The Princess and The Devil - Karma Akabane x OC

F I F T Y : SEA OF RED ROSES

Normal's POV

Hime walks out her room to get some air. She couldn't stop the tsunami in her heart nor could she stop her mind from wandering off to her latest discovery. But something in the air that she breathes is different from what she's used to. But what? Ah but can she really focus on such insignificant thing? What's more important is about her mother.

Could mom be an assassin? Is that even a possibility? If it is, does mother know? Does Ichiro-ojiisan know? And most importantly, does dad know?

Hime wraps her arms around her torso as she walks down the staircase and towards the kitchen. She doesn't even care if she might trip or bump into anyone. Nothing can deny that her mom's journals are the main thing that is occupying her mind. From the corner of her eye, she knows she passes by her uncle, Ichiro and someone he's probably ushering to the throne room to see her father. They were conversing along the way but it is all a blur to her since she hasn't been paying much attention to the presence. However, when they cross paths, she could feel it under her skin that the certain someone has an aura that is rather familiar but she isnt curious enough to stop and acknowledge him or her. That is until her uncle clears her throat. "Hime, there's someone I think you would want to see." Hime can almost see the smile on his face.

Hime immediately stops in her tracks as a sign of respect and acknowledgement for her uncle and turns around. Her first plan was to just smile and bow before excusing herself to the garden or somewhere she could think in peace. But, the plan disappears just as fast as it came up. Her eyes are as wide as saucers when she sees Karasuma dressed in his usual black suit, white shirt and black tie. He is standing only a few steps above her as he holds a silver briefcase on his left hand. He's definitely the last person she will ever expect to see walking around in her house but boy the relief she felt when she saw him..

"Sensei!" She smiles and runs up the steps to pull him into a hug. Karasuma was taken aback when Hime pulls him into a hug as he awkwardly hugs her back. He couldn't help but smile at Hime when she pulls away. He, just like everyone else, although not as close, misses her terribly. "What are you doing here?" Hime asks, eying the briefcase.

"Work." Karasuma answers as he raises his briefcase. Although short, it was crystal clear to Hime.

Maybe he could help. He works with the Ministry of Defense, right? Hime thought.

"Sensei, before you meet my father, can you listen to me first?" Hime asks, sending a look to Ichiro.

"Karasuma-san has to meet your father now as the emperor requires Karasuma-san's immediate presence in the throne room. It's the time of the month where Karasuma-san gives updates about the vile creature you call your teacher." Ichiro said as he doesn't even bother to mask the venom whilst talking about Koro-sensei. Hime's smile is immediately wiped off her face when she hears her favourite teacher being bad mouthed by her favourite uncle.

Upon seeing her crestfallen face, Karasuma tries to make her feel better with a smile and a "I will listen to you after meeting your father. How does that sound?" Although he is not in good terms with Koro-sensei, he has to admit that Koro-sensei has taught him and the students a lot of things in a span of months. And if he were to die before the yellow octopus, he might admit that they were friends. And just then, Karasuma's brain flashes pictures of the yellow and green striped octopus as he looks down on Karasuma. Cringe. Why the hell did I even have that kind of thought?

"It sounds great, sensei. Thank you. Ichiro-ojiisan, please escort Karasuma-sensei to the garden when he's done meeting dad." Hime told Ichiro. Ichiro holds her gaze a bit longer before smiling a little. He gives her a curt nod. "I will be waiting at the West Garden. I'll you see you, sensei." Hime waves at both men before skipping down the stairs. She has decided that she will let Karasuma know of the lese-majesty. He will help me, wont he?