《I Was Reincarnated Into A Harem Game As A Villain, Please Stay Away I'm Gay! V1》


 I Wish I Was Dreaming But I Am Not

    I felt like I exploded into a million pieces, my meagre 25 years of existence was laid to waste in a mere second by the screeching of brakes and the irresponsibility of a drunk driver.


    As the life was draining from my wilting body I prayed to the heavens.


    [In my next life at least give me a little bit of happiness]


    I honestly feel cheated.


    Images of my pathetic life flicked behind my eyelids in a what felt like a never-ending stop-motion picture. They say that in the end we pay for our mistakes, why does it feel like my biggest mistake was simply existing?


    Childhood - bullied for being short,


    High School - bullied for being gay,


    University - watching as my best and only friend talked to girls while I painfully loved him.


    I couldn''t even talk to my parents about it... they were never around. Like ghosts all I had was small memories of their existence as they flew around the world on business trips. In end they were disappointed in me due to my " Life Style Choice" as they called it. As if being gay was a choice!


    Did they really think I chose to be this miserable?


    The feelings of dejection, the buried emotions I had towards the one I loved and the unquenchable loneliness I felt all amassed in my chest like a sun compacting into a black hole. Threatening to pull me inside out.


    These sentiments hurt¡­more than the physical pain I experienced during the impact.


    I just wanted it all to stop.


    Tonight he just so happened to tell me that he liked a girl. It had broken me harder than usual.


    [Why was this the last thing I thought of?]


    My body screamed as I took my last breath, my vision faded out to the sounds of shouting and the smell of blood. A single tear rolled down my eye. Dying wasn''t so bad, at least it is over I thought.


    [God, I''m pathetic.]


    I smiled my final fateful smile... or so I thought.


    ********************************


    "Yuki, Yuki, rise and shine! It''s a beautiful morning! " A sweet melodic voice whispered an unknown name around me as a bright light shined in my eyes.


    [ Am I in the hospital? Heaven? Hell?]


    " Young master please wake up, the head maid will yell at me again if you''re late! " The voice whined pitifully.


    I slowly wake up, nursing a splitting headache and the feelings of regret lodged in my chest. My vision begins to clear. It seemed like I was sleeping in a king-sized bed. There is the smell of old oak and melted candles in the air with a slight hint of dust.


    Opening one eye I spotted a voluptuous woman in a maid costume, the sunlight from the window had hit her like a halo but it seemed to refuse to shine on me. She looked like an angel, while I felt like I contrasted her as a shadowed form, a possible figment of imagination from the corner of one''s eye.


    Her massive breasts jiggled slightly as she clapped her hands together breaking the unsteady silence.


    [ Her garb is rather fitting I guess. ]


    "Good morning young master Yuki, it is time for your lessons but first some breakfast!" The maid chirped in a cheery tone.


    [ Yuki? Me? Huh? Last time I checked my name was Yuta, do I have a concussion?]


    " Uhh, good morning miss are you talking to me?" I said shyly with a hoarse whisper.


    " Young¡­ Master?" She looked at me with me a shocked expression. I could see a hint of astonishment flash on her face which was followed by a warm smile.


    I rubbed the remaining sleep off my eyes in order to avoid her cheerfulness. That was when I noticed my delicate child-like hands.


    [ These aren''t my hands?! ... what is hell is going on here?!]


    I jolted out of my tired state and checked the rest of my body. Everything from my slim white frame, to my groin, wasn''t the same as I remembered.


    I looked at the maid, then the maid looked at me, both of us carried the same bewildered expression.


    "Miss, may I have a mirror please?" I shakily implore to the blonde haired beauty.


    She snapped out of her daze and handed me a hand mirror from the side desk. I stared at myself unwillingly.


    An unknown youth who seems around ten years old stared back at me. Pink lips, stern ice blue eyes with long wild and fiery hair stared right at me. These features matched perfectly with their pale white skin. I go to touch my face and the figure in the mirror does the same.


    [ Is this supposed to be me? ]


    I let the mirror drop from my hand, shocked and unable to move.


    " Young Master? You''re speaking! You are really speaking! The Heavens are kind! I am so happy!" the young maid stared at me with tears in her eyes. Her hands clasped together like a nun. " I will go tell madam and master immediately! " She rushed out of the door tears still glistening on her silky cheeks.


    My mind throbbed while visions of a past that didn''t belong to me etched themselves inside my skull. It seemed the body of this boy was Yuki Aikyo who died in his sleep due to a heart condition.


    His parents are from powerful backgrounds. His father a decorated soldier and his mother from a high-class merchant family.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    His grandfather is the general of a place called the Tama kingdom. Both the grandfather and father hold quite a bit of sway in the kingdoms court.


    It seems this Yuki Aikyo hated talking and grew mute some years ago. Sifting through the memories I found it was due to the pitying gazes he received from everyone around him.


    [ No wonder she was shocked. ]


    I held my head and passed out. Too much had shocked and frightened me.


    I awoke a few hours later. I could tell by the position of the sun hanging in the heavens. There was a cold feeling of fingers pressed on my wrist and the smell of medical incense so thick I felt I could taste it in between the gap in my cracked lips.


    I opened my eyes to see an old man checking my pulse, a handsome older gentleman with fiery red hair as well a women with green hair holding his arm. The maid from earlier was standing to the side. They all held expressions of baited breath and worry.


    The old man, seemingly a doctor, broke the silence with "Young master Yuki will be fine, it seems his fever has gone down and his heart condition has stabilized. Let''s not get our hopes up however and keep an eye on him"


    [ Is that what you should be saying in front of the patient doc?]


    The pair of lovers near the entrance stared at me smiling. The gentleman spoke up stating warmly " My son, you were only out for two days this time. We heard from Ki that you spoke to her. Truly there is kindness left in the world"


    [ Ki must be the name of the maid in the corner. ]


    The man and women then looked at one another and embraced like newlyweds.


    [ I''m glad that they are happy but do my new parents need to be so close to each other? Damn you and your happiness!]


    " Mother, Father I am fine, just a little woozy from sleeping too much. Please don''t worry" I say in a hoarse whisper.


    They both stared at me incredulously. The one who is my new mother starts crying on my father''s shoulder. I felt I sounded like a spoon caught in a food dispenser but it still brought them happiness. I stare at them and pause for a moment. A hint of jealousy for the previous Yuki flashed in my chest.


    [ Wait a minute¡­ Yuki Aikyo with a maid called Ki¡­ why does that seem familiar?]


    I sat up and shook my head. My stomach gurgled and I blush.


    " Yuki, it seems sleeping so long has made you hungry, your mother and I will come to see you later just focus on getting better!" my new father stated smiling.


    He led mother out of the room before the doctor respectfully followed behind them. The sun has just hit mid-afternoon.


    Ki sat down next to me and started hand feeding me porridge. She paused for a moment looked at me directly and spoke" Young Master, Lady Rosli had come again to visit, she was sad to hear you were asleep again. She really misses you, you know. When you get better you should pay her a visit."


    The porridge must have had some medicine in it because it tasted really bitter. My stomach and its hunger refuses to complain, however.


    " Princess Rosli? I am sorry miss Ki but it seems like being asleep for so long has left me with gaps in my memory. " I said between mouthfuls.


    Ki once again looked at me like I was an invalid before masking it with a smile.


    [ I finally understand why the previous Yuki didn''t bother to speak ]


    " Princess Rosli will one day be your fiance, she is the 3rd child and only princess of Tama. Ahhh such a sweet girl! She is very kind to you and brings you toys to your room" Ki states as she popped another mouthful of bitter sludge in my mouth.


    I chewed while I looked around and digested her words as well as the porridge. I saw many different hand puzzles and books lined the old-fashioned shelves. There were open books laying around, a sign of a well-lived in and frequently used room. I smile bitterly to myself.


    [ Princess Rosli another familiar name¡­ wait a minute wasn''t there a princess Rosli in that stupid game my best friend made me play? She was the main character of the harem novel game he liked. Making me sit there and help him conquer girls... Did he even know I liked him? What torture... ]


    [Wait that''s not the point Yuki... Yuki... Yuki Aikyo..... no way.]


    I hold my breath.


    [ Yuki Aikyo was the villain of the story an overbearing playboy jerk who bullied his fiancee. ]


    [ In the end, the lead character of the game and his buddies ruin Yuki ''s family and leave him destitute. In the end, the lead married Princess Rosli. ]


    [ I can''t be in the video game " Romance Fantasy ++" Right? ]


    I stare blankly at the covers on my bed, then stare at Ki before breathing out.


    [ This maid seems familiar too... Wasn''t she also a capture target for the men who liked older women? If my thoughts are correct that means in a few years my health will get better and I will attend a school called Main Magicus to study. I have to check]


    My stares must have frighted Ki a little as she looks down and blushes.


    " Umm.. sorry for staring Ki, I wanted to know if you have heard of Main Magicus School for the Gifted Elite" I state coldly.


    " Young Master have your memories returned? Of course, I have! You should be attending there in two years should your health get better!" Ki mentions while giggling.


    " I am sorry to miss Ki but can I have a few moments to myself? I will call you later. I am feeling a tad light-headed" I mention to Ki with pitiful eyes.


    Ki looked at me and put down the bowl. She bows once left the room. She glanced at me once more before she exited.


    I took big deep breaths and screamed without sound. Silently cursing at the heavens for the injustices that have fallen upon me. I crawled further into my blankets to sulk while I stared at my slender hands. I shook all over.


    [ First I get stuck in some random body, which I could barely deal with... now I know I am in some perverse video game aimed at straight men and lesbians.]


    My face contorted under the beds'' covers.


    [ I also now know that before I even get a chance to graduate I am gonna end up dead in a ditch by some jerkhole women stealer. ]


    My fingers gripped their palms, red marks began to appear.


    [ My first high school experience was already traumatizing enough and now I have to do it again. This time in a damn game my best friend loved full of women?!]


    Huffing and grumbling I rolled around. Taking my grievances out on my pillow, with barely any strength. I tired out rather quickly.


    I sighed and stared at the ceiling. No thoughts entered or left my mind, I focused on counting each of the bricks that comprised it to calm myself down. I breathed in and out deeply. My heartbeat calmed and I clutched my chest meekly.


    [ Alright me, I know I am hated by the heavens and I will end up in a ditch if I attempt to marry princess whats her face. So why don''t I just not do that, focus on my studies and graduate under the radar?]


    I laughed at myself deprecatingly.


    [Maybe I can even take up sword fighting and magic. Yes, that could be fun¡­ at least I could make the most of this stupid situation. First I need to gather all the information about this world I can, then I need to find a way to fix my heart murmur.]


    I attempted to continue to talk myself into some positivity.


