Hello, hello! I always tell myself I'll be productive during my holiday breaks, but it never happens. But I'm so glad 2016 is finally over, it was a terrible year. First update of the New Year! Happy New Year!
Whew, chapter 25 finally! Geez, I take too long to update, I'm so sorry…
Enjoy~!
-Chapter 25-
"Guard your left, Ritsu-sama, left!"Hatori yelled as he delivered a hard blow.
Ritsu successfully parried it, using the distraction to strike out with his fist. He didn't truly hit Hatori, but it would have been a perfect shot to the throat. He was learning not to fight fair, using his hands, feet, and even teeth. It was less refined than from his princely days, but it was necessary to survive.
Hatori began practicing swordsmanship and archery with Ritsu as they did in the past. He came over to Ritsu's since the prince was locked in and trained Ritsu from morning to noon every day. Ritsu was still an remarkable marksman, but Ritsu knew he still had far to go; there was a certain grace to Matsumura's fighting that made him superior.
"Excellent Ritsu-sama. My training won't suffice soon enough. But if Matsumura is as good as you claim, you need a fallback. Matsumura still doesn't seem to be any good at archery; you could easily defeat him with a swift arrow," Hatori advised.
"As a last resort," Ritsu responded, "He killed my parents with his own blade. I feel I must return the favor."
Hatori didn't respond. He twisted his blade up to inspect it, running his finger smoothly along the razor edge. Ritsu looked at his own blade in deep contemplation before Hatori spoke, "I suppose we stop here for today. We do have our first meeting tonight. Will Masamune-sama be accompanying tonight?"
"He plans to. And I do not need a lecture about how dangerous it is and he shouldn't be involved. I've gotten plenty," Ritsu scoffed.
"Same as ever Ritsu-sama; you never listen," Hatori sighed.
.
.
Ritsu straightened his collar yet again. He was standing by the fireplace of their most private parlor, and despite no fire, he was sweltering. Besides An and Hatori, they were waiting for their 'guests' for the midnight symposium. An and Hatori had arrived early and were deep in conversation on the other side of him. He had no clue on what to do when the others arrived.
Kiyoko suddenly burst into the room with her husband in tow, who carried a rolled up, large velvet cloth. She smiled when she saw Ritsu and announced, "We found our Onodera Kingdom flag. Come help Hitoshi put it up because the servants are asleep."
"I'm glad you still treat me as if I'm your son," Ritsu smiled back and assisted Hitoshi in pinning it above the fireplace. Hitoshi unfurled it quickly, revealing the red national flag of Ritsu's kingdom; two crossing swords with a square border comprised of entangled white roses.
"Perfect," Kiyoko breathed. Hatori seemed to have lost himself in thought as he gazed upon the ensign.
"It brings back many memories. Even when I forgot who I was," Ritsu grinned, referring to when he had discovered who he really was.
"I wish I could see it," An murmured sadly. Ritsu squeezed his sister's hand in comfort, feeling the pain for her as well.
"When is Masamune coming?"An asked.
"He should be here any minute. He has to sneak out of the castle and enter through the stables. I wish I could help him," Ritsu responded.
"You two are still so in love; it's precious," An whispered low enough so the others wouldn't hear. Ritsu simply blushed and squeezed her hand again.
"I'm going to watch for him," Ritsu said and walked out to the stables. It was a clear, beautiful night, and Ritsu was comforted by the gentle sounds of sleeping horses. He stood behind the gate to the stables, tracing the carved rose that started it all.
A few moments later he heard the clop of hooves approaching. He leaned out from the wooden gate to catch sight of Masamune coming from the front courtyard. But Ritsu's eyebrows drew together as he saw a second horseman riding close behind. Once they reached the stabled, Ritsu recognized the older man: it was Yokozawa.
Masamune dismounted and led his horse through the gate held open by Ritsu. Yokozawa followed the same, but did not seem to take notice of Ritsu. As Yokozawa tied his horse up, Masamune stole a quick kiss from Ritsu.
"What is he doing here?" Ritsu whispered suspiciously.
"He insisted on coming when I told him. It also looks less suspicious when he travels with my at night, just in case," Masamune explained. Yokozawa approached them slowly but sophisticatedly, his eyes narrowing at Ritsu. It was too dark for him to truly see Ritsu's face and recognize him.
"This way," Ritsu murmured, leading them from the stables back into the house. When they were in proper lighting, he heard Yokozawa gasp. Ritsu turned to see a stunned Yokozawa, his mouth agape. He suddenly dropped into a low bow to Ritsu, exclaiming an astonished, "Your Highness! Or should I say, Your Majesty."
