On a day that followed the passage of time at the United Sanctuary, the wielder of Blaster Blade engaged in muscle training in the backyard of his home, where ample space allowed for focus. With his top bare and sweat glistening on his skin, he performed one-handed push-ups on the grass, huffing as he counted.

"196! 197! 198! 199! 200!" he grunted with effort, lowering and raising his body for each repetition. Beads of sweat dripped onto the grass as he continued, "201! 202! 203!"

While he persisted in his workout, inside the house, Salome tended to Alice and Noah. Sitting on the carpet, she smiled as she watched the twins play with Flogal, the pink-furred canine darted around them in circles, occasionally barking and nuzzling her nose near the children.

After their picnic, Flogal had developed a fondness for the couple, often seeking them out. Giggling, Salome watched as the pink canine gently pushed Alice down and began to nuzzle her belly, eliciting delighted laughter from the little girl.

Seeing her sister's joy, Noah babbled thinking she was in danger and tried to rescue her, but Flogal quickly turned her attention to him, tickling him instead.

A smile spread across her face, enjoying the sight of the twins with their playful companion. Just then, Ahmes returned, now wearing a grayish-white shirt soaked with sweat. He wiped his face with a towel as he approached.

"I see they're enjoying Flogal's company," he remarked, observing Alice and Noah hugging the pink canine, their faces beaming with joy.

"It seems so," Salome agreed, gently lifting Alice onto her lap, then doing the same with Noah. The twins babbled excitedly at her. "Did you have fun with Flogal?"

"Arf!" the canine's response is heard as she bounded over to the infants, who reached out with their little hands.

"It looks like they want to keep playing," Ahmes chuckled, kneeling to ruffle Flogal's head. "Just don't have too much fun, okay?"

"Arf! Arf!" Flogal barked back before turning to resume her play with the twins on her lap.

These peaceful days were a cherished part of their lives, bringing them delight and contentment.

As time passed, the pair prepared the twins for their afternoon nap, a much-needed rest after their lively playtime.

"There we go…" she whispered, tucking the twins into their shared crib. Alice and Noah were fast asleep, exhaustion evident from their fun with Flogal. She gently caressed their heads, saying, "Sweet dreams, little ones."

"Arf~!" Flogal barked softly, peeking in with her tail wagging.

"They'll want to play with you again when they wake up, Flogal," she said with a smile, and Flogal responded with an eager bark.

As they tended to the infants, the knight passed by, now dressed in his armor and holding his helmet, preparing to put it on.

"Are you heading to the castle?" she asked, noticing him approach the glass cupboard where he stored Blaster Blade. "I thought you were off duty today?"

"I was, but Epona delivered a message summoning me," he replied as he unlocked the cupboard and secured his weapon at his side. "King Alfred wishes to discuss various issues with me and other commanders."

"Really?" she said in surprise, blinking twice. "I didn't hear anything about that."

"Aren't you off duty from your troop as well?" he pointed out. "Perhaps only Lady Ashlei will be present at this meeting."

"I see…" she said, her expression shifting to one of understanding mixed with a hint of sadness. "It seems Lady Ashlei is determined to ensure peace for her entire squadron."

"I think she's focused on securing her squadron's peace before any future battles," he said, nodding with a smile. He knelt down as Flogal came to his side, patting and scratching the canine's head. "Take care of everyone while I'm away, Flogal."

"Arf~! Arf~!" came the enthusiastic bark.

A moment later, he stepped out of his home, while the two remaining inside continued to care for the household and the twins in his absence.

"Take care," she called, waving goodbye as he reciprocated, and Flogal barked a few times.

As he walked away, they watched until he disappeared into the distance.

"To have all of us at peace, is it?" she mused, sighing slightly as she looked down at Flogal. "Shall we go inside and have some refreshments?"

"Arf! Arf!" Flogal barked happily, clearly approving of the idea.

The two then entered the house, closing and locking the front door behind them.

In the castle of the Royal Paladin, a white knight walked through the hallway, heading toward the room designated for private meetings with King Alfred and other commanders of the clan. As he continued, he paused when he heard his name called from behind. Turning, he saw the king approaching.

"Afternoon," Alfred greeted warmly.

"Your Majesty," came the knight's polite response, bowing slightly while placing an arm across his chest. "Good afternoon."

"No need for formalities today," the king replied, raising a hand before lowering it again. "It seems we've both arrived a bit early for the meeting."

"Indeed," the knight acknowledged as they began walking side by side. "If I may ask, what topics will be discussed?"

"Several matters need attention, but the most pressing is the rising hostility from the Megacolony Clan," Alfred stated. "Following the defeat of the Dragon Deity of Destruction, Darkface Gredora, the Queen of Megacolony, is planning to expand her territory. This could lead to another war against the Great Nature and Neo Nectar clans." He glanced at his companion. "Our clan may need to intervene to prevent escalation."

"I see," came the thoughtful reply, though a frown crossed his face. "Another war, then?"

The king observed his trusted knight for a moment, noting the concern etched on his features. He smiled softly and sighed before looking ahead. "You worry for your little ones, don't you?"

With a slight noise of acknowledgment, the knight met his gaze. "I've heard from Marron and others that you've been caring for the two infants discovered last month," Alfred continued. "To find children abandoned in a basket drifting down a river—what a cruel fate that must have been. But I'm certain their fortunes changed once you took them in."

"Yes," the knight replied, his eyes shifting forward, uncertainty creeping in. "Though I'm still inexperienced in parenting. I can manage with Lady Salome's help, but I fear I'll be unfit to care for them alone when she's unavailable."

"Then perhaps you should consider marrying someone who can support you," Alfred suggested, catching the knight off guard. "It's been years since the war began, and while battles continue, there are moments of peace. You deserve that peace, too." He looked back at him. "Shall I assist you in finding a suitable partner?"

"Please don't joke, my king," Ahmes responded while shaking his head. "My duties as the leader of our clan are sacred, and a partner would only complicate matters with my constant obligations."

"Is that so?" Alfred mused, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps Lady Salome would be a fitting choice, considering her willingness to help care for your children."

"No. I've already asked too much of her," he replied, shaking his head again. "She belongs to a different platoon with equally important responsibilities. I will find a way to raise Alice and Noah on my own."

"Raising two children is no easy task," the king cautioned.

"I understand, but I can learn," came the determined reply. "I've faced the impossible before, and I can certainly manage this."

The knight moved ahead, leaving Alfred to sigh softly, shaking his head. "You can accomplish many things alone, my friend, but parenting truly requires two."

As they approached the large doorway to the meeting room, the knight paused to wait for the king to catch up.

That's a wrap!

Bye bye