Chapter 12

As the train pulls out of Mineral Town station, Mark and Keira settle into their seats, each experiencing the journey in their own unique way. For Keira, this is an entirely new experience. Her wide eyes dart around the train compartment, taking in the details of the polished woodwork, plush seats, and the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels on the tracks.

"This is incredible, Mark," Keira whispers, her voice filled with wonder. "I've heard about trains from the TV, but I never imagined they would be so... magnificent."

Mark can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. It's refreshing to see Keira so captivated by something so ordinary to him. "I'm glad you like it," he replies. "Trains are a common mode of transportation these days. They make traveling long distances so much easier."

Keira nods. Her gaze then shifts to the window, where the landscape outside blurs as they pick up speed. Fields of vibrant green, quaint villages, and the occasional glimpse of a river pass by in a blur of colors. She presses her hand against the glass, almost as if trying to touch the world outside.

"Look, Mark, it's as if the world is rushing past us," she exclaims. "The outside world is so vast, and I've been missing out on all of this."

Mark leans in closer to Keira, sharing in her sense of awe. "That's what makes traveling so special. It opens your eyes to new experiences and perspectives. We're on this journey together, Keira, and there's so much more to see."

Keira's fascination with the world outside the train window continues unabated. She nods in response to Mark's words but is soon lost in the ever-shifting tapestry of landscapes. The meadows stretch out as far as the eye can see, their lush green expanses broken only by the occasional river that winds its way through the terrain. Keira's eyes sparkle with delight as she watches the meadows transform into dense, verdant forests, teeming with the calls and rustlings of various creatures. Each passing town and city, with its unique architecture and diverse populace, captures her attention like a series of captivating stories.

As the hours roll by, the train carries them through regions that feel like distinct worlds unto themselves. The vastness of the world unfolds before Keira's eyes, and she can't help but smile with each new discovery. The train's rhythmic motion lulls her into a sense of tranquility as she relishes the beauty and diversity of the outside world. It's a sensory feast she has never experienced before, and it fills her heart with a sense of awe and wonder.

As the day gradually fades into evening, Mark takes out their meal. He dines on simple yet delicious fare, While Keira dines on her usual curried rice. Mark notices the contentment on Keira's face, it warms his heart to see her so happy outside the confines of Forget-Me-Not Valley. Keira has come a long way since her release from that room where she was trapped for centuries. Adjusting to the outside world wasn't easy, but she has shown remarkable resilience. Mark silently hopes that, in time, Keira will become even more comfortable with the idea of traveling to his hometown, free from any fears of being surrounded by too many strangers. He yearns for a future where they can explore the world together, hand in hand, with Keira's radiant smile lighting the way.

As Mark gazes at Keira, still lost in her fascination with the world outside, a sense of gratitude washes over him. He silently thanks his friends who have played pivotal roles in helping him navigate the complexities of his relationship with Keira.

Muffy's advice on dating had been invaluable. Her insights and encouragement had given Mark the confidence to suggest the idea of dating to Keira, which ultimately led him to Flora who suggested this transformative honeymoon journey. It was clear that Keira was still discovering the intricacies of the modern world, and dating was an important part of that process. Mark hoped that with time, their dating experiences would bring them closer together, bridging the gap between their initial, somewhat awkward marriage and a future filled with romance and possibly a family.

As the train pulls into the station late in the evening, Mark and Keira disembark, their destination still some distance away. The sun has dipped below the horizon, casting the world in hues of twilight. Knowing that they have a long journey ahead, they decide to spend the night at a nearby hotel.

Keira's eyes widen with fascination as they enter the hotel's grand lobby. The opulent decor, plush furnishings, and intricate chandeliers leave her in awe. She can't help but compare their room to something fit for royalty.

"These places are... suitable for a king," Keira marvels, her voice filled with wonder.

Mark chuckles at her observation, amused by the irony. "You're right, Keira, they are quite luxurious. Although," he adds with a sly smile, "I must point out that you're already a princess, so I suppose this is fitting for you as well."

