02

Hakuryuu and Judar started living together. The first one was very awkward about this but worked hard on hiding it, since he thought Judar would mock him. He'd discovered his usual behavior in no time, and he didn't like it an inch. Judar was almost the total opposite of him. He was carefree and did whatever he want, no matter what the result was. However, Hakuryuu was usually very cautious and analysed the situations before acting in order to choose the most suitable option.

Even while internally complaining about him, the prince never argued with Judar, mostly because he didn't want to spend time getting angry with him. He prefered to waste his hours studying and learning, which, to Judar's eyes, was a lot more boring than arguing. They were also too different on that. The foreign always had something who complain about, even if they were unimportant details. He was specially fussy with Rakushou's manners. He needed to behave like someone from there as Hakuryuu told him, but he hated that. Judar couldn't understand why he couldn't act as always, but Rakushou was a very strict city, and Hakuryuu was aware of the dangers he could suffer from that. People there were very used to pick on strangers, and the fourth prince didn't want his guest to pass trough this, no matter how Judar tried to undo his fears. Not because Hakuryuu was specially worried about him, but to avoid unnecessary problems. Specially to avoid people knowing he was hiding Judar in his room. Gosh, he felt so foolish having to conceal someone. Both of them wanted Judar to be free, but they also knew it wasn't possible, not at the moment at least, until Hakuryuu gained some trust on him.

While he was at it, they spent much time talking. When Hakuryuu was in his room, it was usually to study, but because of Judar that became difficult and he moved to other places, although they discussed a lot at night in exchange. They were tired, but it didn't matter. Judar was curious about Hakuryuu's style of living, and viceversa. Telling stories to each other about them was good; it helped to get closer and was kinda refeshing.

For the meals, Hakuryuu'd usually prepare something and bring it to the room for Judar. Then, he'd either eat it gladly or say ''this is gross!'' and throw it out with no respect for the cook. Normally, they eated in silence except for Judar's complaints, but one day, Hakuryuu remembered something and asked:

''How's your job search going?''

Judar had to make an effort to not laugh. ''Huh? Good, of course.''

''Really? Then, will you find one soon?''

''Uhm… Yeah, sure!''

''That's good.''

Not like Hakuryuu was rushed on making Judar leave, but he did feel better if he found a job and lived somewhere else. The prince had already many things to worry about and Judar just added more pressure to him, so he really wanted to disencumber.

However, those words were obviously a lie. It didn't take much time for Hakuryuu to discover the truth. In fact, not only Judar didn't find where to work, but he didn't even bother searching for one. When Hakuryuu faced him, this was his answer:

''Oh, man! What did you expect!? Those things are too tricky and they make no sense! You have to be a whole hour clicking nonsense to get what you want!'', Judar said while shaking a modern-type mobile phone.

Hakuryuu sighed trying to calm himself down and restrain his urges to punch the other man on the face.

''They aren't that complex. You should have asked me for help if you can't use them.''

''I, it's not like I can't use them! I just don't want to! They're a hassle.''

Of course, Judar wouldn't admit that he had no clue about how to use modern devices. His pride was too big for that.

''…Could you be a little quieter? With how loud you are, it makes no sense hiding you.''

Judar clicked his tongue in annoyance, but he knew Hakuryuu was right, so he remained silent for once. Then, he got a great idea.

''Hey, why don't I join your army? This is an Empire, right? I like fighting and I'm pretty good at it.''

''Don't be foolish, you can't. First of all, you'd need a proper training and I honestly don't think you'd pass it. And you need to be born in Kou in order to join.''

''Huh? That's stupid! Birth has nothing to do with abilities! Can't you do anything about it? You're a prince. Just request them to put me in!''

Hakuryuu sighed once more, slowly getting even more irritated. Nevertheless, after thinking about it for some seconds, he realized that what Judar'd suggested wasn't totally irrational.

''I could do it, but… I can't.''

''What the hell, man!''

Hakuryuu hushed for a moment in order to reflect. Getting on the army by a direct order from a prince wasn't specially hard. However, he doubted if that was a good idea. He couldn't trust Judar yet. What if he really was a spy? Even while Hakuryuu didn't

want to suspect him, he couldn't avoid it. If something happened it would be his fault and responsibility. He couldn't even imagine the consequences of that.

''Let's make a deal.'' Hakuryuu proposed, ''If you proof that you deserve my trust, I'll let you in the army.''

''What do you want me to do?''

''Hm…'' Hakuryuu took a while to think about it since he wasn't so sure himself. They were a lot of ways to show he wasn't a potential enemy, but he wondered which would be the best one. He should deffinitely put Judar's life on the line in order to gain all the belief on him. He didn't think he could really trust him otherwise. However, without any wars happening, this wasn't easy to do.

''I don't mind dying. You can just kill me if I betray you.'', Judar said.

''Well, that's… right. Still, you'll have to wait some weeks. First of all, we need to sign some papers, then…''

Hakuryuu explained everything to him. He didn't seem to understand most of it, but if he knew what to do, that was fairly enough. The process was a hassle and it took a lot of time, but it was worth it. The payment for it was good, too. But above all of it, Judar loved fighting. So it was perfect.

Once they were done with the explanaitions, Hakuryuu started preparing the paperwork on his own since there was no way Judar could do it, and he just lazed around meanwhile.

Little by little, they both got used to live together, and it wasn't that bad. They had a distant relationship of only roommates, but that was enough, and they were both totally fine with that. They did have friendly chats time to time, and joked around (mostly Judar), but they weren't any closer than that.

Hakuryuu also began showing many modern devices to him, since most of them were necessary to live comfortably in Rakushou. Judar was amazed which each one and liked it more than the precedent. It was fun for the prince to show him the world, and he learned things too at the same time from Judar. Life in the fields seemed to be hard. There weren't any comodities like there and they weren't nearly as rich as Kou's nobles. Also, they lived cramped and everyone together due to lack of space. Judar liked to complain about that life style, but Hakuryuu suspected that he missed it at least a little bit.

