Fiancee of Hanahoshi.

“W-what d-did I even get myself into…?” Hitsuki panicked, walking back and forth inside the carriage.

Others were exhausted. Even though Hitsuki showed the most courage, he was also the least fatigued.

Chiyoshi sighed. “This time, you truly exceeded my expectations. Never have I ever seen a man defy the Queen like that. Even more surprising, I have never seen Mother be this curious of a man and even accept an offer.”

“I thought we were done for the moment he opened his mouth!” Hanahoshi exclaimed. “You know, those assassins, mother’s personal guards, were ready to kill!”

Chiyoshi replied. “I know you are an idiot, but sometimes learn to read the room, okay?”

Sol sighed. “Acting Queen Chiyoshi, I thought it was over for you when you decided to save Hitsuki’s life.”

“Yeah…” Chiyoshi said. “I thought the same.”

“Eh?” Hitsuki was taken aback. “Is the Queen really that dangerous?”

“You know, these are the scenarios that you call ‘miracles’. Honestly,” Chiyoshi muttered. “My rank of Acting Queen is nothing more than a joke now.”

She looked at Hitsuki keenly. His new cloak looked nice with his suit, she thought.

“What?” Hitsuki asked.

Chiyoshi smiled. “Nothing. I was thinking that you might be a miracle—one who brings miracles. For I have seen nothing but miracles from you.”

“What's that coming from?” Hitsuki asked.

“I know, right!!” Hanahoshi exclaimed. “Just wait till you guys see his night walking ability!!”

“Oh, right,” Chiyoshi said. “I almost forgot about that. Gosh, how unique can a person be?”

Thats when they felt a push on the carriage.

It almost tipped over, hanging on the balance by a thread. But Sol quickly neutralized the fall.

It was followed by heavy knocking on the carriage door.

All but Hitsuki stayed calm.

“Another enemy attack?” He panned his surroundings.

*****

“I heard you guys were confronted by Mother!!” Masayoshi cried. “I was so worried… Oh, I am glad… so glad…!”

She was still wearing her work clothes. She gasped for air as she hugged everyone in the room, except for a particular person.

“Oh, it's you.” Masayoshi’s eyes went cold. She kept her distance as Hitsuki stayed where he was, standing by the corner.

“Don’t be like that.” Chiyoshi pushed her twin towards Hitsuki. “He is the reason we were saved. Though he sacrificed himself.”

“Hey!! Don’t jinx that!!” Hitsuki cried. “I am really nervous right now, you know!?”

“You could’ve extended your deadline a bit more,” Sol said. “And now you cannot go back on your word. The Queen isn’t that kind of person. It’s truly gonna be either your head or the criminals’, if I must say.”

“Save me, will you?” Hitsuki replied.

“I will try to assist you. You have saved my life, after all.” Sol replied. “But I don’t think I have the capabilities to find the culprit.”

“That would do,” Hitsuki replied. “But I am curious, what is this seal of obedience?”

Masayoshi looked at him, hesitant, before she removed her gloves.

On her left hand was a mark—a circular seal, just like a curse. It was embedded with patterns of leaves and words. Hitsuki’s eyes creased.

“It’s… peculiar, thats all I can say,” Hitsuki replied. “What does it do?”

“It makes it so that no one can disobey the master’s command,” Sol replied. “Everyone in the royal family or serving the royal family has it somewhere in their body.”

“And it didn’t work on me?”

“Probably because of the sheer uniqueness of your body,” Masayoshi said with absolute disgust.

“But all things aside,” Chiyoshi said. “Thank you. I really mean it. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Eh…” Hitsuki shied away. “When you say it like that… It’s kind of weird.”

“Haha.” Chiyoshi laughed. “Seems like even near-death experiences can’t sway that personality of yours.”

“I am glad you liked it.” Hitsuki smiled.

The room went silent for a moment. Everyone paused. Some remembered the scenes they had seen a few moments ago, and some consoled them. But only Hitsuki was emotionless, as if that thing did not affect him at all.

“About the rib of yours that broke.” Hitsuki broke the silence. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I am completely fine. Drank one of those health potions. Remember? I gave you one earlier today.”

“Yeah… can’t believe it’s just the first day…” Hitsuki sat down on the ground.

“Are you okay?” Sol sat beside him.

“I am just tired.” Hitsuki yawned. “Stuff like this really puts a drag on my body, after all.”

No sooner had he said that than he fell asleep on the floor. His body gave up as he lay down, sleeping defensively.

Chiyoshi laughed. “I would be surprised if he wasn’t tired. Finally showed his human self, huh?”

“Sol, you should bring him up on the couch,” Hanahoshi said.

Masayoshi protested. “He should just stay there…”

*****

“Now, let’s talk about the real matter. What shall we do now?” Chiyoshi asked as all of the others gathered around. “I don’t think Mother will let us be if he can’t find the culprits.”

“If we are lucky, she might spare Hanahoshi and me, but about you, sis…” Masayoshi said.

“Yeah… I know. I took him in. If he fails, I might also be punished.” Chiyoshi said. “It won’t be a problem if I am dead, as Hanahoshi can take the throne.”

Hanahoshi was about to cry as they discussed it.

“Fool.” Chiyoshi hugged Hanahoshi and buried Hanahoshi inside her chest. “Why the heck are you crying for? You think I will die that easily?”

“Sorry for the interruption, but I think he could probably pull it off,” Sol whispered to Chiyoshi’s ear. “He found out. About my eye.”

Chiyoshi’s eyes widened as she looked at sleeping Hitsuki in awe.

“What happened?” Hanahoshi asked.

“Nothing. Just some urgent events I have to tend to when I reach the castle.” Chiyoshi scoffed. “It’s tough being an Acting Queen, after all.”

“I was surprised when Mother talked about your fiancée at the end, Hanahoshi,” Masayoshi said.

“I was, too. I don’t know how she knows it amid battles.” Hanahoshi said.

“I guess she is looking forward to your marriage,” Chiyoshi said.

“It’s weird… getting married before you two. I feel embarrassed.” Hanahoshi said.

“You are going to be the next Queen of the Kingdom, Hanahoshi. You can’t be like that.” Chiyoshi replied.

“But I don’t want to!! You are a far better ruler.” Hanahoshi protested.

“Forget those. It’s all up to Mother. It’s her decision.” Masayoshi said.

After a short while, their carriage arrived at the royal castle. Before them stood a young man who stood before another carriage.

“Oh my!” He exclaimed. “Was this supposed to be a girl’s day out, I suppose?”

“You could say that.” Masayoshi smiled. “Hope you have a wonderful day.”

“What are you waiting here for?” Chiyoshi pushed Hanahoshi out of the carriage, where she fell gracefully into his arms.

Their face were close, and Hanahoshi’s eyes glittered as she saw into his eyes.

Rough hair, gentle smile, and beautiful eyes. She wanted to touch them before she realized she was in public, with her two sisters watching.

They grinned before leaving.

“Have a nice day, Hanahoshi!!” Both of them disappeared with lightning speed, and the carriage was nowhere to be seen as well.