WEEEELCOOOME BAACK EVERYONNNNNEEEEE AHAHAHAHA HOW WAS YOUR HOLIDAYS? Ohohohoho, I sound like Santa Claus and since I'm already in character let's give you guys your giftssss which is the NEWEST UPDATE OF LION! THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO GAVE LION MUCH NEEDED LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS, all the favs and follows, and especially the reviewssss! Thank you to Ara ara-san, psychobubbles, Bubbles9595 and Serket Girgam! I sincerely hope that you all like yodau's update and to everyone reading, hope you drop Lion, a fav or follow or maaaaybe a review? ahahaha! Anyhooow who is excited for Kagami to return and meet Kuroko and whose curious as to where the Emperor's infatuation will lead? KYAAAAAH ahahahahaha actually I really get a bit excited writing LION because of you guyss! SO KEEP THE REVIEWS COMING PLEAAASE!
Chapter 23: Dignified Star
Kuroko had barely slept, he would wake every hour now and then despite the reassurance of the medics of Kise's condition. He couldn't remove the way his Aomine looked at him when he said that there is a chance that Kise's condition would entail towards negative results, his brother looked at him with the most mournful expression ever painted in those midnight blue eyes. How could he simply put still when he could save Aomine's happiness? Kuroko has much belief in his own capabilities, however, sometimes things happen out of the blue, and that was what he wouldn't want to happen.
Kise's wounds were closed after hour and hours of stitching him up, the infection had to be completely removed before they could perform the stitches. And Kise's fever had to be stabilized every now and then to prevent unfortunate incidents, his blood pressure kept fluctuating as well causing Kuroko a few pumps of fear. Even with several medical personnel the fifth prince didn't feel any lighter. Everytime Kise's heart beat dives down, Kuroko couldn't help but panic. Aomine believes in him, and Kise's life was important both to Teiko and his own Kingdom.
The night was long, and Kuroko felt exhausted for the first time in a long time, it was already morning when Kise's wounds was successfully closed, the bleeding stopped and his breathing calmed. After a few more hours, Kise's fever came back causing everyone in the room in high alert in fear some form of danger had resulted from the operation, however luckily, the fever disappeared soon. As the fever dispersed, Kise's blood pressure had stabilized as well. Only then everyone was able to get some rest, but this of course in not entirely true for the fifth prince who went to check on the King's condition every now and then. The fifth prince yawned as he stared himself at the mirror, he didn't look as awful as he had imagined which was very fortunate.
The prince stared at his image on the full length mirror, a red obi tied around his white kimono which he paired with a black haori that was decorated with red sakura flowers on the hems. Standing next to him was Momoi who was choosing among the number of simple hair ornaments placed neatly in the table. Ever since he was young Momoi had decided upon herself to choose Kuroko's clothing—which is why he mostly ends up wearing her choice of clothing making him appeal to many like more feminine than intended. When Momoi settled with a buyao bearing the shape of the family insignia made of white gold and small studs of rubies. Momoi quietly moved to put them on Kuroko's teal hair as she quietly hums an unknown melody.
"You look beautiful today, what seems to be the occasion?" Momoi asked the quiet prince.
"I don't know what you are talking about Momoi-san." Kuroko answered honestly. "I have not gotten any sleep last night."
"Oh…yes, I heard of it from Dai-chan." Momoi said smiling, despite the rough treatment she got from the fourth prince the day before, Momoi knew it was only due to the gravity of the situation. Momoi had done her research on Aomine's affliation towards the King of Kaijo, the information she had gathered despite very difficult to obtain held numerous clues as to why the prince acted that way. Momoi didn't need to have it spelled out for her, Aomine cared for the King in more ways than one, and she understood that it must have been very difficult for the prince.
"Everything will be alright." Kuroko reassured before flashing his rare smiles at Momoi's reflection behind his at the mirror.
"When you're the one who says it, I really feel assured." Momoi said before chuckling.
