𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 || 𝚜𝚊𝚔𝚞𝚊𝚝𝚜𝚞

| 01 |

"Sir, not to intrude on your plans, but I do have some concerns to point out."

"Motoya," Sakusa sighed softly, setting his satchel down on the dark oak table that sat at his bedside. "I told you, you do not have to be so formal, you are family after all."

"Right, my apologies Kiyo," Komori chuckled sheepishly before regaining his composure. "Regardless of that, I still have multiple concerns regarding your.. sudden trip."

Sighing softly, the dark-haired diverted his attention wholly onto his cousin, who he got extremely lucky to have as his royal esquire. That action hadn't exactly been easy however, yet Sakusa had always believed that where there's a will, there's a way, so he made it happen.

"If you are this concerned that you needed to speak with me directly, minutes before departure," Sakusa met the brunette's eyes, his monotone giving away no hint on whether he was irritated or not. "Then do so. You have three minutes."

"Right, right, thank you." Komori took a short breath, then continued to speak. "I would just like to point out that even if you're going after dusk, there's still a high chance you may be seen especially if you are planning to scope out the castle itself."

"The people of Hokori, nevertheless to mention their royals, they are aware of who you are and what you look like. All it takes is one witness and you may not make it back."

"Simple problems with simple solutions, do you really think that lowly of me?" Sakusa mused, a small smirk forming as he scoffed. Seeing the slightly dread-filled expression fall over his cousins face was nearly enough to make him chuckle.

"I-.. no- Sakusa, surely you know that is not what I mea-"

"Calm down Motoya, I was only playing with you." The dark-haired chuckled quietly. "You addressed the same concerns with me yesterday, and despite your beliefs, I do listen to you."

"So, you have a plan to avoid my concerns then, yes..?" Komori questioned slowly, still in slight disbelief of whether or not Sakusa was being honest. To no surprise, like a king of his place would, he had a tendency for lies.

"Of course, I've decided on a complete change of attire," Sakusa smiled a little to himself as he got up and walked over to his wardrobe. "Rags designed to look like those of a commoners, yet made with fabrics fit for royalty. And alongside it, a mask."

The dark-haired rummaged behind the rags hanging up before pulling out a semi-long strip of black silk, thin enough to be breathable yet not thin enough to see through.

"I had Morisuke bring this in for me, made by himself." Sakusa watched a nod come from his cousin as he threw the scarf-like mask over his shoulder, alongside the rags he was supposed to change into before leaving. "He's the best in his department you know, though as of late, he had made an odd request for a partnered worker."

"Ah right, I remember this being brought up at our last cabinet meeting." Komori smiled at the memory, the last cabinet meeting they had, someone special to him had been there.

"Correct, so I decided to accept." The dark-haired shrugged. "Our new weavers name is Akagi Michinari, though apparently he has a history of swordsmanship, so in the near future you very well may have a second-in-command."

"Michinari?" The brunette quickly questioned, before stopping to hold his breath. He always tried to act as if himself and Akagi weren't close, all in the sakes of avoiding any suspicion. In reality, the two had been together for months, yet considering Akagi's place of birth, it was obvious it'd be safer to stay secret.

"Yes, Michinari, you remember him do you not?" Sakusa questioned, raising a brow as he looked at his cousin.

"Of course I do, like you had said yourself, he has a history of swordsmanship. Many royal esquires are aware of his skill." Komori nodded, letting out a breath he didn't realized he'd been holding. Nice save, Motoya.