Hello! Ready for Chapter 9?! :D

Enjoy~!

-Chapter 9-

The festival continued in peace. No one was left out and everyone took pleasure in the festivities. Ritsu was proud of his kingdom and hoped next year would be the same. He hoped as well that the Takano Kingdom festival would be just as exciting because the Onodera family would be staying there next year.

Ritsu's favorite day of the festival was to come about: Game Day. It was always the last day of the festival and even the royal family attended. An empty farming field on the edge of town was used for the games. Every male who qualified of fifteen years old and up participated in a sporting event of track, strength, archery, marksmanship, and/or sword fighting. This year, Ritsu was incredibly excited because he could participate; he was finally fifteen. He was always jealous of seeing Masamune partake in the activities, but now it was his turn.

They had to wait until the afternoon for Ritsu's points of interest: archery and sword fighting. He was impatient as they watched running, javelin throw, and lifting. As his family and Masamune's sat in their flamboyant seats underneath their tent, Ritsu's leg bounced up and down. He shifted impatiently in his upholstered seat until An placed a hand atop his knee, shooting him a firm glance.

"Well, who knew Ritsu was so interested in sports! Hatori-san says you're an excellent bowman and swordsman," Kimiko commented.

"I'm alright," Ritsu shrugged, trying not to let it inflate his ego.

"Alright? You're far better than alright. You knocked me down three times the other day!" Masamune laughed. Everyone openly stared at him, shocked he could take down even Masamune.

Ritsu blushed, looking away to watch the events.

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Finally, archery was announced; Masamune and Ritsu prepared for the event. Ritsu could barely contain his excitement and eagerly lined up. He and Masamune were lined up next to each other and faced their wooden targets. Ritsu noticed the best archer in town, Aoi, was lined up a few men down.

Once the first shot was called, Ritsu immediately focused on his target. All sound drowned out and all he could see was the multi-colored target. Time seemed to slow as he drew his arrow back, exhaling slowly. The arrow shot forward, graciously slicing the air until, with a small thump, it hit the bull's eye.

The spectators cheered and Ritsu awoke from his stupor. He observed the others, seeing some smiles and seeing some grimaces. Aoi too had hit the bull's eye. Masamune's arrow was off by barely a centimeter, but he smirked none the less.

Judges eliminated down to five men, including Ritsu, Masamune, and Aoi. On the second shot, Ritsu and Aoi hit bull's eye again. Ritsu huffed in frustration; he was actually very competitive. Masamune had accidentally let his arrow go too soon, so he hadn't hit even near the bull's eye this time. He chuckled and ruffled Ritsu's hair as he was eliminated, wishing him luck.

Now it was just Ritsu and Aoi. Aoi looked confident, but Ritsu caught the nervous glance Aoi shot at him. Ritsu smirked, giving An a thumbs up.

Ritsu repeated the same process for the final shot, hitting the bull's eye dead center. He heard Aoi curse and saw his arrow was a few inches off. The crowd burst into cheers and clapping as Ritsu was announced best archer. He swelled with pride once he noticed his parents' proud faces. An clapped enthusiastically, giving Ritsu a hug once he came back. Ritsu was glad she was distracted from her engagement issue. They hadn't spoken about it since.

They took a short break before the last event would commence: sword fighting. Ritsu chatted with his father about the sports, glad they could have a proper conversation. His father was always so busy; Ritsu hardly ever, truly, spoke with him. But they were deep in the conversation as Kei regarded Ritsu's ability with pride and approbation.

Swordsmanship started soon after and Ritsu eagerly prepared. The fighting would be in pairs and who ever lost was eliminated; the victor would move on until the last pair. The duel commenced and everyone gasped as Ritsu knocked down every one of his opponents, even large ones. As he faced Masamune finally, the crown erupted in cheers and yells once Ritsu knocked him flat on his back. Ritsu burst into laughter, helping a begrudged Masamune up. An too was red in the face from laughter, trying to hold in her giggles because of her etiquette. She pressed a gloved hand to her mouth, concealing her huge grin. Ritsu and Masamune's parents laughed aloud though, clapping lightly.

Again, Ritsu was a finalist in the competition. He awaited his final opponent, wondering who it would be. But once they stepped up, Ritsu's eyes widened in shock and maybe even in fear.

It was Matsumura.

Matsumura was incredibly tall, towering over Ritsu. He was skinny and angled, just like his face. His sharp features were prominent, especially his eyes. Cold, metal-gray eyes; the sharpest Ritsu had ever seen. Ritsu shivered; they reminded him of knives.

Matsumura smirked as he took sight of Ritsu, giving him a graceful bow that could fool anyone. But Ritsu knew better, as did his family and Masamune's. They had been laughing mere seconds ago; now they were stiff and silent, his father's mouth in a tight line.

"It's an honor, Your Highness," Matsumura said with a voice as slick as oil and deep.

"…The honor is mine, Matsumura-san," Ritsu stiffly replied, bowing back. Ritsu had heard he was a good swordsman, but for him to make it to the finals was a prominent impression.

