A month had passed since the clash at Blackroot. The wounds of war slowly faded into memory, replaced by the rhythms of rebuilding and rebirth. Where blood once ran, now flowed water; where cries once rang, laughter returned.
Now, Eden prepared for its greatest celebration of the year: the Harvest Festival.
The capital bloomed like a garden of lights and banners. Market stalls overflowed with golden wheat, jewel-toned berries, and honey-glazed meats. Children ran laughing through the streets, their hands sticky with candied fruit. Musicians tuned their lutes beneath arched bridges, while dancers wove through the crowd in ribbons and silk.
King Lito stood on the palace balcony, overlooking it all. The breeze carried the scent of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon. His usual regalia was replaced by a deep emerald tunic embroidered with silver leaves.
Behind him, Luminos appeared like a shadow with a candle's warmth. "No flaming arrows or invading armies. I'm almost disappointed."
Lito gave a tired chuckle. "You prefer peace, remember?"
"Yes. Peace and wine," Luminos replied with a faint smile. "War doesn't age well. It leaves scars in places unseen."
Lito turned to face him. "You're doing well as Eden's healer. But now, my battle is different. A series of… festival obligations."
Luminos arched a brow. "Ah. The affairs of the heart. Five engagements, was it?"
"It's not what it sounds like," Lito said quickly.
"It rarely is," Luminos smirked. "At least Gark has the easy job."
Down in the courtyard, Gark the red Oni—massive, crimson-skinned, and ever-scowling—barked orders at guards in festival armor. His war club rested against a pavilion post.
"Nothing gets past me today!" he boomed. "Not thieves, not monsters, and definitely not those idiots from Gradnetia!"
His presence kept the streets secure, though the occasional squabble still broke out—usually caused by drunk patrons or overeager traders. Gark swiftly resolved each one with minimal force and maximum glare.
Meanwhile, Lito prepared for his first engagement. He sighed and descended into the bustling city.
**Yune: The Forest Date**
Yune, the elven huntress, waited beneath the moonberry tree at the northern grove. Dressed in a moss-green gown with braided hair adorned in forest blooms, she radiated wild charm.
"You're late," she teased.
"You're always early," Lito returned with a smile.
They walked through the grove, surrounded by glowing fungi and chirping nightbirds. Yune challenged him to a small archery game, which she predictably won.
But as they shared cider near the fountain, a commotion erupted—a group of city boys had followed them, teasing Lito about having too many dates.
"Hey King Casanova! Save some for the rest of us!"
Yune narrowed her eyes and shot an arrow that split a nearby apple. The boys scattered.
"Next time I use firewood instead of warnings," she muttered. Lito gave a sheepish grin.
**Nia: The Firelight Trouble**
At the central plaza, Nia the fire spirit awaited. Her kimono blazed with flame-patterns, and her hair flickered like molten gold.
"You're flushed. Is that from running or... me?" she asked.
They lit lanterns together, played ring toss with enchanted flames, and even roasted boar skewers.
But midway through, two rival performers—jealous of Nia's flare—interrupted their dance, challenging her to a fire duel.
"We have the stage now!"
Nia rolled her eyes, snapped her fingers, and conjured a dragon-shaped flame that soared overhead, leaving the crowd breathless.
"You're welcome," she said, blowing a kiss to Lito. "Now, where were we?"
**Truth: A Delicate Spark**
In the potion garden, Truth waited nervously. She wore a beautiful festival gown of amethyst silk with silver stars. Her cheeks flushed the moment she saw Lito.
"Y-you came," she stammered.
"You look amazing," he said gently.
They explored the garden she helped design, picking soft-glowing herbs, whispering about ingredients and potions.
Truth handed him a vial. "For calm. Serenity, distilled. For… when you're overwhelmed."
Before he could thank her, a noblewoman approached.
"Your Majesty! I didn't know you were courting commoners now."
Truth froze. Lito stepped between them.
"Truth is Eden's finest alchemist. Mind your tongue."
The noblewoman sniffed and stormed off.
Truth clung to his arm. "You didn't have to do that."
"Of course I did."
**Luna: The Ice Waltz**
At the crystal lake outside the city, Luna stood like a vision. Her gown shimmered like frozen stars, her white hair rippling in the wind.
"Ready to dance with the moon?" she asked.
She led him across water-bound lilies, conjuring snow and moonlight. They danced with haunting grace.
But during the waltz, a group of drunken nobles arrived nearby.
"Why's our king dancing with an outsider? She's not even human!"
Luna's expression remained calm, but the lake behind her began to freeze.
Lito silenced the nobles with a sharp glare. "Your ignorance dishonors this festival. Leave."
They fled, slipping on ice.
Luna whispered, "Thank you. For listening, for seeing."
**Interruption: The Chaos of Hearts**
Returning to the palace garden for the final event—a tea under starlight—Lito found an unexpected sight: all four heroines had gathered.
Yune tapped her foot. "So. You visited us all today."
Nia crossed her arms. "We're just a rotation to you?"
Truth peeked out from behind a hedge. "I didn't know this would be… a group event."
Luna sipped her tea calmly. "The moon sees many truths."
Lito raised both hands. "Please, it's not like that. I wanted to thank you all. Individually. Respectfully."
Yune raised a brow. "Respect doesn't include secrets."
Just as the tension peaked, Luminos arrived with a tray of wine.
"Peace, everyone. If we wanted a war of words, I'd prepare bandages."
He poured drinks for each woman.
"You all fought—or supported—our kingdom. You all matter. Let this night be a celebration, not a contest."
Gark appeared behind him, chewing on roasted meat. "Anyone wanna fight, I'm off-duty in an hour."
The tension broke. Laughter bubbled up. They clinked glasses.
As fireworks burst above Eden's towers, the five of them sat beneath the stars—flawed, confused, but united.
Lito glanced at each of them, heart pounding.
One day, he would have to choose.
But tonight, he simply cherished them all.
To Be Continued...