“It’s already 3 minutes past the predicted time.”
Compared to Spei’s calculations, Donum and Fides were 3 minutes late.
Unlike the complaining one, Donum was quite calm.
“Three minutes is within the acceptable range.”
“Who decided that range?”
“Then who should decide?”
“Do you know how much it costs to roll this thing? Ugh, enough already. Just hurry and get those things loaded.”
Fides and Donum tossed the criminals into the freight compartment like cargo.
After that, the guards and rangers would take turns watching over them.
Fides directed the team.
“Alejandro. Double-check the captured individuals and arrange the shift personnel.”
“Understood.”
Leaving only the monitoring personnel, the rest moved to the front compartment.
As the train was about to depart, Donum spoke.
“Why is this well-bred kid so tight with money? Are you planning to start a country or something?”
“Money isn’t eternal, you know.”
“That’s a controversial statement. Are you belittling my mom and dad’s wealth?”
Spei was momentarily speechless.
Those free-spirited twins knew how to catch him off guard sometimes.
“…That’s not what I meant. Ugh, never mind. What do you know?”
“And trying to accumulate things that aren’t eternal—isn’t that contradictory?”
And sometimes, they would catch him completely off guard with truths like that.
Every time that happened, Spei felt awkward.
“Shut up. What’s wrong with having a lot…?”
“Like I said before, being too smart can be a problem.”
“It’s better than being dumb like you.”
“Your personality is really weird.”
“I take after my mom. Are you saying my mom’s personality is weird?”
“I take after my dad; are you calling him dumb now?”
Fides was quite used to the twins arguing with moves close to foul play.
Meanwhile, the guards and rangers found this scene amusing.
Spei, known as a cold businessman to the world.
And Donum, friendly and optimistic, but sharp and keen when it comes to work.
Both were pillars of the Empire and children of Judas and Eliya.
It was amusing to see such high and mighty figures fighting so innocently while being so young.
Fides didn’t bother intervening.
He let them fight and went off to wash up.
First class had bathing facilities, after all.
After a battle, it was essential to clean up.
The smell coming from his body was not pleasant.
Especially since his wife wouldn’t like it.
As he washed away the fatigue in the water, he lifted his left hand.
A golden ring on his ring finger.
His spouse’s name was engraved there.
Likewise, his name was engraved on his spouse’s ring.
Fides smiled as he looked at that name.
‘Erinn.’
Erin.
Two years ago.
Having become an adult, he confessed to Erin again.
One year later.
So, that’s one year ago in current terms.
Fides married Erin.
The moment when so many people congratulated them.
Seeing Erin happily tear up that day felt as fresh as yesterday.
He could still vividly recall the faces of his parents, touched and rejoicing as if it were their own affair.
“I miss them.”
His wife, his parents, all of his family.
He missed them all.
Now that the work was done, it was time to return and rest with his family.
*
“…So you’re the dumb one. I mean, I didn’t say anything to Dad! You take after Dad, you know?”
“Well, I think so too! It’s not that Mom is weird; it’s you who is weird! And how can you say you take after Mom when she is so gentle, soft, and kind?”
“This is…!”
When Fides returned from washing up, the twins were still arguing.
And the result was Spei’s defeat.
How strange.
Spei was far superior in words.
When the two quarreled verbally, Spei usually lost.
Donum was grinning in victory, sticking his tongue out in a cheeky manner.
“Neener neener! Fool! Idiot.”
“Cut it out, you brat.”
Fides pressed down on Donum’s head and sat down.
It was about time to mediate and put an end to their bickering.
“With so many watching, how long are you both going to keep fighting?”
“Oh. Everyone will witness my victory, won’t they?”
“Let’s not talk.”
Spei gazed out the window, finally managing to calm himself.
Only now did he ask the question he had been curious about.
“Are they from the Messiah Church?”
“Yep. Those are the core members. There are some we’ve missed, and we’ll need to investigate further to find out.”
“Tsk. Those dumb fools are finally starting to dwindle.”
Spei snorted.
“How dare they misuse someone’s name….”
In that instant, the contempt in his eyes was genuine.
The irritation he felt while fighting Donum felt like child’s play in comparison.
