Naruhito (71)
I wondered if it was okay to eat, and as I glanced at Hiiro, Shizuku scooped up some ice cream with a spoon and placed it in my mouth.
Cold!
As I shut my mouth, the sweetness melted gently.
It was cool, subtly sweet, and melted smoothly.
Yummy! So tasty! This is amazing!
The smoothness lingered in my mouth, and even as it warmed, it felt like a waste to swallow it.
I wanted to keep it in my mouth forever!
"Little Naruhito, is the ice cream good?"
When Shizuku asked, I nodded my head vigorously.
It’s delicious. It’s my number one right now.
I couldn’t open my mouth to say it, but it’s really good.
"I see, I’m glad."
With that, Shizuku placed the spoon in my hand.
"You have to eat it quickly, or it’ll melt away."
Noticing I hadn’t swallowed yet, Shizuku chuckled as she said that. Is it like ice? Does it melt?
That would be bad. Something this delicious disappearing would be a disaster.
I hurriedly swallowed. Ah, it’s so good.
I scooped some myself. She’s right. It’s starting to melt.
I took another bite. Ah, cold. Cold and yummy. This must be food of gods. Is it okay for me to be eating it?
Though I wanted to savor it slowly, I swallowed a little quicker this time, worried it might melt away.
Shizuku's room is amazing! The futon is the comfiest I’ve ever slept on, there’s a goldfish, and there’s ice cream.
While I was enjoying myself, Hiiro stood up with his ice cream and walked out through the door.
"Hiiro doesn’t usually eat sweets, so he’s giving it to Hitachimaru. You can only eat this ice cream here. It’s a secret recipe from the palace’s chefs, reserved for special guests."
Was it really okay for me to eat something so special? As I hesitated, Shizuku gently guided my hand, and that wonderful taste spread in my mouth again.
"Such a special treat, and we can have it whenever we want. Isn’t that nice? Little Naruhito, you’re part of the family now, so it’s okay for you to eat it."
Part of the family?
As I tilted my head in confusion, Akashi patted me on the head.
"If you liked it that much, Father will give you his share too. Come on, eat before it melts."
He handed me his half-melted dish of ice cream, with just half remaining.
As I stared in surprise, Hiiro returned, handing Akashi back his empty dish.
"Who’s whose Father'? And don’t forget, Naruhito’s stomach is sensitive. Don’t give him too much food, especially cold things."
I felt a little disappointed. As I ate the rest of my portion, I glanced at Hiiro. Don’t give too much food... am I the same as the goldfish...?
"Is it good?"
I nodded at Hiiro, who smiled gently at me.
Both Shizuku and Akashi were staring at Hiiro with surprised expressions.
What do you think about this chapter?
