By the time news of Hunter Planet's conquest reached the Empire's central government, night had fallen.
Imperial Star, Empire Building.
The bedroom's main light was off. Only the shaded floor lamp beside the bed was lit.
Warm yellow light spilled from beneath its shade, spreading in layers and bathing the entire room in a gentle amber glow.
Mikoto leaned against the headboard, her long hair draped loosely over her shoulders and falling beside the pillow.
A tiny figure lay quietly in her arms—a boy born just two months ago, bundled in soft swaddling with only half his little face showing.
His skin was so tender it seemed a touch might draw water from it. His eyelids were lightly closed, occasionally trembling, as though he had seen something in his dreams.
Mikoto lowered her head, her gaze resting on that tiny face.
The lamplight traced the soft contours of her profile, making the tenderness overflowing from her eyes all the more apparent.
Outside the window, the lights of countless homes shone brilliantly across Shinra Capital.
Light pouring from innumerable windows joined into a warm sea, illuminating the imperial capital's winter night as brightly as day.
The "Imperial Eye" atop the building radiated a constant, gentle warmth, like an earthly moon that would never set.
Its light spilled down from the sky, enveloping the entire city.
And so, even in the depths of winter, the imperial capital remained as mild as spring.
Hikari sat on a low stool beside the bed, chin propped in both hands, leaning slightly forward like a curious cat.
Her eyes rested on the tiny bundle without blinking.
The boy's little chest rose and fell with his breathing. He still knew nothing of this world.
Yet he already had everything.
That tiny face, those tiny hands, those almost