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Chapter Text

One winter afternoon, a young boy was practicing his swordsmanship at the knight training ground.

He had stayed up late, his pride and eagerness did not allow him to leave as all the other apprentices and masters had already done. He was the most backward among them all, he always dropped his sword in combat or stumbled in a mock escape.

For that very reason, he trained, kept coming in even when the others had already left.

The golden-haired apprentice boy incessantly struck a wooden dummy with his miniature wooden sword. He looked tired and his breathing was heavy and his movements slow, but he kept hitting the dummy.

Until, from a blow given too hard and a bad grip, he sent his sword flying, unfortunately falling on the boy's face, throwing him to the dirty ground.

This is absurd... -he thought- if I continue like this I won't be able to follow the progress of the other children...- He stayed there, with his eyes closed and his chest rising rapidly taking a breath on the floor, with his hand holding the pupa that his sword had made on his head.

He was right, he was already too far behind compared to the other apprentices, his teachers always scolded him for not being able to do the same as them, he was afraid of falling too far behind...

"Hello, are you ok?"

A shadow fell over his face, he could feel the light being blocked even with his eyes closed. After hearing the voice, he quickly opened his eyes.

The first thing he saw was the face of another person head TOO close to his.

He hurriedly tried to sit up but on the way he found himself bumping into his opponent's head.

"Ouch, ouch, ouchh" the apprentice said repeatedly. Moving away from the figure and holding his blow with his hands

"That hurt... You've hit yourself before, are you really okay?" Said the other, for the first time he could see who it was. He was a boy, probably the same age as him, 8-9 years old, he had a very particular hair, he was a bright purple with a single line of light blue, without a doubt a very remarkable type of hair.

And not only that, the boy also wore strangely extravagant clothes, all full of hems and strange things that the apprentice could not identify.

Going back and understanding what he had said earlier to this person, the apprentice's face could only blush after hearing how the boy had seen his terrible practice.

"H-ha? Wh-what are you talking about!? You know what's rude about peeking?" He started off offended, and to his surprise the other boy just laughed, arousing even more anger.

"Ahh, fufu, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! You looked so engrossed that I didn't want to interrupt the practice, tell me, are you a gentleman?"

Ah, what kind of changing the subject was that? The apprentice felt a little dazed before he got his determination back.

"N-no! Not yet! I'm just a 3rd class apprentice for now, but soon I'll be the greatest knight to ever walk the earth! World boss Tsukasa, watching from Tenma Pegassasus! Hahaha!!" From one moment to another the boy had too much energy, thus giving a very... Interesting presentation.

The other boy just watched, analyzing, at first a little surprised at how sudden it was, but he was clapped back.

"Haha! So Tsukasa-kun! An apprentice, how interesting" The boy gave him a strange smile, he seemed to be thinking of something else after that. Then, coming back down to earth, he decided to add, "Well, if you're a trainee then you must be affiliated with the military! So that's fine, my name is Rui, Kamishiro Rui, but shhh, I'm not supposed to be here."

...
..
.

"WH-"

Before Tsukasa could finish his scandalous surprise, Rui seemed to have prevented that and covered his mouth with his hand.

Tsukasa looked at him terrified, this boy was the first legitimate son of the royal family of all Kamikou, the greatest heir to the throne, even a boy from a town without much fame had heard of him.

And it is that the royal family was not only a title, these people were in charge of protecting the kingdom, and their most characteristic feature was that they, and only they were capable of using alchemy to their liking, were seen and respected with fear and admiration. They were rarely seen outside the castle.

WHAT WAS THIS KID DOING HERE!?

Tsukasa is panicking, and for once in his life he was grateful to learn all that etiquette of manners and others when dealing with superiors.

Instantly sweating, the blond-haired boy stepped away from him and bowed lowering his head and bowing to his majesty.

"I'M VERY SORRY! I wasn't at all aware of his pro-origin, he expressed my most sincere apologies, my prince" Despite having practiced those words millions of times, Tsukasa still had difficulty pronouncing some of them.

Beside him, Rui looked at the boy uncomfortably, wondering if telling him who he was was a mistake, he hated being treated this way especially by someone his own age.

Tsukasa's trembling body was surprised by a hand gently caressing his head.

"Come on, you don't have to be so respectful to me! I hate that kind of protocol"

This confused Tsukasa... Was the prince saying that he memorized all that for something the royalty hated? He felt cheated.

But before he could protest, a distant voice shouted Rui's name desperately, there seemed to be more as the seconds passed. They both heard them and were alarmed, Rui above all.

"Oops, I think I better go now, I'll be back here tomorrow! I really want to know more about you, little apprentice!" And without letting Tsukasa say the slightest thing about it, Rui ran to wherever the voices came from. Leaving the child feeling groggy and confused.

What the hell happened?

-----------------------------------

Although the supposed prince had promised to return the next day, that never happened. What did happen is that Tsukasa was now even more distracted during practices, thinking if today would be the time he would see the prince again, they could be friends! And that sure wouldn't make him look so incompetent when asked who he's going to protect when he's so weak.

"Here, wake up!" He yelled in his ear a thick, harsh voice, the voice of his master Lord Ubinosuke Reishinobu, shortened to Master Ubi.

"AH? WHA-?" In the midst of his surprise his sword went flying in the middle of the field.

Unlike the other day, today the training ground was full of apprentices and masters of all ages training, the determined shouts and the blows against wood were what was heard the most.

"You must be kidding, hadn't you said that you would finally start to improve? The only new thing I see in you is greater incompetence" His gaze was hard as iron and his words sharp as a sword, to his misfortune he had been assigned one of the most terrifying teachers in the training division, which he was in no position to change.

"S-sorry, Master Ubi, I'm really trying-"

"And you think that matters if it doesn't work? It's so pathetic I won't even punish you now, just sit over there and watch the others move."

"Yes sir!!" He immediately ran towards the place he pointed out, Tsukasa didn't want to be punished, his teacher could leave him without dinner or maybe even make him run the whole mountain by himself. Fortunately, unlike other teachers, Mr. Ubi only resorted to physical punishment in very extreme cases. But the best thing would be not to challenge him, Tsukasa had already received lashes from other masters and just thinking about what Master Ubi's fury would be like terrified him.

Leaving aside his terrifying teacher, Tsukasa watched as the other children trained, it was then that he heard someone scream in the distance, a female voice.

That was strange since these training centers were only for men.

Tsukasa was attracted by that voice, he feared that someone might be in danger so he went closer to the source of the scream.

It wasn't hard to tell which part of the forest it came from, not quite at the edge, phosphorescent pink hair poked through the bushes. Tsukasa approached and noticed a little girl, lately she was lucky to find these children...

But something that instantly overwhelmed him was that the girl was not only in the bushes for some strange reason, but she was also sobbing, Tsukasa assumed that she was hurt.

"Hey, psst" Tsukasa whispered trying not to scare the girl who didn't seem to have noticed yet.

Immediately the girl turned, a little alarmed, but when she noticed the golden-haired boy she calmed down, he didn't seem to be much older than her.

"I-I fell…" she said between sobs, "from that tree" the girl then pointed to a towering tree that Tsukasa hadn't even noticed there.

"But what!? What were you doing up there!?"

"I'm looking for someone, I thought -sniff- it would be easier to get high"

A sigh was all Tsukasa could give, he really couldn't understand that logic.