Fides and Donum shared the same feelings.
There were many reasons to dislike the Messiah Church, but the biggest was one.
They committed crimes and justified them by using their mother’s name.
How dare they tarnish someone’s honor!
“Well, it’s refreshing. Finally, we’ve thrown them for a loop.”
Donum said, leaning back in his chair.
“How could anyone do such a thing….”
The former emperor who tried to resurrect the Evil God.
Judas and Eliya who stood in his way.
And in the end, Eliya who perished alongside the resurrected Evil God.
He hadn’t witnessed the miracle of that day firsthand.
However, the myths that came about were documented in countless books and passed down even more through oral traditions.
Their parents worked hard for that, yet groups misused it for evil purposes.
“If they knew my parents’ true intentions, they would never dare to commit such deeds….”
Donum felt relieved yet upset.
Spei sighed as he looked at her.
He gazed out the window and spoke listlessly.
“That’s how people are. They don’t seek the truth; they live believing what they want to be true.”
That was his own form of consolation.
He was telling Donum it was unnecessary to feel upset.
Understanding his intent, Donum chuckled lightly.
“Yeah, that makes sense.”
Spei followed suit, putting his mind at ease with a grin.
“Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”
“Of course not. Who do you think I am?”
“A fool is usually quite sturdy….”
“What’s that?”
Fides was trying to rekindle the fighting atmosphere again.
“You should just be satisfied that we’ve suppressed those guys’ forces now. No need to worry about anything else.”
His parents always said.
The present is what matters the most.
So, right now, they should just celebrate the present.
“Especially that’s what Dad says often.”
Donum beamed with a smile.
Even though she had become an adult, Donum was still a beloved, affectionate youngest daughter who loved her dad dearly.
As soon as her parents came into the conversation, the mood warmed up.
Mentioning parents who can be relied upon lifts one’s spirits immensely.
It was now time to return to them.
To the arms of a family that loves and is loved.
*
The Emperor and his officials resided in the Sky Palace located at the center of the Royal Palace.
For Fides, who had just married, a new palace had been built on the eastern side.
This was where Fides and Erin now lived.
Upon returning home, it was dinner time, so Fides planned to take Erin to meet his parents.
But then he heard shocking news from Erin.
*
Judas and Eliya sat leisurely in the garden in front of the barn, enjoying a peaceful afternoon.
Now middle-aged, their life had become so tranquil.
As the Emperor and his officials, they often dealt with grave issues, but their daily life was usually this relaxed.
Beside them was the aged Moon Deer, Yuel.
Being a magical creature, it had lived long and remained very healthy.
A young cat perched on their laps while puppies frolicked around wagging their short tails.
A cat resembling dust.
Puppies with a spotted family resemblance.
But they were neither dust nor spots.
This was a glimpse of the truth that there’s no such thing as eternity in the world.
Fortunately, however, they had lived far beyond their lifetimes in good health.
Thanks to that, the couple and their children had ample time to prepare for and face farewells.
Having passed through that long span of time, the couple entered middle age while the children became adults.
Suddenly leaning against her dependable husband, Eliya spoke.
“Kiss.”
Judas chuckled.
Fine lines had formed around his eyes.
That crease, which made others look warm-hearted, was a trace left from much laughter.
Judas pressed his lips against his still-cute wife.
“How are you still so cute?”
“What can I do? I was born this way.”
“It must be a natural talent. That’s true.”
Despite getting older, Eliya still smiled like a child.
Especially when it was just the two of them together.
It was a strange thing.
By this point, one would likely tire of it, or dislike aging.
Yet to him, Eliya was just endlessly adorable.
“I love you.”
He knew without her saying.
But just because he knew didn’t mean it didn’t need to be said.
Some things will always need expressing, and no amount of it feels sufficient.
“I love you too.”
Even after over 27 years of marriage, their feelings remained just the same.
“It’s almost time for the kids to come back.”
“Yeah. It will be dinner soon. But since there’s no emergency summons, they must be safe.”
The stuffed animals each of the kids carried.
Those magical items were equipped with an emergency call feature to summon Judas and Eliya.
Time had passed, yet the strength they possessed was still absolute.
