While Elfleda came up with the idea, most of the establishment work was done by Anesio, who had developed Filbara Steel-A following Fabric-A. The academy was named Nesios to honor his contributions and to express the hope that magic technicians who would benefit life like him would emerge. Naturally, Anesio became the first academy director.

“Princess, no… Your Majesty, congratulations.”

Among the many people, Froy came forward and presented Rudbeckia with a black diamond necklace that resembled their hair and eyes, offering his congratulations.

Caleb accepted it and put it around Rudbeckia’s neck.

Holding the wedding in Finis was partly because they had established it as the capital of the unified country, but also to invite the Dyke clan, the Messengers of Darkness.

“Thank you. Now that an academy for systematically studying magic has been established, I’m sure we’ll find the key to removing the constraints of place and time that bind you.”

Rudbeckia expressed her gratitude.

The Dyke family could only be described as a mysterious clan. If she doesn’t give birth to a princess, time will stop. If only princes continue to be born, they will disappear from people’s memories and from history.

Rudbeckia believed that with all the princesses they had protected and saved, they shouldn’t disappear like that, so she resolved to try to break the magic binding the Dyke family, along with Nesios Academy.

The Dyke clan didn’t expect this to be resolved, but they were moved, saying the words alone were appreciated. They said no princess had ever thought of and remembered them like this.

“I hereby proclaim the union of the Sanders Grand Duchy and the Glimm Kingdom under a single name—the Grand Duchy of Lumike!”

Lumike was a synthesis of ancient words meaning light and governance, conveying the meaning of ruling with light, which Caleb and Rudbeckia had agonized over for days.

The ministers embraced each other and wept, saying that they could finally work properly now that this one name had been decided, as numerous paperwork had been delayed because of it.

Though no one would have objected if they had declared it a kingdom or empire, they specifically remained a grand duchy to continue the legacy of Grand Duke Eriton Sanders. The country name was matched to the Glimm Kingdom, while the legacy was matched to the Sanders grand duchy.

Empress Elfleda Perron led Pergos with virtue. Her politics were flawless, and her policies were based on chivalry, like the Sanders grand duchy. As a result, women and children, especially children driven to starvation or onto the streets due to poverty, noticeably disappeared.

If one were to find any flaw in this excellent Empress, the only one would be that she became a widow at a young age. Some even said that she was so excellent precisely because she had no husband and could devote herself entirely to state affairs.

On the other hand, unfortunately, not a single descendant of the royal family survived in the Fabio Kingdom. So Werner, the mercenary commander who had reclaimed the territory, ascended to the throne. As his leadership had already been proven as a mercenary commander, no one raised objections.

And since, strictly speaking, the Pergos Empire wasn’t ruled by someone of Perron blood either, it didn’t seem particularly strange for Werner to sit on the throne.

Thus, the four countries shared peace treaties and non-aggression pacts, promising to cooperate and live together.

Finally, they had grasped the peace they had so longed for.

* * *

The autumn rain was falling drearily.

It was exactly three years since Zeno’s death.

Caleb and Rudbeckia stood in the cemetery, sharing a black umbrella.

“Zeno, you’ve finally returned to your parents’ side.”

“I’m sorry. We were too late. Because we didn’t want to be separated from you… so we dragged our feet a bit.”

The two dug up a little soil and removed each other’s necklaces.

Pendants as clear as the blue sky shone brilliantly even in the rain.

— Tap tap

After setting the pendants into the ground and covering them with soil, they lingered, patting the earth several more times as if reluctant to part, before finally stepping away.

“Rudbeckia Sanders. Shall we go now?”

“Yes, where should we go?”

“Home, of course.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The two boarded the carriage and decided to take a tour around the former capital of the Sanders grand duchy, which they hadn’t visited in a long time.

Not much had changed from their childhood memories. Just a few more people and everyone seemed a bit more vibrant.

“Cal, don’t you regret not making this place the capital?”

“If I said I don’t regret it… that would be a lie, but I don’t have any second thoughts. Finis is much more meaningful for you and me.”

The two sat side by side, holding hands tightly as they talked.

Despite the damp weather with rain, cheerful laughter could be heard as they passed through the market.

“They look happy.”

“Yes, Rud, it’s the happiness you and I created.”

“Do you think we can continue to be happy in the future?”

“Of course. We’ll overcome any trials, and even during those trials, if I’m stuck close to you like this, I’ll be happy.”

