Chapter 4
Conrad smiled as Greta played with Yuuri and Wolfram. The father and daughter looked rather happy. He knew only too well, that everyone who met Yuuri were drawn to him. It was his loving and caring personality that what caused this. Even Adalbert, who when first wanted to kill the young Maoh, after spending a while with him he then decided he need to protect him.
"Why do you let him do these useless things Conrad?" Gwendal asked as he came to stand next to Conrad. He seemed even more as Yuuri put it, 'grumpier' than usual.
"Heika wished to spend time with his daughter. What right do I have in disturbing that?" Conrad said as Greta then ran up to them. He knew that the child loved spending time with everyone. She especially liked being around Gwendal, since he knitted her stuffed animals regularly. He kneeled down. "Is there anything you need Greta?" he asked.
Greta's large brown eyes sparkled with happiness. "I was wondering where Yuuri's friend: Shiro was? I wanted to play with him." She said as she smiled widely. It was true that Toshiro had played with the girl. Conrad had often enough seen the young man tossing her in the air and catching her, playing hide and seek, or little hand games that he taught her. It seemed like he loved children. He would make a wonderful father when he found the right person.
"I'm sorry Greta. I had Toshiro go out with Jozak to patrol the towns near here. They should be back by evening though." Conrad said he ruffled the small girl's hair.
Gwendal looked at Conrad. He seemed to want to say something and so he waited till Greta had returned to playing with Yuuri. "Are you sure it was wise to send those two out?" he asked.
Conrad's face didn't show any emotion. "Yes, they are coolheaded when needed and are two of the most capable men I've seen in a while. I trust that they'll be able to handle anything that comes their way." He said. He wanted to believe it. But he had some doubts that dealt with Toshiro. He knew that the boy hadn't taken a life before. And even though Yuuri was adamant about not taking life, in reality that wasn't always the way things happened. One day he would have to take a life.
"Why Toshiro though? He's supposed to protect Heika." Gwendal said.
Conrad looked at his older brother. He seemed confused since Gwendal was a hard person to read. "He wanted to go. Said that he needed to air his head out." He explained. He then started to chuckle. "I've never heard such a strange term before." He said.
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It was late in the night as Wolfram made his way to Yuuri's room. As he made his way he saw a lone figure sit across from the door. He didn't know who the guard was but his was going to give him a piece of his mind. Sleeping on the job? As he approached even closer, he saw that it was Toshiro and that he wasn't asleep, he was just sitting, singing a soft song in the wind. But he couldn't make out the words. He found the melody itself peaceful. He then watched as the man stood and stretched. He seemed a little stressed about something.
"I wouldn't crash in Yu-chan's room tonight von Bielefelt-kyo. He's very tired and when you sleep there, he sleeps even less." Toshiro said he looked down the hallway. He ran a bandaged hand through his hair. He had gotten slightly injured in a skirmish with some bandits.
Wolfram frowned and glared at Toshiro. He didn't have to listen to a bodyguard. He didn't even listen to Yuuri on the matter. He was his fiancé, and there for had the right to do so. As he started to approach the door, Toshiro stood in front of him. He had to look up to the taller man. It seemed to amaze him, considering how short both Yuuri and Murata were, that he was so much taller. "Get out of my way." He said.
Toshiro's eyes seemed colder then. "I don't understand why you keep to these pretenses when there's nothing but sibling love between you and Yuuri. You're only hurting him and others with your selfishness." He said. His voice was even colder now. It seemed like the young man embody the meaning of ice and cold.
Wolfram couldn't help but step back. He didn't know why, but he felt very intimidated by Toshiro's cold stare. "What are you talking about? Of course I love Yuuri. I love him very much." He said.
Toshiro just touched Wolfram's shoulder. "Come off it Wolfram, you love him just like I do. As a brother." He said as he then smiled sadly.
Wolfram felt angry and sad all at the same time. How could this man understand so much of everyone in such a short time? He got along with everyone and was diverse in everything he read or learned. He hated it. He hated that he didn't want anything. He was often giving money to those in the town who didn't have enough, or helping with the cooking with the maids, or even just training the soldiers who seemed to be struggling. "Why? Why should I give up this? This is mine?" he demanded.
Toshiro just sighed as he looked to Yuuri's bedroom door. He seemed lost in thought for a moment. "But what about Yuuri's feelings?" he said. He then seemed really sad. "Or Weller-kyo's? You have to see that they love each other. The only reason they haven't acted on it is because you're to childish to let go." He said as he then touched Yuuri's door. He then turned around to look at Wolfram. "I'm leaving. Weller-kyo will be arriving soon. Please let Yu-chan sleep peacefully?" he asked as he then left Wolfram to his thoughts.
