A/N: Happy New Year, dearest readers! I'm sorry I'm not able to update this before the year ended because I was so busy with the festivities. I also apologize for this short chapter, but no worries because the next one will be a long one since it'll be the climax chapter~ Ooops! Should I have revealed that? ;) Oh well, it's something that you could look forward to! :D


Change.

Ever since I went back to my own school everybody around me always commented how I changed so much. Before I went to Bonyari, I would usually sit alone at my desk, studying, or watching the leaves fall from the trees beside the window. My classmates would never approach me, for reasons I didn't know. I did enjoy the peace and silence though. Now that I think about it, I kind of felt sorry for myself for not having fun like a normal high-schooler would have. After I went to Bonyari, however, my classmates started crowding around my desk, asking for a bunch of details regarding my stay at Bonyari, what experiences I had gone through, well, most specifically, what the girls were like since they've never encountered the female specie before. I would indulge in their inquiries and we would talk until the bell rings. Ever since I've started telling them stories of my time in Bonyari High, I found myself creating friends in my own high school! My friends would then recall how cold and distant I was before, and when I had returned, there was an aura about me that made me look approachable. I never thought I was so distant before, but I'm really grateful that I changed for the better. If I become Emperor one day, I need to be more open to my people.

.-+-.

The days passed by quickly. I seldom met up with my friends from Bonyari High because I was once again preoccupied with my reviews for the college entrance examinations. I would give Onodera a message every now and then however so that our communication will never be broken and I would drop by their shop when I have the time and a particularly hard subject to study for. Their sweets would always get me through the especially long nights of studying.

The only time I could rest from cramming is when I have official duties to do. Well, that's not exactly resting is it? Even though I am not officially declared as a prince, it's important for me to attend the ceremonies that one day would also become my responsibility. The ignorant onlookers would look down on me with spite, but I didn't mind. I would just smile at the fact that when the time comes, they would have the shock of their lives! Being a commoner, I would sit at the far end of the ceremonies, or stand at the very back, silently taking notes from the members of the Household who would accompany me and teach me the proper rites and formalities. It has always been this way ever since I was a kid, and at first I wasn't interested at all, but I have an obligation to my country. As the first born, the purest blood of my ancestors that is running through my vines compels me to continue what they had established for generations.

The only one that could stop that urge… is Onodera.

.-+-.

"Do you have a girl you like?"

I blushed furiously when that was suddenly raised from a long moment of silence. Damn! I must've slipped into my thoughts again. I looked apologetic as I bowed at the person who asked that question.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, I was deep in thought."

"Heh~ It's good to be young, Prince Suzuhito! You should enjoy this period of your life because it will never come back again. Ahh~ I remember when I first met your grandmother. She was very beautiful and had almost beaten me at my beloved game! Those were the days…" I beamed at the old, wrinkled, and gentle face of the current Emperor, and my beloved grandfather. And then, his dreamy expression turned into a sneaky one. "Now, who is this special girl that captivated the prince's heart?"

Blushing, I averted my eyes from his and turned to the beautiful landscape that surrounded the villa of the Imperial Gardens. My grandfather took a few weeks of rest after his recent hospitalization, and this was the perfect place to recuperate from the stress of being the Emperor. I wasn't able to visit before since I was so busy at school, but when the weekends came up, I completely freed my schedule for my grandfather.

"Suzu-chan~"

I returned my eyes to him and smiled. Only in private can he address me so intimately like this. And only in private can we discuss random matters. Duty and country first. That was the way of the Imperial Family. But, hidden by the shades of these ancient trees, and only the souls of our ancestors to spy on us, we are able to talk about anything and everything.

"I'm not a child anymore, Your Ma—" One stern look and I quickly changed my words. He'd always remind me not to address him so formally when we're alone. "Grandfather… What if… What if I marry a commoner?"

He laughed. "Your grandmother is a commoner! Your mother is a commoner. I don't think there's anything wrong with marrying a commoner. I sought to that!"

"She's a baker's daughter."

My grandfather stopped laughing. He knew what I meant by those words. My grandmother and mother are indeed commoners, but they are backed by wealthy and renowned families. What would people think if I marry a mere baker's daughter? Well, they wouldn't have to think of anything… I plan on abdicating the throne if they don't approve.

The Emperor was looking at me now, and by the determination I see in my reflection on his eyes, I know that he understands what I'm thinking, what I'm to do when the time comes.

"I would like to see this girl one day Suzu-chan. I can see that she's very precious to you." He sighs and turns to the garden. "You are young, and still have a lot to learn."

"Yes…" I followed suit. "Thank you, Grandfather."