Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The desert was certainly not a place to mess around.

Out of everyone in the world, he should've already known this fact long before starting a journey to the desert.

Well, he knows this fact. But, maybe he got a little bit too confident with himself.

Bringing nothing but his dragon, he really thought that this expedition would be easy and fast. When you're only tasked to find the start and end of the desert near the kingdom, flying with your dragon is a quite simple task.

He just didn't expect the sandstorm.

Even if he has managed to reduce his fear of heights significantly, it doesn't mean that he'll always go to extreme heights.

“Sir Aoyagi. We must land now, I can't fly safely like this.” His dragon, Hiroshi. Spoke to him.

“Very well, let's land there.” He pointed to nowhere in particular.

Once he got off his dragon, the heat of the desert got to him. Not to mention they're in the middle of a sandstorm which makes things even worse.

He hides his eyes behind his cape, while his dragon uses his wings.

It luckily only takes a few minutes for it to last, but it really didn't help with the temperature.

It has gotten hotter, the dark knight, Aoyagi Toya who's in heavy armor suffers from the heat.

Toya had been quite used to the cold air around the Shiraishi kingdom, so he had no problem staying in his armor there.

With the heat and lack of cold air, he finds himself feeling dizzy and unable to see clearly.

“Sir Aoyagi. Are you alright?” Hiroshi asks.

“I…” He collapses before he could finish answering.

————————————————

Hiroshi has been sitting near Aoyagi's collapsed body. He's scared off a few small creatures who live in the desert since he has nothing to do.

He can't lift Aoyagi to his back and fly back because of his dragon claws. 

He's also too scared to leave Aoyagi's body alone in the desert.

All he has to do is wait to hopefully see Kamishiro who notices Aoyagi's disappearance.

Not long after, he hears footsteps to his right. But it isn't Kamishiro. It's someone who's not from the Shiraishi kingdom, judging from their clothes.

“...uh, hi?”

Hiroshi growls and reveals his fangs at the person.

“HEY! Hey… we can deal with this without anybody dying, ya know?”

Hiroshi still growls.

“Okay, I hunt some meat for you in exchange for that person, what ya think ‘bout that?”

Hiroshi has never wanted to eat someone this bad before. He thinks that he could simply bribe him to hunt meat for Aoyagi? How disrespectful! 

“Wait! Wait! Listen! There's no need for bloodshed! I just don't think that eating the unconscious guy is great especially since they have armor on…”

And now he thinks that he's trying to eat Aoyagi? This has to end now. So instead of growling, Hiroshi speaks.

“You impolite human! How could you think of me eating Sir Aoyagi! How insulting!”

The guy is trembling now.

“O-ooh… so you speak…”

“Of course! But I will simply get rid of you myself if you dare to take Sir Aoyagi's body!”

“WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! Is he like your trainer or something? I wasn't going to hurt him! I was trying to help him before he dies!”

“How could you prove yourself? Human.”

Hiroshi’s quite skeptical of this person.

“I’ll lift him on your back so you could follow me back to my house..?”

It was quite an offer, he could finally get Aoyagi to safety. Even if he turns out to be evil, Hiroshi could just breathe fire and fly with Aoyagi who's now on his back.

“Very well, but do know that I have my eye on you.”

“Yea, yea. I got it.”

He got Aoyagi on his back. No matter how much he wants to fly off by himself, he's pretty sure Aoyagi would be disappointed in him for not helping someone back if they had helped him. Even if it's as small as lifting Aoyagi to his back.

They walked until they reached a lake with a pretty big tent. It's not big as in that it'll fit Hiroshi, but certainly big for at least 3 people in there.

“You can place Aoyagi here. I'll take care of the rest.”

After Aoyagi is placed inside the tent, the guy fanned him and took his armor off. He grabbed a towel and got cold? water from somewhere in the tent. 

After placing the towel on Aoyagi's forehead, he heads to Hiroshi.

“There's some sand in your wings. It must be quite uncomfortable, do you want me to clean it off for you?” The guy offers.

“...Very well.” Seeing how he treated Aoyagi and that Hiroshi was quite uncomfortable with the sand, he agrees.

“Great. I think the water’s deep enough for you. Try going in it.”

The water's certainly enough for Hiroshi to stay on it, so the guy got to work. He got another towel and started to clean the sand off. By the time Hiroshi's all cleaned up, they managed to get along quite well.