    [Then hmm I should practice the sword and magic so I can be a wandering swordsman in case this fails and finally I must be nice to everyone I can so that I don''t have to be murdered or something. This¡­ this may work! ]


    I clench my fist pitifully filled with determination. My pep talk to myself seemed to work as I continued to plan for my future. Ki walked in some time later with some dinner. My face finally relaxes.


    [ Step one be nice to everyone, the more allies the better! ]


    " Ki is that dinner? It smells wonderful, Thank you for always taking care of me," I said in the sweetest voice I could muster. I still sounded like a blender with sentience but she genuinely smiled at me brightly in response.


    She placed the miscellaneous gloop in the bowl on the bed''s side table. With a careful vigour and blush on her cheeks, she fed me.


    [ Porridge again?! I should try to focus instead on not feeling too disappointed at the lack of a handsome butler, but Ki seems nice and reliable enough. Maybe when I am older I can find her a nice gentleman in thanks. ]


    " Miss Ki, tomorrow I wish to study hard could you please inform my parents that I will do my best not to let them down," I said after the final bite is taken.


    She put the bowl away and lit a candle next to me. She then surprisingly hugged me tightly. Her massive breasts blocked me from breathing.


    " Miss Ki¡­ Please stop I can''t. Breathe¡­" I spluttered as I turned red.


    She stopped and looked at me, embarrassment drawn all over her face in red crayon.


    " I am sorry young Master I have just been so worried! I spoke to your parents and they mentioned that the princess will be visiting tomorrow. We hope her visit will cheer you up" She replied and bowed to me.


    [ ....oh crap. The princess. Tomorrow?!]


    " ...I am looking forward to it," I say with my most plastic smile.


    Ki smiles brightly in return.

 It鈥檚 Like Pokomon But With Landmines

    The next morning, I brushed my teeth, had breakfast and was dressed up by Ki. After some final adjustments to my garb, I attempted to stumble out of bed. My head felt dizzy and my legs weak. It seems the previous Yuki spent very little time out of bed. So I wobbled like a newborn foal.


    Ki held my waist and lead me around the manor. My legs burnt slightly, with each step it was uncomfortable, but I stayed firm.


    The size of the building I now called my house acted as a distraction. My house to say the least is enormous. I would probably have gotten lost if it were not for my buxom maid.


    The entire area looks like it was built for royalty. There were many large buildings, one on each compass position with a small pond in the middle.


    My room, Ki''s as well as the doctors are all based in the west building. Apparently, the doctors'' name is Ishi, and he has been serving since Yuki was born due to his weak heart.


    [ I must admit I am still not used to being Yuki, I should try my best not to third person myself in my internal monologues.]


    The north side building is the most extensive and is used for guests, paperwork as well as dining.


    On the east side is a building for mother and father while the south is built for the maids, butlers and guards besides the ones who serve people personally.


    The stares from all the staff as they watched me cross the yard to the north building was quite embarrassing. Even the guards were watching like a hawk. Maybe everyone is just waiting for me to fall over and die. I should probably try to walk more so I don''t get worse.


    [Note to self: get out more]


    Finally, after a few minutes of arduous walking, I ended up in the north building. It seemed reminiscent of an old-style castle with tapestries on the walls written most likely by old men on mountain tops. The tables and chairs are all old oak polished to impeccable levels. I thought the building would smell stuffy; however, there was a fresh breeze permeating through the wide doors bringing with it a whiff of spring.


    After walking down a long hallway, I find myself in a study. Waiting there is a young man no more than 20 years old with a scholarly feel to him. His amazing green eyes and long brown hair have me captivated. I can just imagine how soft his skin is. His clothing is a simple brown yukata lined with a darker brown cloth and wrapped with a red sash. A complimentary yet straightforward garment.


    [ Why wasn''t I reincarnated as his Yukata? ]


    " Oh young Master Yuki, I heard you were quite unwell the other day, and you are having trouble with your memory. My name is Fujiwara Riku, Please just call me Riku, I am at your service" He bows profoundly and elegantly.


    [ He looks just like a prince ]


    All I can manage is to nod politely back. I would hate to fall over and embarrass myself in front of such a handsome guy. Ki sits me down on a chair in front of a table. She leaves some writing equipment in front of me before bowing and leaving. Luckily I have some experience with a quill, or this could have ended horribly. The sheer stack of paper and books make my head spin.


    " Do you remember what we studied last time Young Master? " Riku speaks eloquently.


    " I.. I can''t remember" I respond in almost a whisper.


    " My, it seems young master truly is speaking! What a joyous occasion! This lesson will be a recap then on Maths and a little politics!" Riku retorts back with gusto.


    My mind absently wanders to a dirty story I read where there was a hot teacher and a young student where they ****** and then **** and then finally ****. I couldn''t leave my room for a few hours after reading that book.


    I blushed crimson.


    " Young Master are you unwell? Your cheeks are awfully red." Riku states in concern.


    "No, no I am fine, the room is just a little cold I think." I quickly reply as I snap back to reality.


    Riku frown turns into a smile as he brushes his long hair with his fingers. He drags a chair and places it across from me. Finally, he sits down and straightens his clothes.


    "Young Master, five families are considered to be the top of the food chain in Tama, Yours lead by your Grandfather Aikyo Reo who gained huge merits in the war against the neighbouring kingdom of Vance 20 years ago. The Sato family lead by Sato Yuuto. You may also know it as your cousins Tamo and Hina''s family who own the Sakura Auction House in our fair royal capital. The Takahashi Family are known as the gods of medicine. Even their children Itsuki and Sakura are talented from what I have heard!" Riku finishes his talk midway and looks at me.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    " Is there anything you''re not following so far?" Riku mentions inquisitively.


    I stare blankly into space for a moment as memories from my previous life come back to me.


    [ Takahashi¡­ Taka... Oh! Sakura was a capture target, I should avoid that family and Hina was also a capture target. Got to avoid her too. Rich and powerful women sure can be scary.]


    " I think I have everything so far " I state before gulping and nod.


    Riku raises his eyebrow slightly, nods and continues.


    " The last two families are the Tanaka family who is known for producing most of the food within the capital and their children Himari and Yuuto. Finally, the royal family with the Crown Prince Leopold, Second Prince Nathaniel and the apple of his highnesses eye your soon to be fiance Princess Rosli. Of course, there is no reason to mention why they are great."


    [ All the women mentioned are all capture targets... Is this some kind of joke? Not only are they all from powerful families they are all people the future male lead whatever his name is could have dated. There was even a harem ending¡­ will they all come after me to trample me to death!? ]


    I sigh dejectedly and shiver. Suddenly, I heard the tapping of tiny footsteps and the door burst open.


    " Yuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkiiiiiiiii" I hear a loud nauseating squeal of a young girl as she wraps her arms around me.


    I look up to see a young girl no more than 10 in an elegant floral dress. Her long black hair tied in a pink bow with the ribbons hanging down her shoulders. She smiles a giant toothy grin at me, her bright yellow eyes gleaming.


    " Princess, It is lovely to see you again" interrupts Riku, much to my gratefulness, he stands and bows before sitting back down.


    " Young Master, Do you wish to end our lesson for the day now that the lovely miss is here to play?" Questions Riku.


    [ Absolutely not!! ]


    " My sincerest apologies Riku, could you perhaps come tomorrow, I am sure I have missed a lot," I mention as I sigh dejectedly.


    [ I''m not letting the hot teacher get away that easily. ]


    " YOU SPOKE!? " exclaims Rosli as her pink lips curve into a smile. Her hands wrap around my chest tighter, and I feel slightly disgusted.


    [Please little Loli I beg you to let go! My heart can''t take your close proximity!]


    In my previous life, I only had one true friend, being surrounded by people is suffocating me slightly, let alone being touched! She is also the cause of my downfall in a few years.


    [ Deep breaths broad smile. ]


    " Princess, do you care for a walk near the pond? " I attempt to speak through clenched teeth.


    Riku stands up and bows before calling Ki into the room. "Till next time" are his parting words to us as he departs.


    Ki wanders over and helps me up. I grip onto her arm with a vice-like grip while the princess stands next to me holding my hand. I sure it feels like a light brush to Ki, however, I truly am weak.


    [ Bear with it¡­ think of her as a little sister and not the woman who will get you killed ]


    Both the princess and my maid match my pace, I am sure from the outside it looks almost like a picturesque family going for a walk. Internally I am trying not to puke. Why am I surrounded by so many women?


    We finally made it outside and head towards the pond. There is beautiful green grass, a stone bench and stools as well as some beautiful yellow flowers framing a lovely scene. There are a few koi to keep the pond lively and the slight buzz of insects.


    Rosli lets go of my hand and runs to the pond a broad smile on her face. Ki continues to match my pace and laughs at the enchanting young girl.


    " Young master, should I prepare some snacks? the weather is lovely! " Mentions Ki.


    I nodded once in response, and she smiles brilliantly. Her long golden hair shines in the sun while her bright blue eyes focus on me. Ki grows on me a little.


    [ I guess I can try and find some lovely jewels so when my family is reduced to rubble, she won''t be affected at the very least ]


    I smile back at her, and her cheeks glisten a red hue. We finally get to the pond and she places me down on a stool, bows and walks off to make food.


    [ Just me and the princess¡­ what do I say exactly? " Please don''t try to marry me in future? You are ill-equipped to be of interest, are your brothers single?" This wouldn''t work would it.]


    I stare over at the princess as she admires the flowers, she plucks one, runs up and brings it to me giggling.


    " Yuki, I got this for you, it was the prettiest one I could find, do you like it? " she says with her bell-like voice.


    I grab the flower and inspect it. It''s a bright red flower with a yellow centre. It has a thick green stem and red leaves. I had never seen anything like this before.


    I honestly reply " It''s beautiful, thank you princess " and smile at her.


    She looks down at the ground and blushes meekly.


    [ Oh shit what did I do? ]


    " Princess, there is something I would like to discuss with you, would you care to hear it after lunch?" I rasped in the clearest voice I had. It sounds as if I had smoked a 100 cigarettes, but she nodded enthusiastically regardless.


    [ It seems like she is just happy that I am talking to her, poor thing. ]


    An incense stick of time rolls past as the princess explains to me about her week and how much she is spoiled by her brothers, mother and father. Ki walks up to us carrying a pitcher of what looks like old-fashioned lemonade and some finger sandwiches. She places them down on the table and steps to my side. The princess takes dainty bites, she reminds me of a squirrel.


    We finish our meal, and I turn to Ki. " Thank you, lunch was wonderful, could you please give me a moment alone with the princess. I wish to speak with her privately" I mention to Ki seriously.


    She nods her head " I will leave you and miss some time, I am glad you are both getting along young master."


    [ She has the wrong idea I bet.]


    She walks away, and the princess stares at me with wide eyes, wondering about what I am about to say. Clearly, she is excited.


    [ I am sorry princess¡­]


    " About our engagement coming up. Is there a way we can delay it. " I state seriously.


    Tears well up in the princess''s eyes.


