As Kairo watched little Aria tug playfully at his blanket, her bright blue eyes sparkling with pure, innocent joy, the King's deep voice echoed through the chamber.
"Kairo,"
he said gravely,
"there is something you must remember. On the night Aria was born, the prophecy declared it clearly: she is not only my daughter… but your future wife. I hope you two will be together until your last breath."
The Queen lowered her gaze, a soft but pained smile touching her lips. She reached out and gently brushed Aria's golden hair.
"It may sound strange now, my son, but such is the will of the prophecy. The kingdom has already accepted it."
Kairo froze. His heart slammed against his ribs like a war drum.
"M-My… future wife?!"
His voice cracked, cheeks flushing bright red.
"Yeah, I haven't forgotten that… I'm glad I have such a wonderful, cute wife."
Aria giggled brightly, clapping her tiny hands together, completely unaware of the weight behind the words.
"Bro-ther! Bro-ther!"
she chirped happily, her voice ringing like a little bell.
Kairo's face burned even hotter. He waved his free hand frantically, flustered beyond words.
"I-I mean, I'm still a kid! How can I—how does this even— Well, more over, don't you have any other questions to ask? It's so embarrassing! Just give me a damn break already!"
The King's booming laughter shook the entire chamber, deep and warm.
"Hahaha! Calm yourself, boy. No one is asking you to marry now. But the prophecy binds your futures. When the time comes, the kingdom will rise under the union of its chosen heirs."
Kairo swallowed hard, his gaze shifting nervously between the King, the Queen, and the tiny princess who was still smiling up at him with unfiltered adoration.
So this is the path fate has carved out for me… Future king, future husband, protector of this land. It's too much for me right now… but…
He reached out and gently took Aria's small hand in his own.
"…Alright. Aria, one day… I'll protect you, and I'll protect this kingdom. That much, I promise."
The Queen's tears spilled over once more, this time with visible relief. The King nodded firmly, his proud gaze never leaving Kairo.
Aria only laughed, oblivious to everything, and hugged Kairo's arm tightly with both her tiny hands. Her innocent warmth wrapped around him like a gentle anchor, steadying the heavy weight of his new destiny.
In that moment, surrounded by his new family, Kairo felt something shift inside his chest — a fragile but real sense of purpose.
Even if the road ahead was overwhelming, even if the shadow inside him still whispered, he would walk it.
For them.
For her.
For the kingdom that had given him a second chance.
Morning sunlight spilled gently across Kairo's room as the distant palace bells rang in a clear, melodic chime. After a full year of silence, tears, and anxious waiting within the royal chambers, Kairo finally stood on his own two feet with real strength.
He turned toward his father, the King, who stood tall by the window with his arms crossed over his broad chest.
"Father,"
Kairo said softly at first, then with firm resolve,
"it's been a year… Can I go out and meet my friends?"
The King looked down at him with steady, piercing eyes.
"Do you think your body is ready, son? You've slept through battles, endured dreams of suffering, and awakened to a world that has already changed. Stepping outside is no longer just play."
The Queen stepped closer, worry etched clearly across her gentle features. Her hands twisted together anxiously.
"Please don't push yourself too much, Kairo. You've only just returned to us… How can you expect us not to worry after you told us about that terrifying dream?"
Kairo clenched his fists at his sides. Determination flashed in his eyes as he met their gazes.
"I know. But I don't want to stay trapped inside these walls forever. I want to see my friends again, to feel the kingdom with my own steps, to truly live. If I'm going to be the future king… I need to know the people, not just the throne."
For a moment, heavy silence filled the chamber.
Then the King's stern expression slowly melted into a proud smile.
"…Very well. But you will not go alone. Guards will follow you in the shadows, and your limits will be tested. Prove to me that your resolve is stronger than your weakness."
Kairo's face lit up with a bright grin, a spark of excitement igniting in his chest.
"I won't let you down, Father."
Outside the palace gates, the kingdom buzzed with vibrant life.
Children's laughter rang through the streets. Vendors called out their wares with cheerful voices. Knights sparred in open courtyards, their steel clashing rhythmically under the sun. The air smelled of fresh bread, blooming flowers, and warm earth.
For Kairo, stepping past those towering gates after an entire year felt like emerging into a brand-new world.
He paused for a moment, breathing deeply, letting the sunlight wash over his face. His heart raced with a mixture of nervousness and joy.
This time… I'll live it fully.
With a determined smile, he took his first real steps into the kingdom — ready to reconnect with the friends who had waited for him, and to begin walking the path of the future king he was meant to become.
The palace gates opened slowly with a deep, resonant creak.
Kairo stepped out for the first time in a year. Warm sunlight kissed his face, and a gentle breeze brushed against his cheeks. He closed his eyes for a moment and breathed deeply, savoring the crisp, free air of the outside world.
