Time flew.
Sky City entered the most beautiful season of the year.
In Cherry Blossom Garden, petals drifted down like snowflakes, covering the bluestone path.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the flowering branches, casting mottled shadows on the ground. A breeze swept past, carrying a faint floral fragrance.
Chiyo sat beneath the corridor, holding a book in his hand, but his scarlet eyes were not on the page.
He was listening to the sounds coming from the eastern sleeping hall.
Kanade Hime's due date...
It was in the next few days.
Izayoi sat beside him, her belly already visibly rounded. She held a piece of cloth in her hands and was sewing tiny baby clothes.
Her stitches were fine and neat, each one sewn with great care.
"Chiyo."
She suddenly spoke, her voice very soft.
"Mm."
"Are you nervous?"
Chiyo was silent for a moment.
"I'm not nervous."
Izayoi lifted her head and glanced at him, the corners of her mouth curving slightly.
"Liar."
"..."
Chiyo did not speak. He merely turned a page.
But Izayoi noticed that he was holding the book upside down.
She did not expose him. She just lowered her head and continued sewing.
The smile at the corners of her mouth simply would not be suppressed.
In the distance, Suiko walked past beneath the corridor with a bowl of medicinal soup. Seeing this scene, her footsteps paused.
"Master, you're holding the book upside down."
Chiyo lowered his head and looked. Then, in silence, he turned the book the right way up.
Suiko could not help laughing aloud. Holding the medicine bowl, she walked into Kanade Hime's sleeping hall.
Inside the sleeping hall, Kanade Hime was leaning against a soft couch. Her long hair fell loose, and her face was somewhat pale, but her brows