They make their way to their room, which is spacious and elegantly furnished. Keira continues to marvel at the modern amenities, from the soft beds to the large, ornate bathroom.

Mark watches her with affection, delighted by her genuine appreciation for the world outside the valley. "Tomorrow, we'll explore Konohana together," he says, his voice filled with excitement. "But for now, let's get some rest. Our honeymoon is just beginning."

As the continues like a velvety curtain over the hotel, Mark and Keira retire to their respective rooms. In the comforting embrace of the soft beds and luxurious surroundings, they soon drift into the depths of slumber, their dreams filled with anticipation for the day to come.

Morning arrives with the gentle rays of the sun streaming through the curtains. Keira awakens to the soft sounds of birdsong outside her window, a pleasant contrast to the chirping of crickets she had grown accustomed to in Forget-Me-Not Valley. She stretches, feeling a sense of excitement building within her. Today, she would step into Konohana, the village of her ancestors.

As they step outside, a magnificent horse-drawn carriage awaits them, a vision of western charm. Keira's eyes widen in delight at the sight of the elegant conveyance, a mode of transport far removed from Forget-Me-Not Valley.

With Mark by her side, they embark on a brief but colorful carriage ride that takes them through the outskirts of Konohana. The landscape gradually transforms from unfamiliar surroundings to a terrain that resonates with a sense of belonging. A feeling of nostalgia washes over Keira as she takes in the rolling hills, the rustling bamboo groves, and the towering trees that must have been brought by her people from Hanabishi. It doesn't take long before the carriage drops them off near their destination.

As they near the village, Keira's heart races with anticipation. Goosebumps rise on her arms, and her breath quickens. She steps onto the dirt roads of Konohana, her eyes darting from one familiar sight to another. The Hanabishi-style buildings with their graceful curves and wooden lattice-work windows, the villagers dressed in traditional garments that harken back to her own heritage—all these elements combine to create a scene that feels like stepping into the pages of a cherished story.

Tears of joy well up in Keira's eyes as she gazes around, taking in the vibrant colors, the fragrant flowers, and the rich tapestry of culture that surrounds her. Konohana, a place that resembles the villages she had only known through stories and images shown to her during her childhood, is now a living, breathing reality. It feels familiar, a place where the echoes of her people resonate in every corner.

Mark watches Keira with affection, understanding the significance of this moment for her. "Keira," he says softly, "welcome home."

After a few moments to regain her composure, Keira takes a deep breath, savoring the scent of the vibrant village air. With renewed enthusiasm, she and Mark visit Ina, the mayor of Konohana, to complete their registration as tourists.

Ina, a woman with a warm smile and a deep connection to her village's heritage, welcomes them graciously. She guides them through the process, ensuring that they are officially recognized as visitors in Konohana. As the paperwork is sorted, Ina takes a moment to share her own excitement about their arrival.

With a twinkle in her eye, Ina offers, "Now that you're part of our village for a while, I'd like to give you a brief tour. Konohana is a place rich in history, nestled among lush fields of crops. Our life here revolves around the land, cultivating tender vegetables, scrumptious fruit, and golden waves of grain. Our crops sprout from ample fields in all seasons."

Ina's voice is filled with pride as she speaks, and she takes Mark and Keira through the heart of Konohana. They cross graceful bridges that span the many rivers that flow through the village. The villagers they pass by offer warm smiles and friendly greetings, their curiosity piqued by Keira, who looks and dresses as if she's always been a part of their community, despite never having been here before.

Ina takes a moment to point out the architectural marvels that set Konohana apart. The buildings here boast a unique blend of tile and thatch roofs, each one a tale of the village's distinct character. Colorful paper lanterns hang gracefully from the eaves, adding splashes of vibrancy to the charming structures.

"That's Konohana for you!" Ina says with palpable pride. It's clear that the village's culture, traditions, and the bond among its people hold a special place in her heart, and she's eager to share it with their new guests.

