[Leif's POV — Hot Spring—Thorenvald Estate—Evening]
There are things in life you expect—like winter snow, frostbite, and royals being shameless. And then there are things you don't expect—like being dragged into empire-shaking conspiracies when all you wanted was a beer and a nap.
"Siiiiiigh… Life is trouble. Trouble is me," I muttered dramatically, sinking deeper into the steaming hot spring like some tragic philosopher.
My crimson babies were paddling around me, happy little splashes echoing as if they hadn't a care in the world. Honestly? Same. I was this close to finding inner peace.
And then—
"MY LORD!" Nick's voice split the mountain air like divine revelation. He came rushing in with the urgency of someone announcing war… only to gasp, clutch his chest, and declare, "Would you like some strawberry cake?"
…Cake.
Instant sparkle. Instant serotonin. Instant resurrection from my existential grave. My crimson babies—loyal, beautiful creatures that they were—sparkled with me.
