Under the shade of the Genesis Tree, amidst the cheers of the people, the small family formed a warm circle that became the center of attention without needing any announcement. The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the thick green leaves, spreading a golden glow that danced on the ground. The cheerful chirping of birds mingled with the laughter and chatter of children, creating a natural symphony that added to the joyful atmosphere. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the fresh scent of wet grass and wildflowers growing nearby, as if blessing everyone present.
Iris, comfortably seated on a wide wooden bench, tried to hold back her mixed feelings of joy and pride. Her hand rested on her large belly, occasionally glancing at Fitran and Rinoa in front of the grassy stage. Her eyes sparkled, holding hopes and prayers for their family's future. The cool morning air made her cheeks flush, and every time Fitran or Rinoa looked her way, she nodded slowly, as if to say: "I’m here; you’re not alone." Iris's hand felt warm and tender as she caressed her belly, as if inviting the unborn child to listen, conveying an endless love.
Joanna sat beside Iris, her body still slightly trembling from earlier tears, but this time her face was brighter. She occasionally wiped the remnants of tears from her cheeks with her sleeve, no longer embarrassed. Her gaze was fixed on Rinoa and Fitran, her eyes sparkling with eager hope. In that light, Joanna appeared graceful and brave, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. She turned to Iris and asked softly,
Joanna:
“Do you think… sister Jeanne will be proud today?”
Iris smiled warmly, stroking the top of Joanna's head. Her grip was gentle and warm, evoking a deep sense of comfort in Joanna.
Iris:
“I’m sure, Joanna. Jeanne must be standing among us, smiling, maybe even laughing in the midst of this crowd.” Iris's eyes glanced toward the circle of family laughing, as if inviting Jeanne's spirit to feel it. Their laughter echoed, reflecting the longing and strength that united them.
Joanna nodded, bolstering herself with those words. For a moment, she felt her heartbeat resonate deeper, flowing with the new hope that was blossoming. That moment felt like a seed planted in her heart, ready to grow abundantly with love and support from those closest to her.
Oda Nobuzan, clad in a deep red kimono with a spiral emblem at the waist, stood slightly behind them. She appeared more relaxed than usual, arms crossed over her chest, but her eyes were sharp, watching Fitran closely. The atmosphere around the Genesis Tree was filled with the bustling cheers and whispers, the warm aroma of food being cooked in tents creating an irresistible sense of comfort, as if guiding them back to the embrace of family. As the crowd cheered, Oda approached the bench and whispered to Iris playfully,
Oda:
“If I go up there, do you think the people will cheer, or will they run away in fright?”
Iris chuckled softly, responding while gently touching Oda's arm, signaling her support,
Iris:
“If you stand there, the children might ask you to teach them how to chop wood instead of giving a speech.”
Oda pretended to pout, but her grinning smile couldn’t be hidden, and she suddenly winked at Joanna. The soft wind rustled through the leaves, creating a soothing melody.
Oda:
“You know, Joanna, you’re free to stand anywhere today. But don’t forget, if Fitran and Rinoa get nervous later, you have to be the first to pat their shoulders.”
Joanna laughed, feeling the pressure on her shoulders transform into courage, and as her smile blossomed, the cool morning dew touching her skin brought a sense of awakening. Under the majestic Genesis Tree, she felt as if she were rooted in love, anticipating unexpected moments. Not far from them, a small commotion caught Joanna's attention. She turned toward the sound, finding several young children, magic students, jostling to get a better view of Rinoa. Their cheerful laughter floated in the air, painting a childhood full of hope. One of them—a boy with black hair in a tattered robe—whispered to his friend,
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“I want to be like her one day. Not to be a queen… but to be someone who is trusted.”
