Princess Lia’s profile in the sunset’s glow looked so vivid, the passionate love shining in the girl’s eyes seemed to pierce through the distance between them, striking straight at Tina’s heart.
To become… her queen?
At that moment, Tina thought of so much.
If the ending was already destined, was there still any meaning in agreeing to such a request?
The answer was yes.
Even if it was just a simulation, she couldn’t imagine what Lia would be like if she were rejected.
Would she cry bitterly? Be confused? Or unexpectedly calm?
After going through life and death together, if they lost at the final step, could their relationship still return to normal, like ordinary friends?
She didn’t want to think about it, dared not think about it, couldn’t think about it.
Tina considered herself a coward, a timid fighter who willingly indulged in illusions and immediate pleasures.
For this ending that was bound to end in departure, she chose to leave as many beautiful memories as possible before leaving, to make up for her mistakes.
“What’s your thought?”
Lia grew anxious once again: would she accept, or was she the only one hoping all along?
Tina said nothing, answering with action.
The girl wearing the flower crown gently cupped the other’s cheeks and, in the softest way, took the initiative to give a kiss.
This time, it wasn’t stiff like before; the feelings contained were much more complex.
But no matter what, Lia now knew the answer.
“I understand.”
The two girls embraced by the cliff blooming with flowers, expressing their feelings to each other, receiving each other’s hearts.
“Tina, come to my room tonight.”
“Th-this soon?”
“It’s just storytime as usual. You haven’t told me stories face to face in a long time.”
“Oh, oh, so it’s storytime. I thought…”
“Eh~ Thought what?”
“Nothing, it’s about time to go back. If we keep kissing, it’ll be dark before we get to the palace.”
Tina was about to stand when her legs suddenly went weak, and she collapsed to the ground.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Lia helped her up with concern flooding her eyes.
“Maybe… I just haven’t recovered yet.”
Tina turned her head away, hiding her forced expression.
That moment just now, it was the Curse in her legs acting up, the pain making her unable to stand steadily.
Had it come to this so quickly?
“Lia, how about you carry me?”
“Sure, you can rely on me more from now on.” Thinking Tina was just being spoiled, Lia lifted her onto the unicorn quietly grazing nearby and set off back to the palace.
The journey back was smooth; Tina was nearly accustomed to flying through the air.
By the time they reached the palace, night was approaching.
“Lia, before we sleep, let’s go bury the seeds first.”
“The Hibron Tree seeds? Where are you planning to plant them?”
“I remember there’s a vacant spot in the garden where nothing is planted. Let’s plant them there.”
Tina, enduring the pain, walked to a small creek in the garden, where a small patch of land perfectly fit for a tree awaited.
Under the sparkling starlight, in the rarely disturbed garden, a group of fireflies floated over the creek and among the flowers, adding a hint of life to the serene atmosphere.
She took the seeds from Lia’s hands, carefully dug the soil apart, and buried them.
In no time, the Hibron Tree now had a new home—a place it would grow from now on, a place that could only be here, carrying both their wishes and witnessing everything between them.
Tina stood up, feeling somewhat dazed at the scene before her.
“Lia, do you remember the story I told you last time?”
“The last time? You mean the one where the two were cruelly separated in the end?”
“Yes, it seems they planted a tree like this too. Unfortunately, they couldn’t be together, and the tree didn’t survive. It seems nothing recorded their love.”
“Tina, why are you bringing this up?”
“Ah—just feeling emotional, I guess. Suddenly this story feels familiar.”
“Are you worried we’ll end up like that?” Lia gently hugged her from behind. “Don’t worry, we’re different from them. We’ll definitely have a better ending. The tree will grow, and we won’t be separated.”
“Yeah, let’s not think about those things anymore. Let’s go back inside.”
Tina held Lia’s hand, reluctant to let go.
She hoped their ending would be as Lia said—different from the storybook’s.
***
Outside the simulation.
The same palace, the same garden, the same positions.
The queen’s appearance remained unchanged, but the people beside her were now unfamiliar handmaidens.
“Your Majesty, autumn has come. Be careful not to catch a chill at night.”
The handmaiden helped drape clothing over her.
“I know. You may leave now.”
“As you command.”
The cool autumn wind brushed against her neck, bringing an inevitable sadness.
The Hibron Tree before her had grown dozens of meters tall, occupying most of the garden.
As autumn arrived, withered yellow branches often couldn’t withstand the wind and were mercilessly blown down, turning into soil nutrients.
Despite this, the tree remained healthy.
“Such a pity. The tree still stands, but the people have parted.”
She tried to find proof of the other’s existence, but aside from the tree they had planted together, there seemed to be only a puppet made by the other for her.
The puppet was modeled after herself, and its purpose was—
“When you miss me, look at the puppet. If you feel lonely, say whatever you want to it. Maybe it will respond.”
The words spoken when the girl gave her the puppet still echoed in her mind.
The surprise and sorrow of that day were perhaps unforgettable for life.
Had she ever given her anything in return?
The queen asked herself.
“No. I didn’t even spend enough time with her.”
The handmaiden standing behind helplessly shook her head, no longer surprised by this scene.
Every autumn was the same. The queen would pick one day to be alone in the garden, then immerse herself in the past.
The next day, she would act as if nothing happened while handling state affairs.
But the handmaiden knew that she was only using her busy duties to numb herself—her heart had never truly let go.
***
Back inside the simulation.
Lia had changed into her pajamas and was lying quietly in bed, listening to today’s story.
“After all, it feels better with Tina by my side~”
“Really? This will be our daily life from now on. After Lia finishes her palace work, at night I’ll reward our dear Majesty by washing away her fatigue.”
“Oh! Tina dear.” Lia sat up in surprise. “Am I almost done with the storybook I bought?”
“Seems so. I’ll buy a new one tomorrow.”
“Hiss—how about reading some of the ones you like?”
“Huh? Isn’t that bad?”
“I just want to personally experience your tastes. It’s fine to read a little~”
“…Alright, but Lia, there’s one thing I have to warn you about first.”
“Go ahead.”
“There are dangerous actions in it. You must never imitate them after reading.”