Bonds That Bloom

“U-U-Uhh... We were just talking about how amazing Velanova is,” one of the nobles stammered.

“And who are you two to call him by his name without any honorifics?” Auntie Elara asked coldly, her voice sharp as ice.

“I don’t remember your faces,” Auntie Selene added, her tone calm but distant. “So you must be new nobles or something.”

“Yes, Sel, you’re right. I don’t recognize them either,” Mom chimed in with a frosty smile. “They must be nobodies.”

Then she stepped forward slightly, her eyes narrowing.

“So, gentlemen,” she said coolly, “why do I hear the two of you speaking of my son-in-law in such a threatening tone? You’re in no position to speak highly—or lowly—about anyone.”

“Y-Y-You misunderstood us, Your Majesty!” stammered dumbass number one.

“It wasn’t our intention to come across that way,” added dumbass number two.

“Well,” Auntie Elara said with a smirk, “you did come across that way. So? What are you going to do about it?”

“We deeply ask for your graceful mercy, Your Majesty!” they both bowed.

But Mom crossed her arms.

“It’s not me you should be asking for mercy from.”

“O-Of course! We’re very sorry, Lord Velanova Silvannor!”

“...Huh?? Why are they kneeling to me??” I blinked in confusion. “I didn’t even hear them say anything to begin with. I don’t even know what’s happening. What do I do!?”

“Just say you forgive them with your big mercy or something,” Yuna whispered beside me, clearly enjoying this.

Big Sis, I love you. You’re a savior.

“Thank you, Lord Velanova Silvannor!” they said in unison, practically shaking.

Before I could even breathe, Dad stepped in, voice stern:

“Guards. Take these two out. They’ve ruined the mood on an otherwise beautiful day for the children present.”

“Yes, sir!”

And just like that, the two were dragged out of the ceremony hall.

I looked toward my dad—he gave me a thumbs-up. I returned it with an awkward smile.

Mom and the aunties returned to us gracefully, their expressions relaxed now.

“Well, now that that’s taken care of,” Auntie Selene said, “shall we finally start the party?”

“Before that,” I said, turning toward them with a smile, “I just want to say thank you.”

They paused. I bowed my head slightly.

“Thank you for standing up for me, Auntie Elara, Auntie Selene. And of course... thank you, Mom.”

Duke Valcrest and King Orion, who had been watching, looked at me with wide eyes. For a second, I thought I said something wrong—but then they looked at each other and burst into laughter.

They each gave me a big hug.

“Of course I’d stand up for my son-in-law,” Duke Valcrest said with a proud grin.

“And I’d stand up for my nephew,” added King Orion warmly.

But Mom... Mom looked the happiest of all. She embraced me tightly, her hug the gentlest, most comforting feeling in the world.

“I love you, Mom.”

“And I love you more than you can ever imagine, Velanova,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m more grateful than anyone else to be your mother.”

Really, Mom... I’m glad you’re mine.

That small spark between us seemed to spread through the hall like wildfire. Suddenly, every mother whose child had undergone the ceremony today was embracing their son or daughter.

Maybe there was no perfect way to describe a mother’s love. But it was deeper, purer, and more powerful than anything else.

“Elio, my sweetie,” Duchess Selene whispered, hugging her son. “I love you and I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Mom. I love you too.”

“It doesn’t matter how you rank. What matters is that you’re surrounded by good people and true friends. Never forget that, alright?”

“Yes, Mom. I’ll remember. And I’m really happy you’re my mother.”

“Lyra, baby.” Queen Selene smiled tearfully. “I love you. And I’m so proud to see you inherited my Stars affinity.”

“Me too, Mom. I’m glad I’m your daughter.”

“Orin, sweetheart,” his mother said with shining eyes, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

“Never forget—real friends don’t care if you’re a commoner. Just be yourself.”

“I will. I’m proud to be your son.”

“Seren, my beautiful daughter...”

“I love you, Mom. I’m glad I got our family’s affinities. I hope I can be as strong as you.”

“You already are.”

“Naomi, my sunshine,” her mother laughed gently, “you inherited my Wind affinity. You don’t know how happy that makes me.”

“Me too, Mom. I love you so much.”

“Liora, my gentle girl,” her mother whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Your healing affinity suits you perfectly. You were meant for it.”

“I’m happy, Mom. And I love you.”

After waves of maternal affection had swept through the hall, something else began.

The fatherly wave.

And leading the charge?

My dad—the Champion of Light himself.

He looked like he’d been through a thousand battles, but somehow, he had never looked prouder.

“You know,” he said, standing in front of me, “I was fully prepared to lend you a shoulder to cry on if things didn’t go well.”

“...Wow, Dad. That’s the first thing you say?”

“Pfft—hahaha! Just joking. But seriously, son... There’s nothing you could ever do to make me disappointed in you. And somehow, there’s also nothing more you could do right now to make me prouder.”

“I’m honored to be your son.”

“And I’m honored to be your father.”

We hugged tightly. My eyes teared up—just like his.

“Elio,” Duke Valcrest smiled, “even though you somehow got beaten by Velanova today, I’m still proud of you. I know the two of you will become great friends. And I know you’ll carry on the Valcrest legacy.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m honored to be your son.”

“Lyra, my baby,” King Orion said with misty eyes, “I’m so proud of you. And I know you’ll be a wonderful wife to Luke’s son... but beyond that, you’ll shine as yourself.”

“Thank you, Dad. I’ll make you proud—not just as Velanova’s future wife, but as me.”

“Orin,” his dad chuckled, “you inherited my affinity, huh? I hope you make a lot of friends. Just don’t forget this old man when you’re famous.”

“Don’t say that, Dad! I’ll always be proud to call you my father.”

“Seren,” Duke Mornvale nodded, “You’ve inherited both of our family’s affinities. I know you’ll keep making us proud.”

“Yes, Dad. I’m happy you’re my father.”

“Naomi,” her father said with a smile, “you take after your mother, but I’m proud of you either way. Want me to help you with Lightning magic sometime?”

“Of course, Dad. And I’m glad you’re my father.”

“Liora,” her father said softly, “you have an affinity that fits you perfectly. Never change. I’ll always be proud of you.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m glad you’re my father.”

It turns out that fatherly love is just as indescribable as motherly love. Maybe it’s because sons want to follow in their father’s footsteps... and daughters hope to become strong, loving women like their mothers.

But one thing was certain:

Everyone cried a little today.

From kings and queens to commoners and nobles... adults and children alike.

No one could hold back their tears when surrounded by this much love.