Chapter 52: Volume 1 Epilogue

Three days had passed since the battle with the 4th colossal biomachine monster. In the grand fortress city of Cloudwhale Kingdom, Narumi and the allied forces tirelessly worked to demolish the ruined buildings and clear the debris from the city. The sound of hammers and construction echoed through the streets, and a sense of renewal began to fill the air. Refugees who had evacuated to other cities started returning, bringing a hint of liveliness back to the city.

Amidst the chaos, Christina took it upon herself to prepare a handmade lunch for Narumi. With a determined expression on her face, she marched towards him, a lunch box in hand. "Narumi! you've been working tirelessly for days. I guess it's time for you to take a break or something. Don't think I'm doing this because I care about your well-being or anything!" she declared, her voice laced with her signature tsundere demeanor.

As Narumi heard Christina's voice, he momentarily halted his work and opened the cockpit of his giant mech. Looking at Christina with a small smile, he spoke up. "Christina? So you were actually worried about me and made me a lunch box, huh? Well, if that's the case, let's eat together!" With a gentle motion, Narumi's giant mech kneeled down, and he extended his hand to pull Christina into the cockpit with him.

Christina, though slightly flustered, couldn't help but maintain her tsundere demeanor. "Don't get the wrong idea! I just thought you needed a break, that's all." she crossed her arms and retorted, trying to hide her genuine concern behind her harsh words.

As Narumi took a bite of the delicious homemade meal, Christina couldn't help but sneak a glance at him. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, betraying her tsundere nature. Seeing him enjoy her cooking gave her a sense of accomplishment and warmth in her heart.

With each bite, Narumi couldn't help but praise Christina's culinary skills. "Wow, Christina, this is amazing! You really outdid yourself." He paused, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you for looking out for me. It means a lot."

Christina blushed slightly, trying to hide her embarrassment. She averted her gaze and muttered, "It's not like I made it for you or anything. I just didn't want you collapsing from exhaustion." Her tone, however, held a hint of affection.

With their comedic banter, newcomers who witnessed the scene for the first time were left perplexed and full of misunderstandings. However, those who had witnessed Narumi and Christina's dynamic before smiled warmly, fully aware of the lighthearted nature of their relationship.

One man, with a puzzled expression, voiced his confusion. "Are they quarreling?" he asked, seeking clarification from those around him. An old lady, who had seen the duo's interactions countless times, responded with a gentle smile. "Oh, you're a newcomer, aren't you? That's just their way of expressing love. They engage in comedic 'love-love' like that every time they meet. So you shouldn't misunderstand, okay?" Her reassuring words were accompanied by a knowing look, as if she shared a delightful secret.

The man's confusion turned into curiosity as he observed Narumi and Christina once more, this time with a newfound understanding. As their playful banter continued, he started to appreciate the light-heartedness and affection that underlined their exchanges. The once-confused expressions on the faces of other newcomers gradually transformed into smiles of amusement and appreciation.

The old lady's words resonated with others as well, and they too shared her explanation with those around them. It became a shared understanding among the spectators that Narumi and Christina's comedic interaction was a reflection of their deep bond and affection for each other.

As the word spread, more and more onlookers began to enjoy the scene, finding amusement in Narumi and Christina's playful antics. Laughter filled the air, mingling with the warm smiles that graced the faces of both newcomers and regular observers alike.

Once they finished their meal, Christina broke the silence, her voice more serious this time. "Narumi, we've done enough for this Cloudwhale Kingdom. It's about time we head back to the royal capital of Aurestear Kingdom. They should take care of their own city now," she stated, her tone indicating her determination.

Narumi's expression grew somber as he acknowledged the necessity of their departure. "You're right, Christina. Cloudwhale Kingdom has regained its strength and we've done our part in rebuilding. It's time for us to shift our attention to the larger goal at hand," he agreed, his voice tinged with concern.

"But Valentia... She took a great risk by allowing our allied forces to cross the border without permission. I can't help but worry about the consequences she might face," Narumi's worry for Valentia lingered in his voice as he contemplated the situation. He knew that her actions could potentially lead to severe consequences, and the weight of that weighed heavily on him.

Christina noticed the concern etched on Narumi's face and softened her tsundere demeanor for a moment. She placed a hand on his arm, offering him a comforting gesture. "Don't worry, Narumi. Valentia is strong and resourceful. We have to trust in her judgment and hope that she can handle any repercussions that may come her way," she reassured him, her voice carrying a rare sincerity.

