I started to sneak outside the castle walls to meet with Tashiro. We got together in the forest nearby to plan out our pranks. I was really excited to see Amari's face, I couldn't wait. He was going to be the biggest challenge and we were going to get him big time.
Tashiro had some really good ideas. When listening to them, I really started to believe we could pull it off.
It was time to stop planning and get to it already. This was happening! And no one is going to stop me!... or Tashiro…
"You ready, Shiro?!" I was super pumped.
"Shiro, huh?"
"Is something wrong?" I hope I didn't offend him or anything. I just wanted to give him my own personal nickname and Tashi was clearly taken.
"Not at all. It's just one I haven't heard before. Everyone at home calls me Tashi."
I gave a victorious smile. "Is that so? I will gladly be the first."
"I like it…" A pink tint on his cheeks appeared.
I felt my cheeks burn at the thought of him liking it that much. "So what are you waiting for?! Let's do this!" I returned my enthusiasm.
"Right!"
First thing we did when we snuck into the castle, was find Amari's office. I placed a bunch of sneezing powder over his documents and readied ourselves in the shadows of the closet.
We waited patiently till Amari entered the room. I didn't even realize I was holding my breath. He took a seat and I waited in great anticipation. Unfortunately, it had to wait because there was a knock on the door. I heard Amari greet…. PRINCE ZEN! OH NO! He is going to blow up at us, if he finds out or worse, takes the hit!
We overheard them talking.
"Amari. I would like you to accompany me on the routine inspection to the surrounding watchtowers. It shouldn't take longer than a day."
"I will prepare for the trip." Amari answered confidently.
"Very well. I will see you at the western gate in half an hour." Prince Zen sounded like he was leaving the room.
I heard a chair move and then footsteps towards the door. I could only assume that Amari was following him out.
That means we will have to wait until he gets back from those inspections. Before we could leave the closet, after they had disappeared, I heard the door open again. Maybe he returned? I hope he doesn't play with his paperwork before he goes. Prince Zen would be furious! I heard rustling of papers. I felt like my heart was going to stop. Here it comes.
"Hachu!" That sounded like a girl. She kept sneezing.
The papers were removed from the desk and the sneezing women left the office. We went to investigate. I heard her down the corridor and followed the sneezes. Tancity?! It wasn't supposed to be for her!
I overheard her mutter something to herself. "Doesn't Amari ask the maids to clean the dust from his office? He is such a slob."
We followed her for a moment and heard her call upon a maid. "Please go to Prince Amari's office and clean it up for him."
The maid bowed. "Immediately, Your Highness."
We left her and headed to the forest area.
Well this turned out to be a total fail. "Next prank, we will need to step up our game!"
"Which one do we want to do next?"
"How about the third one you mentioned. There is no way that will fail." I said confidently.
"Alright, we just need to get the 'secret ingredient'. Any idea where we'll find that?"
"I know a place. Meet me tomorrow, same place, same time, got it?" I smirked slyly.
"I'll meet you anywhere."
I watched him jump over the castle wall. I then turned around and headed towards my room. I saw Ru Ru flying back to my Mother's office. I pondered to myself what she was up to, but it wasn't really any of my business. I always thought it would be nice to have a bird of my own to run errands for me and stuff like that. I wonder if Mother would let me play with 'em.
Maybe I was just bored. I know what to do when I get bored! It's off to play with Tancity. She was always so much fun to tease. Even though the prank wasn't intended for her, it was still kind of funny.
I rushed over to her room and saw her reading a book. She had complete access to Mother's book collection. I did too, but I wasn't really interested in reading about fairytales.
"Hey Tancit-"
"Shhhh-hachu." She looked at me a little pale.
"Sorry. What is the deal with you?" As if I didn't know.
"Amari is such a slob... Oh well. I am reading this book about…."
There she goes talking about books again…. Well I never did give reading them a chance, but still. I have nothing better to do, so may as well let her tell me about it.
I listened to her explain, and it was actually quite intriguing. I never thought books were that exciting. Maybe it was the books that I had read that turned me away.
"That sounds really interesting. Maybe I will read it sometime."
"You never showed any interest before." She probed.
"Well, you seem to like it… so maybe I will too." I chose to be optimistic. I actually thought it might be nice to have something in common with my big sis.
"In that case, I think I might have the book for you." She smiled at me and handed me a book.
