Some days later, within the Royal Paladins' Kingdom.
Blaster Blade Exceed found himself traversing the grand hallway of the royal castle, en route to the conference chamber where the visiting clan leaders had already assembled. He was slightly delayed, having attended to pressing matters earlier.
"I have arrived," Ahmes murmured, a sigh of relief escaping him as he approached the chamber's grand doors. Entering the room, he noticed that all clan leaders were present, save for the Bermuda Triangle representatives. As all eyes turned toward him, the white knight bowed respectfully.
"My sincerest apologies for my tardiness," he said, his tone humble yet composed, before proceeding to his seat, situated between Blaster Dark Diablo and Garmore Excel. "Let us commence."
With a collective nod, the clan leaders signaled their agreement, and thus, the meeting began. Matters of political, military, and economic concern were discussed at length, with each leader offering their insights and solutions to the challenges faced by their respective nations.
For the next three hours, the assembly debated, strategized, and resolved the various issues with mutual satisfaction. As the final topic was concluded, Ahmes rose from his seat, bowing once more to his esteemed colleagues.
"All matters have been settled. I hereby bring this meeting to its end. I thank you all for your presence and contributions."
As the conference drew to a close, the clan leaders began to depart. The ceiling above opened, allowing the Dragon Empire's leaders to depart swiftly by air, returning to their distant lands.
"Please, enjoy your stay within our kingdom while your business here continues," Garmore Excel addressed the remaining leaders with graciousness. "The United Sanctuary extends its warmest welcome."
"We are most grateful for your hospitality," White Lily Musketeer, Cecilia, replied, offering a respectful nod, with several other clan leaders following suit.
As conversations continued among the remaining leaders, Blaster Dark Diablo made his way toward the exit. However, he was soon halted by the Silver Thorn Dragon Tamer, Luquier, who approached him from behind, wrapping her arms around his right. She smiled playfully, her eyes gleaming with mischief as the black knight glanced at her momentarily before looking away.
"It seems those two are as close as ever," Garmore remarked quietly, a knowing smile on his face. The others, well aware of the unique bond between the black knight and the elf, exchanged amused glances.
Ahmes observed the pair before his thoughts drifted elsewhere, his attention momentarily distracted.
"Ahmes," Garmore called out, turning to the white knight. "We are planning a few friendly duels upon the training field. Would you care to join us?"
"I must respectfully decline," Ahmes replied, bowing once again in apology. "There is a task of great importance that requires my immediate attention."
With those words, he hastened his departure, his pace quickening.
"He seems to be in quite a rush," Cecilia noted, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"Indeed," Garmore agreed, the two leaders left pondering the white knight's urgency.
In the town of the United Sanctuary.
Ahmes moved swiftly through the cobblestone streets of the town, his polished armor catching the sun's rays as he passed. The townsfolk, familiar with the sight of the white knight, turned their heads in curiosity, wondering what matter could prompt such urgency from one of such high stature. Children whispered to one another, pointing in awe, while the older citizens respectfully stepped aside, allowing him a clear path.
With each stride, Ahmes's focus remained unwavering, his mind fixed on the task ahead. His destination soon appeared: a modest shop known throughout the town for its fine wares—specifically, goods meant for children. The humble wooden sign hanging above the door gently swayed in the breeze, bearing the name of the shop in simple script.
"Here it is," Ahmes murmured under his breath as he came to a stop before the entrance, his brow furrowed slightly with determination.
He entered the store and, after a few minutes, emerged once more, now bearing two large boxes stacked precariously in his arms. His brow relaxed, though a slight sigh of fatigue escaped his lips as he adjusted the weight of his burden. Each box was meticulously wrapped, the contents carefully chosen, though their weight now tested the knight's endurance.
Ahmes began his journey back down the road, moving more slowly and with greater caution. The sight of the knight carrying such an unexpected cargo caused some amusement among the citizens, though none dared question him. His steps were measured, each one taken with care to ensure the boxes remained securely in his grasp.
