Epilogue
The salty wind brushed against their faces as the group approached the harbor.
The ship—elegant, with crisp white sails—awaited them, ready to set sail for Astralith.
Haruto looked back at Port Jade one last time, imprinting the view into his mind like the final page of a chapter coming to a close.
Kizuna fluttered about with boundless energy.
"C'mon, Haruto-kyun! The ship's leaving!" she cried, sparkling under the sunlight.
Rina was equally thrilled, dashing back and forth with a huge smile on her face.
"Hurry, hurry! Rina wanna ride the floaty thing!"
The rest of the group followed behind. Thalindra was making jokes about sea monsters and pirates, while Yuna led the way with her usual calm demeanor—though a spark of excitement flickered in her eyes.
"This will be a good journey… I can feel it," she said, gazing at the group as if she could see into their hearts.
Haruto stepped onto the ship, letting his thoughts settle.
Something deep inside told him that, despite his lingering doubts, this journey would be something special.
Simmone opened her parasol with practiced grace, taking a place beside him. On the other side, Eliza did the same, her expression ever serene.
The ship began to move, gliding gently. Port Jade slowly faded into the distance, while the sea stretched out before them like a promise.
"Interesting… The waves are rough, but the ship barely sways," Haruto remarked.
Olivia appeared, floating at his side.
"Data! These sailing vessels are powered by magic. That same energy stabilizes their movement."
"So I wasn't imagining it… With waves like these, it should be rocking way more," Haruto murmured.
"Since when do you know anything about ships? Did you read it in one of your mangas?" Thalindra teased, folding her arms.
"For your information, I know a lot. My grandma was obsessed with ships."
"She used to take me to the harbor, to naval bases… even maritime museums in Japan," Haruto replied with pride.
"What are ships like in your time?" Simmone asked, gently tugging at his coat.
"Way bigger. And way fancier. Some have swimming pools, movie theaters, all-you-can-eat buffets…"
As Haruto began telling stories about his world, the girls listened closely.
The sea breeze wrapped around them, marking the start of a brand-new adventure.
In Astralith, the capital of the Light Elves, a soft melody filled the air.
Each piano note was perfect, precise… but on Melodia's face, something else showed… unease, insecurity.
Her father's words echoed in her mind like a wound that never fully healed.
"That's not how you play. Why can't you be more like your brother?"
"What a disgrace to the Luminis name… a talentless daughter."
"You can't even handle the violin. Armonio does it better."
"Maybe Selena should give you lessons. You might actually learn something."
"From now on, you'll serve as an ambassador for the Lumaris. No more stages for your mediocre music."
Her fingers moved with flawless precision… but her soul wasn't in it.
Even her brother Armonio's voice haunted her now…
"You could be a conductor. You have musical ear, but no talent."
"Give it up. You weren't born for music."
Silent tears fell onto her hands. The melody—once perfect—began to crumble.
"I should've never had a daughter. You've tainted the Luminis bloodline."
The final note drifted into the air like a breath with no strength left.
The harsh clash of keys echoed through the room as her trembling hands collapsed onto the piano. Her breathing turned shallow, erratic. In a sudden impulse, she pressed her forehead against the instrument.
A lonely cry.
In a vast, luxurious room… But empty.
Where no one listened.
Where she had always been ignored.
But then…
"I think you're a wonderful girl. You work so hard, even if no one wants to acknowledge it."
"Sometimes people say cruel things because they can't admit they're wrong."
"Those scars on your hands… they show how much effort you've put in."
"Your music is beautiful—because it's born from the sacrifice you make every single day."
Haruto's words echoed in her memory. His voice was clear and sincere—devoid of the condescending tone so typical of the light elves.
Then, another memory surfaced.
"Your father's a birdbrain. Don't pay him any mind. He's just obsessed with your brother. But one day, you'll meet wonderful people—people who, just like me, will see how incredible you truly are."
Her mother's words. The only one who ever supported her. Though so distant, so often absent…
Sometimes she felt more like a memory than a person.
Melodia stood up from the piano bench, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand.
She walked to the tall window, gazing out at Astralith—a radiant garden of light beneath the full moon.
"Haruto… I hope we meet again soon. I miss you all so much…"
Her nightingale landed gently on her shoulder, singing a quiet lullaby.
And in the middle of that melancholic night, one thought brought her comfort:
Her birthday was coming soon.
And for the first time in years… She was looking forward to it.
Because this time, she had real friends to share that special day with.