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─「 会議」─
• ʚ ✦ ɞ •
DEAREST MOTHER, I hope this letter finds you in a prosperous state. I pray to know that things are going well on your side. The palace is running quite well, although I am sad to say the flowers you love dearly are disappearing. On the contrary, I am to blame for this matter. Bitterly, I am missing you, Mother. We all are. Hope wilts slowly the longer we stay apart. It's been too long since I've seen you face to face. Luckily, as of today I am to turn nineteen years of age. Soon I will be able to be with you again.
"Shoto." An offensive voice startled the young man forcing his writing to a halt. He quickly flipped the paper over to keep from his father's eyes. "I expected you to be in slumber." Enji noted, holding the door open. "Even if I were, you disturb me. What is it you need at this time of night." The young man shot back bluntly. His father only sighed and smiled slightly. "I came to wish you a happy birthday," the man began, causing his son to narrow his eyes typically. "I have something for you." "And for what reason must this be shared now before later morning?" Shoto provoked immediately.
"It is still your birthday, is it not? I have someone I'd like you to meet." Alleged his father. The young man sat silently for a moment, his eyes not leaving his father's suspicious figure. "We wouldn't want to keep them waiting." Another few seconds of silence passed before Shoto gave in and obeyed. He didn't expect much from whatever his father would give him, but he didn't like the idea of keeping someone waiting.
"How long will this take?" Shoto shrugged as he rose from his seat. His father replied gently. "Not long, just a moment or so." The prince sighed and approached the door. "It will take less time if you get out sooner. I'll be getting ready." With that, he slammed his door closed leaving his father silent.
• ʚ ✦ ɞ •
As they passed the garden, the man confided. "Strange. All the Rindous seem to have disappeared." Shoto ignored his statement to avoid seeming suspicious. It went over his head that his father's tone seemed unusually downcast.
"Ah, there they are." He remarked. It was indeed dark out, the only light illuminating the palace at the moment being the few rooms with the chandeliers lit and the moonlight itself. Wherever his father referred to, he could only see a mere silhouette coming into view.
As they approached the figure it's appearance cleared. There stood a person standing straight with their arms behind their back. They wore a fitted, pitch black royal military jacket lined with rich, black leather; official to the kingdom of Endeavour. A blank expression amongst their face. Enji smiled and walked to their side. "This is (F/n) (L/n). I've assigned them the role of looking after you and assisting you at all times." Shoto's expectations were low but this was unexpectedly substandard of his father. "A pleasure meeting you, (L/n)," he bowed and turned back to his father with an expression of impatience. "But I needn't a Nanny to look after me."
"Shoto,-" "Is this supposed to make up for your mistakes so that I can forgive you? Because believe me, giving me such as 'gifts' brought by your riches is a poor excuse." Shoto turned back to (Y/n) and bowed, his gaze softening. "Forgive me for my arrogance. I'm sorry we have wasted your time." He eased. "Rest assured you will be returned to your home safely,-"
"There will be no need for that." The king stated firmly. "The only home they could be returning to is this one." The prince dodged his father's words, not once sparing him a glance. "Ignore my father, (L/n). All he does is for his personal gain-"
"I have pledged my honest allegiance and have sworn my loyalty to the throne, your highness." They spoke suddenly, taking the prince aback. Once again connecting eyes, (Y/n)'s shot darts into him. They stood in silence.
(Y/n)'s sudden change in aura shook Shoto; the boldness of their voice, their straight, obedient posture, their dead glare, - it was frigid in those deep, blistering (e/c) optics, almost as if they were a threat alone.
King Enji smiled slightly, laying a heavy hand on their shoulder. "It's alright, (L/n)." He assured. "You've sworn loyalty to the throne's heir's and successors. After all, my son, the prince is very soon to be king." Shoto dragged his eyes to his father to find a smile on his face, supposed to be warm and gentle but it couldn't help but make him scowl. He narrowed his eyes at his father.
It wasn't like he was trying to hide the fact that being the next king of Endeavour was the last thing he wanted.
(Y/n) promptly took a step towards Shoto and glared him in the eye, their's narrowing as they scanned his expression. He was admittedly intimidated by them, like he'd have to be on guard every time they were around. They suddenly dropped to the ground, kneeling with their head bowed down before the prince.