After their captivating tour of Konohana, Ina leads Mark and Keira to a charming local eatery where they can savor a bite to eat. They are seated at a cozy table, and menus are placed before them. Mark scans the list of dishes with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. The names of the dishes are unfamiliar to him, filled with intriguing combinations such as seafood pizza, rice and fish rolls, deep-fried panko prawn, and many others.

As Mark grapples with the culinary enigma before him, Keira's eyes light up with recognition. She peruses the menu with ease, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Despite the changed names, these dishes are unmistakably delicacies from the Hanabishi kingdom, a taste of her homeland she thought she might never experience again.

Keira confidently places their order, her excitement palpable. When the food arrives, her joy is evident as she gazes upon the familiar dishes. Without hesitation, she deftly wields the chopsticks, her movements graceful and practiced. As she takes her first bite, a blush creeps onto her cheeks. The flavors evoke memories of her past, of feasts within the castle walls, and a taste of home that she had sorely missed.

On the other side of the table, Mark watches Keira with a mix of amazement and intrigue. The dishes in front of him look alien, and an unusual fishy scent wafts from the food, an aroma he finds less than pleasant. He marvels at how effortlessly Keira consumes these dishes, considering how foreign they are to him. In this moment, he comprehends Keira's aversion to the food of Forget-Me-Not Valley. The roles have reversed, and Mark finds himself as the outsider in this culinary adventure.

Keira's concern for Mark is evident as she notices his struggles with the unfamiliar utensils. "What's wrong? Not hungry?" she inquires, her voice laced with amusement.

Mark chuckles nervously, feeling a bit out of place but determined to embrace this cultural experience. "No, no! It's fine, really!" he reassures her. He reaches for the chopsticks, but they prove to be his new adversaries. They slip through his fingers, clattering onto the table repeatedly. In this moment, Mark is acutely aware of what it feels like to be the outsider, having always relied on a fork to eat. This firsthand experience deepens his understanding of the challenges Keira faced when she first arrived in his life.

Keira's laughter rings out, her giggle like a melody in the cozy eatery. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she selects a slice of fish roll, dips it in a small dish of wasabi sauce, and extends it toward Mark. "Let me help you eat, then I'll teach you how to use them. Say ahhh!"

Mark blushes at the unexpected offer, his surprise mixing with a hint of embarrassment. He gazes at the proffered dish, the raw fish covered in rice and seaweed, and hesitates for a moment. With a deep breath, he takes a leap of faith, opening his mouth to accept the offering. As the flavors explode on his palate, he's genuinely taken aback by the delightful taste. The raw fish, once an intimidating concept, is now a revelation of flavors and textures. "Delicious!" he exclaims with newfound excitement.

Keira beams at his enthusiasm. "Of course it is, silly! Hanabishi-style food is the best. Come here, I'll teach you how to use the chopsticks."

Mark joins her side of the table, eager to learn from the person who means so much to him. Keira patiently demonstrates the art of chopstick manipulation, explaining the nuances of etiquette and culture that are deeply woven into her people's dining rituals. Mark watches her with fascination, recognizing how much eating is not just sustenance but a window into the Hanabishi culture. He's filled with anticipation, eager to uncover more about Keira's heritage and the cultural tapestry that shapes her personality.

After their satisfying meal, Ina reappears to continue their tour of Konohana. As they stroll through the charming village streets, Mark takes the opportunity to inquire about the delicious local cuisine they had just savored. Ina explains with a warm smile that these recipes have been cherished and passed down through countless generations of Konohana families. Their food, she proudly shares, has a storied history of culinary rivalry with the neighboring town of Bluebell. For years, these two communities competed with their unique dishes, but it was the hard work and dedication of the local farmer and rancher that ultimately bridged the gap and united both villages again.

As the tour concludes, Mark and Keira return to their hotel, seeking a moment of respite to absorb the multitude of experiences they've had throughout the day. Keira's eyes sparkle with the memory of the village, and she eagerly shares her impressions with Mark. The familiarity of Konohana with its echoes of past Hanabishi villages resonates deeply with her. Mark listens intently, fascinated by the wealth of knowledge Keira possesses about a kingdom she never had the chance to witness firsthand.

