At Velmaria's house, Haruto stood quietly at the front door dressed in a fitted black suit and white sneakers as soft snowflakes drifted beneath the cloudy evening sky.
He reached forward and pressed the doorbell while the cold winter air brushed gently against his face.
A few moments later, the door slowly opened as Velmaria appeared with a faint look of confusion that quietly disappeared the moment she recognized him.
She wore a light gray ribbed crop top with thin spaghetti straps paired with black shorts trimmed in white, giving her a relaxed appearance despite the freezing weather outside.
"You're late, Haru," Velmaria said with slight annoyance as she pushed the door fully open before turning her back to him. "Close the door behind you. It's cold."
"Got it," Haruto replied softly as he stepped inside and quietly closed the door behind him, feeling the warmth of the house replace the cold lingering on his skin.
"So... Velmaria," Haruto asked as he followed her down the hallway, "how have you been?"
Velmaria slowed to a stop before leaning lightly against a long steamy window that overlooked a garden completely covered in fresh snow.
"Unexpectedly... pretty good," she answered calmly as she lifted her narrowed eyes toward him. "...Why?"
A faint smile appeared on Haruto's face before it slowly faded from view.
"I'm glad to hear that... really," Haruto replied quietly as he held her gaze. "I also wanted to apologize."
"Mmm..." Velmaria hummed as she folded her arms beneath her chest and studied him with a calm, unwavering look. "What exactly are you apologizing for?"
Haruto hesitated for a brief moment before letting out a quiet breath.
"For getting you pregnant," Haruto admitted softly as he forced himself to keep eye contact. "I never meant for it to happen, and I know that's a pathetic excuse... but it's the truth."
"I know," Velmaria replied without hesitation as she absentmindedly played with her fingernails behind her back. "You wouldn't do something like that on purpose."
She paused for only a moment before the corner of her lips lifted with faint amusement.
"You just have a terrible pull-out game."
(Pull-out game...?) Haruto thought as confusion briefly crossed his face before realization slowly settled in.
(...Oh.)
"I hate that I have to give birth at this age," Velmaria admitted as she gently rubbed one arm while looking toward the snowy garden. "I'm only eighteen."
Her expression softened ever so slightly before she looked back at him.
"Don't misunderstand me. I already love our babies."
She held his gaze for another moment before quietly adding,
"I just don't like you very much right now."
Haruto gave a helpless smile before lowering his eyes with a small nod.
"That's understandable," Haruto replied calmly. "This is my fault, but I'm still their father."
He slowly lifted his eyes to meet hers again.
"So... give me a chance to be part of their lives."
Velmaria remained silent for several seconds before answering with the same composed expression.
"That was always the plan," Velmaria said simply as she brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't want them growing up without a father."
Her eyes rested quietly on Haruto before a trace of dry amusement returned.
"And don't try charming me."
"We're not getting together."
"We're barely on good terms."
"Our families aren't either."
(I wasn't planning on it.) Haruto thought quietly as he watched her calm expression.
"If we're not on good terms..." Haruto asked after a brief silence, "then what are we now exactly?"
"Our relationship?" Velmaria repeated as she looked directly into his golden eyes without the slightest hesitation.
"You're the father of my children."
"Nothing more."
Haruto stood silently for a moment as surprise flickered across his face before quiet sadness settled behind his eyes.
"But... you can't do this to me," Haruto said softly while searching her expression. "We've known each other since we were born, so you can't just throw all of that away like it never mattered."
"I just did," Velmaria replied calmly as she pushed herself away from the window before continuing down the hallway without looking back.
Haruto quietly watched her growing distance as an unfamiliar heaviness slowly settled inside his chest, making every step she took feel farther than the last.
(She's leaving...) Haruto thought as he forced himself to remain composed. (I always knew people come and go... I just never expected her to be one of them.)
Velmaria continued walking with slow, steady steps while keeping her expression calm, though her lowered gaze quietly betrayed the guilt she refused to show.
(...I'm sorry, Haru.) Velmaria thought as her fingers curled slightly at her side. (I never had a choice... my family decided this long before I did.)
A few moments later, Velmaria stepped out of the bathroom with faint wisps of steam drifting from her curvy figure, while the towel wrapped around her body did little to hide her natural beauty.
Suppressing the urge to fold her arms, Velmaria looked toward the twins as they laughed together, especially Aurelia, before quietly walking over. Even so, Haruto noticed her almost immediately.
"What's up... is something wrong?" Haruto asked casually as he peeked over the back of the sofa.
While Haruto's attention rested on Velmaria, the twins quietly crawled away on all fours, taking the opportunity to escape another round of his relentless tickling.
"Nothing," Velmaria replied simply before narrowing her eyes at him. Haruto hadn't taken his eyes off her since she walked out. "Don't act like this is your first time seeing me like this."
"Hm...? It's not like that," Haruto answered, calmly looking away to keep things from becoming awkward. "I'm only human. Seeing you like that... caught me off guard."
