Even though he had accepted me as his official assistant, things hadn't really changed.

I had to still do everything when he wasn't around.

When new documents came in, I had to place them on his desk when he was out or else he'd look at me like I was the devil.

When he finished those said documents, I had to make sure they were in order when he wasn't around or else he'd look at me like I was the devil.

When it came to delivering those documents to whoever they were supposed to go to, I had to do it when he wasn't around because he'd look at me like I was the devil.

It was rather difficult to work around his schedule but I had to be flexible to his unusual quirks. He wasn't an open person to begin with and if I wanted things to get done, they'd have to be done in his own terms. So it didn't bother me that when he was around and no documents were involved, all he wanted me to do was get him tea and watch over Goku.

I knew my work was having some effect because even though Konzen never admitted it and he probably never will, his stress levels had gone down a little. I could especially tell when the three of us were together, he stopped looking at me like an unwanted guest.

Which I had to thank Goku for that.

If he was happy with me, it seemed like Konzen unconsciously was too.

And after spending the majority of my days with Goku I really saw how this little guy could make a big impact. He had a big heart and wanted nothing more but to do good things. There was no drop of ill intent in him.

The gods don't like people who can expose them to their greed and manipulation. It definitely says something if they even restrained him with those chains. That is only taken in extreme cases, So exactly what are they trying to do with Goku?...There's something not right and if Goku's making friends with someone like Nataku, I'm not sure what can come of it.

Goku had told me about his friendship with Nataku on my second day of working for Konzen.

The way he described Nataku really surprised me.

It wasn't the Nataku everyone saw.

He's just a kid like Goku.

Nataku wanted to be Goku's friend just as much as Goku wanted to be his.

An uneasiness started to surface at the pit of my stomach.

Do not get attached.

My uncle's words echoed.

An assistant is there to support their lord. If they need anything, we will be the one to provide it without hesitation. Emotions should always be concealed.

I thought back to the days of my training and how that was drilled into our minds.

The letters on the documents I was holding started to blur.

"Manou! Manou!" Goku ran up to me happily. Konzen had just left to another meeting and it was just the two of us. "Let's go out!"

We had made it a habit to go out and explore certain public places around heaven when Konzen wasn't around. This way Goku could get some of his curiosity out of the way and save him from getting in trouble.

"Can we explore the castle? I really want to see Nataku again!""

When I didn't answer, His eagerness died down.

"Manou, what's wrong?"

"Huh?"

He wrapped his arms around my hips and his big golden eyes looked at me filled with worry.

"I'm sorry Goku. I spaced out for a little."

A knock at the door, interrupted the two of us.

"Who could that be?" I asked walking to open the door as Goku was still tied around me.

Uncle raised an eyebrow at me once I opened the door.

"Manou?"

"Ah! Uncle!"

Goku let go of me and he went up to my uncle.

"You're the guy with the mustache!"

"Huh?"

"Yeah, you're the guy with the mustache." Goku laughed and turned to me. "Remember when I thought every assistant had a mustache like he did?"

"I remember...Hey, Goku why don't you color a picture for him?"

"Okay!" His eyes sparkled. He then turned back to uncle and pointed straight at him. "I'll draw you the best flowers!"

With that he ran to get his coloring supplied.

After, we both made sure he was too far away to listen, uncle gave me a disapproving look.

"It's been a week since you started your service and he's still not aware of what's appropriate?"

"It's nice to see you again too, Uncle."

"Don't dodge the question. You're demonstrating poor training."

I looked away from him, not knowing how to respond.

Which made my uncle sigh.

"Other than that, you have been doing a decent job. Lord Konzens work has been turned in on time. The Goddess is happy with that."

"Thank you, Uncle."

"Remember, Manou that the job of an assistant is to make sure there is no unnecessary trouble comes to their lord. Therefore, I do hope you do better with dealing with the heretic child. Telling him to go color can only do so much."

"I know uncle but I am following my training. You were the one who taught me that when put into a new environment, the assistant has to practice extreme patience and adaptability to learn about what can be used for their benefit."

"I am only telling you this because of rumors that have spread."

"What rumors?"

"That the golden eyed boy has made friends with other heretics."

I felt a strong sensation spread across my chest.

"Yes, it's true."

"Then you know how this puts Lord Konzen in possible trouble."

