The Royal Guards, pretending to browse nearby stalls, exchanged secret grins.
And Ridan, floating overhead, whispered through telepathy:
"Oho~ Idiot finally realized it's real. About damn time."
As they waited for the meat to finish grilling, Ellyn leaned forward.
She rested her small head softly against Hazuki's messy black hair, her golden tail curling loosely around his shoulder for balance.
The noisy marketplace, the smells of food, the chattering crowd — it all faded into a distant hum.
It was just them, sharing the quiet.
"You know, Uncle..." Ellyn said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hazuki tilted his head slightly, listening.
She smiled faintly, her cheek brushing against his hair.
"Just... don't die before we get married."
Hazuki's chest tightened slightly.
He felt the weight behind her simple words —
the vulnerability she rarely showed,
the quiet hope she hid under all her playful teasing.
Hazuki closed his eyes for a moment.