The new title made Ritsu incredibly uncomfortable; Hatori had also taken up the 'Majesty' title. Ritsu still felt like a prince, an unworthy prince shoved into a huge responsibility too soon. Ritsu cleared his throat awkwardly, "Please, just call me Ritsu-sama."
Yokozawa rose from his bow, glancing at Masamune and back to Ritsu. Ritsu continued to lead until they had entered the drawing room; a few people had already arrived, including the lavender-eyed gentleman – Usami Akihiko. As Ritsu and Masamune entered the room, everyone bowed to them in deep respect. Ritsu smiled uneasily and approached Usami.
"Your Majesty," Usami nodded respectfully.
"Please, my name is fine. You are Usami Akihiko, correct? I've always dreampt of meeting you; your books are my favorite," Ritsu felt excited as he praised the tall, passive man.
"Thank you sir, that is a very high honor," Usami gave him a slightly artful smile. Ritsu excused himself to stand by An and Masamune.
"Are you ready Ritsu? There is no turning back now," An said gently.
Ritsu brushed a curl in her hair gently, "I know. I'm doing this not for me, but for you, our parents, and our people. I'll never be the king Father was, but I'll try my best."
"You'll be a great king," An murmured back. More people trickled in by the minute until the room was abuzz with talk and movement. There was more people than he expected; he was glad he was in a corner where not many people could see him.
Hatori placed himself in front of the flag before calling the attention of everyone. Ritsu couldn't focus on what Hatori was saying; everything was surreal. It was all coming together; he was the key to unlock the final door and now they had him. He only comprehended Hatori's speech when he heard his name.
"I want to present the true sovereign of the Onodera Kingdom: His Majesty, King Ritsu," Hatori called proudly as a ripple of responses and whispers moved through the crowd. Ritsu removed himself from the corner, slowly approaching Hatori's position. The whispers grew fiercely, many holding shock and disbelieve.
"He lives!"
"Is that really him? The Lost Prince?"
His uncertainties persisted even when he faced the crowd in front. Masamune and An watched form the corner, Masamune giving him a reassuring nod. Ritsu took a deep breath, clasping his hands behind his back to avoid the visible trembling.
"Please, I prefer Highness or simply my name; I am still Prince Ritsu. I am not the king until I sit on the throne," His Adam's apple bobbed up and down in nervousness, "Many remember me last as fifteen. I feel I still am fifteen and I may never be the king my father was. But I am a new reign. I will uphold everything our kingdom stands for and bring back the prosperity and grace Onodera Kingdom was known for. The victims of the revolution will not be forgotten."
Strident ovation rippled through the audience. They looked up to Ritsu as if he already was a king; he never felt more honored. Once word of him spread across the kingdoms, he would be unstoppable. All of the sudden, everyone bowed and curtsied to him, as if a spell came over them all. Even Masamune was bowing low to him, a hand over his heart. Hatori rose first and nodded favorably. Ritsu allowed himself to smile a little, glad to allow Hatori to take over.
.
.
.
Masamune could already see the change among the people; Ritsu was inspiring. Everyone had the spark of insurgency in them to save Onodera Kingdom, even those who didn't originate from the kingdom. An had heard her brother's speech and the activist response from the people; she held a proud smile that showed she would have cried if she could.
.
.
.
"…Nothing is allowed in or out of the Matsumura Kingdom, including people. Fortunately, we have some safe houses in Matsumura Kingdom. The real problem is getting Prince Ritsu into the kingdom to truly initiate rebellion," Hatori explained.
Ritsu had finally calmed his heartbeat enough to comprehend Hatori now. It was overwhelming; a swirling mess of white-hot pain of memories and expectations. Did they expect someone who was still such a child to be an adult overnight? He wished he had taken his royal duties more seriously, like An. He had taken it all for granted since he had believed it would never end, never catch up so suddenly.
"Our best option is to wait until the troop occupation ends and then sneak him in, but who knows when it might end," Hatori continued, "Another is to smuggle him in the night, but there are many terrible risks."
"We have already tried having spies assassinate him, but he is too paranoid. He is consistently protected and highly skilled with a sword," Hitoshi input from the front of the audience.
Kiyoko's voice rose above the crowd, "Why can't His Highness assassinate Matsumura?"
*Gasp*
Kiyoko is as crazy as ever…but maybe she isn't so crazy here.
Ritsu is in for quite the adventure. Poor him ;_;
See you next chapter~! :)