Like March wind beating bright haystacks, spring counts her blossoms every night.
Gold Legend walked through the night garden, moonlight spangling her long hair.
Ardan followed quietly, a little drunk on the sight.
Soft laughter drifted; the breeze was languid; the young leaves charmed; the spring night felt dreamlike.
A breeze slid past fingertips, lifting petals.
So beautiful, Legend murmured, gazing at the scene.
Yes, Ardan answered, gazing at the beautiful person.
A butterfly landed beside Legend's hand; she toyed with it, delighted.
So, why did you call me out?
Ah… I just wanted to talk with you alone. Is that forbidden?
Of course not; you're welcome anytime, Miss Eavesdropper." Legend teased Ardan about her earlier embarrassment.
Mou~ I told you it was an accident. It's not every day the Old Madam summons someone for a chat.
Besides, I've never seen Grandmother look so kind.
Watching Legend, Ardan felt a flicker of resentment and envy.
So that really was the Old Madam; you'd never guess her age. And she isn't as stern and terrifying as you and McQueen claimed—she's gentle, someone to admire.
Only you would think so.
Even President Rudolf stays tense before Grandmother.
It's lovely, Legend said suddenly.
Eh? Ardan jumped.
This garden shows the tender care of its keeper. Anyone who can make flowers bloom like this must be very gentle.
…Thank you for the compliment.
Eh? The tables had turned.
The butler and gardener help, but I'm the one who tends this place." Ardan looked proud.
Is that so? Impressive. Legend's praise was effortless.
The moonlight is beautiful, Ardan murmured, flustered.
Gold Legend raised an eyebrow. "Are you confessing to me? Even I know that classic line.
Eh? Realizing what she'd said, Ardan turned redder. You misheard me!
She tapped Legend half in despair.
All right, I heard nothing, Legend laughed, not taking it seriously.
Don't pretend you didn't hear! Ardan pouted.
What? Legend didn't catch it.
Nothing! Ardan folded her arms and looked away.
Tsunderes don't suit you." Legend chuckled at the familiar scene. "Still, moonlight like water is rare; we should enjoy it while we can.
She turned and strolled on along the garden path.
Really—wait for me! Ardan hurried after.
After that, silence. Perhaps lulled by the tranquil spring night, the two walked quietly, savoring the moonlit hush.
"If only there were more such leisurely and peaceful times... Hehe, I'm truly greedy." Ardan chuckled.
"Mm, I also wish for more time like this. Even though it's such a short period, we've hardly done anything or said anything, yet I feel like we've done many happy things and said many things I wanted to say," Legend sighed.
"Does this count as a tacit understanding?" Ardan covered her mouth and chuckled.
"Does it? Perhaps." Legend was noncommittal.
"Speaking of which, Legend, have you thought about what you'll do after retirement?" Ardan suddenly asked.
"Eh? So sudden?" Legend was caught off guard. "Emmm, if I had to say, I'd probably go traveling."
"Traveling?"
"Yes, after all, the world is so big, it wouldn't be bad to see it." Legend said, recalling memories from her previous life. "I have a few places I want to go, and a few places I couldn't go, like Beijing and such."
"Traveling, huh, an option I never considered," Ardan said with a hint of longing.
"Everyone must have had the urge for poetry and distant places, right?" Legend cast her gaze towards the flowers.
"The old me wouldn't have dared to imagine traveling with wings spread," Ardan shook her head. "All this time, I've been running on thin ice, with no time to stop."
"However, as for 'now'..." Ardan glanced at Legend, her smile gentle. "Legend-san, no, Legend, if I asked to travel with you after you retire, would you agree?"
"Eh?" Legend turned back sharply, seeing Ardan's eyes, her purple pupils revealing an unprecedented seriousness.
"Ah..." Legend seemed to understand something, feeling a bit flustered.
Ardan looked at Legend's flustered expression, paused for a moment, then smiled, a very happy smile.
"Haha, Legend, so you're that kind of person? You're really easy to read." She smiled, gently wiping away tears of joy from the corners of her eyes. "It seems that, though not completely, I have indeed, more or less, etched myself into your heart."
The almost direct words made Legend even more flustered. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something.
Ardan extended her index finger and pressed it against Legend's lips, stopping her words.
"No need to rush your answer, Legend." Ardan brought her face close to Legend's. She could see her eyelashes and the curve of her lips. "We still have plenty of time, enough for us to carve out each other's 'present' and 'future'."
With that, she lightly hopped back, creating distance between them.
With her hands behind her back, she bowed slightly, her smile so beautiful in the moonlight.
"As long as life continues, we will always carve out each other's 'future'. For you, if I continue to carve out your 'present' and 'future' forever, then that must be 'forever' that belongs only to us."
Gold Legend was speechless, unable to move, whether it was because of the words she heard or the person in front of her.
"Speaking of which, today is my birthday. Although Legend-san prepared a gift, I haven't seen it yet, so may I be unreasonable and ask for another gift?"
"...You, please say." Struggling to adjust her mindset, Legend stammered.
"Hehe, the moonlight is like water, a rare sight. In such a beautiful night, Legend-san, won't you invite me to dance?"
Ardan smiled charmingly, gently raising her hand.
"...If you don't mind."
It's come to this, I can't back out now!
Legend reached out and took the waiting hand.
"Hehe, your leading is really a mess."
"Let me say first, I haven't practiced this kind of dance step."
"Mm, then I'll teach you. First..."
Moonlight like water, a gentle breeze caressing their faces.
Clusters of flowers, a splendid scenery.
Two figures danced gracefully under the moon.
Harmonious and natural.
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