"Hey..." The girl started again, "do you know who I'm looking for? He's a boy who trains around here"

Uhg, that could literally be any one of the hundreds of apprentices who trained here.

"Ehh, could you be more specific?"

"His name is Tsukasa! Tenma Tsukasa!" As she said that she perked up, she didn't seem to be the same girl that seconds before she could barely speak.

Wait a second.

...

..

.

"HAH? Could it be that you're looking for me!??"

The girl tilted her head slightly, confused. Then when her words were fully assimilated, she cried out wrapping her arms around the boy. "Din, din! I found you, Tsukasa-kun! Ehe!"

Eh?

Chapter Text

"What do you mean 'find me'? Were you really looking for me?"

Tsukasa couldn't be more confused by the whole situation, that girl wasn't the visitor he was expecting and even the fact that the prince was the one looking for him in such an unconventional way would have made more sense. But I had never seen that girl before in her life!

"EHEM! Let me introduce myself" Rising from the ground, swaying a little but instantly regaining her composure, the girl gave a cute little bow in her dress full of red ribbons, "My name is Emu Ootori, maid of the royal palace and personal friend of crown prince Kamishiro Rui" breaking all that neatness and formalities that did not seem to fit with the girl he was talking to until a few moments ago, her bow ended and her bright face looked at him again "I really, really wanted to meet you, Tsukasa-kun! Rui told me that he had met a boy who caught his attention and asked me to look for you instead! Ehehe, what now everything seems to be connected to, right?"

oh

It really seemed like some kind of conspiracy against him.

"I see... I think. So... You say you come here on behalf of His Highness? But why?" A Tsukasa still stunned by all the information redirected that question with the little he managed to understand.

“There are several reasons! First of all, Rui-kun promised to take me next time he adventures~ ♪! Second, Rui-kun was punished after his last adventure…. So now he doesn't You can go out unsupervised." When she said the last thing she lost heart, it almost seemed like she was going to cry, Tsukasa was about to try to comfort her when her spirits suddenly returned to narrate the next point, "And finally! Rui-kun was very sorry for not being able to keep his promise, So as a friend and a royal maid, ehehe, I came to take care of it myself! Wandahooo~~iii!"

"Wanda what–? DON'T WAIT! That's not the point!!!"

Emu turned her head to Tsukasa in confusion, but before she could ask, Tsukasa started again.

"Did you come just to tell me that? For what reason? No... I don't understand it at all"

The girl seemed to understand her mistake and quickly started waving her arms impulsively.

"Nonononono! Not at all! Actually...I got this!" She produced from some back pocket on her dress a formal and well-crafted letter, were it not for the fact that it was crumpled and filled with some kind of pink glittery liquid "my mission here today is to personally deliver this invitation to the palace on behalf of Rui-kuuun! To spend an afternoon playing games together! What's super mega fun!"

"An... Invitation... TO THE PALACE!?" Emu felt as if her pigtails were flying in the direction where Tsukasa's shout was pointing.

"Ahahahaha your reaction is very funny! You really must have very good lungs, with them you can break glasses like in the theater!?" Emu's eyes sparkled at the question though Tsukasa ignored everything else after listening for a bit, lost in his own thoughts.

"Why would the prince invite me to the palace....?" He thought, but his voice came out in almost a whisper that didn't go unnoticed by Emu, who quickly prepared herself to give her an answer.

"Prince Rui wants to have afternoon tea with you! We can all play games and get to know each other better ehehe!" She said smiling almost imagining in the end what that playdate would be like.

To be honest, Tsukasa was really excited too. He had never been near the palace, this would be something completely new for him and besides, it was a fact that apparently had caught the prince's attention, for some reason that he did not understand, this made him feel even more than proud and happy.

"TSUKASAAAAAA"

A voice broke the fantasies of both instantly with just a second, Tsukasa recognized the voice instantly, it was one of the apprentices.

Emu by her side remembered that she was not supposed to be here for so long or attract too much attention. Brushing off her dress one last time, she took Tsukasa's hand and shook it enthusiastically.

"Very well! Then we'll see you tomorrow! Don't be absent or Rui-kun will be very sad!"
Tsukasa felt that she wanted to rip his arm off so much that he shook it without giving him a chance to react, and once again, the girl did not wait for a response from her and ran into the forest, leaving only Tsukasa looking at her in the distance, confused.

This moment of peace and solitude did not last long until the other child arrived.

"Hey... what the hell are you doing? Come, training is over, let's go have lunch"

This was a boy with orange hair, although many times people confused them with being brothers (Tsukasa specifically the youngest) this was not the case, on the contrary, Tsukasa was a year older and their personalities could not be more different, perhaps the most What they had in common was that they both dreamed of being knights.

"Ah? AH, YES, I'm coming!!!" He started to run towards where his friend was already heading, who really, although he didn't seem to expect it, had slowed down so that Tsukasa would catch up with him.

Although Tsukasa was very outgoing, almost all the rest of the trainees ignored him, or flatly distanced themselves from him, he was considered "a weirdo" according to Akito, Tsukasa didn't really understand why, but honestly he didn't care! Sooner or later they will see how he became a star knight and would save thousands of people HAHAHA !!!!- He usually says, but even so, Akito is one of his closest friends, along with another apprentice girl named Mizuki Akiyama, she unlike Tsukasa and Akito wanted to be the leader of the royal palace guard. She used to say that the palace is too "pretty" and that nothing would make her happier than protecting it, befitting her strange obsession with pretty things.

There was also Akito's sister, whom Tsukasa had only seen a few times to get along, she always scolded Akito when Tsukasa told her how much she did for Saki. Although most of what Tsukasa knows about Ena is from Mizuki, she talks about her non-stop whenever she gets the chance.

When they both finally entered the cabin, they saw the same familiar faces as always, Tsukasa almost felt relieved after that strange encounter with the maid.

Both Akito and Tsukasa searched for Mizuki in the sea of people, and when they did, the three of them sat down at a single small table where the three of them could be comfortable.

Once everything was placed on his table, Tsukasa noticed that Mizuki was looking at him strangely, and not strangely with anger, but a completely fixed gaze on him that did not blink or flinch.

"W-why are you looking at me like that!?" An irritated Tsukasa screeched.

“There's something strange…. You were out for a long time, wasn't you? What were you doing, huh!? Ehehe… Don't tell me you actually ran away to see someone”

Normally Tsukasa would have denied everything instantly, but today he really had met someone outside of training and the last thing he wanted to do was lie about it.

"Actually... You see...."
He started, how hard could it be to explain? At least this would serve as practice for when tomorrow he has to explain it to his teacher.

Chapter Text

Right now Tsukasa is in a carriage, but not just any, if not the carriage of the apprentices' head master along with said man and his own master, plus there was also a woman that Tsukasa didn't know.

Last night was not as he expected and that led him to this strange situation.

When he told Akito and Mizuki about his encounter with Emu neither believed him, or rather, Tsukasa seemed to have hit his head pretty hard and Mizuki even wanted to examine him. The doubts ended when Tsukasa took out Emu's letter and, like Tsukasa the first time he saw it, they noticed the truthfulness of it with only the red seal on the wrinkled envelope.

"Fuck... You didn't really fall out of a tree...." Akito said, stunned beside Mizuki, who seemed to have burst his bubble after hearing Akito.

"Wait, wait, wait!! Then you really have to see the prince with his maid tomorrow morning!?"