The two was interrupted however but something remotely not usual—especially for the pink haired informant. A loud flapping of wings resounded in the room, the two turned to where the source was and found a rare breed of eagle standing there in the window pane, it flapped its giant wings and started to tilt its head while staring at the two as if wondering if it has landed on the right place, then it started pecking in the inside of its right wing. Momoi's eyes widen, this breed of eagle cannot be found in Teiko, she was sure of it, and aside from that something a kin to a parchment was attached on its leg. Momoi was about to take the strange item when the fifth prince beat her to it with hurried steps.
Momoi couldn't believe his eyes, the fifth prince looks rather excited.
"D-Denka wait, i-it could be some—"
"No." Kuroko interjected as he excitedly fiddled with the letter attach to the leg of the eagle. Momoi was silenced by the starnge behaviour the fifth prince had showed. Once the letter was removed Kuroko glanced back at the eagle which made him smile even warmer.
"Denka shouldn't we call the—"
"It's alright." Kuroko said before unfolding the letter, "This is a pet of mine."
Momoi raised an eyebrow at Kuroko's statement, since when did he ever got such rare eagle as a pet? Kuroko never liked birds of prey as a pet, he claims them as savage creatures and very difficult to maintain. Kuroko however was oblivious of the woman's stare boring in his head, he was fixated on the letter than has arrived, he couldn't help the way his heart flutters as soon as he found the clumsy penmanship of the now crowned King of Seirin.
.
.
As I promised…
I have become a King. Soon I will see you…until then, please wait for me.
I would properly ask for your heart and hand from Teiko. I will do my best to become a suitable man for you, whatever it takes I swear on this crown I wear that I am going to win your heart.
To my future consort, to you my love I offer this.
Second King of Seirin, Kagami Taiga.
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Kuroko's lips quiver and his heart pounded loudly in his chest—love, the word never failed to evoke such feelings to him. And despite the lousy and simpleminded way Kagami had put his words into, Kuroko would still feel like a poet had written him such beautiful composition. Kagami…No, he should start formally calling him—heika. Kuroko felt happy for the man, soon he will see him, soon he would call him His Majesty, King of Seirin and the Iron Throne.
There was nothing more than the prince could ask for than to hear the King's voice again. His lips curved into a smile he had never wore since the death of their mother.
"Ah! There you are!"
Furihata whipped his head towards the familiar voice, his eyes widen as his eyes landed on Mebuchi Reo who was smiling—no, grinning at him. "Kou-chan!" The Minister called Furihata in an embarrassingly feminine nickname that he has no idea how the man came up with. The Minister ran towards the brunette attendant.
Politely Furihata bowed his head to the minister, "Good morning Minister Mebuchi."
Mebuchi chuckled and suddenly placed a hand over Furihata's head patting him. "So polite Kou-chan!" he cheered, "Anyhow, look up here."
Furihata raised his head and found Mebuchi showing him what seems to be a book. The man placed the book in the attendant's hand.
"What…is this?" The brunette asked in confusion.
"A book in music of course." Mebuchi said chuckling, "I got them from the archives."
Furihata's eyes widen, "E-Eh? B-But w-why are you g-giving this to me?"
"Weren't you studying music with His Majesty?" Mebuchi said in a much quieter voice.
Furihata's eyes widen, "I-I…W-Who—"
"Just figured." Mebuchi said smiling, "Kotaro won't shut up about last night, about how Shujo was with a brown haired attendant until late last night with a bamboo flute in hand."
"I-I d-didn't mean to i-impose o-or a-anything, I-I was—"
"I know, stop trembling." Mebuchi said finding it funny how the brown haired attendant was practically melting under his gaze which was obviously no way in comparison from the judging gaze of the Emperor himself, the fact that this boy had managed to stay beside the man for more than a week is a surprise itself. "I'm not gonna tell you to leave the Emperor or stop seeing him, ah, that would cost me my head!"
"T-Then…"
Mebuchi smiled and pointed at the book he gave the brunette, "That would help you, when you have time read it."
"T-Thank you…but I still do not understand."
Mebuchi shook his head, "Whenever the Emperor sees you, for some reason he inevitably calms down. And I think that is something good."
"B-But…His Majesty is already calm."
Mebuchi stared at Furihata for a second before chuckling again, "Calm? He is composed when he speaks, but calm does not include death threats and dark auras."