    " Don''t you think I''d make a good wife? Yuki? " she sniffles.


    [ Oh god I feel like a monster ]


    " I am just very unwell, what happens if I die, princess, I can''t leave you a young widow," I replied looking at her sad face.


    " You.. you''re going to die?" The princess says followed by " you can''t¡­ die..." and bursts into tears.


    [ I think I messed up ]

 I Haven鈥檛 Gone To School Yet But I Nearly Died Of A Heart Attack!

    The princess''s tears had set off a chain reaction in the manor; first, it was the guards and then it was the maids. Finally, mother and father all sitting there wide-eyed and looked at me like I am a monster. I wouldn''t have been surprised if a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick maker also appeared to jeer.


    Well, I did give the child princess an existential crisis.


    [ What do I do? ]


    "Son? What has happened here, why is the princess crying?" My father said with frowned brows.


    He stared at the princess first and then me.


    The stern look on his face gave me shivers.


    I looked around to see everyone with almost the same expression.


    I am done for.


    [ Please don''t frown like that, you will get wrinkles]


    " I didn''t mean to... " Before I could finish I was cut off by the bawling of the crying girl, her hair now dishevelled, her eyes puffy.


    " Are you really gonna die Yuki? You can''t die, ...hic...your father promised me that you would look after me forever.. hic" The princess sniffled out through her tears.


    The crowd''s stares seemed to bore into my body. I went to touch the princess''s shoulder, but I flinched back at the last second.


    There is a heavy silence in the air.


    [ I am wearing clothes you know please don''t try to look under my skin! ]


    Cursing quietly to myself I looked at my father and straightened my back a little. This was probably like playing hard mode with just one life left. My chest felt heavy and sweat formed on my back.


    It seemed even the insects are against me, they all seemed to have fled.


    " Father¡­ Mother...I..." I swallowed the rest of my words.


    " Everyone Leave! " said father in a stern voice. The guards and maids all looked at each other and scurried away as if there were spikes on the floor.


    [ I wish I could leave too ]


    " What exactly did you tell the princess?" Father spoke while he looked at me with complex emotions, He seemed to want to be angry but was struggling. His voice was unbearably quiet. I felt slightly ashamed.


    " I told her the truth father, my heart isn''t getting any better. How could I marry anyone? Let alone the princess. She should be happy and not stuck with someone who could die at the drop of a hat." I reply unable to looked into anyone''s eyes. I dropped my head and stared at the ground. My face flushed red.


    [ This is pretty embarrassing, but it may work! Come on father stop the engagement! ]


    " This¡­" Father stated, I could feel his eyes stare at me deeper. I heard the sound of mother grabbing the princess and holding her as she would keep her own daughter. The princess seemed to have gone dead quiet. The smell of the water from the pond enters my nose, and the gentle sway of the flowers seemed to calm me a little.


    " For now let us calm down the princess, we can talk about this later" father responded after what seemed like a lifetime. I hold my breath and nod. Mother started carrying the princess away, and father followed behind her.


    " I am sorry, princess " I stated to their turned backs. The princess looked at me over mother''s shoulder, it seemed her heart is breaking. Her eyes seem almost glazed over. I had really hurt her.


    [ She is very young, I am sure she will bounce back once she finds the male lead ]


    I sighed, the cool breeze gently caressing my cheeks. The sun shone down, I closed my eyes and faced skyward. The red behind my eyelids kept the throbbing in my ears at bay.


    I was worn out.


    My body seemed to be unresponsive so I sat down in a daze.


    Ki who was standing at a distance rushed to me and grabbed me gently, her arms wrapped against my chest. She felt very warm. I wrap my arms around her too, and we sit in silence for a while.


    [ I wish I had a sister like this back home... It would have been nice. ]


    We sat like stone statues before a small voice broke the silence. " Young Master, do you wish to go back to your room?" Ki''s voice seemed to trigger the sounds from the rest of the world. I heard the maids walking around and the guards tapping their polearms slightly on the floor as they walk around. Even the insects near the pond seemed to come to life.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    I nodded, she grabbed my arm and slowly lifted me up, my knees have a slight pain in them from the lack of movement. We stood together, and she walked me across the yard. No one dared look at us any more.


    Ki put me down on my bed, I finally felt a little more relaxed, my muscles seemed to cry in ecstasy as they hid under the covers.


    Ki looked at me dejectedly, most likely unsure of what to say.


    " Ki could you please make me some tea, I want to be alone for a while," I said to her. I am sure that this will be best for the both of us. I have never really been sure what to say in these sorts of situations. Especially since everyone thinks I just bullied a ten-year-old.


    [ When our manor doesn''t get sold under our feet they will thank me ]


    " As you wish," She said and smiles brilliantly. Bowing, Ki left the room.


    [ Right that is one problem finished. Now I just need to do something about this weak body. Who could train as a swordsman when they could barely stand ]


    I grinned to myself as I rubbed my hands together. I stretched as best I could, starting from my toes to my legs.


    Just as I was about to get to my hips, Ki came back with the tea I asked for. She poured me a cup and placed it next to my bed. Her face seemed to go from blank to smiling. I could feel the determination flowing from her body as she looked at me.


    " Young Master, No. Yuki! I don''t want you to give up on yourself. You are the only person I have ever served as a maid. You have never scolded me and have always been kind to me. I want you to continue to be brave. I know it''s not my place to say, but what you said hurt everyone today. Please don''t speak like that in the future. " Ki explained while her fists were shaking, her face was determined yet a small glistening tear stealthily appeared at the corner of her eye. It looked like I was going to make two young maidens cry today.


    [ Since when did I become such a tyrant? ]


    I thought for a minute before replying. " Ki, thank you." I paused. "Tomorrow I wish for you to get me a wooden training sword. Could you organise this for me? I''d also like any books on magic we may have in the library." I looked at her and smiled.


    " Yes, Young Master!" Her usual vibrancy seemed to shine through at this moment. She rubs her eyes with her sleeve and smiles brilliantly.


    The stress I felt melts away, it looked as if the "operation stop the waterworks" has been a great success. I may not find women attractive, but I still felt guilty.


    After half an hour of chatting about the ins and outs of what I need for my specialised training and sipping the delicious tea she prepared, Ki leaves the room wholly satisfied. When I am sure the coast is clear, I stand up. My legs seemed to be a little stronger compared to a few days ago, so I slowly made a few steps towards my table.


    One Step...


    Two Steps...


    Five steps...


    It seemed like a snail''s pace, but I finally made it to the table. I felt quite proud of myself. I steadily made myself start doing squats. I managed to get five before I was exhausted. My heart beat erratically. I decided to call it enough for the day and sat at my desk. I looked around to see a few books on various topics.


    [ I should probably read, they say that knowledge is the key to victory! ]


    Taking the top book, I began to read, the sun slowly made its way across the sky.


    Meanwhile...


    ************************************************


    * Ki''s point of view *


    I had just left the young master''s room. I made my way towards my own place. It is a pretty basic room with a small window, minimal furniture comprised of only a bed and a side cabinet. However, there is training gear littered on the side of the walls.


    [" Yuki has been acting strange lately. First, he starts talking, then he tells the princess he is going to die. This maid is going to grey early! If he didn''t flash such a cute smile, I am sure I would not have been so forgiving!" ]


    I took a deep breath and removed most of the maids'' attire I was wearing, replacing it with a white training uniform. It''s fitted rather loosely on the top half, so I wrapped a sash around my chest.


    [ Ahh I wish I wasn''t so busty ]


    I stared down for a moment as I clenched my fists. I walked to the middle of the room and stretched.


    Any outsider would see a highly trained combat veteran. The aura around Ki changed dramatically. Without a sound, a series of punches, kicks and flips are played out with deadly accuracy. With a few beads of sweat wiped off with a sleeve, Ki walked to her bed and reaches under.


    A rather small set of intricate daggers are produced. Ki smiled to herself. She walked back to the middle of the room, the air vibrated a little as she intricately moved the blades. At that moment Ki looked like the star of a silent martial arts film, the small amount of sunshine made her look like a holy maiden preparing for battle.


    Not even a creak from the wood was heard until a knock at the door broke the quietness.


    " It''s me," said a gentle voice. Its low timbre sounded like a fresh stream in the midst of a desert.


    " Master Aikyo. " Replied Ki. She placed her daggers to the side of the room and opened the door just enough for the red-headed man waiting outside to slip through.


    His icy eyes are the type to demand respect and a permanent frown line sat between his eyebrows and gave him a stern look. It didn''t remove any of his sex appeal in the slightest.


    In every way, he looked like a battle-hardened soldier. His black Yukata with red lining accentuated his broad shoulders and wide back making him look like a painting.


    " Ki, have you been training? Your diligence is excellent. Taking you in was the best decision our family made." Tenma Aikyo stated in a matter a fact tone.


    " Mmm thank you, master" Ki replied, a brilliant smile formed on her face making her eyes slightly crinkle.


    " How is my son? I didn''t know he felt like that until today. It must be hard for such a young boy to have so many troubles." Tenma mentioned his face distorted a little.


    " Since a few days ago he seemed to have changed somehow, maturing almost. It must have been the fever he had, but he has also forgotten a lot, I am worried about him. How did it go with the princess?" Ki responded respectfully.


    " We calmed her down, and she has returned to her residence. We are not sure what to do about the engagement, it would truly be a great match. However, we must keep our son''s wants and needs in mind. We shall wait and see." Tenma stated and fell into thought.


    The room became quiet for a while.


    " I will be leaving again for a few days with father, I have heard of a herb that could be turned into a potion that may be good for the heart. Please keep Yuki safe. He is the only son I have, and as you know, we are being circled by hungry tigers. Don''t tell Yuki, I would hate to get his hopes up." Master Aikyo stated.


    Ki kneeled and saluted with her hand over her heart in a fist.


    " As you wish Master," Ki stated confidently.


    [ I hope this time there is genuinely a cure for him, come back safe Master. ]

 Being Noble Sucks

    I woke up early in the morning and stretched, I looked down at my weak yet pale legs, slowly becoming accustomed to the sight. I think back to my old life, to my lack of friends, average grades and imagine what I could have done to live a little happier.


    [ I could have at least told my best friend I loved him before I died. ]


    I clenched my fist.


    Ki comes in with my usual bowl of slop. She feeds me a little while I wash down the taste with a pot of tea. I have never been much of a tea enthusiast, but the flavour makes an excellent pallet cleanser.


    I finish the mysteriously thick substance in the bowl and Ki puts it down. She spent the next few minutes explaining to me my schedule for the day. Which included no free time mind you.


    My father was excited that I wanted to study the sword and has gone about hiring an instructor. Not only that but I needed to research etiquette, my general studies with Riku and even sessions with Doctor Ishi since I have started to walk more. I guessed they plan on some sort of rehabilitation for my lack of exercise over the years.


