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cheesy09 · 1 year ago

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[CN] Kiro's Fateful Date

🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

[WARNING: I feel like I should mention this here, but if you're not a fan of Romeo-Juliet type tragedies, then I would advise you not to read this date. Don't go in expecting a happy ending, there is no happiness to be found here. Only pain T-T]

[PART 1]

The sun forgives every sin;

The stars will tell everyone their secrets;

And the moon only sighs;

Those who think they can do anything,

Wait for the day when the sun will never come again,

You will see your truest self in the darkness.

[Flashback]

MC: Kiro, Pasha has accepted me as her student. From today on, I'm an astrologer!

MC: When you become king, I'll eliminate worries for you and the country.

Kiro and I lay side by side on the ground covered in Epiphyllum, looking up at the brilliant stars in the night sky.

Kiro: When that day comes, you'll also wear the crown and become my queen.

[End of flashback]

Pasha: How are the preparations for the new king's coronation ceremony going?

An old voice sounded behind me. I banished my thoughts and bowed down submissively.

MC: Everything is fine, teacher, but... the degree of Mars rising has changed.

[A/n: I don't really know much about astrology so forgive me if I misinterpret some of the things the characters are saying >"<]

I worriedly handed over the parchment that recorded the recent star movements.

I had looked through all the scrolls in the tower. The last time such a horoscope appeared was during the reign of the Levina Dynasty, 236 years ago. Since then, the most powerful kingdom on the continent has collapsed into seven, and they've been fighting for nearly a hundred years.

While observing my teacher, I carefully considered my words and expressed my opinions.

MC: I heard... the kingdom of Lys to the west has had some troubles with us recently;

MC: Several lords in the southeast and northwest of the country also refused to pay taxes on the grounds of a poor harvest, perhaps referring to these changes...

Pasha remained silent for a long time, straightening her haggard back slightly.

Pasha: MC, you entered the Star Tower five years ago to learn from me, and you can be said to posses very clear eyes. But what you are looking at is just a small patch of sky above your head.

She threw the parchment into the fireplace, where it gradually twisted under the firelight and emitted a pungent stench.

Pasha: Mars ascends the palace, Venus moves westward, Mercury sets again and again, and the disasters contained in the apocalypse will come true.

Pasha: War brings bloodshed, floods bring plague, and the earth will no longer protect the crops. After the famine, pale death will come in person to cut off the kingdom's future.

MC: ...!

MC: I'll write down the record and inform the king and the crown prince.

Pasha: No need. The path forward has been decided, and everything has its own reasons.

Pasha: A death can only be saved by another future.

I was stunned, unable to comprehend her intentions for a moment.

Pasha: You're an astrologer. You should see the thread of destiny yourself and guide it in the right direction.

After Pasha said that, she walked out of the gloom through the narrow door, leaving me alone to look at the crackling flames in the fireplace.

The starry sky outside the window was deep, shining with an obscure and mysterious light.

It wasn't until late at night that I finished handling the day's affairs and left the tower. There were no people along the way, only the shadows of trees swaying uneasily.

The face of the teacher in charge constantly appeared in my mind. What kind of future would it take to prevent such a terrible disaster?

Just as I was contemplating that question, a figure walking in the distance stopped me in my tracks.

His blonde hair, symbolic of the royal bloodline, shone under the moon, eclipsing everything else.

In the past, I was often enveloped in such brilliance, but ever since one winter day four years ago, he has drifted farther and farther away from me.

In the end, just a glance had turned into a luxury.

I didn't resent anything. After all, youthful ignorance was like an unripe fruit. Probably, as time went by, the former taste would be lost. It's just that I was stuck in it.

Thinking about dispelling my emotions, I saluted Kiro who was coming towards me.

MC: Good evening, Your Highness.

MC: All preparations for the coronation ceremony have been completed, please rest assured.

Kiro: Thank you for your hard work.

He nodded slightly, but did not stop, finally passing me by. Even though I tried hard not to look back, I still couldn't help but glance at him from the corner of my eye after a few seconds.

That back figure was already far away from me, almost melting into the night.

Just staying silently behind him seemed to be a good choice.

Although we could not fulfill that promise, I would guard the promise of this country as an astrologer.

I had confidence that I'd do it well.

MC: Good night, Your Highness.

I continued walking forward resolutely, not noticing the figure quietly looking back behind me, and the voice that was almost lost in the darkness.

Kiro: ...Good night.

Time passed day by day, and the preparations for the coronation ceremony finally came to an end.

MC: Finally some good sleep...

As soon as I tiredly got into bed, I suddenly remembered something and sat up at once.

