The morning sun pierced through the wooden curtains of the cottage by Spiral Lake, breaking the remnants of dew hanging on the window. The air felt cool, filled with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers that entered with the light, waking two souls who had been sleeping in each other's embrace on a simple bed. There were no chimes from the palace, no footsteps of servants—only the sounds of nature and the slow, rhythmic beating of their hearts. The cheerful chirping of birds in the distance seemed to sing a song to welcome the day. The leaves outside gently trembled in the breeze, spreading the fresh fragrance of jasmine that grew wild around.

  Rinoa woke up first. She gazed at Fitran's face, still asleep, his breath calm, and his lips occasionally curling into a smile in his dreams. Like a living painting, his face was softly illuminated by the morning light streaming through the curtain gaps. She gently caressed his hair, reminding herself how fragile and human happiness is—not something to be taken or inherited, but something to be chosen and fought for, morning after morning. With a tender touch, her fingertip brushed against Fitran's cheek, carving a smile on his face that warmed Rinoa's heart.

  She quietly slipped out of bed, donning a thin robe that glided softly over her skin, and walked outside the cottage. The morning air nipped at her skin, providing a refreshing chill, but the sun embraced the earth gently, creating golden shards of light on the surface of Spiral Lake. At the lake's edge, Rinoa sat on a large, cold stone, letting her feet touch the shimmering cold water, her eyes gazing far away, observing the ripples that brushed against the surrounding leaves. In the distance, birds flew low, dancing in the air as if celebrating the beauty of the morning. The fresh scent of wet grass and the gentle sound of small waves added to the tranquility.

  Fitran woke up shortly after, finding Rinoa outside. He walked slowly, feeling the cold morning dew touch the soles of his feet. The soft chirping of birds in the trees accompanied his steps, creating a soothing melody. After a few steps, he sat beside his wife, feeling the warmth of Rinoa's body dispel the lingering chill.

  Fitran: “I was afraid to wake up this morning and find it was all just a dream. But you’re still here.”

  Rinoa (smiling, her eyes sparkling): “I promise, I will always wait for the morning with you.”

  They held hands, feeling the harmonious rhythm of their hearts. The morning silence seemed to envelop them in protection, the splashes of water from the lake sparkling, creating gentle ripples that made the atmosphere even more intimate. The scent of damp earth and fresh grass filled the air, as if giving them renewed spirit to start the day. Each gust of wind carried the fragrance of a wildflower blooming by the lake, adding to the freshness of the scene. Their presence amidst the beautiful nature created unforgettable memories.

  After a while, they returned to the cottage to prepare breakfast together. A warm ray of sunlight began to pierce through the gaps in the trees, illuminating the small, simple space. Rinoa cooked root soup and toast, stirring the ingredients with care, the aroma of fresh spices enveloping the air around them, making Fitran's stomach growl. Meanwhile, Fitran tried to light a fire—half succeeding, half filling the room with smoke.

  Rinoa: “It seems easier to build a kingdom than to toast bread without burning it.”

  Fitran (fanning the smoke, frowning): “At least a kingdom doesn’t catch fire just because I forgot to blow.”

  They laughed, their cheerful laughter echoing between the cottage walls, warming the atmosphere. Without a lavish table, they simply sat on the cold wooden floor, wooden plates on their laps, taking turns feeding each other, with small laughs amidst the crumbs of bread. These simple moments felt extraordinary—each bite was an expression of love, while every exchanged smile depicted unspoken depths of feeling. In the midst of breakfast, Rinoa whispered, Rinoa: “If every morning were like this, I would never fear facing the world.”

  They laughed, eating together on the porch. There was no lavish table, just wooden plates, hands taking turns feeding each other, and small laughs amidst the crumbs of bread. Around them, the aroma of freshly baked bread still lingered in the air, warming the atmosphere. The soft morning sunlight cast golden light through the leaves, while the gentle breeze caressed their skin, bringing a refreshing and comfortable touch. In the midst of breakfast, Rinoa whispered, Rinoa: “If every morning were like this, I would never fear facing the world.”

  Fitran: “I promise to always learn—whether to be a king, a father, or the worst bread baker in Gaia.” At that moment, his tone carried determination, and Rinoa looked at him with sparkling eyes, creating a silent moment filled with meaning between them.

  After eating, they relaxed, discussing small dreams and big hopes. The comfortable porch atmosphere was accompanied by the chirping of birds in the distance and the fresh scent of nature. Fitran twirled his fingers over the surface of the wooden plate, smiling. Fitran: “How many children do you want to have?”

  Rinoa (pretending to think): “Mmm… If all the village girls want to come to the palace, I think we could have a hundred!” Her heart felt warm thinking about all the joy and laughter that would fill their home.

  Fitran: “I could teach them how to burn bread until it’s charcoal. But really… I want at least one daughter and one son. I want them to grow up without fear of names or titles—just to be human.” As he said this, he gently took Rinoa's hand, as if trying to convey all those hopes through his touch.

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  Rinoa: “I also want them to learn to write love letters, dance in the rain, and believe that a home doesn’t have to be grand—as long as it’s full of laughter and love.” As she spoke, her smile radiated peace, and her eyes shone with conviction. They both felt how close those dreams were, as if nature itself conspired to support their hopes.

