Hiiro (45)
Suddenly, Naruhito's body was gently lifted and laid down next to Sai on the bed.
Murashige Ichinose quietly removed Naruhito's slippers and then stepped back.
Naruhito looked momentarily startled before relaxing and turning to face Sai.
"Oi."
"He's exhausted and at his limit. He seems to want to talk a little more, so please be patient, Your Highness."
Without me noticing, he was right beside me. His presence is truly undetectable. The hair on the back of my neck bristled. Murashige, with a calm expression, watched over Naruhito.
Hitachimaru stuck closely to Murashige.
"Scary."
I muttered under my breath, and Murashige's smile in response was equally terrifying.
"There isn't any food."
"It's alright."
"I brought a puzzle."
"A puzzle?"
"Because it's fun."
"Do you like it?"
"Yes. A picture appears. It's pretty."
I didn't know he liked puzzles. I'll buy him one next time.
"I'll leave it here."
"Isn't it your treasure? I can't accept it. I'll be fine without it."
"I have three."
Naruhito, who had been holding the box carefully, placed it on Sai's blanket. Sai lowered the hand that had been patting Naruhito's head and grasped the small box. It must be a simple puzzle. There was a rustling sound.
"I can't do it while lying down."
Sai murmured, holding up the box.
"Yes."
"Are you tired today?"
"Yes."
"Shall we do it together tomorrow?"
"Yes."
Murashige looked at me. Annoyingly, I moved to the bedside following his implicit instructions.
"Your Highness, please forgive my rudeness."
To Sai's words, I responded,
"Don't worry about it."
And then I lifted Naruhito.
"Hurry up and recover. The paperwork is piling up. We're in trouble without you."
"I'm nothing..."
"I can't even remember how we managed when you weren't around."
"Your Highness..."
"Sai, give me some time to do puzzles too."
Sai gently held the puzzle to his chest and softly said, "Yes."
What do you think about this chapter?