MC: Oops, today's astrological records haven't been sent for storage yet!

This was one of the things that astrologers had to do every day. Even though it was late at night, I picked up the documents and hurried to the archives belonging to the astrologers.

I put the astrology chart into the file rack under the moonlight and was about to leave with a yawn when I heard the sound of a cane and words being exchanged in the corridor.

??: Pasha, I have been waiting for this day for twenty years. Lately, even those young girls can't put me to sleep.

Pasha: Your Majesty, there is no need to worry. Once the prince is crowned, the disaster predicted twenty years ago will come to an end, and the Kingdom of Kairos will definitely be peaceful in the future.

MC: ?!

While talking, the king and the teacher walked towards the study room next door, and I subconsciously followed them with slower steps.

Pasha: He will shoulder the glory of being king of a country and be buried under the night-blooming cereus, preventing disasters for the country and bringing happiness to his people.

King: Hmph, you were the one who determined the date of his birth down to the minute, forcing the queen to delay giving birth for two days and nights.

King: Putting aside the fact that the queen died as a result, can you really guarantee that this will help me avoid my fate?

The heavy sound of the astrologer's staff hitting the ground silenced the king's questioning, and the teacher's undeniable voice sounded clearly.

Pasha: I see all possibilities and judge all futures. Everything is woven and recorded by the trajectory of the stars. There is no doubt about it.

Pasha: The night is late, and the path to the tower is steep. Please retire to your bedchamber early, Your Majesty.

[PART 2]

The complex and explosive information continued to expand in my head, so that by the time I had returned to my senses, I had already returned to my room and unfolded the astrological chart of Kiro's birth date with trembling hands.

From ancient times to the present, astrologers have never been allowed to predict the fate of the royal family without permission - but they didn't care that much anymore.

MC: The house position of his Saturn... the Moon will collide with the 8th house after its shift...

MC: He'll go on an expedition in a month... everything is fine...

Suddenly, my hand tracing the star path stopped.

The trajectories of these planets overlapped perfectly, but there was no path that continued forward.

--He would die on the battlefield in the near future.

MC: No... impossible.

History clearly records that on the day Kiro was born, Pasha announced to the people that he would be long-lived and powerful, and would bring blessings to the country. The king also announced that he would be the only crown prince of the country.

I stared blankly at the "truth" in my hand and remembered the meaningful words of the teacher from before.

Did she mean sacrificing Kiro's life to change the country's future?

At that moment, a ray of morning light slipped into the afterglow - time moved forward another day.

I couldn't afford to waste time, so I grabbed my coat and rushed out.

When I arrived in front of Kiro's palace, the guard outside the door told me that he had gone out to the farmland in the western suburbs.

I quickly got on a carriage and rushed to the nearby area. I saw a group of people standing in the wheat field talking. Among them was a dazzling golden figure wearing a velvet white cloak. He stood upright and tall, showing no anger or authority.

Kiro: Jace, how was the harvest this year?

Jace: Even better than last year, Your Highness!

A middle-aged man wearing clean linen was smiling, touching the ears of wheat.

Jace: In the past few years, the church has exempted several taxes and provided us with good seeds and agricultural tools. How could the harvest be poor?

Kiro: What about the rules about segregating livestock and homes?

Jace: They're all being carried out. Strangely enough, after separating the two sides, its no longer easy for people to fall sick.

Kiro: That's good. Younger children must be sent to learn to read and write first according to the newly promulgated law.

Jace nodded and saluted Kiro solemnly.

Jace: The coronation ceremony of His Highness will be happening soon. We are not so lucky to be standing in queue, but we will definitely watch you from a distance and pray for you!

The warm light of the morning shone through the clouds and mist onto the earth, making those eyes a little softer.

Kiro exchanged a few words with the others, until the sound of farewell sounded, and I quickly ran to them from behind the haystack to salute.

Connor: Isn't this MC? Earl Heaney's daughter? I heard that you seemed to be studying astrology at the tower these past few years. It's been so long since I've seen you.

Duke Connor on the side stroked his white beard and smiled cheerfully.

MC: It's been a long time, Duke Connor. Is everything okay with you and your family?

Connor: The territory has recently had a good harvest and there hasn't been any signs of war, which is certainly good.

Connor: But this isn't a place for ladies to hang out. Could it be that you've come to see your 'brother' Kiro?

MC: .......

Connor: Haha, it seems I was right. I remember when you were a child, whenever you entered the royal city, you'd stick to your 'brother' Kiro and not leave.