“Those Messiah Church folks… they’re planning something big this time. I hope they quiet down.”
“Since they’re our kids, they must have handled it well.”
While he was feeling proud about his children, footsteps were heard.
The puppies rushed to greet the new arrivals.
The visitors were Maria and Gallahaid.
Though their hair had gradually turned gray in their old age, their spirits were still younger than they had been as children.
Maria spoke.
“It’s time for dinner, so we stopped by on our way. Would you like to join us?”
Judas and Eliya gladly rose.
“Sure, Mom.”
“Just as we were heading out too, perfect timing.”
As a family, they naturally joined together and moved on.
*
The dining table was as harmonious as ever.
While drinking tea and having dessert, the atmosphere was lively.
The current topic of conversation was Donum.
She was sharing a heroic tale.
“There was one time when Fides let one slip away. He was running away down the exit really fast. So I swooped in with a throw!”
Donum reenacted that moment, pretending to throw a hunting stone.
Hunting stones are one of the tools primarily used by rangers.
It’s a device with stones attached to both ends of a tough rope, spun, and then thrown.
If thrown properly, it would wrap around someone’s legs and knock them down.
“I threw it and knocked him down perfectly. If it weren’t for me, he would have escaped!”
Fides simply smiled as he listened while Spei grumbled.
“You must have received help from your older brother many times.”
“Of course. But right now, it’s my time to shine.”
“Being that shameless is a talent of its own.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
In the midst of listening, Maria chimed in.
“I’m always worried if it’s too dangerous… Is it really safe?”
Gallahaid shared her concern too.
They were worried about perhaps their beloved children getting hurt.
Donum replied confidently.
“Don’t worry, Grandma! I’m the most promising ranger out there! Fides may not know that, but I do!”
“I feel the same way!”
“Either way, I’m being extra cautious!”
“That’s a relief… Well, I believe that as an adult, you’ll handle it well. Right?”
Today, Donum suddenly recalled almost being ambushed.
“Oh, and mom, I got help from the stuffed toy today too. Thank you. Unlike what I told Spei, this is heartfelt.”
Spei shot a sharp glare at Donum, while Eliya laughed covering her mouth.
“I’m glad to hear you’re getting good help.”
“It’s a lifesaver. I would’ve struggled without it.”
Spei heartily agreed.
That stuffed animal was incredibly useful at the right place and time.
Although its coordinates were predetermined, its ability to teleport was particularly beneficial.
“They should commercialize that….”
Amor muttered as if pondering.
The recent interest of the one who made the study of Magical Engineering was returning to making teleportation commonplace.
“If it’s Amor, I bet you can do it. Just make sure to study it safely.”
Eliya agreed.
She had underestimated the talent that Amor had as a child.
In some areas, her genius had even surpassed Eliya’s.
Magical Engineering? That was a field she never even thought of.
Perhaps it might actually be possible for Amor.
Eliya decided not to limit that possibility.
“Oh, by the way.”
Fides spoke to Amor.
“I used that Fireball you gave me. It worked great.”
“…Oh! Did it not fail?”
“Yep. Its performance was good.”
“Thank goodness….”
What Fides had received wasn’t just an ordinary Fireball stored in a magical stone.
It was a magical stone condensed with a high-powered Fireball used by Eliya.
Due to being high-level magic, it could malfunction or even explode in the worst-case scenario.
Of course, safety measures had been established, but it was still worrying.
Fortunately, Amor’s magical stone performed on cue.
While everyone was listening to the story, Judas interjected gently.
“…Amor, when are you getting married?”
At that, Amor puckered her lips instantly.
“You used to hate it when a guy just came near me…. And now you’re saying I should marry right away… hmph.”
“Amor, you’re already twenty-six now….”
Married? What nonsense.
Amor hadn’t dated a proper guy even at the age of 26.
Given that people usually got married around twenty, it was quite a staggering dating history.
She had received countless confessions.
But Amor remained steadfast.
She smiled and turned them down.
It wasn’t because of her dad.
And it wasn’t that she had no desire for romance.
She just hadn’t met a guy she liked.
That was all.
“Dad’s just worried, you know.”