"'Scarlet Savior'..." I read out loud. I turned my attention to Tancity. "Why this book?"
"I haven't read it yet, but it is written based on my favorite hero of all time." She paused for effect. "The Red Whirlwind."
I sat down on the reading couch and chose to take her advice. Turned out, the book was super interesting! I read throughout the entire night.
I woke up the next day, with the book over my face. I didn't remember falling asleep here, but I don't think I noticed Tancity leave the library, either. The book had consumed my interest. I had only read through the first nine chapters, but I was dying to find out what happened next.
I looked at the time and was brought back to reality when I saw that I was running late for my rendezvous with Shiro. I dropped my book and darted towards the exit. I dashed towards the meeting spot, with only a few seconds to spare. I made it, but barely. I sat there by myself, completely out of breath.
Shiro got there only a second later. I had to play it off. I didn't want him to think I forgot.
"What's with you, Your Highness? You look tired."
"I'm fine. I am just looking forward to a prank success." I spoke confidently.
"Okay. Did you get what we needed?"
"All done. This is going to be good. We will have to wait until lunch, before we see it all come together, but it will be worth it."
"I've never been good at waiting, especially since the last one didn't hit him. What do you want to do in the meantime?"
"Have you ever ridden a horse?"
"No, unfortunately. I've always wanted to, though. Horses have amazing speed!"
"Especially Beauty!"
"You mean your mom's horse?"
"Yep! Would you like to learn how?"
"I would love to! But not on Beauty. I don't feel like getting thrown off."
"You can ride Prince Zen's horse. He is the most calm. He will be perfect for a new rider."
"Then by all means, lead the way, princess."
I took him by the hand and led him to the stables. "Shiro meet Excalibur." I showed him Prince Zen's beautiful white stallion. It was a yearling, but very calm for it's age, a really different temperament to his last stallion.
Shiro walked up to the horse and gently pet him. "He's magnificent!"
"He is, but Beauty will always be the best horse in the stables." I led Excalibur out of the stall and tacked him up like I had seen others do in the past. I really wanted to look like I knew exactly what I was doing. I am not sure why I was so geared to impress him, but I guess my pride was getting the best of me.
I then led Beauty out of her stall and I tacked her up too. I showed Shiro how to mount up onto Excalibur and then I climbed onto Beauty's back. I talked him through proper riding techniques, starting with a basic walk. I started to demonstrate a trot, when I felt the saddle sliding. It increased its velocity exponentially.
I knew what would happen next, so I quickly moved myself out of the saddle and grabbed onto her neck to stabilize myself. I must have freaked her out, because she bolted after that.
She was too fast for me. I found myself clinging to her for dear life as she tore off through the forest area. I felt the fear rise up inside as I became more and more helpless. What would mom do?! "CALM DOWN, BEAUTY!" I cried.
She didn't listen. I screamed when I noticed my arms slipping from their strong grip. I didn't have any time to think about my repercussions, if someone were to hear me. All I could think about was…. I WAS GOING TO DIE!
She did something unexpected. Her motions had become more irritated and irrational. Her quick turns and irregular antics eventually threw me. I slammed into a tree.
I looked down the trunk and was relieved to see that I didn't sustain any serious injuries. That was a close one. I did feel a lot of pain shooting up my back, which kept me from being able to climb down. I saw that darkness was taking over.
"Prin… Ry… a!" A male voice called for me. "Prince… sa, where are you?!"
I wanted to call out and let him know where I was, but the pain was becoming too much. Eventually, the darkness completely took over.
My eyes fluttered open slightly and I could see some light returning to my vision. I overheard Shiro talking to Chief Garak.
"She's gunna be okay, right?! Princess Rysa isn't going to die, is she?!"
"She has some bruising but she will be fine. She should get some rest."
"Can I stay with her till she wakes up?"
"I don't think that's a good idea, Tashi." It was the male voice I heard earlier.
"Why not, Nahiko?"
"Because you've already been away from home for too long. If you don't go back now, mom will know something's up."
"You mean you're not going to tell?"
"This was an accident, so I'll humor you for now."
"Thanks, big brother!"
"Now, get going. I'll let you know how she's doing when I come home after my shift."
"Shi-ro… Grak…" I clumsily spoke as I shifted my attention from the fading darkness to the people in the room. They were starting to come into full view. The veil of darkness now lifted.