Connor: But Kiro also looked forward to your arrival every day at that time, and even safeguarded the delicious food in the kitchen, saying that he would leave it all for you.

Kiro: Duke, this isn't the pace to reminisce. Let's talk about it later.

Kiro stopped Duke Connor's rambling voice and looked at me again.

Kiro: Why are you here?

MC: Your Highness, I have something important to convey to you.

As soon I finished speaking, Duke Connor gave him a "look what I said" look.

Kiro: Diles, send the Duke back first.

We walked deeper into the wheat field, and the rustling of wheat ears continued with the wind.

Kiro: Tell me, what's the matter?

For a while, I didn't know how to talk about it, and it felt like the words were stuck in my throat for several moments. All I could do was suppress my emotions and look into his eyes.

The youthfulness and playfulness of the past had long since faded from those calm eyes, but his innate pride remained unchanged.

But if he knew that his life was carefully planned out...

My nose felt sore, and the world instantly blurred. I quickly turned my head away, but I heard his rare concern.

Kiro: Why are you crying?

MC: I...

He didn't urge or comfort me. He just waited with quiet alienation.

The silence and thin air began to press towards me, gradually turning into an emotion called "burden". I knew I had to stop being indecisive, so I quickly wiped away my tears and told him everything I heard last night.

After a brief silence, Kiro just closed his eyes.

Kiro: I see.

Kiro: Just go ahead. I'll take care of it.

I was stunned for a moment, unable to understand his reaction.

MC: Your Highness, you know Pasha has never said anything wrong...

Kiro: You've done what you should do. You can go.

MC: Kiro, don't you understand yet?! No matter what you do now, you will probably die that day!

The emotions that had been bottled up for a long time completely exploded. I grabbed his sleeve regardless of etiquette and raised my voice.

Kiro: So you want me to be like my father and find someone to die for me? Or should I just be a coward and hide in my room and never come out?

His calm voice was like a sharp needle poking me.

MC: ...I'll go find Pasha.

I wanted to leave, but he pulled me back.

Kiro: Pasha?

Kiro: Have you ever thought that now that you've touched this secret, you'll only get into trouble?

Kiro: When the time comes, she could accuse you of secretly predicting the fate of the royal family. That would be enough to kill you.

He also seemed a little out of control, not as calm as usual, his tone urgent with a trace of panic.

MC: But I can't just watch you die!

MC: I said that I would eliminate all worries for you and the country, and it is my duty to make you worry-free for the rest of your life.

Kiro's pupils suddenly contracted, and my wrists hurt from his grip. Those eyes that were trying to restrain themselves wandered back and forth on me for a long time before they cruelly looked at me.

Kiro: Duty?

Kiro: Okay, then I will answer you as the Crown Prince.

Kiro: You don't have to worry about these things, you just have to do your own thing.

MC: .....

Those unsaid words were instantly annihilated in my heart, turning into a puddle of calm. Finally, I gently broke away from his hand and bowed quietly.

MC: [blushing] As you wish, Your Highness.

MC: I have nothing else to report, so I'll leave.

I said, turned around and left, walking faster and faster.

Like Kiro said, I really wanted to do what I could do.

Since I'm an astrologer, let me help you get rid of this fate.

[PART 3]

From the day we parted on bad terms, I stayed in the observatory, reading older texts and comparing the stars all night long.

MC: No, not right...

With the help of a weak oil lamp, my index finger moved carefully between the pages of the book. As the search deepened, my doubts increased sharply.

The stars clearly indicated that the Kingdom of Lys would encounter a major flood in the summer of 796, causing countless casualties. But in fact, it was just a river whose banks burst, and no one was injured.

In 483, when Mars fell into the sixth house, there was supposed to be an unforeseen disaster. However, the wars in history originated from the active aggression of the Kingdom of Hesse, which was clearly not an unexpected disaster.

MC: ...How come.

My attitude towards astrology had always been to listen to whatever the teacher said. But when details that I had never noticed before were laid out, I discovered that many horoscopes did not match the corresponding history.

At that moment, something seemed to have opened a small gap in my long-held belief.

I moved a new pile of old texts from the table and continued to read.

As time went by, the wick burned out, and the increasingly dark room made one unable to help but doze off.

When that cluster of light extinguished and went out, my consciousness fell into darkness as well.

[Flashback]

MC: Kiro, look what nice things I brought you~

I walked into the study with a smile, only to find that there was no one there except for the soft window screen swaying in the wind.

MC: Where is he? Obviously Diles said you were here...

Kiro: Here--

A vague sound came from the window. I stepped forward curiously and opened the curtains, and a piece of beautiful scenery came into view.