It wasn't Mizuki's fault that she didn't control her voice, Tsukasa himself had yelled so loud that he probably shooed away some birds. The problem is that the difference between that time in the forest and now is that the dining room is filled with other apprentices and some masters who guard the harmony.

That scream made everyone in the room turn towards the table of the three of them and Mizuki in a panic tried to cover her mouth with her hands as if he was trying to stop anything else that could come out of it.

Among all, the first to react was one of the masters. He is in charge of teaching the older children, so Tsukasa did not know him.

"Let me see that"

Without politeness or respect, he ripped the letter from Tsukasa's hands and examined it TOO close to his face, Tsukasa wondered if he had a vision problem or something, maybe he thought he could see the real bacteria or something.

While everything was still silent, the Master of Nothing gave a choked sigh and covered his mouth with his hand. He put the letter in his pocket and addressed Tsukasa again.

"Child, answer, who is your master in charge?"

"EH? AH? AAHH, He-Master Ubi, sir!" His voice came out too loud, but he didn't take it that way, in his mind he only thought that he was making himself heard too nervous because of all this tense atmosphere that had been formed.

"Everyone, continue with dinner. I'll borrow your letter, okay?" Without waiting for an answer the man left, even having said "return to dinner" it didn't seem like any of the looks dared even blink now.

Out of nowhere, Akito jumped up and grabbed Mizuki's and Tsukasa's arms and dragged them outside.

"Seriously…. You guys always get attention…" he put his hand on his forehead and sighed in defeat.

"Ehehe... I'm sorry, Tsukasa, I didn't want to have the letter taken away from you" Mizuki by her side seemed embarrassed, but Tsukasa reassured her by saying that the master had only "borrowed" it, quoting his words.

They had already eaten enough to keep from starving so when they noticed the other children leaving they decided that it would be a good time to go to their own camps as well.

Each one had their own so they had to separate from their paths but not before saying goodbye. Both Akito and Mizuki wished him luck with whatever happened tomorrow morning.

Once alone and halfway to his cabin Tsukasa finally had some time with his thoughts -I'm exhausted... I really don't understand anything and I was the one who explained it in the first place...– Leaving a defeated sigh Tsukasa took one last look around him, and of course, it didn't seem like the world wanted to leave him alone now.

From the instructors' huts, the same master from before was coming in his direction with a firm and quick step, Tsukasa didn't want to have to deal with this right now but he couldn't go away and pretend not to see him...

"Young man, Tenma, I ask you to please accompany me to the main instructors' cabin to discuss your recent request to the castle" It was amazing to see how his tone of voice and behavior had changed in such a short time, Tsukasa even tells him to believe be the same guy.

As expected Tsukasa did what he was told, at first it was just what he expected. Questions and questions, one after another asking how it was and what happened in the meeting with the prince and the maiden. At first they seemed quite mortified by how Tsukasa related the story and the lack of respect he committed, but in the end they had to assume that the prince was not bothered by any of that, or else he would not have sent said letter.

Still, the masters had a name and reputation to protect, and they weren't going to let Tsukasa commit any more mistakes like that.

For most of the rest of the night and much to Tsukasa's torment, he had to go over and re-memorize all etiquette and manners that he was required to maintain around royalty, even a maid.

He barely had time to sleep and to top it off, Tsukasa was pretty sure that he could dream of those masters repeating the boring rules over and over and over...

And that is how we arrived at the present, very early in the morning Master Ubi came looking for him, he found out about this the day after all the previous events, apparently he was sleeping and with his temperament waking him up was an option, the poor middle aged man was quite agitated, Tsukasa had never seen him like that.

"Are you alright, Master Ubi? It doesn't look good" Tsukasa said being completely honest, although most of the time Master Ubi was scary, he was still someone close to Tsukasa.

"Of course I'm not fine! I've never been to the castle and that woman is pressuring us so early in the morning to hurry, who does she think she is!" The master was certainly furious but that fury was not directed at him so he was completely okay with it.

Tsukasa did not fully understand the work of this woman who hastened his arrival, apparently she was someone sent from the castle in case any inconvenience arose and Tsukasa could arrive safely.

When everyone finally got into the carriage, noteworthy, it was the most beautiful thing Tsukasa had ever seen!! Everything about it was white or pure gold, Tsukasa almost worried that it was some kind of walking "steal me" sign but never mind, it was super shiny! Perfect for a star like him!

The trip was somewhat uncomfortable, no one wanted or dared to break the silence, Tsukasa was getting a kind of anxiety from all this tense scene.

Luckily for him, the trip did not last that long, in less than an hour they had already reached their destination, first they obviously had to go through the lively kingdom, which from the window Tsukasa appreciated a view of the city never known to him before, Tsukasa He had been to the city before but seeing so many hustling people and bustle from outside as a spectator was something really new for the boy.

Very quietly Tsukasa whispered a soft –Wow….– still staring at the window.

When they finally managed to pass the town, Tsukasa was finally able to take his first glimpses of the place they were supposed to arrive at.

To put it in the best possible way, the castle was HUGE from Tsukasa's point of view, and even for an adult it was already something really amazing.

This excited him a lot, he felt as if his heart could jump out of his chest. When they finally arrived, Tsukaso wasted no time and was the first to go down, almost screaming once he touched the ground, breathing a sigh of relief and stretching.

Then he was followed by the other adults, and they all entered together. To begin with he was greeted by a beautiful garden, he didn't even have to have information to know that at least 20 gardeners had to work day and night to maintain all of this, it was really amazing.

Breaking his fantasies, the strange woman finally broke her unbreakable silence, "Prince Rui should arrive soon at the garden, to you caretakers, I ask you to please accompany me, I will serve the tea and the prince asked that we not intrude on his game session" it was all too fancy just to ask for tea, Tsukasa thought, but in view of the mentioned prince's name and his upcoming arrival Tsukasa couldn't help but get nervous.

As the adults left, Tsukasa began to walk around the garden seeking to ease his nervousness. He was too caught up in his thoughts that, once again, a voice very close to his ear took him by surprise.

"Tsukasa-kun, are you there? Fufu"

To exaggerate would not be to say that Tsukasa did not jump and scream in fright, he really did not like that this was becoming a habit.

He quickly realized who the voice was coming from, and all of his surprise turned back to nervousness.

Tsukasa quickly turned to the prince, having previously caught him off guard from behind. But, when he did, for the first time he was able to get a good look at Rui's face. Before, in the night and the haze of exhaustion, he had barely made out a few features... but now...

It would be little to say that among all the beautiful things he had seen on his way here, the carriage, the city and even the castle, they were not even up to the heels of the boy Tsukasa had in front of him just a few centimeters away.

Chapter Text

Wait wait wait!

Waking up from his trance, Tsukasa remembered that to whom such a neat face belonged was none other than the young prince. But you couldn't blame Tsukasa for being hypnotized, the characteristics of the royal family were really unusual. In addition to the aforementioned handling of alchemy, those of that family had beautiful purple hair, only those of noble blood possessed it. And of course, the beauty of the prince was not far behind with the hair.

Tsukasa jerked his head trying to recover his train of thought. He fulfilled his goal as expected of him! Immediately afterwards the boy knelt giving a cordial bow in front of the prince, just as his instructors had explained to him.

"My lord, excuse my goldn-, no, my boldness I did not see it coming"

Tsukasa stumbled over his words, giving all that to a child to learn in one night wasn't fair!