Keira reveals that, through the magic of Namonaki, she's been granted glimpses of her homeland in preparation for her intended role as queen. Though her life has taken a different path, she finds solace and fulfillment in the peaceful existence she now shares with Mark in Forget-Me-Not Valley. Their connection, forged through time and trials, has given her a new perspective on life and marriage. She smiles at Mark, grateful for the serendipitous twist of fate that brought them together.

The following day, Mark and Keira eagerly set out to explore Konohana on their own. Hand in hand, they stroll through the picturesque village, taking in the sights and sounds of a culture that has evolved and thrived since the days of the fallen castle. Keira's eyes gleam with curiosity, witnessing the shifts in customs and traditions that have taken place over the years. She comes to a halt near a charming bridge, where a young couple is deeply engrossed in courtship—a date. Something that was not present back in her time, but the people evolved to court similarly to the people they've melded into. This delightful custom must have been introduced many years ago, likely influenced by the neighboring village of Bluebell.

Their wanderings lead them to the local farm in Konohana, where Mark's fascination is immediately piqued. The farming practices here differ significantly from those in Forget-Me-Not Valley. Back home, every crop requires manual watering, a labor-intensive process. In Konohana, however, they employ a trench system that efficiently irrigates the fields. Water flows through channels, providing a consistent and ample supply to nourish the crops. Mark watches with keen interest, realizing how such innovative techniques can significantly impact farming productivity.

As Mark intently studies the intricate irrigation system, the farmer who owns this verdant patch of land emerges from the cozy house nestled amidst the fields. His name is Phillip, a weathered but welcoming figure whose eyes twinkle with a deep love for his trade. He promptly takes notice of Mark's keen interest in his farm, and with a friendly smile, he strides over to strike up a conversation.

"Hello there, and welcome to my farm," Phillip greets warmly, extending a hand in Mark's direction. "What can I do for you today?"

Mark, stepping back from his examination of the fields, meets Phillip's gaze with a friendly demeanor. "Hi," he responds, clasping Phillip's offered hand. "I'm Mark, a farmer from Forget-Me-Not Valley. I was just taking a good look at your fields here."

"A fellow farmer, eh?" Phillip's eyes brighten with camaraderie. "It's always a pleasure to meet one of our own."

Mark, naturally curious, dives straight into the heart of the matter. "I was particularly drawn to your watering system. Could you tell me a bit more about it?"

Phillip, always eager to share his knowledge, begins to explain. "Certainly. Here in Konohana, we employ a trench-based irrigation method. I use my watering can at the top of the fields, and the water flows down through these trenches to reach the crops. It makes watering a breeze, allowing me to focus on other aspects of farming."

Mark's face lights up with admiration. "That's incredible," he exclaims. "I wonder if I could implement something similar back home."

Phillip, thoughtful and willing to assist a fellow farmer, offers his insights. "It works best if your fields are on a slope like mine. The water can naturally flow down through the trenches. Most farms tend to be flat in your valley, so the system might not be as effective. However, I'd be happy to share some tips that could help improve your irrigation."

Mark appreciates Phillip's generosity and dedication to his craft. As they stand in the dappled sunlight amidst the Konohana fields, the exchange of knowledge and camaraderie among these two farmers highlights the essence of their shared passion for the land.

As Mark and Phillip engage in an animated conversation about farming techniques, Keira stands to the side, observing her husband's enthusiasm with a gentle smile. The way Mark's eyes light up while discussing his craft warms her heart, and she's eager to learn more about this world he's so passionate about, and possibly contribute to it.

Eventually, Phillip's curiosity gets the best of him, and he turns his attention to Keira. With a friendly smile, he inquires, "Hey, who's the pretty lady with you?"

Mark glances at Keira and introduces her as his wife, which catches Phillip by surprise. With a chuckle, he remarks, "Wow, look at that. Not only do we have the same job, but we also have the same taste in women!"

Perplexed, Mark probes further, asking Phillip to explain what he means. In response, Phillip excitedly calls out to his house, "Hey, Nori! Come outside and meet our guests!"