“I don’t know. I don’t like anyone. I’ll just marry Dad. We promised when I was little that I’d marry him. So marry me!”
The now-grown Amor threw a tantrum on the table like a child.
But Eliya shook her head.
“That won’t do. Dad belongs to Mom.”
“Tch…. A partner who can’t be reached even as a princess… What a formidable opponent….”
Amor puffed her cheeks like a baby.
Outwardly, he was a gentle yet somewhat cold scholar, but not before his parents.
“Donum, it’s probably about time for you to get married too, right?”
“Oh, umm…. Well….”
In that instant, Donum blushed and scratched her head.
Donum indeed had someone she was dating.
Patrick.
He was the eldest son of Dillon and Mei.
Both were the same age, and they started dating in the first year of middle school when they became classmates.
When news of the youngest daughter’s love life reached Judas, he nearly cried.
Just as Donum was astonished.
But soon, he gathered himself and accepted it.
Thankful that Patrick resembled his father, Dillon, in being a fine young man.
Now that discussions of marriage between Donum and Patrick were starting to swirl.
“No need to rush, but have you talked to Patrick? You’ve been thinking about it.”
“Um…. I might have to talk to Dillon about it.”
Like Amor, Spei was without a partner.
Not that he had no experience in dating.
He was just too busy with work to have time to meet someone suitable.
He wasn’t particularly desperate either.
Judas and Eliya wished for Spei to take it a bit easier when it came to work.
But their perfectly groomed son had become a workaholic.
There was no special reason.
It just happened that he found something he was good at and ended up managing multiple businesses.
Regardless, as long as he was satisfied and happy with his current state, Judas and Eliya allowed Spei to do as he pleased.
Suddenly, Eliya cast a glance at Erin.
His daughter-in-law seating beside Fides.
Living in the Royal Palace, yet often returning to her roots.
She did so to keep connected with her family.
Judas and Eliya had been considerate of Erin, who had adapted well in this environment.
They usually had good conversations, yet today, she seemed quiet.
She appeared uncomfortable, as though something was bothering her.
“Erin, is there something you’d like to say?”
Eliya quickly picked up on the difference and asked.
“Uh, well….”
Erin glanced over at Fides.
Fides exchanged looks with Erin and nodded.
“I’ll say it.”
“Is something the matter?”
Judas asked concernedly.
As his worry and curiosity began to weave together, Fides spoke, confirming the possibility aloud.
“Erin is pregnant.”
His daughter-in-law was expecting.
In other words, a grandchild was on the way.
“…!”
Judas and Eliya’s eyes widened in surprise.
Amor jumped up involuntarily, exclaiming.
“A nephew?! I’m going to have a nephew!”
“It’s still far off, but that’ll be the case. We just confirmed it today.”
“A nephew…! A nephew!”
Seeing everyone rejoicing as if it was their own affair, Erin smiled joyfully.
Judas and Eliya were taken aback.
A grandchild.
They had been anticipating it but never thought it would come true just like this.
They quickly accepted this happy news.
Love between parents was now yielding a new life about to enter the world.
It was something one couldn’t help but smile about.
“Erin, you’ve worked hard.”
“No, it’s nothing.”
“Does your father know?”
“I didn’t tell him directly, but I wrote him a letter.”
“It’s probably arrived by now. But it’s best to share such news face-to-face.”
Judas hurriedly prepared to leave.
He needed to share this joyous news with Richard.
Today, he was especially ecstatic.
Having met Eliya, falling in love, having a child, and that child is about to have a child, and so forth.
Their love seemed to continue eternally like an endless cycle.
Eliya, seeing through his genuine emotions, smiled gently.
“I love you.”
Judas kissed Eliya’s lips in response.
Even now, when they gazed into each other’s eyes, whispered, and kissed.
It felt like they were returning to their youthful days, forever and always.
“I love you too.”
Words that would last for eternity.
*
In the depths of darkness.
Countless stars dimly shine, holding their breath.
They’re too far apart to touch, casting a shadow even when they shine.
It was a pitch-black void.
Across that void, the intertwined sun and moon drew lines.
Golden and ivory beams coiled in spirals, endlessly cutting through eternal darkness, blinking on and off.
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