"Yes." I answered meekly. "Lord Li Touten…"

"No matter how good of an actor he is, there is nothing but bad things associated with him. The man looks for ways to use people." Uncle's eyes stayed on me for a second before he closed them. "As much as I am proud of the potential you have. Things are different when in training compared to what actually happens. One must not slip up."

"Both my duty to my lord and you are what will keep me on my toes."

My uncle smiled.

"This is how I know that the trust I put on you will never go to waste."

I tried my best to smile back but the strong sensation I felt earlier grew.

It was guilt.

Goku's footsteps were heard again when he reappeared in the room.

"It took three tries but I did it!" He handed my uncle a piece of paper. "The best flower!"

My uncle looked down at it and raised both eyebrows in surprise.

"Ah, I must admit it is really good."

"Aaaaand it's the flower I gave Manou!"

"Her flower?" My uncle asked in a low voice and his eyes wandered to the pink petals that sat on the side of my head.

"Yeah." Goku grinned. "You're her uncle right? You must miss her since she's with us all the time. This way when you miss her, just look at that drawing."

My uncle was left speechless for a second before he regained his composure.

"Ah...well, thank you."

"If you ever want another one. Just ask!"

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Uncle thanked Goku again and asked me to walk him out the door.

I told Goku to color me something which he agreed to and went back to his secluded area.

"Manou…" My uncle began once we were both out the door. "That child...He loves you."

My eyes widened at hearing him.

"Uncle…"

"Do not forget your duty because if it is ever required, you will be expected to help chain him down."

"If that is what is expected of me then I will."

My mouth felt like it wasn't mine as these words came out.

They were bitter and painful.

"Good." My uncle lowered his shoulders, relieved. "I expect those finished documents by the end of the night."

"I will deliver them before that."

After he left, it took me a while to go back in.

That guilty feeling had returned.

It was pressing its weight against me.

Whatever happens, I will do what is expected of me,

Even if I repeated this to myself, something just didn't feel right.

I pushed my feelings down.

Coming inside, I was meet with the sound of snoring.

When going to see where it had been coming from, I saw Goku sprawled out on the floor asleep.

I grabbed the nearest blanket and covered him with it.

My hand accidentally touched his chains and I instantly was able to capture the cool sensation.

Would I really be alright with that?

I wasn't able to give myself an honest answer so I decided to go back to doing paperwork, which I was able to finish within a few hours.

Goku was still asleep at that time and considering the paperwork needed to be dropped off, I made my way out of the office.

Thankfully, uncle wasn't there.

I really didn't want to see him again because he would be able to read my uncertainty.

He'd be able to see it a mile away and ask the Goddess to relieve me. All that work I have already completed will seem meaningless. I can't do that to Lord Konzen or Goku.

I stopped and took a deep breathe.

I need to get ahold of myself.

When I got back to Konzen's office, my heart almost jumped out of my chest when I didn't find Goku sleeping anymore.

"G-Goku?!"

No answer.

My feet started to move on their own and they ran into every room.

He was nowhere to be found.

I caught sight of some of the drawings Goku had done and my eyes widened realizing where he had gone.

One one of the drawings, there was an image of Nataku.

The castle!

The door burst open and out I came out.

Every Time my foot hit the ground, it was brief but it was just enough to push me forward.

Dodging several of the servants, I passed by them running like mad.

Some even threw themselves to the side in order to avoid me.

Eventually, the castle was up ahead.

There's a huge crowd. Don't tell me he got caught!

A noise off in the distance caught my attention.

That's Goku!

I moved closer to hear well.

"Nataku! Nataku!" I heard him yell.

I continued to move closer to see him holding a very bloody Nataku.

My gaze then went to a group of guards that made their way their way towards him.

Goku hadn't noticed them.

I jumped out of the crowd and ran to stop them.

"Don't touch him!" I ordered, stepping in between Goku and the guards. "He is my responsibility."

"Manou! He's really hurt!"

Once he turned to me, big hot tears began to run down his face.

"You have to help him!"

"Goku, you need to settle down….Now, I need you to let these people take Nataku. They can help him feel better."

He shut his mouth but the tears still wouldn't stop.

"I won't make you leave." My voice lost its edge and went soft. "We can stay here until he's awake."

Goku nodded and held his arms out.

The guards hesitated and just looked at him.