Hiroshi has let the guy on his back, the guy also introduced himself as Akito, and they had a little water fight that led Akito to be soaking wet. 

“Ugh, now I have to take a bath again. Go look somewhere else Hiro, it's weird if you're looking at me.”

“Of course.”

After he's done taking a bath, Akito goes to check on Aoyagi again.

“His temperature is not too hot, but he should still rest for a bit. Hiro, you don't mind sleeping outside, right?”

“Yes, after all it can't be helped.”

“Ya know what? I'll sleep with you outside.”

“You don't have to. But if that's what you want to do then, sure.”

“Great, do you want me to do anything before I go to sleep?”

“No need, you can rest now. Akito.” 

“Kay, G’night Hiro.”

————————————————

In the morning, Hiroshi decided to lead Akito back to the Shiraishi kingdom. Both so Aoyagi can rest better and so Akito doesn't have to wander around outside anymore.

His reaction to it was… normal, maybe.

“You want me to go to a kingdom? Really? Ya know I'm an outcast so I'll probably get kicked out.”

“Don't worry, Aoyagi and I'll help you.”

“What? You live there?”

“You don't seem to be very intelligent huh?”

“WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!?”

“Aoyagi is a knight, I thought you already knew that from his armor.”

“...oh.”

Anyway, Akito got his items from the tent, and then the three of them flew back to the Shiraishi kingdom.

“Woah, this place’s big.”

“Come on, this way's to the castle.”

“THE CASTLE!?”

“Castle, palace or whatever it's called.”

“You guys live there???”

“Yeah, where else are we supposed to live?”

“...fair enough.”

Akito was stopped by the guards in front of the palace, but Hiroshi told them that he was an esteemed guest.

“Damn, me? An esteemed guest? I never thought I'd live to see the day.”

“Oh? Who's this esteemed guest I'm hearing?” Kamishiro spoke.

“Hiroshi, who's this person?” 

“I'm Shinonome Akito. Nice to meet ya, I guess?”

“Very well, Shinonome, and Hiroshi. Have you seen Toya anywhere?”

Hiroshi then told Kamishiro everything. From start to the end.

“No wonder Hiroshi said that you're an esteemed guest. It's rare to see Hiroshi being friendly with a new person. I welcome you in, Shinonome.” He bows and kisses Akito's hand.

“Woah! Dude, n-no need to do that!” Akito stammered.

“Fufu, how cute. Anyway, you can leave Aoyagi for us Hiroshi, take a rest for now.”

“No, I need to make sure he's okay.”

“Very well then.”

They're walking around the halls with Kamishiro in front

“Why's the palace so… big?”

“Everyone here has a dragon darling, it's big so they dragons can go in.”

“Okay, and ew. Stop calling me like that.”

“There's more where that came from, sweetheart.”

“Ugh, shut up.”

“Your face is really red, sunshine.”

“Hiro, is this guy always like this?”

“Fufufufu, it's just for you, my dear-”

“I SAID SHUT UP!?!???”

They eventually reach Toya's room. Akito and Hiro said goodbye to Kamishiro, and then they got Toya on his bed.

“Woah, there's a kitchen, bedroom and everything here. It's like a little dorm.”

“You seem really fascinated. I think Kamishiro is getting a room for you in the castle, palace or whatever.”

“Ugh, I bet it's beside him.”

“That's a possibility, the room between this and Kamishiro's room is empty after all.”

“Ughhh! Hate that dude.”

They quickly got comfortable and Akito also made some food. Hiro was quite surprised because the food's better than what the palace chef provides.

“Livin’ in the outdoors will teach ya a thing or two ‘bout cooking.” Akito says as he eats another dish he cooked.

Akito took care of Hiro for a bit. After they're comfortable, Hiro sees Toya waking up.

“Ugh, how… long am I out for…”

“A day and a few hours Aoyagi.”

“Hey! Hiro! Your tail's… move it somewhere else.”

Toya's eyes opened up fast hearing an unfamiliar voice.

“Do not be alarmed, Aoyagi, this person's the one that helped us.”

Toya could see that, judging from the way Hiroshi's snuggling up to this person. 

“Who… are you?”

“I'm Shinonome Akito, you can just call me Akito.”

Toya blinked a few times and looked at Hiro before introducing himself.

“I'm Aoyagi Toya, the black knight from the Shiraishi kingdom. Please marry me, Akito.”

