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nArcher kept cooking for himself and Sofia, stirring the pot until the Spaghetti Bolognese was perfectly done. The rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and savory meat filled the air, making their mouths water with anticipation.

n“This smells just like Mom’s cooking back on Earth,’ he mused with a sad smile as memories returned. ‘I do miss my life on Earth but I wouldn’t change anything.’

nWhile thinking to himself, he heard Sofia’s voice reaching his ear, “What is this food you’re cooking, Arch? It smells so good,” the burgundy-haired woman said excitedly.

nHe laughed at enthusiasm, which made him smile before answering, “It was one of my favorite meals when I was younger, and my mother taught me how to make it.”

nSofia nodded and moved to the wine cupboard, searching for a bottle. When she spotted one, a bright smile spread across her face. “Can we have some wine with dinner?” she asked, her eyes lighting up. “I noticed only a few of your girls seem to enjoy it.

n“Of course,” Archer replied with a grin as he heard the clinking of glasses as she got two out of the nearby cupboard. “The right wine can bring out the flavors in certain dishes.”

nFollowing that, the duo prepared to eat as he plated the food, and Sofia poured the sweet wine with a smile as she thanked him, “Thank you for dinner, Arch. I’ve only had the family cooks make me food.”

nArcher nodded with an honest smile before replying, “You’re welcome. As I said earlier, I enjoy cooking for everyone, but the maids refuse to eat my food out of respect.”

nSofia started giggling, “No wonder. You’re their king, Arch, not a boss from their work; I would be shocked if the leader of my homeland offered to cook me dinner.”

n“Fair point,” Archer chuckled while sitting down as she slid his glass over.

nHe smiled softly as they began to eat. Still, the moment the first bite of Spaghetti Bolognese touched his tongue, memories from his childhood flooded back, overwhelming him because he hadn’t experienced anything like this before.

nHe could almost hear his mother’s soft laughter, see Alexa’s bright smile, and feel the warmth of their old family dinners. Every mouthful pulled him deeper into the past, where everything felt safe, simple, and full of love.

nHis heart ached at the vivid image of his mother-her gentle eyes, nurturing presence, always looking out for him. It stirred something deep inside. ‘Why am I remembering this now?’ he wondered, feeling a sudden surge of longing. ‘Maybe… because I saw Tim again?’

nUnable to escape the wave of emotions, Archer suddenly stood, his heart racing as memories swirled in his mind. Thoughts of Alexa lingered like a shadow he couldn’t shake, stirring a restlessness deep inside.

nNeeding answers, he decided to seek out his older brother, hoping to confront the past might bring him peace. “I’ll be right back,” he murmured to Sofia, who looked at him with quiet

nconcern.

nWithout waiting for her response, Archer slipped out, his feet carrying him toward the mansion where his brother was staying. The questions in his heart felt heavier with every step, thoughts of Alexa swirling in his mind.

nArcher made it to a balcony before exiting and summoning his wings. He messaged Aisha to find out where the hero’s mansion was, which she told him. Once he found out, he thanked the dragonkin woman and promised to see her the next day.

nFollowing that, he flew for a few minutes until spotting Tim’s place before landing outside and getting a maid to get his brother, which she agreed to. Five minutes later, the older boy appeared to be looking worried.

nTim was about to speak, but Archer’s cold voice cut through the air, “How is Lex? I hope she’s okay.”

nHis older brother smiled before answering, “She’s a strong woman Arch. She took your death hard, but in the last couple of years, something happened which has changed something about her, and now she says she’s waiting for something.”

n‘Does she know I’m alive?’ Archer thought but shook his head as he asked. “She doesn’t have a boyfriend, does she?”

nTim laughed before nodding, causing Archer to grow angry and jealous, which the older boy instantly felt as a dread-filled aura descended upon the mansion, scaring everyone and causing the older boy to sputter, “I was joking, brother! She isn’t interested in love and has rejected dozens of people.”

