Ancient Empire Calendar, Year 1839
Two months had passed since the marriage of Ricardo and Seraphine.
This period was intended for the Kislavein Dynasty to gain the trust and approval of the Sapharos people, and for Ricardo to spend time with his wife Seraphine, whom he would likely not see for a long time, as he had to return to the Central Lands soon.
Although the two months that passed were not enough to make the Sapharos forget 1,800 years of hatred, vengeance, and fear, it was enough to shake the image of Harloumen's cruel descendants etched into their minds.
Upon Ricardo's orders, the Kislavein soldiers had tried to get along well with the people and prepare the ground for friendly relations.
These preparations had allowed small groups to break free from negative thoughts about the descendants of Harloumen and gain good, friendly ideas.
As Ricardo's time to leave approached, Seraphine showed signs of pregnancy, and the healers confirmed it.
When Ricardo received the news, he was both happy and worried. He was anxious about what his hybrid child would be like.
Finally, the time had come for the Kislavein to leave the islands.
Seraphine had come with her retinue to see off her husband and his army. Apart from her, some small groups from the people had also come to see off the Kislavein, while others came to watch them leave.
Ricardo and Seraphine were living their final moments before their separation.
"When will we see each other again, Dynasty Lord?" asked Seraphine, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I cannot give a definite date. I am not supposed to leave the Dynasty's center without a war."
Seraphine slowly bowed her head and spoke in a low voice.
"I had started to get used to you. The fact that I will have to raise my child without a father hurts so much."
Ricardo slowly embraced Seraphine.
"Don't be sad. This is a necessary sacrifice to initiate a peaceful era. Your people need you. I need you here to initiate the New Era and end racism and blood feuds, Seraphine."
A few tears fell from Seraphine's eyes. Ricardo gently stroked and wiped away the flowing tears with his thumb.
Seraphine lifted her head and kissed Ricardo on the lips.
"I will miss you so much."
"Me too," Ricardo replied.
When the last legions boarded the ships, the time for departure had come.
"Farewell, my wife."
"Farewell, my husband."
When Ricardo boarded the ship, the ships began to move away from the Archipelago.
Seraphine watched Ricardo until he disappeared from sight. Likewise, Ricardo watched Seraphine until she disappeared from sight.
When the ships and islands disappeared from view, each turned to their own path.
As Seraphine returned to her palace sadly, her close friend Eurilia stood by her side.
"Will you be alright?" she asked anxiously.
"I will try to be," Seraphine replied.
Eurilia felt great pity for Seraphine's situation. She wanted to make her forget her pain and feel good.
"I didn't expect you to become so close to him in such a short time, my Queen."
Seraphine smiled slightly. Noticing her friend's silent smile, Eurilia was also happy.
"Well... he was very kind, very gentle. When we were alone, he treated me very well. He was such a good person that he made me forget everything. I suppose that's why I became so attached to him."
The two friends continued on their way, smiling.
Meanwhile, Ricardo, in the first hours of the ship journey that would last for days, was experiencing the bitter feeling of separation.
"When will this feeling pass, I wonder?"
"Your heart aches, doesn't it, my love?"
Ricardo turned his head and saw Marilin.
"It was you, Marilin."
Marilin smiled and spoke in a mocking tone.
"I thought you would recognize my voice."
Ricardo felt a little embarrassed.
"You're right, I should have. I just got lost in thought a little."
Marilin knew the source of these thoughts. It wasn't hard to figure out; even a fool would understand.
"It's your new wife, Seraphine, isn't it?"
"Yes," Ricardo replied.
"I know best what you are feeling right now, Ricardo. When you rejected me and kept me waiting for years, my heart always ached. It ached so much that I even wanted to die. I thought, 'What is the point of living if the man I love won't accept me?'"
"Marilin..." As Ricardo was about to say something, Marilin sealed his lips with her index finger to cut him off.
"But here I am now, with the man I love. I have ten children. Soon I will see my first grandchild. What more could I want? On the other hand, I have won many wars and conquered lands. I have gone down in history as the most successful and powerful female commander. A successful life in every way. A difficult, painful, but successful life."
Ricardo smiled.
"You're right, my love. We have had a difficult, painful, but successful life in every way."
Ricardo thought about his 44 years that had passed like water. Every year from his birth to the present moment: his first master Richard, who died trying to protect him, and his mother Seliarnevre.
His friends lost in wars: Heinricht, Jack, Osiris, Jacop, Jonas, and countless other commanders he valued, whose names he couldn't even list, all appeared in his mind one by one.
"We have suffered too many losses. So many friends whose places can never be filled, so many valuable commanders loyal to my Dynasty and me. All dead."
Marilin gently held Ricardo's hand and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You're right, my love. We lost so many friends. But the memories of all of them live on with us. Their lineages and legacies continue. Think of that and find solace. That's what I do."
Ricardo grasped Marilin's hand and leaned his head against hers.
"Does it work, at least?" he asked.
"Hmm... to a point. As much as it can."
With the support of his one true love Marilin, Ricardo was freed from the pessimism in his soul and found peace.
The journey would be long, but it would eventually end. Like everything else.