As the sea of people gradually flowed away from the Sanctuary grounds, the royal family sought shade beneath the majestic branches of the Genesis Tree. The thick leaves formed a lush green canopy, creating small patterns of shimmering sunlight that danced gently on the soft grass, while the fresh aroma of damp earth and new foliage filled the air.

  A servant deftly spread a brightly colored picnic blanket, contrasting with the surrounding greenery, and presented a bountiful food basket: warm bread with a tempting crispy surface, spiral cakes glistening with glaze, and fragrant flower tea wafting invitingly with a soothing aroma. Around them, the cheerful laughter of children mingled with the distant sound of musical instruments, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. For the first time since morning, they could truly sit, breathe, and enjoy this precious moment together.

  Oda Nobuzan stretched her tired back after a day of activities and sat cross-legged on the soft blanket. A wide smile adorned her face as she reached for the largest piece of steaming bread from the basket, inhaling its enticing aroma before biting into it without hesitation, as if the bread were the happiness she had long sought. Oda (mouth full): "I thought today was just a formal event, but it turned into a feast! Who would have thought, right, King Fitran?"

  Fitran chuckled, warmly patting Oda on the shoulder, feeling the camaraderie and amused by his close friend's silliness. Fitran: "Be careful, Oda. If you keep eating like that, your armor won't fit anymore."

  Rinoa, in the bright weather creating a cozy atmosphere, teased while pouring tea from a pot into Joanna's brightly colored ceramic cup, the liquid flowing elegantly with a soft sound. Rinoa: "When Oda starts fighting for food, it means the world is truly at peace. Back in the battlefield, she was always the last to eat because she was busy looking after everyone."

  Iris laughed softly, feeling warm and amused, rubbing her growing belly, sensing gentle movements inside as if wanting to join in the fun, signaling that new life was on the way. Iris: "Now, if Oda fights for food with my child later, who should I side with?"

  Oda pretended to protest, her eyes twinkling mischievously, "What if your child becomes my toughest rival in the kitchen!" Her light laughter reminded them all of their carefree childhood, where food was not just a means to satisfy hunger but also a symbol of love and family warmth.

  Joanna joined in the merriment, "Don't worry, Oda. I'll teach Iris's child the fastest trick to steal bread. So don't be surprised if your favorite cake suddenly disappears from the table." Her voice was cheerful, filled with the spirit of togetherness, as if inviting them all to celebrate the beautiful memories to come.

  Fitran raised both hands, pretending to surrender with a cute, endearing expression, "Looks like I need to hold special training on how to guard the palace food supplies. Or else the people of Gaia will protest because the king and his family are eating too much!" Under the majestic Genesis Tree, the sunlight flowed gently like golden paint, creating a beautiful play of light among the leaves. The soft rustling of the leaves added to the atmosphere, enticing their thoughts toward simpler and more genuine happiness.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  Everyone laughed; their cheerful voices pierced through the leaves, shaking the air with joy that had long been absent. The delightful aroma of Joanna's baked goods and freshly baked meat-filled bread filled the air, as if inviting them to come closer, to feel the warmth and unparalleled togetherness.

  Oda pointed at Fitran, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, Oda: "If our babies are born around the same time, Fitran, get ready! You'll have to carry two babies while sharing bread and still attend royal meetings."

  Fitran sighed dramatically, his face scrunching up comically as if caught in an unexpected thought, "Wow, taking care of babies, meetings, and diaper training. Why wasn't there training like that in the academy?" A small smile appeared on his lips, though inside he felt the pressure, unable to hold back laughter at the thought of being caught between royal responsibilities and those adorable little babies.

  Iris teased in a playful tone, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Just learn from Oda; she's already an expert at carrying swords—she can definitely handle two babies at once." Fitran imagined Oda skillfully moving between caring for babies and preparing food, and his face lit up as he looked at Oda, full of spirit and joy.

  Joanna gently pinched Fitran's arm, her eyes sparkling mischievously, Joanna: "Just remember, Dad, don't forget our birthdays! If you forget, you'll have to change all the diapers for a month!" Her voice flowed sweetly, blending warning with affection, and Fitran could feel how important that moment was for all of them, as if every word spoken became part of the warm family bond.

  Rinoa covered her mouth, stifling a light laugh, then sweetly said, Rinoa: "I'm sure Fitran will be the best dad... as long as he doesn't forget who the mother is!" The excitement and laughter merged in that warm atmosphere, Rinoa's humorous smile further strengthening the bonds of love among them. Fitran put on a blank face, "Who is the mother, anyway?"

  For a moment, everyone fell silent, then laughter erupted even louder—Oda even slapped the ground, her dusty hands inhaling the scent of wet grass. Iris, with a bright smile that seemed to glow, covered her face with her hands, trying to contain the explosion of happiness filling her chest. On the other side, Joanna nearly choked on her soft cake, coughing lightly while patting her chest, her eyes sparkling like gems reflecting all the joy around them.

  From above, the sunlight shone softly, filtering through the branches of the Genesis Tree, creating dancing shadow patterns on the ground as if celebrating this happy moment. The cheerful chirping of birds intermingled with laughter, adding warmth to the atmosphere and making every second feel incredibly precious.

  In the midst of the warmth of laughter and small jokes, for a few minutes, there were no burdens of the world, no wars, no thrones—just a family finally able to enjoy each other's company on this meaningful day. The enticing aroma of food, like sweet steamed rice with a sprinkle of warm grated coconut, filled the air, awakening their appetites and enhancing the intimacy among them.

  With great delight, Rinoa took a bite of her soft cake. The rich chocolate flavor melted perfectly in her mouth, filling every corner with satisfying sweetness, and instantly, a pleased smile graced her face. Under the majestic shade of the Genesis Tree, the whole family gathered, creating beautiful memories that would forever be etched in their hearts. Their cheerful laughter echoed in the air, becoming part of a symphony of happiness, while feelings of peace and love flowed among them like a gentle river winding through the forest. In the midst of this warm moment, everyone not only shared laughter but also strengthened unbreakable bonds, holding each other in a warm and intimate togetherness.