"Eh?" Furihata was clearly confuse about whatever Mebuchi is now talking about.
"I think he's unconsciously being considerate of you."
Mebuchi's voice was serene and thoughtful making the brunette unable to question the authenticity and the seriousness of the man with his statement, but it was still difficult to consider. Akashi Seijuuro is a man of importance what is Furihata Kouki compared to this man? Being considerate of him is different from merely feeling obliged to do so, and besides an Emperor being considerate of petty life as him—not that he was thinking that the Emperor is unable to be considerate, no, Akashi is a very kind person, but the way Mebuchi put it didn't seem like any simple point of being considerate.
"His Majesty is simply kind, that was why…i-its not like he—"
"No." Mebuchi interjected quickly, "If you think his Majesty is simply kind, think again. He would have exiled you the first day you came in to the Court, he could have ignored your presence, he never called any attendants by their first names—more importantly, he never gave much care in remembering any of their names. But aren't you different?"
Furihata was quiet as he stared at Mebuchi's eyes, they were looking right at him with a smile making the brunette a bit self-conscious of himself.
"I'll see you around," Mebuchi said, "I have to fetch someone important for the Emperor today."
Furihata nodded still unsure of what to say to the older male. When Mebuchi left, Furihata felt something in his chest as the man's words repeated over his head. He must have been mistaken, there was no way the Emperor would ever…see him. He was only doing those things out of the kindness of his heart, and his regards with Kuroko. If the Emperor exiles him off the palace, Kuroko wouldn't be very happy and it would reflect bad about the Emperor's regards towards the gem of the palace. Surely, the Emperor wouldn't—
"Ah, Furihata-dono!"
Furihata almost jumped from the sudden mention of his name, turning towards the source he found a female attendant coming towards him with a smile. Furihata smiled back and bowed his head to the girl. "Good morning." He greeted.
"Good morning to you too!" she said as she dipped her head in a perfect angled bow.
"Uhm…how may I…help you?"
The girl raised her head and smiled brightly at the brunette, "Are you going to attend your duties today for the Emperor?" she asked.
Furihata blinked at the question, now that she mentioned it, a notice from the Emperor himself was given to him. All his duties is cancelled for half of the day, something akin to some important private assembly will occur was told to him. "Uh, no." Furihata answered, "I was given notice earlier that I am to resume my duties after sundown. Aside from that I was told that the Emperor has an important private assembly so…"
The girl sighed dejectedly, "Aww, then it must be true then, how unfortunate."
"True? What of?"
The girl smiled again, "Oh yes, Furihata-dono is new, right? Ah, that's why."
"Why?"
"The assembly is with a very famous personality in Yosen." The girl answered.
"Oh…then the third prince?"
The girl chuckled and waved her hand in dismissal, "Oh, no, not Murasakibara-denka."
"Then who?"
"Himuro Tatsuya-sama."
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The very day Yosen was given to the third son of the Pheonix Emperor, a peculiar boy appeared. The festive was occurring then and people rarely gave attention to a matter such as a lost boy in the massive land. Instead of trying to figure who the boy was, he was detained in fear he might be some spy or of similar case and to not disturb the festivity as well. Soon the festivity died down, and the peculiar boy remained in the cold and silent cell of the Palace of Aegis' dungeon until the news of the boy reached the ear of the prince of Yosen. Murasakibara Atsushi was barely curious when he walked down the stairs made of stones down to the cold and eerie dungeon, he had thought nothing along the lines of ever trying to find whoever the pitiful soul encased behind the bars of the cells is, nor does he thought of ever telling anyone of whoever this person.
And his curiosity led him to meet what could be the most beautiful thing he had ever laid his eyes upon since his mother and youngest brother. The lithe frame was sprawled on the floor wearing a poor excuse of a yukata that looked just a day cleaner than a rag, and his ebony black hair reached down his shoulders. The figure moved as is sensing the prince's presence, and it propped himself up with his lanky yet pale white arms, and finally Murasakibara's eyes met the pair of gray eyes. His beauty was strange, he looked like a gray canary in a bird cage, his beauty was sober and quiet—just like death. And it was then when he spoke his name for the first time, his soft voice resounded in the dungeon and that very moment he was freed.
