Fate II

CCXXX

The streets were as lively and busy as usual with the street vendors advertising their goods, the children running past, and the people shopping through the streets or enjoying a nice meal at the many restaurants that had opened up. Sindria had always been flourishing under Sinbad's rule ever since the Kingdom was first established but, with Lucy co-ruling beside Sinbad as his Queen, the Kingdom had prospered exponentially as the Kingdom enjoyed its everlasting Golden Age. The poverty rate had been extinguished almost completely with the establishment of new programs and every person was able to live a fulfilling life without having to worry about whether or not they would have a roof over their heads the next day. They had followed their King and his Generals and now with their Queen and her Retainers, they couldn't be happier. Compared to the lives they had led initially before Sindria first established itself, the life they were currently living was Heaven in and of itself.

"What ingredients are you planning on buying?" Hinahoho asked curiously as they walked past the many street vendors.

"I'd like to buy some fruits and some spices," Masud answered, surveying the stalls. "Since it's now autumn and apples are in season, I was planning on baking an apple pie and perhaps top some vanilla ice cream on top of it."

Hinahoho perked up in surprise. "You sure have it all thought out. Masud just turned five, too, right? To think you already know how to bake."

"Most of the household chores inside Father's residence hall are left up to me," Masud said, bending down and observing the fresh vanilla beans. "Since Father is always by Her Royal Majesty the Queen's side, I usually clean the residence hall on the weekends as it serves as good practice for my magic training."

"Like father like son," Hinahoho grinned, viewing Masud in great respect as he ruffled the latter's hair. "You'll surely become just as great as Masrur is."

"I hope so as well," Masud softened his eyes, a faint smile perched upon his lips.

The two of them didn't exchange many words for there was no need for spoken words between them. Masrur always kept a close watch on Masud, making sure that no harm came to him and Masud knew of his Father's love and fondness. He never pushed him away and let him stand quietly by his side, teaching him all of the skills he needed to protect himself and survive. When it came to the arts, there was little he could teach and so, both he and Lucy consulted each other and requested Kaede who ultimately became his teacher just as he had with Lucy. Masrur wasn't the number one father since, he knew no father could be perfect, but, he knew Masrur tried his best. Both he and Lucy did the best they could as parents by making the best decisions they could as a parent, wishing him nothing but happiness and letting him live the life he wished to live.

Hence, the meaning behind his name, Masud.

He loved the two more than anything. Though he loved Lucy quite a bit more than Masrur for rather than affection, he respected Masrur. He wished to become just like him, if not stronger, for one day, he hoped to protect Lucy just as Masrur did. He wanted to free her from the chains which bound her to the Royal Palace and let her fly freely. Perhaps then, he could openly seek her affection without having to take into consideration his position and the watchful gazes of others. Just once, he wanted to call her "Mother".

"What is Hinahoho-dono and His Royal Highness planning on buying?" Masud asked, purchasing the vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks.

"That-" Sikandar began to say it was none of his business before being stopped by Hinahoho.

"We're just here patrolling," Hinahoho answered.

Masud blinked his eyes before nodding his head, thinking nothing more of it as it was not his business to intervene. "I see."