Disclaimer : I don't own Detective Conan
Pardon for any misspelling or wrong grammar.
Heiji came at the wrong time, when the two of them were holding hands.
'See?! I told you not to after her! Now look what they are doing, they're holding hands!' A voice from inside screamed, scolded at him.
'No, Ahou! They are not holding hands! They're holding the same thing! Look carefully! Use your eyes! Wear glasses, binoculars or whatever to make it clearer!'. The second voice, which seemed to come from a different side from the first one, protested, making Heiji confused, but his brain and eyes, ultimately chose to agree with the second voice.
Now Heiji was narrowing his eyes so he could see more clearly what objects they were holding.
Looks like a book with a bluish color.
Defeated by his own instinct and curiosity, Heiji walked forward to those pair of humans, the couple of a former aide and his boss.
The closer he got, the more Heiji could see, that Kazuha's hand holding the blue book, was actually trembling.
Just like Kenshin who at the beginning didn't need to turn around to know when she was coming, now Kazuha also didn't need to turn around to know that Heiji was walking toward her from behind. Once again, the line of guards who were now guarding the gates reacted, they all now puffed out their chest while lowering their heads, as a sign of respect for the presence of The Prince of Osaka.
Heiji asked right after Kenshin bowed his head to him.
"I see, it looks like the uninvited guest earlier left. Umm ... I think my mother and I should thank you, Ke- ... Ah, I mean Himura-san!".
Kenshin's eyes quickly glanced alternately towards the prince and the princess before him, because even though the prince spoke to him, unconsciously, his eyes were mostly locked on the princess beside him. His face smiled understandingly.
Too bad the said princess, didn't pay attention. It seems like she didn't even realize that she was being watched intensely by the prince next to her. His former boss, instead looked at him, her former guard, blankly.
Smiled faintly after deducing what he had just seen with his own eyes, Kenshin kept bowing before answering politely "No need to thank me, Your Highness! I just carry out my duties here!".
Heiji just nodded his head carelessly without answering, for now he was fully busy paying attention to Kazuha's stiff face and her slightly trembling hands.
"What is this?" Without further ado, coupled with impolite, annoying attitude, just as usual, Heiji just snatched the blue thing out from Kazuha's hand.
Kenshin replied with a little embarrassed "Oh, that ..."
"Give it back! It's not yours!". Kazuha tried to snatch back the blue invitation from Heiji's hand, but gently Heiji brushed her hands off.
"What? Patient, will you? I haven't seen it!".
Kazuha groaned in annoyance at the annoying prince beside her.
"Heiji!" Although it can't be denied that her voice was clearly irritated, the princess was only half-hearted when she tried to take back the letter from the prince's hand. She even just looked perfunctory.
Instead of returning it, the nosy Heiji deliberately raised the blue invitation with one hand high above his head, and because he was indeed much taller than Kazuha, so ... well, of course the Princess was becoming increasingly unable to reach it.
"Ya, Heiji! Give it back now, I'm not in the mood to play with you! Heiji! I said give it back!".
"Shhh ... I'm reading it. You know, even as a bonus, I'll read it to you too! E-ehrm ..."
Unconsciously because he was too focused on staring at the blue invitation in his hand, Prince Heiji cleared his throat before he started reading the text on the invitation without realizing that the face of the princess next to him now turned pale.
"Dearly beloved, you are invited to attend the sacred union between ..."
Kenshin, who saw his former boss's face getting paler, hurriedly interrupted, since the prince wasn't aware of the situation that made the princess even more uncomfortable.
"Highnesses, I really don't want to bother you any time longer. Allow me, I'll excuse myself first," Kenshin bowed once in front of the two young royals, before he finally turned to leave.
It didn't take long after that, Heiji still didn't even react, in fact he was still staring at Kenshin's back which hadn't even disappeared from their sight, when the girl next to him instead turned around and started walking away.
It seemed that now she was completely uninterested in the blue invitation Heiji was still holding, which had broken her heart at first. Or simply, she was already heartbroken by that blue thing, now she doesn't want to see it any longer.
"Oi! Ya, Kazuha!" Heiji chased her by running a little, when the girl he called by name didn't answer, didn't even turn around. She just walked. From her steps, she looked a little limp, not like usual. But Heiji still didn't understand. He's still smiling mischievously, happy that he thought he had succeeded in teasing Kazuha and pissing her off.
"You're angry, aren't you? Ya, you're not fun! Just like that and then you get angry? Oh come on, I was just teasing you a little!" In his boyish style, Heiji followed Kazuha's footsteps which were shorter than his. Unfortunately for Heiji, he didn't know that he just made the girl even more annoyed.
"Don't get angry like that, you're still young but quick to get tempered! Haish! I'm just teasing you a little! Here!" While still smiling between joys, mixed with amusement, feeling that he had succeeded in teasing Kazuha, Heiji now offered a bluish invitation to the girl, who, unfortunately, she didn't even glance at him ... nor the invitation he was offering.
Already annoyed from the start, plus jealousy and heartbreak, Kazuha's already super bad mood is now getting worse as Heiji keeps bothering her and now ...