Clusters of flowers on the lawn swelled with buds, giving back to the spring that had just arrived in the most gorgeous colors.

Kiro: Do you like it? I planted it specially for you.

A golden head popped out from the side and lay face to face with me on the window sill.

Kiro: Because someone's become a night owl since they started staying in the Star Tower. Sleeping during the day and looking at the stars at night.

Kiro: In order for you to not miss out on other good scenery, I could only "bring" it to you personally.

Seeing that he deliberately kept a straight face, my smile grew bigger and bigger, and I quickly kissed him on the cheek.

MC: I like it. I'll come to see it everyday from now on!

MC: But if your teacher finds out, he'll complain to the king again.

Kiro: Then let's sue them. I obviously got nearly full marks in every subject, but I still don't know what Mr. Lawley is dissatisfied with.

MC: Because you're the future king.

MC: But I also don't agree with Mr. Lawley's approach, so didn't I bring you something nice?

I took out a gold necklace from my pocket, and the violin pendant shone in the sun.

Not long ago, after Mr. Lawley complained, the king had smashed his beloved violin.

MC: From now on, no one can break your violin.

Kiro: ......

Kiro looked at the necklace blankly. Something seemed to be surging in his eyes.

In the end, he didn't say anything, and together with the sun, he kissed my forehead.

??: Miss MC, the coronation ceremony is about to begin.

[End of flashback]

A quick knock on the door made me open my eyes in confusion, and a dazzling light shone in front of my eyes like a dream.

I think... the memories of the past might only be hidden in dreams at night.

This day was a day of national celeberation.

The royal city was filled with the sweet aroma of wine, and gorgeous flowers bloomed freely on the city walls, as if indicating some kind of hope. As the bell tower struck an ear-splitting sound, I and the other ministers turned around and bowed our heads.

At the end of the hall, the bronze door opened heavily, and a figure wrapped in the golden sun walked in slowly.

He was wearing a snow-white cloak and holding a holy night flower in his hand. It had been embroidered on the ever-waving flags since the founding of the country.

Everything had its limit. Only Kairos would last forever.

Kiro came straight to the archbishop, put his sword on the ground and nodded slightly. The archbishop raised his hands holding the crown and solemnly put it on for the new king.

Archbishop: God bless you and your dynasty. May your light shine on future generations.

Everything was extremely quiet under the dome. In this soul-stirring solemnity, Kiro raised his chin and looked at everyone under the throne.

Kiro: I bring today's glory to the country and to everyone in my land.

Kiro: I will work with you in the long years to come to safeguard the dignity and freedom of the kingdom.

Kiro: I also share peace and hope with you.

Ministers: Long live the king! Long live the king!

Every courtier and soldier in the hall raised their arms and sent their most sincere blessings. But the louder the support, the more mixed my emotions became.

Because after learning the truth, I couldn't celebrate for him at all.

As if tacitly, those blue eyes looked at me from afar among the crowd.

Kiro: .....

MC: .....

In the end, everything fell into silence. I raised my skirt and saluted him, then silently left with everyone behind my back.

After the ceremony, Kiro asked everyone to leave, leaving one person sitting on the throne for a long time. The dim candle flame flickered on the copper candlestick, unable to drive the coldness and darkness away.

In the endless silence, Kiro took off the crown on his head.

The golden brilliance circulated under the moonlight, but it could not shake off the back of that figure in his heart that was deviating from everything.

From knowing the so-called trajectory of fate to subconsciously staying away.

He never believed in fate. But even if there was only a slight possibility...

He didn't want her to be sad and have her suffer alone for the rest of her life as well.

But the set time was approaching. As long as he stepped over the stairs, maybe he could hold her hand without any burden.

Just like in countless nights and dreams.

As if he was restraining something, he closed his eyes forcefully.

I want to bring myself together into this darkness.

[PART 4]

Time flew by after Kiro's coronation.

Within the kingdom, laws were spread throughout the country following the herald's announcement, building a new and stable foundation for the kingdom.

But soon, after a heavy rain swept over the west, there was no more rain in the country. The king of Leith began to claim he inherited the bloodline of the Levina dynasty, and there seemed to be clouds of war emerging.

Fate seemed to be slipping towards its destined trajectory.

Citizen A: Oh my God, is there going to be a war?

Citizen B: Don't worry, His Majesty asked us to build the cellar two years ago.

Citizen C: Fortunately, His Majesty asked us to switch to new cold-resistant crops, otherwise I don't know what we would have done in the future!

Citizen A: That's true. I heard that the floods in the south did not cause much damage.