In a matter of moments, a young woman emerges from the house, and Mark and Keira are left in a state of shock. Nori, Phillip's wife, bears an uncanny resemblance to Keira. Her slender brown eyes, long jet-black hair, and petite frame mirror Keira's features almost perfectly. Even the hairband she wears is eerily similar to Keira's own.

As Mark's gaze shifts between Nori and his wife, he's struck by the astonishing resemblance. It leaves him perplexed, unable to comprehend how two women who are complete strangers could share such an uncanny likeness. Keira, however, understands the connection immediately. After Keira's mother married into royalty, many of her mother's siblings were invited into the castle as well. Her family tree on her mother's side, extending through many generations, must have married and had children after escaping the castle. The bloodline of her mother has indeed stood the test of time, creating an unexpected but heartwarming connection between the two women.

As Keira instinctively rushes to Nori and envelops her in an affectionate embrace, Mark momentarily panics, his protective instincts taking over. "Keira! What are you doing? Please let her go," he urges, concern evident in his voice.

However, Nori's reaction is far from what they expected. She smiles warmly and reassures Mark, "It's quite alright." With a gentle, comforting touch, she starts stroking Keira's hair and continues, "I don't know why, but I feel a connection to her. It feels warm and comforting."

Mark and Phillip exchange bemused glances, their initial confusion giving way to understanding. If Nori doesn't mind Keira's sudden show of affection, then there's no reason to intervene. They observe the two women, Keira clinging to Nori, and they share a bond that transcends the years of separation.

For Keira, this embrace takes her back to a time long past, when her own mother held her with tenderness and care. It's a sensation she has dearly missed, and she's grateful that, through Nori, she can once again experience the comfort of a motherly touch.

After their initial warm embrace, the group moves inside Nori and Phillip's cozy home, where they chat and exchange stories about their respective homes. Keira, choosing not to reveal her true identity as a princess from a distant past, behaves like a typical girl from Forget-Me-Not Valley. They share laughter, talk about their daily lives, and Keira is particularly fascinated by the fact that Nori doesn't care for curry, despite it being one of her favorite dishes.

As they continue to spend time together, a new character enters the scene, dashing into the room. Nori introduces her son as Ryudo, a lively and adorable child. Keira can't help but watch the mother and son interact with genuine warmth and affection. The sight of Ryudo interacting with his mother stirs thoughts in Keira's mind about the possibility of having a child herself.

While Keira looks forward to the idea of introducing a child into their home, she also realizes that she has much to learn about modern culture and child-rearing practices. Ryudo's upbringing is vastly different from that of children in her time, and Keira understands the importance of understanding this world before she can hope to raise a child within their community.

As the day comes to a close, Keira and Mark bid farewell to their new friends, promising to keep in touch. Keira even secures Nori's contact information, eager to maintain this newfound connection. Back in the hotel, they once again discuss their experiences in Konohana. Mark reassures Keira that there's still plenty of time for her to explore and learn more about their world before they return home. Their honeymoon continues, and Keira is filled with anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead.

In the following days, Mark and Keira enthusiastically explore both Konohana and its neighboring village, Bluebell. Bluebell with it's western architecture, while lacking a farm, boasts a flourishing ranch managed by a charming young girl named Lillian. She warmly welcomes Mark and Keira to the ranch, offering them a comprehensive tour of the facility.

Mark is utterly captivated by the array of new animal species he encounters. The jersey cows, with their unique fur patterns and creamy, distinct milk, are unlike any of the marble cows he raises back on his own farm. The silkie hens, a variant of chickens with puffier feathers, lay eggs with a richer hue, ideal for crafting delicious ice cream.

As the days pass by in a delightful blur of exploration and discovery, Mark and Keira find themselves on the eve of their departure, the final day of their honeymoon. To commemorate this special occasion, they decide to spend their remaining hours shopping at the local store in Konohana, which happens to be run by none other than Nori's grandfather, Gombe. The prospect of shopping in a place so close to their hearts and filled with familiar faces adds an extra layer of warmth and joy to their journey.

