Hiiro (13)
I was careless. Although I couldn’t refuse the summons from the royal family, I should have thought a bit more.
I’ve been too complacent in times of peace.
“Good work.”
I greeted Otoha, who was wiping the corridor expressionlessly with a mop. She twitched, and her body shook. She must have been completely lost in thought.
I know the defense mechanism of this childhood friend well.
As light filled her eyes, tears welled up rapidly.
“Welcome back, Master Hiiro. I couldn’t protect the house… truly, I apologize…”
Her lowered head touched the floor, and her throat made a slight sound.
“Anyone got injured?”
“… No.”
“Well done.”
“No… No it’s nothing. Naru, Naru is.”
“Otoha.”
Calling her name deliberately slowly, I noticed her struggle to swallow her words.
I proceeded to Naruhito’s room. I could see the kicked-in door. Ikumatsu was wiping the floor.
He stood up and bowed, and I gestured for him to stop.
“Thank goodness you’re safe.”
“I’m worried because his fever is high.”
“Understood, I’ll hurry.”
“Yes.”
I returned to my room, took off the black military uniform I wore to go to the castle, and changed into the red military uniform for the Royal family. I strapped guns to both sides of the belt around my waist and hung two grenades. Two knives. I’m just bringing back Naruhito. Is this preparation enough?
While preparing, my head started to cool a bit. I took a deep breath. Opening the door, Hitachimaru and Toshitane were waiting. They were dressed in military uniforms and equipped similarly.
“Where is it?”
“Naruhito couldn’t wear it because he was stripped naked, so attached it to Master Sekitora. They are currently within the castle grounds.”
“Understood.”
It was already past three o’clock. I don’t want Naruhit to skip the meal for too long. It would make it uncomfortable to hold him again.
“We will be back by dinner.”
Otoha bowed deeply as she watched us leave.