As Fitran and Iris sat beneath the garden's gentle light, the fragrant aroma of blooming roses filled the air, mingling with the soft touch of morning dew that made the atmosphere feel fresh and calming. Soft laughter echoed from behind the lush rose bushes, creating a warm and intimate ambiance. Oda Nobuzan appeared with a confident stride—though her large belly clearly limited her movements. She wore a deep red shawl that shimmered in the sunlight, and her bright eyes radiated the same spirited energy, exuding an unwavering confidence.
Oda: "Hm, so this is where our great knight hides from the family party?"
Fitran turned with a playful smile, resembling the morning sun breaking through the leaves, while Iris pretended to pout, her fingers gently playing with the flowing hem of her dress, as if expressing a cute impatience. A gentle breeze rustled between them, carrying the soothing scent of flowers and refreshing the atmosphere.
Iris: "I was here first, Oda. You have to wait your turn."
Oda raised her chin confidently—her movements graceful yet majestic—but there was a soft longing in her eyes that she couldn't hide. She sat beside Fitran, her feet touching the soft, fresh grass, and with a half-joking, half-serious tone, she said,
Oda: "Now that you're done caressing Iris's belly, it's my turn, right? Our child here wants to know their father too."
Gently, she guided Fitran's hand to her round, warm belly, as if it were covered in silk. Fitran complied with a loving smile, their eyes meeting and creating a deep connection like two stars twinkling in the quiet night. He let his palm rest there, feeling the heartbeat of the life growing from their love, as if time stood still and only the three of them existed in the warmth of the soft afternoon sun illuminating the garden. Amidst the noise of the outside world, it felt as if only the sound of their heartbeats could be heard, harmonious and peaceful.
Fitran: "There's nothing more blissful than this, Oda. I'm sorry for being slow sometimes... even though two new worlds are waiting for us."
Oda smiled widely, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Fitran, then turned to Iris, with a sense of friendship and love that complemented each other, without a trace of jealousy. The fresh, sweet scent of jasmine filled the air around them, blending with the warmth of the evening's embrace. A gentle breeze wove through the leaves of the trees, bringing a peaceful atmosphere that flowed like a river, delivering smiles to their faces.
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Oda: "I don't mind sharing with Iris. Isn't this world ultimately ours together? The important thing is, when our children are born, don't play favorites. If necessary, you should be both the knight of the night and the diaper changer!"
Iris chuckled at Oda's sweet threat, her laughter vibrating with joy. She held her belly, which shook with laughter, while the warmth of the evening enveloped them. Fitran nodded seriously, but a small laugh escaped him. Under the soft glow of the twinkling garden lights, his face appeared more relaxed, blending with the warm atmosphere.
Fitran: "I'm ready for all of that. If you get tired, I'll keep watch. And when the cries echo, I'll sing—though my voice is terrible. You've fought much harder than I ever did on the battlefield."
He caressed Oda's round belly, feeling the warmth beneath his gentle fingers as they gazed at each other. That moment was filled with tranquility, their figures seemingly cradled in the embrace of the night. Around them, the terrace floor, made of stone tiles, felt cool beneath their feet, providing a soothing contrast to the warmth of their interaction. That night, without the luxury or formality of royalty, they were just three trusting souls, sitting quietly under the bright sky, waiting for a future full of hope.
Suddenly, Oda grasped Fitran and Iris's hands tightly, a grip filled with confidence and trust, reflecting an unwavering determination. She could feel the heartbeats of her two friends, echoing softly against the gentle sounds of the night.
Oda: "For all the things we've sacrificed, tonight... I want us to promise once again. No matter what happens out there—in this palace, we will be family."
Iris and Fitran nodded, their eyes glistening with tears of joy and emotion. In their gaze lay an unspoken depth, as if the whole world outside was worth challenging for the bond they had just forged. Together, they looked up at the sky, now free from threats, replaced by the promise of a new dawn—a bright blue canvas with soft orange hues on the horizon. The fresh scent of blooming flowers in the garden spread through the air, creating a peaceful and hopeful atmosphere. For the first time since the war ended, their laughter filled the garden with happiness that only those who have experienced losing everything could understand. Iris held Fitran's hand, her palm warm and gently trembling, as if trying to convey all the gratitude and joy bubbling in her heart. Her face shone brightly, her eyes sparkling like morning dew clinging to the green leaves glistening under the sunlight.
Around them, the garden radiated a calming beauty—the cobblestone path polished by time, each corner telling stories of the journeys they had taken. Beautiful statues stood majestically, narrating legends and tales of the past etched in the fine lines of their surfaces. A gentle breeze danced softly, caressing their faces and carrying the soft sound of rustling leaves above. The warm sunlight that gently greeted their skin served as a reminder of the courage and resilience they had shown throughout their lives, as if each ray was a tribute to their journey. In this peaceful silence, a new tranquility filled their souls, replacing all past heartaches and sorrows with a promise to continue their journey, rebuilding their world into a more complete and meaningful one.