In the quaint store, Keira carefully sifts through the various items, pondering which one would serve as the perfect memento of their unforgettable journey. Meanwhile, Mark occupies himself with the unique crop seeds from Konohana, hoping to bring a slice of Hanabishi culture back to their valley as a token of his affection for Keira.

As Keira continues her search, her gaze becomes transfixed by a framed picture hanging on the wall. Mark, sensing her deep fascination, joins her to examine what has captured her attention. On the aged canvas, a hand-painted image comes to life before them. In the portrait, a strong and powerful man stands proudly beside a stunning maiden with flowing black hair, clad in a robe reminiscent of the attire Keira wore when they first met.

Driven by curiosity, Mark can't resist his urge to inquire. He turns to Gombe, the store's proprietor, and asks, "Gombe, could you tell us more about the people in this picture? They seem rather important."

Gombe, with a gentle smile, approaches Mark and Keira to offer insights into the enigmatic portrait. "That, my friends, is a depiction of the esteemed founders of our village. I believe their names were Ryouske and Sakura Honjo."

Keira and Mark are left in a state of astonishment, their breaths momentarily caught in their throats. While the image undoubtedly portrays Keira's parents, a peculiar detail dawns upon them. Their last names are unmistakably Hanabishi, a fact that has been ingrained in Keira's lineage for generations. However, the surname mentioned, Honjo, is clearly her mother's maiden name, and this discrepancy is baffling to say the least.

As Gombe shares this captivating history, Mark and Keira listen with rapt attention, the story resonating with Keira in particular. The tale of her ancestors, who played such a significant role in founding these villages, strikes a deep chord within her.

Gombe's voice carries a sense of reverence as he delves deeper into the narrative. "They arrived here with a group of survivors, determined to forge a new life amidst the challenges of this land. Together, they built Konohana from the very earth we stand on. But as time passed, Ryouske and Sakura went on to establish two more villages. However, Sakura's health was always fragile, and she ultimately departed from this world after founding Wagashi. She was laid to rest beneath the sacred shrine in Tsukukuke, and Ryouske lived out his days among those walls until his own peaceful passing. Though the details of Sakura's ailment remain a mystery, legend has it that she succumbed to a heart burdened with immense sorrow."

Unable to contain her feelings any longer, Keira reflects on the poignant narrative that unfolds before her. The sacrifices and determination of her forebears, who laid the very foundations for the existence of these villages, strike a chord deep within her soul. She envisions her mother, in the midst of chaos and despair so long ago, crying out for her people to safeguard her precious daughter. But the castle guards, oblivious to Keira's true identity, knew only that they must rescue the queen from the sinking fortress. They took her away, unknowingly separating mother and child. Her mother, Sakura, was forced to move forward, her heart heavy with the burden of her role as queen, unable to fulfill her duty as a mother. This grief festered in her chest, leading to her early passing so long ago.

Keira's eyes glisten with unshed tears as the heavy realization of her parents' history weighs on her heart. The idea that her mother had suffered many years ago, unable to save her daughter, fills her with an indescribable sorrow. She longs to convey that she is here, that she is well, that her mother's anguish need not have lasted so long. But the vast expanse of time stands between them, rendering her words, her solace, forever out of reach.

Mark, sensing Keira's deep emotions, takes a decisive step. He turns to Gombe, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. "Can I buy this picture?"

Gombe nods with a kind smile. "Of course! I'll have it wrapped for you right away."

After the picture is carefully wrapped, Gombe places it in Keira's outstretched hands. She cradles it gently, her fingers trembling with a mix of reverence and longing. The image of her parents, the founders of Konohana, now within her grasp, feels like a bridge to a past she never had the chance to live.

Mark watches her closely, his heart aching for the emotions she's experiencing. He reaches out to gently touch her shoulder, offering silent support and understanding. The weight of history and the unspoken connection between Keira and her parents hang heavy in the air, creating a moment filled with unspoken emotions that words can hardly express.