Citizen B: He is a good king and will definitely keep us safe and sound.

Of course he was a good king.

From food, clothing, housing and transportation to domestic affairs and diplomacy, he has done so many things to make the kingdom prosperous. Could all of this really be reduced to a footnote to his mortal fate?

I turned towards the tower and climbed up to the astrology room on the top floor.

The starry sky was so high and far away, indicating that destiny would never allow mortals to get close.

But I knew better now, that it was not the gods that filled everyone's stomachs and let them live in peace.

It was Kiro.

Pasha: You're here.

Pasha didn't look at me. She held the astrological stick with both hands and looked out the window.

MC: Teacher, I recently discover that many recorded horoscopes do not match their corresponding history.

MC: Does that mean that fate is not determined?

Pasha: It seems that you are looking forward to something and are trying to find a glimmer of hope from it.

MC: ....I just think it's better to grasp the present than predict the future.

Pasha: MC, destiny is always right.

Pasha: A dying baby was miraculously saved. Do you think it was human will or destiny?

MC: Of course it was human will. If no one saved the baby, there was no way a miracle would have happened.

Pasha: No, it was destiny that allowed the man to save the baby.

MC: [angry] ......

Perhaps it was because the gap in my heart was getting wider and wider. I tremblingly clenched my fists and asked loudly.

MC: What you mean is that everything humans do is permitted by destiny? Those likes, those hates, and those desires are not real; they're all arranged by God?

Pasha: That's right. The histories you see that are inconsistent with the stars can only mean one thing.

Pasha: Destiny is never wrong. Only people are wrong.

It was all so ridiculous.

After running back to my room, I threw all the astrology books I believed in into the fireplace. Seeing them being swallowed up by the flames made me feel inexplicably happy.

If everything really was arranged by destiny, how could He (God) allow me to do disobedient things?

Suddenly enlightened, I ignored the burning fireplace and ran to find Kiro. I wanted to tell him all of this. I wanted to tell him that the so-called fate had no meaning at all.

They were just shackles that people put on themselves.

But I didn't see him. The door of the meeting hall remained closed, and anxious conversations kept coming from inside.

It seemed like a war was about to begin.

Guard: Miss MC, this matter is confidential. It is not convenient for you to stay here, so please leave first.

MC: [visibly disappointed] ...I see.

In the next few days, I hid in the corner of my room like a drowned dog, watching the sun and moon change outside the window.

I denied astrology, I was rejected, and I didn't know what else to do.

??: Attention! In the early hours of tonight, the king will lead 10,000 soldiers to fight against the Kingdom of Lys!

A childish voice came from outside the window, accompanied by fast footsteps passing through the street.

Slumped against the wall, I immediately woke up, pushed the door open and rushed out.

Even if he refused to see me, I still wanted to take a look at him from a distance.

The winding city walls were filled with soldiers gathered everywhere, wearing armor and sharpening their swords, their faces devoid of fear. I kept running forward, constantly weaving though the crowded queues.

But the end of the city wall was so far away that every step closer had me being pushed back by the crowd, making it impossible to reach.

MC: Kiro...

Just when I thought I was about to miss everything, a force suddenly pulled me into a dark passage.

In the almost pitch-black darkness, I couldn't see the person behind me. I only felt that every part of me was tightly wrapped in ice-like armor.

He continued to increase his strength, as if he wanted to embed me into his flesh and blood. His turbulent breath tore away all the calm masks of the past. It was so strange, but it made me feel extra sure.

MC: Kiro...

No one responded from behind me. Only this extraordinarily stubborn hug remained, as if it was just a thought he left to himself.

Just like how he retreated alone these years, he never gave in.

But at this moment, I could no longer bear to have him like this.

MC: .....

I began to stubbornly turn around, but no matter how hard I struggled, I was still relentlessly imprisoned in his arms. I opened my eyes, finding it difficult to prevent the heat from rolling down.

MC: Kiro....

MC: Can you let me win just once... just once.

Kiro: .....

The person behind me stopped breathing, and I finally had an opportunity to turn around and hug him tightly.

MC: Kiro, listen to me... I'm not here to say goodbye to you.

MC: You will come back alive.

MC: You will leave those fates behind.

MC: And I will--

Those unspoken words were instantly swallowed up by his breath.

Everything seemed to be in chaos, shaking up my entire world, the only exception being those pair of eyes that were hidden under the helmet which grew clearer and clearer.

Our chaotic and turbulent breathing intertwined with our temperatures, and the smell of rust between our teeth mixed together and melted into our bloodstreams.

