The Truth Revealed and the Oath of Shared Fate
Dressed in their handmade new clothes, a sense of tranquility gradually returned to Celestina and Leonora’s expressions—something that had been absent when they first arrived at Akio’s cabin. Especially Celestina, who had begun exchanging brief words with Ayane and the children, occasionally revealing a delicate yet beautiful smile. However, Akio and Sylvia could still sense the deep sorrow and anxiety about the future lingering in their hearts. To ease that burden, and to build genuine trust, they knew they could not keep secrets from them forever.
On the chosen day, after the children had gone off to play by the creek with Alto, Akio and Sylvia each approached Leonora and Celestina, telling them, “There’s something important we must discuss.”
In the annex room, Sylvia sat quietly across from Celestina. Gentle sunlight filtering through the window made Celestina’s golden hair shimmer.
“Celestina Ojousama… no, perhaps I should address you by your true title,” Sylvia began carefully. She then recounted what she and Akio had seen deep in the forest—the fallen bodies of the loyal guards, the grim scene that led Akio to a painful decision: to fake the princess’s death, erecting a false grave to deceive any pursuers. Her tone was gentle but detailed and honest.
As Sylvia spoke, Celestina’s face visibly paled, her shoulders trembled, and tears streamed from her large eyes. Forced to confront the fate of her loyal retainers and learning about the grave deception performed for her sake, she was overwhelmed by shock, gratitude, and an indescribable sense of guilt.
“You… you went so far… for us…” she whispered, her voice broken.
Sylvia gently took Celestina’s cold, fragile hands in hers.
“To protect you and Leonora-dono, and to preserve this modest but peaceful life, Akio—and I—did what we believed was best. We always intended to tell you everything in due time.”
Clutching Sylvia’s warm hand, Celestina silently wept for a long while before finally raising her face, her voice quivering, “Thank you… Sylvia-sama… and Akio-sama too… I have no words to express my gratitude…”
Meanwhile, outside the cabin, Akio stood face-to-face with Leonora beneath the trees. Leonora listened intently, maintaining her knightly composure though her expression remained stern as Akio explained the entire scheme.
When he finished, Leonora fell silent, then let out a slow breath.
“… Akio-dono… from a tactical perspective, your decision was likely correct. At least in terms of securing Her Highness’s safety, if only temporarily…”
Her voice reflected the internal struggle of a knight deceiving the world about her liege’s death. Yet, she continued,
“More than that… the fact that you and Sylvia-dono risked so much and cared so deeply for strangers like us… I am at a loss for words. I, Leonora, swear never to forget this debt, even if it costs me my life.”
With that, Leonora dropped to one knee, bowing deeply in a knight’s salute. Flustered, Akio tried to raise her to her feet.
Later, in the annex, Akio, Sylvia, Celestina, and Leonora, who had calmed down somewhat, sat together for their first honest and serious conversation about the future.
Celestina, her cheeks still streaked with tears, finally spoke of their true identities with a trembling voice.
“Akio-sama… Sylvia-sama… we have deceived you. I am… Princess Celestina El Eldoria of the small kingdom of Eldoria. This woman is Leonora von Weiss, my nation’s foremost knight and my sole protector.”
What they revealed was a brutal reality: a sudden invasion by the powerful military empire of Garnia, the fall of their capital, and their desperate flight to the border forests with only a few remaining allies. Many loyal retainers had sacrificed themselves to shield them from Garnia’s relentless elite forces.
Akio and Sylvia listened in shock and deepened sympathy for the hardships the two had endured.
“… I see. You’ve borne an unimaginably harsh fate,” Akio said quietly.
“We don’t know how long the ruse we arranged can fool the Empire,” Sylvia added. “But for now, your safety and peace of mind here are our top priority.”
Celestina’s eyes welled with fresh tears at their reassuring words. “You’ve done so much… for complete strangers… thank you… truly…”
Akio smiled warmly. “You’re no longer strangers, Celestina-sama. Here in this forest, we live as a family.”
Even Leonora’s stern expression softened slightly at his words.
In that moment, with their greatest secret shared, a profound bond was forged between Akio, Sylvia, Celestina, and Leonora—far beyond simple protector and protected, they became comrades sharing a destiny. Their lives in the forest were no longer merely peaceful slow living; from this point forward, it became a life of resolve, ingenuity, and determination to protect those they cherished.
The first step was ensuring Celestina and Leonora recovered fully and could live comfortably. Next, they needed to reinforce their cabin’s defenses and secure more food and supplies. Akio’s pursuit of ironwork now took on an even greater significance—creating tools and equipment not just for comfort, but to safeguard their newfound family in the days ahead.
What do you think about this chapter?
