulu's cheek.

Lulu beamed, hugging the cat close. "Best Heimspresent ever."

Cupcake gave a dainty mew that sounded almost smug. Lulu laughed, her cheeks glowing from the firelight. "Oh, don't listen to him, Cupcake. He's just jealous because you're cuter than he is."

Lucien rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin. "That's debatable."

She looked at him for a moment. The man who had followed her into chaos, learned to understand her quirks, and somehow managed to bring a piece of her home to her. The snow outside fell in lazy spirals. The fire crackled softly.

"Lucien," she said quietly.

He blinked, meeting her eyes. "Hm?"

Before he could react, Lulu leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on his cheek, warm and soft as a snowflake landing on skin. His entire body froze.

"M–Merry Heimspresent," she said with a smile that could melt glaciers.

Lucien just stared, ears turning red, utterly speechless. "I… uh… Merry Heimspresent, Princess."

Cupcake let out a loud mrrrp! as if approving the gesture or demanding attention.

Lulu giggled, cuddling her cat close. "See, Cupcake? He's a good one."

Lucien ran a hand over his face, muttering under his breath, "I'm never living this down."

But when Lulu laughed; that bright, musical sound that filled his little house like sunlight — he decided maybe, he didn't mind. Outside, the bells of Heimspresent Eve chimed in the distance. And for the first time in a long while, Lucien felt that everything: the chaos, the laughter, the warmth — was exactly as it should be.