"Tashiro left already, but I am here. You are very lucky to not have sustained many injuries from this venture. What were you doing-"
"Rysa!" Miko burst into the room. "I heard what happened from the guards. What were you thinking?! You know better than to ride my horse!"
"I'm sorry. I won't do it again." I felt my body being squeezed tightly when Mother pulled me into her embrace.
"You could have been killed!" The tears were being held back, but I knew in that moment, Mother wanted to cry.
"But I-" What was the point? I will accept whatever punishment I get.
"And what were you planning to do with Father's horse?"
She knows about that too?! I wonder if she knows about Shiro.
"If you like, Your Highness. I can give you my full report." Nahiko offered.
"I appreciate it, but I would like to hear it from Rysa." Miko explained.
"Then, if you have no further need of me, I will return to my post. However, I would like to check on Princess Rysa after my shift is over, if that's alright."
She smiled. "That will be fine."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Nahiko gave a bow and left.
The Chief left as well, after properly dismissing herself.
Miko turned to face me. "Explain!"
I was glad Mother had trusted me to tell the truth, which only made me feel more obligated to be honest with her.
The next morning, I met up with Shiro at our usual spot.
"I'm so glad you're okay!" His eyes watered and he pulled me into a gentle hug.
Why was he hugging me? It was really weird to receive a hug from anyone who wasn't family. I felt my face heat up in embarrassment. But after a moment, I decided not to talk about it. I chose to slough it off, like it never happened instead.
Shiro broke the hug and I saw him wipe tears from his eyes. "I'm sorry. I should've asked you before just hugging you like that."
I gave him a reassuring smile before changing the subject. "We will go with the same plan from yesterday. Time to prank my Uncle Amari."
Shiro quickly returned to his normal self. "Right! Let's get him good!"
I sat down at the dinner table. I was excited to see that Father had returned. I completely forgot about the prank because Father was away from the castle a lot.
"Father?!" I had to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
"Rysa? What's this about you riding Beauty?" Desti asked in a halting voice.
"I was trying to show my skills as a rider…" I sat down nervously.
"You know what Beauty is like." He continued. He then turned to Miko. "How do you even handle a horse like Beauty anyways? She is crazy."
Zen spoke up. "That is why she had to have her. Miko has always liked a challenge. I doubt I could even ride her horse." He smirked in her direction.
"That's true." Shirayuki agreed. "So many have tried, but Beauty has chosen her rider."
"Miko hasn't had the easiest time riding her, either." Desti pointed out.
"What do you know? You weren't even there." Miko pouted.
I was just glad that the conversation wasn't about me anymore.
"Kiki told me about it." Desti smiled confidently.
"Kiki?" Who's she?
"Kiki was my royal attendant years ago." Prince Zen explained.
"I never knew you had any attendants." What would he even need them for? I wondered. "What happened to her?"
"Life goes on. She had to return to the Seiran House. But after everything worked out for your Mother and Father, Kiki decided to marry Mitsuhide, afterall." Princess Shirayuki elaborated. "She chose to marry beneath her. I was surprised she waited so long."
"Come to think of it, they really should have done it a long time ago." Prince Zen agreed.
I didn't notice my uncle and sister had taken their seats at the table.
I wanted to ask about them some more because it intrigued me, but I was cut off by hearing my uncle burst into laughter. What was so funny? I looked over to investigate.
"Tancity! What is wrong with your teeth?" Princess Shirayuki grew concerned.
I saw that Tancity's teeth were bright red, as if her gums were bleeding. I slapped my hand across my face. That drink was intended for Amari!
"She'll be fine." Amari retorted, which was returned with a deep scowl from Tancity.
Tancity left the room to find a mirror. Princess Shirayuki followed her.
"What did you do?" Prince Zen pried, staring coldly at Amari.
"Don't look at me! I didn't know anything about it." Amari played innocent, which was easy for someone who was.
"Who did then?"
"I don't know."
"It isn't nice to pick on your niece. You should be more chivalrous." Prince Zen scolded.
I kind of felt bad that he was getting the brunt of my consequence.
"Understood." Amari smiled in a formal manner.
I later reported the events to Shiro in the forest grounds. "That was disappointing. Who ever thought that Tancity would take the hit again?"
