5. Suspicion

To be honest, Fiora felt a hint of disappointment when Vael chose Darius to be the first among them to become her Seed Donor.

It wasn't that she wanted Riven instead.

It was just...

For some reason, a small part of her had secretly hoped that Vael would be the one.

Fiora quickly shook her head, her cheeks warming with embarrassment as she tried to banish the absurd thought from her mind.

There could be no preferences.

No feelings. No personal desires.

The purpose of seed donation was simple--to reproduce, to preserve humanity, and to ensure the survival of the human race.

Any emotional attachment between a Seed Donor and a Seed Carrier was strictly forbidden.

Anyone who violated that rule would face severe punishment.

"You've been daydreaming this whole time. What are you thinking about?" A gentle voice pulled Fiora back to reality.

She looked up, only to find Riven smiling at her.

Feeling guilty, she gave the handsome blond man an awkward smile.

Since Darius would become the first man to give her his seed that evening, Riven had insisted on spending the afternoon with her instead.

After lunch, he brought her for a walk through the mansion's garden.

Riven was pleasant company. He was cheerful, friendly, and easy to talk to...

Though he loved teasing her enough to leave her feeling flustered.

"I'm sorry..." Fiora said apologetically. "What did you ask me earlier?"

She really should have been paying attention to Riven instead of thinking about Vael.

Riven clicked his tongue and deliberately looked away. "Forget it if you weren't listening."

Fiora felt even worse. "I really am sorry, Riven. I promise I'll listen this time."

He looked back at her. The smile returned to his face, though it was much gentler now.

"Actually..." He pointed toward a corner of the garden with his chin.

"I brought you here to show you that."

Fiora followed his gaze, and her eyes widened instantly. "There's... a swing?"

A bright smile spread across her face. She had always loved swings.

Unfortunately, there had never been one at the shelter.

Riven reached for her hand. "Get on. I'll push you."

Fiora couldn't hide her amazement.

The swing was made of polished wood with elegant carvings decorating the frame.

Colorful flowers bloomed around its posts, making it look even more beautiful.

When she sat down, she realized it faced a lovely fountain.

It was perfect. She could spend hours here!

Standing behind her, Riven gently pushed the swing.

A soft breeze brushed against Fiora's face. She closed her eyes and smiled.

This feeling... It was like flying. Like a bird soaring freely across the endless sky.

"The swing is beautiful," she said happily.

"But..." She glanced over her shoulder. "It feels a little strange. There are only men living here, and this swing is... so feminine."

Riven chuckled. "I built it myself."

Fiora's eyes widened. "You did?"

Riven caught both ropes, bringing the swing to a stop.

Then he leaned closer until only a few inches separated their faces. "If you like it..."

His smile deepened. "Can I have a kiss as my reward?"

Fiora blinked in surprise as she felt his hand gently cradle the back of her neck.

Still smiling, Riven closed the remaining distance and captured her lips in a gentle kiss.

Ignoring the strange discomfort stirring inside her chest, Fiora allowed him to kiss her.

After all...

Riven was one of her five assigned Seed Donors. Affection like this was only natural between them.

Even more intimate contact was permitted.

***

Inside the mansion...

A silver-haired man stood quietly by the window overlooking the garden.

His expression revealed nothing.

Perhaps he had simply become too skilled at hiding his emotions.

"Riven is really shameless." The voice came from beside him.

Vael turned and found Elyon standing nearby.

"I bet he told her he was the one who built that swing." Elyon folded his arms.

"When it was actually you who spent days making it."

Vael didn't answer immediately. His gaze returned to the garden.

To Fiora... And Riven, who was still kissing her.

"If Fiora likes the swing," Vael finally said, "then it doesn't matter who she believes made it."

Elyon slowly raised an eyebrow. Something about Vael had been different ever since Fiora arrived.

"If you like Fiora," Elyon continued, "you should've volunteered to be the first Seed Donor. Darius and Riven would've stepped aside without complaint. They respect you that much."

The corner of Vael's lips curved into the faintest smile. Almost too subtle to notice.

"It doesn't matter who goes first, Elyon." His voice remained calm.

"This is only a duty. We shouldn't make it into something more than that."

With that, Vael lightly patted Elyon's shoulder before turning to leave. He walked away without looking back.

Elyon frowned slightly. Despite Vael's composed tone...

He had sensed a trace of bitterness hidden beneath those words.

Turning back toward the window, Elyon watched as Riven resumed pushing Fiora gently on the swing.

Strange... Why had Darius, Riven... And even Vael...

Become attached to the Seed Carrier so quickly?

Yes. Fiora was undeniably beautiful.

She had an attractive figure, an enchanting smile, and a presence capable of stirring any healthy man's desire.

That much was understandable.

But what Elyon saw in the other three wasn't mere physical attraction.

It was something deeper.

Tilting his head, the curly-haired man narrowed his eyes as he watched Fiora laughing happily on the swing.

"Interesting..." he murmured quietly.

"We'll see, little red-haired girl."

"Are you truly here only to receive our seed..."

"...or are you hiding another purpose altogether?"

***