Rui at first had a bitter face at this, he didn't understand why Tsukasa's behavior was so elegant now, until he heard his almost robotic words and more or less understood the situation, he laughed at his bad performance .

"Hey, are you laughing at me!? Again!" Tsukasa forgot his whole act as soon as he saw the prince's disrespectful laugh, he had to defend his honor first and foremost!

"Hahaha, no, no, it's nothing-" Rui had to take a second to wipe a tear from his eye, "You don't have to behave like that, we're both the same age, and there's no one else here but you and me. Uh, I just had deja vù."

Let it

Well it doesn't matter.

Saying these words Tsukasa finally relaxed, honestly he didn't want to disobey his instructors who cared so much about his behavior, but they themselves said that he shouldn't go against the prince, so technically he wasn't disobeying them.

"His Majesty-"

"Only Rui is fine"

Okay, now he was just teasing Tsukasa.

"Rui, may I ask why you required my visit?"

"Huh? I thought it was something obvious…" Rui looked a little sad at that, but Tsukasa could tell that he was just acting, "That night you caught my attention, I just want to get to know you better"

Even though Rui said that, Tsukasa wasn't entirely convinced.

"Sure, what about that girl? The one you sent"

"Emu-kun?"

"Yes, My Lor- Rui, why didn't you come as promised?"

Tsukasa didn't realize until it came out of his mouth how embarrassing it sounded, but once said he could only blush waiting for the answer.

"I'm sorry.... I really wanted to go, but the time I visited the training camp it was as a fugitive and the servants were looking for me, after that they were stricter with me there...." Rui said that sounding really sad, Tsukasa he could understand it (not entirely, he'd never had an entire palace looking for him) but there were plenty where the rules were all on him.

"Don't worry, My Lor- I mean, Rui, it's okay, since we're here now, do you want to play? I mean, that's what I'm here for, right?" Tsukasa smiled, Rui had to narrow his eyes a little since he believed that if he stared at him he would go blind.

Tsukasa had noticed before how abnormally beautiful the boy was, but even that cold, rainy day they met Rui had already noticed how dazzling Tsukasa was.

That boy who incessantly trained as a knight and who, even dirty and tired, could illuminate his face with a smile belonging to a star, that day Rui had not been able to stop thinking about him, he needed to see him again, see him even more closely and confirm that what he saw had not been a gentle mirage of weariness that he himself brought that night.

Just now and since they started talking Rui noticed it, Tsukasa really was an energetic boy, fufu.

"Yeah, you're right, we don't have much time before the nosy adults come back anyway" After his statement, Rui looked at the ground seriously, making a "Mhmm" sound as he thought, "Got it! We can play tag!" take roles! I can be a thief and you can be an official gentleman who must find me because I stole a treasure! The garden is big enough for us to hide and search!"

Tsukasa loved the idea, Rui could even assure that he saw stars in his golden eyes, especially the fact that he would act like an official gentleman excited him but...

"I think it's fantastic! But is it okay for the prince to take on the role of the thief?" Tsukasa said concerned, he didn't want to get Rui into trouble or make him feel uncomfortable.

"It's more than fine, being something like the prince wouldn't be fun if I'm already that, that's why I'll be the thief! I suggested it myself so don't worry"

"Oh, I see, as expected of My Lor– Rui" Then Tsukasa turned sideways, as if looking for something, he ended up giving up, "But what should your treasure be, it must be something beautiful, thieves steal valuable things!"

Scratching his head in thought, Tsukasa touched his hairpin, it was something he had to adorn his hair, it didn't really have any use but it was really pretty, worthy of the future chivalry star, Tenma Tsukasa! Although he still didn't have his official knight uniform and was only wearing his apprentice outfit, he felt that this hairpin would always accompany him, the value of this is that this hairpin belonged to an ex-knight that Tsukasa knew.

He placed the hairpin in his palm and handed it to Rui, "Here, this is my treasure, don't lose it!"

Rui was surprised at that, was that hairpin really important to Tsukasa?

"Are you sure you want to lend it to me? We can have a flo-"

"Very sure!! I trust the prince" That smile again... Rui didn't want and couldn't argue with that, so he accepted the hairpin and the game started.

Tsukasa had to turn around and count to 60, he would have as long as he wanted to search and catch Rui, Rui won if the adults lead before Tsukasa could find him.

Rui quickly ran to a tree that was outside the castle boundary, actually it wasn't very far, he could tell Tsukasa that it counted as a semi-garden, he liked to climb here every time he felt bad, sad or lonely.

Although he had his maidens of the same age as Emu or a girl named Nene, they were still in training and very rarely saw each other, the other adults treated him seriously and coldly, Rui was able to think of the last time he had played with someone like that and his heart warmed, he was very happy. He held Tsukasa's hairpin tightly, Rui really wants to get to know him better.

He would be great if they could play like this all the time.

Chapter Text

"Who are you?"

A sharp voice from below broke the silence. While Rui fantasized and waited for Tsukasa, by his side, the young apprentice had been looking under the tables in the garden. Without warning, not even the slightest sign of noise, a girl approached him. In surprise, Tsukasa gave a scream so powerful that most likely even Rui heard and some birds got up.

"What's wrong with you? Noisy."

"W-what's wrong with me? What's wrong with you!?"

After he stabilized his heart with a few breaths, Tsukasa was finally able to give a clear answer, an angry one of course.

The girl in front of him was if not more curious, she was probably 1 or 2 years younger than him; Somehow Tsukasa couldn't identify her that Rui lookalike. Her hair was purple, darker than the prince's and was only held in a high ponytail, she was extremely pale but that wasn't the strangest thing about her appearance.

They were those eyes, dark despite the light that was there, big as saucers but they were like an endless void. The purple that marched her abysmal pupils was opaque, as if in her life this little creature had seen nothing but the dark black of the night.

Noticing these small but singular traces, Tsukasa shuddered, frightened by the dark eyes of the girl.

"I am Mafuyu, and nothing is wrong with me. Now, my question again: who are you? If you don't answer, I will break your hand."

[Gods, how can a child be so scary.]

"I-I am Tenma Tsukasa! Apprentice knight, I am here at the request of the excellence of him the prince." Clearing his throat Tsukasa regained his confidence enough to accuse the girl with his finger "I-I'm more interested in knowing what YOU are doing here!"

"I live here, asshole."

"Eh?"

...

Ohh, that explains why the girl looked familiar.

"Ah! Princess Asahina, I hadn't recognized you."

Although Tsukasa was not as formal as with Rui, his tone became more official. Not only was it enough for him to have treated the prince impolitely, now he had also done the same to the princess! What else was missing... Kick the King out of his own castle?

"Sure, I noticed. You say you're here for my brother, why?"

Although his tone was accusatory, he also preserved that characteristic neutrality in his voice.

"B-because... We met at the training grounds! He invited me here for an afternoon of games."

"An afternoon of games... An almost-gentleman... Big bro Rui..." Reflecting the girl, she seemed to list and organize the information received in her brain. After a few seconds she turned back to Tsukasa.

"I want to join you, noisy boy."

Who was he to deny the princess anything? She didn't even have to be a princess, denying something like that to a child would be impossible for Tsukasa's heart. Mafuyu being as scary as she was she was still a child and she doubted Rui would be upset about it.

"Oh! Of course you can! We can look for Ru– the majesty of him together!"