“HAH!?”

Akito had to stare at Toya for a few seconds before finally answering.

“I'm sorry, What?”

Chapter Text

“Do you not want to get married?”
“N-no..?? I mean, not yet- I-i mean, you just woke up… you… barely know me…”
“Is it too sudden for you?”
“I-I guess..??”
“That’s a shame… Especially since Hiro seems to take quite a liking to you…”

“H-huh..?” Akito looks at the said dragon.
“He wouldn't snuggle with anyone but me. So it was quite a surprise that you guys were having fun.”
“Aoyagi…” Hiro revealed his fangs towards Toya.

“Right, say… Akito. Do you have anywhere to go after this?”
“Like… a home? No… I just wander around usually.”
“Then, how about staying here so we can get to know each other more? Then you’ll know whether you’d marry me or not.”
“CAN YA STOP BRINGING UP MARRIAGE??? …Also, if I stay here that means I’ll always see that Kamishiro dude… Ew.” Hearing Akito mention Kamishiro, Toya asks a question.

“What’s wrong with Kamishiro..?”
“Well, uh… He’s just… like you I guess. But to him, we’re like already married or some shit. Whatever it is, he calls me pet names. While it’s heartwarming to hear it from your spouse it’s just completely weird to hear it from someone you met a few minutes ago. He’s… basically a big flirt.”
“Aoyagi, your face suddenly turned somewhat angry. Like when you’re in war.” Hiro pointed out while hiding Akito’s eyes by using his wings.

“H-hey! Why’re my eyes covered??”
“No reason.” Hiro removed his wings from Akito’s eyes after a while.

“So, Akito… Do you like it better if I’m the one who calls you terms of endearment than Kamishiro..?”
“What…? you’re going to be the same as Kamishiro? Do you mean like, after our wedding- I-IF THAT EVEN HAPPENS!”
“How cute… Your face’s all red.” Toya let out a little chuckle.

“Uggh, don’t you have any knight duties or something? You should probably do that instead of flirting… Eh- wait. Actually fuck all that. You still need rest. I’ll do your work so you won’t stress when you can work again…”
“You don't have to-”
“I insist!”
“... Okay, but you should leave some of the paperwork to me.”
“Wait there's paperwork??” Akito's determination slightly wavered when he heard that.

“? What did you think my work was?”
“Uh… Fighting some monsters, training some dudes, helping the townspeople’s tasks..?”
“All of that and paperwork with some other things are my duty.”

Hiro, who was quiet while the two were talking, realized and asked Akito something.
“Say, Akito. Do you even know how to use a sword?”

The room became quiet for a while.

“I… um, I just go…slash, slash right?” Akito swung his arms horizontally to help his case.
“That’s…”
“You're going to need some practice if you actually want to do my work.”
“Yea, I expected it.”

“There's another knight in this kingdom, Asahina Mafuyu. Hiro, can you introduce him to Asahina?”
“Asa what…”
“If you're ready, I'll escort you to Asahina.”
“Wait, my duty starts today???”
“Are you not ready?”

Akito stays silent for a while, before eventually deciding to…

“Nah, I'm ready to meet that dude. But… I think someone should stay with you, Toya. I can ask… someone else.” While Toya’s expression darkened for a second, he quickly regained his composure.

“If that's what you want, then you can go ahead.”
“‘Kay, see ya once you're rested!” Akito got up and left Toya's room.

He didn't really know where to go, he just hoped that he'd meet someone soon…

Chapter Text

To any other person, it would seem like there's just some random idiot running around in circles, but it's not Akito’s fault that the palace is incredibly big!

“Ughh… maybe I should've asked Hiro to escort me…”
“Need a personal tour guide, my love~?”
Wait a minute, Akito knows who that person is!

“K-kamishiro!!!”
“Your one and only!” He bows down to him.

“So, I heard that you'd need a tour guide, am I right?”
“I'd accept anyone but you.”
“Do you really have any other options though?”
Thinking about it again, Akito actually didn't have any other option. It'll be way too awkward to try and ask for others.

“Fine…”
“Great! So, where do you need to go angel?”
Sigh, this is going to be quite a day.

“To someone called Asa… uh… nah… I don't remember.”
“Asauhnah? Oh, you must be talking about Asahina. Well, you should follow me sunshine. Unless you want to get lost so I can be the knight in a shining armor to help you and-” Akito quickly interrupted before that turns weird.