Despite his fatigue, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Though this task was a simple one compared to the duties of the battlefield, it held a special importance, one that Ahmes clearly took to heart. He pressed on, his path taking him through the winding streets, his focus on ensuring that his delivery was made safely and without delay.
As he continued, a few of the townsfolk offered him nods of respect, while others exchanged curious glances, quietly wondering what purpose lay behind the knight's errand. Yet none interrupted his passage, understanding well that even the simplest of duties, when undertaken by one of such honor, held meaning far beyond appearances.
The white knight carried on, his pace steady and determined, intent on fulfilling his quiet but significant mission.
At Blaster Blade Exceed's mansion of a home. Ahmes arrived at his dwelling, the sun beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows across the grand estate. As he carefully entered through the front door, a sigh of relief escaped his lips. "At last…" he muttered, his voice low yet content, as he traversed the familiar hallway leading into the combined living room and kitchen area.
The knight was greeted not by silence, but by the joyous sound of squealing laughter. He paused briefly, a warm smile forming on his face as he glanced towards the source. In the center of the room, Salome—graceful as ever—was seated on the floor, engaging in playful delight with two small infants. The children, their bright eyes alight with mischief, were giggling uncontrollably as they crawled and tumbled near her.
"It seems the three of you are having quite a bit of fun," Ahmes remarked, stepping further into the room with a chuckle.
Salome glanced up, her serene smile broadening upon seeing him. "Ah, Ahmes-san, welcome back," she greeted him warmly, rising to her feet while effortlessly scooping the two children into her arms. The twins, Alice and Noah, babbled excitedly, their little voices filling the room as they seemed to communicate with one another.
"How was the conference meeting?" Salome inquired, adjusting the children in her embrace as they wriggled playfully.
"It concluded well," Ahmes replied with a satisfied nod, carefully placing the two large boxes he carried onto the kitchen table. "We secured another peace treaty with all the nations. It is a relief to have such matters settled peacefully."
"That is good to hear," Salome said, her tone equally relieved, as she walked over to Ahmes' side, the two infants now cooing contentedly in her arms. Curiosity alight in her eyes, she glanced at the boxes that Ahmes had begun to open. "And what might these be?"
"I've gathered all the necessities they will need," Ahmes explained, retrieving the contents—packages of baby diapers, cans of milk, baby powder, and an assortment of other supplies essential for the care of infants. He looked at Salome, his expression one of reassurance. "This should last for quite some time, correct?"
"Yes, this should be more than sufficient," Salome confirmed with a gentle smile, her gaze shifting down to the children in her arms. Alice, the little girl, cooed in delight, reaching out her tiny hands toward the supplies Ahmes had laid out. Noah, her brother, mirrored her curiosity, his wide eyes fixated on the new objects before him.
"It appears Alice and Noah are already showing an interest in them," Salome laughed softly.
Ahmes smiled warmly at the sight, his mind wandering back to the day he and Salome had first found the twins. After discovering them and attempting to entrust their care to the local orphanage, the two knights had been met with a torrent of cries from the infants. Despite their initial efforts, it had become clear that the children had already formed a bond with them, and so Ahmes, with Salome's support, had decided to adopt them. He named the twins himself, the little girl being Alice and the boy Noah, names chosen with great care after thoughtful deliberation between the two knights.
Their situation was known to only a select few: King Alfred, Marron, Gallatin, and Elaine—the latter, an elf healer, had been summoned by Ahmes to ensure that the children were in perfect health upon their adoption. It was a secret held closely, yet those aware offered their silent support.
Alice, ever playful, reached out to Ahmes with a babble, and the knight responded by gently lifting her into his arms. She giggled, her small hands tugging at the side of his helmet. Ahmes chuckled softly, amused by her persistence.