When she had finally gotten used to it, now she had to maintain formality in front of another person, she couldn't let them assume that he, Tsukasa Tenma was a cheeky one who took confidence as soon as he met! (Even if it was Rui, the cheeky one who asked for it).

"Okay. I'll take care of explaining to my brother if I find him first." After saying that, Mafuyu pointed with his little arm and index finger extended to a place behind Tsukasa "You start there, near the entrance, I'll go there, to the garden, okay?"

"Ohh, what a clever. That way we'll cover more ground! Alright, leave it to me." Saying that, Tsukasa ran towards the entrance, Mafuyu really wasn't that bad, he thought, maybe she's just a bit shy?

————————

When Tsukasa finally left, Mafuyu went back to her business.

She went straight to the tree where Rui was. Without hesitation or even having searched. She then searched for Rui's face from the ground, making sure that he hadn't seen her yet, a gleam appeared in her eyes for the first time and, standing firm, she let out a heartbreaking scream typical of a girl in a horror movie.

This scream startled Rui who shook and fell from the tree.

Mafuyu suddenly silenced the cry, and glared at her brother.

"Oh, it was you."

"M-mafuyu... I think I twisted my ankle or something. I-it hurts."

From what Mafuyu saw, it was true. Once Rui fell from the tree while trying to get up she had to immediately back up and grab his ankle.
Mafuyu covered her mouth as if she was surprised.

"Oh no. It's my fault, brother... I scared you."

"N-no, it's not, you didn't know what I was doing there, haha, it must have scared you a lot, I'm sorry. I was playing hide and seek, I should have warned you."

Mafuyu didn't react to that. Instead of her turning around she took a few steps.

"I'll find an adult, they'll know what to do."

She said and took off running in the direction of where the adults are having their meeting talking about who knows what. Adult things most likely, like the weather and maps.

Rui immediately thought that if Mafuyu told those people that he had hurt himself, they would probably scold Tsukasa for not being there.

"Mafuyu, wait!" Although he tried to shout his sister was already so far away that she couldn't hear it. He sighed, he knew that this was going to completely ruin his afternoon of games with Tsukasa, but at least if he could explain himself maybe they would let him see the boy again, they could even play with Nene and Emu!

The very idea made Rui happy, even lying motionless on the ground he wondered where Tsukasa was. And, as if reading his thoughts, he saw in the distance how the mini-knight came running.

"Prin-Rui! Are you alright? I heard a very strange noise and I came to him as fast as I could."

"Haha, Tsukasa figured we'll have to cancel our game for now..."

Tsukasa didn't quite understand what was going on, and even less did he understand when he saw his master and headmaster accompanied by a distraught castle staff. Oh, and His Majesty Asahina was there.

"Prince, Rui!" in unison the staff shouted and they all pounced on Rui. Except for two people who addressed him.

Before Tsukasa could open his mouth to speak and question what was happening, a strong hand crashed against his cheek leaving it red.

The one who had slapped him was the woman accompanying the trip, the one who spoke elegantly.

In his stunned state, Tsukasa just put his hand on his cheek, rubbing it, because touching his hurt. He could hardly hold back his tears as he raised his head to the woman.

"What kind of knight doesn't protect his prince, what a shame! And this is his apprentice!?" She said looking at Master Ubi, the second person who walked towards him.

At that moment, again any words that could come out of Tsukasa were cut off. This time Rui who was trying to see that he passed among all the people around him, stood up. Although he again he fell instantly.

"Wait, Miss Tsunotori, it was my fault!" The servants reacted at once and asked him not to move, but it was enough to catch the attention of the woman now known as Tsunotori.

"Prince Rui, I must apologize to you but this is complete negligence on the part of the apprentice training institution, there is nothing to defend, no matter how much you care about this boy" she said in a frivolous tone and annoyed.

Tsukasa couldn't take it anymore and some tears ran down his cheeks, to hide this, he put both arms on his face hiding his sobs.

"But wait! I try to tell you, there was no negligence, Miss, Tsukasa did nothing wrong!"

"He allowed our prince to get hurt, as a knight, apprentice or not, his only job is specifically the opposite, isn't it?" She looked at Tsukasa, although he couldn't see her, "This is why the prince should not be left in the company of servants without sufficient knowledge, hmph"

"No... No!" Rui felt very bad about everything, Tsukasa was crying and he had never seen Tsunotori so angry, he was afraid that she would really forbid him to see Tsukasa, and as a desperate measure Rui used his last card.

"I want Tsukasa-kun to be my personal knight!"

A single sentence was enough to silence everyone on the scene.

Except for Mafuyu, she was always silent, watching.

"What you what?" Tsunotori said, incredulously. Even Tsukasa had stop crying and to listen carefully.

It was rare for the prince to want things, normally his toys bored him and he disassembled them himself to build new ones, (which was very dangerous and they always reprimanded) the palace and the staff seemed boring to him and he only wanted to see Nene or Emu, for that escaped (something that he was also forbidden to do, that's how he met Tsukasa). The prince did not know how to express what exactly he wanted or was looking for but he could not bear to keep the things that the castle could offer him. Because of that, it was incredibly weird to hear that Rui really wanted to continue being with this child, at least for now.

"Yes, I... I think there is no one better for that than Tsukasa-kun!"

Tsunotori thought, she thought about this a lot in just a fraction of a second, she got caught up in her thoughts for a while. Time in which the rest of the staff treated Rui's wounds and nobody dared to say anything else. Tsukasa wiped his tears and out of the corner of his eye he saw Mafuyu, lying on the same tree where Rui fell, watching, again he felt fear and quickly changed direction.

"Very well, I have decided" Tsunotori spoke again, cutting off any action that might happen at that moment. "Yes, Tsukasa-kun can be your personal knight" It was not necessary to hear more for Rui's eyes to shine, even Tsukasa who really still didn't understand anything was moved.

It is worth mentioning that at some point between all the events it had already begun to get dark and by sunset everything had a vivid orange.

"But," still with her eyes closed in annoyance and her arms crossed, Tsunotori sure felt the children's hope and had no mercy in killing them, "Tsukasa-kun will no longer be trained in the knight camp, he will be sent to an institute of noble knights who especially serve in all kinds of areas, not just combat." As if it was a hint, she glared at Master Ubi and the headmaster with spite. "It is in the south of the Kingdom and once, and only once he gets out can he become your knight, understood, both of you?"

At that moment, with the late afternoon sun covering everything, Rui still did not know that what he was about to decide was going to completely change the course of the world, of his world. Staring at the woman, he uttered:

"Yes, Miss, understood" Tsukasa must have thought the same because his voice came out the same as Rui's in the same second. Both looked at each other in surprise, and smiled at each other. There were still traces of tears on Tsukasa's face, but the boy being reflected against the sunset made him notice something that he had previously ignored.

Tsukasa is really beautiful.

Chapter Text

Today was the day.

Rui remembered this date every day for the next 10 years after that event in his childhood. Nowadays he could barely remember Tsukasa's face, but he remembered well how much he liked the other boy, how much he wanted to see him again, his lively and noisy personality that he remembered perfectly.

He grew up, many things happened during those years, Rui was raised to be the next king, as he grew up he was less and less allowed to associate with "non-noble" people like Nene or Emu and only saw them in official events. He couldn't tell if the years passed quickly thanks to his arduous waiting or if they were truly lonely, filled with boredom and books. He had to be thankful that inside those books were millions of stories that he used to imagine a life more like his dreams, with Nene, Emu and Tsukasa in it. It was still horribly lonely at the end of the day, though.

