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Although he wasn’t thrilled about the new black-haired brother around Michelangelo, he only pouted for a while before happily playing with them again.
Niccolò also seemed to have recalled this matter, his tone rather subtle: “Shouldn’t he be called Prince da Vinci?”
As per tradition, he would be granted land and titles, whether for military merit or his current position.
Leonardo, absentmindedly playing with the ends of her hair, suddenly felt his cheeks warm when he heard this.
“We can wait a while,” he observed her expression carefully, “After all, the funeral was not long ago, and there’s still much to be done for the country.”
Hedy steadied herself and sighed, “I need to talk to him alone about some matters.”
“Then let’s do it today!” Niccolò decisively stood up, making sure to take the half-filled glass of wine that he hadn’t finished — truly a wine like no other in his life!
“Huh?”
Niccolò walked a few steps before returning to drag Raphael along with him, signaling to the others to leave as well.
Everyone laughed and waved them off before dispersing in their own directions.
The courtyard was soon left with only the two of them. The afternoon sunlight bathed them, bringing a lazy warmth.
“So… what else needs to be discussed?” Leonardo set down his glass, his tone becoming more serious. “Contraception? Children?”
Hedy froze for a moment, only then realizing the depth of the question.
This probably didn’t require much worry… she liked children and could handle these things.
But judging by his tone, even if she decided to avoid pregnancy for life, he likely wouldn't mind.
Hedy sighed, lowering her head to grasp his hands, trying to summon the courage to discuss the deep-seated matter in her heart.
Yet, even as these thoughts surfaced, they seemed to crash against a wall inside her, causing the bubbles to burst and leaving only vague traces.
She opened her mouth, but her expression was filled with hesitation.
“You’re… afraid,” the man tightened his grip on her hands and softly asked, “What are you afraid of?”
He leaned his forehead against hers, and their breathing began to synchronize.
“Hedy… I’m right here with you.” His deep, warm voice seemed to wash away many fears.
From the very beginning, this unique sense of reassurance and trust had been like salvation to her.
Hedy remained silent, her eyes cast down as she subtly shook her head.
He didn’t rush her. Instead, he tilted his head and kissed her lips.
Their eyelashes brushed against each other, as if touching the wings of a butterfly.
The kiss was tender and soft, seemingly able to convey all emotions and care.
She instinctively tightened her grip on his hand, taking deep breaths to hold back her tears.
Crying is often seen as a sign of weakness.
But sometimes, crying doesn’t only represent pain.
If a person carries too much, even if they fall into a deep sleep, tears may unconsciously fall.
