The tall figure standing at the door with a box of eggs and milk, hand raised to knock, was unmistakably his "teacher," Zephyr.
Daren walked over with a smile. Unlike how he acted in front of Sengoku, he showed genuine sincerity, asking curiously,
"What brings you here?"
Toward Zephyr, Daren had always maintained the respectful attitude of a disciple.
Even though their personalities were completely different, it never lessened the respect he held for this stubborn, purple-haired old man.
Those who carry firewood for others should not be left to freeze in the snow.
Some people live their whole lives for noble ideals, for the safety of others, for the good of the world. Even if Daren wasn't deeply moved by such things, respect was still necessary.
Not to mention, when he had first arrived at headquarters from the North Blue, this old man had taken good care of him.
Hearing the familiar voice, Zephyr froze for a moment, turned around, and saw Daren approaching with a smile. He rolled his eyes irritably.
"That's what I should be asking you!"
"You're a married man now, running off on missions every day without coming back to look after Toki. She's pregnant, you know... What's wrong? The Navy can't function without you?"
"Or do you think you're the only one who can hunt down pirates?"
Zephyr's barrage of complaints left Daren stunned.
"Uh... well..."
Seeing Zephyr's flushed face and angry expression, a warmth bloomed in Daren's heart, though he was too tongue-tied to reply.
Daren glanced at his own front door, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes.
It was true—he had been neglecting Toki far too much.
Seeing the brat rendered speechless, most of Zephyr's anger faded. He shook his head and sighed.
"I know you want to make a name for yourself... It's good for young people to have ambition. But no matter how busy you are, pirates will never be wiped out completely.
Even if your career keeps you occupied, you still have to find time for family. That's what it means to be a real man."
As he spoke, a fleeting trace of sadness and regret appeared in Zephyr's weathered eyes.
He hefted the things in his hands slightly and said,
"These are fresh eggs and buffalo milk. I heard they're very nutritious and good for the body. I even checked with Toki's doctor to make sure it's safe before bringing them over."
He reached out and gave Daren a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Since you're always out running around, and I'm mostly idle at the military academy, I thought I'd come by once in a while to talk with Toki and keep her company."
Of course, "idle" was a lie. With a new training camp about to start, there was no way Zephyr, as the chief instructor, had any real free time.
Seeing the fatigue hidden deep in Zephyr's eyes, Daren felt another wave of warmth.
He knew what was going through Zephyr's heart.
This old man, already past fifty, must have been thinking about his late wife and child.
Once a proud Marine Admiral full of ambition, Zephyr had, just like Daren, spent his life running missions, neglecting the family that needed him most.
And that led to the tragedy that had scarred him forever.
He had protected countless families, yet failed to protect his own.
What a cruel irony.
Perhaps it was the guilt buried deep in his heart, or maybe just the care of an elder for Toki, but even with his busy schedule, Zephyr had still found time to bring eggs and milk.
"I understand, Zephyr-sensei... I'll try to come home more often."
After a pause, Daren raised his head and answered solemnly.
Zephyr gave him a glance, saw the sincerity in his expression, and grunted reluctantly,
"I'll hold you to it."
Daren chuckled, then pushed the door open and walked inside.
"Zephyr-san! Vice Admiral Daren!"
Inside the courtyard, four Marines with Commander rank stood guard, calm and composed.
When they saw the two men, they froze for a moment, then immediately raised their hands in salute.
"Thanks for your hard work," Daren said with a smile, casually handing each of them a colorful stack of cash with a smooth motion.
Zephyr, standing to the side, twitched at the sight and instinctively looked away.
They stepped inside.
There, sitting quietly on the tatami, was a graceful, serene figure, carefully folding Daren's clothes.
Amatsuki Toki wore a loose pink kimono, her long, light green hair pinned into a bun.
The sash at her waist was tied loosely, her lower abdomen already starting to show.
She softly hummed a gentle, nameless tune.
Maybe it was the pregnancy, but her face seemed to glow even more beautifully than before, and her figure had grown fuller, carrying the mature charm of a young wife.
Seeing this peaceful scene, Daren couldn't help but smile warmly.
With a wife like this, what more could a man ask for?
"Toki, I'm back," he said softly.
Hearing his voice, Toki's body trembled slightly. She turned her head, her face lighting up with joy. Without bothering to tidy up the clothes in her hands, she ran straight into Daren's arms.
Leaning against his chest, breathing in that familiar, comforting scent, Toki's eyes grew misty, like a gentle, contented cat.
"Husband..."
She lifted her head slightly, her eyes shimmering as she looked at the man she hadn't seen for a month. She hugged him tightly, as if trying to pour out all her longing through her embrace.
She opened her mouth to speak, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the purple-haired figure standing behind Daren.
Letting out a soft "Ah!" she quickly stepped back, blushing furiously, and gave a polite bow.
"Zephyr-san, you're here too."
Zephyr waved his hand with a wide, satisfied smile.
"It's fine, it's fine. I just brought some eggs and milk. You two go ahead, don't mind me."
Daren: ...
...
The scent of freshly brewed tea filled the room.
"Zephyr-san, please have some tea,"
Toki said, still blushing slightly as she offered a cup to Zephyr with both hands.
Zephyr chuckled as he accepted it, his gaze falling on the couple sitting side by side.
The longer he looked, the more pleased he became.
They really are a perfect match.
Toki leaned gently against Daren's shoulder with one hand, while the other softly caressed her rounded belly. She smiled warmly and looked at Zephyr.
"Husband, Zephyr-san has been taking great care of us. He even reorganized the patrols for the Marine squad stationed at the family quarters and brought in quite a few female Marines from Staff Officer Tsuru to guard and take care of me day and night."
Daren blinked in surprise, feeling a surge of gratitude toward Zephyr-san.
"It's just a small thing. As long as you and the baby are healthy and safe, that's what matters,"
Zephyr said casually, waving a hand. Then he turned toward Daren with a sly smile.
"You brat, Toki's due date is just six months away. Have you thought of a name for the baby yet?"
A name?
Daren gave a helpless smile and shook his head.
"I haven't had the time to think about it yet, Zephyr-san."
He paused, then, thinking of the regrets Zephyr carried in his heart and all the care he had shown to Toki, suddenly said,
"How about you help us pick a name, Zephyr-san?"
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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