Amelia PoV
[Warring States Era, Niconora's childhood]
I glanced at Vadim and smiled. Together with his help, I managed to reconquer the southern lands and the Grand Dukedom of Makkuroyama, minus the lands taken by Taahid and Kasai no Ki respectively. But those lands had been theirs before my mother's wars, so I didn't have much attachment to them to begin with.
"Thank you," I whispered as I held the hand he had extended to me earlier.
My now husband blinked at he turned to look at me. He smiled back, a blend of warmth and curiosity lighting his expression. "For what, exactly?"
"For believing in me," I said softly, squeezing his hand gently. "For standing by my side through everything. I couldn't have done this without you."
He chuckled, carrying a hint of the same shyness he had as a teen all those years ago. "You're the one who led the charge and fought for your people, Amelia. I just used my sword and words as best as I could."
