Chapter Text
Sonaria, a coastal kingdom of vibrant life and music. All the people are happy and live fulfilling lives, spending their days singing and dancing instead of toiling away at work. Life is good.
And there is only one figure to thank for the blissful lives everyone in Sonaria lives. And that is the Goddess of song and life herself; Hatsune. Legend says that the Goddess created the first song, and spread it throughout the land to lift the hearts of all those troubled.
The statue of Hatsune standing in the middle of the town square is a common place for nobles and common folk alike to pray. So, it’s no surprise Honami would find one of the royal knights kneeling before the statue, his head hanging low and his brow furrowed.
“Ah, Sir Tsukasa. It’s good to see you.” She bows her head to the knight, showing him a gentle smile as he turns his head to her.
“Sister Honami, what are you doing outside of the church?” Tsukasa questions, glancing down at the basket in her hands. “Running errands, I presume.”
Honami nods her head, holding out the basket towards him, showing the various foodstuffs within. “Correct. But, I do have a question for you, Sir. If you don’t mind.” Upon receiving a nod from the knight, she continues. “What are you asking of the Goddess this time?”
Tsukasa pauses, looking back up at the statue’s serenely closed eyes. He then sighs, lowering his head once more. “The same thing I pray for every day. That my dear sister will return.”
Honami’s heart clenches at his words, and she lowers her own gaze to the polished stone of the ground.
“Ah, right. Dear Saki…” She sighs wistfully, before plastering a smile back onto her lips. “I’m sure she’ll return soon. We were quite close as children, I know she wouldn’t abandon her home.”
Tsukasa nods, letting out a heavy sigh as he stands tall once more. “Yes, she will return…” He turns back to the priestess, bowing with his hand to his heart. “Perhaps I will find her on our next outing.”
“Another campaign?” Honami sighs, a sadness coming to her eyes. “This land is already so peaceful. I don’t see the point in going out so much.”
Tsukasa only lets out a short laugh, shaking his head at the priestess. “A knight’s duty never ends, no matter how peaceful his home is.”
Upon returning to the knights’ manor, Tsukasa is met with his squire at the door…and the sound of shouting from within.
“Welcome back, Sir Tsukasa!” The squire, Len, greets his knight, making quick work to help him out of his cape and coat.
“Akito and Mizuki again?” Tsukasa asks plainly, gaining a weary sigh from the squire.
“Yes. I-I tried to calm them down, but they won’t listen to me!”
“I’ll handle it.” Tsukasa gently rests his hand on Len’s head, before heading further into the manor.
Upon reaching the courtyard, he saw his feuding comrades.
Mizuki, ever lighthearted, with a mischievous grin on her lips.
And Akito, brows furrowed and teeth bared in a snarl.
Tsukasa groans, stepping up to the table the two were sitting at. “What are you two arguing about now?” He asks, exasperation clear in his tone.
“This one,” Akito starts, glaring at the dame across from him, “has chosen to spend her afternoon pestering me instead of preparing for our next campaign.”
“Whaat, I’m not allowed to socialize with my comrades?” Mizuki rebuts, leaning forward on the table with a cheeky grin. “All I did was ask how your latest poem to the late prince is coming along.”
“Stop saying ‘late prince’! You make it sound like he’s dead!” Akito shouts, a redness coming to his cheeks.
“Enough, you two!” Tsukasa exclaims, slamming his hands on the table between them, making them both jump back. “Akito is right. We need to prepare for our upcoming outing. Where are Shiho and Ichika?”
“Last I saw, they were heading towards the field to spare together.” Akito answers, averting his gaze from the woman across from him.
Tsukasa nods, and turns to leave the two alone once more. “Remember, we’ll be leaving early to meet with the Baron of Draconia.” He declared over his shoulder. “Don’t spend all night arguing.”
The two let out sounds of affirmation, watching their comrade leave the courtyard.
“...sooo.” Mizuki picks up after a moment of awkward silence.
Akito groans, shaking his head in exasperation. “It’s coming along fine.” He finally admits. “My poetry has been getting far better in his absence. I’m sure he’ll be proud when he finally returns.”
“Or maybe he’ll laugh in your face, just like the last time he read your poetry.” Mizuki jokes, gaining a frustrated growl from the paladin.