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Title: Royal Summons
Inspired by: Chapter 8 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Characters: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia, Luen Mitsuhide, Kiki Seiran, Shirayuki
Wordcount: 1009
Rating: General
The quick discussion with Garack Gazelt illuminated my curiosity about the Palace's newest apprentice. When I came to her office, we got down to business and I briefed the chief pharmacist about the progress of my poison immunity. Garack is pleased with the results of my training and continues to give me assurance that she will monitor the dosage of the poison administered, including the antidotes and have it readily available at a moment's notice.
Our discussions briefly touched on the apprentices assisting her. If she noted my curiosity about a certain girl with red hair, she did not give an indication of it. She raved about her new apprentices, particularly Ryuu and Shirayuki, spouting praises for their hard work and skill, freeing up most of her work while she pursues the testing of the cures for different diseases, as part of her preparation for any sudden plagues that might plunge the Kingdom into chaos. Before I left for Grisaille months ago, we were discussing on improving the country's healthcare system.
I bid goodbye to her after an hour, citing the many reports I needed to review on the Castle's upkeep. Garack promised that she would free up some time in her schedule so that we can have time to catch up. I accepted the offer, knowing all too well about her fondness for alcohol. Only Garack has the ability to keep up with my high alcohol tolerance. Zen has yet to best me in a drinking contest; my cute brother's alcohol limit is dismally low. It would take a few more years to build up his capacity to imbibe the strong beverages Clarines is known for.
I settled comfortably in the library upon my return. The palace servants, thrown off course with their daily routines, frantically prepared my office for use. Although they have continued to air out my rooms regularly, the sheets are not fit for use; hence the Palace steward was on the point of having a heart attack when he found out my sudden return.
One of the maids wheeled a complete tea service and I dismissed her immediately even before she managed to set out into pouring the hot beverage. By now, Zen would be on his way after I finally sent out a message to summon him before my presence.
The curtains drawn down to divide the library moved, and I became aware of other persons. I listened closely when my aide gave instructions to the guest he brought with him.
"Please wait here. And please don't make any sound unless you are called."
"Okay."
Almost immediately, there was a knock on the door of the library.
"Enter."
The door gave no sound, but the heavy footsteps of my brother seemed deliberate. I perceived some anxiousness coming from his person.
"Hello, Zen. My little brother." My back was turned on him, as I stared out into the window of the library, where I can get a good view of the old apple tree that stood in the main courtyard.
"It has been long since we last saw each other, big brother." Was his reply. I can sense the restraint he held on his tone. It was obvious how irritated he is with my relentless teasing.
I tried to hide the smirk hovering on my lips. Schooling my expression, I turned to face Zen, expecting to see him fuming mad and would start complaining about my unexpected arrival. I probably placed a dent on his plans with spending his free time with the girl.
Instead, I was a bit surprised to see Zen, looking even taller than I last remembered. His eyes are the same blue color as mine, although they are brighter, more mischievous. His pale hair was a stark contrast against my blonde hair, taking after our dead father. Our mother used to pinch Zen's chubby cheeks fondly and sigh about how he looked like her dear Kain.
I hid my disappointment and turned my attention to his retainers, Mitsuhide and Lady Kiki.
"I can see that Mitsuhide and Kiki are with you as always. You guys get along so well. Very good." I remarked sweepingly, gesturing my approval before turning to glance back at the apple tree again.
"Thank you."
I heard the pause in his thanks and waited for Zen to continue.
"Why didn't you let me know of your return?"
My mouth twitched with mirth. The brat is practically seething at my sudden arrival.
"I was wondering when you'd realize it." I turned and met his eyes in a steady gaze. Zen is used to my stately presence. But he always was the first one to break eye contact when I turn my full attention on him. Unlike everyone else in the Kingdom, I have the uncanny ability of making anyone uncomfortable with my presence.
"I wanted to see how much focus you put on the castle, you see." I studied him critically, trying to gauge how much he has grown. We all have our duties to perform, but there are times when I sincerely wished we could spend time together and just be brothers with no kingdom to worry about constantly. My cute brother, Zen Wistalia, all grown up before my eyes. And dare I say giving me a run for the money with his good looks. "You seem to be doing well. I am relieved." I finished my physical assessment of him.
"You too brother, you seem to be the same as always. That's great."
His face took on a relaxed expression, and I wanted to laugh out loud. The reason why I took my job seriously as the next King of Clarines is this: to remove the burden of running a vast Kingdom from the shoulders of one Zen Wistalia. There is nothing I won't do for my brother. That is why my protective instincts have been running overtime. That red-haired woman will bring nothing but bad luck.
Nana's words continue to echo in my ears. But I personally think that because they are rare, they bring the opposite of bad luck. I shook my head slightly.
You are wrong, Nana. I swear, if this girl is the one who will drive a wedge between my brother and I, I will make her pay dearly.
"Come closer, Zen. I want to hear about your trip to Raxd. I heard you went all the way there."
Notes:
In the manga, the room where Prince Izana awaits for Zen is called Hanautai room (as spelled in the English translation provided by scanlation groups). I checked the meaning of this and found it strange that the room was actually called a "Humming Room". I supposed (and this is mostly guesswork, mind you) that it kind of describes the state of Prince Izana when he is on a mission: he hums softly under his breath. I have no idea what prompted this scenario in my mind. In my personal opinion, when someone is under pressure or is subjecting one under pressure, humming is a form of meditation especially if they needed to focus on the issue at hand.