There were many objections that came from the council of Yosen regarding Himuro Tatsuya. Who is he, who were his parents and where did he come from, no one could answer any of that. Anyone would be suspicious of a boy appearing suddenly out of the blue, most of the time people would be sceptic but the third prince was not. He insist that the other was to stay with him at all cost. And the Emperor did not have any problems about it—naturally, the boy posed next to nothing against the six feet giant prince of Yosen, he couldn't possibly inflict any harm. And since then, the boy of unknown origin resided in the Palace of Aegis, never leaving the prince's side—his redemption.
But Himuro Tatsuya refused to be merely a simple lackey, and the council of Yosen saw it too, a spark of something about him, and it was knowledge. Despite his inability to tell the people of his origin and the way he was found, Himuro was very literate, though it isn't surprising for people in Teiko to be literate, Himuro's literacy rivalled that of someone who was of royal birth. He understood complex jargons and had a wide variety of knowledge in literature, and this made him the very first person of complete and unknown origin ever to be taught in the premise of the palace. And surprisingly, he did not fail their expectations—Himuro became a specialist in agriculture.
His knowledge aided the reform in many methods of planting and with the support of the prince, his plans flourished Yosen.
His name had become quite famous, the autumn beauty of Teiko was what he was called due to his quiet and reserved personality. However, aside from that, the current Emperor found the autumn beauty quite a formidable person, the fact that he is basically lower than of a commoner and his origins is of unknown didn't fail to make him wary of the raven haired specialist despite the numerous times his younger brother insisted that he will never do anything that could mean betrayal to the Empire. He couldn't possibly trust the conviction of someone who is smitten over the very same person.
Ah, there was no denying that fact. The third prince has his eyes on the specialist, he never really have interest in anything except food—obviously Himuro is a special case for his brother and that tells a lot already. Himuro didn't mind this, even through news he receives, the specialist practically acts like his brother's caretaker—which he is thankful for, however he would never admit that. It could be simply Himuro's way of showing his gratitude towards his brother's kindness—border lining obliviousness. Himuro had never admitted his actual position in the matter, however Murasakibara had already by simply stating, "I won't let anyone take Muro-chin from me." and that didn't made the Emperor very happy.
As soon as the table was completed, an attendant announced the arrival of thee guest. Himuro had rarely stepped in the palace unless he is with the third prince, today is an exception. Akashi waited in his seat until the raven had finally arrived there.
"I have arrived, Your Majesty." Himuro said as he knelt on both his knees and placed his hands evenly on the ground before bowing his head, a usual giving of respect in due of someone of lowly birth to the Emperor of where he serves.
Akashi hummed and waited until the specialist gathered himself to his feet. He was wearing a black hanfu accented with Yosen's color—lavander. The lavish clothing indicated his position in the palace and in the Empire, he was a very well respected and youngest specialist in crops. The raven haired young man looked no where near the boy who was found years ago, his hair was cut and he wore thicker clothes that could protect him from the cold, and he was no longer bones and skin.
"Take a sit." Akashi commanded.
Himuro walked towards the unoccupied seat facing the Emperor and took a sit as he ordered, in front of them were the usual sweets the third prince loves and which Himuro had grown to be able to do. The food made the raven haired man miss the prince who he had not seen now for almost whole week due to the research he have to do. He was guessing that the prince has been terrorizing the council again.
"How was the road?" Akashi asked looking at the specialist.
"It was fine," Himuro answered.
"And my brother?"
Himuro chuckled, "I'm afraid I can't tell much, but I am sure he is causing lots of problems for the council yet again."
Akashi hummed and took the ceramic cup in his hand before taking a sip. The Emperor's eyes quietly inspected the specialist as the man look straight at him. Only Himuro Tatsuya was able to simply look at a nobel right in their eyes, this has always made Akashi suspect that Himuro was not raised in Teiko, traditionally it is a sign of insolence when someone of lowly birth looks at the eye of someone superior to him, that, or Himuro just has no sense of courtly manners. Akashi had gone tired of intimidating this man to submission, somehow the raven only wallows down into a mother hen around the third prince.