The extraordinarily deep temperature seemed to reach from the tips of my fingers to the tip of my heart, and even the depths of my soul trembled.

This was our first kiss.

I tasted the slightly salty and fishy smell, and my entire body seemed to be filled with his breath. I couldn't help but covetously desire to leave my traces on him.

I want you to come back. Come back to me.

Kiro: MC...

He hoarsely cried out my name, sounding like a voice breaking from the deepest part of his soul.

Kiro: I will definitely come back to you.

It was like he was talking to me, and also himself.

Kiro: [trembling voice] Don't forget me.

At that moment, with the so-called fate approaching, I seemed to finally see him clearly, all his fears and struggles.

Kiro: Don't ever forget me...

He made no promises about the future and left no promises. He has always pushed me away, yet he said such words at this moment.

MC: You... bad, willful, self-righteous, stubborn...

His face was extremely blurry, and there was a bitter smile between his lips and teeth.

Kiro: I am a bad, willful, self-righteous and stubborn person.

Kiro: So remember me. Remember me forever.

Kiro: Until you close your eyes for the last time, think of me... all of me.

It wasn't until there was a horn blast that I suddenly opened my eyes and stared at him with great reluctance.

MC: .....

I tried to suppress my trembling fingertips and touched his armor for final confirmation.

MC: Was this armor made by the best smiths? Is it the hardest material in the world?

Kiro: .....

After his eyes carefully traced my face, he spoke hoarsely.

Kiro: Mm, it's the best. And my sword is also the sharpest.

Kiro: I can easily slit the enemy's throat.

I hugged him hard for the last time and showed him a confident smile.

MC: Then go ahead. I will await your triumphant return in the Epiphyllum field.

Reflections from enemy armor obscured the horizon.

Kiro calmly stared ahead, waiting for his army to get into formation.

Flags were flying beside him, and the epiphyllum embroidered with gold thread seemed to spread its petals with the cold wind, blooming proudly on the battlefield.

The last row of soldiers stood still, and both side stood still. The only sound in the vast plain, was the howling of the wind. The war horse also smelled the undercurrent of tension in the silent air, and moved restlessly in its spot.

Kiro patted his mount's neck and rode his horse to the front of the army line.

Kiro: People of the Kingdom of Kairos, my brothers.

He looked at the soldiers who followed him on the expedition, one by one.

They had their own coat of arms on their chests, their eyes were solemn and determined, their weapons were sharp and the their armor was well-equipped.

Kiro: We crossed mountains and rivers and travelled all the way here...

Kiro: Like you, I miss my hometown and fear the enemy's edge.

Kiro raised a fearless smile and raised his voice higher.

Kiro: But for our kingdom, our homeland, and for the loved ones waiting for us.

He turned towards the enemy formation, drew his sword and pointed it straight into the sky.

Kiro: We will triumph!

The iron hooves roared like thunder, and the soldiers' shouts shook the earth, charging forward with their king who they devoted all their loyalty to.

Like before, I knelt on the field of night-flowers and prayed for my king.

These days had been as long as one year after another, and my feelings had gradually changed from worry at the beginning to determination.

Only the more determined you are, the more you are the nemesis of fate.

MC: Kiro, you must come back safely.

Suddenly, a rustling sound behind me drowned out the murmurs, and a warm liquid with a pungent smell dripped onto the side of my face.

I immediately opened my eyes and looked to my side, facing a clear blue.

Kiro's crown hung crookedly, and his clothes were stained with large patches of dark brown. The finely woven clothes were damaged, and that beautiful face was stained with dried blood.

The blood on his cloak dripped down drop by drop, dyeing the white petals of the epiphyllum, leaving a dazzling red. I hugged him tightly as he knelt down next to me, letting tears blur my vision.

Even so haggard, he still came back.

Kiro: I came back safely, why are you crying again?

His embrace was warm and strong, and his heartbeat kept coming from that embracing chest.

MC: I know, I'm just happy...

MC: You transcended destiny and came back...

Kiro: I can finally stay with you forever.

Kiro: I can finally make up for the wrong things I did to you in an honest way.

He distanced himself slightly away from me and held my face in his hands.

Kiro: MC, let me ask you, are you still willing to be my queen?

MC: ....!

Seeing that I didn't respond immediately, his brows furrowed as if unsure, and that patch of blue was laced with apology.

Kiro: Actually, long before you told me the truth, I secretly learned some astrology. So I knew...

MC: Of course, I do.

I didn't let him continue and hugged him tightly.

Things in the past were no longer important. The prolonged pain and sorrow had finally turned into an old wine after the dust had settled.

