Yuichiro tightly shut his eyes, and suddenly, voices echoed from above.
“Yuichiro!”
“Yuichiro-sama!”
Upon hearing those calls, Yuichiro’s eyes snapped open. High in the sky, he saw a green mass plummeting towards them like a shooting star. It was Izrael. Two men clung to Izrael.
Instantly, he stretched out his arm.
“Noah! Temeraire!”
A giant claw came dangerously close to him when he shouted their names. Izrael stretched out its arm and grabbed Yuichiro by the torso. Suddenly, a crushing pressure enveloped his body. Groaning from the impact, Yuichior tightened his grip around Edward.
“You guys really are a rowdy bunch of dragon riders,” Yuichiro heard Izrael’s recognizable, playful voice, almost making him chuckle despite his relentless coughing. Yuichiro then peered over his shoulder, witnessing flames surging several meters beneath them.
Later, Izrael twisted its body as it flew higher into the sky. Watching the receding flames, Yuichiro heard a voice from above.
“Yuichiro, are you okay?”
With a face colored by anxiety, Noah looked down at him. Behind the man, he could see Temeraire’s uneasy expression as well.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
The smoke he had inhaled made his throat bitter and filled with phlegm. When he replied with a hoarse voice, Noah’s face relaxed. However, upon seeing Edward in Yuichiro’s arms, Noah’s features tensed once more.
“Edward-niisama.”
In a choked voice, Edward turned his head as if to grab Noah’s attention. However, he did not open his mouth to speak.
Feeling an awkward silence, Yuichiro raised his voice toward Izrael.
“It’s hard dangling mid-air. Fly to the border.”
“The border?”
Izrael responded, sounding intrigued.
“I want to regroup with Noroshi and Aoi.”
Upon hearing his response, Izrael murmured, “Hmm,” lowering its altitude just a bit.
Keeping his grip firm on Edward, Yuichiro suddenly heard Temeraire’s voice.
“We came because you were late.”
He spoke as if he were a parent picking up a small child. Looking up at Temeraire, his face a mixture of relief and disbelief, Yuichiro finally managed to smile back.
“Yeah, thanks for coming to get me.”
Aoi and Noroshi were pretty close. Spotting the two about to enter a narrow valley, Izrael landed on the ground.
When Noroshi saw Edward, he fell to his knees and burst into tears. The cry from the burly man sounded like a small child’s.
“Edward-sama… I’m glad you’re alive…”
Noroshi spoke up, choked up, and mixed with sobs. Edward looked at him with an indescribable expression and seemed perplexed.
“Are you happy that I’m alive?”
“Of course, isn’t it obvious?”
Noroshi answered promptly, his voice tinged with anger. Edward gave Yuichiro a troubled look. Catching that glance, Noroshi wiped away his tears with his fist and bowed deeply to Yuichiro.
“Thank you. Truly, thank you…”
In response to Noroshi’s nasal voice, Yuichiro shook his head slightly. He turned his gaze toward Izrael and asked, “Is Azrael here?”
“I am here.”
The answer came not from Izrael but from a small red dragon peeking out from Aoi’s neck. Azrael gracefully floated into the air and narrowed its crescent-moon-like eyes.
“Ogami Yuichiro.”
The dragon’s tone was as if it was calling the name of its beloved person. Annoyed by this, Izrael let out a growl, sounding like a threatening dog.
“Don’t you dare address my goddess so casually.”
“Izrael, jealousy is unbecoming over a mere name.”
Upon hearing Azrael’s response, Izrael’s massive body trembled in a wave. Seeing the large tail hitting the ground, Aoi stepped back, visibly scared.
“Iz, calm down.”
Noah petted Izrael’s snout, and the growling stopped. Nevertheless, Izrael continued to show its red maw towards Azrael.
After glancing at the sharp fangs revealed from Izrael’s mouth, Yuichiro shrugged slightly and spoke to Azrael.
“Tell this to God.”
“As you wish.”
With a theatrical gesture, Azrael lowered its head. Yuichiro looked at Edward, Noroshi, and Aoi and then addressed Azrael.
“Tell God to act appropriately. So that everyone can live as they wish, in this world and the other.”
Upon hearing Yuichiro’s words, Azrael momentarily displayed a look of deep reverence, as though profoundly moved by a divine kindness, which only irritated Yuichiro in return.
“Answer me, Azrael.”
“Yes, of course. I promise.”