    Finally, I found out that I can only practice breathing exercises for magic until I am stronger as my body wouldn''t be able to cope with any backlash training may have.


    [ They don''t give a ten-year-old a break do they? ]


    " Young Master a letter came this morning from the palace. Princess Rosli has been worried about you. Here, please take this, I am sure she has written you something to cheer you up" Ki said excitedly.


    Ki produced a fine gold emblazoned envelope from her apron pouch. I took it from her and noticed the tiny detailing of dragons lining the sides. It had Yuki Aikyo written in bold letters on the front. I flipped it over and saw that there was a sophisticated seal stamped on the back with what I can only assume is the royal families coat of arms.


    I opened it slowly and began to read.


    Aikyo Yuki,


    It has come to my attention that yesterday you bullied my dear sweet sister. She came back to the palace in tears claiming that you are going to die. She also mentioned that you would like to cancel the potential engagement with her. I would hope that as a man seeing a young lady in tears let alone the only princess of Tama would cause you distress; she is also the most perfect child I have ever seen. You want to cancel the engagement?! Do you have rocks instead of a brain? I wrote this letter to tell you if I see my dear sweet Rosli crying even one tear again by your hand that I will come and visit you household PERSONALLY.


    You have been warned.


    Ps. If anyone else finds out about this letter, I will make your life even more miserable. I hope this letter from my "sister" makes you smile.


    With sincere regards,


    Crown Prince Leopold II of Tama


    Reading the last lines a sick feeling welled up in the pit of my stomach, the little hairs on my arms raised up, and every cell in my body screamed danger. My body involuntary shuddered. I looked at Ki, and she looked back at me absentmindedly smiling. I hid the letter as quickly as I could and plastered on my best plastic grin.


    " How was it, young master? Hiding the letter so passionately its content must have been thrilling! Ahh to be young and in love! " Ki held her cheeks with a dazed expression. I stared at her blankly in an attempt to hide my fear.


    [ If I get engaged to her I die, if I don''t, I die! What is with her brother, is he crazy? A siscon maybe?]


    " Yes, I will be sure to thank her brother properly for writing such a fantastic letter on the princesses behalf," I responded after calming myself down. I put the letter back into the envelope and placed it under my pillow.


    It turned out that it will take a few months for my magic and sword fighting trainers to arrive at our door. So Ki handed me two thin books. One with basic sword movements and another with breathing exercises.


    She stated that if I have any issues, she will ask the guards on my behalf for answers. However, because my heart is weak, I can only swing the wooden sword in a chair for now.


    My morning lessons with Riku were fantastic. I spent half of them learning the ways of this land and the other half staring at him. I only do it when I know he is not looking, however, so I seem to get away with it.


    I thought that perfecting my gawking technique will come in handy as I have to stay closeted. Who knows what the people here feel about homosexuals.


    I tensed up at the thought.


    By midday I had lunch and I met a lady called Yuzu. She had even taught the young women in the palace how to walk, talk, sit and stand. With my limited physical strength, I can only get through so much before I had to take a break and start again. It must be annoying to my teacher, but it cannot be helped. Her beady eyes scared me.


    Come evening time I had a real dinner with the family, my father seems to be missing, my mother said he is on a business trip. She told me about her day, and the room seemed to be full of calmness. I was grateful for the change of pace, and the meat reminiscent of chicken. I say goodnight to my mother and she hugged me tightly.


    I think this is the second time I have been hugged since I got here. In my previous life, I rarely got embraced even by my parents.


    [ It is nice to have people who care about you. ]


    Finally, I was taken back to my room by Ki as she placed the books she gave me in front of me.


    The breathing techniques seem to be simple enough but trying to convert the basic sword movements into positions where I could sit down was confusing. Ki seemed to be rather good at instructing which I consider quite strange for a maid.


    [ Maybe she has a brother or lover that is a guard here? ]


    I spent a good chunk of the night breathing and swinging my sword in accordance with the manuals given to me. I kept having to take breaks in between, but I started to feel proud. I am sure the previous owner of this body would have been proud too.


    [ Don''t worry Yuki, I will live a life good enough for the both of us. ]


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Just before it is time to rest, I opted for a bath, Ki brought it into the room as I was struggling to move after all of that exercising. She filled up the tub and checked its temperature.


    " Young master the bath is ready. Would you like me to scrub your back?" She beckoned me seductively, her soft curves move against her maids'' outfit. All my dreams of having a sweet older sister figure were instantly shattered. I try not to cry.


    [ Hell No! ]


    " No thank you, Ki, as much as that would be delightful I am rather tired, I will make my way out myself. I appreciate the offer, however." I said with a straight face.


    " Please call me if you need me Young Master" she giggled in response.


    I shuddered.


    [ I take back what I thought earlier, I need a handsome butler. Maybe my teacher as a butler, NO! My teacher and a butler. When I am a master swordsman I will make my own Harem!]


    I shook my head at my stupid thoughts and made my way into the tub, The warm water soothed my aches and pains, ridding me of today''s stresses. Before I could fully relax, however, my mind wandered to the letter that I had received this morning.


    [ What to do about prince danger zone and princess marriage mistake? Should I run away? Play dead, talk to someone? No, I can''t, he will know that I said something and come to me with a sword at my throat. Maybe I should visit and talk to him directly. Ahhhhh I can''t do that, he seems scary. Perhaps I can bake them a sorry gift? ¡­ that''s stupid. ]


    My thoughts went around in circles until the bath water went cold and I was dizzy. I made my way out and dried my hair, before getting dressed in my pyjamas and laying in bed. The moon was high up into the sky before my mind stopped its excessive worrying.


    That night I dreamed about my old world, my favourite activities and foods, my old family and finally my best friend. He seemed to whisper something to me, but I was unable to make it out before he smiled at me.


    I was then teleported to an open field, the hills and mountains seem to stretch on for miles. I felt at peace. A warm feeling overcame my body like a child sitting in its mother''s womb.


    From behind me, I heard a voice calling to me, yet when I turned around no one was there. My hand began to glow, and a symbol appeared on the back.


    It was a bow and arrow with the tip of the arrowhead-shaped like a heart. It was super cheesy looking. A young man suddenly appeared in front of me. Wearing tight pants, no shirt, and covered in tattoos. He had a fantastic body, I tried not to drool.


    " It''s alright Senri Yuta, you can stare as much as you like, I did create this form just for you" The low mellow voice of the man in front of me made me breathless, My cheeks turned red, and I was unable to respond. His long black hair gave him the look of a wild man. It took me a second to notice there were a bow and quiver on his back.


    " Mm good response it seems I still have it," he said out loud rather smugly. Followed by "I have many names, but you can call me Cupid, cutie." He winked at me.


    " So do you want the good news or the bad news?" Cupid asked.


    I snapped out of my daze and stared at the man seriously.


    [ Can''t it just be good news? ]


    I sighed and shook my head, I knew I was dreaming so I played along.


    " The bad news followed by the good news please" I replied, he already knew my name, so I didn''t bother to introduce myself.


    " Ahh good, I like a straightforward person. The bad news is.. I screwed up some paperwork. You were supposed to end up with Isayama Anzai, that young man you were friends with... But I didn''t fill in the forms, and it caused a glitch, so your old universe corrected itself by killing you. So that happened, Sorry about that." He said in a blas¨¦ tone like he was discussing the weather while scratching his head.


    I stared at him with my mouth opened wide.


    [ Anzai and I were¡­ we were meant to..]


    My heart was a mess.


    [I loved him for as long as I could remember, pined for him like a lost puppy and because of this idiot, I was killed with nothing but regrets?]


    I was furious.


    " Cupid or whoever you are what..." I started to speak, but I was cut off mid-sentence by the man with long black hair. He made a motion with his hand, and I found myself unable to speak. I held my mouth attempting to pry it open.


    " No one likes people who complain okay, it isn''t cute. Hear me out okay. So Yuta, you died pretty miserably, and I know it was somewhat my fault, so I am making it up to you. The world you are living in was something I made just for you. Everyone and everything is just as real as you are. Consider this I made 6 billion people in an alternate universe so that you could start again. So you should be grateful. " Cupid paused for a moment making sure that I took in every line.


    I looked at him questioning my entire theory of how the universe works; my head began to churn.


    " Ahh yeah, now you see my greatness," he said and chuckled before he continued.


    " However, just giving you everything you want would suck right? Ever seen a man get everything he ever wanted and be fine with what he has?. "


    He paused before saying " I haven''t. "


    He then smiled and said "So I am challenging you to survive your ordeals find someone you love and try not to get killed. I mean this world would be fine with or without you. To make your life easier, I have added a system of sorts into your brain. You can figure it out when you wake up. Just think the word menu to yourself, and you will figure it out. Good luck Kiddo!"


    He waves at me, and everything around me goes black. I wake up in bed just as the sun is rising. I stare down at my hand.


    [ It wasn''t a dream ]

 Welcome To The Lubu Lubu System

    Shock, awe, disappointment, rage and a myriad of other emotions flooded into my mind. Staring down at my hand I shook slightly. A bow and arrow seemed to be lightly imprinted where once pure skin lay.


    I sat there and chewed through the words Cupid had said to me. About how I died and the so-called gift he had given me. Honestly, it was rather hard to digest.  An entire planet just for me? Then why the hell did he pick a Harem game as the premise?


    [ I guess there is only one thing I can do. " Menu" ]


    I heard what seemed to be a Winbows startup in my ears, a non-gendered voice could be heard after just a few moments.


    " Yuki Aikyo, Welcome to the Lubu Lubu System,"  The voice said.


    [ Woah he really wasn''t kidding... Lubu Lubu? Shouldn''t it be love? Never mind too many surprises this morning.]


    " Would you like a male, female or a gender undetermined helper?" the disembodied voice stated nonchalantly as if reading off a menu.


    [ Male, female or other huh? I could imagine my helper would probably be Cupid if I picked Male, and I already have too many females in my life¡­ I will go with other.]


    " One Moment " The voice replied.


    A few seconds passed and something like a holographic menu appeared out of the top of my hand. It was large enough to be legible but small enough to be compact. It had a bright pink frame and the words "Lubu Lubu" with a giant heart as a logo of sorts. A small loading bar is filled up with a cat tumbling underneath it.


    [ Urgh so cheesy who designed this?]


    " Welcome, Meowster Yuki!"  A cat that popped up on the screen said. It was a small smokey coloured Scottish Fold. It looks exactly like the cat I had in my old world, so it brought a little warmth into my heart.  I couldn''t help wanting to reach out and touch it. I attempted to and found that I could?! It left me startled for a moment. The cat purred affectionately.


    [ Woah it''s warm! Maybe the design isn''t so bad after all ]


    " If you''re done with touching me Meowster, Let me introduce myself. My name is Kibbles and I will be helping you navigate your new Lubu Lubu system. This technology can contain everyone on the planet. You can use this to see your own stats, the stats of others and even there likes and dislikes! If you really want to you can even see how much they like you. Doki Doki!"  The cat said as it rolled on its stomach lovingly.