Caleb said, pressing his body toward Rudbeckia.

“Should we stop by the grand ducal residence after so long?”

“That would be nice— and get some exercise after a long time?”

The Sanders grand ducal residence had been converted into a knight academy. They had created a small educational institution within their own country for those who couldn’t study abroad all the way to the Pergos Empire. It taught not just swordsmanship but also the mindset and chivalry that came with wielding a sword.

Outstanding students immediately became knights of the Lumike Kingdom, and even more exceptional students became Epée Knights, transcending borders and protecting only the peace of the Europa continent.

“Using aura is cheating.”

“My, you want to spar with swords only? Isn’t that more unfair?”

“I’ll keep one hand behind my back. Heheh. By the way, did you know that because of you and Elfleda, there are more women in the academy?”

“Really? I had no idea since I’m not in charge of academy matters.”

The incident where Rudbeckia killed Baningo Perron and Elfleda fought against Rudbeckia until the end was still discussed by many.

Thanks to that, even young ladies from high noble families had taken up the non-trend trend of learning swordsmanship.

“Well, building physical strength isn’t a bad thing.”

“Right, good physical strength improves endurance and allows you to do it longer.”

“Kyaa, Cal! What are you saying?”

Caleb answered mischievously, wrapping his arm around Rudbeckia’s waist.

“By the way, any news? We need one more child to pass down Glimm Castle.”

The couple welcomed a son into their arms one year after their marriage.

“Jeff Sanders,” who resembled Rudbeckia with his brilliant golden hair and elongated black pupils, was receiving abundant love as the future Grand Duke. Though only two years old, he was already being praised for his impressive physique.

“I’m a bit scared of a second child. I was so anxious about whether Jeff would be born with the power of light.”

“Froy said it, Rud. Even if born with the power of light, there won’t be any surges. So it’s okay.”

“Hmm… if that’s true, you’ll need to build up your stamina until a daughter is born, won’t you?”

Rudbeckia smiled slightly and placed her hand on the front of Caleb’s pants.

“Before our daughter is born, huh… The Dyke clan said the next generation has already arrived, didn’t they?”

“Yes, our daughter will have a guard knight from birth, she’s blessed.”

“Ah, from birth… I hope she won’t want to marry because of destiny.”

“She’s not even conceived yet, why are you worrying about marriage already?”

Rudbeckia burst into laughter at Caleb’s serious concern.

“Ah, really. Just thinking about her getting married makes me sad already.”

“You’re impossible, really.”

“And even if she gets married, she’ll definitely keep the surname Glimm. It’s a name derived from the goddess. It’s evidence that the Glimm Kingdom existed. I absolutely won’t compromise on this no matter who becomes our in-laws. Actually, I’d prefer she didn’t have a husband at all.”

“The second child could be a boy. Stop worrying—”

Rudbeckia lightly hit Caleb on the head as he made an expression that looked like he might cry any moment.

— Squeak

As they laughed and chatted, the carriage stopped in front of the Sanders grand ducal residence, now transformed into a knight academy.

By now the autumn rain had stopped, and sunlight peeked through the clouds.

“Wife, watch your step.”

Caleb extended his hand to Rudbeckia with a bright smile.

The sunlight shone behind his face like a halo.

For a moment, Rudbeckia recalled the letter she had received from him.

It was something he had sent along with a ring during the brief time they were apart while she was stabilizing the Glimm Kingdom.

The reason they rushed to hold the wedding quickly was also because of that letter.

Who else in the world could think of, want, and love her this much….

“Caleb Sanders. Thank you for always reaching out your hand to me. I love you.”

* * *

In the day you spend,

How much of your space am I?

How much of your time am I?

I hope there is a letter with my name on your desk

And time to think of my name in your mind.

In the day I spend,

The space that contains you

The time that contains you

Is overflowing.

At the end of whatever thoughts I have, there you are,

At the beginning of whatever actions I take, there you are.

Craving for one word from you,

Craving for one word of praise from you,

Craving for one word of your story from you,

A day filled only with you

Someone asks if it’s not difficult.

I ask back: why should it be difficult?

Every time I think of you, I become a better person.

I’m glad you came into my messy life.

Just seeing your name, just picturing your face,

Makes me strive to become a better person.

* * *

P.S) Just look at the ring. When I return, I’ll put it on your finger with a wonderful proposal.

━「When the Grand Duke’s Lips Touch Her」 The End.