“Okay, okay I get it, come on let's go.”

Throughout the way, Kamishiro has been asking why he'd want to meet Asahina. He decides to tell the truth since it wouldn't mean much to him.
Later, they arrived at what Akito assumes as the training ground. There are quite a lot of soldiers training currently, but Kamishiro is heading to one person.

“Hello, Asahina.”
“Oh, Kamishiro. What brings you here?”

Akito got one look at Asahina, and he? She? Whoever they are is quite scary. He quickly stood behind Kamishiro to hide for a while.

“Well, there's this new person who wants to be trained by you. He's Aoyagi's esteemed guest.”
“Oh, is it the short guy behind you?”
“HEY! I'M NOT THAT SHORT.” Akito yelled from behind Kamishiro.

“Well, you do look short when you're beside Kamishiro. Judging from your height, you should also be shorter than Aoyagi.” Asahina spoke with a blank stare.

“Anyway, I'll just see from the side. Good luck, Darlin’” Kamishiro quickly kisses Akito's hand and leaves. Leaving a flustered Akito behind.

When Kamishiro was far away, Asahina asked him something.
“Is he your husband?”
“N-no…”
“Boyfriend?”
“I wouldn't even call him a friend…”

Deciding to nor push any further, Asahina stopped asking him about his relationship with Kamishiro.

“So, do you have any experience with the sword, Mr. Esteemed guest?”
“Just call me Akito, and… I don't have any experience with swords.”
“Oh, okay then. I'll just teach you some basics for today. For now, you'll use this wooden sword.”

They practiced for a while, and by the end of it, Akito had learnt the basics of wielding a sword. Asahina was quite impressed by how quick he could understand it.
Asahina said that he'll be able to wield a sword in just roughly a week.

But, practicing the sword isn't the only thing Toya has as his duty. Helping the townspeople is also his duty.

There's a few hours left before 6 p.m. Maybe someone would need his help?

Excuse me sir, but can you help me?” A voice calls from behind Akito.

When he turns around, he sees a young girl. She looks around six? Years old.

Akito crouches down and speaks in a soft and gentle tone. “Is something wrong?”

“M-my mom is really sick, but dad isn't home yet. She told me to ask someone to help. So I saw you… Will you help me sir?”

Akito is incredibly weak to the pleading eyes of the child. Without much reluctance, he agrees.

“Our home's this way.” And, that's how Akito finds himself getting dragged around by a six year old.

The girl’s home is quite far away. It made Akito think about the worst things that could happen. But when they reached her house, the girl’s mother was luckily still awake.

“E-eh-, Isamu…”
“Don’t worry mom! Someone’s here to help you!”
“I’m sorry for coming to your house uninvited ma’am, but I’m here to help you.”

Thanks to Isamu who led Akito to the nearest hospital, her mother is currently getting treated. Leaving Akito to take care of Isamu. While he isn’t always near children, Isamu seems happy with his company.

“Big brother! Can you lift me up please?” Isamu decided to call him ‘big brother’ which is quite embarrassing.
“Okay, okay. Hold tight.”

Not long after, a male came into the room.

“ISAMU! Are you and mom okay??” He’s panting, looks like he has been running.
“DAD! I’m fine, and mom is too! It’s all thanks to big brother!” Isamu gets off of Akito’s hand to hug her father.

“Oh, you must be the big brother she’s talking about.” Her dad says while looking at Akito.
“E-eh? Oh, oh. Yeah..?”
“You don’t seem to be from around here…”
“Haha, yeah. I'm not. It's thanks to your daughter that led me here. She's a wonderful child.”

“...Well, Isamu. Since your father's here, I should go now.”
“Huh? But I didn't play much with big brother…”
“Isamu, he's got his own duties, we should let him go.” Isamu didn't hear her father's words, she started sniffling.

“H-hey, I'll meet you sometime in the future. Then I'll play with you, okay?”
“...you promise?”
“Yeah, but for now, I need to go.”
“O-okay, stay safe big brother.”
They waved each other goodbye. Then, Akito left.

Once Akito is out, he stretches his arms and sighs.

“It's already dark, I don't know when I should go back but… since it's my first day… They should be fine with me ending it early, right?”

It took a while for Akito to reach the palace, but the person who greeted him was…

“Back from a busy day darling?”
It was none other than Kamishiro.