"Hm..." Velmaria tilted her head ever so slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks while her expression remained composed. "You really don't keep those thoughts to yourself."
(Well... I suppose it's because I trust you as much as I trust myself.)
Haruto simply smiled, keeping the thought to himself.
"Whatever," Velmaria muttered as she turned away, her damp hair swaying gently behind her. After a few steps, she glanced back at him over her shoulder.
(Haru really is the same... I'm glad he's alright.) Her gaze softened before quietly drifting away. (When he suddenly went silent... it felt like something was missing. I suppose that's simply my punishment for doing the same.)
Haruto's eyes widened slightly when he realized his daughters were no longer in front of him. He looked around the room before a gentle smile slowly appeared on his face.
Aurelia's incredibly long white hair was sticking out from behind the curtains, making her hiding place painfully obvious.
(It's strange. Someone my age should probably be worried about becoming a father, yet my heart is filled with nothing but love for my daughters... and the desire to protect them with my life.)
A warm smile remained on Haruto's face as he slowly rose from the sofa.
Meanwhile, in Universe 060, within the Kingdom of Elarion Skyhold, Ronóva sat quietly in the flower garden of her mansion.
The gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers as she slowly raised a white teacup adorned with delicate golden trim to her soft pink lips, taking a graceful sip with effortless elegance.
Seated around the luxurious outdoor table with her were Selvia, Luneth, and Celiane. The table was covered with an assortment of exquisite sweets, while each of them wore elegant royal dresses that perfectly suited the refined atmosphere.
"Oh my gosh," Selvia said, her eyes widening in surprise as she gracefully brought a hand to her mouth. "This tea is really good... wow."
"I agree. Hehe... if I'm not mistaken, this tea is from the Satoria Federation," Celiane said happily as she leaned forward at the edge of her chair.
"It is," Ronóva answered with a gentle smile as she elegantly crossed one smooth leg over the other. "I'm surprised you recognized it from a single sip."
"Ahaha... that's Celiane for you," Luneth said with a small laugh as she cut another piece of cake with her fork. "She's a little obsessed with everything you can get from the Federation."
"I'm not," Celiane protested, hurriedly covering her embarrassed face with both hands. "The things there are just... otherworldly."
(Probably because they are.)
Ronóva's smile softened into a quiet, distant expression as she lightly twirled a strand of her silver hair between her fingers. Resting upon her shoulder, a crimson rose remained delicately woven into the layered silk of her dress.
Selvia noticed the subtle change in Ronóva's expression. Taking another sip of her tea, she quietly thought,
(I'd better change the subject... bringing up the Federation probably reminded her of Haruto.)
"Ronóva," Selvia called gently as she placed her teacup onto its saucer before resting her cheek against her palm. "How's little Yomi doing?"
"My daughter?" Ronóva repeated, sounding only slightly curious at the sudden question. Her distant look quietly disappeared, replaced by a gentle smile. "She's playing with the Silver Knights."
(That was fast... If I weren't a woman, I might've fallen for her... romantically.)
Selvia smiled to herself as she watched the warmth return to Ronóva's face.
"I have to admit," Luneth said with a grin while Celiane nodded beside her with a mouthful of cake, "if Yomu is this beautiful, then Haruto must've been incredibly handsome."
"He is." Ronóva gently puffed one cheek before taking another sip of tea. "But... am I not beautiful enough?"
Selvia let out a soft laugh.
"Now you just want us to call you beautiful."
Celiane opened her mouth to respond after swallowing her cake, but the kingdom's bell suddenly echoed across the city, interrupting her before she could speak.
"Oh, come on..." Luneth sighed as she looked toward Ronóva, who had already risen from her chair. "Time always flies whenever we're together."
"It does," Ronóva replied as she smoothed the folds of her dress. "We'll meet again tonight."
"If nothing gets in the way..." Celiane muttered.
Before the final word had fully left her lips, Ronóva vanished without a sound, without light, and without the slightest disturbance in the air, as though she had never occupied that space to begin with.
"There she goes." Selvia said with a small smile as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"It must be difficult," Luneth said quietly. "Being the Empress doesn't leave her much time to spend with Yomi."
An instant later, Ronóva arrived before her magnificent white palace adorned with elegant black trims, a sacred place where neither citizens nor soldiers were permitted to enter.
"Your Highness."
A young knight draped in gleaming white and silver armor knelt respectfully before her. Flowing robes swayed gently in the breeze as his soft pink hair framed a youthful face, while piercing sapphire eyes remained fixed upon the ground.
—Aster—
"Greetings, Your Majesty. I hope your day has been peaceful."
Beside him stood a graceful swordswoman clad in pristine silver armor. Her long blue hair drifted with the wind, contrasting against her sharp crimson eyes before she lowered herself into a respectful kneel.
—Sylvera—
"Mmm..." Ronóva quietly acknowledged them, turning her gaze toward the pair with her usual unreadable expression. "Why are you both here so early?"