The heck with this spoiled prince, he instead trails her like a lost puppy! Can't he see from her gestures, that she didn't want to be disturbed?
Leave her alone!
Suddenly unable to control herself anymore, Kazuha rudely brushed off Heiji's hand which was right in front of her face. The wedding invitation then flew from the prince's hand followed by the wide-eyed gaze of the dark-skinned prince, who was shocked and unexpected by the rude action he had just received from ... Kazuha? What's more, this embarrassing incident was carried out in front of the bodyguards!
What the hell! Where are her manners? How impudent!
Does she realize what she just did? More importantly, to whom could she have dared to commit such insolent deed?
"I'm ... so sorry! But, for now, leave me alone! Please understand!".
"And then, that insolent princess continued walking without looking back, even for once! What the heck?! I mean, Mom, can you believe that?! How could she do that to me, in front of so many guards! This is clearly harassment! She's lowering my pride! How dare she!" Heiji is now engrossed in grumbling at his mother at length, he again doesn't notice that his mother has massaged her temples.
To be honest, she was getting tired of hearing what her son said, since he had repeated dozens of times.
Even so, inevitably Shizuka still had to admit Kazuha's prowess in 'conquering' her son.
Usually, without a doubt, Prince Heiji, her arrogant son, would physically punish, or at least verbally humiliate anyone who dared to be rude to him. Shizuka and Heizo even almost gave up on making their son more human, even if it was towards the palace workers and servants.
"Then, what are you going to do with her, hmm? Punish her or something?".
Heiji, who had been pacing back and forth, was now stop dead in his tracks. His two eyes narrowed at the mother. Somehow, his gut told him, that the question just now was a trap from his mother.
"What do you mean?" He asked carefully. His voice was filled with suspicion.
Shizuka shrugged nonchalantly "Don't tell me, you scolded me at length just to vent your annoyance? I don't know anything, but you nag me? Heh, am I not your mother, hello, in case you forgot maybe. Anyway, in that case, couldn't that also be said to be an impudent son, eh, Heiji?".
Didn't know what to answer because of his mother's checkmate answer, plus, of course he did not intend to punish Kazuha in any way, not even thinking about doing that, Heiji just gasped like a fish, while Shizuka grinned triumphantly.
Ha! What a predictable son he was! No wonder a smart girl, let alone like Kazuha, could easily read him then take advantage of it by controlling him under her dainty hands.
No, she wasn't angry with that girl. Instead, Shizuka was just happy. Finally there is someone who can tame her son.
A young, beautiful lady, brilliant and ... born a princess in her own right. Isn't that great? A complete package!
Greekkk ...
The mother and son spontaneously turned toward the door.
Speaking of the girl ... Long live for her, she walked in just as they were talking about her. Now she joined them, taking the seat next to Heiji after bowing her head to Shizuka. She looked better than before, though her face still looked a little paler than usual.
Shizuka cleared her throat. "Alright! Just stop discussing this again, I've memorized all the stories, thanks to you who have repeated it dozens of times!" Shizuka restrained herself from rolling her eyes to her sometimes annoying son.
"Let's have dinner! Oh, by the way, why isn't Heizo home yet? I'll call him. You two, you can start eating first. Don't wait for me, maybe I'll be a little late!" Before leaving the room, Shizuka winked flirtatiously at Heiji, giving him a sign, which immediately made her son's face flush red, but he kept speechless, afraid to provoke the suspicion of the girl next to him. But even though Kazuha saw her, she didn't say anything.
Kazuha was still silent ever since she entered the room. She raised one hand calmly, stopping the maids and butlers who intended to serve her dinner, which in fact confused them.
Confused and scared too. They are now in doubt, what should they do?
They only had one prince and so far they were used to serving that spoiled prince, whatever it was. For example, if his pen accidentally fell right under his feet, a Prince Heiji would never possibly bend down to pick it up. Even if the closest servant or bodyguard was a mile away, they had to run as fast as a bullet to get the prince's pen under the prince's feet. Well, so annoying. That's how spoiled the Prince is.
And now ... What should they do now? They clearly had to serve at the dinner table, although they were forbidden to approach while the royal families were enjoying their meal. Obviously. It is programmed and running automatically in all the cells of their bodies. However, they're also clearly obliged to carry out orders, whatever the orders might be, as long as they are appropriate and tolerable.
"All of you can go! We can serve ourselves!".
Ah, that's much clearer and better! There's an order from Prince Heiji who just ordered ...
It seemed that all the maids and butlers had the same thoughts.
"Huh?".
"What?".
"Did you hear what I heard?".
"Just now His Highness Prince Heiji ordered us to leave because he's going to serve himself?".
"What's going on?".
"Is this a bad omen? The world will end?".
It seemed, unconsciously some of the maids were actually whispering a little louder than they thought. They only realized their mistake when Princess Kazuha chuckled while Prince Heiji exhaled in annoyance. He was actually embarrassed, he himself couldn't believe that he said that. His pride as the cool prince he had built up all this time just shattered.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Was my word unclear?".