"Seriously?!" Shiro groaned.
"Unfortunately." I groaned too.
"We'll just have to try the direct approach with our next one!"
"Indeed. I say we go with the secret admirer prank."
"I agree! No way this one will get messed up!" Shiro was overflowing with determination.
"Let's get to work. You will need to find our friend though."
"Not a problem! I know exactly where to find him! Wait for me and I'll be right back!" Shiro took off running.
I admit he was fast. I think I might have finally found some proper competition.
He finally returned and showed me to assure his success.
"Isn't he the best?!"
"He'll be perfect." I smiled and revealed a box I was hiding. We placed our 'little' friend into it. I wrote: To my favorite Prince, love your secret admirer.
"There's no way he's getting out of this one!" Shiro smirked.
"I can hardly wait." I almost squealed.
We headed towards his office and placed it on his desk. We left the room, waiting for him to return. Amari showed up and entered his office. We continued to listen with ears to the door. Nothing! Hasn't he opened it yet? This is disappointing.
Amari was working at his desk with the interesting box sitting next to him.
Tancity entered the office without warning and walked right up to his desk. "You are so messy. At least get the maids to clean up after you!"
"What are you talking about?" Amari retorted.
"I am talking about how dusty it was in your office only a couple days ago. Your welcome for getting it cleaned up."
"I didn't ask you to. Don't think it was a favor. I don't owe you anything."
Tancity's eyes were drawn to a box. "What is this?"
"Some secret admirer left it."
"Aren't you going to open it?"
"Why should I?"
"Aren't you even slightly curious?"
"Not really."
"If you aren't going to open it, then I will." She picked up the box and ripped it open. "AAAHHHHHHHHH!" She hurled the snake in that box at Amari, after he burst out laughing. "HOW DARE YOU, AMARI! That wasn't funny!"
"From where I am standing, it is." He smirked.
"Urghhh!" She stormed out of the room.
We were walking down the corridor, when we saw Tancity practically shrieking. Oh No! Not again! It was kind of funny though. She hardly ever gets frazzled like this.
"Aw, c'mon!" Shiro complained.
"I was sure that it was going to work this time."
"We need to come up with something more complex. Something that's foolproof!"
"What are you two doing?" A voice that was all too familiar came from behind us.
"Your Highness!" Shiro bowed immediately and stayed there.
"Nothing! P-Prince Zen." I was really flustered, so I knew he wouldn't buy it.
"Ah ha… If that's what it looks like to be doing nothing." He smiled like a cat who caught a rat.
"You caught me." I gave up. It was no use.
"Then what are you doing?" He repeated himself.
I gave Shiro a pat on the back to signal him to straighten up. He complied but kept his eyes lowered.
"We were trying to pull a harmless prank on Amari." I spoke cautiously.
"Is that so? Then I would assume that little prank on Tancity was your doing?" Prince Zen mused.
"Y-yes… But it was meant for Amari. Tancity somehow ends up on the receiving end and I only manage to amuse him." I revealed my disappointment.
Shiro dared not to talk and allowed me the pleasure of explaining things.
"Well that just won't do."
"Wha-" I locked eyes with Shiro, with a utter shock and back at Prince Zen.
"If you want to get Amari, your plan will need to be more elaborate."
"Does this mean, you will help us?" I didn't know whether to get my hopes up or not.
"I suppose."
Shiro and I lit up in excitement.
"R-Really?! This is going to be the best prank ever! Of all time!" Shiro beamed with joy.
"Yep!" I agreed.
"What do you think would get to him the most? Any ideas?" Zen hinted towards his own devious plot.
"Girls?!" I know Amari gets out of sorts around girls.
"Right. So what would make him fluster more than ever?"
"My mom?!" Shiro suggested eagerly.
Zen burst out laughing. "No, but I can see where you are coming from."
"Date! No… I know…. Ahhhh…" I got it! I got it! Come on! OH OH! "Marriage interview?"
"Exactly."
"A marriage what now?" Shiro looked confused.
I turned to Shiro. "When a royal comes of age, we are presented marriage interviews. Then we have to choose a marital partner."
"Sounds complicated."
"Prince Zen? Do you know anyone who could help us out? You know, with a marriage interview?" I asked outright.
"I know just the person." Zen smirked mischievously. "May I make a suggestion?"
"Of course!"