"We've completed our duties with Lady Yomi," Aster replied with a gentle smile as he remained on one knee. "It was a wonderful time."
"I see..." Ronóva's eyes calmly settled upon them. "Then where is my daughter?"
"Lady Yomi, don't hide yourself," Sylvera said with a small smile, her eyes gently closed.
A small figure slowly peeked out from behind Sylvera.
Yomi stepped forward quietly, her long hair transitioning from a rich violet at the roots into a soft icy blue toward the tips, just like her father's. Tiny white specks resembling distant stars shimmered throughout her silky hair, giving it the appearance of a quiet galaxy.
"Hi, Mommy," Yomi said softly as she walked forward.
Her calm golden eyes carried a delicate seven-petaled flower pattern within their irises, framed by long, gently curved eyelashes that gave her an innocent appearance.
(I only gave birth to Yomi five months ago... yet she's already speaking. Her growth rate is extraordinarily fast.)
Ronóva quietly placed a hand upon Yomi's head.
Yomi blinked in surprise at the gentle touch. Even Aster and Sylvera silently watched the scene with quiet astonishment.
"You've done well today," Ronóva said, her voice remaining calm as her hand slowly brushed through Yomi's hair. "Mother is proud of you."
She gently lifted Yomi into her arms.
"Mommy..." Yomi asked softly, unable to hide her surprise. (This... is the first time Mother has held me since I was born.)
(Well... it seems even Her Majesty has a gentle side, despite always appearing so cold and calculating.)
"Is something the matter, Sylvera?"
Ronóva's voice remained perfectly calm as she looked over her shoulder.
Sylvera immediately felt a chill run down her spine beneath that quiet gaze.
"Oh... nothing, Your Majesty," Sylvera replied with a nervous smile.
(Can Her Majesty read minds...?)
"I see." Ronóva turned away once more. "You may both take your leave."
She continued walking toward the broad marble staircase leading into the palace.
"Your Highness, please wait," Aster called respectfully from below, a trace of hesitation showing on his face. "May I ask for a moment of your time?"
"If your request is to visit your parents, then go," Ronóva answered without slowing her steps or looking back. "Simply do not neglect your duties."
"Huh...? Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Aster placed a hand against his chest, unable to hide the smile that spread across his face despite his composed posture.
"She really is incredible," Sylvera murmured, admiration filling her eyes. "I'm grateful to serve someone like her."
"Her Majesty isn't interested in women," Aster said as he rose from one knee. "Besides, she's already married to a man worthy of standing beside her."
"Whaaat..." Sylvera teased as she caught up to him with an amused smile. "You really know how to ruin the mood."
"It wasn't much of a mood to begin with," Aster replied calmly.
A long sigh escaped Sylvera as she shook her head in exaggerated disappointment before the two quietly departed together.
"Mommy..."
Yomi spoke softly as Ronóva carried her through the palace's quiet, luxurious hallways. Towering golden pillars lined both sides while warm sunlight streamed through the tall windows, bathing the marble floor in a gentle glow.
"Where's Papa?"
"Hm..." Ronóva's gaze remained forward as she walked at an unhurried pace. "He's somewhere you'll find soon enough. There's no need to worry."
Yomi's golden eyes narrowed with quiet happiness.
(I can't wait to meet Papa. I wonder what kind of person he is. He must be amazing if Mommy came to love him.)
A faint, gentle laugh escaped Ronóva.
"You're not wrong," she said, a small smile touching her lips. "Though when we first met... we couldn't stand each other."
"What...?" Yomi covered her small mouth with both hands, her eyes widening in adorable surprise. "You and Papa?"
"That was how it began."
Ronóva's gentle smile remained as she stepped into a luxurious resting room. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the palace gardens, allowing soft daylight to pour into the elegant chamber.
(Mommy is always so calm... but whenever she talks about Papa, she becomes different. I love both sides of her.)
Taking a seat, Ronóva carefully settled Yomi upon her lap.
"Would you like to hear how your father and I became lovers?"
Yomi quietly looked up at her mother.
(Am I... too young to hear something like that?)
"Young?" Ronóva gently rested a hand upon Yomi's head. "Your mind has matured much faster than your body. You already think like someone around fifteen."
Yomi's eyes widened.
"Mommy... you knew?"
"Of course." Ronóva softly stroked her daughter's hair. "I'm your mother."
Yomi naturally leaned into the gentle touch, closing her eyes for a brief moment.
"Now..." Ronóva continued. "Let's return to where the story began."
"Your father was the first to fall in love."
Her voice remained calm, carrying quiet certainty.
"He confessed to me."
A brief pause followed.
"I rejected him."
Yomi listened without interrupting, her attention completely fixed on her mother's words.
"He didn't give up," Ronóva continued, a trace of quiet amusement appearing in her eyes. "He simply told me he would make me his wife."
A soft laugh escaped her lips.
"He said it as though the future had already been decided."
(Wow... Papa actually said something like that after being rejected?)
Yomi blinked in astonishment, yet an excited smile slowly spread across her face.