Chapter 421: Kaguya's Complex Emotions
Chapter 421: Kaguya's Complex Emotions
As her two sons were fed to the God tree, Kaguya's expression became complicated.
She had expected to remain unmoved, but the moment she witnessed their demise, an inexpressible sadness welled up in her heart. That deep-seated bond, rooted in her very core, could not be completely severed by simply calling them "rebellious sons."
Shun, standing beside her, remained silent. Having been together for many years, he clearly understood Kaguya's current state.
He casually opened a Spatial Gate, the other side of which was Kaguya's Origin Space.
The Origin Space had long since been transformed into a Life Planet by Shun.
The wind passed through the bamboo forest, bringing a gentle rustling sound, mixed with the crisp chirping of unknown birds.
The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, the sweet fragrance of flowers, and the pure Natural Energy.
Arriving at the familiar place, Kaguya took a deep breath, and even the pent-up frustration in her heart dissipated somewhat.
Shun stood not far from her side, not stepping forward to disturb her, just watching her quietly.
He knew better than anyone what this transformed space meant to Kaguya.
She was an arrogant, conceited woman who cared about face, and this planet was her safe haven.
The current vibrant appearance of this Life Planet was also the truest testament to their relationship as husband and wife.
Kaguya slowly took a step, her bare feet touching the soft grass. The sensation of the green grass came from the soles of her feet, carrying a faint warmth.
She walked to the stream, leaning down to look at her reflection in the water. Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall over her shoulders. Her originally cold eyes were now filled with radiance, and her innate cold beauty was replaced by an inexpressible tenderness.
She reached out and gently touched the water surface. The reflection trembled, and the cool stream water instantly sobered her up a bit.
Turning to look at Shun behind her, she spoke softly, "Husband, thank you for all you've done for me."
Shun walked over slowly and stopped beside her. His gaze toward Kaguya was full of doting affection. "I told you back then that I would restore life to your dimension. I organized the chaotic energy pathways within this space, and transported flora, fauna, and birds from countless Life Planets, nurturing them little by little until it became what it is today, just to give you a place where you can rest peacefully."
"I know that while you seem aloof, you actually desire a true home more than anyone. Ancestral Star has too many troubles and past events you don't want to face, but this place belongs only to you."
Kaguya's heart trembled, and she stared blankly at Shun.
Yes, both the Ninja World and Ancestral Star bear the marks left by Hagoromo and Hamura, containing her former glory and decline.
But this place was different. This was her personal dimension, a world that belonged entirely to her, free from the gaze of outsiders and the judgment of the secular world. Here, she could drop all pretense and be her true self.
She thought again of her two sons. Although she claimed they brought it upon themselves, how could the blood bond be severed so easily?
Even if they were the rebellious sons who had betrayed her, the deeply buried maternal love had never truly vanished.
Kaguya's voice dropped, tinged with melancholy. "I thought I was completely disappointed and indifferent towards those two but... now I am inexplicably sad."
Shun gently shook his head, his eyes extremely tender. "Hate may have existed, but love has never faded. You always wrap yourself in cold armor, unwilling to let anyone see your vulnerability, but you forgot that you are inherently a gentle mother."
Kaguya lowered her gaze, her fingers slightly curled. "But they betrayed me in the end, sealing me away in that dark, sunless place for a thousand years."
Shun raised his hand and gently stroked the top of her head. "I know you feel wronged, which is why I sought justice for you. But the bond of blood is hard to break. You don't have to force yourself to completely forget, and sadness is not a fault."
Kaguya fell silent, her gaze once again cast upon this vibrant space.
A gentle breeze brushed past, stirring her long hair and also melting the ice in her heart.
She recalled a time long, long ago, before she went to the Ninja World... before she experienced so many conflicts.
Even then, she had longed for such a peaceful world, longing for warmth and companionship.
"Kaguya, look over there."
Shun raised his hand and pointed toward a hillside not far away.
Kaguya looked in the direction he pointed, only to see a magnificent Royal Palace standing atop the hill.
The glazed tiles reflected a dazzling sheen under the sunlight. Carved pillars extended in winding paths, and the palace walls were covered in blooming vines. It complemented the surrounding flowers and green grass, filling the air with a faint fragrance—grand yet elegant.
"I inquired a lot about you and learned that you like evening primroses and prefer environments that are quiet yet respectable."
Shun walked to her side, took Kaguya's hand, and looked at the palace in the distance.