"They grow more spirited by the day," he remarked, carefully removing his helmet to reveal his short, spiky blue hair. he then placed the oversized helmet atop Alice's tiny head. It wobbled precariously, far too large for her, yet the sight of it caused the little girl to giggle in pure delight.
"Especially Alice," Ahmes added with a soft laugh, watching her attempt to steady the helmet.
"Indeed," Salome replied, her voice warm with affection as she cradled Noah, who had become thoroughly fascinated with her long chestnut-brown hair. "Each of them has their own distinct personality. Alice is always playful, while Noah… well, he is endlessly curious."
Ahmes nodded thoughtfully. "I can see that now," he said, smiling as he removed the helmet from Alice's head. The little girl blinked in confusion for a moment, but soon burst into giggles, her joy infectious.
Their moment was interrupted by the soft growling of the twins' stomachs. Salome chuckled as she glanced down at them. "It seems our little ones are hungry."
"I shall prepare their milk," Ahmes offered, handing Noah to Salome as he made his way to the kitchen's drawers.
It had become their routine—Ahmes and Salome raising the children together. While the white knight attended to his duties during the day, the elven warrior came to his home to help care for the twins, ensuring they were well looked after.
Even on days when he was delayed in his duties—such as this morning—his lateness was often due to tending to Alice and Noah until Salome could arrive to assist him.
As the day wore on, and evening settled over the mansion, Salome carefully laid the twins in their shared crib, a recent purchase Ahmes had made. The infants, now sound asleep, drifted peacefully into their dreams, their faces serene under the soft glow of the setting sun.
"Sleep well," Salome whispered, gently brushing Noah's forehead before placing a tender kiss upon it. Ahmes, having finished his household chores, approached quietly, drying his hands with a towel.
"It seems they've worn themselves out," Ahmes observed, his voice low as he gazed down at the slumbering twins.
"Yes," Salome agreed, adjusting Alice's blanket. "Though it was Alice, as usual, who made herself tired."
Ahmes chuckled. "Indeed… Thank you for your help, Salome. As always."
Salome smiled warmly. "It is my pleasure, Ahmes-san. I have no pressing duties at the moment, and it brings me joy to spend my time assisting you with the children. It is certainly more peaceful than dealing with Tiffany's antics back at the residence," she added with a lighthearted laugh.
"Is that so?" Ahmes raised an eyebrow, though his smile remained.
After exchanging a few more words, the time came for Salome to depart. As they stood by the door, Ahmes expressed his gratitude once more. "Thank you, Salome, for everything. Your presence here has been invaluable."
"It's nothing," Salome replied with a modest shake of her head. "I couldn't possibly leave you to handle everything on your own. It's the least I can do to help."
"I am truly grateful," Ahmes said, then hesitated for a moment as a thought crossed his mind, causing a smile to tug at the corner of his lips. "Before you go, may I ask a question regarding your plans for tomorrow?"
"Of course. What is it?" Salome replied, her curiosity piqued.
"I wish to invite you to join me and the children for a picnic tomorrow," Ahmes said. "I believe it is time they began to experience more of the world beyond these walls. It would be good for their growth."
"A picnic?" Salome's face lit up with a smile. "That sounds delightful. At what time and where shall we meet?"
"Shall we meet at the castle's main gate tomorrow afternoon?" Ahmes suggested. "Will that suit you?"
"Yes, that will be perfect," Salome nodded in agreement. "I shall meet you there."
With their plans set, they bid each other farewell, Salome departing with a smile as she made her way home, while Ahmes re-entered his mansion, casting a final glance toward the twins, already eager for the day ahead.
Night had fallen upon the Kingdom of the United Sanctuary, cloaking the land in a peaceful stillness. At the residence of the esteemed Jewel Knight Squadron, a soft glow emanated from one of the kitchens, where the graceful Lady Salome was found. Dressed in simple yet elegant attire, complemented by a white apron, she was humming quietly to herself as she prepared a late-night meal. The comforting scent of freshly cooked rice, carrots, potatoes, and ginger filled the room as she gently mashed the ingredients in a bowl.