“Why are you always around???”
“Hehe, it's a secret.”
“Anyway, you're probably wondering about your room right? Well, lucky for you… You'll be spending the night in my room!” Kamishiro announced with an incredibly big smile.

“W-WHAT!?!?!?”
Kamishiro laughed at Akito’s expression.

“Just kidding, but your room still needs to be set up, and it's weird if you're just standing outside. So, you can stay in my room for a while. If you fall asleep, I'll wake you up when they're done.”

Akito wanted to refuse so badly, but he was getting tired…

“You'll wake me up when they're done?”
“Of course.”
“...Okay.”

Kamishiro led the way to his room, which is two rooms beside Toya's.

“I'm pretty sure Kami’s still awake…”
“Who?”
“Kami, my dragon. She should still be awake.”
“...You named your dragon after yourself?”
“I like it, it means ‘God’ after all.”

True to his word, when he opens the door, there's a dragon playing with… something.

“Oh, Rui. You're back. …Who's that?”
“Hello Kami, this is a guest. He'll be staying here for a while. His name's Shinonome Akito.”

The dragon went to Akito, and gave him her… hand? for a handshake.
“Hey, I’m Shinonome Akito. You can just call me Akito.”
“Hello to you, Akito. Anyway, I’ll head out now, Rui. See ya.” Kami went outside of Rui’s room.

“What’s she doing this late at night?” Akito asks.
“She’s getting me some raw materials for potions. Some ingredients are better when collected at night, so I’m in charge of gathering ingredients in the morning, while Kami takes the night ones. Don’t worry, she sleeps during the day so I’m not overworking her.”

“Anyway, are you hungry? A pretty boy like you shouldn't starve. Let’s get some food from the palace’s chefs.” Knowing Rui, it’s no surprise that he’ll flirt with him.
“I don’t want to burden the chefs. Are there any cooking ingredients here..? I’ll just cook for myself.”

“Ooh~? So you could cook huh? Would you mind cooking for me, beloved?” Rui said with a big grin.

“...Fine. Where's the ingredients?”

After cooking a meal without any vegetables (Akito wonders why), he goes for a quick shower before ‘attempting’ to sleep on the sofa.

“What do you mean I can't sleep on the sofa?? Do you want me to sleep on the floor??” Akito's quite irritated because he's quite tired now.

“No, I would like to offer you to sleep in my bed instead. It'll be more comfortable anyway.”
“...And you'll sleep on the sofa, right?”
Rui said nothing.
“Right..?”

“I wouldn't mind if you'd cuddle with me. You're cute after all.”
“SHUT UP!!!”

After some bickering back and forth, Akito decided to let Rui sleep on his bed. But there's a pillow separating them.

While Rui took a shower, Akito slowly fell asleep. And after getting dressed, Rui looked at the sleeping Akito.

“He's cute not gonna lie, but I'm pretty sure Aoyagi likes him too. Sigh, am I sure that I could win him over?”

Without thinking about it too much, Rui went over to the desk at the end of the room to finish some notes.
Since he had promised, Rui might as well stay up until they're done. He'll sleep after Akito gets safely into his new room

Chapter Text

Akito woke up in a bed by himself.

“...Kamishiro- Eh?” Akito said in confusion.

The room he woke up in doesn't have the… unique things that his room has.

The purple bed, some potions and Kami’s bed.

“Is this… my room? Does that mean he carried me here? Damn, he said he'd wake me up…”
Without thinking about it further, Akito got ready and went outside. He then heard a door open beside him.

“Oh, you're already awake. Sorry for not waking you up. You look so peaceful when you're asleep. I couldn't bring myself to wake you up, so I just carried you to your room. Hope you don't mind.” Kamishiro said to him.

“...Kay, yeah. I don’t mind. Well… I’ll get going now, see ya…”

Akito quickly left to go to the training grounds. He didn’t know if Asahina was already down there, but he could practice by himself if she wasn’t there yet.

“Oh? You’re already here Akito?” Asahina called out to him.

“Yeah, I can’t laze around if Aoyagi isn’t getting better.”
“...I see, let’s get started then. Do you want to try a real sword now?”
“Eh?”

True to her word, Asahina showed him some swords which look incredible. It feels surreal that he could wield a sword now, but this is reality.

They practiced for a while, Akito isn’t used to wielding an actual sword though, so he got some cuts on his wrists. Asahina was quite worried for him, but he shrugged the pain off and told her to just continue teaching him.

