After the founding of Londinium, as part of its governance, Shiomi introduced the concept of festivals from Proper Human History, establishing various celebrations for the city. Yet over time, these festivals became something the citizens took for granted—celebrated when the day arrived, and ignored when it didn't.
Thus, aside from the major holidays, the only occasions that truly set the entire city of Londinium alight were the grand victory celebrations held upon the city lord's triumphant return from battle. Not only the soldiers who had fought, but all the citizens joined in as well.
As night fell, Londinium shone brightly, a city that seemed never to sleep. Songs and laughter from the festivities echoed even up to the highest terrace of the palace.
"I was wondering why I didn't see my husband at the gathering. No wonder—the crowd has spilled over here."
As Shiomi gazed out at the glittering city below, Aesc's voice came from behind him.
"You're the one who's already tired?" Shiomi asked.
"This victory banquet was meant for the soldiers who fought. My part was only to declare it open," Aesc said, stepping up beside him. "Besides, the one who deserves the greatest credit left the festivities long ago."
"Because I knew that if I left, you'd notice right away. Then you'd abandon that noisy crowd and come spend the night with me alone." Shiomi smiled with a hint of pride, clearly pleased with himself.
"You just didn't want to celebrate with everyone else, did you?" Aesc stood next to him. "I heard you replaced all the soldiers guarding the city gates tonight with humans?"
Shiomi nodded. "At this rate, the celebration will probably last until dawn. Do you really think the fairy soldiers would stay on duty all night, even with rewards offered?"
"...That's a sharp point. I can't argue with that." Aesc let out a small, bitter laugh.
His concern was justified. If fairies were among the guards, they'd eventually grow restless in the late hours, unable to bear missing the celebration. They'd think, "It's fine to slack off a little—Londinium is always peaceful," and slip away from their posts to join the merrymaking. Acting on whim without concern for consequences was in their nature, even if it meant facing harsh punishment afterward.
"Besides, even if guards are posted at all four gates, if any opposing faction uses this chance to gather and launch a surprise attack, the small number of troops on the ramparts wouldn't be enough to hold them off," Shiomi added. "So let them celebrate. I'll protect our city."
"Our... city." The words stirred something in Aesc. She repeated them softly, then said, "In that case, I'll stay with you."
"But this is so boring." Shiomi picked up the wine jug from the terrace table, poured two cups, and handed one to Aesc.
"Not necessarily." Aesc took the cup and smiled faintly.
What she didn't say aloud was that even though Londinium had flourished and found peace under their rule—where humans and fairies now lived side by side—she still found it difficult to feel any real affection for the citizens.
Just as the fairies of Britannia instinctively despised the fairies of Paradise, so too did the Paradise fairies struggle to feel any fondness toward the Britannia fairies. The only ones she could ever truly trust were that small group of companions.
And the only one who could make her smile freely, without a single worry, was the husband standing before her.
"Say something?" Shiomi suggested with a smile.
Aesc raised her glass. Moonlight passed through the amber liquid within the transparent cup, reflecting softly in her eyes.
"To us? To victory? To survival?" Aesc set down her glass. "Whichever it is, we've already said it countless times. I can't seem to come up with anything new to say."
"What a pity," Shiomi teased with an easy smile.
Aesc lifted her glass again and took a sip. The smooth yet rich taste slid down her throat and settled warmly in her chest.
"Then how about we change the topic? It's been a long time since I've heard you whisper any sweet words. Why not make use of tonight's atmosphere?"
"What kind would you like to hear?" Shiomi asked.
"What am I to you?" Aesc asked—a question that no longer needed to be asked.
What they were testing now wasn't affection, but words. It was one of their little games.
"You are the sweet rain that nourishes the earth after spring melts the ice. You are the dawn light of summer that wakes my sleeping heart. You are the cool breeze dancing through autumn leaves, dispersing the drifting mist. And you are the spark struck from flint in winter's snow, driving away the biting cold."
Shiomi set his glass before Aesc and lightly tapped it against hers, producing a clear, pleasant chime.
"New lines again, as expected..."
Aesc felt her cheeks grow warm. It had to be the wine.
After all these years together, how could such honeyed words still make her blush?
"Then should I stop?" Shiomi asked.
"I never said you should stop," Aesc replied, trying to keep a straight face.
"If you were a song, I would never stop singing; if you were a hymn, I would never stop praying—"
Before the words faded, Aesc leaned in and kissed him, the taste of wine still on her lips.
With that, she ended their little game.
"Seems I still can't beat you. Should've known better than to make a fool of myself," Aesc said, her slightly swaying body betraying her good mood.
"You were the one who started it, and now you say you regret it." Shiomi sat down, resting his chin on one hand as he leaned lazily against the table. "Lady City Lord, you can't just go back on your word."
"I never set any rules or decided on rewards or punishments for winning or losing," Aesc said, attempting to sound sly—unaware of how captivating her expression had become.
Shiomi chuckled. "Right. How could I forget something that important?"
Then the two burst into laughter. Their voices drifted out over the terrace, merging into the distant clamor of the city, unnoticed by anyone.
"Being with you is the most relaxing thing of all. I don't have to act like the City Lord's wife or a Savior." Aesc settled herself comfortably in his lap.
"Are you tired?"
Aesc looked into his eyes, where the starlit night was reflected. "Not tired. It's just the difference between carrying a burden or not. Only by your side can I truly be Aesc—the paradise fairy once called Morgan le Fay."
"Then would you like to go further? Return to your true nature?" Shiomi's hand slid around her waist.
Through that touch, his magical energy flowed into her Magic Circuits, and Aesc's breathing grew a little faster.
"Didn't we agree to watch over Londinium?"
"We can do both. Perfectly fine, isn't it?"
"True enough."
Aesc felt her strength melt away, her body soft against his. She leaned gently into Shiomi's shoulder and affectionately nipped at his earlobe.
...
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