"Well?" I asked, my harsh tone returning.

They changed their composure and grabbed Nataku, taking him inside.

Out from the crowd of people, stepped out a man clapping.

My eyes widened once they meet another pair of blue eyes..

"Jakkun?" I asked speechless.

The man in front of me was tall with light brown hair that reached his shoulders.

He smiled down at me when hearing me call his name.

"It's been a long time. It's nice to see you again, Manou."

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm the one who sent those guards you stopped." His smile widened seeing me freeze. "I'm Lord Li Toutens assistant."

I became tense for a second when hearing that name.

I shook it off when I noticed that Jakkun was analyzing me.

"Forgive me for getting in the way of your service."

"No, no. It's fine. I must say it was quite a sight to see. I was impressed seeing how dedicated you are. You might be a little more dedicated than me" He stopped smiling and glanced over at Goku, who just stayed quiet and watched the two of us speak. "To think we both trained together constantly, only to get stuck with the same job...taking care of heretics."

Goku was about to open his mouth, feeling like he'd been insulted but stopped him.

"You might say that but to be the one who watches over Prince Nataku. Lord Li Touten must have chosen you for a reason. Not just anyone can be trusted with his son. "

"I can't say no if you put it that way."

"I know that's why I said it."

His face fell at my response, making Goku laugh.

"You haven't changed one bit." Jakkun said under his breath. "As an act of goodwill, I will ignore that and lead you both inside to where Prince Nataku is. That way no one will bother you."

I lowered my head and bowed, thanking him.

"It's just this once." He gave Goku one dirtier look then walked ahead of us. "Follow me."

I grabbed Goku's hand and squeezed it.

"Let's go."

He said nothing but followed.

We waited for a while then the medical group brought Nataku inside a small room with just a bed.

They made sure he was laid down comfortably before leaving.

Just like that, the room was empty with only Goku and me.

I would have figured Jakkun would have stayed...but the way he showed regard over his job. I'm not surprised.

I looked over at Nataku's sleeping figure.

I don't think it even matters. Their concern is whether or not their product is good or not. Considering how everyone talks about him, they don't care if he needs anyone here.

Surprisingly, Goku had been quiet this whole time.

I peered over at him as he sat next to Nataku.

"They said he should wake up soon."

"Huh?" He asked, picking his head up.

"He'll be fine." I reassured him. "So don't have such a long face."

"...Yeah." He looked down once more then looked over at me. "Why are you being so nice to me? I sneaked off like I wasn't supposed to...but you're not mad…."

I shut my mouth and looked away.

"I'm sorry all I can do is get in trouble...that's why that guy looked at me that way...he even gave you that look when you didn't do anything. It's all because of me."

"Goku, don't you ever let it get to you." I snapped, placing my hand on his cheek. "The way Jakkun looks at you doesn't matter because he doesn't know you like Lord Konzen or I do."

"But-"

"That's why I didn't even bother to scold you because I knew you were scared."

Goku's lip quivered as he looked at me.

"Manou..."

"But don't ever do that again. You nearly gave me a heart attack."

Before Goku mouth could respond, his stomach did for him when it rumbled.

"I'll go get you something." I ruffled his hair. "Stay here. I'll be back."

"Can you get something for Nataku too?"

"Of course."

I walked out and wandered around the castle with no problem.

Everyone here seemed to be doing their own thing or they probably weren't curious as to what I was doing.

As I passed by a group of soldiers, I noticed something.

None of them seem injured.

As I continued to search for the dining area, I continued to pass more and more soldiers.

They are all just fine. Did they just let Prince Nataku fight alone? I wouldn't be surprised but still. It's horrible.

Eventually my wondering around led me to some food and I grabbed two plates.

Again no one seemed to mind considering they were too busy focusing on themselves.

When I reached Nataku's room, I opened the door to find Goku happily chatting with Nataku.

Nataku suddenly became extremely cold and his eyes watched me like a hawk.

"Manou, you came back just in time!" Goku yelled jumping away from his seat. "Nataku is awake!"

"That means you two can share these." I replied, taking out a plate of meat buns behind my back.

"Yupeee!"

Goku took one and stuffed it into his mouth. He took another one and handed it to Nataku, who was hesitant at first then eventually took it.

"Oh Manou! Once Nataku heals up, we are going to go on adventures. He's going to show me around."