  As they talked, a small bluebird landed on the porch railing, carrying a twig and feathers in its beak. Its cheerful chirping drew Rinoa and Fitran into this magical moment. Rinoa pointed, Rinoa: “Look, that bird is also building a new home. Maybe it’s a good sign.”

  She moved her hand gently, as if trying to feel the positive energy from the little creature. Fitran: “Or a reminder that we should learn from the bird: build a home slowly, and don’t be afraid to fly high.”

  Suddenly, the sound of water moving caught their attention. A large fish leaped from the surface of the lake, creating sparkling ripples under the morning sun. The fresh scent of morning dew and damp earth quickly filled the air, providing a comforting sense of peace. A small rainbow appeared from the splash of morning dew, enhancing the beauty of the scene. Rinoa: “Are you sure you don’t want to learn to catch fish too?”

  She looked at Fitran with curiosity, her eyebrows raised, and her wide smile showed her uncontainable enthusiasm. Fitran: “I could learn, as long as you don’t laugh if I fall in.”

  Trying to hold back her laughter, Rinoa nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness. They laughed together, their laughter blending with the lively sounds of nature around them—the wind whispering softly, the leaves trembling, and the pebbles rustling under their steps. Then Fitran lifted Rinoa with enthusiasm, his body strong and full of energy, and ran toward the water, pretending to drop her. Rinoa let out a small scream, her eyes widening as they approached the lake's edge. They both fell into the shallow water, the splashes soaking them, filled with laughter.

  When they emerged, water flowed from their hair, and Rinoa couldn’t contain her laughter, her entire face shining with joy. The movement of the waves created a peaceful atmosphere, while the sun shone brightly above, adding warmth as they both tried to dry off while gazing at each other with friendliness.

  After enjoying their water play, they sat drying under the sunlight, letting their clothes dry slowly. The sound of their joyful laughter still echoed in the air, mingling with the gentle breeze that swept across the surface of Spiral Lake. However, the tranquility was slightly disturbed by the sound of horse hooves in the distance, breaking the comfortable silence. Rinoa furrowed her brow, trying to catch the sound more clearly, with a drop of water still dripping from the tip of her wet hair.

  A royal messenger arrived at the lake's edge, bowing respectfully. He wore a striking dark blue robe, with the royal emblem clearly visible on his chest. The scent of wet grass and the freshness of the lake surrounded them, adding to the refreshing atmosphere.

  Messenger: “Sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty. There are several important messages from the palace: the council is requesting a decision on the opening of a magic school, there’s a delivery of offerings from the people, and… news from Iris, Oda, and Joanna. They all send their regards and hope that you both remain healthy and happy.”

  Fitran received the letters with damp hands, a warm smile gracing his face. His gaze shifted to Rinoa, and his eyes sparkled brightly, as if communicating without words. He felt Rinoa's fingers still trembling from the cold water as she gripped the edge of his robe, making him feel closer to her.

  Fitran: “It seems the world still wants us to return, even if just for a moment.”

  Rinoa opened one of the letters—Joanna's writing filled with heart drawings, flowers, and simple sentences: “Don’t come home too soon, sister! The world can wait, but love must be enjoyed first!” She smiled widely, and for a moment, her eyes sparkled with joy, as the warm feeling of childhood memories enveloped her heart. The sweet scent of wildflowers blooming around the lake wafted into her nose, stirring up beautiful, buried memories.

  Fitran looked at Rinoa with deep affection, not wanting to lose this precious moment. Unconsciously, he moved his hand to gently touch Rinoa's arm, creating an unspoken warmth between them, while the sound of leaves rustling in the wind added to the peace surrounding them. They both immersed themselves in the power of that moment, as if the world around them had completely vanished, leaving only the two of them by the peaceful Spiral Lake.

  In the evening, they sat back on the porch, gazing at the lake that began to reflect shades of orange and red. The sounds of nature harmonized; the gentle ripples of water, the whispering wind through the leaves, and the chirping of birds returning to their nests added warmth to the atmosphere. The fresh scent of damp earth after the rain touched their noses, drawing Rinoa to occasionally glance at Fitran with hopeful eyes.

  Rinoa: “I don’t want this night to end. But I know, no matter where we go, as long as there is love and courage, this world will always wait for us to come home.”

  She moved her hand, gently taking Fitran's hand, gripping it tightly as if reluctant to let go of that moment. The twilight glow created long shadows on their faces, giving a dramatic impression to their expressions.

  Fitran: “I promise to bring this sense of peace to the palace, into every decision, every argument, every new hope.”

  As he spoke, his breath was slightly labored, yet filled with determination. Fitran's fingers clenched, appearing to tremble for a moment before he released his grip, giving Rinoa a chance to feel the rapid beating of his heart—a sign of sincerity behind his words. They gazed at each other, strengthening one another. The day ended with a warm embrace, where Rinoa's head rested on Fitran's chest, listening to his heartbeat that resonated with the peace in her heart.

  With the cool breath of the lake seeping in, they felt the pain and beauty growing within that embrace, washing away all doubts. As night fell, stars began to twinkle in the sky, as if witnessing their love story unfold. Under the sky of Spiral Lake, their love truly blossomed—not as a fairy tale, but as a life chosen together, day by day.

  From a distance, the gentle sound of waves and the rustling of wet grass merged to create a symphony of nature, silently witnessing their promises. The wind blew a little stronger, carrying messages from the future, promising adventures and challenges that they would surely face together.