MC: But let's agree first that you'll compensate me twice as much later.

Kiro: Of course, I must obey the Queen's advice.

He smiled and rolled his eyes, the ring between his fingers glimmering in the moonlight.

Glimmering?

I was stunned.

Something extremely fast shot through the sky with a cold light.

The air was stagnant for a moment, but soon I felt a tickling warmth on my legs, turning cold with the breeze and sliding down my skin.

There was clearly a smile on Kiro's lips, and the dazzling blood pouring out made his face even paler.

There was another sharp sound.

Kiro's center of gravity suddenly became unstable and he fell forward onto me.

And on his back were two feather arrows, still trembling slightly.

Kiro: [EXTREMELY pained voice] MC... I...

The sound of arrows came again and penetrated into his chest, stopping the words that had not yet been spoken.

The person who nocked the arrow in the distance was the archery teacher who he had grown up with.

MC: Why...

Another arrow came again at a speed that my eyes couldn't catch and pierced straight through his abdomen.

Kiro seemed to want to say something, but the blood rising in his throat only made him make a vague sound.

Not far away, a group of guards who had stayed in the city came forward, drawing their swords and pointing them at the king that brought them victory.

MC: Why?! He obviously won!!

MC: How dare you betray him?!

I hugged Kiro, whose body was bleeding all over and screamed hysterically.

Soldier: Master Pasha ordered that only through the king's sacrifice could the kingdom last for a long time.

The hand of his personal guard holding the sword trembled, but he spat out words like poisonous snakes at me, one by one.

Soldier: Master Pasha is the chief astrologer and is never wrong. This is all... a fate that has been determined for a long time...

MC: Fate?

I was so furious that I laughed, staring at the soldiers who were able to triumph because of Kiro, who could have relatives and live in peace because of Kiro.

MC: Between the uncertain stars in the sky, and the people you spend every day with, which one determines your fate?!

Kiro: MC....

In my arms, Kiro suddenly touched my shoulder and motioned for me to help him sit up.

MC: Don't move... I-I won't let anything happen to you.

I shook my head, my vision becoming increasingly blurry on his increasingly dyed robe.

I didn't know what to do. I could only deceive him like I deceived myself.

Kiro: MC.

He called me softly again, and wiped away my tears with great effort.

Kiro: Of course I'll be fine, I just want to say something to them.

Kiro: After all, today is a day worth celebrating, and as king, I want to give them some rewards.

MC: .....

Under his serious gaze, I could only help him straighten up in silence.

Kiro: Diles... you've done a great job over the years.

He looked at the leading soldier with a smile. Even though his face was pale and sweaty, the pride in his eyes did not fade.

Kiro: You'll continue to do just as well in the future, because your horoscope tells me...

Kiro: You'll enjoy endless wealth, you will have endless heirs, and finally, you will die without any pain at the age of seventy-nine.

As if he didn't expect Kiro to say this, Diles and the others looked at each other in shock.

Diles: Your Majesty... what does that mean?

Kiro ignored him and turned his gaze to another soldier.

Kiro: Naya, you are different.

Kiro: Astrology says that you have less than three years left and will die in an accident on the day before the autumn harvest.

Naya: ....!

Kiro: And Hiken... no matter how hard you try, you are destined to lose the one you love.

Kiro: Morty, you will become the future captain of the guard, and then all the soldiers in the royal city will be under your control.

Kiro smiled gently, but his eyes were colder than ever. He seemed to be a God descending to the human world, passing judgement on everyone present with every breath.

It also planted a seed called "determined" in their hearts.

From now on, let these people anticipate, panic, and doubt their so-called predetermined fate...

Live your life.

Kiro: Don't you believe in fate?

Kiro: Let's see then, if everything goes as fate has ordained.

As if they didn't want him to continue talking, a rain of arrows came falling from the sky. I subconsciously turned to block him, and there were several muffled sounds hitting the flesh and blood in my waist and abdomen.

But I couldn't feel any pain; only the burning hatred that was about to tear me apart.

I hugged Kiro tightly and screamed, giving everyone a vicious glare.

MC: Very good... Just continue believing then, but I won't.

MC: Because fate means nothing to me. All I know is that without Kiro, I won't be able to live happily.

As I said that, I took out the flint and dagger from my waist and sneered disdainfully.

MC: If you don't want to die, then get out of here.

MC: Otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy your last pitiful fate.

I hit them together hard, igniting a flame among the epiphyllums.

In an instant, the flames quickly engulfed everything around us, and at the same time, covered up those disgusting figures. I looked at Kiro's surprised face and tried my best to show my brightest smile.

