After Fujiwara finished speaking, the place fell into complete silence, with only the sound of the trees as the wind rustled through their leaves. I wasn't sure what to say to Fujiwara at that moment, but I knew I needed to say something. She had shared something personal, and I felt the need to comfort her in some way.

"Hahaha, why so serious? Didn't you already know this? Actually, I think everyone knows. Isn't that why I was nicknamed a bitch in the first place?"

Fujiwara's tone was cheerful as she said this, and her face displayed a smile, but her expression was odd. Moreover, her hands were trembling. She seemed afraid of something. Of course, I had heard those rumors, but even though I believed them, I never really cared. I thought she must have her reasons, and even if she didn't, it wasn't my business.

"Are you feeling sorry for me?"

As these thoughts flowed through my mind, Fujiwara questioned me as she turned around. Despite the persistent smile on her face, her hand was shaking increasingly, and now one of them rested on her own arm.

"Please, don't pity me. You're the last person I want pity from. If you pity me, then you..."

Fujiwara's words were more like whispers than words, perhaps something she didn't want me to hear. However, my hearing had long been enhanced, so I just closed my eyes and reflected on who Fujiwara was to me. After a small sigh, I hugged her from the side and cradled her in my lap while stroking her hair.

Fujiwara's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at me, clearly wondering what was happening. Meanwhile, my mind went through a long process of assimilation, trying to put together the right words to say to Fujiwara at that moment. After a few seconds, I moved my mouth slowly to utter the words I wanted to express so badly.

"You know... I don't care about who you were or what you did before we came here. Honestly, I didn't have much interest in you. But now it's different. The Fujiwara I know is always smiling and joking. I think I can say that without you, our group would already be on the brink of depression"

My last words elicited a genuine laugh from Fujiwara, this time, natural and true.

"But you're not alone anymore, are you?"

My words made Fujiwara's eyes widen again. This time, she turned and looked directly at my belly.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"You know, you, Aoi, Saemi, Ana, Glasy, and even Shade, all of you are my family"

Although I couldn't see Fujiwara's expression, I continued to smile as I said these words. Though it was a bit embarrassing to admit, I didn't mind. After all, it was how I truly felt.

(My king...)

Mentally, Shade's voice caught my attention. She called me, but didn't do anything else. Still, I could detect a mix of happiness and excitement in her voice.

"Hey, Makoto"

When Fujiwara called me, I turned my gaze in her direction, though I still couldn't see her face.

"Yeah?"

After my response, silence hung for a few seconds before Fujiwara's voice echoed again.

"...if I cried now... would you laugh at me?"

I realized that Fujiwara's tone while asking this question was quite melancholic, but there was also a hint of happiness. Besides, why was she asking me this when she was about to cry? This thought crossed my mind as a small smile appeared on my lips.

"Why would I laugh? In fact, if you cried, I would stroke your hair and comfort you until you felt better. Moreover, if anyone dared to laugh, I would make them deeply regret it"

Upon hearing my words, a faint laugh escaped from Fujiwara's lips, her gaze still fixed on my belly.

"Yes, I figured you would say something like that"

She said, her voice faltering with each word.

"You know... I tried so hard"

Fujiwara said as she clutched onto my shirt.

"Yes"

I replied, gently stroking her hair.

"I tried so hard to save her, I even had to sell my body because it was the only way to get money quickly"

She continued, her voice laden with pain. I didn't say anything and just kept on stroking her hair.

"Why did my father leave us? Why did my mother abandon us? I promised to be a good girl"

Fujiwara poured out, her voice breaking under the weight of her emotions. After these words, Fujiwara cried. I don't know for how long, to be honest, I wasn't counting. All I did was keep stroking her hair as she let her tears fall. It seemed like years of sorrow were piling up and finally being released.

After a while of crying, Fujiwara finally fell asleep. Her face while she slept was serene, indicating that her mind was calm and her heart, finally light.

"Anyway, how long do you plan to stay hidden?"

I said this without directing my words to anyone in particular, or rather, to someone who, although present, wasn't really there. Seconds after my words, approaching footsteps echoed in my direction, and seconds later, a beautiful face and black hair appeared beside me.

"I thought I had hidden well enough"

Leona said, still in disguise. In fact, she had been there even before I arrived. For some reason, as soon as we entered, she hid. Though I didn't understand the reason, I couldn't call her out since Fujiwara started pouring her heart out.

"Hahaha, you did, but I have someone who can easily sense that kind of thing"

I said, referring to Shade. Upon hearing my words, Leona puffed up her cheeks, which I found quite cute, to be honest.

"So... was that your fiancée?"

She asked. Hearing my question, Leona's eyes widened slightly. Silence hung between us, while the trees were the only source of noise. Leona's eyes were faintly bright in a golden hue. Before I knew it, Leona had returned to being Leona.