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Title: Duties of a Future King

Inspired by: Chapter 8 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki

Wordcount: 868

Rating: General

First, write down the time they enter the room.

Second, write their names and their ranks…

I stifled the urge to peek over her shoulders. Only the distinctive noise of quill making contact with parchment paper seemed to stay at the back of my mind as I greeted the first of my visitors.

Lord Zakura and Lord Asanagi.

Lord Zakura stood rigid and self-assured. A handsome man in his youth, the silvery-looking scar across the bridge of his nose made him look like a cunning pirate. His grandfather used to serve as a general during my own grandfather's time. And after wrestling and helping to stabilize the Kingdom against threats of foreign invasion, my grandfather bestowed an honorable title to his family in gratitude for their loyalty and service.

Lord Asanagi, on the other hand, is quite the dandy with his light blonde hair and brown eyes. He and Lord Zakura are of the same age, and they both grew up together.

"-we are extremely sorry for taking so long to come and greet you. You must be very busy shortly after returning to the palace. Thank you very much for granting us some of your time." Lord Zakura gave a nod.

"Don't mention it. Thank you for your hard work during the time I was away, Lord Zakura," I smiled in the direction of the dark, brooding man, before turning to his partner, "And you too, Lord Asanagi. I was looking forward to your visit."

Lord Asanagi took a step forward. "I'm extremely pleased to hear that. I was rather worried as to when you would return, Your Highness. We thought you might never make it back in time for the annual summer festivities in the Kingdom."

I gave a chuckle. "My business took me longer than I expected. I wanted to relax a bit after work-"

I continued with my winding chatter, my attention divided. While Lord Zakura listened attentively, Lord Asanagi was distracted by Shirayuki sitting quietly nearby.

Aside from being Lord Zakura's close friend, Lord Asanagi, with his refreshingly good looks, has a reputation as a connoisseur of women.

"-forgive me, Your Highness. What a surprise! That girl surely has eye-catching features. Is she a servant here?"

I made a helpless gesture, flapping my hand back and forth. "Due to some circumstances, my lords, she's here today. She's Zen's friend. It seems that she's his favorite."

I stole a glance at Shirayuki, whose cheeks wore a tinge of pink at being the center of attention once again. My eyes narrowed into slits when I saw her clenched fists, resting on top of the parchment where she wrote the names earlier.

Lord Asanagi, despite being the rake that he is, has impeccable manners. He took my hints and he turned to face her and bowed formally.

"I'm sorry for my rudeness. I didn't know that…"

Bewildered at his sudden apology, Shirayuki looked flabbergasted and almost stood up from her seat, as she tried to placate and accept Lord Asanagi's apology.

"-If you will excuse me for asking, your highness, may I know what is her status?" Lord Zakura's shrewd eyes were clearly not impressed.

I made a show of squirming uncomfortably. "Status? Well." I gave a sympathetic glance towards Shirayuki, who did not meet my eyes. Instead, she focused ahead, somewhat in the direction of Lord Asanagi, though I suspect, she's just looking past him as if he is invisible.

I felt a vein in my head throb. "She's an apprentice palace pharmacist." I relished the introduction between my teeth.

Lord Zakura raised his eyebrows. "A pharmacist? Surely she must have some other special…" his voice trailed off.

"That's a stupid question, Zakura." Lord Asanagi defended her. "Of course she's an excellent lady. Why else would Zen spend his precious time with her if she is not?" he turned back towards Shirayuki again.

Lord Zakura schooled his surprise expression and seemed to catch hold of the same hint as well. He took a step closer to his friend and bowed in an elegant fashion.

"I'm Zakura Shidnote. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

Lord Asanagi smiled his winsome smile. "And I'm Lord Asanagi from the Suoh family. I'm surprised to know that you're his highness, Zen's friend."

I watched the exchanges with mild amusement.

And how will you react, my dear?

Shirayuki unclenched her fists and stood up, pushing back the chair gently behind her. She made as little noise as possible, her back straight.

Should I be surprised or not? At first glance, she seemed like nobody except for her vivid coloring. But something about her seems off. Or rather, my initial conclusion is that, she is just an interloper with nothing much to speak off.

I slowly sat down on the sofa behind me, resting my elbow at the back and rubbed my chin with the back of my fingers in contemplation.

Shirayuki is a puzzle, waiting for someone to break her code.

"I'm honored to be able to meet you. I'm Shirayuki." She uttered in a clear voice, her gaze unwavering, and expression like a finely carved marble statue. "I am a court pharmacist apprentice of the Kingdom of Clarines."