The next morning, KoEnma was still feeling a bit unsure about the events that happened the night before. The stack of papers that needed to be reviewed and signed were growing by the minute, yet his outbox stayed empty. He couldn't concentrate. With a slightly cold palm, he rubbed his forehead in exhaust. Botan was suppose to have been in his office by now, and the prince was beginning to become frustrated at her tardiness. He really needed to talk with her about everything that was going on. He had nobody else to turn to.
After several more agonizing minutes had passed, Botan came flying in through the door at an alarming speed, She jumped off her oar right in front of the desk and bowed. "I'm so sorry I was late, KoEnma-sama. Please forgive me." She looked up at him with her sparkling purple eyes, trying to determine if he was angry. The young man ushered her towards the door, "Come with me. I want to talk with you in private."
The duo strolled through the halls and out the back door to the castle. The area back here had been converted into a beautiful zen garden. While most people in the castle were too busy to enjoy such things, KoEnma liked to spend time out here when he was stressed. The quietness offered him a chance to think. It felt odd being with Botan. He had always been alone out here. Turning towards his assistant, he sighed, "I spoke with my father last night." Hesitating, KoEnma continued, "He wants me to take his place." Botan nodded, understanding the direction her friend was going with this. He had confided in her before that he was scared of becoming King. "I… don't know if I can. I know I have to, eventually. But I've never gone it alone. I've always had you and the Spirit Detectives by my side. I guess I'm just afraid that if I fall, I wont have anyone to catch me." Botan looked into his deep brown eyes. The eyes that once normally exuded confidence and assurance looked distress and frightened. He wasn't kidding.
"KoEnma, sir, you'll always have me. I promise I'll always be here for you." The words Botan spoke were true, but they had another meaning to her. She loved KoEnma. After all the years they spent together, she wanted nothing more than to finally tell him. But she just… couldn't. It wouldn't be right, for a ferry girl like herself to have feelings for a Prince. When KoEnma became King, he would marry a higher up noble, not somebody like Botan. Besides, he never displayed any feelings of affection for her anyway. If she did tell him, it would be unrequited.
KoEnma placed a hand on her shoulder, "Thank you. I have one last mission for you, as my assistant. I want to go speak with Genkai about this matter. I'd like if you would escort me there, like you did years ago."