The Attendant Prince (Zen Wistaria X Shirayuki)

Prologue

  I do not own the characters nor its anime in this fan fiction, as much as I wanted to. If there was something that belongs to me, I'll mention it in the chapter involved.

  Anyways, here's the concoction I'm brewing up. 

(Shirayuki's POV)

  Grounding the roka fruits took longer than expected, but I managed to pull it off before pouring down the contents into a filter cloth. What used to be the bright orange innards had been pulped as the juice flowed smoothly through the cloth and into a jar of the fruits, leaving the flesh on top of it. Roka fruits, while previously being tested to be capable of providing stamina and lighten up one's temper, can preserve the juice's medical efficiency and flavor so that it could last throughout winter.

  Regarding of its taste, it was sweet and leaves a tangy mouth feel as it trails down the throat, which was somewhat appealing to children. This newly-created drink should be able to stimulate the consumer's brain to prevent memory loss. While that may seem beneficial only to the elderly, it regulates body temperature so that everyone could have a lesser rate from heatstroke or frostbites. With this, the soldiers could feel peachier during extreme weather.

  A job well-done, I'd say. After all, the research was to invent a new nourishment that could be advantageous to all walks of life, whenever and wherever they were. When the Chief Herbalist, Garak Gazelt gave me this duty, I was frankly shook to be tasked with what I assumed to be an impossible mission. But after getting some advice, it appeared to be a relatively simple yet challenging, and perhaps even enjoyable process to get it through. I couldn't help but to feel a sense of accomplishment while letting out a small giggle. The urge of showing this roka juice to her had tingled the edge of my lips as it crept up to form an involuntary smile.

  This wonderful sensation was exactly why I studied to be a pharmacist since young. I just couldn't get enough of the feeling of helping people through what they use every day.

  "Shirayuki, can you help me pick some rainbow leaves in the herb house? We ran out of it a little earlier." A familiar voice pierced through the silence in the air, breaking my train of thoughts as I turned to see a boy with jet black hair and aqua blue eyes poking his head out of the door. Ryu, aged twelve, was the youngest court herbalist in the country of Clarines, and perhaps in the world. Despite his petite figure and apathetic nature, his mind harboured unspeakable amounts of knowledge about herbs and plants that had been accumulated since young. Ranging from the seeds of plants to their everyday behaviour, Ryu studied and memorised almost everything taught by Garak who he considered his mentor. I remembered watching her occasionally sharing the newest information with him as he jotted it down without missing a beat. Besides, he never really slacked off during his work time, which was quite a feat considering of his age and work. It was a quality which I showed respect for and aimed towards ever since I came to the castle.

  "Right! I'll be off after sending the report to the Chief." I nodded, but his head had already disappeared from that spot, leaving me in thought of some upcoming plans after I was done with my report. Maybe I could give some to him, too? He looked a little tired the last time I saw him.

  Ah yes, him. The thought itself just made me feel giddy as my cheeks turned as red as my hair. I recalled of what we did for the past six months, including the time when we first met. Back then, I merely assumed that he was an adventurer, seeking some thrill in his life while exploring the forest. Little did I know he was the second prince of this kingdom, and eventually someone I cared for more than anything in the world. Without him, I would never have become a court herbalist and accomplish notable things like I did just now, let alone finding a person that I could love and trust with my life.

  Love, huh...

  Honestly, I was initially set in stone to walk the path of becoming an herbalist without anyone's aid in Tanbarun. It felt depressing, sure, to be the only redhead in the entire country as I was mocked and ridiculed by the people there. But ever since he stepped into my life, he flipped it upside-down, in a good way. My life was filled with fun and laughter ever since he showed up and guided me through tough times. He was seemed to be a light in the darkness, showing me the right path and never misleading me. I could barely forget the day I realized my feelings for him. Butterflies were in my stomach; anxiety was thoroughly engulfing me; a cluster of questions puzzled me as I was in the verge of collapsing. Worse still, he was the one that pointed out my flustered cheeks when we were holding hands in Fort Laxdo. I could have sworn that it was just a friendly gesture, but those eyes told me otherwise. Those magnificent blue orbs gazed at me and pierced through my soul and forced me to open up to him, even if I was reluctant to admit my tiredness back then. Not that I minded it, though it seemed that he could understand me telepathically, reading me like a book that was for a three-year-old.

  Shortly after handing in the report, I carried a tray holding teacups and a teapot of roka juice out of my workplace. I figured that he should be done with his swords practice by now, so I took a reprieve from the Chief and left the court pharmacy.

  Scanning the surroundings after leaving the facility, it never ceased to amaze me that the castle interior looked just as resplendent as it was on the outside. Even after half a year, the structure and overall design still made me feel like being trapped in the core of a diamond, watching it glisten and sparkle from every direction. On top of that, the herb garden was literally painted with rainbow colors, and it was always refreshing to sit there for an hour or two just to relax. It explained why I often see Ryu and Chief Garak there without any work in their hands.

  All of this was great, but...

  I held my head by one of my hand while the other balanced the tray of refreshments. My head started spinning, my eyes losing vision. I felt colours drained off my face as I took in heavier breaths on each inhalation. What was happening to me? Did I breathe in something hazardous back at the pharmacy? Surely not, since I only worked with roka fruits all day, yet I was struggling to cope with my body weight as I floundered along the path.

  My eyelids were getting droopy. My breaths slowed down, but it was close to not breathing at all. At some point, my body lost balance and I saw the cups and tray flying upwards, then pulled down by gravity as I watched helplessly with only a quarter of eyesight left. While I braced myself for the impact, I couldn't help but to wonder if Obi would save just in time like he did twice before...

  Unfortunately, I was met with the cold, hard ground followed by the clatter of silverware this time.

  Groaning in pain, I mentally pleaded for help as my eyelids dropped completely. Anyone's aid would be appreciated. But my mind lingered on him to help me, just like he did for so many times...

  Zen, please...