    " Everyone? Wait it can hold the information of 6 billion people?" I said incredulously.


    " Yep! It sure can, however, to make sure your Lubu Lubu System isn''t too hard for you to navigate there are some restrictions" Kibbles said as it batted at thin air.


    " First, you can only people you know and have directly touched will be added. Two, to unlock information will cost you "Doki Dollars" or DD and finally three the more important the information to you the more it will cost! Because you have just started, let us unlock a profile for you and this purring fluff ball will give you 20 DD! Aren''t I kind?" The cat says as it stands.


    It waved its paw and the screen changed. It looked sort of like a dating app. There are five profiles on it. One for Ki, one for Riku, One for my mother and father and one for the Princess.


    All the profiles bar Ki''s are locked with iron chains and a love heart shaped lock. Riku''s saying 50 DD and the princess''s 30DD.  Mother and fathers profiles cost 1DD each.


    "It''s kinda gross that my parents are on this application," I stated bluntly


    " Meowster, There are many different types of love in the world, get your head out of the gutter. I Kibbles am offended "Kibble''s stated and turned its back on me.


    " I am sorry Kibbles, I won''t jump to conclusions again. " I stated with my most sincere sounding voice.


    [  I can''t believe I just apologised to a cat, at least it''s cute when it''s grumpy. ]


    " Okay, I forgive you this time. Now think you can either click on the open profile with your finger or just think about Ki''s name." Kibbles rolled into a ball.


    Since no one was around I opted for the physical method and clicked on it.  There was a back button a forward button and Ki''s picture and the following information just underneath:


    Name: Ki


    Hobbies: Blank ( Unlock:  50 DD)


    Heart Meters: 7/10 Green | 2/10 Red | 2/10 Black ( Unlock: 100 DD)


    Thoughts: Blank ( Unlock: 30 DD)


    Likes: Blank (Unlock:  20 DD)


    Dislikes: Blank ( Unlock:  20 DD)


    Kibbles Comments: Very loyal friend, hurray!


    Kibbles nodded as it watched me read before stating " So their hobbies will help you get to know them better, The Green Heart Meter is good feelings towards you, think of it like friendship and loyalty points.


    The Red Hearts indicate their romantic or familial feelings towards you. Black Hearts are their negative feelings towards you. Things like worry, jealousy or hatred. It is okay to have a few black hearts but too many and its game over!"


    Kibbles then paused before continuing with "Everything can be unlocked just by thinking about it!"


    " What happens if I fill up on red hearts and black hearts?" I mumbled in thought.


    Kibbles responded " Ever seen those movies where the person is so obsessed that they kill you? That happens! Same with full green and full black. Frienemies to death or something.  That doesn''t mean that they won''t try to kill you before that, however. More hearts unlock different events!"


    [ That''s not scary at all ]


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    " Don''t worry Meowster, Hearts take a long time to unlock unless an event happens, things can get pretty interesting then!" Kibbles tries to reassure me unsuccessfully before sitting on my shoulder and rubbing up against my chin.


    " Oh Meowster, Click back and go to "My Status" or just think of yourself!" Kibbles said excitedly.


    I am guessed Kibbles is tried to change the subject which I am in agreed with. I thought about myself and the menu changes.


    Name: Yuki (Yuta)


    Doki Dollars: 20


    Strength: 5/100 ( Unlock: 1DD)


    Stamina: 3/100 ( Unlock: 1 DD)


    Magic: 0/100 ( Unlock: Currently Unavailable)


    Intelligence: 20/100 ( Unlock: 10 DD )


    Missions:


    5 DD: Complete sword and breathing techniques each day for one week. (Recurring Mission)


    10 DD: Find out something new about Ki.


    15 DD: Find out your Riku''s favourite food. ( 1 week to complete )


    20 DD: Make up with the Rosli.


    " Are you following everything so far Meowster?  You can not only use Doki Dollars to learn more about your friends but you can also upgrade yourself! Each unlock on yourself will cost more as you advance, just like everything else! Of course, with training like reading books, for example, your own points will naturally go up!" Kibbles wraps its tail around my neck and speaks.


    [ So much to take in! Phew, I think I should raise my intelligence just to keep up! ]


    " I am guessing I have to complete missions to get the currency you mentioned," I said.


    " Correct! The harder the mission the system deems the more points you get. Recurring missions will happen every week unless otherwise specified, timed missions will have the amount of time you have to complete them and event missions will happen abruptly! "


    Kibbles retorts before continuing.  " Don''t worry if you don''t get it now, just try using it. You have 20 Doki Dollars try spending some!"


    "Hmm, my stamina and strength only cost 1 DD each and so do unlocking my parent''s profiles. Unlock Mother and Fathers Profiles and put one point in Strength and Stamina, Oh add a point in intelligence too!"  I thoughtfully say.


    {14 DD deducted 6 Remain. +1 Strength + 1 Stamina. Profiles for Tenma and Airi Aikyo unlocked}


    " Do you wish to view the new profiles now?" Kibbles responds.


    [ Too much information, head spinning, no thank you. ]


    " No thank you Kibbles" I respond with a tired voice.


    Just as the upgrades finished my body feels wrapped in warmth. I felt a calm sensation wash over me, it was rather blissful.


    Although I was weary from talking soo much the tension seemed to fade away a little. It was like a person with wearing weights on their body took them off. Not to mention my mind felt a little clearer.


    [ Wow this is awesome, and it was just one point! ]


    " Meowster, now you understand how good the system is you should be sure to say thank you, Meowster Cupid worked for a whole three seconds to set this up for you, Creating me included!." Kibble injects.


    My face soured a little. Just thinking about the damn guy makes me angry. At least he is tried to make it up to me I guess.   My body jolts slightly as I break down what Kibbles has just told me.


    [ Wait 3 seconds to create this application, isn''t that a little ridiculous?! What a monster. ]


    " Mmm Meowster Cupid is very smart, smarter than you at least" Kibbles purred.


    " That was a little uncalled for you know," I respond my cheeks puff up like a small furry animal. Not threatening in the least but it is enough to get my point across.


    Kibbles ignored me and changed the subject " If you want to close the Lubu Lubu system just say or think standby mode. You don''t have to open the application it will just run in the background. Don''t worry no one will see the mark on your hand or the app, so you can open it anytime! Alright Meowster, I am getting sleepy please close the app!"


    " Goodnight Kibbles," I said before thinking the words " Standby Mode ".


    I spend the rest of the morning trying to take in all the information given to me before Ki appeared at my door to wake me up. Suprise is written all over her face seeing my eyes already open. She covered it quickly with a smile.


    " Good Morning young master! I am glad to see you awake! " Ki jovially states before coming to the side of my bed with medical porridge.


    [ Urgh not this crap again ]


    I attempted my best smile before responding. " Hey, Ki I was wondering, whats your favourite colour?"


    " Oh, young master why do you ask? It''s yellow! Aren''t yellow flowers the best!" Ki responds smiling.


    [With her brilliant golden hair I should have guessed it was her favourite. ]


    " No reason " I responded smiling. Ki returns the smile to me and places the porridge to my lips. Suddenly I hear Kibble''s voice in my ears.


    { Mission Complete " Find out something new about Ki" 10 DD rewarded }


    As I chewed my smile widened.

 We The Unlucky Few

    Name: Yuki (Yuta)


    Doki Dollars: 16


    Strength: 6 ( Unlock: 5DD)


    Dexterity : 4 ( Unlock: 5 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 11 ( Unlock: 13 DD )


    Missions:


    5 DD: Complete sword and breathing techniques each day for one week. (Recurring Mission)


    15 DD: Find out your Riku''s favourite food ( 1 week to complete)


    20 DD: Make up with Rosli


    ****** Riku''s point of view  ******


    Dear Diary,


    I  first came to visit the Aikyo residence two years ago as part of my training to become a teacher and a scholar.  My first impression that stuck out for me was how quiet the young master was. He struck me as a cute child, sharp icy blue eyes and pointed brows like his father,   with long red hair, brushed and swept neatly to the side.


    I remember once he smiled when he looked out the window, it was dazzling! He may have been missing a tooth or two due to growing in his adult teeth but I believe that just added to his childish charm (at that moment


    I wanted nothing more than to pinch his little cheeks!). I must stress however this only happened once! His face since then seemed to carry with it a permanent scowl, it was a bit unnerving for a fresh teacher such as myself but I realised that was just his natural resting position and things became easier.


    I worried up until recently that the young master was perhaps unintelligent as he refused to answer any of my questions. It seemed he was listening but I was not sure how much he took in. His mother once explained to me that he had been ill since birth and for some reason, he quit talking. Perhaps the illness had left him permanently exhausted? Poor thing.


    Much to my surprise just a few days ago he began speaking! It was strange to hear such a husky voice coming from such a small child, none the less, I was proud of him!


    Since that day he had also begun to stare at me more intently than usual and surprisingly enough only when I have my back turned. I do not believe that he is aware of the fact I know that he does this, but I let him do as he pleases as long as it doesn''t interrupt my lessons.


    I must say it has been making me a little self-conscious though. Is there something in my hair? Is he tired of my lessons? Does he dislike me?


    If it is the latter I must do my utmost to make sure that my lessons are as interesting as possible to make sure that he chooses to keep me as his lecturer!


    The money is too good and my family has been doing much better thanks to it, plus the prestige of working for such a well-known family has given me nothing but blessings.


    I also selfishly see him as a younger brother, he is my first student, after all, watching him grow up has left me feeling quite proud. Just this morning he tried asking me what my favourite food was. He must have taken him quite a bit of courage as his face was bright red.


    I was so stunned I couldn''t answer the question and changed the subject. (I am sorry young master Yuki!)  Although his complexion has been changing to red hues quite frequently. Perhaps his sickness is getting worse? I do hope for his sake that what I am saying is not true.


    Wish Me Luck,


    Riku


    ****** Yuki''s point of view  ******


    [ How hard it is to get a damn favourite food from someone?! ]


    " Young master, are you okay? You seem to be upset about something" Ki mentioned frowning.


    I put on my best smile, although I would at best call it a slight and awkward lip raise and responded: " Oh it''s nothing, just digesting the lesson from Riku today!"


    I then thought about how amusing it would have been if she knew that I had actually spent all morning trying to gain some courage to ask Riku about his favourite meal for the Doki Doki coin quest only to be shut down mercilessly.


    [ I can''t believe he changed the damn subject! Curses to my rabbit''s courage! I will have to try again tomorrow. I do not believe that he won''t tell me, coins and my life are at stake!]


    Ki walked me to the garden where my first meeting with Doctor Ishi will be.  She sits me down on the bench. We talk for a little before she goes to make some tea for the training.


