Honeymoon

The morning light in the southern islands always seems to arrive earlier than on the mainland.

As dawn broke, the intense heat pierced through the thin, feathery clouds, giving the azure sea a warm, translucent glow. The salty sea breeze, carrying the rich fragrance of tropical flowers, slowly drifted into the open window, ruffling the sun hat woven from fresh palm leaves hanging by the window.

When Lowell woke up, he felt a heavy weight on his chest.

He lowered his head slightly, and what came into view was a handful of flowing moonlight— Frieren's silver hair.

She was like a sleepy cat, most of her body lying on him, her cheek pressed against his cool neck, her breathing even and long, she was fast asleep. One leg was still restlessly draped over his lap, the strap of her nightgown slipped down to her arm, revealing a small patch of fair skin.

"Frieren."

"Mmm..." Frieren made a muffled nasal sound, but instead of waking up, she snuggled deeper into the crook of his neck, seeking more warmth.

Lowell smiled silently, carefully moving his slightly numb arm, his fingertips gently brushing aside the playful silver hairs on her cheek. As he did so, Frieren unconsciously rubbed against his skin, making a contented murmur like a small animal, but she didn't wake up.

Outside the window, the tireless lapping of the waves against the sand echoed, occasionally punctuated by the clear chirping of birds. In the distance, early-rising fishermen had already begun their work, their calls carried on the breeze.

The island is small, but it is secluded, well-equipped, and most importantly, it has a natural hot spring, making it an excellent honeymoon destination.

Although Frieren probably didn't have the concept of a "honeymoon" at all, for her it was just about finding a more comfortable place to sleep, read magic books, and harass the Mimics on the beach.

After lying there for about fifteen minutes, until the sunlight turned the bed curtains a dazzling gold, Lowell gently lifted Frieren's back and moved her off him, settling her on the soft side of the bed. Frieren wrinkled her nose for a moment when she lost her human-shaped body pillow, but quickly curled up, hugged a corner of the blanket, and fell into a deep sleep again.

Lowell rose, his bare feet stepping onto the cool, smooth wooden floor as he walked to the window, taking a deep breath of the sea-scented air. He glanced back at the silver head on the bed, his eyes gentle.

Today, he has a small plan.

When the sun was high in the sky, Frieren was finally awakened by a certain indescribable sweet fragrance permeating the air.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes, slowly sat up, her silver hair disheveled. Her emerald green eyes followed the scent, looking towards the terrace outside the room.

Lowell was with his back to her, busy at a small bar.

"Awake?" Lowell didn't even turn his head, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, his voice carrying the lazy, husky quality of early morning. "Go wash up, I have something good for you."

Frieren blinked, her lingering sleepiness dispelled by curiosity. She kicked off the covers and walked barefoot to the terrace.

The terrace faces a private white sand beach and the boundless blue sea. The sea breeze is gentle and warm with sunshine. On a small round table, two exquisite glasses are already set, with fine water droplets condensing on the glass, sparkling in the sunlight.

Lowell turned around, holding a clear crystal pitcher. Inside was a peculiar drink:

The base is a rich, milky white, as if the sunlight has been frozen, with tiny, golden pineapple pieces suspended in it. Even more amazing is that the drink presents a gradient effect from top to bottom, transitioning from a clear algae blue to milky white, as if a small piece of southern sky and coral reef is sealed in it.

"Here, have a taste." Lowell placed the crystal pitcher on the table, picked up an empty glass, and filled it for her. As the liquid was poured into the glass, it released an even richer, crisp aroma, a blend of the sweet and sour notes of ripe pineapple and a unique, mellow milky fragrance.

Frieren's nose twitched, and her emerald eyes instantly lit up. She took the glass, feeling the coolness of the glass on her fingertips. She carefully took a small sip.

The cool, silky liquid slid into my mouth, instantly dispelling a trace of the summer heat.

The first sensation is the intense and pure sweet and sour taste of the golden pineapple. This is followed by a mild, mellow, and slightly fermented cheese-like flavor that envelops the taste buds, perfectly balancing the pineapple's sharpness.

The two flavors intertwine and blend seamlessly, creating distinct yet harmonious layers. The texture is incredibly smooth, leaving only a refreshing fruity aroma and a subtle, pleasantly sweet milky aftertaste after swallowing.

"Um!"

Frieren's eyes lit up, as if she had discovered some incredible treasure. Forgetting to speak, she held the cup in both hands and gulped down a large mouthful. The icy sensation spread from her throat to her stomach, making her squint comfortably and let out a satisfied sigh.

"Delicious..." She licked her milk-stained lips, her bright blue eyes fixed on Lowell, filled with an eager question, "What is this? More!"

Lowell had been observing her reaction, and upon seeing it, a smug smile spread across his face.

He crossed his arms, slightly raised his chin, and his tone was filled with undisguised boasting:

"Hehe~ Delicious, isn't it? This is called 'Qilin-Trace Immortal Cheese'! I created it myself! Pretty amazing, right?"

"Qilin-Trace Immortal Cheese?" Frieren repeated the unfamiliar name, then looked down at the dreamy blue-white gradient in the glass, nodding honestly, "Mmm, delicious. How is it made?"

"Trade secret~" Lowell deliberately kept everyone in suspense, waving her finger smugly, "An exclusive formula, never to be revealed. But, well, since you're Frieren..."

He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and said mysteriously, "Like this, like this... and it's done!"

Frieren didn't quite understand, but the conclusion that it was "delicious" was undeniable. She downed the rest of her drink in one gulp, then stared longingly at Lowell... and the crystal pitcher beside him.

"Want more?"

Hey~

Lowell took her cup and refilled it. Watching Frieren sip it with the care of a squirrel that had just received its favorite nut, her cheeks puffing out, his mood was as bright and pleasant as the clear southern sky.

The sun was shining brightly, the sea breeze was gentle, and in his glass was a specially mixed drink that she loved.

A honeymoon is probably made up of a series of ordinary yet subtly shimmering moments, Lowell thought, picking up his own glass and gently touching it to Frieren's.

"Cheers."

"Mmm... Cheers!"

The glasses clinked together, producing a crisp sound that blended into the sounds of the waves and the wind.

Where to go today?

"Whatever you like," Lowell laughed. "Would you like to go for a dip in the sea, or just lie here, or perhaps stroll around town?"

Frieren thought for a moment, "Let's go soak in the sea first, then come back and continue drinking this." She pointed to the glass jug.

"Good."

The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

The honeymoon is still long, and their ordinary yet sweet time together is just like this specially made "Qilin-Trace Immortal Cheese" – perfectly balanced, sweet but not cloying.