"How about we set the stage in the room of enchanting flowers. King Izana doesn't use it anymore and it would be perfect for observational purposes. You do intend to watch, don't you?"
"It wouldn't be fun for us, otherwise." How could I put a 'duh' any nicer.
"Let's do it!" Shiro enthused.
Later in Amari's office, "A marriage interview? Really?" Amari looked at Zen in frustration. "Why now? Isn't it a little early to be handing out wedding invitations?"
"The ministers want you to meet a few prospects. They are wanting to ensure that you are reputable. No one knows too much about you. This is a unique situation for sure. Miko received marriage interviews at an early age, as well." Zen explained.
"Miko is going to be queen one day, remember? I don't have to think about this yet."
"Alright. How about this? I will talk to the ministers, if you agree to one interview." Zen negotiated.
"Fine." Amari submitted and left.
"Zen? What is this about interviews?" Shirayuki came out of nowhere.
"Just a little favour. That's all." Zen played it off.
"Oh, I see." Shirayuki gave him a knowing look.
Prince Zen had led us into the room of enchanting flowers. There were couches set in a sectioned off area with curtains, perfect for spying. I had never been allowed in this room before. It was so exciting. I heard a sound and realized that we weren't alone. We heard a servant inform the 'guest' to wait there. We waited in anticipation. The 'guest' didn't know we were here either.
Prince Zen signalled for us to wait a moment. He pulled the curtain slightly, so we could see through a small opening.
If I didn't know any better, I would say that Prince Zen has done this before!
Amari walked into the Room of Enchanting Flowers. There was a woman already waiting for him. She was wearing a simple, but elegant, pastel pink and yellow dress. It suited her slender body perfectly. Her dark green hair was done up in a fancy bun and her blue eyes locked onto Amari when she turned to see who had come into the room.
"Are you Prince Amari?" She asked almost shyly.
"I am. Who are you? I don't believe we have been properly introduced." He stood on ceremony in front of her. He was so composed that if it was making him uncomfortable, you would never know.
"Forgive me, my prince. I am Nyra Haruno." She walked closer to Amari. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Is that so?"
"It's not everyday a woman like me gets to meet someone as important as you." Her voice had changed and she closed in on Amari and slowly dragged her finger from his shoulder and down his chest.
"You don't say." He pulled away from her, sloughing it off and grabbed a couple glasses set out on a silver platter with champagne. He poured a little into each glass and handed one to her.
"Thank you, Your Highness. Tell me have you done this before?"
He quickly chugged back the contents in his glass. "You would be the first…" Then he muttered to himself under his breath. "... and hopefully the last for a long time." He wasn't too noticeably tense though.
Nyra took a sip and set the glass down on the table. "You look tense, Your Highness." She positioned herself behind him and started massaging his shoulders. "You need to learn to relax. I've heard too much stress is bad for your health."
I had to hold myself back from laughing. I could see that the others were as amused as I was.
"I will take that into consideration, but you aren't being paid to do that, so it is unnecessary." He turned his body to face her.
"On the contrary," Nyra placed both hands on his shoulders and felt his muscular chest. "Someone as important as you should always see relaxation as a necessity." She leaned in close to whisper, but we were still able to hear her. "I can do much more than give you a shoulder rub."
He pulled away more abruptly than last time, face a bright shade of red. "That's not necessary! Really."
I could barely contain myself. I almost blew our cover, but seeing that face was priceless!
"Your blush is adorable, Your Highness, but there's no need to be so modest. I can teach you everything you need to know. That way, when it comes time for the wedding night, you can send your bride into a wonderland of ecstasy."
I saw Prince Zen's face turn red too. I could see that he was exercising a lot of restraint to stay out of it.
I got to see both of them really flustered. This was the perfect idea!
"I think we are done here-marriage interview over-please see yourself out!" He said before he turned tail and left hastily.
Once Amari was gone, Nyra burst out laughing. We joined her in laughter.
Finally, I could laugh! That was way too difficult to keep in!
Zen approached Nyra. "What was that? I said make him uncomfortable! Not ask him to-" He held his tongue. My guess, the ears in the room are too young to hear.
"That was the only way I knew how to make him uncomfortable. I needed to break through that famous composure you're family is so good at." Nyra smirked. "That's the most fun I've had in awhile."