Narumi took a deep breath, finding solace in Christina's words. He knew that Valentia possessed a strong will and had proven her mettle countless times before. "You're right, Christina. Valentia is no ordinary princess. She has the ability to navigate difficult situations. We must have faith in her abilities and trust that she will find a way to resolve any potential consequences," he acknowledged, his voice reflecting a mix of worry and unwavering support.

Christina's cheeks flushed, a faint rosy hue gracing her delicate features. Suppressing her tsundere nature, she mustered the courage to speak. "Narumi, there's something I need to talk to you about. Can you close the cockpit, please?" Her voice carried a mix of bashfulness and resolve, revealing her inner vulnerability beneath her usual strong demeanor.

Narumi nodded, understanding the importance of their privacy. "Of course," he replied softly, and the giant mech began to close its cockpit, creating an intimate space solely for the two of them.

Intrigued, Narumi gazed into Christina's eyes, sensing a touch of nostalgia in her voice. "Can you take a moment to remember our first meeting? What did you say to me back then?" she inquired, a playful and affectionate gleam in her eyes.

Furrowing his brow, Narumi concentrated on recollecting their initial encounter. A warm smile gradually spread across his face as the memories flooded back. "Ah, yes. I remember now. It was the moment I confessed my love to you, the person I had admired for so long," he reminisced, his voice filled with genuine affection.

Christina's face turned crimson, her cheeks ablaze with embarrassment. She vigorously shook her head, denying Narumi's interpretation. "No, no, no! That's not what I meant at all!" she retorted, her voice tinged with frustration. Taking a deep breath, she regained her composure and continued, her tone more composed. "Let me remind you. You said you wanted to rewrite my story, a story of me facing a tragic and miserable death."

Recognition dawned upon Narumi's face, a mixture of surprise and realization. "Ah, yes! I did say that," he admitted, his tone growing earnest. "What I truly meant was that I wanted to be the one to protect you, to ensure your fate could be rewritten. I want to stand by your side, no matter what challenges we may face."

A soft, grateful smile graced Christina's lips as she leaned closer to Narumi. Her face inched toward his, and she paused for a fleeting moment before confessing, "Thank you. And just to be clear, this," she murmured, her breath mingling with his, "is not because I like you or anything. It's simply a token of gratitude. So, don't get any strange ideas, okay?" With those words, she gently pressed her lips against his, the sweetness of their connection filling the enclosed space.

Overflowing with affection, Narumi embraced Christina tightly, cherishing the warmth and tenderness of their union. He reciprocated with two tender kisses, then three, each one expressing his love and devotion.

"Christina," Narumi began, his voice brimming with determination, "I may not know what lies ahead for us anymore, but I want to create our story together, hand in hand." His words carried a sense of unwavering commitment and an eagerness to face the unknown.

Meeting Narumi's gaze, Christina's eyes shimmered with emotion. "You know, back then, I claimed that I didn't need your help to alter my destiny. But things have changed. I've changed," she admitted, her voice filled with newfound trust and vulnerability. "Narumi, I believe in you. Let's embark on this journey together and shape our story," she declared, sealing her words with yet another heartfelt kiss.

Amidst their intensifying moment, Seraphina's voice echoed boisterously from outside, disrupting their private cocoon. "Narumi-nii-sama, please enjoy my fruit juice with me!" she called out, brimming with enthusiasm. Amelia's voice followed suit, equally as spirited. "Don't leave us out! Let us join in the fun too! I'll be your dessert, Narumi-sama!"

Laughter filled the air as they realized they were not alone, Narumi, Christina, Seraphina, and Amelia basked in the realization that their adventure was not a solitary one. The unbreakable bonds they had forged illuminated their path, promising countless more adventures, cherished memories, and unwavering support.

As the first volume of their extraordinary tale came to a close, the flames of their love, friendship, and shared experiences burned brighter than ever before. Their story was far from over, and the pages of their lives eagerly awaited the next chapter. With hearts intertwined and spirits united, they embarked on a journey brimming with hope, courage, and the unwavering belief that their bond would endure, transcending time and challenges.

Through the trials and triumphs that awaited them, their laughter would echo through the realms, their love would defy all odds, and their friendship would be a guiding light in the darkest of moments. The tapestry of their intertwined destinies continued to unfold, painting a vibrant tableau of unity, loyalty, and endless possibilities.

As they stepped into the unknown, they held onto each other tightly, ready to face whatever awaited them. Together, they would carve their own path, leaving an indelible mark on the world and etching their story into the annals of legends.

For Narumi, Christina, Seraphina, and Amelia, the journey had just begun, and their tale would resonate throughout generations, a testament to the power of love, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds that shaped their lives. And so, with hearts filled with anticipation and souls aflame with passion, they set forth, ready to create a story that would be whispered for eternity.