—Roughly three years later.
The laboratory looked entirely different than it had in the past.
With Titania's cooperation, August had successfully established the technology to amplify mana. Now, construction was underway on an Experimental City that would use mana as its primary energy source.
The terminals covering one wall emitted an orderly glow, and newly installed equipment stood in rows outside the glass.
Stella appeared in the laboratory for the first time in a while.
"Big Sis Stella?"
August's younger brother, Beria-kun, was inside.
"Beria-kun, you're here?"
"Yeah. Brother was called away by the officials, so he left me to watch the place. Honestly, he’s as much of a slave driver as ever."
"Fufufu. Isn't that just proof of how much August trusts you?"
"Trust, huh? ...Setting that aside, Big Sis Stella, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. I'm feeling steady today, so I thought I'd come for a stroll. My husband is nearby, so don't worry."
"I see. Then I guess it's okay."
"Is Titania in her usual spot?"
"Yeah, she's in the next room."
Stella nodded and quietly pushed open the door to the adjacent room.
Inside, the white mist remained as it had always been, swaying gently within its glass enclosure.
『A rare guest. Has it been about three months?』
A soft voice reached her through the speakers.
"That’s right. It’s been a while, Titania. Is everything the same with you?"
『Nothing’s changed for me. But I feel like you’ve changed quite a bit, Stella.』
Titania’s gaze shifted toward Stella’s noticeably large abdomen.
『It’s such a mysterious feeling. I can sense it even more strongly than when we last met. Another life.』
"Yes. Like I told you before, I have a child inside me."
『In times like this, I believe I’m supposed to say "congratulations"?』
"Fufufu, thank you."
Stella exhaled softly and took a seat in a chair near Titania.
"I’ve finally started feeling like myself again lately. That’s why I decided to drop by the lab. I wanted to see you, too."
『Don’t overdo it. Human bodies are fragile things. Your body isn't yours alone right now, is it?』
"Thank you for worrying. But I'll be all right."
Stella smiled and gently rested her hand on her stomach.
"Every day has been so happy lately. Seeing my stomach grow and feeling the baby move... it makes it sink in. "Ah, I’m really going to be a parent," I think."
As she spoke, Stella’s expression filled with deep affection.
"Because I was an orphan, I always yearned for a family. Now I’ve married the person I love, and our child is about to be born. I’m so happy right now that I wish I could share some of it with everyone else."
『...I see. So that is a "happy face." You’ve taught me something once again, Stella.』
Titania’s voice was gentler than it had ever been.
『Truly, the creatures known as humans are mysterious and fascinating.』
"Fufufu. I’m glad you’re beginning to see the wonder in people, Titania."
『It would be nice if every human were a saint like you.』
"I’m not nearly as grand as a saint. Everyone has a bad side, and unfortunately, those are the parts people notice first. But even so, I think it’s premature to judge someone solely on that. It feels like a waste. To put it another way, it means that everyone has a good side, too."
『As expected of the Saint.』
"I’m not particularly fond of being called that, though."
『—Come to think of it, have you decided on a name for the child yet?』
"No. I have a few candidates, but I’m still undecided."
Stella shook her head and gave a bashful little smile.
『"A name is the first gift a parent gives to a child"... was that it?』
"...You remembered?"
『Well, yes. For some reason, those words are burned into my memory.』
There was a hint of nostalgia in Titania’s voice.
"Fufu... that makes me happy. That was back when you were still so confused by the very concept of names."
『That’s right. ...But now, that moment feels like my "beginning." Perhaps it’s because I heard those words that I’ve been able to "continue existing" like this.』
"Titania..."
『That’s why I can tell how much this is weighing on you. You’ve taught me so many things, Stella. If there is anything I can do to help, just ask.』
Stella chuckled softly, her hand still resting on her belly.
"Thank you. Regarding the name, I want to find one with a meaning that fits this child. I want to infuse it with my wishes and feelings."
『Infusing feelings, huh...』
"The Princess of the Shinonome, whom I met recently, told me about it. Apparently, in the language used in the island nation of the Far East, a single character can hold several different meanings."
『Several meanings... in one character. That is interesting.』
"Isn't it? I thought it was a lovely concept. She told me there’s even a character that represents "a whole life," created by combining the meanings of "beginning" and "end."』
『...How grand.』
"Yes. ...Though it’s so different from the culture I live in that it would be difficult to give such a name to my child."
『That’s a pity. So? What was the character?』
At Titania’s question, Stella smiled and opened her mouth.
"It’s—"