Everyone shared a pleasant time welcoming Eli and Little Han to the Forgeworn and Farauld household.
While the great grandchildren played with Baobao and Wisey, the adults then started to swarm Eli with lots of questions with the intent to get to know her.
"Meredith said that your cooking is literally out of this world! I am quite curious about the recipe for those dishes, if you don't mind… Oh! I look forward to tasting them in the future!"
Orion, Meredith's husband and Grandpa Andi's grandson from Tyce, asked in delight.
His wife had always been bragging about how divine and delectable the dishes cooked by Eli. Everytime she talked about it, he couldn't help but drool because of how appetizing it seemed.
Thus the moment he met Eli, the first thing he wanted to know from her was the recipe of the dishes she usually served during his wife's stay in the Silver Dew Forest.
He wanted to learn the recipe so that he could cook for his wife whenever she craves that 'tasty flavored fried chicken'.
He imagined Meredith's happy and fluffy face as she enjoyed eating the food he would prepare! He looked at Eli with an intensely expectant gaze, excitedly waiting for the answer.
"Sure, I'll write you down the recipe right now if you like!" Although helpless and amused by Orion's request, she immediately granted his simple yet cute request.
"Really?!"
Orion's face lit up as his pearly white teeth flashed in his bright smile. Although he was short in height because of his dwarven blood, he is a charming young dwarf, especially whenever he thinks of pleasing his carefree wife, Meredith.
Eli nodded with a light chuckle. After confirming Eli's reply, Orion gestured to the butler to hand them paper and pen. Eli speedily wrote the recipe for the buffalo, salted egg and honey garlic fried chicken.
With a modest smile on her face she passed the recipe to Orion, who received it carefully as if he was receiving a plaque of honor from the imperial family.
All others curiously stretched their heads out to take a look at the recipe. Eli could see them nod their heads with interest and even momentarily be in a daze as if imagining how the food tastes like.
"This looks so tasty.."
"I wonder how it will really taste in actual.."
"If only I could taste it…"
They all looked at Eli with expectant gazes.
Eli couldn't help but let out an awkward expression, feeling at a loss. Slightly scratching her head because of the pressure, she finally said, "Then shall I cook for all??"
"Aiyooo… You don't have to do it right away, you have just birthed to Little Han, how could we make you cook for us as soon as you arrive in the capital!!"
In shock that Eli would easily offer to cook for them, the crowd became a little bit embarrassed especially because they didn't forget the fact that Eli just gave birth to Little Han a few days ago.
Although she had more or less recovered, she still must spend more time taking care of Little Han at this period of time.
Nursing a new born baby will definetly consume a lot of physical, emptional and mental energy.
"Yes.. just focus more on getting a hang with taking care of our Little Han and the capital before you think of these things!" The women of the family gently coaxed her.
"Then, I'll be sure to cook for you when the time is favorable!" Eli then replied, she felt warm inside as she started to feel a sense of belonging in this household.
Judging by her interactions with them, she could feel that they are genuine and happy to have her as part of their family, much to her expectation. It was truly a blessing to meet the two grandpas.
Before this, she was determined and mentally prepared to raise Little Han on her own. But now, she even had two families to take her in with delight!
The more she interacted with them, the more she was thanking the Great One in her heart for giving her this chance to feel this kind of warm family atmosphere she never had, even in her previous life.
She also couldn't help but think of Elise.
Is she happy in the heavenly realm with the Great One by her side? Will she also finally feel this kind of warm and loving feeling in paradise?
Eli genuinely hoped so, because she knew that Elise also deserved to experience those feelings.
The Faraulds and Forgeworns enjoyed each other's company while getting to know Eli. The servants then entered in an orderly manner, delivering the freshly cooked food on the prepared dining tables around the hall.
It was only then that Eli managed to notice that the hall was set up to hold an exclusive banquet for her.
The third generation Faraulds and Forgeworn happily beckoned Eli to dine with them as they continued getting to know her. They thought that this was the perfect time to get to know their god sibling.
However, just as she was about to sit on their table, Grandma Myrna and Grandma Brygid 'kidnapped' her away from the third generation adults, who could only look at her with longing as they sheepishly sat on their respective tables.
"Hmf.." Grandmas Myrna and Brygid held their chin up high with a triumphant look on their faces. Locking Eli's arms on both sides, they sat at the main table.
Eli then saw Grandpa Ben and Grandpa Andi, along with Little Han, still peacefully sleeping in his cradle. Eli put on a bright smile as she checked Little Han.
Everyone waited for Eli to settle down before Grandpa Andi stood in front of everyone on a designated stage and announced.
"To the 2nd, 3rd and the youngest generation of the Forgeworn and Farauld family, this is a joyous event for all of us.
Today, we have gained a new member of our family. She is kind, brilliant and hardworking, fitting to the qualities that embody the core virtues of both families.
From the first day I met her, I knew that she was genuine and simple minded, strong yet honest. That is why I, Andvari Forgeworn, along with my sworn brother, Reuben Farauld, declare to take her in to our families!
Everyone, let us all welcome Eli with warm hearts!"
Grandpa Andi looked at Eli with an encouraging smile, he beckoned Eli to go up front and formally introduce herself again.
Claps and cheers roared in the hall.
Even the kids exclaimed, "Go beautiful big aunt!"
Although caught off guard with the sudden change of atmosphere, Eli still bravely stood and faced everyone.
She has been familiar with this kind of setting, being the one on the stage, although nervous, it wasn't enough to get her fazed.
"Any word from you?" Grandpa Andi asked her gently.
Giving Grandpa Andi a nod, Eli glanced at the crowd and wore a thoughtful smile,
"The heavens knew how thankful I was to be here and see everyone. Before this, I never would have experienced having a big happy family to embrace me with open arms.
But here I am, being welcomed and accepted by all of you.
For me, at this moment, the Farauld and Forgeworn families are all God sent blessings from above. I will cherish and love with all my heart!
Thank you for having me here!"
She gave a humble and heartfelt bow of gratitude.
Everyone had a smile on their faces. Eli's words are simple yet they all could feel and see how she viewed their family. They were more than satisfied!
Another round of welcoming cheers and claps reverberated around the hall. As soon as it subsided, Grandpa Andi again took the floor.
"One thing that I learned during my time with Eli was to pronounce graces before meals, that is why I want to ask you all before we start the banquet, that we take a moment and thank the Creator for this time!"
Soon, Meredith came to the platform and uttered the graces before meals. Everyone cooperated naturally, bowing and closing their eyes in silence.
Eli felt shy yet happy at the same time, she didn't know that her simple habit ever since she went to Prasinos would cause this impact on the two families.
In her previous life, graces before meals were a common practice especially in her country. Although she admits that this practice of praying had intensified after she personally met the Great One.
Who wouldn't pray regularly after meeting the very one who would listen to your prayers?!
After the graces, Grandpa Andi officially started the exclusive banquet and everyone enjoyed each other's presence.
Granma Myrna and Grandpa Brygid warmly filled Eli's plate with nourishing food.
"Here, this will be good for your body!"
"Here, this will enhance the nutrients Little Han will get from your milk!"
"Here, this is our household's specialty, it is also good for your condition!"
Grandpa Ben and Grandpa Andi just lovingly watched their wives spoil their god granddaughter.
A look of relief appeared on their faces. They exchanged a knowing look with each other, as if saying,
"I'm glad we avoided the disaster of sleeping in the horse stable for a long time!"
