As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Uranus An pushed his bicycle, walking side by side with Emilia toward the mansion.
The soft golden glow bathed them in warm light, casting long, gentle shadows across the path.
Emilia's mood was radiant, her hums lightly filling the air as she sometimes walked backward, peering at Uranus with playful curiosity.
"Be careful," Uranus said with a smile, watching her move like a carefree child.
"Thank you, Ann! I made friends with them today! Didn't you hear? They're not afraid of me anymore," Emilia exclaimed, twirling in place with joy radiating from every movement.
Uranus first nodded in acknowledgment, then gently added, "If you're happy, then you should go play with them again tomorrow."
Before Emilia could reply, her left foot slipped.
Time seemed to slow as she fell backward.
Without a second thought, Uranus dropped the bicycle, stepped forward, grabbed her slender hand, spun her around, and held her close.
Their bodies pressed together, they could feel each other's heartbeats and warm breaths.
His heartbeat was intentionally rapid, pounding loud enough to resonate between them.
Amethyst eyes met blue-violet ones, fully absorbing each other in a silent, shared world.
Uranus leaned closer, his lips nearing hers.
Emilia's long eyelashes fluttered rapidly.
Her heart raced to her throat, and with surprising strength, she pushed him away.
"Th-that… it's getting dark. Let's hurry back!" she stammered, cheeks aflame, avoiding his gaze.
"Liya, my heart has never raced like this before. You are the destiny I've been searching for, and I will protect you forever in this life," Uranus confessed, his voice earnest, his pulse audible in the quiet of the evening.
Emilia clutched her skirt tightly, unsure how to respond.
Her mind was blank, her heartbeat uncontrollable.
"Let's go!" Uranus said at the right moment, releasing her with careful restraint.
He pushed the bicycle ahead, leaving just enough space for her comfort.
Watching his back, Emilia's heart skipped, worried that he might be upset.
"Why are you still standing there? If we don't go back, Puck will challenge me to a duel," Uranus teased, glancing over his shoulder.
Relieved, Emilia's smile bloomed like a snow lotus in spring.
She ran forward and threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"Ann, it's so good to have you," she whispered.
Uranus staggered slightly under her sudden embrace, but before he could respond, Emilia released him.
Her joy only intensified from the playful moments that followed.
Along the way, Emilia bubbled with energy, circling Uranus, asking him to sing for her, and requesting stories.
By the time they reached the mansion, it felt as if no time had passed.
She wished this moment could last forever.
---
In Emilia's room, Puck lay atop the bed, watching her return.
He hadn't ventured out, respecting their private time.
From her radiant expression, it was clear she had enjoyed her day immensely.
"Puck!" Emilia exclaimed, leaping onto the bed and hugging him.
Her face shone with playful joy.
"It seems you had a very happy day!" Puck said with a gentle smile.
"Mm, do you know? Today…" Emilia recounted the day's adventures, her gestures animated and her excitement tangible.
"Liya, ever since you met Ann, you've been smiling every day," Puck noted quietly.
Emilia's gaze dropped, hands twisting strands of her hair as panic and shyness mingled in her expression.
"Puck, what should I do! My heart races so fast whenever I see Ann," she admitted softly.
"Liya, you haven't fallen in love with Ann, have you?" Puck asked, his eyes wide in surprise.
"H-how could that be! N-no way!" Emilia protested, flushed and embarrassed.
She pushed Puck gently away, hiding beneath the blanket, leaving only her legs wrapped in white over-the-knee stockings visible.
That night, Emilia tossed and turned, her thoughts consumed by Uranus An.
Finally, she drifted into sleep, dreaming vividly of marrying him and raising a family together.
---
As the sun rose, Natsuki Subaru prepared his strategy for the day.
This time, he changed his approach and brought gifts for Emilia.
Despite her polite smile, Subaru could sense that it lacked the warmth of genuine affection.
"Mr. Natsuki Subaru, let's go to the village!" Emilia suggested.
"Alright," he agreed, recalling that Uranus had taken her there the previous day.
With some candy in hand, Emilia accompanied Subaru to the village.
The day went smoothly, without incident or embarrassment for Subaru.
However, Emilia's heart still preferred the company of Uranus.
Though Subaru's efforts were sincere, something crucial was missing.
That evening, lying in bed, Emilia longed for Uranus's presence.
He had spent the day training on the back mountain, ensuring fair competition with Subaru, and had deliberately refrained from visiting her.
Her impatience and longing made her frown, yet she could not explain why.
She muttered his name in her sleep.
Floating nearby, Puck observed her quietly, pinching his chin.
It was clear to him that Subaru had no chance against Uranus An.
---
"Liya, good morning!" Uranus greeted from the stairs.
Emilia's smile returned immediately.
"Good morning, Ann," she replied, sliding into the seat beside him without hesitation.
"Lady Emilia seems very happy today,"
Ram and Rem exchanged curious glances, sensing the joy radiating from Emilia.
"Indeed! And Liya looks even more radiant today," Uranus continued, mumbling with a mouthful of food.
Emilia watched, eyes curved into crescent moons, and gently poured him a glass of water.
From the courtyard, Ram and Rem shared knowing looks and nodded subtly.
"Are we going to the village again today?" Emilia asked eagerly as they sat on the swing brimming with anticipation.
"Didn't you go with Mr. Subaru yesterday?" Uranus asked, teasing lightly.
"I want to go with you," Emilia interrupted before he could finish, her face flushing with shyness.
"I-I didn't mean that. It's just that I promised Petra and the others I would go to the village today too. Yes, that's it," she added, looking down at her toes, feeling guilty for her eagerness.
"Oh, so you made a promise to them. Then are we going now?" Uranus replied, pretending to misunderstand, matching her words with playful intent.
Emilia looked up, pouting, her frustration softening into a gentle murmur.
"Idiot…"
___
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