A Secret Awakens

Akihiko had to leave Aiko urgently due to an unavoidable meeting, but before departing, he gave careful instructions to Aura: “Watch over her. Monitor every vital sign. Every heartbeat, every breath—nothing should escape your attention.” His hand lingered briefly on Aiko’s, giving her a gentle squeeze before stepping back, not wanting to break the silent bond between them.

Meanwhile, Aiko slowly opened her eyes. She was unaware that something new had begun within her. A subtle dizziness and an unusual unrest in her stomach distracted her, though she couldn’t explain it. She decided to take a short walk around the castle to clear her mind. The late evening light streamed through the halls, golden reflections flickering across the polished floors, casting gentle, dancing shadows.

On the corridor, she encountered the queen. “Aiko, what are you doing here? Why aren’t you resting?” her voice was calm, yet carried an unspoken significance.

Aiko smiled faintly, trying to hide the strange discomfort in her stomach. “It’s almost time for dinner,” she replied softly.

The queen gave a small, knowing smile, saying nothing further. She wanted Akihiko to be the one to tell Aiko the rest. “Come along, Aiko,” she said, guiding her toward the dining hall.

When they arrived, the royal family was already seated, and Akihiko had just appeared. His gaze fell on Aiko, a hint of worry sparking in his blue eyes, yet his expression remained calm and gentle.

In StarCom, Aura carefully monitored all of Aiko’s vital signs as Akihiko had instructed. Every heartbeat, every movement of her breath, recorded meticulously, capturing the subtle changes that even Aiko herself could not yet perceive.

The king and queen observed her. Hanae’s smile was secretive, almost conspiratorial, while the king’s gaze was proud, each movement of hers examined with quiet attention.

Aiko sat down at the table. Akihiko had not yet reached her side. The queen leaned slightly forward and whispered, “Eat, Aiko. You need your strength.”

Naoru and Mika exchanged glances, slightly puzzled by the queen’s concern. Aiko did not feel much appetite. Her stomach churned faintly, a restless, unfamiliar flutter within.

When Akihiko took his seat beside her, he gently wrapped his hand around hers. “Aiko… you should be resting,” he murmured.

Aiko looked at him and nodded faintly, still feeling a strange unease in her stomach. Akihiko squeezed her hand tenderly, silently letting her know he was there, even if he couldn’t set aside his worry.

The queen’s gaze remained on her, smiling faintly, eyes full of concern, while the king observed calmly, his curiosity tempered by wisdom. Naoru and Mika watched silently, unsure why the queen seemed so unusually concerned.

Akihiko continued softly, his voice filled with care: “I know you wanted to take a walk, but your body needs strength, Princess… at least eat a little.” His gentle gaze reflected his concern, and Aiko felt a small measure of relief in his presence.

She tried to eat a small bite, but her stomach refused it. Mika and Naoru watched, worried, still unaware of the true situation. Only Akihiko sensed that this was something more than mere fatigue, something far greater than what anyone else could see.

He leaned closer, still holding her hand, and whispered: “If you can’t eat, at least drink some juice. It has enough vitamins for you.”

Aiko trembled slightly, looking into his eyes with confusion. “Akihiko… my stomach… I can’t handle this food. I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she admitted.

Akihiko squeezed her hand gently, then looked toward the queen. Hanae gave a slight nod—a subtle signal that it was time to tell her. He leaned closer to Aiko and whispered softly:

“Under your heart… you carry our son, Aiko…”

For a moment, Aiko’s entire body shivered. Her eyes widened, her face flushed crimson, and the hand Akihiko held trembled faintly. Her heart leapt, her breath quickened, as if time had stopped for a brief instant.

“Our… son?” she whispered, barely able to speak, shock and disbelief mingling with awe. She met Akihiko’s gaze and saw calm, warmth, and profound love that comforted her, even as the news sent a mixture of fear and joy rushing through her.

Akihiko pressed his hand gently against hers, resting his forehead lightly against hers, and said: “Yes, Princess… beneath your heart lies our future. Our little treasure. That’s why you must take care of yourself now, so everything will be fine.”

Aiko slowly nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks—not tears of fear or sorrow, but of wonder, happiness, and tenderness. She picked up the glass of juice Akihiko offered and sipped a little, while he watched her every movement with careful attention.

Naoru and Mika observed from a distance, still puzzled but yet unaware of the full truth. Ren watched quietly, eyes wide with curiosity and excitement. The queen’s slight nod conveyed: “All is well. Together, you will manage.”

The words spread softly across the dining hall, subtle yet clear enough for Mika, Naoru, and Ren to catch. Naoru inhaled lightly, while Mika leaned against him, both astonished and slightly anxious.

Aiko gradually calmed beside Akihiko, realizing this moment would change everything—her life, their future, and even the fate of the planet.

After dinner, Aiko and Akihiko retreated to a quieter corner of the hall. Akihiko held her close, their hands intertwined. “I’m so happy… and yet concerned,” he murmured. “This is a new chapter, but I believe we’ll face it together.”

Aiko rested her head lightly on his shoulder and whispered: “I know, my prince… I’m happy too, but I’m worried. Not just for us, but for our child. The world is full of dangers.”

Akihiko looked into her eyes, sparkling with determination and resolve. “Nothing can overcome our world, Aiko. We will protect our child and each other. Just as we’ve overcome everything so far, we’ll manage this too. Together.”

Aiko squeezed his hand gently and smiled. “Together… always together.”

In that moment, they both realized that their lives would change not only because of the pregnancy, but because of the responsibility that awaited them—protecting the future, the planet Akarihoshi, and their child.

Mika and Naoru, who had been quietly observing, stepped back slightly, their eyes still filled with warmth. Mika whispered softly: “See, Naoru… all the suffering, all the trials… moments like this make it worth it.”

Naoru nodded, lightly squeezing Mika’s shoulder: “Yes. And now… let’s follow them on their journey, but let this moment remain theirs.”

The dining hall was filled with a quiet serenity, every moment imbued with warmth, gratitude, and a sense that the future—despite all dangers—was bright and full of hope.