    Ishi had come not so long later. Most of the plan Ishi had made consisted of some stretches and easy exercises. I accidentally fell and reached out for Ishi to catch me (due to my lack of balance) and a message from Kibbles buzzed in my brain.


    { Doctor Ishi''s profile has become available. 2DD to unlock. }


    [ Why didn''t this become available when earlier he touched my wrist didn''t he?]


    " Meowster, he touched you at that time, you didn''t touch him. If you got a profile for everyone who touched you it would cause problems. What if you were on a busy street? Could you image how many profiles you would collect?" Kibbles replies inside my brain.


    [ Ahh I see, Unlock Doctor Ishi''s profile.]


    { Unlocking Doctor Ishi''s profile - 2 DD | 14DD remaining }


    { Event Mission Unlocked: During this rehabilitation session convince Ishi to stop prescribing medical porridge.  Reward 50 DD | Kibbles Comment: is it even edible?! }


    From unlocking the doctors profile to the event happening began almost instantaneously it must have looked like I was stared into space for a moment. Which in context made sense since I had just almost fallen.


    [ Kibbles you beautiful cat, have I told you how wonderful you are? ]


    Ishi was still holding me at the time. I took a step back and looked at him as pitifully as I could. My sharp features didn''t help gain any pity points but I decided to fight the good fight.


    " Are you okay young master? " Ishi was still a little startled from me almost falling.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    " Mm thank you, doctor, for catching me, " I said as I touched the back of my neck with my hand.


    " Umm doctor can I ask you something? Would it be okay if we changed my breakfast menu? Eating the same old porridge is making me feel a little depressed" I said as cutely as I could muster.


    Ishi looked at me like he had just swallowed a fly and lectured. " Young Master, that medical porridge recipe has been in my family for generations. Everything from the lizard scales to the Kempo grass has been added to keep you going. Hmph hmph. It''s really good stuff I have been eating it every day for breakfast and look at me!" The doctor then began to flex his muscles.


    [ I don''t want to see your body... Please put it away! ]


    Being straightforward didn''t work so I had to think quick, my 50 DD and future plans all counted on that moment so I tried a different route.


    " I understand that it is very good for me and you look very young Ishi, however eating the same thing every morning and even sometimes for lunch and dinner has made me rather depressed. Couldn''t I just stop eating it for now until I find my love for it again?" I responded meekly.


    [ As if that would ever happen, now to unleash my killing blow! ]


    " I have also been missing my mum''s home-cooked meals because my heart is so weak you,  mother and father have all been working super hard for me but alas I rarely get to see my mother.


    What sort of piety does a son who never sees her mother have? None.  At least for breakfast, I could have her close to me with her cooking." I spout as righteously as I possibly can.


    [ Does my mother even cook? Oh well. ]


    A warm smile graced Ishi''s face after hearing my words and he pats me several times on the shoulder.  After he accidentally bruises it he spouts " Oh dear boy, your such a good son. Such piety to one''s parents is very rare nowadays.


    I will have to tell your mother what a good son she has! So rare, so rare.  I know that last time you ate your mothers cooking you started crying but I believe she has improved since then. I am sure she will be very happy to know you wish to eat her meals every morning!"


    [There is something worse than that dreaded medical slop? ]


    { Event Mission: During this rehabilitation session convince Ishi to stop prescribing medical porridge. COMPLETE  Rewarded 50 DD | 64DD Total | Kibbles Comment: You did it but at what cost?! Congratulations I guess. }


    [ Are you laughing at me Kibbles?  I need to rethink my life choices ]


    " Uhh thanks, Doctor Ishi, you are a kind man" Is all I could muster as a response.


    Just as things were about to get awkward, Ki returns to us indicating the end of the session and my escape from Doctor Ishi.


    [ You are a perverted back washing angel, but an angel no less Ki! ]


    I walk over to her secretly grateful. She handed me a warm towel with one hand and put a pot of tea on the stone table near the pond with the other.


    What surprised me however was that just behind her was my mother. I towelled my face with the cloth and put it down. She looked at me for a moment before hugging me.


    " Madam, I have some excellent news for you, " Ishi says with pride.


    " Oh?, is it about Little Yu Yu? " mother who had continued to hold me at that point looked at the doctor with an expectant face.


    [ Please¡­ don''t say anything Ishi ]


    I held mother a little tighter as Ishi went to recollect the entire fabricated story about how I wanted mothers cooking as well as the progress I had made with my walking. Apparently, I have been doing much better and I should soon be able to walk around by myself.


    I had never seen mother smile like that since I have gotten here and I had felt her embrace get a little tighter around me. I guess the previous Yuki has worried her sick.


    [ I will try to be a little nicer to you in the future and visit more. I will even eat your hellish food.]


    After he had recalled everything mother had taken me to one of the stools and sat me down. Ki was to the side and poured some tea for the both of us.


    We sat and chatted about the weather and other things before she decided to drop a bomb on me. If making Princess Rosli cry gave me a stress meter of 8/10 this was definitely an 11/10.


    " Son I know you have been worried about your health, but considering you are doing a little better mother has decided to speak to the palace to request an invitation. I do not think it is fair of you to say nothing after hurting cute little Rosli''s feelings like that. do you?"


    [ Abort Mission! Nope Yuki.exe has crashed ]


    " But mother... I" I started speaking before she cut me off sternly.


    " I am not saying that you have to be engaged to Rosli if you want to put it on hold till your both older and more mature we can do that.


    However, we must handle such affairs with decorum. You are the grandson of a great general after all and he should not have to deal with the court gossip." Mothers reprimanding tone was not something I was used to. My old parents very rarely lectured me on anything. It was likely that was just due to apathy.


    [ I wonder what is with everyone cutting me off when I try and defend myself. ]


    I sighed and looked at her face. Mothers expression was truly determined. I could not see an inch of wiggle room.


    It was at that moment I knew that I could probably die in the next few days by the hand of that crazy crown prince. I gulped in a little bit of air as I was forgetting how to breathe.


    " It seems you have understood your wrongdoings. We will go tomorrow to the palace to discuss this properly with his majesty and the princess." mother finished speaking and nodded.


    [ Pity party for one please Kibbles ]

 Red, Green and Black, Preparing For A Counterattack!

    Missions:


    5 DD: Complete sword and breathing techniques each day for one week. (Recurring Mission)


    15 DD: Find out your Riku¡¯s favourite food ( 1 week to complete)


    20 DD: Make up with Rosli


    I had found myself in a carriage trying not to feel sick. We had been in motion for approximately twenty minutes. The Aikyo residence is basically a giant barracks with our home at the centre, placed on a mountaintop. The Aikyo previous generations had chosen this so we could be closer to the training grounds for the new soldiers.


    Since this was my first adventure outside of the manor, I had been rather shell-shocked at the sites and sounds of the surroundings. What had surprised me the most was the look of reverence people had for my mother and I when our carriage had passed the soldiers and their family members.


    Mother had given me a lecture for a few minutes after she had seen my face. She had told me that the Aikyo residence had been guarding the country of Tamna for four generations and that the Aikyo name has spread far and wide as the protectors of the land. What had also astonished me was that since grandfathers generation our family has never once taken the command seal and we have always left it with the emperor as a sign of good faith, only taking it in times of war. It was our reputation that had made each soldier move their weary feet in signs of war.


    The stories of the Aikyo family were amazing but they had also left me with a bitter taste in my mouth.


    [ I wonder how they felt when they gave birth to a son with a weak heart.]


    Air escaped my lungs with a small huff.


    [Status]


    Name: Yuki (Yuta)


    Doki Dollars: 64


    Strength: 6 ( Unlock: 5 DD)


    Dexterity : 4 ( Unlock: 5 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 11 ( Unlock: 13 DD )


    I sat there in thought looking at the menu in front of me. Before thinking of the princess. It was not the time to be making myself stronger. What would be the point of being stronger if I were to be beheaded at the palace when I arrived?


    ¡°Unlock Princess Rosli¡¯s profile¡± I had thought to myself.


    { Roslis of Tamna unlocked - Deducted 30 DD | 34 DD Remaining }


    Here in the country of Tama the royal family did not have a last name, if they wanted to use one they could just state that Tama was their last name as the country belonged to them. It was also a sign to the people that the Royals thought of every single residence like they would a family member and finally, it was a message to the royals themselves not to treat the citizens unfairly.


    ¡° View Rosli¡¯s Profile, ¡° I thought as I imagined her face in my mind.


    Name: Rosli Tamna


    Hobbies: Blank ( Unlock: 50 DD)


    Heart Meters: 4/10 Green | 4/10 Red | 6/10 Black ( Unlock: 100 DD)


    Thoughts: Blank ( Unlock: 30 DD)


    Likes: Blank (Unlock: 20 DD)


    Dislikes: Blank ( Unlock: 20 DD)


    Kibbles Comments: it ain''t looking good Meowster!


    ¡° What¡¯s with your comment Kibbles?¡± I mentioned to the fluff ball from the Lubu system.


    ¡° Exactly what I have said Meowster, it isn''t looking good. I am surprised a ten-year-old can have such strong emotions. Keep in mind Meowster most people from your old world date at 6 stars and get married at 8 or 9. Imagine liking someone else enough to date them ... now change that to negative emotions. That''s her current black heart meter.¡± Kibbles said solemnly.


    ¡° But couldn''t that just be worry or something that she has for me?¡± I retorted to the voice in my mind.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡° Not sure Meowster, you would have to unlock a detailed profile on the hearts! I can only access what you can. It¡¯s to make sure I can¡¯t let slip anything you haven''t paid for!¡± Kibbles responds.


    ¡° Why are the other two heart meters at four? Doesn¡¯t she want to marry me?¡± I retort while looking out the window. I pale slightly at the thought.


    I can feel my mother glance up from her book to look at me. To her, I must seem like I am daydreaming while looking outside the window. It¡¯s not like she can see Kibbles floating seamlessly outside the carriage or hear my internal thoughts.


    ¡° Meowster, you must remember she is a child! I wouldn¡¯t be surprised her Doki Heart Meters spin up and down rapidly. It also means that she is the most dangerous right now. ¡° Kibbles states and it pretends to run in the air.


    ¡° What exactly do you mean by that? ¡° I say worriedly.


    ¡° Hmm your really not bright are you Meowster?¡± Kibbles says and then looks straight in my eyes before continuing. ¡° She is the only daughter of the emperor. She has the power of an entire country behind her. If she decides that she hates you and tells the crown prince and her dad..¡± Kibbles voice trails off a little and it looks away.


    I sit there quietly digesting the words spoken before a small bump brings me out of my momentary melancholy.


    ¡°There is only one thing I can do right now and that is learn to be a friend to her. When the time comes that the male lead appears, He can sweep her off her feet! Kibbles unlock a like for me for 20 DD!¡± I think resolutely.


