Sōkyū Hatake squeezed Sara's hand firmly and gently drew her closer. The hot spring water rippled, and the distance between them narrowed until their shoulders almost touched.
"This isn't a dream, Sara." Sōkyū Hatake looked into her eyes, his voice calm yet carrying a convincing strength.
"We built Rōran's prosperity together. You're no longer that young girl who had to bear everything alone. You are Rōran's rightful Queen, and you are my Sara."
Sōkyū Hatake raised his other hand and gently brushed aside a strand of hair dampened by the steam beside her cheek, his fingertips grazing her delicate skin. "And everything you have isn't yours because I can give it to you, but because you deserve it."
Those straightforward, assured words were like a dose of reassurance, settling firmly into the lake of Sara's heart and sending ripples across it.
Her eyes grew slightly hot. She squeezed his hand back firmly, murmured a soft "Mm," and rested her head against his sturdy shoulder, closing her eyes.
At that moment, she was no longer a Queen who needed to plan and strategize, but simply a woman immersed in love and reassurance.
On his other side, Ayame watched silently, a hint of envy and tenderness showing in her gentle eyes.
She was reserved by nature, neither as bold in expressing herself as Sara nor as lively and outgoing as Anko. More often, she poured her feelings into quiet support and giving.
Suddenly, she felt the top of Sōkyū Hatake's foot gently brush her calf beneath the water.
Ayame trembled slightly and looked up in surprise, meeting Sōkyū Hatake's gaze as he looked toward her. Through the steam, his eyes seemed deep and gentle, with a hint of inquiry and reassurance.
Sōkyū Hatake said nothing, only giving her a slight smile that