Thankfully Heiji had time to finish his words, because a second later, Kazuha's hand gently tapped his knee. Not in lecherous way, she just signaled him not to be too harsh in treating the servants. Otherwise, he could stutter like a kindergarten boy. Wow, that would be a disgrace for him!
When he glanced at Kazuha to see her expression, well, Heiji felt a little disappointed. She looked flat, although it's clear an amused smile still adorned her beautiful face.
Heiji smiled to himself. He also wondered what's wrong with him. Why did he feel so attracted to her? Very ... strong. Like two different magnetic poles.
But strangely, it seemed like he was the only one who felt very strongly attracted to her, but he can't say the same with Kazuha. On the contrary, she didn't seem at all interested in him, poor him. Isn't it that if the two magnetic poles are different, they'll attract each other?
"Heiji ..."
If he turned his head faster than this, he would have sprained his neck.
"What?" Answer him, pretending to be indifferent.
'Your pride! Remember that, Heiji!'
"Will you accompany me for a walk in the garden after this?".
'Answer no! Answer no! Who did she think she was? You're not her babysitter! Remember your prid-...'
"O-okay?".
Never mind.
"Aah ... Why did I just realize, a Japanese garden is so beautiful!".
Heiji glanced at her, his chest puffed up proudly "You just realized? Of course, Aho! Especially the garden in this palace! Not only in Japan, but also the most beautiful garden in the world! Where have you directed your eyes all this time?".
Heiji hurriedly closed his mouth, when Kazuha turned her head with an annoyed tsk at him.
'Can you stop it? Don't say anything sarcastic! Please-please don't spoil the atmosphere!'.
Luckily, the girl didn't seem to have paid much attention. Well of course. The purpose she came here was to ease her messy mood, so, it would be wiser if she chose to ignore Heiji's words which were also unpleasant to hear.
'No need to be surprised. After all, don't you already know that Heiji's mouth is spicier than chilies, but he has a kind heart? Just enjoy this beautiful sight before your eyes and clear your heart and mind ... then forget about him! He'll marry someone else! You should be happy for him!'.
'I know. Now shut up!'.
Heiji himself, now he's also enjoying the most beautiful scenery for him. What else if not the face of the girl beside him who was now enveloped in the soft, dim light of the moon. She really was like a goddess who had just come down from heaven. She doesn't even need to smile or make up to cover up her face. She's perfect just the way she is.
"Heiji?".
The prince who was called by name hurriedly looked up. No way he would let himself get caught by the owner of the face, which he stared at with admiration and utter amazement, mouth opened like a boy meeting his idol.
"Yes?" His voice was hoarse like a singer who had just finished a live concert.
"Have you ever been heartbroken?".
Silence.
And remain silent for the next few minutes until ...
"Huh?" That's his great answer.
Kazuha smiled a little, "Ahaha ... Sorry, forget it! I was messed up. I-I mean ... I'm just ..."
Without being asked, crystal beads started pouring down from Kazuha's eyes. At first, there were only two or three crystals.
"Oh my, what's wrong with me. Ahaha ... Sorry Heiji, I ..."
Kazuha started to sob softly, which she struggled to control over time, while Heiji stood there in front of her, unsure of what to do. Seeing the girl in front of him was sobbing softly, he felt helpless. What's wrong? Heiji's mind was racing for answers. His insticts immediately answered, this has something to do with Himura's blue wedding invitation, her former bodyguard.
But if so ... Then that means ...
No way! That's impossible, isn't it?
"Have you ever been heartbroken, Heiji?".
Kazuha's question rang in his ears and now Heiji felt the unfamiliar tightness pressing against his chest. What is this feeling? It tastes really bad.
Knowing she had made the prince in front of her uncomfortable, Kazuha apologized.
"Sorry, I'm trying to control it. Please give me some time!".
But of course she failed.
The more she wiped her tears, the more she sobbed. Feeling defeated, Kazuha finally asked apologetically "Sorry Heiji, but can I borrow your back? Just for a moment" She asked in a halting voice.
Heiji sighed, and instead he embraced Kazuha in his arms.
"Just for a moment, Kazuha".
Kazuha, who initially gasped in surprise, finally relaxed in Heiji's arms. She hugged Heiji back.
"Yes. Just for a moment, Heiji" Kazuha repeated.
"Darling, have you found them?".
"Shh ..." Prince Heizo Hattori raised his forefinger to his lips, making a gesture to silence his wife when Shizuka approached him.
"What's going o- ... Oh my!" Lady Shizuka Hattori covered her mouth with her own two hands when she saw that sweet sight.
"Ah… Young love, so sweet. I know she's the right one for Heiji!".
Heizo actually agrees with his wife. As a father, of course he wishes the best for his only son, just like Shizuka.
It's just that, this girl has an unusual destiny.
Grabbing Shizuka's shoulder and pulling her closer, Heizo asked calmly, "So, tell me about our horrendous guest".
Shizuka's forehead frowned. "You mean, Kazuha-chan's guest?".
"Uh-huh".
"Well, actually I don't really know about her either. All I know for sure is that her name is Mishil".
Although they had been married for a dozen years, Shizuka still felt a little scared seeing her husband grin.
"Yes, she is".