§Future Empress§

Disguised in Constraint

The Kingdom of Galilee

The Todoroki Residence

near the Main Gate, three days before the dukes of Galilee left for Lockwood

Rei was pacing in the main hallway. Her eldest left yesterday and has not returned yet. His father, The Duke, is unaware of this as he is busy working in the palace due to the upcoming royal wedding, besides she did not want to add to his burdens but if her son did not walk into the room right this instant, she will have to go search for him and report him missing. As steps grew heavier and she spiraled in worry. 

"Mother?", a voice called out and Rei looked up just to see her youngest rush towards her. "Shoto? What are you doing here? Why are you not in the palace helping your father?", Rei spoke up and Shoto slowed down as he finally came close to her. "I was here to bring some things to Father, but why are you so tensed?", Shoto inquired. "Shoto, do not let your father know yet...but Toya has been away since yesterday and he left no note!", Rei poured out her concern and earned a shocked response from Shoto. 

"I did not expect for you all to be worried so much about me!", Toya spoke in a make-up deep voice. Rei was relieved seeing him come back safe and unharmed. 

"One thing brother, who are they?", Shoto spoke and the two stepped out of the shadows. 

"My name is Tomura and this is my sister Toga. We are old acquaintances of Toya here and we live near the border. Nice to meet you, Madam of the house!", Tenko introduced themselves by a revised script. Toya just nodded happily and Toga kept hugging Tenko's arm tightly. 

"Interesting...you never told me about such friends but how will you explain your long absence?!", Rei said as she pulled Toya's ear. "Ouch! Mother, it was Toga's 21'st birthday! I wanted to surprise them and celebrate for a long while!", Toya gave somewhat of an acceptable answer. Rei let go of him. "Mother, I promise I will not do something like this again! I have a favor to ask you...", Toya said as he fiddled with his fingers slightly. "You are barely home and already demanding things?", Shoto said trying to mock Toya which earned him an eye roll from Toya. 

"Honestly, you both need to quit annoying each other like that!", Rei said. "So what is it that you have to ask for?", she added. Toya straightened up and cleared his throat. "Can my friends live with me for a while? They can be of help too!", Toya begged and his friends held their heads low in respect. "I do not find it to be a bother as they are your responsibility within and without these walls although at the expense of our privacy", Rei explained. "Do not worry mother and try to relax. They will not be a bother", Toya said reassuringly. Rei smiled and then left with Shoto. 

The three also left to go to Toya's chamber where they spent the rest of the day thinking about what needs to be done and how do they plan to reveal Lockwood's real intentions.

The night came sooner than expected and Enji Todoroki returned from the palace. After he washed up and ate his dinner, he went to his office to finish up some remaining documents.

Todoroki's Office

Enji flipped through some pages in a document and let out a sigh every now and then. This was quietly observed by Toya who stood outside, gathering courage to bring up the issue. "Man...you need to hurry up!", Toga said as she whined in a low whisper. "I know!", Toya whisper-screamed. Tomura just sighed and pushed him inside. Toya fumbled and finally straightened up.