The Cursed King

"Welcome back home, Mister Loriel and Miss Elise." Horatio's voice rang within the penthouse. "Shall we receive your luggage and take them to your rooms?"

"Oh thank you. You guys did an amazing job at keeping the penthouse sparkling." Elise eyed the area and it felt like the two of them have never left at all. 

It was exactly the same before they left for Japan.

Even before they arrived, Loriel left instructions for the AI butler to keep everything clean and spotless.

Not to mention that there was even a small banner that said just those words.

Elise smiled and thanked Horatio right before she was met with the onslaught of the two cats. Both Pott and Pebbles had missed them terribly and she was the same. 

Loriel watched Elise get down on her knees and pet the two cats.

She really missed being in the penthouse. Loriel was actually glad about this because it meant that Elise saw this place as her home now. 

"Are you feeling hungry, Elise? I can order some food or I can actually cook something if you wish."

Elise looked up and gave Loriel a look. "Are you not tired at all, Loriel? We just got back and you're already trying to cook. Even if the food isn't as good as yours, let's just order something and relax."

"Understood." Loriel smiled at Elise's concern. "Then what food are you in the mood for? We can get some takeout from that Italian restaurant where you took me, or are you in the mood for Haruka's Ramen shop?"

Elise laughed a bit. "No more Japanese food please, let's get with that Italian restaurant. It's your favorite after all."

"Well, I'm also open to trying anything else that's on your mind."

"Nope, I'm good with whatever we used to have." Elise smiled at him before returning to rubbing both Pott and Pebbles' stomachs. "I'm really glad we're back home now. Did you guys miss me?"

Both cats mewled and purred at her affection and attention. 

Loriel watched it a little and ordered their food, before he settled down beside Elise and helped her rub the cats.

He was thoughtful right now. It may have been a little too much for Elise who was used to staying in one place to keep traveling all over across the world. 

Loriel failed to consider that, not realizing that it might have been his adventurous side while he was Maxim, but now he was settled. 

All he needed to be happy and content was by being at her side.

"They must have missed you so much, they're really needy for rubs right now." Loriel chuckled and scratched Pott's head. 

A sleepy yawn escaped the cat as it relaxed underneath his touch.

"I don't mind giving them just that," Elise said and gave Pebbles some petting and rubs. "I missed these two cats as well."

"They're incredibly lucky." 

"I feel lucky too." Elise said and looked at Loriel with a smile. She quickly gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Thanks for coming back here with me, Loriel."

"Of course, you only need to ask."

If Elise just wanted to stay in one place and spend most of their days in the penthouse with one another. Then it was amazing. The location didn't matter at all, just being with her was all it took.

***

In a little less than an hour, the both of them were settled back in the penthouse again. Loriel and Elise were at the dinner table and enjoying their Italian meal together.

Elise happily ate and the two of them conversed about their trip in Japan and the little events that she enjoyed the most. Not to mention, she was also talking about her work already.

"I'm so excited to meet up with others in the office again, I actually bought some souvenirs for them."

"Oh, right, you did." Loriel smiled briefly and remembered the number of little charm tokens that Elise bought while they were in Japan. "I'm sure they'll all love what you got for them."

"I didn't bring anything too heavy, but I'm sure the goodluck charms are great gifts." Elise agreed with him. "I even got some lucky love charms for some of my office mates who are still single. I wonder if Alex or Marc would like one of these."

Loriel thought about and tried not to chuckle. "I'm sure they'll like it."

"Well, it's not like Marc himself needs any kind of luck with women in general." Elise shrugged as she brought out one of the love charms and showed it to Loriel. "But I think Alex might find it nice to have one of these. She's too workaholic." 

"She must have gotten it from her boss." 

"Ah, those two are peas in the same pods, huh?" Elise smiled. "They really get along well and know how each other thinks and works. Marc even calls Alex as the reliable one." 

"Really?" Loriel thought about it. 

"Mhmm, they'd be great together," Elise said. "I don't think that there's actually any policy about not dating co-workers, and even if there was something like that? Marc can easily change it."

"That's true."

Loriel wouldn't mind if Marc actually dated someone like Alex if that made him happy. They were a good match… but Loriel didn't really like to intervene in his relative's relationships.

As long as the Sanderman continued to prosper, they were free to love whomever.

"I'll probably try to work after a day or so," Elise said. "I'm also going to check on Chef Lucy about his schedule as well. Maybe he'll probably start opening the baking lessons after the holidays though."

Loriel nodded. "That's good."

"Hmm? What's good?" Elise raised a brow.

"I think there should be time to relax and enjoy the holidays. I know that Marc has this special bonus for those who work during the holidays, but even your Chef Lucy knows that a break is good. Don't overwork yourself, okay Elise?" 

Elise smiled a bit. "I won't."