Once Akashi had placed the cup down, Himuro decided to start to the topic he came for, "I came with the findings I received from the grains Kuroko-denka sent to me," Himuro explained, "they were rather very interesting."
"Elaborate." Akashi ordered, and the specialist nodded before raising his hand signalling to one of the men he was with. The servant meekly scurried towards them with his head lowered. He then placed what seems like a clay pot to the table.
Himuro without hesitation swiped his arm over the table clearing and obviously destroying the previously arranged table. Akashi didn't say anything and just watched as Himuro pushed the pot to cleared area.
"This is the rice grain samples that Kuroko-denka sent to me." Himuro explained, the pot was sealed with its clay lid. "Tell me something that catches your attention, however…at all cost don't taste it."
Akashi removed the lid and stared at the contents of the clay pot—a cooked rice. The color, the appearance was perfectly intact, "I don't see what you want me to see."
Himuro shook his head, "No, I think you see what I want you to see."
Akashi frowned and placed the lid on the table before raising an eyebrow at the other, "And that is cooked rice?"
"Yes."
"So nothing is wrong with it?"
"No."
Akashi frowned, "Stop beating around the bush, what of it?"
"The interesting part is when you know when I cooked it," Himuro said, "I cooked it a week ago."
Akashi furrowed his eyebrows, "Then it should have been spoiled by now."
"Yes, but it doesn't seem like it, yes?" Akashi hums in agreement, "Even if you try to smell it, you wouldn't find any trace of it being spoiled, all the more with its taste. But it is already spoiled."
"What is this?"
The specialist reached to the sleeves of his clothes and produced two small bags and pushed them towards Akashi's side. The Emperor opened them both and inspected the two bags containing grains of rice. At first glance there was almost nothing different about the rice, however once one had touched them, something would peculiar would be noticed. The other bag contained a type of rice you'd usually see in the market, however the other was quite strange, it didn't leave any powder like residue in the hands when you touch it, its grains were smooth and slightly more round shaped.
"I am interested how Kuroko-denka was able to find this grains, I do have my respects on the fifth prince and his ability to gather intel, however, this is very crucial. This type of grains is something that does not exist until a bit ten years ago and did not reach Teiko, surely. Something like this wouldn't pass by me without my notice." Himuro said quietly. "The grains that the fifth prince sent me are a type of artificially made rice, this was a fail attempt of making a fast growing rice and longer period of shelf life after cooked. I have read this through numbers of account, but this type of rice was produced outside of Teiko and I specifically did not allow production of the similar crop."
"And what if this is consumed?" The Emperor asked lacing his fingers together.
"Food poisoning." Himuro answered, "Once consumed, depending on the body type, the poison would settle in slowly, almost impossible to detect until later when the symptoms had showed severity which is almost close to point of no return for the consumer. The cure for this type of food poisoning is readily available, however, the medicine is not cheap."
"Would you explain to what exactly will happen to someone who consumes this?"
Himuro nodded, "Imagine ingesting something used for making rubbers."
"Rubbers?" Akashi asked raising a brow.
"There is a polymer content in the rice grains, a cup would equal to a half cup pure polymer extracts." Himuro said explaining, "Unless the food is ejected by the body, the poison would settle and kill the person. This problem had occurred in a Kingdom in the East, Seirin, I am sure you're familiar with it?"
"Yes."
"The production of the rice's site used to be there, however the previous King found this out due to one of his children getting sick from it as well. He went to war against the troop whom was later found out to be some group of bandits, they developed a technology to regain to produce this rice from polymer extracts and some sweet potatoes, the rice's price is relatively cheaper which attracts many people into buying them and popular for kingdom's that has a big population of poor citizens." Himuro said, "I've made my own research on this, with these kinds of goods in our markets, aside from endangering our local market, this also endangers the health of the people."
