"Magnus, master," a servant suddenly approached me from behind. I was still thinking about what just happened, so I jumped up like a scaredy cat. That surprised her, but she let it go with a giggle. "Lady Kurisa let me know you have finished your training for the day. Should I prepare bath water?"

It took me a second to gather myself and respond.

"I appreciate it, but there's no need. I... didn't sweat much today."

"As you command, master." She politely answered.

This particular maid wasn't a sky-cleaving beauty, but it was still soothing to hear a woman call me 'master.'

Anyways, I should go meet Sayuki. I think today is *the day*. If something happens and I miss it, I might bring the 'dusk of mankind' myself.

(Omniscient narrator point of view)

"Hey, Magnus! Over here!"

The Heiress' demeanor around the Envoy of Heaven had become similar to that of a schoolgirl around her boyfriend. As of these past few days, if for a moment neither of the two were busy, they were with each other. It had gotten to the point Hyoru — Sayuki's brother — had started to complain that she didn't play with him as often.

Nothing was set in stone yet, but their budding relationship was an open secret. Tsukinaga knew, and his wife Yoruichi knew too. It had become a situation where the servants in the castle would gossip: "Those two aren't together yet?" But that status quo woudldn't last much longer: not if Magnus had anything to say about it.

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"You're early" Sayuki said, watching him come over.

"Training ended sooner than expected. I could say the same about you, though."

He smiled, and sat down on the picnic cloth. It was of a pastel rose with flowery white embroiderings.

"Yeah... I wanted to make sure everything was perfect."

There was an enormous cherry blossom tree in the rear of the castle's courtyard, almost as tall as the building itself. Misteryously, it was always in full bloom, raining pink petals year-round. Having a meal under it was a simple date, but a few steps away for the Head and her family, yet coming there with Magnus held a special meaning for Sayuki. Perhaps it was a way to welcome the Envoy of Heaven into her life, by sharing something that was near and dear to her.

Unknown to Magnus, his animal-eared girlfriend had ordered every single guard and subject to clear the area from noon to evening. This thus became the first time since they met that they had been able to hold hands and snuggle if not behind the shade of corner or a pillar.

"Sayuki," he called her, softly. She was sitting on his lap, so it was more so a whisper.

"Yes?" she answered.

"If the 'dusk of mankind' does come to us... will you hate me for having appeared?"

Magnus' eyes were dark in an expression Sayuki had never seen. She shook her head, and clutched his cheek.

"What are you saying, dummy?" She was smiling, warmly. He blinked in surprise. "If that happens, you'll take care of me, won't you?"

"Sayuki..." he was moved past saying more than her name.

She giggled, and whispered something like "Come here" before wrapping her arms around his neck.

The moon was high up in the sky, and the city was fully lit with oil lamps.

Cherry blossom petals kept falling, like in a softly pink snowy night.

It was a memorable first kiss, to say the least.