    ¡°Mmm thats the spirit meowster!¡± Kibbles responds. I felt at that moment that kibbles was smiling, not that a cat could smile.


    { Deducting 20 DD| 14 DD Remaining. Starting Heartbeat Roulette| Search Term Rosli | Section Likes! }


    Kibbles tail falls to the side like a slot machine and its eyes begin to roll, a third one appears on its forehead that spun like the rest. Black, Red and Green hearts all move like a slot machine. Suddenly they start to slow before stopping on two red hearts and one black one.


    { Congratulations! Acquired Information ¡° Red Bean Paste¡± has been added to Rosli Tamna¡¯s Like section! Next Unlock 30DD }


    [ That was unexpected¡­]


    ¡° What just happened? ¡± I muttered speechlessly inside my head.


    ¡° Meowster, Human beings are complex, do you think they just like one or two things? The system is kind enough to pick out the most useful likes for you. However, their usefulness is dependant on what you draw. Red hearts equate to helping you in romance, green in friendship and black in removing negative thoughts. Remember however if you eat candy all the time you get a stomach ache, the princess might like red bean paste but if you just feed it to her all the time¡­ she may end up hating it! Remember time, place and frequency!¡± Kibbles nods while speaking.


    ¡° I think I might just have a way to fix this mess,¡± I responded after a few breaths of silence.


    ¡° Mother, how long until we get to the palace?¡± I ask inquisitively.


    Mother looks up from her book and smiles at me. ¡° Oh it seems little Yu Yu is getting impatient to see the princess! Don¡¯t worry we are just coming up to the capital now. Poke your head a little more out the window you should be able to see it!¡± Mother replies.


    I rolled my eyes before I did as she said. A breathtaking site washes over me.


    [ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ]


    When we reached the entrance, Instead of common birds a flock of tiny dragons with pom poms on their heads are circling above us. There is the smell of cooked meat wafting in the air making my stomach howl, the buildings were all made with massive bricks giving an almost cartoony vibe and the vivid colours and strange clothing of the people walking by left me absolutely speechless. My mouth at the time involuntarily gaped open and for the first time since I got here, I genuinely smiled from ear to ear.


    ¡° Mother!¡± I involuntarily cried out. ¡° The capital is beautiful!¡±


    Mother looked at me as if she had seen a ghost before grinning widely. ¡° Son, it''s not big deal, you have been here before but.. I am glad as your mother to see you soo happy! Oh look we should be passing the school you will be attending in a few years¡± She said as she pointed to the other window.


    I shot around to the other window as quickly as I could, the carriage rocked a little, my mother laughed but I didn¡¯t care. Then a view came into my eyes like no other. A big bold sign that demanded respect had the words ¡°Main Magicus School¡±. Behind the giant pillars holding it up, I could see buildings that floated on small islands, hundreds of students in black and white uniforms, a giant female statue with some unknown object in her hand that glowed and various animals walking around openly with I could only assume were their masters. There was even fresh grasses with giant pebble stone pathing instead of concrete lining the floor.


    I felt like my heart would stop.


    [ If universities looked like this back on earth no one would want to leave! ]


    The carriage drove past it and we finally ended up at the palace. Einstein''s theory of relativity was ringing through my head at the time. I didn''t want this carriage ride to end. I had even forgot about kibbles which was licking itself laughing at me.


    ¡° Are you still angry at Meowster cupid?¡± Kibbles mentions offhandedly.


    The words felt like a cold bucket of water was dropped on my head.


    ¡° I guess not.¡± I mumbled internally.


    Mother stepped out of the carriage and I followed her. We ended up seeing a scene I would never forget.

 Sleep Tight, Don鈥檛 Let The Bed Bugs Bite!

    Name: Yuki (Yuta)


    Doki Dollars: 34


    Strength: 6 ( Unlock: 5 DD)


    Dexterity : 4 ( Unlock: 5 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 11 ( Unlock: 13 DD )


    The castle itself was quite a walk from the main entrance, however, we were still dismounted at the door. I was guessing it was an old-fashioned security measure to make sure that an intruder could not make a quick getaway. This itself was the least of my worries, bad heart and all however.


    Gripping on to mothers arm I see rows and rows of soldiers. All standing to each side of the path way leading up to the castle entrance. Intricate markings were etched into the floor in a style that seems reminiscent of brush strokes from a calligrapher, each sign and symbol glowed with a faint light. With each step we took something unexpected happened.


    Each soldier stuck down the butt end of their spears. As they hit the ground in perfect unison it sounded like the marching of giants.


    Thump.


    Thump.


    Thump.


    Like a slow heartbeat, the soldiers'' spears kept up with us. My erratic heart trying to match the pace caused me to feel unstable. I gripped on mothers dress to steady myself while she smiled an unfathomable smile. She used her other hand to gently cover her mouth, with the long sleeves on her dress, she looked like the epitome of old-style beauty.


    ¡° Don¡¯t worry Yu Yu the guards don¡¯t bite, it worried me the first time I saw it too. However it actually a gift of respect that the soldier and his majesty are showing us. This is called the march of swords.


    Each soldier gives thanks to us as we walk, they do it with their spears as a way to remind themselves of Grandfathers hard work to keep us safe. Since we are his kin we get the same respect. We only see this on formal occasions, so do not worry too much!.¡± mother''s voice is almost drowned out by the thumping but my heart seems to calm a little.


    [ Here I was thinking the evil crown prince did it to show his might.]


    As we got closer to the door the thumping sped up. Followed by a crescendo that was a massive ear-splitting war cry. Finally, each of the soldiers thumped their heart guard with their right hand before standing back at attention silently. It was truly an amazing sight.


    [ Grandfather must be really amazing! ]


    There was a strange man standing to the side of the castle door, many other people were rushing left and right as what would be expected of a castle. The man approached us. He was older in years and was wearing a vest, black pants and a pink bow tie. His hair cute short and slicked back with what I can only assume is black wax.


    [ Eastern and Western fashion in this world truly collide ]


    ¡° Madam Aikyo, Young Master Aikyo, Her Majesty has sent me to collect you for lunch, please follow me into the Yin Courtyard.¡± The gentleman stated before bowing respectfully.


    ¡° Oh, Butler Yeez? you''re looking as young as ever! Still wearing the bowtie the princess got you I see.¡± Mothers voice exudes elegance. I could see many years of training in her posture and voice. She was like a whole new person.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡° I wouldn¡¯t wear any other!¡± Yeez responded smiling.


    [ I remember why I hate formal occasions, conversations for pleasantries sake make me cringe ]


    Mr Yeez led us into the Yin building, apparently, females would live in the yin courtyards and men would live in the yang courtyards. However, both males and females worked in both. I almost expected to hear about concubines and the like but I remembered Riku telling me there was no such thing.


    Apparently in Tama unless there is a reason, like the emperor and empress, cannot have heirs, the king and queen are expected to be a pair that signifies piety, love and adoration. Being only with each other through thick and thin. They also signify the union of the upper class and the lower/middle classes being that the queen can only be selected from the lower class or middle classes and raised since young to be empress.


    As you can expect the competition to be empress is fierce and training is very strict. When I had heard the lecture I was quite impressed. But also felt rather sad for the king and queen. I¡¯d never been fond of arranged marriages.


    That being said, princess¡¯s can also become the ruler. I was arranged to be the princess¡¯s husband because of my weak heart. Since I could not be in a position to follow in my grandfather''s footsteps I met the cadency requirements. Though Rosli has two brothers older then her, so her ascension to being is charge in future is slim.


    { System Requirements met + 1 Dexterity }


    [ Seems walking is paying off ]


    A warm feeling rushes into my body just before we make it to the section the empress is staying at. We are met with a big open garden covered in flowers and herbs I had never seen before. There is also a wooden table with vines caved in legs and wooden chairs made out of elegantly carved tree stumps with pillows laid upon them. The table is covered by a pergola roof. The roof is covered in vines with a few of the strange dragon poms perching on it.


    [ It looks like a tiny kingdom for elves! ]


    Mother immediately gets on one knee and pulls me along with her. She signals me to follow her as she puts her right hand over her heart and looks downwards. I follow suit. After a few breaths time we hear a noble woman''s voice from in front of us.


    The lady I saw before me was had none of the charms you would expect an empress to have. Square plain face, square styled hair and little square eyebrows, even her dress had squares on it. I had to hold back a flash of laughter as I thought of what her room must look like. Her posture and voice were very dignified.


    [ What the hell? ]


    ¡° Lady Aikyo and son, please stand we are all friends here!¡± the voice says.


    ¡° Empress Hei, thank you for seeing us at such short notice. You are truly benevolent.¡± Replies my mother she signals me to stand with her.


    [ Don¡¯t you mean Heih¨­ mother? ]


    The Empress, my mother and myself all walk to the table and sit after some pleasantries and formalities. The two of them chat for a while about the weather and other such menial topics before snacks and tea are called. I had never seen half of them before but they all tasted delicious.


    [ As expected of royalty their food is better than mine.. Not that that is hard ]


    Suddenly the Empress turned to me and spoke ¡° Young man, I had heard the other day you and my daughter had gotten into a bit of a misunderstanding am I correct? I also heard you speak now. So be sure to respond.¡±


    I tried not swallowed my tongue as I said¡° mm that is correct, I had no intention of hurting her, however, empress¡±


    ¡° Then why did my dear sweet girl come back in tears, she had barely eaten that night and I heard she slept terribly¡± the Empress responded fanning herself with her hand.


    I looked at mother and she nodded. So I turn back to the empress, let go of the breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding and spoke ¡° Your Highness, your daughter is beautiful girl, strong-willed, kind and sweet. I just do not wish to see her hurt in future should something happen to me¡± I responded meekly my throat feeling like it was about to cease.


    [ Was that enough boot licking? ]


    ¡° hmph hmph she truly is all of the things you have said. I thought that you did not understand her greatness, it seems like you have shed new light on the situation. However. The princess¡¯s mood in rotten so you will take responsibility¡± She said emphasizing the important words.


    ¡° What does empress mean?¡± my mother responded.


    ¡° Exactly what I said. You and your son will stay here tonight and your son shall cheer up my daughter. You and I madam Aikyo must also discuss the engagement in detail. So it is a fitting suggestion.¡± The Empress firmly replied.


    { Abrupt Mission: Survive the palace one night Reward 30 DD }


    ¡° As you wish Empress¡± Mother replies as I almost fainted.

 A Momentary Lapse Equals A Lifetime Of Suffering

    Name: Yuki (Yuta)


    Doki Dollars: 34


    Strength: 6 ( Unlock: 5 DD)


    Dexterity : 5 ( Unlock: 5 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 11 ( Unlock: 13 DD )


    The empress snapped her fingers and like lightning butler Yeez got a small cloth laid it on the ground then kneeled on it to the side of the Empress. ¡°Awaiting further instruction my empress,¡± he said in a noble tone.


    [ That''s one hell of a party trick.]