Noah and Temeraire behind him said nothing. Even if it was unthinkable to let a rebel escape, they didn’t doubt Yuichiro’s decision.
Azrael floated closer to Yuichiro, moving serenely. When its mouth was nearly against Yuichiro’s face, it murmured, “With all due respect and blessings to you who have come so far.” In a gesture reminiscent of prayer, the tip of the dragon’s snout gently brushed against Yuichiro’s nose.
“AZRAEL!”
At Izrael’s sharp voice, Azrael chuckled teasingly and floated away. As Yuichiro roughly wiped his nose with his hand, he heard Noah’s voice.
“Edward-niisama.”
Noah looked at Edward with somewhat lost eyes. In contrast, Edward’s face was completely impassive. Fixated on the silent Edward, Noah’s voice quivered, “Brother, why won’t you say anything to me?”
His tone was one of despair, directed at a brother who had sparked a civil war and yet refused to utter a single word even as the end drew near. Edward’s expression remained unchanged. However, his lips slightly parted.
“What I have to convey to you is nothing.”
Hearing Edward’s emotionless statement, pain flashed across Noah’s face.
Nonetheless, Edward advanced a step, gracefully knelt, and while keeping his head lowered, declared, “King Noah, you are the ‘Rightful King.'”
Hearing this unwavering proclamation, Noah momentarily held his breath. With his head still bowed, Edward added, “You have the right to take my life.”
At Edward’s proclamation, Noroshi visibly paled. Yuichiro was about to raise his voice and step forward when Noah extended an arm to restrain him.
“I don’t know why Yuichiro protected you all, but I can understand that there are circumstances unknown to me. All the rebels died in that mansion fire. That’s enough. This war ends now. I don’t want any more people to die.” After stating this with a somewhat detached tone, Noah continued, “However, if another rebellion occurs, there will be no mercy. Next time, I won’t stop until the heads of all traitors line the castle walls.”
At Noah’s resolute tone, Edward momentarily widened his eyes in surprise, then slightly lifted the corners of his mouth. It was a smile that seemed both proud and horrified at the brutal aspect shown by his once-timid younger brother.
Edward stood up and lightly patted the uneasy-looking Noroshi’s back. He then directed his gaze towards Aoi.
“We’re heading to where Rondo is. What will you do?”
The tone suggested that she was free to come or not. At the abrupt question, Aoi’s gaze wavered slightly.
“I am…”
Aoi looked toward Azrael as if seeking help.
“Just say where you want to go.”
At Azrael’s words, Aoi’s eyes once again drifted. The place she wanted to go, she repeated almost like a parrot.
Then, a soft voice echoed.
“Live your own life.”
Turning around, Temeraire was staring directly at Aoi. With a somewhat perplexed look, Aoi stared back at Temeraire.
“You’re still a child. Go back to your parents and first face what you’ve done. Then start living your life properly.”
At Temeraire’s calm, advising words, Aoi’s eyes slightly moistened. Aoi clutched her chest with trembling hands and let out a choked voice.
“Temeraire-san, I…”
Her tone was someone wanting to say something but not knowing what.
Temeraire placed his palm on the trembling shoulders of Aoi, who looked up at him with a face about to burst into tears.
“Find someone who truly cares for you.”
It was a cruel statement but likely the kindest answer. At Temeraire’s words, Aoi twisted her face in pain but nodded silently without saying anything.
Silence ensued. Before long, Azrael turned to Yuichiro and asked, “Are you okay?”
At that, Yuichiro tilted his head.
“What do you mean?”
“In a world where you can’t return…”
At Azrael’s probing voice, Noah and Temeraire’s shouting voices overlapped.
“Yuichiro came back to this world!”
“Don’t make such a foolish suggestion of returning!”
Their vociferous voices made Yuichiro involuntarily chuckle. As he let out a laugh, he could feel his head starting to sway.
Before he could think about it, his knees had hit the ground. Maybe it was because he felt relieved; a severe dizziness immediately enveloped his brain.
“Yuichiro!” Noah’s distant scream echoed.
When Temeraire embraced his shoulders, his consciousness was cut off from reality as if turning off a television.
* * *
Yuichiro experienced another dream. Upon awakening, its details mainly had escaped him, much like a brief dream that evades one’s grasp. Still, he remembered a soft voice whispering, “Dad.” It was a girl’s voice, somewhat timid. Despite calling their actual names, there was no answer. Their laughter slowly dissipated, and though he extended his hand, he couldn’t touch them. He called their names again, but the sound of their laughter was gone.
