"You came, phoenix."
Rauv uttered, meeting the flame bird flying up the temple ruins, and his fragment instantly formed into a human figure.
"Ha, it's too tiring getting along with humans," Phoenix replied resting on Rauv's shoulder and brushing its feathers on his long silver hair.
"You are traveling with that child and ah another of Agustus descendants."
Agustus is the first emperor and the first to manifest an aura and was once Rauv's best friend.
However, the two fell in love with one woman who chose Agustus and became the first empress and also an alchemist, Alenia.
"They are planning to give up the child and rebuild the seal with her powers."
"Hmmm, not a bad idea that is also what I want to suggest."
Rauv responded and his memories from hundreds of years flashed before his eyes.
The same situation and the same decision he has to make is to leave the human world and dedicate all his powers to protect and construct a world only for the magical beast.
They can no longer live with humans and to separate the two creatures, he sacrifices himself leaving the temple as his last memento for his loved ones.
The temple is made not only for Alenia but for Agustus and him. A place where no one of them can use their powers inside.
A place where the three of them can live and laugh like ordinary humans with no responsibilities at all.
In short, a place where they could only find peace and happiness.
"What could be her decision this time," Rauv mumbled and an idea came up in his head.
"Please send this to the palace for me phoenix."
Majestically a pouch appeared in his hands and the phoenix obliged to deliver the item.
"The emperor has woken up!"
Bang bang-
The imperial palace bell rang that very next day upon the sun rising carrying the good news of Arcu's waking up.
"What was that sound?"
Almost half a month has passed, and Gael and Yui's journey is almost nearing to end but their relationship progressed at speed.
The awkward and unfamiliar atmosphere immediately melts between them.
"Is that bell coming from the palace?" Yui said while helping Gael prepare their breakfast.
"Maybe good news happened."
Although Gael knows the answer, he nevertheless gave a vague one to Yui as if he is intentionally making her unrelated to such news.
Aside from interacting like a real couple, Gael shares little information with Yui, even hiding the fact that she is a royal princess.
Regardless, the phoenix also kept quiet about it because he knows that the time he is spending with her is the only time he could have with her to live like normal people.
"Coward."
Unexpectedly, the phoenix uttered and Yui was able to hear him that's why he quickly averted its eyes.
"Coward? whose coward?"
Yui asked the phoenix innocently but Gael shrank because he knew it was intended for him.
Indeed, when it comes to Yui he becomes the weakest, fearing a lot of things.
"Let's eat."
Gael brushed off his anxieties and insecurities and just exhibits a smile on his lips enjoying his present time.
"You don't even have any memories but how can you trust him?"
Out of the blue, while preparing to leave the house they stayed for a night, the phoenix approached Yui.
"Because his face is irresistible."
Eyes twinkling, Yui look at Gael's side profile, while he is arranging their luggage.
"Seriously?" Phoenix replied with doubtful eyes looking at her.
"Ahem, well he treats me well." She responded averting her eyes.
"That's all?"
Yui let a heavy sigh and face the phoenix with a firm expression. "Hey look, I don't understand it either but my heart seems to trust him and that's it."
"I got it."
Crumpling her forehead, Yui was dumbfounded by the phoenix's response and just fly above.
"Are you ready?"
Gael suddenly embraced her from behind but Yui did not resist nor feel flustered as she is already used by his sudden skinship.
"Yeah, let's go."
Yui replied brushing his head that is leaning on her shoulders but Gael did not move, rather he tightly embraces her waist.
"What's wrong?"
"Can't we just stay here for another day?"
Gael may not say more than what Yui asks, but she could feel that there is more that Gael is hesitating to say to tell her.
Her intuition tells her that the more they get closer to their destination, Gael is getting more and more anxious as if he is afraid of something.
However, Yui can't ask him because she doesn't want to see him dejected. It also pains her even though she doesn't understand why.
"All right."
Surprised by her answer, Gael lift his head to confirm if he heard her right and he saw her bright smiling face.
"Let us stay for another night."
She added and Gael hug her once again and even kissed her cheeks multiple times.
"Thank you, thank you." He responded extremely happy and thus Yui smiled too exchanging warm embraces with him.
And thus another night came with the two spend most of their time next to each other.
Phoenix got used to it and just left the two giving them the time of their life.
Hand intertwined, Yui and Gael decided to sleep next to each other with the only light passing by the window as their source.
After having a sweet conversation, the two ended up staring at each other's eyes glimmering under their shadows.
The silence only grew deeper but Yui could feel her heart throbs louder when Gael pull her closer and kissed her forehead.
Lifting her face, Yui passionately looks into Gael's eyes which Gael responded with a beautiful smile.
Thus, she found her hands caressing the young man's face and such a comforting feeling made Gael close his eyes.
But it didn't last long when he opened them wide, surprised by a soft sensation that touched his lips.
Yui removed her lips and stare at Gael's flustered face yet their eyes passionately stared at their faces.
From eyes to nose and down to lips. They both examine each other's faces slowly their nose touch and finally their lips.
That night the two gave in to the heat of their hearts constantly beating for one another and began to share the warmth of their love.