Akashi pursed his lips in a thin line, so it is indeed the source of the epidemic spreading from the lower classes. Of course, they'd be the one who would be affected, they would prefer the cheaper type of rice, and unfortunately with such status in life they wouldn't bring the affected person to a medical facility until the symptoms had gone severe. "I will send a quick notice for the minister of trades to confiscate this and categorize this as an illegal product and unfit for human consumption. Before you return, see the minister of trades. I need immediate action for this."
"Understood." Himuro said. The gray eyed specialist was surprised, usually the Emperor would have his eyebrows furrowed hearing the results of the findings, not just that, usually the man would have this dark aura emitting from him. He would say something along the lines how dare they do such thing in his territory. Something has changed.
"If its not much," Himuro said again, "I would like to know who found these grains?"
This time something clicked that made Himuro feel a chill run down his spine, Akashi's gaze became sharp as they stare right at his. "And if you do know, what of it?" the Emperor asked venom dripping from his words.
"I am merely curious."
"And how did you know it wasn't Tetsuya who found out it?"
Himuro smiled, "As I said, this has not happened before here in Teiko. And though Kuroko-denka is very familiar with thousands and varieties of plants and herbs, it is still very difficult to identify what might be peculiar to the grains. As someone who had lived quite long secluded in the palace walls, it would be difficult for him to spot it."
"An attendant." Akashi said eyes still stuck right at Himuro's eyes.
"An attendant? What a surprise." Himuro exclaimed, "I wish to see her if possible."
"Him," Akashi corrected causing the specialist's eyes widen. "It is a boy of lowly birth, nothing special of him, perhaps he had encountered it due to his upbringing, and he is busy. What is there to see him?"
Himuro couldn't believe it, Akashi just looks like he would slice his throat now if he ever ask again about that attendant. What a strange reaction from the Emperor who rarely gave a damn or two about anything. The specialist couldn't help but a smile grazing his lips, "Hm, what's this? Don't worry I don't plan on stealing him from His Majesty." Himuro said chuckling.
Akashi smirked, "What kind of nonsense are you speaking Himuro Tatsuya? Why would I be interested in keeping or getting worried at a simple and average person such as that boy? There are far prettier flowers than this generic blossom?"
Himuro laughed, "Generic? Oh, but doesn't he interest you?"
"Interest, yes, but nothing far more than tha—"
"Do the pretty flowers in your garden ever interest you?" Himuro asked catching the Emperor off guard. "Do you ever spare them a glance and try to understand why they might be different from each other? Do you ever look at them and think, this one is far prettier than the rest. However, one blossom was different, because he is generic. Do ever realize that you have just made him mean special to you by simply classifying him as generic?"
"Enough about this matter."
Himuro smirked, "You'll be surprised what a generic flower can do Shujo."
Akashi didn't reply and watched as the man stood and bowed his head before leaving quietly. His hands resting in his lap trembled as he sensed something about the raven haired specialist, something inside him screamed and roared by the way Himuro spoke of his Kouki. And before he knew it, his body had taken action, the ceramics on the table fell on the ground with a loud crash as Akashi abruptly stood slamming his hands over the table.
"Where do you intend to go?" Akashi asked his voice trembling.
"To see the boy you had discovered about this matter." Himuro replied without looking back. "He's no one of importance after all, perhaps you would not mind me speaking with him."
Akashi's body trembled, his rational thoughts said there was nothing wrong about it, however his chest felt painful and his senses roared and told him to stop Himuro. As the man's feet resounded against the floor, his heart pounded loudly in his ears—stop him, stop him, Kouki is…Kouki—Akashi's eyes widen, surprised at his own thoughts, why was he feeling overly protective of Kouki's identity, he would not feel this much abhor towards Himuro if he had told him he would see Kuroko, or Murasakibara. He let him around his brother, and yet he wouldn't let him near Furihata? Why?
His hands trembled, what if Furihata found Himuro's presence pleasing, after all they were practically of both social status, both had come to serve a palace. What if Himuro is able to capture Furihata's affection? Then…then Furihata would leave the palace, he might run away with Himuro, then he would no longer serve the palace...he wouldn't able to see him anymore.
