The next morning, Yuna quietly stepped into Sayura's room.
She found Sayura sitting in silence, her face heavy with sadness, her mind lost in painful memories.
"Good morning, Sayura," Yuna said gently, forcing a small smile.
"Hey, don't be like this. I know it hurts… but what's done is done. Life moves forward now. You have to take care of your babies."
Sayura's voice trembled as tears slid down her cheeks.
"How can I ever forget him?"
Yuna sighed, her eyes softening.
"I understand exactly how you feel." She swallowed, her throat tightening.
"My husband… he died when I was just three months pregnant."
Sayura looked up, surprised.
"I… I didn't know. I'm so sorry."
Yuna's gaze drifted into the distance as she recalled her past.
"He was a soldier of this village. He loved children more than anything. One day, he led his team on a mission. But it was a trap… the enemy ambushed them. He fought to protect his men, but in the end…" Her voice faltered. She couldn't finish the sentence.
Just then, the old woman entered the room, her face tense and serious.
Without greeting them, she asked directly,
"How exactly was your husband killed?"
Sayura wasn't expecting that question. She remained silent, knowing the old woman had realized something.
Yuna stepped in, trying to ease the mood.
"Granny, please don't bring this up now. Sayura is still healing from the trauma."
But the old woman snapped,
"You stay quiet, Yuna! You don't know the full story!"
Her sharp gaze locked onto Sayura.
"Tell me—how did your husband die?"
Yuna frowned.
"Granny, why are you asking this now?"
The old woman's voice grew cold.
"Because this man… Rizen Kurosaki, your husband—he betrayed our village and stole our sacred treasure… the Septarion Shards."
Yuna's eyes widened in disbelief.
"What? But… he was the protector of our village! I can't believe this!"
The old woman's voice tightened.
"He betrayed us. He made a deal with outsiders. But they killed him and stole the shards. The village says they saw him take the shard. Afterward, the villagers burned his house to the ground."
Sayura's tears flowed as her fists clenched.
The old woman glared.
"He paid the price for his betrayal."
Sayura's voice erupted, sharp and fierce.
"He didn't betray anyone!"
Her fiery eyes met the old woman's, burning with rage.
Yuna whispered, still stunned.
"But Sayura… the soldiers saw him taking the shard."
Sayura's breath trembled.
"Yes… he took it. But he had a reason."
The old woman scowled.
"What reason? Greed? Power? They offered him something, and after he delivered the shard, they betrayed him too!"
Sayura's voice cracked.
"No… he took it to protect me. To protect this village."
Yuna leaned forward, her voice soft but firm.
"Sayura, please. Tell us everything. We need to know the truth."
Sayura told them everything. As she spoke, the old woman and Yuna listened in shock, sadness growing in their hearts.
Yuna hugged Sayura tightly, tears in her eyes.
The old woman lowered her head in shame.
"I'm sorry, my child. I didn't know. Everyone in the village speaks of his betrayal. I… believed them. I will tell the village the truth."
But Sayura shook her head.
"No. Not now."
Yuna frowned.
"Why, Sayura? The village deserves to know the truth."
Sayura's gaze was cold but wise.
"Do you really think they'll believe it? They saw him with the shard. They burned his house. And if the Seven learn I'm still alive… they will come for me. They will try to kill me and my children."
Yuna nodded slowly, realizing the danger.
"You're right. It's safer this way. We should keep it a secret."
The old woman agreed.
"Very well. I will stay silent… for now."
Sayura looked at her babies and whispered,
"One day, the world will know the truth."
Just then, Yuna clutched her stomach in sudden pain. Her time had come. With the help of the old woman, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.
Tears of joy filled Yuna's eyes as she cradled her child.
"She's so adorable," Sayura smiled warmly. "What will you name her?"
"Mira," Yuna whispered.
"Mira… so sweet. She will be friends with my little ones."
As Yuna rested, the news quickly spread through the village. People came to visit, congratulating Yuna. But when they saw Sayura, curiosity grew. Whispers filled the streets:
A woman with two babies… who is she?
The rumor soon reached the princess of Shinkai.
Curious, she set out to visit Yuna's house herself.