Joanna smiled, turning to Iris and Oda, feeling the warm rays of the afternoon sun gently illuminating the forest around the Genesis Tree. The leaves trembled softly in the wind, producing a rustling sound that seemed to sing songs of hope. For the first time, her presence was not merely as Jeanne’s ‘replacement’ or Sheena’s ‘heir,’ but truly a part of a large family that shared wounds and hopes together, like roots supporting a great tree. In that moment, the fragrant aroma of wet earth and wildflowers reminded her of childhood memories and the warmth of home.
After Fitran and Rinoa received the spiral cloth draped over their shoulders, the atmosphere grew even more lively. A joyful air enveloped the crowd, and cheerful cheers blended with the sounds of musical instruments played in the distance. Oda stood up, then without hesitation, patted Iris on the shoulder, her smile wide like the moonlight on a dark night,
Oda:
“It’s time to congratulate them. If we wait for them to finish greeting the people, we might freeze out here.”
Iris nodded, offering a sweet smile that seemed to light up the darkness of the night, then extended her hand to Joanna, inviting her friend to move forward. Their hands clasped tightly, signaling sincerity and an unbreakable bond.
Iris:
“Come on, Jo. This is our family day too.”
Together, they walked forward, weaving through the crowd that respectfully parted to make way. The atmosphere was filled with the aroma of sweet cakes from food stalls along the path, tempting their appetites. When they reached Fitran and Rinoa, Iris immediately embraced Rinoa first, her warm hands wrapping around Rinoa like a soothing embrace, followed by Oda and Joanna who took turns hugging Fitran. There were no formal words, just long, warm hugs full of meaning, as if time stood still just for them.
Rinoa whispered her thanks in Iris's ear, her voice soft like a valley filled with birdsong,
Rinoa (whispering):
“I will keep your hope safe. And your child’s hope too.”
Iris smiled widely, tears now falling from happiness, her lips trembling as she felt the overflowing joy in her heart,
Iris:
“I believe in you, Rinoa.”
Meanwhile, Fitran hugged Joanna, his strong arms protecting her like an umbrella in the rain, then patted Oda’s back in a brotherly manner, sharing warmth and comfort among them,
Fitran:
“Thank you for believing in this silly dream of mine.”
Oda laughed, then sighed in relief,
Oda:
“There’s no dream too silly if pursued together as a family.”
Joanna, still in Fitran’s embrace, held back her tears and whispered softly,
Joanna:
“Dad… I promise this time I will live wholeheartedly. For sister Jeanne. For all of us.”
Fitran looked down, gently touching Joanna’s cheek with affection,
Fitran:
“That’s the most beautiful promise, Jo.”
The five of them stood under the Genesis Tree, surrounded by cheering people, but at that moment, the world seemed to shrink into a small circle of family—a place where all wounds could finally find a home, and all hopes had ground to grow.
Around them, the Genesis Tree towered high, its branches swaying gently as if dancing to the friendly whispers of the wind. The sound of rustling leaves resonated like a simple melody, embracing every soul that heard it. The fresh aroma of the earth after rain mixed with the scent of wildflowers growing nearby, creating a poignant and calming atmosphere. It was as if nature was celebrating this precious moment, harmonizing with the lively cheers of the spirited people.
As the cheers grew louder, Oda whispered to Iris,
Oda:
“Let’s hurry back to our seats. If I cry in front of the people, my reputation as a tough samurai might be ruined.”
Iris chuckled softly, taking Oda’s hand back to the bench, then pulling Joanna beside her. Her expression, cheerful yet attentive, reflected her nature of always wanting to protect. Behind them, Fitran and Rinoa still stood holding hands, gazing at their small family that now felt more complete than any kingdom in the world. As they shared warm glances, it seemed there was an invisible thread binding their hearts, creating a feeling that they were a strong unity in a bond of love.
And above their heads, the Genesis Tree dropped a golden leaf that floated slowly—seemingly congratulating them on this new chapter of life. The leaf swayed gracefully on its journey to the ground, shining in the sunlight that illuminated the world with hope and warmth. The atmosphere felt like being in the embrace of a crowned dragon, building a shelter for those who love and are loved, assuring that hope will always exist if well cared for.