Before long, Asahina ended today’s practice because of an errand she had to do. Leaving Akito alone. He was just about to leave the palace before Hiro called out to him.

“Akito.”
“Eh? Hiro? It’s been a while, how’re you and Aoyagi?”
“We’ve been doing fine, but I’d like to follow you if you’re going to go outside.”
“Huh? What about Aoyagi then?”
“He’d be fine. This palace is safe.”
“Okay… Then, let's go!”

Hiro and Akito walked side by side through the town.

Maybe because Aoyagi and Hiro help the civilians around, the townspeople aren’t afraid of asking for his help this time. He managed to help a decent amount of people.

During their walk back to the palace, Hiro told him something he didn’t expect.
“You really like helping people don't you?”
“Huh?”
“Aoyagi sometimes smiles as well after helping the townspeople, so there’s no need to be shy.”
“A-ah… I guess it just makes me feel better seeing them smile… I don’t really know the living conditions here so…”
“Oh right. That reminds me, when Aoyagi gets better, he should introduce you to the Shiraishi’s.”
“Who?”
“The king, queen, and princess.”

Akito let out a high pitched scream.

“...You shouldn't scream so loudly in the middle of the road at night, Akito…”
“S-sorry, but meeting the royals??? I’m not ready for that…”
“You can get ready while waiting for Aoyagi to recover.”
“T-that’s not the point arghhh. You definitely got your way of talking from Aoyagi….”
“You haven’t talked to him long enough to know that.”
“Yeah, but I just have a gut feeling that some of it is from Aoyagi…”

To change the topic, Hiro asked something he had wanted to ask since they met earlier.
“What's with your sleeves?”
“My sleeves? Oh, I hurt myself while I was using a sword earlier. I mean, I am a beginner, mistakes like that are bound to happen.”
“I see, you should take care of yourself though.”
“Yeah, yeah. I understand.”

Akito was about to ask a follow up question, but decided against it when he noticed that they're in front of the palace already.

“I'm gonna head in now, what about you. Hiro?”
“I've got something else to do, I was just escorting you back safely.”
“...You're making it sound like I'm some sort of princess that has to be protected at all costs. Shouldn't you do that to the real princess?”
“It's not my decision to protect you. And you should really see the princess for yourself and evaluate whether she'd need a protector or not.”
Hiro spoke without breaking eye contact with him.

“Yeah, yeah okay. Anyway since you're gonna go out, I guess I'll go in now. Stay safe.”
“Of course, you should also do the same.”
Hiro then flew off and Akito went inside.

Chapter Text

“Hiro.”

“Aoyagi? Is anything wrong?”

“How's Akito these few days? I've been drowning in paperwork so I didn't have an opportunity to check up on him myself.”

“He's been doing good. The townspeople have started to like him lately.”

“Hiro. You know exactly what I mean.”

The room became eerily silent after Toya said that.

“Kamishiro has been getting closer to him…” Toya didn't respond immediately. He frowned then continued.

“Got it. I don't have any paperwork anymore. So I'll be the one beside him later.”

“Of course Aoyagi. He should be with Asahina right now.”

“Very well. You should patrol around today.”

Toya left the room before Hiro could respond.

“He really is in love with Akito. I've never seen him mad at Kamishiro before…”

————————————————

“Akito!”

“Haah! Huft, eh? Toya? You're feelin’ better now?”

“Oh, Aoyagi. Hello.”

“Akito, Asahina. Hello. You both can continue practicing. I'll talk to Akito after you're both done.”

It took about 15 minutes for them to finish. Akito then runs over to Toya to find out about his situation.

“So, Toya. What did you want to talk about?”

“Well, Hiro’s busy today. And since I'm done with my work and feeling better, I'll be the one accompanying you today.”

“Oh, alright. Then should we go now?”

“Of course.”

Toya feels like he's forgetting something, but he'll figure that out later.

————————————————

“Eh? The town’s decorated with roses…”

“So, that's what I forgot!”

“Toya?”

Toya completely forgot that today's the kingdom's anniversary.

“It's basically an event or celebration where people just have fun appreciating the kingdom's ancestors, history and the culture.”

“Ohh, so what do you do during this event?”

“Well, I…-”

“Oh, Aoyagi! Is that you!?”

An unfamiliar cheerful voice could be heard from behind Akito.

