All the titans would definitely have loved nothing more than to follow their father on his journey.

Despite the others’ mature size, they acted like little children more often than people thought.

Their eyes were shining with bright, hopeful excitement whenever the possibility was mentioned last night.

They had crowded around him then, tugging at his sleeves and asking in eager voices whether they could come along too, their perfect bodies practically vibrating with the desire to stay by his side.

But, for some mysterious reason, every single one of them had chosen to give Grey Ivy special treatment.

Even at the time when they were roughly formless, the titans seemed to cherish Grey Ivy with their hearts.

And today, they were stepping back without the slightest argument or complaint.

It was as if she were the precious last-born child, the youngest sibling who deserved this particular chance more than anyone else in their tight-knit group.

But Grey Ivy had actually volunteered herself, stepping forward without even a moment’s hesitation, her small hand shooting straight up into the air as her voice rang out clear and determined.

She was still remarkably short and delicate, built exactly like an elementary school girl, with slender limbs and a youthful face that made her look far more innocent than the immense power sleeping inside her.

Now she wore a dark, elegantly frilly Gothic-style dress that blended nobility with dark mourning fashion in a strikingly beautiful way.

The bodice was tightly fitted, crafted from rich black fabric layered with intricate lace overlays and delicate silver embroidery that traced elegant swirling patterns across the chest and narrow waist, giving it a structured, almost corseted elegance.

Long, flowing sleeves puffed gently at the shoulders before tapering down into delicate lace cuffs that encircled her wrists.

Thin black satin suspenders ran over her shoulders and across the chest, fastened with small ornate silver buttons that added both decoration and a sense of formal refinement.

The skirt itself was made of multiple layers of dark taffeta and soft chiffon, full and flared dramatically at the hips for a princess-like silhouette.

Yet, it was deliberately shortened so the hem fluttered playfully just above her knees, revealing her grey, smooth legs with every step.

Beneath the hem peeked crisp white petticoats trimmed with fine black ribbon, and on her feet she wore small black boots with tiny silver buckles that clicked softly against the ground.

The entire outfit made her look like a tiny noble lady who had stepped out of some forgotten fairy-tale court, both regal and adorably youthful at the same time.

Everything was now carefully put into place for their departure.

The massive portal flower’s broad, glowing leaf slowly extended outward with a graceful rustle, unfurling smoothly to form a small, shimmering staircase that led upward into the heart of the bloom.

The flower itself began to open wider, its enormous petals shimmering with a soft golden radiance while tiny whitish pollen drifted lazily into the air like sparkling dust motes caught in sunlight.

The blossom expanded steadily until its luminous center was wide enough for two people to pass through side by side, the golden light inside pulsing gently with a warm, inviting rhythm that seemed almost alive.

"I will enter first, Sir Benjamin?" Ragna asked, her sharp eyes meeting his in a silent question as she adjusted the heavy barbed weapon slung across her broad back, her red hair shifting with the movement.

Benjamin gave a small, calm nod of agreement, his expression relaxed.

The red-haired ogress stepped forward without further delay, her powerful, large-built frame moving with surprising grace.

Then she disappeared into the swirling golden light in a single smooth stride, vanishing completely from sight within the shimmering portal. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Grey Ivy gladly reached out and grabbed her father’s hand, her small fingers wrapping tightly around his with complete (innocent) trust.

After giving one final, enthusiastic wave to the gathered crowd with her free hand, she began to walk up the leafy staircase beside him.

Her dark frilly dress swaying gently with each careful step, the shortened hem fluttering around her knees as the golden pollen danced around them both.

"Wait, Sir Benjamin!" A familiar, high-pitched voice suddenly resounded across the wide courtyard, cutting clearly through the quiet farewell murmurs of the crowd.

"Hey, Rina, cut it out!" someone else called out sharply at the owner of the voice.

They were trying urgently to pull her back before she could cause a scene.

As Benjamin turned his head to see what exactly was happening...

MWAH!

A pair of soft, warm lips suddenly smashed into his own in a bold, impulsive kiss.

The owner’s small, eager tongue rolled playfully inside his mouth for just a brief, surprising second, tasting sweetly of nectar and excitement, before she pulled her face back abruptly.

Her blue hair fluttered wildly from a sudden gust of wind that swept through the courtyard.

And her cheeks flushed a bright, embarrassed pink as she hovered right at Benjamin’s face level, her delicate wings beating rapidly to keep her steady in the air.

"I’m R-Rina..." she said quickly, her voice trembling with nervous excitement while she stayed floating there, barely an arm’s length away from him. "Just a side character here who never got to meet you properly... but I love you! P-Please go out with me!"

Benjamin and the rest of the fairies gathered around were left completely shocked, their eyes widening in surprise at the sudden, daring confession.

Briar stood nearby, squeezing the fabric of her own frilly dress tightly in her small fists.

She was barely holding back a visible wave of bitterness that flashed across her young face as she watched the scene unfold.

Titania, however, let out a soft, amused giggle, covering her mouth lightly with one hand while her violet eyes sparkled with clear entertainment at the bold display.

"Rina?!" A fairy with dark hair—who always seemed to be the one reining the impulsive girl in—quickly grabbed Rina’s arm and began tugging her backward with gentle but firm insistence. "Please, forgive her, Sir Benjam—"

"Sure."

Benjamin smiled gently, his expression warm and kind as he turned partially toward the glowing portal while still holding Grey Ivy’s hand securely.

He continued; "Rina, was it? You have a pretty name. And a pretty face too. I bet you have a pretty heart as well. We’ll talk more when I visit again, okay?"

Rina, along with the many other fairies who had lacked the courage to speak directly to such a man radiating palpable, overwhelming power, stood mystified and utterly shocked by the sudden, easy acceptance.

Their wings fluttered in stunned silence, mouths slightly open as they processed what had just happened.

"Really?" Rina asked, her voice rising with pure, unrestrained joy as she clasped her hands together tightly in front of her chest. "I did it... I did it, Shion! I finally got my feelings across!"

"Yeah, yeah, stop pulling my arm already!" the dark-haired fairy replied, still trying to drag her excited friend away while fighting back her own embarrassment at the public spectacle.

Before Benjamin fully immersed himself into the golden heart of the portal flower, one small, curious thought crossed his mind as he overheard the name once again.

"Shion...? That sounds oddly earthly... Was that not Japanese?"

{Warning! Warning!}

[Uh-oh. What now?!]