Today, the new batch of the next generation of knights trained at the Institute of Noble Knights would finally arrive. After a while of Tsukasa's departure, Rui researched more about this blissful institute, apparently it did not admit visitors to its facilities and much less allowed mistakes in its students; they polished every quality of their knights to exhaustion, this was so because these knights specialized in protecting the castle and most of all the royal family. Even so, it seemed to Rui a little exaggerated everything that the books told, and he only hoped that Tsukasa was well after all this time.

He mostly wondered if Tsukasa still remembered him, Rui was a bit embarrassed to admit it but he hoped so, ten years is too long, even for Rui, without having such a hectic life it was hard for him to remember every single thing in detail. Although torturing his head about it wouldn't help....

"Prince Rui?"

Again, too deep in his thoughts, he didn't notice Miss Luka's presence. She was the chief in charge of controlling the castle staff, she was still too young but her diligent way of working brought her to the top in just a few years.

It was to be expected that she would also come to welcome the new knights.

"Ah, Miss, I had not seen you, I apologize." Rui immediately dedicated a bow to her, it was not necessary for the royal family to do so but Rui always complied with this protocol out of respect and what it meant.

"Oh, don't worry, Your Highness. It generated my interest that you.... How shall I put it...? Were spying from this door? Haha..." The woman looked both confused and uncomfortable, certainly this was not the most "formal" way to receive gentlemen, but Rui directly chose this way to avoid causing a fuss and to be able to see Tsukasa without having to give the boring welcoming ceremony himself. Now it seems that this will not be the case.

"Mmmm, I guess I was curious? I- I wish I didn't interrupt the ceremony with my presence honestly, being able to appreciate everything from afar is enough." Rui smiled at her hoping that would take her away and calm her mind but when she widened her smile and grabbed him by the wrist he knew right away that it wouldn't be so easy for him to get rid of her.

"What are you talking about! You are no bother, I am proud of your interest in the new staff, it is rare to see you outside your quarters, come with me." By this time, she had begun to walk "leading" (dragging) the prince to the conference room. "I'm sure they would be honored to have you there, what better than a welcoming ceremony given by the prince himself? It would motivate anyone."

And now he was definitely trapped.

------------------

Miss Luka gave him directions of more or less what to do but in general she assumed that the prince should already be more than prepared for this sort of thing and technically she wasn't wrong, but for reasons Rui didn't want to think about or admit, something about this speech made him nervous.

"Thank you for actually doing this" Luka whispered into his shoulder once the knight captain finished speaking, Rui correctly assumed that this was his cue. And, albeit with his inner struggle, he took the steps to make his way to the stage.

As he recited the words etched in his mind with slight changes for the situation his eyes passed by each person in front of him, he could see everything from there, maybe it wasn't so bad to end up here at the end of it all.

Far in the back of the room, it didn't take Rui too long to notice the bright yellow hair behind all these rows of gentlemen. He instantly faltered a bit in his speech unconsciously before continuing normally. He could literally feel his heart racing with excitement, from where he was it was clear that it would be impossible to see him clearly but the boy's figure was completely different, although it seemed obvious Rui still hadn't quite realized that, Tsukasa was not a child and that only made him more excited.

Quickly doing his best to finish the speech, Luka gave him a thumbs up sign as he walked away. He couldn't wait to talk to her face to face.

Luka passed after him, introducing herself as the person responsible for the administration of almost the entire castle and its inner workings, things as simple as who cleans which room to the patrol schedules for the guards, as well as having an incredible memory. Rui knew Luka very well since his childhood, she was always looking out for him, even if she was only a few years older; he used to talk to her whenever he felt too lonely, she was a person to admire.

Ignoring Rui's thoughts remembering his whole life, Luka proceeded to read a long list of general positions for each unit in the room, the soldiers immediately lined up in rows based on their training and specific areas. She said she would get into the details later, for now she just needed to separate them.

Tsukasa's group called "Gentlemen escort" were sent to the back garden, Luka returned with him shortly after giving his announcement thanking him for his help.

"From now on leave it to me, don't worry about anything, I'll take care of calling you myself if I have to let you know about anything" And with that, she left.

It was understandable, she is a busy woman but now Rui didn't know what to do, he didn't want to be caught by Luka again spying not after she said good-bye to him. But he was really looking forward to seeing Tsukasa....

Rui ended up sighing, he knew that his impatience was pointless, sooner or later he would get against Tsukasa, just like the promise said: "Be his personal escort", even if Rui doesn't like how it sounds... Anyway, if Luka was already aware of this it meant that he would be personally introduced to Tsukasa at some point. Yeah, for sure. Very sure. Of course.

...

And now I was anxious again, what if she didn't know!!!?

Chapter Text

Although he wanted to keep peeking in the backyard to make sure what was going on with Tsukasa, he reluctantly had to go back to the study. At this time of day if he wasn't there sooner or later they would send someone to look for him.

With a defeated sigh he forced himself up the gleaming polished marble stairs into the castle.

He tried to cheer himself up thinking that even if Luka didn't know about the sworn agreement from years ago surely Tsunotori still remembered it. Though surely she would prefer not to.

Rui could remind her when he sees her again, being a known fact the arrival of the new team of gentlemen she can not be angry if he mentions it now.

There was a time when Rui asked her almost every day until his tutor made it very clear that they wouldn't know anything about the situation until a while later. This discouraged him a lot at the time but now he understood why it was so. In the end that institute was really strict. And just like then all he could do was wait...

--------

An entire day.

A whole damn day without unable to concentrate in this decrepit room working, just thinking about Tsukasa.

It's normal for Rui to feel distracted like this, he hates politics and when he has to study about it his mind just doesn't cooperate, it was more fun when he had to study mechanical, cultural or social things, but even if politics was a social medium in a way, it's not it was half as interesting.

If it was like this before, his mind was more than distracted now.

He could only think that any moment could be "the moment", he had waited for this so much that sitting all day in the studio was not the way he imagined it would happen. He almost wanted to slam his face into the table in front of him out of sheer frustration. He wasn't going to be able to concentrate like that.

The studio wasn't too bad, but when you spend so much time in a place where stress and despair are the emotions that abound, it ends up deteriorating your vision. It was a big room full of old books. Some more used shelves were cleaner than others due to recent use. The windows placed behind the desk already marked by themselves the approximate time of day, even if there was a clock it was no longer necessary to see it with the evening light that fell in abundance on the desk. It was a nice sight for a stranger.
Almost a dramatic crime scene for Rui.

Suddenly a knock on the door brought him out of his musings.

"Prince Rui, I have some unfinished business to deal with-" Miss Tsunotori's unmistakable voice was enough for Rui to jump from the desk straight to the door without even letting her finish.

"...you." And apparently you're just as enthusiastic as I am," she said in a proud, almost condescending tone. Rui didn't pay much attention to her, he knew what she was like, probably feels that all this is happening thanks to her.

Rui couldn't hide his emotion in his tone "Of course, and I think we're both on the same page, right?"

"Tsukasa-kun has finally finished his training and is ready to serve as his escort, just in time for his 18th birthday, Prince, it sure is a pleasant surprise."

He didn't even have to feign surprise at that, his joy invaded all other emotions and surely that was enough for Tsunotori not to suspect that Rui spent most of the morning stalking the new recruits.

