Led by Rudolph, after a half-hour walk, the two finally arrived at the entrance of a restaurant called Blue Sea Turtle.
Looking at this restaurant set up at the boundary between the beach and the road.
Tokai Nature just turned her head to look at Rudolph, who was standing beside her.
As a mature, or rather, a long-time internet dweller and a bit of a simpleton.
Tokai Nature naturally understood that such restaurants were usually given names like "sacred place for lovers' confessions."
And now, if Rudolph brought her here... "You're not trying to imitate a movie, are you?"
Saying this, Rudolph pushed open the door first, then looked at Tokai Nature: "I think, for the two of us, perhaps that kind of approach isn't necessary?"
"Hmm... it's really not very necessary..."
Unable to refute Rudolph's words, Tokai Nature simply walked into the restaurant in small steps.
Then, she realized what Rudolph meant by "good location."
This restaurant had two dining areas.
The first was the indoor restaurant.
The second was... Tokai slowly walked to a special dining area not locked by a sliding glass door, then turned her head to look at Rudolph.
Although there weren't many words, Rudolph already knew what she meant.
So she walked to the owner standing at the bar: "That table over there, please ~"
The owner, called by Rudolph's words, looked up.
Called by the voice, he was studying the ledger and then reacted: "It's you, Emperor."
"Don't say that name. It's not very suitable."
Saying this, Rudolph smiled and waved her hand: "It wouldn't be good if she heard it."
She turned her head to look at Tokai Nature, nodded at her, then looked back at the owner: "We plan to sit here all afternoon, is that okay?"
"If it's you, then it's fine, but..."
After closing the ledger in his hand, he spoke again: "Are you planning to go back?"
"Yes, I've rested enough, so it's time to go."
At this point, Rudolph felt like something wasn't clear, so she added: "But I should still come back in the future."
"Then how about leaving an autograph or endorsing me then?"
Words with a slight hint of teasing came from the owner's mouth.
The owner who made the suggestion naturally knew that even for the current Rudolph, the endorsement fee would be an astronomical price for him.
As one of the few people in this place who knew Rudolph, his bringing up this matter itself had a certain playful meaning.
But Rudolph nodded as if it were a serious matter: "I will."
Noticing this, the owner just turned his head slightly, then saw Tokai Nature already sitting at the outdoor table. He saw Tokai Nature looking in his direction.
And noticing this, the owner just shifted his gaze back to Rudolph: "I never thought the Emperor would fall in love ~"
There was a slight hint of concern in his words.
After all, as a fan of Rudolph, it was natural for him to be very concerned about Rudolph's romantic situation.
Facing this question, Rudolph just opened her mouth, then shook her head: "No, but it is indeed a reason I want to go back."
Saying this, Rudolph looked at Tokai Nature again. Looking at Tokai Nature sitting in the chair and waiting for her, Rudolph looked back at the owner:
"One coffee, one fruit drink. Coffee as usual, for the fruit drink... make it a little sweeter."
"Remember to send me an invitation if you get married."
"Okay, if possible."
After giving this response, Rudolph turned around and walked outside. Finally, she stopped at the other half of the table where Tokai Nature was sitting: "Sorry, have you been waiting long?"
"No."
Saying this, Tokai Nature stared at Rudolph: "That owner knows you?"
"Yes, he only came here in the last few years, so he knows me."
Saying this, Rudolph pulled out a chair and sat opposite Tokai Nature, then continued: "How is it? The atmosphere here is nice, isn't it?"
Rudolph's words made Tokai Nature turn her head to look at the beach beyond the wooden boards.
This restaurant was not a beach restaurant, but more of a normal restaurant, just with an added section of the beach.
And from the surrounding area that retained buildings, Tokai Nature could see some vegetation and land.
Tokai Nature, noticing this, merely looked back at Rudolph, her eyes seemingly holding a hint of anticipation: "You're not going to say something like, 'If I put down my sword, I can't hold you; if I hold you tight, I can't protect you,' are you?"
"How could I?"
Saying this, Rudolph just looked in the direction of the beach.
The afternoon sun wasn't red like a sunset; instead, it was exceptionally dazzling due to the reflection.
Watching this scenery, Rudolph finally shifted her gaze back to Tokai Nature.
As Rudolph moved, a faint sound of music began.
"I know nothing, still only three years into life.
Back then, I was only three, still unaware of everything.
Please remember what I've learned from now on.
Until I become an adult, ah...
I look up to the wind, simply...
Still ignorant of love."
The music was coming from inside.
Even Rudolph realized that the sudden music was put on by the owner.
But she still looked at Tokai Nature, not making any excessive movements: "I will only choose to hold you."
"...How cheesy." Tokai Nature's words didn't surprise Rudolph; she merely waited for the other party's next words, because she could feel it.
Although it was only a slight feeling, Rudolph knew that Tokai Nature still had something left unsaid... "For me, these words are useless, but..."
"We once ran towards summer on the loop line.
After saying 'See you tomorrow,' I'll wait for a reply in the direction of the sound.
It's okay not to remember anything from the past; please just remember today.
In the distant depths of memory, in the swaying long shadow...
I look up to the wind, simply...
Until I understand love.
At night, I meet you.
Look, the smile is back again."
The progression of the music seemed to tell Rudolph that time was passing even faster.
Tokai Nature still hadn't responded.
And Rudolph was still waiting.
Finally, at the end of the music.
Tokai Nature spoke the next words: "But it might be very useful for Tokai, after all, she doesn't understand so many things; just a little coaxing might be enough for us to reconcile."
"So, tell her about this..."
Saying this, Tokai Nature slightly lowered her head: "Tell Tokai about these things."
Looking at Tokai Nature, who wasn't meeting her gaze, Rudolph naturally knew why the other party was saying these things.
But... just like yesterday, Rudolph slightly stood up, then reached across the table with both hands and cupped Tokai Nature's face.
Along with Rudolph's movement.
Tokai Nature's almost crying expression was also taken in by Rudolph.
Looking at Tokai Nature's reaction, Rudolph merely continued: "I know, you've worried a lot about Tokai's matters."
"So..."
"I will do all the apologies and compensations as you said."
"You don't have to worry so much about me and Tokai; you should be concerned about yourself now."
Note:
Happy Lunar New Year 2026!
First of all, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for always being by my side and supporting me throughout this journey.
To ensure the quality of upcoming stories, I've decided to take a week off during the Lunar New Year (February 15th to 22nd) to rest and spend time with my family.
I will return on February 23rd, 2026. During this break, I will prepare many new chapters to post regularly upon my return. So please look forward to it!
Wishing you a warm, joyful, and wonderful holiday season!