Chapter 21: Planting the Seed of Happiness

Althea’s profile glowed under the sunset, her fervent love piercing the distance between them, striking Tina’s heart.

Be her queen?

In that moment, Tina’s mind raced.
If the ending was already set, did agreeing to this request even matter?

It did.

Even if this was just a simulation, she couldn’t bear to imagine Althea’s reaction to rejection.
Would she cry? Be confused? Or stay unexpectedly calm?

After surviving life-and-death together, failing at the final step—could their relationship ever return to normal friendship?
She didn’t want to think about it, couldn’t bear to, wouldn’t dare.

Tina saw herself as a coward, a hedonist surrendering to fantasy, chasing fleeting joy. For an ending destined to part, she chose to leave behind as many beautiful memories as possible to atone for her shortcomings.

“What’re you thinking?”

Althea grew nervous again: Would she accept, or had it all been one-sided wishful thinking?
Tina didn’t speak, answering with action instead.

The flower-crowned girl cupped Althea’s face, offering a gentle kiss, softer and more complex than before.
But it was enough for Althea to know her answer.

“I understand.”

The two girls embraced on the flower-strewn cliff, confessing their feelings and receiving each other’s in return.
“Tina, come to my room tonight.”

“W-what, so soon?”

“Just for the usual story! It’s been ages since you told me one in person.”

“Oh, right, a story. I thought…”

“Thought what~?”

“Nothing! We should head back. If we keep kissing, it’ll be dark before we reach the palace.”

As Tina stood, her legs gave out, and she collapsed.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Althea helped her up, eyes full of worry.

“Maybe… I haven’t fully recovered.”

Tina turned away, hiding her strained expression.
That stumble was the curse in her leg flaring up, too painful to stand.

Had it progressed this fast already?
“Althea, carry me~?”

“Sure. You can rely on me more, you know.” Thinking it was just Tina being playful, Althea hoisted her onto her back, mounted the grazing unicorn, and set off for the palace.

The return trip was smooth, and Tina was getting used to flying.
They arrived at the palace as night fell.

“Althea, before bed, let’s plant those seeds.”

“The Hyperion tree seeds? Where?”

“I remember an empty spot in the garden—perfect for a tree.”

Tina, enduring the pain, reached a small stream in the garden, a patch of soil just right for planting.
Under twinkling stars, with fireflies dancing over the stream and flowers, the quiet garden felt alive.

Taking the seeds from Althea, Tina carefully dug into the soil and buried them.
In moments, the Hyperion tree had its new home, destined to grow here, bearing their wishes and witnessing their story.

Tina stood, the scene making her feel wistful.
“Althea, remember the story I told you last time?”

“The one where the two were cruelly separated?”

“Yeah. They planted a tree like this too. But they didn’t end up together, and the tree didn’t survive. It’s like nothing recorded their love.”

“Why bring this up, Tina?”

“Just… this scene feels familiar, like déjà vu.”

“Are you worried we’ll end up like them?” Althea hugged her from behind. “Don’t worry. We’re different. We’ll have a better ending. The tree will grow, and we won’t part.”

“Yeah, let’s not think about it. Back to the room.”

Tina held Althea’s hand, unable to shake her unease.
Hoping our ending differs from the book, as you said.

…

Meanwhile, outside the simulation—

The same palace, the same garden, the same spot.
The queen’s face remained unchanged, but the person beside her was now an unfamiliar maid.

“Your Majesty, it’s autumn. Mind the evening chill.” The maid draped a coat over her.
“I know. You may go.”

“Understood.”

A cool autumn breeze brushed her neck, stirring a pang of sorrow.
The Hyperion tree before her had grown dozens of meters tall, dominating the garden.

In autumn, its yellowed leaves often fell, blown away to nourish the soil.
Yet the tree remained healthy.

“Such a pity. The tree’s still here, but we’ve parted.”

She searched for proof of the other’s existence, but aside from the tree they’d planted, there was only a wooden puppet made in her likeness.
Its purpose:

“When you miss me, look at the puppet. If you’re bored, talk to it—it might respond.”

The girl’s words from that day lingered in her mind.
The joy and sorrow of that moment were unforgettable.

Had she ever given her a gift in return?
The queen asked herself.

“No. I didn’t even spend enough time with her.”

The maid behind her shook her head, used to this scene.
Every autumn, the queen picked a day to visit the garden alone, lost in the past.

The next day, she’d handle state affairs like nothing happened.
But the maid knew—she buried her pain in work, never letting go of her heart’s burden.

…

Back in the simulation—

Althea, in pajamas, lay in bed, listening to today’s story.
“It’s so much better with you here, Tina~.”

“Is it? This’ll be our routine then. After you’re done with palace duties, I’ll pamper our dear Majesty, washing away the day’s fatigue.”

“Oh! Dear Tina,” Althea sat up suddenly, “aren’t we almost done with the storybook I bought?”

“Seems like it. Should I get a new one tomorrow?”

“Hm… how about reading something you like instead?”

“Huh? That’s not a good idea.”

“I just want to feel your tastes firsthand. It’s no big deal~.”

“…Alright, but, Althea, one thing upfront.”

“Go ahead.”

“They’re full of dangerous stuff. Don’t try anything you read.”