Princess’s Wish, A Small Step Beneath the Starlit Sky
A few days after that lively, and somehow endearingly clumsy, first night with Kina, Akio’s next partner for his “date day” was Princess Celestina of Eldria. Outwardly, she carried herself with calm composure when the day arrived, yet inside her heart stirred with expectation, anxiety, and just a touch of nervousness. Leonora, sensing her mistress’s state, gently encouraged her before departure:
“Celestina-sama, Akio-dono is a man of sincerity. Please, be at ease…”
“Akio-sama, I… thank you for your company today.”
Meeting him in the central hall’s garden, Celestina offered a graceful bow. Every movement radiated refinement, though Akio noticed the faint trembling in her slender fingertips.
“The pleasure’s mine, Celestina. So then—what would you like to do today?” he asked warmly. Celestina thought for a moment, then answered shyly.
“If… if it pleases you, I would dearly love to see the many places in this town—places you yourself designed—guided by your hand. And, when night falls… I wish to watch the stars from that hill over there.”
It was a wish filled with her deep interest in the town, her reverence for Akio, and a modest hope for a touch of romance—very much her own kind of request.
Their date unfolded in a calm, intellectual air. With Celestina at his side, Akio guided her through the newly built residential district, the bustling workshops, and the fertile farmlands heavy with crops, explaining the thought behind each design and the villagers’ efforts that supported them. Celestina listened intently, sometimes posing precise questions, and was repeatedly struck with admiration at the mechanisms behind the town’s growth, as well as Akio’s broad knowledge and steady leadership.
“The town you are building, Akio-sama… it is not merely a place to survive. It is a place where each person can use their gifts, live with pride, and let their hearts thrive… Such warmth breathes through it.”
Her words became encouragement stronger than any reward for Akio.
As dusk settled, just as she had wished, Akio and Celestina found themselves on the hill overlooking the town. With warm herbal tea and little baked sweets lovingly prepared by Ayane, they gazed up at a star-filled sky. Three moons adorned the heavens like jewels, countless stars glittering all around.
“… How beautiful. The night sky from my homeland’s palace was fair indeed, but… seeing these stars alongside the lights of this town brings a charm all its own.” Celestina whispered, entranced.
“You’re right. Each of those lights down there carries the lives of the people, and their wishes for the future,” Akio replied, deeply moved.
For a while they spoke little, simply sharing the wonder of the stars and the peace of being together. Then Celestina spoke softly.
“Akio-sama… coming to this village… it truly saved me. Thanks to you, to Sylvia-sama, and to everyone, I was able to regain my will to live. And now… to watch this sky with you, as one of your wives… it feels like a dream.”
Her eyes shone with gratitude and with love for Akio, glittering like the starlight itself.
They returned to Celestina’s chambers in the central hall as the moon reached its zenith. The room was modest yet refined, decorated with pressed flowers she had collected and drawings by the children. By the bedside, Celestina’s body was stiff with nerves, her pale cheeks tinged pink, her wide eyes wavering with unease.
“Akio-sama… the truth is… I have no experience at all… in such matters…”
Her voice was faint, carrying the courage she had gathered. As a princess under strict upbringing and through years of flight, intimacy between man and woman had never touched her life.
Akio felt her purity and anxiety keenly. Taking her hand gently, he said:
“It’s all right, Celestina. There’s nothing to fear. More than anything, I wish to honor your heart. Tonight, simply being by your side… that alone makes me happy.”
His words gradually eased the tension in her heart. He guided her softly to the bed and lay down beside her, wrapping an arm gently around her slender shoulders and placing a tender kiss upon her brow.
“Good night, Celestina. Sweet dreams.”
“… Akio-sama…”
In the warmth of his arms, with his calm breathing at her ear, Celestina felt a peace and love deeper than anything she had ever known. Resting her face lightly against his chest, she whispered, “Good night…” before drifting into a tranquil sleep.
That night too, Akio touched the pure heart of his wife and engraved its preciousness into his own. Though there was no physical union, their souls were bound more deeply and more truly by the words exchanged beneath the stars, and by the quiet warmth they shared in that room.
What do you think about this chapter?