Nakatus jerked his head hearing Goku.

He seemed upset.

"I'm sure he knows more interesting places than I do."

"You're not going to stop us?"

"Huh?" I turned to Nataku with raised eyebrows.

His question surprised me but then I understood why he asked.

"I probably should but I won't. Everybody needs a distraction from this place right? I won't in the way of yours."

Nataku's eyes widened at my response.

"You should eat." I told him smiling. "That way you can go out in no time."

Goku who had his mouth stuffed encouraged him as well and said a few other things but his mouth was full of food so it was hard to make out what else he said.

The rest of the time was spent with the two young boys talking to each other while I sat close by.

Eventually they both feel asleep.

It's amazing to see them so peaceful.

I started to move the empty plates of food out of their way when I noticed that one side of the blanket Nataku had on his wasn't covering him.

So I carefully tucked him back in again.

Looking into his face, I felt the same way I did about Goku.

He really is just a kid too.

Then the words Uncle told me today rang in my ears.

Even after what he said, I did a lot of things today that were not okay.

My eyes wandered over to Goku's sleeping face and that guilty feeling returned.

It's not fair.

I put my guard up when I heard someone approach the door.

"Hey monkey, get your butt over here!"

I froze seeing Konzen at the door.

He on the other hand stopped when he saw that Goku and Nataku were asleep

It took him a second to adjust to the situation.

"Lord Konzen, I can explain." I began seeing his scowl deepened.

"Don't give me that face." He stopped next to Goku and let out an irritated sigh. "So it was true that he came back pretty beat up."

"Yes, my lord. He didn't wake up until just a little while ago."

"I see. Let's go then."

He moved to yank Goku by the hair but I stopped him by insisting I can carry him.

"You can carry him?"

"I've learned that when he's asleep, he is light enough to carry."

Konzen said nothing which meant he was curious to see if I could.

I walked over to Goku and gently pulled him away from Nataku.

Then I put his hands around my shoulders and lifted him up as he laid on my back.

"See, my Lord." I said smiling. "Even you can carry him if you ever need too."

"What was that?"

I shut my mouth realizing what I had said.

"Ugh, forget it. Let's go."

"Yes, my lord."

I carefully followed behind him as he led the way.

As we were walking out of the gates, I didn't notice someone had been watching us.

Jakkun hid in the shadows as he studied the three of us.

"So that is his assistant?" Li Touten asked coming to his assistant's side.

"Yes, my lord."

"Hmm, this could be interesting."

"Just say when and I can go after her my lord." Jakkun placed a hand on the sheath of his sword and bowed his head.

"I'm not too interested yet. I will let you know when the time comes."

"As you wish, my lord."

Li Touten walked passed his assistant without saying more.

As Jakkun heard his footsteps, a smile appeared on his face.

"You were always so weak, Manou."

As the three of us continued to walk back to his office, Konzen broke the silence.

"I'll let this time slide. Knowing that monkey, he would have sneaked out once he heard about Nataku."

"Yes." I replied looking away.

If he only knew the truth.

"It's better to have you with him. It's less troublesome."

I looked back at him, shocked by his compliment.

"That doesn't mean sneak of when you want to. I expect you two there when I finish with my meetings. I felt like a dumbass, receiving the looks I got from the castle servants when I explained I was looking for my assistant and my pet!"

My shocked expression left and I couldn't help but start to laugh.

"Sorry, my lord." I said as I used one hand to cover my face. "I just can't help but imagine."

Konzen started to get mad and was about to shut me up until he was quieted down when he heard Goku laughing.

We both stopped, expecting him to show signs that he was awake but he just let out another snore.

Finally finished the 2nd Chapter!

Goku is already attached to her because the way I see it, that is in Goku's nature to attract certain people for a reason. So I am developing Manou's character to struggle with this. Considering it goes against her duty as an assistant. She is supposed to do her job and nothing more than that. Developing emotional attachments are out of the question. Yet she finds herself questioning if it is right to be this way. She will eventually get her answer and most importantly help her relationship with Konzen. I want to develop their romantic relationship slow so please hang on.

As for now, I am trying to get through Gaiden in a way that connects to the second part of the story where the original story takes place.

Thank you for reading~

If you have any questions, want to share your thoughts, or just want to give feedback please do so by reviewing :)