Saien’s cottage, late afternoon. Grocery bags on the counter

**Saien**

(taking a deep breath)

Alright… let’s sort these first.

**\[He starts putting away the food: rice in jars, vegetables in the basket, herbs hung near the window.]**

**Saien**

(proudly)

There… organized and easy to reach.

Wait—

**\[His stomach growls loudly.]**

**Saien**

(surprised, chuckles)

Oh baby… hungry already?

Okay, okay, we’ll cook.

**\[He ties on a simple apron and lights the small stove.]**

**Saien**

Let’s make something light…

Maybe a jelly roll?

**\[He sets out eggs, flour, sugar, jam, and milk… then pauses.]**

**Saien**

(staring at pickled radish)

…Why do I suddenly want this inside the jelly roll?

**\[He adds it anyway.]**

**Saien**

(snickers)

Okay that’s definitely weird…

Jelly roll… with sweet bean jam and pickled radish.

**\[He rolls the cake, cuts a slice, takes a bite… pauses… eyes widen.]**

**Saien**

(chewing slowly)

…Why is this actually good?!

Pregnancy is terrifying

**\[He sits down by the window, eating while rubbing his stomach.]**

**Saien**

(smiling)

You’ve got strange taste, little one.

**Saien**

But if it makes you happy…

then I’ll keep trying weird recipes too.

**\[A breeze flows in through the window. The light fades to golden sunset.]**

**Saien**

(murmurs)

I still think of him.

But thiss new life…

isn’t so bad.

**Saien**

(sighing as he stretches)

Finally done…

**\[He heads to his bed, yawning, but something catches his eye on the shelf.]*

**Saien**

Huh?

This charm…

**\[He picks up the gift from earlier — a small, carved wooden pendant with a faint symbol.]**

**Saien**

(softly)

It’s beautiful.

Didn’t they say it was a “gift from the shop”?

But…

**\[He squints at the symbol — a familiar crest.]**

**Saien**

(heart skipping)

This mark…

It’s from .

From… *Renju’s .*

**\[He holds it closer, inspecting it carefully. Inside a tiny crevice — a thin strip of folded parchment.]**

**Saien**

What’s this…?

**\[He carefully unfolds it, hands slightly trembling.]**

**Note:**

*"Even from afar, may this keep you safe. Forgive me — R."*

**Saien**

(breath catching)

Renju…

**\[Tears prick at his eyes — a mix of emotions rising.]**

**Saien**

Why… why are you doing this now?

Are you nearby? Watching me?

**\[He quickly stands and runs to the window, scanning the quiet road outside. No one there. Only stars and the soft wind.]**

**Saien**

(whispers)

Are you really protecting me… or are you just guilty?

**\[He clutches the charm to his chest, sinking slowly onto the bed.]**

**Saien**

I don’t know what to feel anymore…

But I won’t cry tonight.

**\[He lies back down, still holding the charm tightly, eyes wide open.]**

**Saien**

For now…

I just want to sleep beside peace.

And keep my baby safe.

**\[Scene – Saien’s cottage, night. Candle flickers low beside the bed.]**

**Saien**

(soft breath, eyes closed)

Just… one night of peace…

**\[He falls asleep holding the charm close, a faint smile on his lips despite the ache inside.]**

**\[Scene change – Outside the village, inside a moving carriage.]**

**Renju**

(sitting in silence, staring out the window)

He found it.

**\[He gently touches his own chest, where a matching symbol rests hidden under his tunic.]**

**Renju**

I should leave now.

If he sees me... he’ll just be hurt again.

**\[A guard quietly speaks beside him.]**

**Guard**

Your Highness, shall we stay nearby?

**Renju**

No.

Go.

He looked happy.

That’s all I need tonight.

**\[The carriage begins to turn back toward the hills — away from the village.]**

**Renju**

(softly, to himself)

I’ll watch over you from the shadows, Saien.

Even if you never forgive me.

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