Chapter Text
“Your highness, it seems like the enemies are approaching through the southern border. It will take approximately two week until they reach the first gate.”
A knight reported his observation after stealthily observe the enemy. He wasn’t done yet he hesitated.
“Speak.”
The cold voice forced him to speak.
“It... It seems like the number is larger than we expected, your highness.”
Dazai clicked his tongue. He already knew that the moment they declared war.
Who would’ve thought their neighbouring kingdom, Kanagawa has been planning for years to takeover Yokohama to widen their reigning land.
And as the crown prince, Dazai wasn’t planning to back down in any way.
“Those bastards! Just because we lay low and live our life peacefully, they dare to try to conquer us?!”
Kunikida was seething. They were all surrounding a long wooden table, discussing the pressing matter.
“Yokohama is a small kingdom. Our soldiers are third of theirs. We can’t possibly recruit the farmers and young teens into the troops, they’ll only ended up spilling their blood for nothing.”
After voicing out her opinion, Yosano observed the crown prince. His face might be calm without any emotion but everyone can see how tensed his shoulders were. She shared a look with Ranpo.
She nodded her head towards him.
Ranpo took the signal to speak out.
“Your highness, You and I both know we have a choice to make.”
He made eye contact with Dazai’s cold eyes.
It stayed for a few seconds until Dazai groaned out loud with defeat.
“Please don’t make me do this, Ranpo-san.”
The rest of the room occupants watched the two of them with curiosity. A choice?
“Not the Kyoto please.”
Dazai let out a big sigh. He has never care about his crown prince appearance nor how he should act as one.
The rest of them flinched at the crown prince’s words. Specifically, at the kingdom mentioned.
“We have no time to waste, your highness.”
Dazai groaned louder.
‘Not him please.’
He pleaded silently.
“The councillors are right, Dazai. We have to act fast and choose the best thing for our kingdom.”
A voice suddenly appeared from the open door.
“Your majesty.”
“Greeting, your majesty.”
“Your majesty.”
They all stand up, bowing towards the new arrival of the current king.
“Father.”
Dazai weakly greeted.
“Put aside your personal feelings. We are at time of war. As the future king, you should know best, Dazai.”
Dazai bit his tongue to stopped himself from groaning or sighing. His father was right.
“Also, Yokohama and Kyoto has always been close and diplomat. Our bond only got stronger ever since... that.”
King of Yokohama, Fukuzawa, added.
Huh.
Then, Dazai truly doesn’t have any choice left.
“Then, I shall write a letter tomorrow, asking for help and enforcement.”
He looked at his father, his eyes asking an obvious question.
‘Are you satisfied?’
However, the King the king disagreed.
“No.”
“No?”
“Dazai, it shouldn’t even take you half a day to reach there.”
The crown prince clenched his jaw before letting go.
“Haaaa.”
He sighed.
“... Then, I will personally meet the King of Kyoto... and the people related. Atsushi, prepare everything. We will move at dusk.”
“I see.”
Oda Sanosuke, King of Kyoto nodded his head slowly.
‘It is truly a tight situation for Yokohama right now.’
He glanced towards the crown prince of his neighbouring kingdom.
He was surprised the young prince chosen to personally meet him. A letter would have sufficed.
‘Must be Fukuzawa then.’
He internally smiled.
“Prince Dazai. You are well aware of what will happen if Kyoto choose to help you, aren’t you?”
Dazai nodded his head.
“I am, your majesty. However, I wished for your understanding and compassion as Yokohama is in a dire situation right now, your majesty.”
He bowed his head before holding eye contact with the king.
His eyes was burning with determination.
The king turned to his right side.
“What do you think? Should we cut all ties with Kanagawa and allied with Yokohama?”
He asked to the person standing next to him.
Dazai instinctively closed his eyes. He tried to pry his nervousness away.
“Father...”
A youthful voice echoed inside the room.
“Since they took the risk to come here personally, I believe we should show our gratitude by helping them, no? And it’s not like our relationship with that kingdom have been civil anyway.”
The Kanegawa was a two faced snake. Everyone knew.
However, he wasn’t finished.
“Also... since it’s the Osamu Dazai that came here personally. How could I not help?”
At the moment, they made eye contact.
Dazai groaned internally while Chuuya smirked.
“Then father, I, commander of the Kyoto battalion, prince Nakahara Chuuya shall personally step into the battlefield.”
His smile grew wider at the sight of Dazai’s annoyed face.
“Lets go all out, yeah?”
Dazai took a deep breath.
“I’m sure that is not necessary, your highness. Your agreement to help us is more than enough.”
His voice sounded calm but his mind was like a hurricane.
“Ah, but I insist. I’ll stand with you from the start to the very end, your highness.”
Dazai almost, almost rolled his eyes in front of the Kin.
‘Stand by me, my ass. I’ll personally shove you towards the enemies first.”
“Then, I shall give my biggest thanks towards your majesty and your highness.”