Hiiro (51)
"Isn't that obvious?"
I'm very grateful to be able to borrow Ichinose, but I have no intention of making him mine permanently. After all, I have no desire to take on work that requires the Hidden Clan.
"Our loyalty belongs to His Highness Akemi."
Muramasa placed his right hand over his left fist and bowed his head.
"We do not mix our personal and professional matters. If that caused you any concern, I apologize. My Father decided to retire because he no longer felt confident in separating his private life from his work. But I am fine."
"I have no need for the Hidden Clan."
At my words, Akemi let out a sigh.
"I think it wouldn't hurt to have them, though?"
"I don't need them. In fact, I came here today to ask for some time off."
"What? That's inconvenient. The reform proposal you suggested for the license system is about to be approved."
"Is that so? That's good to hear. I only made the suggestion, so you're free to handle the rest as you see fit."
"Don't you dare dump it all on me. It's an excellent proposal. Since we're submitting it under your name, you need to see it through to the end."
"What? No, I just said it's a waste to let so many talented people without surnames go to waste, and that we should remove the identification fees when obtaining various licenses."
"It was a bit too extreme to remove them all at once, so I proposed that if a guarantor is present, they should pay the same amount as those with surnames. Rokujo, Shichijo, and Kujo agreed with the proposal. Sanjo and Gojo opposed it, and Shijo and Hachijo asked for more time to consider it. I need you to attend the next meeting."
"... I'll attend the meeting. Just give me some time off. Naruhito’s condition is not good. He's been crying at night, and I'm sleep-deprived."
"Crying at night?"
"It's called a flashback, apparently. When someone has had a traumatic experience in a certain environment, they relive it. It seems that beds are a trigger for him."
"No way! Naru loves the bed!"
Akari, who had been silently listening, couldn't help but speak up.
"Yes, he does. But when he falls asleep, he desperately tries to escape from it, crying out. He’s also terribly frightened of being touched, so I can't even comfort him."
She gasped. I feel the same way. That guy loves to cuddle and absolutely loves the bed.
"I want to let him stay in a place he likes. I want to be by his side as much as possible and show him that it's a safe place. Brother."
I bowed deeply.
"Please. Give me some time."
What do you think about this chapter?
