Instead of doing my usual writing rotation, I decided to rush this out since this fic is near its ending stages. So enjoy this earlier than usual (probably) chapter. –ArcanaHermit
Chapter Twenty-Three: Simplicity (Corrin x Mozu)
"Alright, we're almost done here. Corrin, did you peel those potatoes like I asked you to?"
Corrin nodded and handed those potatoes over to his wife, who quickly and efficiently chopped them up and added them to the stew of various meats and vegetables. Even if it wasn't complete, the smell of it was enough to make Corrin desire it. Perhaps he can have a little…
He was immediately smacked by Mozu's spoon, who gave a bashful smile. "No tastin before it's done."
Corrin chuckled and immediately began the task of cleaning up the kitchen, a place that the two have been in more often than most of the others. Almost immediately after Mozu was recruited into the army, she had been the one cooking for the army, thanks to her amazing cooking skills. Corrin initially helped on and off as a way to make sure that the constant job of cooking for the army wasn't burdening her too much, and ever since they married he would always cook with her, provided he wasn't busy planning for the next battle.
Today was yet another day where he was free, so he was where he always wanted to be, at his wife's side. As he was cleaning the kitchen for future use, he took a quick glance at Mozu. Her confident smile was reassuring to him. During the first days of her recruitment, she was like a fish out of water. Often times she would only find solace in doing the chores that reminded her of her lost village, such as cooking. That was partially the reason why Corrin reached out to her, though he did not expect it to blossom into love.
"Hey, are you doin alright?" Mozu asked as she finished up the pot of stew, setting it aside. She poured a bowl and gave it to Corrin, a bashful smile on her face. "Here ya go, since you've been staring at it for a while now."
Corrin took the bowl and eagerly ate it, causing the villager to giggle. For her part, she never thought she'd be the wife of a royal prince, but even if he wasn't she would have stilled married him within a heartbeat. Despite their differences, they managed to find common ground with each other oddly enough about a lot of subjects, and they've learned many things over the course of their relationship.
As Corrin finished the bowl of stew, Mozu could help but look at his face and smile. His expression was definitely a stark contrast to what she thought royalty was like. It was Corrin's help that she managed to treat everyone as an equal, and to be treated as an equal in kind. Just as she'd ask for advice on tactics, weapons management and the like, she would often be asked regarding cooking, agriculture and other stuff. A beneficial give and take.
"Hey, Corrin?" Mozu said just as the young lord finished. "I wonder…why did ya start taking an interest in me? Not that I mind."
"Hmm?" Corrin raised an eyebrow. This was an odd question from her. "Well…at first I just wanted you to feel comfortable around here."
"Is that all?" Mozu asked, oddly inquisitive. "I'm just wondering. We got married way faster than I thought, so I'm just wondering why ya chose me of all people."
"Why do you ask? There's plenty to love about you." Corrin responded, making her blush. "You are kind, brave, and you're an amazing cook. And that's only the surface."
"Still, it's sorta weird. Wouldn't you'd like some noble gal, since you're a prince and all. I'm not exactly a great catch for princes."
Corrin pondered that question for a while before responding. While there was no doubt he loved her, the question of why wasn't something he'd thought of in much detail. "No, not really. I'll admit that I haven't seen much of court life, but judging from my sibling's accounts, it seems horrible. I'd rather not have anyone decide for myself who I marry. Besides…"
Corrin stood up and approached Mozu, and place a hand on her hip, surprising her. He simply smiled at her. "There's no one else I'd rather dance with."
Mozu's face reddened even more as she recalled their wedding dance. Despite being more used to country dances, she was nevertheless graceful as they danced around the room. Placing her hand on his hip, her other hand wrapped around his, they began dancing around the kitchen floor, for no other reason than being swept up in the moment.
Turn, step, turn, step. Despite not dancing since their wedding, the moves came naturally to them, though Mozu glanced to the side, fearing that someone might interrupt this touching moment. The duo swung around the room gracefully before eventually slowing down and stopping, with Mozu resting her head on his chest.
"Well, that was nice." Corrin said. "Though I was afraid that I might step on your toes."
"So was I…" Mozu admitted as well, causing the both of them to giggle. "I guess those lessons paid off huh?"
"Indeed, Laslow definitely is a good teacher." As they separated from each other, Corrin asked. "Do you still remember our wedding night?"
"Of course." She said immediately, her mind recalling back to that fateful day. "I couldn't forget it even if I tried. It was all so wonderful, the hall, my dress…"
"Mhm, admittedly we might have rushed, getting married so early. But regardless, the reason I did was because you are you. You're not a princess, but you don't have to be. You are an amazing girl, Mozu, and I would never change any of this."
Mozu sniffled a bit, and smiled wider than Corrin ever saw her smiled. "Aw, shucks. Y-you know you say the sweetest things, right?"
They both just stood there, silently smiling at each other. It was only until the other members of the army arrived that they finally decided to break their silence to feed the hungry people waiting outside. After everything was served and the last member left, they finished up their cleaning of the mess hall and walked out.
Mozu was humming a tune, a spring in her step and cheer in her spirit. "Ya know what?"
"Hmm?" Corrin asked.
"I think I'm going to cook an amazing dinner tonight. I want to pay you back for all the times you've been sweet on me, so prepare your taste buds for a real treat." Mozu said enthusiastically.
His enthusiasm was matched by Corrin. If Mozu's regular meals were something spectacular, tonight's dinner promised to be quite the experience. "The I love forward to it."
As they headed back to their quarters, towards the setting sun, they felt more than comfortable with each other. Though this reprieve is only temporary, it serves as a reminder of what they fight for.
Sometimes the simplest things are the happiest ones.
And done. Next up, a Nohr child chapter. Till then. –ArcanaHermit.