"I specifically built this palace here for the two of us, to serve as our exclusive palace. From now on, you can live here peacefully, far from the troubles of the secular world. If you want to go out, I will accompany you. Do you like it here, Kaguya?"
Kaguya gazed at the magnificent palace, her eyes subtly welling up with tears.
"Husband, thank you. I really like it here."
Kaguya walked step by step toward the palace, pushing open the heavy yet exquisite palace doors.
The interior decoration was exceptionally lavish.
Gilded chandeliers hung from the dome. The carved wooden bed was covered with soft silk brocade. Sets of tables and chairs were neatly arranged, and a few fresh evening primroses were placed in a vase in the center of the hall. Every detail showed meticulous care and intention.
She turned to look at her husband following behind her. "Shun... there are no servants here. Did you arrange all this yourself?"
Shun nodded, his eyes full of tenderness. "Yes, this is our palace, so naturally it had to be decorated exactly how you like it. I wanted you to feel the warmth of home when you moved in."
Kaguya walked to the table and sniffed the fresh flowers in the vase. The sweet scent filled her nostrils.
Suddenly, her eyes felt hot, and something slid down her cheek, dripping onto the back of her hand, carrying a burning warmth. These were tears she hadn't shed in a long time, shed not because of sorrow, but because of profound emotion.
Shun walked over, held her in his arms, and pressed his cheek against her beautiful hair.
"Don't cry. I just want you to know that from now on, with me here, you never have to bear everything alone again."
Kaguya turned around and threw herself into his embrace. "Shun, thank you... Having you here... is truly wonderful... truly."
Her lips curved upwards, revealing a deeply happy smile. That smile was like melting ice and snow, like blooming flowers, instantly illuminating the entire space and Shun's eyes.
Shun gently raised his hand to wipe the tears from her cheeks, then kissed her forehead, followed by her lips.
"My beautiful, arrogant Princess Kaguya, as long as I can make you happy, all this effort is worth it."
Kaguya lightly tapped his chest with her small hand.
Shun smiled faintly and held her tightly in his embrace.
"Kaguya, if you wish to see Hamura and Hagoromo sooner, I can accelerate the flow of time, allowing you to witness them growing up after reincarnation, even if it's just a distant glance."
Hearing this, a flicker of surprise flashed in Kaguya's eyes, but she quickly suppressed it, reverting to her usual arrogant demeanor.
She gently withdrew the hand her husband was holding, lowered her eyes to conceal the lingering moisture, and her tone became somewhat distant.
"There is no need. Since they committed a mistake, they should bear the corresponding price. Reincarnation is already a new opportunity for them. Forcibly accelerating time to meet would be a blasphemy against this opportunity, and would only needlessly increase our mutual bonds and suffering. If we are fated to meet again once they grow up naturally, then it is fate. If not, let the past turn a new page entirely."
Shun felt slightly puzzled by her sudden change in attitude but didn't dwell on it, assuming she simply didn't want to mention the past again.
Just as he was about to say something more, Kaguya raised her hand and interrupted him.
Kaguya walked to the window, looking at the scenery outside, and spoke with a forceful tone, "The scenery in Ancestral Planet is excellent. I suddenly feel like being alone for a while to write some novels about the past and sort out my thoughts."
Shun was slightly stunned, lamenting.
She truly is a capricious woman. But he also understood that this was Kaguya's pride.
"Kaguya, if you want to be alone, I will wait outside the palace and won't disturb you."
Kaguya interrupted him, her tone carrying a hint of subtle awkwardness. "There's no need, husband. I am not that fragile. You still have other Princesses who need your company, so don't waste your time here. I want complete solitude for a few days. You should go back first."
Following this, her fingertip moved slightly, and a black Spatial Gate slowly opened.
Shun saw the determination in her eyes and noticed her deliberately straightened back, instantly understanding her thoughts.
This arrogant Ōtsutsuki Princess clearly did not want anyone, not even her own husband, to see her vulnerable and sad appearance.
He didn't expose her, just smiled helplessly and nodded slightly. "Alright, Kaguya. If you need anything, send me a message anytime."
Having said that, he turned and stepped into the Spatial Gate.
The moment the door closed, Kaguya's tense shoulders slumped, and her eyes reddened again. Only this time, no one saw her vulnerability.
She looked out at the boundless sky outside the window, which was washed clean and blue, just like the firmament of the Ancestral Planet, but with an added measure of solitude known to no one.
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