The next morning, Mark and Keira board the train heading back to Mineral Town. As Mark and Keira settle into their seats on the train back to Forget-Me-Not Valley, the soothing rhythm of the tracks beneath them begins to carry them away from Konohana. The journey home gives them a chance to reflect on the experiences of the past few days.

Keira's eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she clutches the carefully wrapped picture in her lap. She can't wait to get back to the farm and hang it in a place of honor. The image of her parents, Ryouske and Sakura, founders of Konohana, is now more than just a piece of history; it's a tangible connection to her past, a link to her roots that she thought she had lost forever.

Mark, sitting beside her says, "It must have been quite an emotional journey for you, Keira."

She nods, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, it was. I never thought I'd get a chance to see my parents, even if it's just in a picture. Thank you for bringing me to Konohana, Mark."

Mark smiles, his heart full of affection for this woman who has become his world. "You don't have to thank me, Keira. I'm just happy to have been a part of this with you."

As they continue their journey, they take turns summarizing what they've learned. Keira talks about the fascinating culture and history of Konohana, while Mark shares his newfound knowledge of farming techniques and the delicious crops unique to the village. They both agree that their honeymoon has been an eye-opening experience, not just for Keira but for Mark as well.

The train's gentle rocking lulls them into a comfortable silence as they watch the passing scenery. The lush fields, quaint villages, and serene rivers outside the window serve as a reminder of the world beyond their valley, a world they're eager to explore together in the future.

Keira glances down at the wrapped picture once more, a small smile playing on her lips. Her parents may have lived centuries ago, but their legacy lives on in her heart. As the train continues its journey, Keira's anticipation grows, and she can't wait to hang the picture in their home—a tangible connection to her past and a symbol of the future she shares with Mark.

Back in Forget-Me-Not Valley, Mark and Keira find the perfect spot to hang the picture—it is centered right above the television. This placement holds a special significance for Keira, who knows that her parents' watchful eyes oversee every moment of her cherished television hobby. As they carefully secure the picture to the wall, Keira feels a sense of comfort and connection to her long-lost parents.

Standing side by side, they take a step back to admire the image of Ryouske and Sakura. In that frozen moment captured on canvas, the honorable king and dutiful queen seem to emanate a protective aura. The sense of love and guardianship from the painting envelops them, as if Ryouske and Sakura are blessing their union.

Mark can't help but steal a glance at Keira from the corner of his eye, his heart swelling with affection for the woman by his side. Slowly and tenderly, he reaches over, his fingers gently resting on her shoulder before he wraps his arm around her. Keira responds by nestling her head against Mark's shoulder, the closeness of their embrace sparking a warm blush on both of their cheeks. Despite the incredible odds and the centuries that separate them from Keira's parents, they have discovered a profound way to draw closer to each other as a married couple.

Amid this tranquil moment, Mark broaches a topic that has been lingering on his mind. "Hey, Keira," he begins, his voice gentle and considerate. Keira looks up at him with those mesmerizing eyes, full of trust and affection. "I believe we should take a bit more time before we start thinking about having children. It's not that I don't want them; quite the opposite. I think we should give ourselves the chance to know each other even better before we introduce a baby into our lives. What do you think?"

Keira gazes at the picture of her parents for a moment longer, the warmth of their presence seeming to envelop her. She then turns her attention to Mark, her eyes softening with affection as he lays his arm around her. The bond between them has grown stronger, and despite the centuries that separate them from her parents, she can't help but feel their blessings in this moment.

Mark's words bring her back to the present, and she smiles at him. "You know, Mark, I was actually thinking the same thing," she admits. "I want to experience more of this world, of our life together, before we bring a child into it. There's so much to learn and explore, and I want to enjoy every moment of it with you."

Mark's heart swells with happiness. "I'm glad we're on the same page, Keira. We have a lifetime ahead of us, and I want to cherish every moment we have together."

With their decision made and their hearts united, Mark and Keira stand together before the picture of her parents. The feelings and protection it represents serve as a reminder of the remarkable journey they've embarked on—a journey filled with honor, understanding, and the promise of a future together.