It was truly unavoidable. A pitiful situation, but not particularly special. There were many households like that one.

What was somewhat unusual, however, was that the children loved their father so much that except for briefly going to a neighbor’s house for meals, they occupied the street all day waiting for their father.

Arianne had made it part of her daily routine to wait with the little ones for their father after finishing her tasks. At first, she started doing this out of concern that something might happen if the children were left alone, but gradually she grew attached to them, forming an inseparable bond. They had become close soul friends despite their age difference of over thirty-five years.

Naturally, she also began talking frequently with the children’s father. The father, who had to leave his precious children behind for work, was extremely grateful to Arianne. On his days off, he would invite her to his home to dine with the children. Of course, the children would cheer whenever Arianne came to visit.

Did you notice?

Yes, that’s right. Relationships aren’t particularly unusual or special. They naturally intertwine and form. This relationship began last spring, and now with winter approaching, it’s been almost two years.

At first, she was drawn to those innocent and kind little siblings, and through conversations with their father, she merely thought, “Oh, he’s a decent person.” At the father’s request, she began waiting for him with the children at their home rather than on the street. After some time passed, their house became as familiar to Arianne as her own.

Slowly, very slowly, affection grew. It wasn’t a fiery passion or a trivial romantic feeling. It was something more mature and profound.

And now she’s getting married.

Actually, those children visited our home a few times. I was so curious about them that I begged Arianne to bring them over.

I… well… I’m not sure.

Within ten minutes of their arrival, the entire house was in chaos. Soon, the youngest girl, who’s nine this year, broke some glass and cut her hand. She sat down and started crying. I tried to comfort her and applied medicine, but she wouldn’t stop crying. Eventually, Elios had to step in, picking her up and soothing her. It was quite hectic. Ah, it was remarkable how she immediately stopped crying once Elios held her.

Still, they were lovable and adorable little ones. Exactly the kind of children who deserve to grow up surrounded by love.

Ceres, I hope Arianne becomes happy. She always says she’s happy, but I still wish for her to be happier. I constantly think about how wonderful it would be if she could find even more happiness through this opportunity.

My story has grown quite long. I still have one more thing to tell you, but I’ve already filled half the paper.

You must already be surprised by the news about Arianne. I’m sorry, but you’re going to be even more shocked.

This is rather important.

Elios and I have decided to leave this place soon.

It’s been three years since I last waved goodbye to you from the ship. We’ve been settled on this island for exactly three years.

The first year was full of mistakes. Since only merchants could freely enter and exit the territory, we had to pose as merchants as soon as we arrived, but Elios had virtually no knowledge about such matters. Instead, I had picked up a few things here and there, so we could act convincingly.

If you’re wondering how I learned such things without ever leaving the Grand Temple, well, I hope you’ll just accept it. I was once a rather special existence, after all.

While Elios was clumsy at pretending to be a merchant, I was clumsy in other areas. I kept calling him by his full name instead of “El.” “Elios” isn’t a common name, you know.

When someone asked if “Elios” wasn’t the name of the late emperor and whether using the late emperor’s name was illegal, my heart sank. Elios calmly explained, “My wife teases me like this because my name is similar to the late emperor’s,” and we managed to avoid suspicion. Of course, that neighbor gave us a stern warning that such jokes could lead to serious trouble.

Even you would agree that we were full of mistakes, right? Each day was filled with tension, but I never regretted coming here. This place is truly, incredibly beautiful.

When the sun began to rise, Elios and I would always walk barefoot along the empty beach. I wish I could properly explain to you how ticklish and refreshing the damp, grainy sand feels between your toes.

The beauty of the sea at dawn, something we could never see in the capital. How the world is filled with such refreshing and pure things. Elios and I only came to realize this after arriving here.

After one year, then two, we grew accustomed to life here. The most surprising thing was Elios’s talent for commerce. According to him, it was difficult at first, but he eventually realized that governing a country and managing money aren’t fundamentally different. I don’t quite understand what he means, but seeing how well he does, it must be true.

In my opinion, Elios is a genius who quickly excels at anything he tries.

We weren’t short on money to begin with, and though we didn’t need to earn more, our wealth kept accumulating. We should have been more moderate, but it went too far.

The prince of this principality began taking an interest in Elios. This is quite troublesome considering our circumstances. He would at least know Elios’s face.

So after much deliberation, we decided to leave this place.

That’s not the only reason, though, so please don’t worry. Both Elios and I want to see and experience more of the world. I was confined to the temple, and he was trapped by his position and duties, so our yearning for freedom is especially strong.

That’s why we made our decision. Although human life is finite and we can’t possibly set foot on every land in the world no matter how hard we try, we’ve decided to visit as many places as we can.

Arianne… she can’t come with us. She has a family here now.

She cried a lot. Despite promising me she wouldn’t cry anymore, she wept until she was exhausted. But in the end, she didn’t insist on following us like she used to.

I felt I should tell you in advance as well. We barely exchange letters once every few months now, and it will likely become even less frequent in the future. Just as I won’t be able to correspond regularly with you, Elios will also find it difficult to maintain contact with his family.

So both Elios and I decided to write letters. Once this letter safely reaches you and we receive your reply, we plan to depart immediately.

We might chance upon Akelan again during our travels. If you happen to see us by chance, a complete coincidence, please welcome us warmly with “Welcome back.” Then I’ll run to you and embrace you. Whether it’s years or decades from now, I’ll run to you and act spoiled, just like when I was a child sleeping in your arms.

Oh my. Actually, those three little troublemakers are visiting our house right now, and I just heard something breaking. The children must have caused another accident. Arianne is out at the moment.

The maid won’t be able to handle this. Those children are truly little rascals. I should go check.

I’ll write again if there’s anything else I want to tell you.

I’m always grateful. Please send my regards to the other priests.

♣ ♣ ♣

It was a winter morning.

Snow sat with thick earmuffs, nodding off. Elios gently pushed her head to rest on his shoulder. Having left at dawn for the departure time, it was natural for her to be drowsy.

Three years after arriving on this island by ship, they were heading back to sea. This time, they would go further. Beyond Akelan.

Unlike three years ago when they settled in somewhat hastily, they now had relatively concrete plans. As for money, they certainly had more than enough. It had unintentionally turned out that way.

An involuntary laugh escaped him. He was reminded of what happened last night.

Snow had sat Elios down on the bed and announced that she had an important declaration to make. Elios was puzzled.

“I want to have a child.”

That was her solemn declaration.

How could he not laugh?

The thought made him happy again, and he chuckled softly like spring rain. He couldn’t suppress the laughter that bubbled up.

Whether a daughter or a son, the child would surely be lovable. They would find the child adorable and precious simply for existing in this world.

Snow, who had previously preferred it being just the two of them, suddenly having such thoughts was probably influenced by Arianne’s three little rascals. Such endearing children.

Not everything had gone smoothly since leaving with Snow. But whether things went well or not, they were happier than ever before.

And in the future. Even more so.

They would laugh even more.

Elios held Snow’s hand.

The events from just a few years ago felt like a dream. The calamity, Snow’s slumber, and his long wait for her to open her eyes. All of that.

There were still more days when they couldn’t laugh than days when they laughed together.

But they had plenty of time left. They smiled in every moment, so it wouldn’t be long before they caught up.

“Always, the future will be better than the past.”

With those words, Elios closed his eyes.

~~The End of Snowflakes Under the Sun~~