Chapter 7 — The Weight of Promises

 Sunshine Orphanage — Morning

The air was filled with laughter again.

Children ran through the halls carrying flowers, drawing “Get Well Soon” cards for Kei, who now lay in bed like a little king, surrounded by snacks and smiles.

 “Queen Yua! Bring me juice!” Kei declared proudly.

“Yes, your majesty!” the kids giggled, saluting.

Even Mekisa smiled — the kind of gentle smile that hides the storm beneath it.

She helped adjust Kei’s blanket and whispered,

“Don’t get used to being spoiled, okay?”

“Heh, maybe just a little,” Kei grinned, eyes sparkling.

For a moment, it felt like peace had returned.

But deep down, Mekisa knew it was only a pause… not the end.

 Later That Day

Her laptop chimed with a new notification.

Mekisa opened the message — her hands trembled.

 “Official Notice: Sunshine Orphanage now under Kevi Foundation Support. Monthly fund approved — 1.2 million yen.”

Her breath caught.

She leaned back, stunned.

“She really did it…”

The orphanage was now legal, safe, and funded.

For the first time in years, they wouldn’t have to worry about next week.

But that comfort came with a shadow.

She looked toward the silver pendant lying beside her — her father’s gift.

Her reflection shimmered on its surface.

“Dad… you said never make deals in darkness. But this time…”

She pressed it close to her chest.

“Give your princess strength… for whatever comes next.”

Her voice cracked, and she laughed weakly,

“I wonder what Yukiro would say if he saw this. Probably some dumb frog joke again…”

Her smile faded as silence filled the room.

 Meanwhile — In the Air

The airplane hummed softly.

Yukiro stared at his phone, scrolling through old photos — children laughing by the river, Mekisa making a silly face, everyone holding hands.

A small smile touched his lips.

He stopped on a photo of Mekisa, her smile fierce and bright. It was the same look she had the first day he saw her, years ago...

Flashback — Years Ago

A dimly lit orphanage corridor.

Teenage Mekisa, fists clenched, stood between two bullies and a crying child.

 “Pick on someone your own size!” she yelled.

“This isn’t your fight, Meikisa!” they spat back.

“It is if it’s in my home.”

From the shadows, a young Yukiro watched silently — sent there by Lady Shizuka to spy on the girl who carried her blood.

But she wasn’t what he expected.

No arrogance. No fear. Only fire.

Later that night, Mekisa found him sneaking around the yard.

“You again,” she said, hands on hips. “The quiet frog boy.”

“Frog boy?” Yukiro blinked.

“Yeah. You just sit there like a frog — calm, watching everything. Ribbit.”

She grinned.

“But you’ve got something. Join me someday, okay? I’ll make my own orphanage — one that never throws anyone away.”

Yukiro laughed for the first time.

“Yes, ma’am. Frog King obeys the Lioness.”

 Back to Present

Yukiro’s smile lingered — soft and bittersweet.

Then came a voice from the seat behind him.

Lady Shizuka.

Calm. Elegant. Dangerous.

 “You did well, Yukiro. My daughter finally signed the documents. Our deal continues — for now.”

He turned slightly, eyes cold.

“You promised me something in return.”

“Ah, yes,” she said, swirling her wine glass. “But tell me… do you know what exactly she signed?”

He frowned.

“That’s what I came to ask.”

Shizuka smiled — the kind of smile that hides knives behind it.

 “You’ll find out soon enough, my dear frog king.”

 End of Chapter 7