“Who?”

“Shiraishi-san. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Shiraishi…?”

Akito looked at the girl that suddenly came up to them.

“Don't be so stiff Aoyagi, and who's this person?”

“Ah, this is Akito. Akito, this is Shiraishi An. The kingdom's princess.”

“HUH!?”

“Whoa, you yell pretty loud.” Shiraishi spoke.

“I-im sorry?”

“Don't be! You seem quite fun to talk to. Where are you from?”

“I don't really know, I just wander around from place to place. I was sticking around here to help with Toya until he recovers. Since he has, I'm about to leave soon…”

“Don't go.”

“Stay here!”

The two of them said in unison.

“Wait, why?”

“I don't know you yet, but you seem like a fun person to hang around with. You know what? You should follow me around and I'll show you why you should stay here!”

She said with a happy face.

“Sure, I guess.”

“Akito, Shiraishi, let me join.” Toya suddenly spoke up.

“Ok!.”

“Sure.”

“Well, I'll lead you around today. Come on, let's start by going to town. Then we'll end in the castle.”

“C-castle…?”

“Don't worry, Akito. I'll be with you.”

They started exploring the town.

It started with going to stores around town, they couldn't go in any shops though because if they did then they might not have enough time to get to the castle.

Everybody seems so happy celebrating, there's some who play games, eat together and just casually chatting too. Makes Akito wish he could join them.

But, when they passed by a certain cafe…

“Huh!?”

“Akito?”

“Is something wrong?”

“...No, everything's fine.”

Akito feels as if that cafe is so familiar to him, maybe if he goes there one day he'll regain some of his past memories.

When they pass by a flower shop, he feels the exact same feeling like before. How odd…

After a few hours, they finally ended with the castle.

“And so, this is the castle of the kingdom you're protecting!” An said while raising both of her hands up high.

“But, in order to become a real knight, you must pass a test first.”

“Ohh, okay…”

“Are you interested in becoming a knight, Akito?” Toya suddenly asked.

“Um… I can't say for sure, but it sounds like it could work…”

“You need full dedication if you want to be a knight! A half hearted response won't do you any good.”

“I'm still not sure… I only have experience of being a non-official knight, so being in a real battlefield sounds a bit…”

“Nerve-wracking?”

“Pretty much…”

Toya, who had been silent, spoke up.

“I'll take care of you.”

“Huh?”

“If you want to become a knight, I'll help you. So, do you want to become a knight with me?”

“...Sure. I'll pledge my loyalty to this kingdom then.”

Akito didn't know why he had agreed so easily, he had been going from one kingdom to another without any care whatsoever. But yet, he feels some sort of connection here…

“You're still kind of unsure with your answer. But I understand, we've basically spent like an entire day walking around. So, you're pretty much bound to be tired. Just tell me your actual decision next time. When you're fully ready, okay? See you both next time!” An left both of them and head inside the castle

“Akito, let's head back together.”

“Oh? Ah yeah… but, we didn't really do much during the festival huh?”

“Well, I was about to invite you to do some activities together, but since Shiraishi called out, I couldn't.”

“Yeah, don't worry I get it. Maybe next year?”

“...You're willing to stay here?”

“E-eh? Ah, no. I usually stay around a year in each kingdom…”

“Oh, okay.”

Without realizing it, they're back. Akito quickly left to go to this room, leaving Toya behind. He was about to follow Akito but…

“Ah, Aoyagi…” After hearing Rui's voice, Toya frowned.

“Kamishiro… we're going to need to talk.”

“Of course, your room or mine?”

“Outside.”

“...Alright then.”

After making sure nobody is outside, Toya starts the conversation.

“So, both of us have feelings for Akito. Right?”

“Yes.”

“I'm sorry to say this to you, but. It's best if you give up now. Unless you don't fear death.”

“Oh? You've never threatened me before, Aoyagi. He must be a real deal huh?”

“Yes, I've never felt this much love with somebody else. So you should back off.”

“Don't forget that we have a fairly similar background, Aoyagi. What if I told you that he also gave me love and made my heart beat faster than ever?”

“...”

“You have a fairly possessive side to you. I won't argue about that, especially since I too feel that way. In fact, you seem ready to eliminate any competition just to keep him by your side. I applaud you for that.”

“...”

“Well, it's already night. So I'll head back now. See you later, Aoyagi.”

