Know my Heart, my Servant

It was on a pretty cloudly winter day when Iscodaya and Kaus met at the roof of their school. The swordsman had asked his master to come with him one lunchtime, and as he took in some deep breaths, Iscodaya wondered what this was all about, “So~ why are we here?” The Prince asked, warming his hands inside his pockets.

Kaus prepared himself one last time before turning to his Prince, “Your Majesty, I have served you ever since we were kids, and you know full well I never want to disobey you.” The statement was confusing to the Prince, as Kaus was being more serious than usual.

“Yeah, I know that” Iscodaya affirmed, “But what are you getting at?” The question hung on the air for a few seconds, before Kaus yet again, opened his mouth.

“Before we entered Earth, almost ten months ago, you commanded me to make sure you do not get attached to anyone here.” Iscodaya began to connect what Kaus was trying to say, as his brows curled a bit, “I have seen you my Prince, you’re becoming more attached to Kei!”

His words struck deep within Iscodaya’s body, as he remembered that command. No words were exchanged between the two for a few seconds, as Iscodaya was thinking what to do. His more logical mind almost a year ago would’ve immediately agreed with Kaus and distanced himself more with Kei. But after experiencing the life of a human, and seeing the joy that goes with it, Iscodaya knew his answer.

“You’re correct Kaus, I have gotten very attached to Kei,” he spoke with his heart, his cheeks turning slightly red. “I… I even like her romantically, and I’ve never felt this way to anyone before. And I… I don’t want to part ways with her, so please,” Iscodaya begged.

Kaus stared at his Prince for a few seconds, his eyes conflicted. But as he saw the desire in Iscodaya’s eyes, a desire he had never seen before, he knew his answer. The servant knelt before his master, “Do not beg of me, my Prince,” he stated, “Command me so that I may follow. You are my one master, no one else, so whatever you want, I will follow. Please, tell me what you want me to do now.”

Iscodaya was surprised at his servant, but at the same time, he was thankful. The second Prince put his hand on Kaus’s head, as he smiled, “My greatest servant, whose loyalty is greatly admired. I command you to always be by my side with this mission of ours, but also help me with the desire of my heart.”

“And what would that be?” Kaus cheekily asked, causing Iscodaya to get a bit bashful.

“You already know Irom, I told you earlier.”

“But I need your commandment now.”

No words came from Iscodaya’s mouth for a few seconds, as he prepared his heart and mind. He would be asking his servant for something he considered useless before going to Earth. But as he finally got ready, he commanded, “I command you to help me win over Kei Inoue’s heart, so that I… I… I can make her… do I really have to say this?”

“Yes master.”

“...Fine, so that I can make her my Princess.” Kaus’s head turned to the now very bashful Iscodaya, his face bearing how proud he was of his Prince.

“And that is a command I will follow until you tell me otherwise,” he pledged as he stood up. Kaus then put his arm around Iscodaya’s neck as he laughed, “I can’t believe my Prince actually likes someone,” he rejoiced, causing Iscodaya to try to push him away.

“S-shut up… you are going to help me right?” The Prince embarrassedly asked. Kaus nodded before confidently smiling.

“Who do you think I am your Majesty? An amateur of romance?” He flaunted, but Iscodaya wasn’t getting any of it.

“Oh yeah, I cannot forget how you completely messed up your confession at Kramahir. And how many times have you failed courting someone… the more I think about your achievements, or lack thereof, the more I doubt you can help me.” But after hearing Iscodaya’s remark, Kaus shook his head.

“I’ve evolved your Majesty, you know I’ve been watching this new romantic drama with Prince Senodaya.”

“Instead of studying?”

“That’s not the topic. The thing is, I’ve been learning, and I’ll help you win over Kei.” Iscodaya hesitantly nodded as Kaus smiled at him.

As the days went on, Kaus was telling Iscodaya how to make Kei more conscious of him. Though Iscodaya wanted to keep things low-key, Kaus told him that if he never does anything big, Kei will never notice.

So, on some school days, Iscodaya started to get more closer with Kei, be it in conversations or physically. When they would sit together during lunchtimes, the two would be touching shoulders, an action that affected Iscodaya more than Kei.

Sometimes Kaus would set up situations where Kei and Iscodaya would have to reach something he dropped; this was to do an accidental hand touch. But every time it resulted in Kei complimenting Iscodaya’s hands or her just not noticing it.

The next was when Kaus told Iscodaya to be a little flirtier with his language. But when the two would talk to each other, and Iscodaya would try to be flirtier, he would either stutter and wouldn’t say it, or it would just fly over Kei’s head.

Nothing Kaus was telling Iscodaya was working, “This is soo hard,” Iscodaya expressed as he played ping pong with Kaus. The swordsman was also stumped.

“She really is dense, isn’t she?” He remarked, causing Iscodaya to profusely nod.

“And I thought Daranya was the most romantically dense guy out there.” As the bell rang to end the period, Iscodaya and Kaus made their way to the changing rooms, but before Iscodaya could follow, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

He turned around to see a sweaty Yusuke, his face still as bright as ever, “You got a minute?” He asked, leading Iscodaya to nod. Yusuke would sometimes just ask Iscodaya if he was down to play games afterschool, so the Prince didn’t suspect anything. “So, I know you like Kei.” But his statement caused the Prince’s jaw to hit the ground.

“H-how did you know?” He asked, causing Yusuke to scoff.

“You think I’m a beginner in love? I know it when someone has the signs that they like someone.” Iscodaya nodded at Yusuke’s flaunt.

“I see, so you know that Kei likes you right?” His question was answered by a facial expression, as Yusuke’s face turned to utter shock. Iscodaya then realized he messed up, “Oh… I thought you knew.”

“N-no, I didn’t know that?... she actually likes me?” He asked, the Prince nodded as a response. A sympathetic look came over Yusuke’s face as he realized something, “And… you’re fine with that?”

“Hell no,” Iscodaya instantly responded, taking Yusuke back a bit, “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate you for it, I see why she likes you, it’s just… a bit annoying.”

Yusuke scrated the back of his head in awkwardness, “S-sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Iscodaya swiftly replied. But as the two calmed their feelings, Yusuke went back to what he was saying.

“I… care for Kei, but I do not like her romantically.” Iscodaya already expected that remark, as it was clear who he liked, “But you do,” that one he didn’t, “And as your friend, I trust you Iscodaya, and I’ve seen the little details you do in order to make Kei notice you. Here’s the thing though, Kei, has a really low self-esteem, I’m sure she sees what you are doing, but she doesn’t see it as romantic due to her thinking that she doesn’t deserve romance.”

Hearing this almost broke Iscodaya’s heart. Kei was a big light in his world, and hearing this about her made him want to be her light. And as Yusuke held his shoulders, he told him how.

“Don’t tip toe; the only way to make Kei know is if you tell her outright. You love her, don’t you? Make it known to her.”