They aligned to position, the tips of their swords crossing. As soon as the fight was called to begin, Matsumura struck. The sudden blow sent Ritsu stumbling back and he cursed under his breath. Matsumura was strong and very fast. Ritsu managed to defend himself well from Matsumura's constant attacks, but he could feel his arms trembling from the effort. The clash of the swords resonated loud amongst the crowd.

"Seems you've found your match, Your Highness," Matsumura smirked. Ritsu threw in a blow, but Matsumura parried it and struck back just as hard. Ritsu gritted his teeth in anger. But Ritsu noticed a vulnerability; Matsumura didn't guard his right side well.

He waited for a break, then took Matsumura by surprise. Matsumura barely caught it, the surprise attack having him stumbling. But the same smirk came back and he chuckled enigmatically.

They met in the middle, their swords clashing with a deafening sound and crossing. They pushed against each other, grinding their swords together with great strength.

"Maybe the little prince isn't so useless after all," Matsumura grunted with mockery.

Ritsu's temper flared and with newfound strength, he pushed Matsumura away and landed a blow strong enough from the right side to send him down on one knee. Ritsu breathed with relief; the fight was over and he had won.

Matsumura didn't seem too bothered though. He rose and bowed politely, saying, "Congratulations Your Highness. You are truly an excellent swordsman."

Ritsu bowed back, resisting the urge to spit in his face. But as Matsumura stood straight, Ritsu wished he had as he passed him.

"But this isn't over," Matsumura whispered so only Ritsu's ears could hear. Ritsu balled his hands into fists of anger. He closed his eyes, reigning his control in. He headed back to his seat silently to quiet claps from the other royals. They looked happy, but also grim.

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"That was spectacular Ritsu! I thought the fight would last forever, but you so suddenly took him down. I never knew you were neither so fast nor so strong," An eulogized. They were in a closed carriage back to the castle with him, Masamune, and An. The parents rode in a separate carriage.

"But what did he do that angered you so much?" Masamune questioned.

"Nothing. It's just…him. Everything he is angers me. Selfish, hateful, greedy bastard," Ritsu cursed.

An raised her eyebrows and looked at Masamune. He shrugged and rolled his eyes before ruffling Ritsu's hair.

"Thanks for embarrassing me in front of the whole kingdom," Masamune pinched Ritsu's cheek. An and Ritsu burst into laughter, remembering the image.

"I have a certain image with the ladies and you just ruined it," Masamune pouted, pretending to be upset.

"Wait until they figure out you're going out with Ritsu," An snickered very unladylike.

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Ritsu's mood saddened once they reached the castle. He realized Masamune would be going back tomorrow, much to his dismay. Masamune must have noticed because he pulled Ritsu to his room before dinner.

"What's wrong Ritsu?" Masamune caressed his cheek, causing a blush from the smaller male.

"It's just…you're leaving tomorrow," Ritsu mumbled, averting his gaze.

Masamune smiled and replied, "I'll be back in the summer. Maybe An and I can break off the engagement then as well."

Ritsu shrugged, giving a weak half-smile. He accepted Masamune's kiss and embrace, then followed him to dinner.

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As soon as they walked into the dining room, their families clapped. Confused, Ritsu and Masamune stood until Kei explained with a proud smile.

"Congratulations Ritsu. It's not much of a celebration, but we wanted to acknowledge your skill out there today. You are now the best swordsman and archer in the kingdom."

Ritsu smiled brilliantly, thanking them and sitting down with Masamune. Ritsu's mood had brightened, but he was still distraught about tomorrow. He spent the night with Masamune, cherishing every moment until its last.

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The next midmorning, the Takano family royal carriage was being packed up. Everyone was in the front courtyard, having their last conversations. Masamune pulled Ritsu into a nearby drawing room before they went to the courtyard.

"Masamune?" Ritsu questioned.

"I want to give you something. Something I've been wanting to give to you for a long time," Masamune smiled, "But you have to close your eyes."

"O-Okay…" Ritsu shut his eyes, resisting the urge to peek. His heart drummed in anticipation.

Masamune pressed something small and cold into his palm, gently curling Ritsu's fingers over it. His warm fingers brushed over Ritsu's, causing the younger to shiver.

"Open your eyes," Masamune said in a soft voice.

Ritsu opened them slowly, uncurling his hand as well. In his hand was a silver ring on a matching chain. Ritsu recognized the ring as Masamune's imperial ring; every royal had one. The ring had an engraving of the Takano emblem on the outside and Masamune's birthday on the inside.

"Masamune, I can't take this!" Ritsu gasped.

"You know I never wear it; I hate that thing. I've always dreamt of giving it to you. Now I finally can," Masamune smiled genuinely, brushing his thumb over Ritsu's cheek.

Tears filled Ritsu's eyes but didn't spill over. He hugged Masamune silently, pressing his face into his chest. He inhaled deeply, locking Masamune's scent into his memory. Will he always remember the scent of roses?

Masamune kissed Ritsu slowly, as if it was their last. Too soon he pulled away, his own eyes sad. They put on brave faces and smiles, walking out together to Masamune's carriage. They said goodbye, Masamune climbed in, and they rode off.

And that was it. Ritsu watched until the carriage disappeared in the distance.

Aw, Masamune's gone! How will Ritsu cope?

Now you are introduced to the snake: Matsumura! What a fierce competitor! :3

See you next chapter~! :)