Hiiro (43)
"Still, to be able to move with just willpower."
"Yes. Though I simplified it, that’s essentially the idea. Humans are greatly influenced by their emotions, and the brain governs those feelings."
"Interesting."
"Mutsumine might become quite remarkable."
"Although you are brothers in name now, what do you think?"
"Being told I have a brother doesn’t mean much to me, as I grew up in an orphanage. We’re not living together like children or anything. But Father was pleased. He mentioned having a banquet soon."
"Haha. He just wants an excuse to drink."
It seemed Naruhito had finished his soup.
"All done. Wice."
"And the porridge?"
Before Rikimaru could say anything more, Naruhito grabbed the cup of ice and began drinking. The ice, now much smaller, rattled.
He choked, having drunk too quickly, causing the water to go down the wrong pipe. The ice popped out of his mouth, and he hurriedly caught it and put it back in.
He's moving...
That smile, so innocent and cute, made me stand up and approach him.
Naruhito tried to say something, but the ice almost fell out of his mouth, so he quickly shut it.
As I tried to lift him, Rikimaru stopped me. Do you want to see my serious side? I glared at him, and he whispered in my ear.
"He should be able to stand soon, so please don't intervene."
"What?"
I raised my voice and glared.
"That's not befitting of a prince."
He said, stepping back.
"What do you mean?"
"You'll see if you wait."
I stared intently at the Naruhito. He was happily rolling the ice around in his mouth. He’s just so cute...
"Toilet."
Naruhito spoke once the ice melted.
Rikimaru smiled slyly.
As I moved closer again, Rikimaru held me back, then deftly moved the bed’s table and cleared the blanket tangled around Naruhito.
"You don't know where the toilet is, right? I'll help you there. Come on."
Ah, I see. Naruhito wants to go to the toilet by himself.
He wobbled as he turned. His feet reached the edge of the bed.
As he was about to fall, I almost reached out, but Rikimaru held my arm.
Naruhito slid off the bed and landed on his bottom. It seemed he had some strength in his legs as he didn’t seem hurt. Saying "toilet, toilet," he placed his right hand on the bed and unsteadily stood up. He stood...
He was standing.
As I watched in amazement, he took a step, but his knee buckled. Before I knew it, Rikimaru caught him, gently rubbing his cheek.
With the Naruhito’s head wrapped in bandages, he must have been too scared to touch it.
Oh, once he debuts as a guard in April, the title of "fastest" will be his in no time.
The martial arts clan will quickly understand why Senmonin Mizuchi has always refused that title.
"Your Highness."
Rikimaru handed Naruhito to me.
"This is enough, right, Doctor?"
"Yes."
Ikumatsu nodded, tears of joy openly streaming down his face.
"Toilet."
I carried the anxious Naruhito to the toilet.
Feeling a mix of frustration at Rikimaru's intervention, joy that Naruhito could move, and a jumble of other emotions, I couldn't help but feel conflicted.
What do you think about this chapter?