"I must say I'm surprised, who knew that little boy would transform into one of the best knights in his cadre. I'm sure he'll be a great escort for you, according to your master his skills can cover his lack of experience perfectly, but If this bothers you I-"

Hearing her blather on about his friend without introducing himself was slowly killing Rui, and as she finished bragging two more people approached far down the hall, when they were close enough it took all of his physical will not to gape.

"Mrs. Tsunotori! I'm glad to know that you already gave him the news, I hope you don't take it badly Rui, this is for your own safety. Tsukasa-kun will be your personal escort from today and his duty is to keep you protected" Miss Luka moved away from the middle and finally left a large image of his old friend, or what looked like him.

Tsukasa looked different, everything about him screamed neatness, Rui couldn't imagine that his back could be bent more than 0.2 mm than what was marked in those etiquette books. He was wearing a white uniformed suit of the royal guard, with the difference being a blue cloak that wrapped around his neck to end up falling all the way down his back almost touching his calves.

Rui didn't even have time to keep looking before Tsukasa fell to the ground as gracefully as a handkerchief would have to kneel in front of him.

"It's a pleasure to serve you, his majesty"

When Tsukasa raised his head to speak it was as if the bubble Rui had been dreaming of all these years would burst.

The bright eyes he remembered had turned so cold and cutting that he almost felt like he was dreaming.

It had to be, who in their right mind would turn off the sun?

"G-get up, the pleasure is mine." It was a surprise to find his voice to react, let alone manage to hesitate once.

Tsukasa didn't need to be told twice, with the same grace in which he knelt, the young man returned to his firm standing position. Was it possible for a human being to look so elegant and terrifying at the same time?

He needed to talk to Tsukasa alone. Rui instantly thought that he understood the reason for the radical change. Of course, the man had been in an incredibly rigid field, it was obvious that in front of these two women he couldn't let go. Rui felt foolish for being alarmed.

"Okay, don't worry Miss Luka, my tutor and I had already had talks about this before, I really appreciated your efforts for the safety of my family, right now I have to go back to the study I'm afraid, I have important jobs pending." Rui bowed and before he could excuse himself to escape through what had once been his cage, Miss Tsunotori interrupted, leaning close to his ear only so that he was the only listener.

"I don't want to hear any more of this matter ever" she said in an such an icy tone that Tsukasa's gaze would would be fire next to her. He definitely preferred her condescending tone. He could only nod and say a quick goodbye to Luka before heading back to the study, with Tsukasa silently hot on his heels.

Chapter Text

No.

Definitely, this wasn't the dream scenario he had created in his head over the years.

Neither had said a word since the door closed. Rui discreetly looked at Tsukasa under his eyelids, but he didn't even have to pretend not to, Tsukasa just stared fixedly at the ground as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.

Rui began to feel scared. He always thought that when they met again it would be as it was back then, as childish as it sounds. Everything being so easy and peaceful between the two, although that Tsukasa knew he was a prince, he cared more about the person Rui was. He imagined that obviously, he would have changed, but his strong passion and identity were not things that Rui had expected to disappear. And even now he couldn't believe that.

That gave him an idea. He could surely break the intense ice with this.

He opened his desk drawer and quickly took out the hairpin that Tsukasa had given him so long ago. He always kept it close, hoping to be able to return it someday. He finally had the opportunity! Surely, it would remind his friend of the time they spent together.

Rui began to clear his throat; he really felt so tense that he was afraid his voice would sound strange, "Ahem... T-Tsukasa-kun?" Damn, now he was stammering again, why was it so hard?

Tsukasa quickly stood in front of the desk; Rui wasn't sure what happened so fast from him being behind him to standing in front of him, but he decided not to show his surprise.

Tsukasa leaned his back in a sort of small bow, "Do you need something, my prince?"

His voice felt more like someone reading a book of the thousand and one etiquettes to follow with royalty, Rui was already used to being treated like this, everyone did it, but seeing his friend (old friend?) do it was terribly uncomfortable.

"You don't need to be so formal, really." Rui stood up from his seat to go around the desk and stand in front of Tsukasa. From so close and with his head bowed, it was as if he was seeing the brilliant boy he had imagined all these years. Or so it was until he raised his head to look at him.

Empty. It was just that. A great emptiness.

What the hell happened?

"I would never dare to disrespect you, Your Majesty."

Rui unconsciously squeezed the hairpin he was holding in his fist. How was it that with each new sentence, Rui feels further and further away from him, being just a few meters away from him?

"Hehe, all that 'Your Majesty' and 'my prince' stuff reminds me of when we first met, you still remember that, right? It was a long time ago anyway."

Maybe it wasn't the most discreet thing he could have done, but the fear that Tsukasa had forgotten everything was gnawing at him.

For the first time in all the time they had been here, he could notice a small change in his posture, however slight it was, Rui didn't let it pass unnoticed, but assuming what it was due to was even harder than seeing it. He needed to learn to read his behavior quickly if things were going to continue like this.

"Not at all, my lord. Your loyal knight will never forget your generous offer back then. My humble person cannot express my eternal gratitude."

His what? What? Who?

His voice said nothing about his earlier display of emotion, and Rui thought he might have imagined it.

It was just a damn high school, not a brainwashing machine.

Right?

"He's not worried about that, really, would you like some tea?"

Rui put the fork in one of his pockets and walked towards the door. Luckily, a maid was passing by, so he politely asked for a tea set. Rui didn't like to use that damn bell to call the staff. He felt stupid, and if he needed something, he could find them himself.

Tsukasa didn't say anything as Rui placed the tea set on a small table that he usually used to play solo chess. It really seemed like all the furniture in the study was designed for someone much older.

"Ready, go ahead, sit down-"

"Yes, your highness." Immediately and without hesitation, Tsukasa did just that. His quickness caught Rui a little off guard, but he quickly hid it.

"Haha, I see you've learned a lot, but you don't have to be so formal with me, anyway, we're friends, aren't we?"

Tsukasa seemed a little nervous at those words, probably in an inner conflict between following a direct order or what he has been taught. Or at least that's what Rui hoped, not the friendship part.

"I could never disrespect you in that way, your highness, I am eternally grateful for your consideration, but as a knight, I cannot allow myself to do that."

And he decided to stick to his principles.

Rui sighed, exhausted, feeling like this conversation was going nowhere.

"Sure... At least call me Rui, okay?" He tried to smile with this statement, but he probably looked nervous.

"Of course, Prince Rui."

"...I guess that's fine for now."

Tsukasa continued to drink the tea quietly, looking so neat in the sunset light that fell from the window onto the wooden table.

It was both beautiful and terrifying. Over time, he began to feel suffocated.

"Could you excuse me for a moment? I would like to find a maid."

When he said that, Tsukasa immediately stood up, but before he could stand behind Rui, he was abruptly interrupted.

"I'll go alone, don't worry, the castle is full of people, they won't kidnap me so easily, fufu, you can stay here and finish your tea, I won't be long."

Rui smiled with satisfaction when, after another almost imperceptible mental conflict on Tsukasa's face, he eventually returned to his seat.

Rui knew he was just running away, but he couldn't handle all of this at once.

He needed to see Nene.

Chapter Text

Tsukasa felt a great pressure in his chest.

When he saw him for the first time in years, in that auditorium, it started.

And even though he knew he shouldn't, he wondered if Rui had noticed.

Throughout the time since he entered the studio, that feeling grew, gnawing at him from within, and now that he was alone, he hoped to recover.