Judar never talked about his family or friends, or the people in his village. Maybe he didn't even have people he cherished. He seemed to be quite lonely. With this on mind,

Hakuryuu ended up wishing to know more about him. He was curious. However, he didn't ask too much, not only because he was usually a shy person, but also because he thinked it might disturb Judar. If he wasn't open about speaking on himself yet, he'd wait until he was. Not like Hakuryuu talked much about personal things either.

After some weeks, the paperwork for the army was all done. Judar assisted to the trainings and became a soldier. However, he had a lot of problems. He was too picky for that job and his bosses didn't like his carefree behavior.

In his first day, he argued with his boss because he didn't like the uniform. At the end, he earned a punch on the face and obviously had to wear the uniform. He was dumb, but he learned quickly, so the following days nothing like that happened again.

When he returned discreetly to Hakuryuu's room, he didn't waste any time before changing to his usual clothes. The military ones were too uncomfortable and he couldn't get used to them. When he was done changing he reported his day to the prince, who made efforts to not laugh at Judar's words.

Hakuryuu really liked that daily life he had now. He had fun with his new friend, although he didn't accept him as such yet, and he learned to communicate better in general. He started talking more and more with other people, including his family or just civilians. He seemed much alive, not like before. Hakuei was also glad to see his improvement, even if she didn't know the reasons. If he was happier, she was it too, no matter why.

Judar got better on fighting, and everyone was proud of him in the army, despite his behavior, which also got better, but was still not enough. His bosses were fond of his abilities, and knew he would be very useful in war. Judar was glad about it too and was excited about conflicts to the point he didn't want to wait a second more. Surely no one was that ready to risk their lifes as him. The thrill of being near to death was what he soughed, being the most fun experience in his opinion. It would be nice if it was something less dangerous, but he was also helpful for Kou, so there was no problem with it. Hakuryuu also accepted it, since Judar got a lot of money from joining the army. Still, war wasn't near yet, so everything was just training, training and more training.

While he was at it, rumours started spreading. It was already strange that no one was suspicious of Judar living there in all those weeks, but it finally happened. Gossips started about why was Hakuryuu in a better mood, or why he would confine himself more in his room, and unfortunately, Hakuei got to hear them and got curious. She didn't ask them for details, but she prefered to talk to Hakuryuu directly.

She approached him when he was alone, cooking the dinner, after she noticed how he was cooking way more food than what was necessary for him.

''Hakuryuu? What's all that for?''

He was startled to hear her voice, since the Palace was usually nearly empty by that time. Still, he made great efforts to hide it and replied in a normal tone.

''Uh… I'm just hungry today. Do you want some too?''

''No, I'm fine.''

Hakuei took a seat near to him and rested her head between her hands, watching him cook.

''Hey, you look bright lately. Did anything good happened?''

''I don't know what're you talking about. Nothing happened really.''

Hakuryuu reflected about it in silence. Maybe he could tell her about Judar. He was afraid about how she would react, but she was his sister, and they trusted each other. If Hakuryuu believed Judar wouldn't harm them, she would trust it. Plus, she'd be a big help if she partaked the secret, and the prince would feel more relaxed too.

However, before doing anything on his own, he wanted to ask Judar. He didn't want to take any action without him agreeing, although he was almost 100% sure he would be okay with it. Hakuryuu could also blackmail him to accept, but there was no point on that. If that was his plan, it was much easier to just tell Hakuei the truth without any waiting. But it clearly wasn't; Hakuryuu wasn't that kind of person.

''Okay,'' Hakuei nodded, ''but you know you can count with me for anything. I'm your sister after all!''

''Yes.'' He smiled briefly, softened by her words. ''I know.''

''Enjoy the meal.'' With these words, she left the kitchen.

Hakuryuu finished cooking and prepared everything to bring it to the room where Judar was already waiting. He would use that chance to ask him about telling everything to Hakuei. With this on his mind, Hakuryuu started walking towards his room. Once he was there, he offered his part of the dinner to Judar, who gladly begun eating without waiting for the other one to even sit.

''This is good! What's its name?'' Judar asked.

''Kung Pao chicken. It's popular here. Is it your first time eating this?''

''Of course.'' He rolled his eyes as if Hakuryuu'd asked something too obvious, ''How would I eat this if not? It looks expensive.''

''It isn't…''

They spoke as they ate, enjoying typicall conversations without much meaning. After that, Hakuryuu entered the conversation he was waiting.

''I've got a sister called Hakuei. I think I've mentioned her before.''

''Huh? Maybe. I don't remember.''

Hakuryuu sighed, not surprised about his carefree words. He got used to them already.

''…I want to tell her about you.''

''Sure, do it.''

''…What?''

''Huh?''

Judar seemed more confused than the prince, but they both were.

''It was you who wanted to keep me shut-in. Not like I'm hiding here because I want.''

''…You're right, I guess. But I thought you would like to know more about her before agreeding.''

''Not really. I don't care about those things. She's probably another boring noble.''

''What do you mean by ''another''?''

''Just what you're guessing.'' Judar smiled mocking him, but Hakuryuu made sure to return it by kicking him in the leg without much force, although enough to make him complain.

''Okay then, I'll tell her.''

''Fine.''

Hakuryuu felt more relaxed about checking how easy it went. He didn't even need to convince Judar, but he understood it after a while. Judar was right. He wasn't hidden there for choice, so it was normal if he didn't care about being found. It was precisely the prince who was strict about that.

''…I want more Something-chicken.''

''It's called Kung Pao. And I won't make more today.''