A full month passed peacefully in Eden Village.
The new crops grew tall and strong. The pond stayed full of fish. Merchants had already begun trickling in after Duke Harlan spread the news — small caravans buying maize, beans, dried fish, and especially the grape wine. The village felt alive and hopeful like never before.
One quiet evening, after dinner in Chief Haru's hut, Luo Feng sat across from Miya's father. Miya sat beside Luo Feng, her cheeks slightly pink, fingers nervously twisting the edge of her sleeve. The silver lotus hairpin still adorned her long black hair.
Luo Feng looked at Chief Haru with his usual calm, respectful gaze and spoke clearly.
"Chief Haru… Father," he said, using the honorific for the first time. "Your daughter and I are in love. I want to marry Miya. Please allow me to take her as my wife."
The room fell silent for a moment. Chief Haru looked at Luo Feng, then at his daughter, then back again. A wide, warm smile slowly spread across his weathered face. Tears glistened in his eyes.
"My daughter marrying you…" he said, voice thick with emotion, "is the greatest blessing our family could ever receive. You saved this village. You saved my daughter's future. You brought food, medicine, weapons, and hope when we had nothing. Of course I allow it."
He laughed happily and clapped his hands together. "Why wait? You two will get married tomorrow! Right away! We'll hold the ceremony in the village square so everyone can celebrate."
Miya's face lit up with pure joy. She looked at Luo Feng, eyes shining, and he gently took her hand under the table, squeezing it softly.
Lira (Miya's mother) immediately began planning with happy tears, while little Suki clapped and bounced excitedly. Kael grinned from ear to ear, already imagining the feast.
That night, after the excited chatter finally died down, everyone went to sleep early so they could prepare for the wedding the next day.
Luo Feng and Miya lay together on their mats in the corner of the hut, closer than usual. They didn't say much — just held each other quietly, hearts full. Miya rested her head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
"Tomorrow…" she whispered happily.
"Tomorrow," Luo Feng replied softly, kissing the top of her head. "You will be my wife, and I will be your husband. For the rest of our lives."
They fell asleep like that — wrapped in each other's warmth, dreaming of the simple, beautiful future that awaited them in Eden Village.
Outside, the village slept under a peaceful starry sky, the fields rustling gently in the night breeze, completely unaware that the biggest celebration in its history was about to begin at sunrise.