nArcher’s eyes narrowed before he let out a growl, “Don’t go teasing a crazy dragon, brother. I may be your sibling, but that was the old me. I am now someone and something new,” he warned.

n“I was joking, Arch! Stop being edgy,” Tim retorted before speaking with a knowing smile. “It seems you haven’t forgotten about your first love then.”

n“Of course not! Lex means so much to me,” Archer admitted while calming down.

nTim burst into laughter, flashing a wide grin. “You know she will scold you for the harem, right?”

nArcher shrugged casually, a smug smile creeping across his face. “I’ll just explain everything to her. It’s not my fault I’m so ridiculously handsome that even goddesses chase after me,” he said in a mockingly narcissistic tone, causing his older brother to laugh even harder. That’s when he got booped on the head as he heard Tim’s voice, “Stop being a narcissist, Arch. Yes, you’re handsome, but there’s no need to flaunt it. Mom would be angry with you; you know she hates those people.”

nTim regarded him with a skeptical look. “Mom and Ellie would have a field day with this, and you know it. Even though you’re not the same Archer from Earth, there’s still some of the old you left. I can see it in the way you act.”

nArcher grinned, brushing off the concern with a lighthearted shrug. “Don’t drag them into this! I’m nearly eighteen now, so you can ease up on the lectures,” he replied, his smile betraying a hint of defiance.

nHis older brother chuckled before saying, “I get that harems are part of life here on Thrylos, and it took us a while to adjust, but Em and I have decided to stay committed to each other. I understand it’s different for you since you were raised here. I’m sure Lex will understand too

nif you explain.”

n“But what if she doesn’t?” Archer asked as they strolled through the garden. “When I return to Earth, I want to see her.”

nTim shook his head, offering some older brotherly advice. “When you do go back, make sure to visit her, Arch. Lex has loved you since you met, and I’m sure love hasn’t faded. She’ll be overjoyed to see you again.”

nArcher smiled when he heard that and felt better. ‘I’m just worrying over nothing. I’m sure Lex will be happy to see me.’

nFollowing that, Archer thanked Tim before returning to Sofia, who was baffled. He explained that he had some things to sort out with his brother, which the burgundy-haired accepted before the duo continued eating.

nHe used Mana Manipulation to heat the foods, which Sofia thanked before she asked, in a curious voice, “Do you hate my family?”

nArcher shook his head, denying any issues. “No, it’s not that. I get along with everyone except the emperor and the Pope.” freēwebnovel.com

nSofia nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I understand. Grandfather’s hatred toward you is completely irrational, and I can’t make sense of it either.”

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nThey sat across from each other at the dining table, the delicious aroma of Spaghetti Bolognese filling the room. As the dup dug into their meals, the clinking of cutlery and the gentle hum of conversation created a cozy atmosphere.

nSofia took a bite and closed her eyes, savoring the taste. “This is incredible, Arch. I’ve never had anything like it before. Do you cook often?”

nHe chuckled, a bit of pasta sauce on his cheek. “Not as often as I’d like. With everything going on, I don’t get many chances. But I do enjoy it when I can. It’s a nice way to unwind.”

nSofia leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “What other dishes do you like to make? Do you have any favorite recipes from Earth?”

nHis eyes lit up with nostalgia. “Oh, plenty. There’s this amazing dish called beef stew that my mom used to make. It’s slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs. She used to make it for us on cold nights. And then there’s apple pie-my absolute favorite dessert.”

nThe burgundy-haired woman’s smile widened as she listened, her curiosity piqued. She eagerly asked more questions about his past, each answer drawing them closer. Their conversation flowed, revealing shared interests and enjoying it all.

nArcher escorted Sofia back to her room once the two were done eating. When they reached her door, she looked up at him with a bright smile and, to his surprise, gently kissed him on the

ncheek.

nSofia’s cheeks flushed with happiness and shyness; she quickly thanked him before slipping inside her room. Archer stood there momentarily, his smile lingering as he watched her go before returning to his room to rest.

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