The atmosphere of the palace garden grew warmer. The wind carried the scent of fresh grass, and the light from the hanging lamps danced gently among the leaves. In the midst of this tranquility, Oda raised an eyebrow with a playful glint. Around them, brightly colored flowers began to bloom, showcasing cheerful hues that contrasted with the green foliage. The cheerful chirping of birds created a melody that seemed to blend with their laughter. Every time the wind blew, the leaves rustled as if they were laughing along, adding warmth to this intimate gathering.

  Oda: “If my child is born before Iris’s, you might just forget their birthdays, Fitran. Men are usually like that.”

  Fitran looked at Oda with a mix of confusion and anxiety, then glanced at Iris, hoping for some support. A small bead of sweat began to form on his forehead, enveloped in uncertainty about his role as a soon-to-be father.

  Fitran: “Eh, no way! I’ve been practicing remembering important dates. Right now, I can recall Rinoa’s, Iris’s, Oda’s, Joanna’s birthdays… I just need to learn the harvest dates and the spiral festival!”

  Iris teased, “You’ll also need to remember: who likes warm milk before bed, who’s afraid of the dark, and who likes to be carried when it rains.” A mischievous smile adorned her face, creating a sense of longing in the playful atmosphere. She winked, emphasizing how real the situation Fitran would face was.

  Fitran: “Wait, does that mean I need a special notebook? Or… should I use spiral magic as a reminder?”

  Oda nudged Fitran’s arm with a laugh, “Don’t! If you use magic, you might forget how to carry your own child. A true father should remember all that by heart.” Oda’s laughter broke the cool air, and their giggles echoed among the walls of the palace garden, as if awakening life within the grand building.

  The three of them laughed. Iris said, her face glowing with enthusiasm, Iris: “Don’t be surprised, Fitran, babies aren’t like enemies on the battlefield. They’re much trickier. One cry can wear you out all day.”

  As the laughter flowed, Iris emphasized her words with a gentle gesture, stroking Fitran’s wrist, as if giving him both encouragement and confidence. “Imagine, if you were fighting an invisible force!” Iris continued, her eyes sparkling, bringing her imagination to life. “Babies attack with their cries, and you have to be ready to handle every assault!”

  As the sun began to dip, its rays pierced through the shadows of the rustling leaves, creating a rainbow of light among the branches. It felt like being trapped in a moment of beauty in a garden surrounded by the elegant architecture of a palace full of history and stories.

  Fitran, feeling the warmth of their presence, began to smile. There was joy in the uncertainty that lay ahead, a smile that reflected gratitude for being surrounded by friends who were always there. This was a precious moment, a bond woven in simple moments. He promised himself to learn, to grow, so he could be the best father for his child someday. Every laugh, every word, became a reminder that being a parent is a journey to be faced together. The corners of the palace garden now felt more alive, filled with hope and cheer in every step they took.

  Fitran paused for a moment, scratching his head, his face slightly furrowed as if trying to recall moments when he saw a father carrying his child. He felt like he was on stage, with hundreds of eyes waiting for his next move. Outside, the chirping of birds harmonized softly, rustling gently from the green leaves swaying in the wind. Fitran: “I can face dragons, I can battle darkness… but changing diapers? I’ve never tried that. I used to think being a king was all about meetings and speeches, but it turns out I have to learn how to soothe a baby, huh?”

  Oda teased while leaning against the wall of the garden adorned with beautiful floral carvings, “Later, if our babies cry at the same time, you’ll have to choose: who gets carried first? Don’t let it turn into a tug-of-war.” Her smile was bright, while her eyes sparkled with mischief. Behind her, red roses bloomed, adding a warm and hopeful atmosphere.

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  Fitran looked left and right, as if searching for answers among the stars. The water droplets pooling in the garden sparkled like jewels under the afternoon sun. Fitran: “Well then, I’ll learn a new technique—holding two kids at once! But… I’m really worried. What if my child cries just because my hands are cold, or they don’t like my singing… what should I do?”