After Rui disappeared from his line of sight, Toya talks to himself.

“...He also really likes Akito huh? ...I know I should probably ask Akito who he likes more, but… I'm scared that it's not me. Why do I feel like I need to eliminate any competition just so he'd choose me? …I never knew I was such a selfish person…”

Chapter Text

The next morning, in the castle, Akito was just about to get ready to go into town and investigate the cafe and flower shop from yesterday.

“Oh, it's been awhile, sunshine.”
“Ah, Kamishiro… it's been nice without you around.” Akito answered jokingly

“Hm… if I remember, Asahina is out on a mission, so why are you going outside? Do you need anyone to accompany you?~”
“I'm about to go into town, if you want to follow me then sure I guess.”
“Eh!?” It seems like Rui was fully ready for Akito to reject his proposal.

“What? You don't wanna go?”
“Of course not, I was just-”
“Ah, Akito. And… Kamishiro…” Toya suddenly appeared from his room.
“!.. Toya?” “Aoyagi…”
“What were you guys talking about?”
“Well, I just wanted to go around town since I’m free today…”
“Do you want me to guide you around?”
“I mean-”
“I apologize Aoyagi, but I’ve already told Akito that I’ll be accompanying him. So a guide would not be needed.”
Akito stayed silent as he sees the two knights stare at each other.

“I wouldn't mind if you both accompany me.”
The two knights stopped staring at each other and stared at Akito instead.

“What…? Why are you both staring at me..?” Akito can feel his face growing redder now.

“N-no, if that’s what you want then we can all go together.”
“I agree with what Aoyagi just said.”
“...Cool? Okay let's just go now.”
In hindsight, Akito probably should’ve told the two of them to change out of their knight outfits first, he seems like a criminal who’s being escorted to prison or something. But whatever, that’s not going to stop him from having fun for a while.

“Okay, so where should we go first?”
“We could go to a popular merchant here, the store sells a lot of cool things. From magical to ancient.”
“The town’s flower garden is quite close by, I noticed you looking at a flower shop yesterday, Akito. Why don’t we go to the garden?”
While Rui’s suggestion of a merchant selling antique stuff sounds pretty cool, the flower garden could have a connection to the flower shop from yesterday…

“Yeah, let’s take a look at the flower garden. If we have time left over we should check the merchant.”
“Great. Follow me, Akito.”
Akito could see Toya smiling. What he didn’t see however, is Rui frowning.

“Woah, it’s pretty…”
“It’s actually the town square. It turned to the garden since a competition was held to re-design the town square.”
“From my knowledge, a child submitted this design and they won, so that’s why you can see some child-like elements here, like the swing over there.”
True to Rui’s words, he began seeing some unique things…

Like a hopscotch board in a rocket, a comically big leaf as a bench, and a table with a big flower as an umbrella.

“This town really cares about its people huh? Most of the others I’ve visited had quite empty town square’s…”
“Yes, the Shiraishi’s are always known for their kindness.”
“Why don’t you stay here then? Doesn’t a kind leader interest you?”
“I’m going to look around now…”
Choosing to avoid the question, Akito decides to look at the flowers.

It seems like the various assorted flowers were planted circularly around a fountain. The flowers are also colour coded, kind of like a colour wheel.
Speaking of the fountain, the water’s coming out of a fish’s mouth. Which honestly, could be kind of cute.

Back to the most important thing, the flowers.
There’s some with a variety of colours like the standard roses, hyacinth, and lilies with the occasional larkspurs plus dandelions. But there’s also flowers with a single colour variant like sunflowers, marigolds and carnations.

There isn’t really a specific pattern to the flowers, they sort of look like they’re just mashed together. Seemed like these were the child’s favorite flowers and they just wanted it to be there.
And honestly? If he were asked to list his favorite flowers per colour, these would make it up there.

While he circles around looking at each flower, Rui and Toya who had nothing better to do sat down in one of the chairs and just looked at Akito for a while.
Eventually, Akito goes back to the two of them.

“I’m done now, sorry for making you guys wait.”
“No, it’s fine. You seem pretty interested in flowers.”
“Yeah, I have always liked flowers. This one time-”
“I think it’ll be better for you to share the story while eating, no?”
“I guess, I am getting quite hungry now…”
“Why don’t you follow me, Akito? I know a great restaurant around here.”
“Yea sure. Lead the way Toya!”