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Conrad stood with his back to the wall as he listened to Toshiro and Wolfram's conversation. His eyes were wide as he listened to the obvious that the white haired youth stated. 'How was it that I never once noticed how he felt?' he thought as he heard footsteps. He then heard Wolfram's tears as he too walked away. He then approached Yuuri's door. He then noticed a note on the floor.
Weller-kyo,
I know you were listening to my conversation with von Bielefelt-kyo: your brother. I apologize for making yet again someone you care about cry. It wasn't my intentions. I had to do what needed to make Yuuri happy.
I know that you probably didn't want to see Yuuri's feelings for you since you pushed yours aside for Wolfram's sake. I swear you and Yuuri are both dense. I know that you probably only see him as your Maoh. You both are so naive when it comes to love.
Talk to Yuuri. He's still awake. Jozak and myself shall take turns on watch. You should be selfish yourself sometimes. You push yourself too much. No one will blame you. Sir von Bielefelt will probably be fickle for a while but will eventually understand.
I wish you the best of luck in love,
Toshiro Kanazaki
Conrad felt a little worried that his own men knew his emotions better than he did. But Jozak was a spy and finding a person's weakness was vital. But Toshiro, he figured was just someone who could just naturally read people. There weren't a lot that could read him. He just sighed as he knocked on the door. He waited, till Yuuri opened the door. He couldn't help but smile. "How are you feeling Heika?" he asked.
Yuuri shook his head. "I wish you'd stop with that. Why can't you just call me by my name Nazukeoya?" he asked as he allowed Conrad into the room. He seemed just as restless as Conrad felt. Both seemed anxieties about most likely the same thing. Yuuri looked up to Conrad. "Are alright?" he asked.
Conrad couldn't help but smile. "I think Wolfram's not happy about what your friend did." He said. He did feel sorry for his brother.
"What did Toshiro do?" Yuuri asked. He looked confused to what had happened outside his bedroom door.
"He told Wolfram to stop being selfish and to take your feeling into consideration. I do believe that he was trying to stop the wedding that might have happened." Conrad said. He didn't add that Toshiro had also brought his feelings into the conversation. He now wondered just how many people knew how he truly felt about Yuuri. Yuuri's eyes widened. He then started stuttering. "Shi…ro-ne…he went…he went ov…erboard this time." he said. If it weren't that fact that he did it a lot Conrad might have worried. It was then that his slipped on Wolfram's nightgown that he for some reason left in the room the night before. He reached out on instinct for Conrad.
Conrad as in turned grabbed Yuuri, enfolding him in his arms. He held his king in his arms. He looked down into Yuuri's onyx eyes. He had to stop himself as he felt that he was being drawn into their loving depts. "Yuuri." He whispered.
And before he could stop himself, Conrad found that he was kissing his young King. And even as he knew that he should, he also couldn't stop himself. It felt so right. So when Yuuri returned the kiss in kind, he just gave into his heart and continued the kiss.
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Gwendal found both Toshiro and Jozak talking to about something that seemed strange. They were talking about people who seemed to fit Wolfram's personality. Not that it wasn't unusual, but this seemed far more insightful. Then again he had heard the gossiping maids talking about Wolfram calling off the wedding. It was also strange that it was morning and Conrad was nowhere to be found. Not that he should worry but it was odd. "Jozak. Toshiro. Where's Conrad?" he asked.
Jozak was the first to turn his attention to Gwendal. He had a rather large smile on his face. "Well, Kakka the Captain is currently with Heika." He said. He then jabbed an elbow into Toshiro's ribs. "Where he finally got them to admit their feelings to each other last night." He said.
Gwendal looked at Toshiro. He was angry that they young man hurt his brother, but he was also very happy. Not that he'd say it out loud. He knew that Wolfram would be hurt in the end. "I guess having him go check the towns near the border will be out of the question. I guess I'll have to oversee this myself." He said as he walked away.
Toshiro and Jozak looked at each other. Both seemed argue about something under their breaths'. Toshiro then brought out his hand and he and Jozak did something rather strange. He then turned his attention to Gwendal. "We can take care of it if you'd like von Voltaire-kyo." He said.
Gwendal raised an eyebrow. He didn't get the young man. Why did it seem that every time he had something that was needed to be done, he always said that he'd do the job. He wasn't under him, or even really Conrad, he served Yuuri and that was all there was to it.