Waiting just beyond the garden path were familiar faces.
"Kairo!"
Liana's voice rang out first. She ran toward him, her long chestnut hair flowing gracefully behind her. Over the past year she had grown taller, her features more refined, carrying the quiet dignity of her noble bloodline. Yet her eyes — the same warm kindness Kairo had trusted from the beginning — remained unchanged.
"You really woke up…" Liana's voice trembled. For a brief moment, her composed noble mask cracked as tears welled up in her eyes. "We all prayed for you… every single day."
Kairo offered her a warm, gentle smile.
"I told you before, Liana. My gut never betrays me… I promised I'd live, didn't I?"
Just then, another girl stepped forward, holding a small tray with a cup of fresh water. Her hands shook slightly, but her eyes sparkled with pure relief.
"Um… H-Haruto-sama… d-do you remember me?" she stammered nervously.
Kairo blinked, then tilted his head with a soft smile.
"You're…? Ayaka!"
The girl bowed quickly, her cheeks turning bright red.
"I am the daughter of Lady Maren, the head maid. I—I was too shy to speak much last year, but I always stayed near the palace… praying for your recovery. I'm so happy you're awake now!"
Kairo studied her for a moment. Over the year, Ayaka had grown too. Though her dress was simple, her features had blossomed with a gentle, quiet beauty. Unlike Liana's refined noble aura, Ayaka radiated a soft, down-to-earth warmth that felt comforting.
Kairo chuckled lightly.
"So you're Ayaka. You've grown too… both of you have. Honestly, I feel like I'm the one who got left behind. I thought you were someone else for a second."
Liana puffed her cheeks in playful indignation.
"Don't be silly. You're still ahead of us, Kairo. You're… you're special."
Ayaka nodded quickly, her voice soft but earnest.
"Y-Yes! Very special!"
The two girls glanced at each other, then both looked away with shy blushes coloring their cheeks.
Kairo scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, feeling the air suddenly grow heavier.
Oh no… why does it feel like the atmosphere just got ten times thicker…?
But deep inside, his heart warmed with genuine happiness.
After a year of endless suffering and nightmares filled with torment, this simple, heartfelt reunion felt like the sweetest gift he could have asked for.
For the first time in a long while, Kairo allowed himself to smile without any shadows lingering at the edges.
He was finally home.
Kairo walked a little farther with Liana and Ayaka at his side when suddenly—
"Kairo!!"
A loud chorus of familiar voices rang out from the village square. A group of children came sprinting toward him — the exact same kids he had played tag with before his long coma.
Kairo blinked in surprise. They've grown too…
Their legs carried them faster than before, their bodies taller, their faces sharper and more defined. But the worry shining in their eyes was unmistakable.
"Is it really you? You're alive?" one of the boys asked, his voice trembling with emotion.
Kairo grinned wide and spread his arms.
"Of course I'm alive. You think I'd lose a game that easily?"
The children froze for a split second, then burst into loud, relieved laughter. Some wiped at their eyes with the backs of their hands.
"You idiot! We thought you'd never wake up!" Mika shouted, half-angry, half-crying with relief.
Akio nudged him playfully in the side.
"We were already planning who'd take your spot when we play tag again. Guess we'll have to admit defeat now that you're back."
Kairo laughed, his heart swelling with warmth.
"Well then, it looks like I have no choice. Next time we play, I'll make sure none of you escape. Not even for a second."
The children cheered loudly, their earlier worries melting away like morning mist.
Liana smiled gently at the lively scene and whispered,
"You really are important to them, Kairo."
Ayaka nodded shyly beside her. "Y-Yes… you're important to everyone."
Kairo glanced at both girls, then back at his energetic friends. This kingdom… this family… these bonds. A quiet thought settled in his chest. Maybe this is the real strength I have to protect.
Akio suddenly scratched his cheek with a sheepish grin.
"Well, sorry Kairo, but Daichi is now suffering from being fat as a friend. We need to help him."
He paused, then added softly, "By the way… I missed you."
Kairo tilted his head, pretending he hadn't heard clearly.
"Hey, I just woke up from a whole year of sleep. I couldn't hear — did you say something? And let's hurry! I need to go check up on him."
Akio nodded quickly, a bright smile returning to his face.
"Yeah, we should hurry!"
The group took off together, laughter and footsteps echoing through the sunlit streets. For the first time in a long while, Kairo felt truly alive — surrounded by the warmth of friends who had waited for him, and the gentle pull of bonds that had never faded.
Even after everything he had endured, this simple moment of reunion reminded him why he had chosen to keep fighting.
He would protect this happiness.
No matter what.