In its place, he felt warmth, as if a flame had sparked in his lower abdomen. A minute heartbeat pulsed within. When Yuichiro tenderly embraced his abdomen, he was awakened from his dream.
Tears flowed down Yuichiro’s face as he opened his eyes. He blinked multiple times to clear his vision, and large tear drops fell with each blink. As he moved to wipe away the tears, he noticed his hands were held by someone. Glancing to his right, Noah was sleeping, tightly holding his hand. On his left was Temeraire, in a similar pose.
“Hey,” Yuichiro murmured, shaking his hands gently. Instantly, both hands, his and Noah’s, fell to the bed. Seemingly awoken simultaneously, both Noah and Temeraire sat upright.
“Yu-, Yuichiro, you—you’re up!?”
“What’s wrong, why are you crying? Is something hurting?”
Overwhelmed by the rapid-fire questions, Yuichiro used his hand to wipe away the tears and replied, “I’m alright. Nothing hurts.”
After Yuichiro replied, Temeraire gently offered a glass of water. He then drank a few sips of water as it pressed against my lips. The moment Yuichiro breathed relief at the sensation of water flowing down his throat, Noah, who had been restraining himself, passionately spoke up.
“Yuichiro, are you fine now—?”
“—How long have I been asleep?”
Yuichiro asked, interrupting Noah’s words. Noah wore a complacent expression but kept his lips tightly sealed. Temeraire answered after briefly observing Noah.
“One day. I’ll call the doctor right away.”
“No, tell me the situation first.”
Upon seeing Yuichiro speaking formally, Temeraire let out a small sigh. However, perhaps thinking the man would never get any rest until he answered the question, Temeraire began to report in a monotone voice.
“Prince Edward, Prince Rondo, and the goddess of the rebel army have all been declared to have committed suicide by burning themselves along with their residences. The rebel army has been crushed, and we are now rounding up the remnants.”
“Understood. Be sure to distinguish between those who should be held responsible and those who shouldn’t. I don’t want any more unnecessary deaths.”
“Of course. The final judgment will be made by Noah-sama and myself. We will conclude the aftermath as peacefully as possible.” Temeraire then added casually, “We’ve also captured Nikolai.”
Upon hearing those words, Yuichiro hesitated briefly. He gazed deeply into Temeraire’s eyes before finally speaking.
“Really? Does Goat know of this?”
“Yes. He mentioned he’s awaiting your judgment, Yuichiro-sama.”
“Let Goat know that deciding Nikolai’s punishment is his responsibility.”
“Understood.”
After acknowledging formally, Temeraire exhaled softly. He then looked at Yuichiro, his eyes filled with sadness and tenderness.
“Congratulations.”
“Congratulations?”
Caught off guard by the sudden congratulatory words, Yuichiro blinked. Noah, who had been gritting his teeth, finally opened his mouth wide.
“Yuichiro!”
Startled by the loud voice, Yuichiro looked at Noah bewilderedly. Noah was staring at him with an obviously joyful look.
“You have something to tell us, right?”
From Noah’s anticipatory look, Yuichiro deduced what he was hinting at. If he had been checked by a doctor after his fainting spell, they might have discovered his condition.
Quickly turning his gaze to Temeraire, Temeraire calmly said, “Both mother and child are fine, according to the doctor.”
Hearing this, Yuichiro sighed with relief, his hands instinctively reaching his lower abdomen.
Thank God they’re safe.
Observing Noah’s eager stance, reminiscent of someone awaiting a gift, Yuichiro opened his arms.
“You’re going to be a father.”
The moment he said this, Noah cheered and embraced him tightly around the head.
“Thank you! Thank you, Yuichiro!”
A bitter smile rose inside him as he was thanked in a voice on the verge of tears. He comforted Noah with a pat on the back, feeling the grip around him gradually loosen.
Pulling back to see Noah’s face, Yuichiro was surprised to see tears streaming down. Noah was holding onto his shoulders while shedding large tears.
“Why are you crying?”
When asked in a shaky voice, Noah answered through his tears, “Because I’m so happy…” Noah sniffled.
As Yuichiro floundered with his arms, Temeraire offered a small cloth from the side. Taking the cloth, he wiped the tears overflowing from Noah’s eyes.