  Iris held back a laugh, gently stroking the back of Fitran’s hand, a gesture that displayed care and support. She looked at him with a loving gaze, then placed her hand on Fitran’s shoulder, as if giving him strength. The soft rustle of the wind swept through Iris’s hair, creating an unforgettable magical moment. Iris: “That’s what being a father is, Fitran. Sometimes you’ll feel inadequate, sometimes you’ll be afraid of making mistakes. But if you’re there, they’ll know this world is a safe place.”

  Fitran took a deep breath, slowly but deeply. The scent of wet earth after the rain began to fill the air, and the sound of rustling leaves from the wind created a melody of tranquility in his ears. In his heart, all his anxieties and excitement mixed: Am I really worthy of being a father? All this time, I only knew how to fight and survive. Now, I have to be the first person they see when they wake up, the reason they feel safe in the dark of night. Maybe I’ll often be confused. Maybe I’ll often be scared. But as long as I’m by their side… maybe that’s enough.

  In the distance, a flock of birds flew low over the pond, contrasting with the elegance of the palace garden, carved from pure white marble, adorned with calligraphy and engravings that radiated grace in every detail. With lush trees and vibrant flowers surrounding it, this place felt like a paradise. Fitran could feel the vibrations of happiness, even though his heart was shadowed by anxiety.

  Oda turned, noticing the innocent and nervous expression on Fitran’s face. She chuckled, then said, Oda: “You know, Fitran? Fathers who are afraid of failing often end up being the best dads. The important thing is, don’t run away when it’s time to clean up the baby’s mess!”

  They burst into laughter again, letting the night be filled with joy—and for a moment, all the burdens of the world felt light, like the wind dancing among the trees in the garden.

  Fitran (softly, as if reassuring himself): “I promise… I will learn. Even if my hands are clumsy, my voice is off-key, I want our children to know: their father is there for them. Forever.”

  Oda and Iris exchanged glances, then held Fitran’s hands. A warmth spread among them, like the gentle moonlight caressing their faces. Iris whispered, “That alone is enough, Fitran.”

  The night grew late, but none of them wanted to leave just yet. Amidst the jokes, anxieties, and simple promises, they found a new home—not in the palace walls or royal titles, but in the trust, courage, and laughter that could finally be heard again in a once-silent world.

  As the stars twinkled in the sky, the atmosphere of the palace garden became even more alive. The small lights among the leaves flickered gently as if following the rhythm of their laughter. The scent of night-blooming flowers like jasmine and frangipani floated in the air, creating a combination that was soothing yet full of spirit. The sound of trickling water from a small pond in the corner of the garden added to the tranquility of the night, as if whispering secrets of the home it had witnessed over time.

  They sat on a wooden bench made from mahogany, beautifully carved with elegant details. Oda hugged her knees, slightly leaning forward, as if wanting to delve deeper into the feelings present at that moment. Her hands brushed the surface of the bench, feeling the strength of the wood, just like the hope growing in their hearts. Meanwhile, Iris rested her head on Fitran’s shoulder, and a charming smile graced her face. It was a symbol of the tranquility that seeped into their hearts, vibrating with love and togetherness.

  Oda gazed at the fine hairs on the leaves as the wind passed through them, as if telling them that simple beauty surrounded them. The fluttering of a small butterfly crossing their view seemed to signify that freedom and hope were in every corner of life, even if sometimes they were slow to reach. “We should come here more often,” Oda said, her voice breaking the silence. “Nights like this… feel too precious to miss.”

  Fitran nodded, his gaze filled with hope and determination. “This is just the beginning,” he said softly, the tension in his chest melting in the warmth of their friendship. As their laughter flowed again, the stars illuminated the bond they had just built, decorating the night with longing and courage beyond measure. Under the magnificent sky, they found a new meaning of the word "family," tightly woven through every laugh, every conversation, and every promise made in the embrace of the night.