Family? How does she know about our composure habits? She talks like she has encountered them before. Why do I feel like I got the sequel before the book?
"Well, don't do that again! It is very inappropriate behaviour to be displaying for a prince." Zen scolded.
"If you want some, Your Highness, all you have to do is ask." Nyra smirked seductively, placing a finger on Zen's chest.
"Don't even!" He gave her a deep scowl.
Nyra burst out laughing again, taking her hand away from him. "My apologies, sometimes when I get into it, it takes a while to snap back out. You have my word, I will never do that to Amari again."
"Or anyone else for that matter!" Zen continued.
What a peculiar thing to say. Why do adults always have to speak in riddles? Like we even know what they are talking about in the first place?!
"Now I see where Prince Amari got the stick up his butt from. You really need to relax, Prince Zen. I'm not going to do it to anyone you know. How's that?"
"You had your fun. You may leave." Prince Zen never broke eye contact.
"Of course, Your Highness." Nyra locked eyes with Shiro. "Are you Kat's son?"
"Yes." Shiro replied.
"Tell your mother I say hello."
"Umm… that might be a problem…"
"Oh?"
"She doesn't know I'm hanging out with Princess Rysa…"
"You never told Kat?! What are you thinking?"
Shiro flinched at my grandfather's tone. "I-I really wanted to hang out with Princess Rysa, but mom said it wasn't a good idea. She never out right said we couldn't hang out."
"Where have I heard that before? Seriously though. You should get permission before coming here. How did you even get through the gate?" Even though he was asking Shiro, he turned his attention to me, like he knew I was the grandmaster.
"B-But I-I really like Princess Rysa…" Shiro looked at the floor. "What if my mom says I can't see her anymore?"
Zen sighed, placing his hand behind his head. "Not again…"
I gave him a quizzical look.
"Oh, nevermind…" He answered my unsaid question.
"Well, I won't tell Kat, but I agree with Prince Zen. You should be the man I know your mother has raised you to be and be honest with her." Nyra suggested.
"Okay…" Shiro nodded sadly.
"I will take my leave now." Nyra gave Prince Zen a bow. "I will keep my word." As she stood back up, she winked at Prince Zen. "Unless you want me to break it."
"Don't count on it!" Zen gave a confident smirk back.
"Then I will bid you good day, Your Highness." Without another word, she left.
"That was awesome! I knew we would pull it off! We should of asked for your help a long time ago!" I was bursting with amusement.
Prince Zen was a little more coy about it. He turned to Shiro. "I don't think it is a good idea for you to be spending time here at the castle. Without permission from your Mother, I cannot allow it. Please return home at once." It was gentle, but commanding. I knew that it wasn't negotiable.
"Yes, Your Highness." Shiro's voice sounded depressed and like he was going to break. He gave Zen a bow and went to leave.
"Prince Zen, if he has permission then-" I asked in a somber expression.
Shiro stopped as his hand touched the door knob.
He sighed again. "It is strongly discouraged. I don't like it, but there are rules that should not be broken. Maybe it is for the best, if you don't…"
I felt my heart throb in pain. This was my first real friend… why?
"Is that an order, Prince Zen?" Shiro asked with a tone of respect and seriousness.
I thought I saw pain in Prince Zen's eyes for a moment. He remained silent for a moment.
"If it's an order, I will honour it. That's what mom said we need to do." Shiro added.
"You're a good kid. It would be a shame… sigh… No one else can know about it, understand?"
Does this mean…. We can still be friends?
"Yes, sir. I'll tell my mom tonight. Once she's done being mad, she'll probably want to talk to you. Is that okay?"
"That's understandable."
"Prince Zen… why can't we-" I was about to ask a question that I probably shouldn't be discussing in front of guests. I could tell because he signalled for me to stop.
"It's okay, I should go anyway. I still have chores to do at home. Goodbye, Princess Rysa." Shiro gave me a bow.
"It was nice seeing you again." I smiled.
He left the room.
Prince Zen turned to me. "I guess you want him to be your attendant, too?"
"Really?!" I almost shrieked in excitement.
"His family does have a good track record. So, I wouldn't say it's impossible."
I gave him a big hug, which surprised him. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You're the best, grandpa!"
"Alright, that's enough. Don't get your hopes up too much!"
"Too late!"
I released him from my hug and gave him a smug grin.