"These should be soft enough," Salome murmured to herself, a note of satisfaction in her voice. She dipped her finger into the mixture and tasted it, smiling with approval. "Alice and Noah will certainly enjoy this." Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she gazed upon the small meal boxes she had carefully prepared, each filled with healthy vegetables and delicately arranged meals suitable for children of a young age. The small, adorable portions were thoughtfully crafted to aid in the twins' growth.
Salome was preparing for the picnic tomorrow, wanting to ensure the little ones were well-nourished. Her dedication to them was evident in every detail of her work, though she remained cautious, as only a few knew of her involvement in helping Ahmes raise the children.
Suddenly, a soft voice interrupted her thoughts. "Lady Salome?"
The elf knight let out a startled gasp, quickly turning around and instinctively hiding the lunch boxes behind her back. She stood face to face with the Dreaming Jewel Knight, Tiffany, who appeared in the doorway clad in her casual sleepwear, her eyes heavy with drowsiness.
"T-Tiffany!" Salome stammered, caught off guard. "What are you doing awake at this hour, young lady?"
Tiffany, her voice sluggish from sleep, rubbed her eyes and replied, "I was just... getting a drink." She shuffled over to the sink, filling a glass with water. Her gaze lazily drifted over to Salome as she took a sip. "What are you doing this late, Lady Salome?" she yawned, glancing briefly out the window into the moonlit night. "Isn't it past midnight?"
Salome, regaining her composure, gave a light chuckle, though her smile was tinged with nervousness. "Oh, forgive me. I found myself feeling peckish and thought I'd prepare a quick meal before retiring to bed," she explained, subtly keeping the lunch boxes out of sight. While the Dreaming Jewel Knight respected her fellow knight, Tiffany was known within the Jewel Knight Squadron for her mischievous nature. The less Tiffany knew about her involvement with Ahmes and the twins, the better.
Tiffany looked at Salome with mild suspicion, but her drowsiness overpowered any deeper curiosity. After finishing her water, she placed the glass back in the sink with a sigh. "Please remember to clean up after yourself, Lady Salome," she muttered, turning toward the exit. "Lady Ashlei would certainly not be pleased if I had to take the blame for any mess left behind."
"Of course, Tiffany," Salome replied with a polite nod, offering a soft smile. "Good night."
"Good night," Tiffany mumbled as she disappeared around the corner, her footsteps soft against the stone floor.
Once she was certain that Tiffany had left, Salome let out a long sigh of relief. "That was close," she whispered to herself, wiping her brow. She quickly turned her attention back to tidying up the kitchen, wiping down the table with a damp cloth. Her eyes drifted toward the neatly stacked lunch boxes, their contents lovingly prepared for the children. 'I must make sure these are kept fresh until tomorrow,' she thought. After glancing around, she decided, "The refrigerator will do for now."
Just as Salome began storing the lunch boxes in the refrigerator, little did she know that Tiffany had not gone back to her room as it had seemed. Hidden in the shadows, the Dreaming Jewel Knight had been quietly observing her superior, her curiosity piqued by Salome's odd behavior.
"What is Lady Salome doing...?" Tiffany whispered under her breath, narrowing her eyes as she watched. The sight of several lunch boxes being tucked away in the refrigerator only fueled her suspicion. "Who are those for? So strange… so suspicious."
Tiffany continued to spy from her hidden vantage point, her sharp gaze following Salome's every move. As the kitchen lights were dimmed and Salome made her way upstairs, removing her apron, Tiffany smirked to herself. 'She's clearly planning something,' she mused. 'I'll need to inform the others about this.'
Only when she was sure Salome had retreated to her quarters did Tiffany stealthily ascend the staircase, slipping back into her own room. Tomorrow, she would uncover just what her esteemed leader was hiding.
That's a wrap!
Bye bye