NO!—Akashi clutched his chest as a stabbing pain spread in the area where his heart is. He couldn't take it, he couldn't take the thought of the brunette leaving and no longer seeing him.
"Kouki…"
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What a strange feeling, Furihata thought quietly as he stood clutching the book close to his chest. A private assembly never had been this important for the Emperor to cancel almost all his daily routine and ask Furihata to leave the premise. Somehow he had wondered, was there something he had done? Or…
"Eh, Himuro-sama is quite a famous person, he's really pretty! Eh and I heard he's intelligent too."
Those were the type of people that would suite the Emperor, someone who was born with grace and elegance, he is no way in comparison, perhaps Akashi didn't want to be seen with someone like him. Well it is understandable, however something painful sipped in his chest. Furihata felt stupid, he shouldn't be feeling like this, Akashi was merely being kind to him, Mebuchi couldn't be possibly right. His hands unconsciously tighten around the book, how stupid can he be, he let Mebuchi's words sink. He couldn't possibly be worth anything especially to Akashi.
SWISH
Furihata blinked as the wind carried a sweet scent, looking up his eyes met with a tall and lean figure. The man was standing there looking at him with a kind smile, his right eye was covered with how his ebony black hair was parted, he wore an amethyst stud earing in his exposed ear, and a beauty mark laid under his exposed gray eye. Furihata's eyes drifted in the man's clothing, a hanfu which looked like it wasn't ordinary, black and with lavender.
"You must be…uh…Furihata Kouki?"
Furihata nodded sheepishly to the beautiful figure before him, with his posture he could guess this is someone who was born from a royal family causing Furihata's senses in alarm, he should have paid respect, if Kuroko finds out about his disrespect he'll get a punishment. The brunette quickly dived down to the floor to do the usual courtesy when a larger and pale hands caught his arm and pulled him baack to his feet, "No need for that Furihata Kouki-san." The man said smiling.
"E-Eh? –san?"
The man chuckled, "Oh, uh sorry, did I disturb you? I found your name from the other servants. I hope I'm not disturbing your work."
"N-NO!" Furihata cursed himself as his words sounded more like a squeak. "I-I mean, t-there is n-nothing to be w-worried of."
The man nodded, "I am glad then. I am Himuro Tatsuya."
Furihata's eyes widen at the other's introduction. Did he just say… he is Himuro Tatsuya? Furihata couldn't believe it, he did live up to how the servants described him, a young man of elegance, beauty and grace. He stood with pose, and his smile is reserve and quiet, his ebony black hair was the same color of coal, while his gray eyes were modest and meek, his lips were the color of roses in spring. He indeed beautiful, no wonder Akashi didn't want him to be seen around by this man.
"I..I.."
"Are you nervous?" The man asked before chuckling, "Do not be, were the same."
The word same made Furihata flinch…wait does he know? Had he met this man back in Seirin for him to know him?
"I'm basically…what does he call it again, uh…commoner?"
Furihata blinked again, oh…so, that was what he meant by that…WAIT, WHAT?—Furihata couldn't believe it, Himuro, this beautiful creature reeking with grace…is a commoner? Then how…
"Ah, how can I say this? Let's just assume that due to Atsushi's kindness I was spared and here I am." Himuro said gesturing to himself, "I am merely a common soul amongst these wolves, honestly."
"I…never thought."
Himuro chuckled, "You're very meek, how adorable."
Furihata blushed at the compliment, compared to the man before him, he's a petty face in the crowd.
"I hope I can speaj with you, is it a bad time?"
Furihata shook his head, "N-No matter, please go ahead."
"Hn, alright," Himuro said, "I heard from His Majesty that you were the one who helped Kuroko-denka to find the peculiar grains of rice. Is it true?"
Furihata nodded meekly.
"How were you able to tell the difference?"
The question caused the brunette's eyes to widen and his heart race. "Uh…I…well I have ate that rice before." Furihata muttered, he can't think of any excuse for the course of his actions. All others would be quickly denied.
"Eh, is that so?" Himuro asked with a smile, well it wasn't surprising that someone of lowly birth would have experienced eating something like a fake rice, however…
"Then…Furihata-san…you must not have been born in Teiko."