MC: I hid it from you, Kiro... Actually, I was prepared for the worst as early as the beginning. Because Pasha wanted to bury you under the night-blooming cereus to prevent disasters for the country.

MC: But I would never allow you to be used like that.

MC: So I was thinking at the time, that if this day really came, I would burn all the epiphyllums in this area.

Kiro: Then my queen really made a good decision. Why did I never think of that?

Listening to his weak teasing, I continued to smile, laid him flat on the ground filled with night-flowers, and hugged him tightly.

MC: Kiro, you should have told me that you learned astrology so that we could have shared some of my work.

Kiro: It was actually a surprise that I wanted to give you a long time ago.

Kiro: It's a pity that that I never had time to give it to you...

Unknowingly, we seemed to be back to when we were young again. Laying together carefree on the epiphyllum field, whispering ordinary things.

MC: It doesn't matter. I know now, and it's too late. Look, the stars are so beautiful today.

MC: By the way, what's the name of your brightest one?

Kiro: It's called MC.

I couldn't help laughing, and also crying.

Because there was nothing directly above, only endless flames and smoke.

MC: I'm serious.

Kiro: It's called MC.

Kiro: Because no star can compare to you.

MC: Then let's just consider your answer correct~

I wanted to say something more, but I felt my energy continuously draining, almost sapping me dry.

Time seemed to be running out.

MC: Kiro...

I tried my best to lean on his chest, closed my eyes, and tried my best to listen to his heartbeat.

MC: Could you talk to me a little longer? I still have a lot of things I haven't said to you...

Kiro: Then let's plan the wedding, shall we?

Kiro: After all, you've already agreed to my proposal, and everything has only just begun.

MC: I want a lot of sunflowers, because I've read in a book before that there was a flower in the north that was as bright as the sun.

MC: And it likes to bloom towards the sun... But it doesn't matter if you don't have them. Having you is enough for me.

Kiro: How can that be? And leave alone the sunflower?

Kiro: Whatever you want, I can bring it to you.

MC: That...

My consciousness gradually dulled, but his heart was still beating clearly in my ears.

This gave me peace of mind.

I felt so at ease that I wanted to regard this moment as eternity.

The girl showed no response and no breathing. Only her body still retained some warmth from the fire that was on the verge of spreading. But as if he didn't want to let this warmth slip away from his arms, Kiro used his last strength to hug the girl and kissed her forehead again and again.

Kiro: [in an extremely tired, but extremely affectionate voice] I know that you were afraid that I'd be lonely; that I'd be buried here and face the endless darkness alone.

Kiro: But I still hoped that you could look at the sun every day and smell the fragrance of every flower for me...

Kiro: But now, this isn't so bad.

Kiro: It's just that it seems that what I owe you will now never be repaid.

Kiro paused as he spoke. After a moment, he kissed her forehead preciously and tenderly for the last time and smiled gently.

Kiro: I don't expect anything, as long as I can see you in our next life.

Kiro: If I turn into an animal, I would stay at your feet day and night.

Kiro: If I were a flower, I would bloom only for you.

Kiro: But if I unfortunately turn into a rock, I'd cross mountains and ridges to come to you.

Kiro: Of course, it would be best if I become a human being. So that I can hug you, kiss you, and love you forever and ever.

Kiro's voice became weaker and weaker, and finally turned into a sigh that disappeared in the wind.

Kiro: I promise you.

Kiro closed his eyes quietly, but saw a bright light like daylight surrounding him.

What it was, he didn't know.

But the sun would not rise again tomorrow.

Translation Masterlist: here

CheesyTalks: Okay, so... I caved. I couldn't help myself. This date was too sad and beautiful for me not to do a quick translation (I just wished I could add more screenshots, but tumblr won't let me insert more than 30 ss smh). This may not have been a happy date, but it was definitely a satisfying one.

That being said, I do want to make a quick comment on the writing of this date: from the subtle but poignant foreshadowing at the beginning (the expert use of atmosphere and cold and dark imagery to set the tone for the date), to the final death scene at the end, all of it was very well handled. Not to mention the world building and symbolism. PG has always done a good job at handling angst and this one was no exception. (ALSO, THE SUBTLE PARELLELS TO THE MAIN STORY HAD ME DYING INSIDE)

#mlqc #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc kiro #MY HEART HAS SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES #I WILL NEVER RECOVER. I AM IN SO MUCH PAIN I - இ௰இ #THE QUALITY OF THE WRITING THO *PUNCHES AIR* SO SO BEAUTIFUUUL

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