“Hey, don’t cry. What kind of father cries and sniffs like this?” Saying so, he wiped carefully from Noah’s eyes to his nose. Noah sniffed again and nodded slightly.
“Yeah. I’m going to be a dad…”
Hearing Noah’s voice trembling with joy, a sense of relief rose. As he caressed Noah’s head, Noah smiled shyly. Seeing that smile, a warmth began to well up inside him. Before he knew it, a gentle smile had appeared on his face.
“Thank you, Noah, Temeraire.”
The words spilled out unconsciously. Hearing Yuichiro’s thanks, Noah and Temeraire looked at each other. Staring at their puzzled faces, Yuichiro continued, “You’ve given me a reason to live.”
All along, he had been afraid of both living and dying. After losing his wife and child, he had been running recklessly, seeking only a cruel end. Cursing the world, hating others and himself. He thought he would never have such peaceful moments again. That he would never be wanted or loved by anyone ever again.
Gently extending his hand, he grasped Noah and Temeraire’s hands.
“I’m really glad I met you both.”
Expressing the feelings overflowing from the bottom of his heart, he saw Noah and Temeraire’s faces crumble simultaneously. Temeraire, trembling slightly, asked, “May I…ask something?”
“Yes.”
“Why did you come back to this world?”
To Temeraire’s question, tinged with anxiety and expectation, Yuichiro finally answered without hesitation.
“Because I love you both.”
He had wanted to see them again. To live with them. He truly loved the two people who had chosen and sought him. He tried to convey this feeling of love.
The moment he could finally say it, a full-faced smile appeared. Seeing Yuichiro’s unreserved smile, not just Noah but also tears from Temeraire’s eyes began to trickle.
“Can I…be proud?”
“Ah, go ahead and be smug. Be so smug you could die,” Yuichiro said with a hint of jest, stretching out one arm to pull Temeraire closer to his shoulder.
Tears flowed from the man’s eyes as he gave a light peck on Temeraire’s temple. A soft laugh escaped his lips when Noah’s voice reached his ears.
“Will Yuichiro always be here?”
Noah’s pleading voice made Yuichiro blink. Noah’s eyes were shedding tears, but they were also directly looking into Yuichiro’s.
Fixated on Noah’s translucent blue eyes, Yuichiro replied, I want to live my life with you guys.”
The moment he answered, Noah leaped towards him again. They both fell onto the bed with a thud sound. Before he could make a noise, the crying voice of Noah, who was sobbing like a child, could be heard.
Temeraire, who had also been pulled onto the bed, covered his eyes with one hand while his shoulders shook. From underneath his palm, tears were visibly dropping.
“I will definitely make you and the child happy…!”
It sounded exactly like a marriage proposal. Or it really was one.
Moved by Noah’s emotional words, Yuichiro burst into laughter. While looking up at the pure white canopy, he ruffled the hair of both men with both hands.
“I will make you guys happy.”
The moment those words left his lips, a warm feeling filled him. His heart trembled with the miraculous happiness of loving and being loved.
Drawing Noah’s and Temeraire’s faces close to his chest, he pressed his lips to their crown and forehead.
“We’ll have to think about the names for our kids.”
He was happy he could say this in front of Noah and Temeraire. He was delighted that he didn’t have to name a child alone.
Temeraire let out a soft laugh, covering his eyes with the palm of his hand.
“However, your naming sense is a bit…”
“Yeah, Yuichiro doesn’t really have a good sense for names, does he?”
Noah also started giggling. Yuichiro frowned at these words.
“Hey, you guys…”
“We have to think about six names.”
At Noah’s murmured comment, Yuichiro’s mouth was left half-open.
“The first child to be born will be a boy or a girl? Ideally, I want three of each,” Noah continued joyfully.
“Wo-woah, hold on.”
“We also have to prepare lots of children’s rooms. Starting now, we’ll have to make lots of children’s clothes, and gather all kinds of toys.”
“Hold on, just hold on.”
Yuichiro felt a headache coming on. But Noah, unaware of Yuichiro’s confusion, kept talking happily.
“Our kids will definitely be cute. Waa, what should we do? Should we hold a debut party? But, having six parties might be financially extravagant. What do you think, Temeraire?”
“There’s no problem. Let’s throw as many parties as we can,” Temeraire said, joining in on the joke. When he heard the two of them, Yuichiro shouted towards the ceiling.
“Late-age pregnancy!”
“The second child and onwards, you guys will have to give birth!” His voice echoed throughout the room.