Secrets of the Azure Sea - Chapter 37
They passed through the island’s village and climbed a gentle slope, where the trees grew thicker. The path was wide enough for animals to pass through, so it didn’t feel like they were venturing deep into the mountains.
Zanarf led the way, clearing branches and tall grass for her.
Suddenly, the chirping of birds echoed from somewhere. Listening closely, Floria could also hear the sound of running water. Perhaps there was a spring nearby, like the ones Zanarf had spoken of earlier.
Finally, they reached the top of the slope. Above them stretched a vast blue sky. The view was so breathtaking that it felt like she could reach out and touch the fluffy clouds drifting by. They seemed to be standing on a cliff overlooking the sea, with the scent of salt and greenery carried on the breeze. At their feet lay a soft carpet of grass, and nearby, the Yuna flowers they had seen at the market swayed in the wind.
It was like a heavenly paradise….
But what truly captivated her was the panoramic view.
It overlooks the entire island, with the blue horizon intersecting with the sky and stretching on endlessly.
For a moment, Floria felt as though she had stepped into a painting, she can’t help but be mesmerized.
“It’s incredible…”
“I wanted to show you this place. I’ve been coming here since I was a child. It’s quiet, perfect for thinking without being disturbed, and the view is unmatched, don’t you think?”
“Absolutely.”
Drawn to the scenery, Floria walked toward the edge of the cliff.
“—Ria, be careful. The sea under this cliff is quite deep. If you fall, you won’t be able to come up.”
Zanarf wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.
“—If I fell, would you save me again?”
She asked playfully, but Zanarf’s expression turned serious.
“The sea below this cliff is dangerously deep. The currents drag you down, and if you fall, there’s no surviving. Even I wouldn’t be able to save you from it. But—”
Zanarf’s gaze locked onto hers.
His sapphire eyes, filled with sincerity, seemed to stir something deep within her soul.
“—I’d jump in after you. That way, we could sleep together at the bottom of the sea forever, right?”
Zanarf’s large hands gently cupped her cheeks.
As she looked up at the clear blue sky, a shadow fell over them. Zanarf’s face drew closer, and his lips met hers in a soft kiss.
Chu. Chu…
The sweet sound of their kisses mingled with the taste of the sea breeze.
Lost in the moment, Floria closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss.
…Ah, I love Zanarf. I want to stay with him forever.
If only time could stop in this paradise.
Zanarf gently laid Floria down on the soft grass.
“Floria, my pearl—”
He whispered as he took her left hand and slipped something onto her ring finger.
“Ah, this is…”
“It’s yours. I thought about making it into a pendant like the island’s women wear, but in your country, couples exchange rings when they marry, right?”
On her ring finger sparkled a pearl larger than any she had ever seen. Its luster rivaled the sunlight. The size and beauty of its glow far surpassed anything she had seen at the market. Floria was mesmerized by its mystical radiance.
“It’s so beautiful…”
“After you threw away Franz’s emerald ring, your finger looked lonely. So I dove into the sea yesterday and found this. It’s the legendary pearl.”
“The legendary pearl?”
Floria shivered, remembering the old woman’s words.
—When the legendary pearl awakens from its long slumber, the gears of fate will begin to turn…
“Yes, that’s what the islanders call large pearls like this.”
Floria felt relieved. How silly of her to worry about the old woman’s ramblings.
“You went diving just to get this for me? But I don’t have a ring to give you in return…”
Zanarf chuckled softly.
“You’ve already given me something. A lovely pink pearl that only I get to savor.”
Confused, Floria tilted her head.
“Let me cherish that pearl now. My very own pearl—”
“—Ah!”
The moment Zanarf pulled her close, her world flipped. She found herself lifted and pressed against his strong body.
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