Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger

”Ladies and Gentlemen! The Semi-Final of the Golden Ladle Championship has finally come to an end.” Faris announced loudly. ”And I have to say, this was the best semi-final I have ever witnessed in my life!”

”It truly was.” Lady Layla nodded beside him. ”Every chef brought something special to the stage, but what we witnessed today was something beyond our expectations.”

”We had an apprentice announcing his independence from his master’s shadow, a young man expressing his love for the love of his life, an elven chef revealing her heritage and past with pride, and finally, a dark horse turning the entire arena upside down.” Faris gestured toward the stage, his voice rising with excitement. ”If this is just the semi-final, I can only imagine what the final is gonna be like.”

”Although everyone is already aware, let us still announce the finalists.” Layla smiled and turned toward the main screen. ”The three chefs who will be moving on to the final round of the Golden Ladle Championship.”

”First is Chef Damir, who finished in third place, with 62 points.”

Applause filled the arena.

”Second is Chef Nuelia, who finished in second place, with 64,2 points.”

The applause intensified.

”And finally, the star of the Semi-Final, Bagdad’s Savior Chef Soren, who finished in first place with a perfect score of 70!”

The arena erupted once again, the excitement reaching its peak. Soren’s name echoed through the stands, chanted by thousands of voices as the main screen displayed his name in glowing golden letters.

As for the protagonist of the moment, he simply stood there with a smile on his face, accepting the cheers while occasionally waving his hand.

’...So this is what it feels like to be recognized... to be liked...’ His chest felt warm, though he couldn’t tell if it was from the adrenaline pumping through his veins or the sheer weight of the crowd’s affection. But...

It definitely wasn’t a bad feeling. In fact, he liked it more than he wanted to admit. However, he also felt conflicted and guilty. After all, he was going to leave the city today.

’...Should we stay for another day?’

He asked himself, but couldn’t bring himself to answer.

The crowd was still cheering, the cameras still focused on him, and the weight of their expectations was starting to settle on his shoulders. If he... If he left now, he would be walking away from all of this. From the finals. From the chance to see how far he could really go.

However... staying meant more attention, questions, and definitely more risk.

’...What should I do?’

’...’

Fortunately, the closing ceremony gave him the excuse to move. He bowed once more toward the crowd, then stepped down from the stage and walked toward the exit. The noise slowly faded behind him, replaced by the hum of the arena’s inner corridors.

Just then, a hand landed on his shoulder.

He turned to find Damir standing there, his expression calm as always.

”Let’s both do our best tomorrow,” he said. ”I will be looking forward to it.”

Soren studied him for a moment, then nodded. ”Likewise.”

Damir held his gaze for a moment longer, then turned and walked away without another word.

Soren exhaled and was about to continue when another voice echoed behind him.

”Mr. Soren.”

He turned to find Nuelia standing a few steps away, her green hair catching the light as she watched him with a faint smile.

”Lady Nuelia.” Soren inclined his head slightly. ”Do you need something?”

”Mr. Soren...” She hesitated for a moment before asking. ”Would it be possible for us to have a talk after this?”

Soren blinked, caught off guard for a moment. ”Yes, it would be my pleasure.”

He didn’t mention the fact that he had already thought of more than twenty ways to approach her but never settled on one. Yet now, here she was, asking him herself. It was almost funny how things worked out sometimes.

”Then let’s walk together.” She gestured toward the path ahead with a bright smile. ”We can talk on the way.”

”Sure.” Soren nodded. ”Where should we go? A restaurant or a cafe?” He paused, considering the festival crowds outside. With their identities, he doubted whether they could even move through the streets without being crowded. ”I guess somewhere private and peaceful would be better.”

Nuelia smiled knowingly. ”I have just the place. And you don’t have to worry about us getting recognized. I am a bit skilled in illusion magic, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

She lifted her hand and said something in a language Soren couldn’t understand. Then, a faint sensation and shimmer washed over him, barely visible before fading away.

”There. Now, no one will pay us any mind.”

Soren blinked and glanced down at himself. He didn’t feel any different, but when he looked at Nuelia, her features seemed slightly blurry, as if his eyes couldn’t focus on her. ”...This’s a handy trick.”

”It has its uses.” She smiled and gestured for him to follow. ”Come, I will take you there.”

”Wait.” Soren stopped her. ”Can I bring someone else with me? My wife, to be more exact.”

Nuelia made a surprised expression. ”You... are married?”

”Yes.” Soren nodded, raising his hand to show the wedding ring. ”I can guess why you’re surprised. After all, most elves don’t marry this early.”

”...Right.” Nuelia chuckled. ”And of course, you can bring her with you.”

”Thank you.” Soren smiled back. ”Then, should we part ways here and meet up later, or will you accompany me to pick her up first and then head to the place you mentioned?”

Nuelia pondered for a moment before replying. ”...Let’s do this instead. We will part ways here. You will go get your wife while I go meet my own people and let them know about our meeting. Then, we can meet at the exit.”

”Sounds good.” Soren nodded. ”However, let’s exchange contact info just in case.”

”Good idea.” Nuelia took out her own device. ”...Done.”

As they finished exchanging numbers, Nuelia pocketed her phone back into her robes and gave him a small smile. ”I will see you both then.”

”Mm, see you soon.”