What the hell was wrong with him? It wasn't like him to feel so emotional, even if he had been waiting for this day since "that" happened. He felt bad, and from the look in Prince Rui's eyes, he feared he wouldn't meet the prince's expectations. Something bothered the prince, but he didn't know what. He had done everything perfectly since they were introduced, except for one misplaced breath. And yet, he felt as if the prince thought everything was wrong, as if he expected something more.

But that's stupid. He was his knight, his companion and guard. And His Highness knows that perfectly well. To think that he would feel bad about something like this is ridiculous and presumptuous on his part. But these thoughts only amplified the feeling of emptiness once again.

And unfortunately, before he could find the resolution he hoped for with these unnecessary worries, the door opened again.

He quickly assumed his upright position as he had been taught. Perfect and neat, he didn't look up, but he assumed the prince had returned.

"Prin-"

"You."

The muted and cold voice took him by surprise.

As much as Rui had changed all these years, he didn't expect him to now have a woman's voice just minutes after leaving the room.

So he looked up to address whoever was in the doorway with the appropriate respect.

There, standing in all her splendor, was a girl with purple eyes and a simple black dress that somehow made her look colder. But what truly frightened Tsukasa was seeing the long purple hair cascading down her back.

Princess Asahina Mafuyu, the half-sister of Crown Prince Kamishiro Rui.

"How long has it been since we last saw each other?"

-----------------------------------

Rui hurriedly walked through the corridors until he reached the gardens. And there she was, as expected. And of course, wherever Nene was, Emu would be there too.

Nene was one of the most important duchesses in the castle, but she still spent all her free time with Emu. The two were inseparable friends (although Emu was practically inseparable from everyone in the palace at this point), and they were always seen together.

"Nene, Emu-kun! Huff..." He definitely needed to catch his breath. He took a few heavy breaths before continuing, now being close enough to both of them.

"Rui-kun! Are you okay? You look exhausted. Do you need help?" Before he could respond, Emu had handed him a handkerchief for the sweat. He took it with little grace, but he doubted Emu cared.

"You look terrible. Why are you running all the way here anyway? Is it an emergency?" Alarmed, Nene began to stand up, but Rui stopped her by shaking his head.

"No... Nothing that serious, although I suppose it is an emergency," Rui made a grimace as he remembered Tsukasa's apathetic state. He felt bad, as if something was very wrong.

"What's wrong?" Emu tilted her head to the side, reminding Rui of a puppy.

"...Tsukasa-kun is back but-"

"TSUKASA IS BACK!" And like the free spirit she was, Emu shot off.

"No, Emu-kun, wait. You don't even know where it is. Haha, I don't think she'll hear me now..." He said, scratching his head.

"Who is this Tsukasa?"

"Do you remember that boy who was an apprentice knight?"

"Ah! The one you fell in love with?"

"... "

"Tsukasa-kun returned-"

"Hey, don't act like I didn't say anything."

"It's been 10 years since he was sent to the Royal Knights Academy."

Nene sighed, clearly aware that when Rui did his reliable trick of listening to what he wanted, nothing could stop him.

"When we first met, he was a cheerful and lively child. He had a big ego, fufu, he was sure he would become a great knight."

"But he's already left the academy, isn't he a great knight now?"

"Well, yes, but it's strange. It's as if his old self has disappeared, no, been erased. Everything, his emotions, his expression, his smile. He seems like some kind of walking dead. I was wondering..." Rui furrowed his brow, not finishing his sentence, letting it drop dead and delving into his thoughts.

Nene looked at him with a concerned expression now. "Hmm? What's wrong? Thinking too much will fry your brain. Let me help you as your trusted duchess," she gave him a little nudge on the shoulder.

Rui finally sat down in the spot Emu had abandoned, a bit tense now.

"I was wondering if it was somehow selfish of me. I mean, that was his dream, but I interfered and made him end up in that academy. Did Tsukasa really want that?"

"Rui..." Nene looked at him sympathetically. She knew him better than anyone in this kingdom. "But that was his dream, right? Besides, you didn't send him, Lady Tsunotori did. There's no such thing as a 'brainwashing academy.' I'm sure he must be a bit shy like you, I mean, they haven't seen each other in 10 years! He probably doesn't know what to do besides being formal."

Rui looked at her wide-eyed. How had he not thought of that! Surely Tsukasa was as uncomfortable as he was, so excited about everything that he really thought their first meeting would be something fantastical (he should stop reading those books). He quickly leaned in to hug Nene gently. She always startled at these displays of affection, despite being friends since childhood.

"You're right, Nene. I hadn't thought about it. It's like our friendship has been reset. I have to try to be his friend again!" Rui was now determined, he almost felt like he could go right now, like Emu had done before, and ask Tsukasa, "Do you want to be my friend?" like a little child would.

"Haha, you get motivated quickly." Nene smiled at him, her cheeks slightly flushed, and delicately took a sip of her tea. "But your new mission will have to wait. You drove away Emu, so you'll be my new tea companion."

Rui smiled at her. He had to admit that it had been a while since he had tea with Nene and Emu (even though Emu was already gone). He had been very busy, and Nene had surely felt his absence.

Looking at the cup Emu had abandoned, he noticed it was empty, so he poured more tea.

"It will be a pleasure."

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Emu had a goal.

And she wouldn't stop running until she achieved it.

Then, she stopped.

She stopped because now that she thought about it, she had no idea where her objective was.

"Eehh... hehehe... I should have asked Rui-kun," she thought, scratching her head.

But luckily for her, she knew every part of this castle like the back of her hand, and that included everyone's schedule. She knew that at this time, Rui was always in one of two places: his study or with Nene. And since he had just been with Nene, that meant Tsukasa was in the study!

And so, she could continue running with more excitement.

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"Ah, Her Highness Mafuyu, Prince Rui has just left, I'm sorry," he bowed quickly, but with elegance.

"I wasn't looking for him."

Okay, that surprised Tsukasa. Everyone knew this was Rui's study, why else would she come here? Tsukasa was tense, there was something about Mafuyu's presence that he didn't like. But obviously, he wouldn't show the slightest bit of that fear.

"Of course, allow me to serve you whatever you need."

Mafuyu walked around the study, observing things around her and deliberately ignoring Tsukasa, it was uncomfortable.

Then she spoke suddenly. To anyone else, her voice would have startled them, but for Tsukasa, who had been trained to hear an arrow from 10 meters away, it didn't.

"I didn't expect to see you. Never. Actually, I thought you would die in that place. It's interesting that you didn't. Tell me, how was it?"

Now, that was strange. First the prince and now the princess wanting to have a dialogue with him. Maybe it was a custom here? He should adapt. However, he didn't want to give too many details either.

"It was fine, Your Highness. I will always be grateful for the opportunity-"

"Cut it. I'm not interested, actually. I already know how it went."

Now the princess stopped and finally turned around, looking Tsukasa in the eyes.

Tsukasa didn't know if that was good or bad.

She didn't say anything, she just looked into his eyes for long seconds that felt like hours to Tsukasa. He felt like he should say something, but Mafuyu's gaze spoke volumes on its own. A void that filled everything.

"Interesting... Your eyes..." she whispered, finally breaking the eye contact. Tsukasa could feel some of the weight on his shoulders relax.

Mafuyu took a book from the shelf and left without saying anything more.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to either of them, a third person exaggeratedly concealed their breath behind the corner, listening to every word they shared.