    ¡° Take this young man to the yang residence and have him take one of the guest rooms, I still have a lot to discuss with madam here. Once he is fresh and ready take him to my dear daughter to keep her company¡± The empress stated without refute.


    I felt my insides turning. I took one last look at my mother. She must have seen the look in my eyes. I had felt I was being taken to the back room to be shot. She at that moment grabbed my hand to reassure me before releasing me into the butlers care.


    [ Mother¡­ you¡¯re such a traitor, I hope you and the empress get split ends!]


    The Butler lead me out of the yin courtyard. We went down many twists and turns before arriving at another set of courtyards. They were more imposing than the ones I had seen earlier with the beautiful vines and flowers. The courtyards entrance was filled with tiled sand and a pond.


    Suddenly we see a group of people in the distance. Two young boys and some older women trailing behind them. The boys looked between 10 and 12. The boy of the left had short black hair and purple eyes whereas the one on the right looking slightly older had purple hair and black eyes.


    The butler in a flash puts a handkerchief on the ground and kneels, seeing that the people ahead must be important I do the same. The butler flashes a glance at me. It read ¡°you are not as dumb as you look!¡± before looking to the ground. Begrudgingly I ignore it before saluting to the people ahead.


    Upon closer inspection it seemed, there were two maids behind them seemly twins. One had black hair on the left and purple hair on the right in short bangs while the other had the same but switched colours. Their grey eyes were uncomfortably directed at me.


    Just before they come into contact the older boy stopped and stared hard at us. My knees started to hurt before he stated ¡° Yeez, who is this?¡± The older boys black robe is lined with gold leaves it swishes slightly as he points at me.


    The butler elegantly replied, ¡° This young man is young master Aikyo, Crown Prince Leopold.¡±


    [ Did he just say Leopold? Like.. evil crown prince Leopold!?]


    I swallowed my spit hard.


    ¡° Aikyo? Oh! Yuki Aikyo a pleasure to meet you.¡± Leopold stated before glaring at me. It lasted less than a second before a bright smile landed on his face. The boy next to him seemed nervous and dropped his head.


    Leopold pointed with his thumb at the boy on his left and said ¡° This is Nathaniel, he is my younger brother I hope you show him more respect then you have shown my sister. ¡±


    [ Show respect your foot! ]


    Looking at the two brothers the similarities were striking both had the same slightly haughty appearance with a slightly upturned nose and bright pink lips. the younger of the two had a small mole under his left eye. He was also wearing a black robe however the trimming on it was silver.


    [ They would be pretty cute if they were not so dangerous to my life.]


    The Crown prince signalled for us to stand with a rising gesture made with his hand. Nathaniel grabs onto his brother''s sleeve almost hiding behind him. ¡° Oh which reminds me. You shall be seeing Rosli later I suspect?¡± Leopold holds his chin for a moment before continuing. ¡° I shall join you. I hope that does not impede you at all Yuki Aikyo¡± Leopold finished empashing my name.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    [ Oh please do, the more who wish to end me the merrier¡­.]


    ¡° Not at all crown prince,¡± I said as I saluted again.


    ¡° Hmph, come little brother let us get you some vanilla pudding.¡± prince leopold stated


    Nathaniel bushed, he stared at me for a second before nodding at me and following his brother. The maids follow behind them staring at Yeez and I.


    Yeez looks me up and down before stating bluntly ¡° Young Master, It is none of my business but I have a lot of respect for your grandfather. The royal family are very close to one another. You must be patient and see to this matter carefully. Right, we are now behind schedule let us carry on.


    [ That was nice of him.. I guess? ]


    We finally got to what I assumed would be my bedroom for the night. It was rather large the room had a massive four poster bed, a table and chair as well as an ensuite for the bathroom. There was a massive painting of a older looking man with a crown on his head.


    He was honestly one of the most attractive older men I had ever seen with ombre black and purple hair and clear yellow eyes. I couldn¡¯t help but gawk for a moment before Yeez snapped me out of my stupor.


    [ So the princess got his eyes and the prince¡¯s got his hair? Weird.]


    ¡° Right I will come back in half an hour, there is a change of clothes waiting in the closet please put them on after you bathe. I hope your rest is peaceful.¡± Yeez states, he saluted to be and I to him before he leaves.


    As soon as the door was shut I took off my shoes and fell on the bed back first. Spreading my arms wide I took a deep breath.


    [ Kibbles Unlock the next strength, stamina and intelligence upgrades, I feel like I am about to need them]


    { Unlocking strength, stamina and intelligence -23 DD | DD Remaining 11 }


    A warm feeling spreads throughout my body and mind and I breath out. I clench my fits. After a few minutes, I walk into the bathroom. There is a big wooden tub covered in symbols. I run my hand over the one that looks like a water drop, it flashes for a moment before water at perfect temperature is filled to the brim. There is also a toilet and mirror and a towel I glanced at them before stripping and entering the warm water.


    [ I wish I had this back at the manor...so comfortable!]


    After finishing I walked over to the closet in the room I was given, finding a western style button up suit. The shirt is black with a dark grey vest and dark grey pants. I walked over to the mirror and tie my hair into a plait before pushing it over my shoulder.


    I sighed.


    [ Hey, Kibbles are you there? ]


    ¡° Oh hey Meowster what do you need?¡± Kibbles appears out of nowhere before landing at my feet. It¡¯s short little legs made my heart feel warm. I picked it up and held it in my arms.


    ¡° Nothing really could you just stay here with me until the butler appears again. I am.. a little nervous. Is that okay?¡± I responded sheepishly.


    Kibbles stares at me before nodding its little head it buries deeply into my arms as I made my way to the bed. I stroked it¡¯s soft fur until there was a knock at the door. My heart wanted to stop beating. Kibbles looked at me for a moment before fading away. I walked to the door and paused for a second before opening it.


    ¡° Are you ready?¡± Yeez said standing at the door checking a pocket watch. I guessed he had made it back exactly on the thirty minute mark. I stared at his pink bow tie perfected fitted on his neck.


    [ Not]


    ¡° Yes, butler Yeez please lead the way¡± I stated as I nodded to him.


    We walked for quite a while before we made it to an entirely pink courtyard in the yin section of the castle. The flowers were pink, the building was pink the table was pink¡­ it was sickening. As I had expected it Yeez indicated to me that it was the residence of the princess. Yeez motioned me to knock on the door.


    I walked up slowly.


    Knock knock


    ¡° Princess.. It¡¯s me Yuki¡± I stated as I held my breath.


    ¡° Yuki? ¡° A small voice answers from behind the door.


    ¡° mm it¡¯s me¡± I replied.


    ¡° You¡¯re not allowed in!¡± the voice responded.


    ¡° Please let me in princess¡± I respond after a moment.


    [ Come on brat.. Let me fix this! ]


    Before I had a chance to coax here I hear some footsteps from behind me. I turn to look before and notice it was the crown prince and his brother. The crown prince stared at me while his brother was behind him pulling his sleeve.


    ¡° Yeez, you best not report this to mother, I would hate to worry her¡± Stated the crown prince as he glared at me.


    ¡° Now that you''re here Yuki and there is no one else around. I figure I should pay you back for what you did to my sister.¡± Leopold states maliciously


    ¡° Brother? Huh, what are you doing here leave Yuki alone¡± stated the small voice behind the door.


    ¡° He must think twice before he messes with you Rosli¡± The prince responded. He nudges his brother off him before making a strange gesture with his hand and muttering. Slowly a fireball the size of an adults first emerges.


    My eyes at that moment could not get any wider.


    [ He¡¯s not going to throw that at me right? ]


    The adrenaline in my system starts working in overdrive. I froze like a deer caught in headlights. My legs feel like led as the fireball aims straight at me. Suddenly my chest begins to hurt and my left arms started tingling. My heart beat was too rapid onset by shock.


    My head spun.


    The small fire ball hit me and I feel, it didn''t hurt as much as I expected it to but the pain in my chest was unbearable. I grip the vest on my body as hard as I can.


    The last I hear is the opening of a door and shouting as my vision fades to black.


    It seems I have had my first heart attack.

 What Could Be Worse Then The River Sticks

    Name: Yuki (Yuta)


    Doki Dollars: 11


    Strength: 7 ( Unlock: 10 DD)


    Dexterity : 6 ( Unlock: 10 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 12 ( Unlock: 20 DD )


    The pain had suddenly stopped as I found myself in an open field. The smell in the air was fresh and the sun hung high up in the sky. There was also someone who was the last person I wanted to see. His long black hair and tattoos were shining.


    He held and ate an apple that was in his hand. Cupid took a few bites before chucking it. Mid-air it turned into a seed, then a sapling, then a small apple tree before disappearing into a puff of smoke. That had all happened simultaneously.


    He shrugged then took one look at me, his face contorted then began to laugh hysterically. His shoulders shaking as his hand slapped his leg.


    [ Shut up, shut up shut up! ]


    My face had turned a deep crimson and I buried my head in my hands. ¡° Please stop¡± I whispered without any energy. It was like a small mouse was telling a mountain off. Ineffectual and stupid.


    ¡° I give you the biggest cheat in that entire universe and you get a heart attack of all things .. from a measly little fireball¡± Cupid spat out each word as he giggled.


    ¡° Meowster!!!! ¡° The voice of kibbles is heard, it appears from thin air and jumps on Cupids shoulder. Cupids giggling stops. Takes a few deep breaths before patting Kibbles.


    ¡° Ahhh you been a good kitty? Who¡¯s a good kitty! ¡° cupid coos as kibbles rubs up against him.


    [ Hello? I am still here you know! ]


    I cleared my throat before stating ¡° So what happens next, I have died or something right?¡±


    ¡° Mmmm¡± Cupid states. ¡° Not quite they are doing their best to revive you as we speak.. Well not as we speak time doesn¡¯t exist here the way it does back where your body is.¡± He finishes before he shrugs.


    ¡° I see¡± was the only response I could muster.


    We sat stood in silence for a little while before I mustered all the courage I had.


    ¡° How.. Is he doing?¡± I stated as I looked at the ground.


    Cupid looked at me and raised an eyebrow.


    ¡° You want to see him?¡± Cupid responded


    ¡° What? I see Anzai? REALLY?!¡± I responded unable to keep my voice down.


    ¡° Well I still feel pretty bad about ruining your life.. So I guess I can at least let you see your best friend.¡± Cupid mentioned scratching the back of his head.


    He clicked his fingers and we appeared in a familiar house. It was a modern style building the lounge in which we were situated in was furnished with all of the amenities that you would expect. A couch, television some pictures on a cabinet and a piano.


    ¡° Yuta! Yuta come here!¡± I hear a familiar yet unfamiliar voice cry. I think back to when I first hear that voice. It was many years ago when I was just a little older than the previous Yuki.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    I was behind a school building getting the punched in the face by a bully, apparently, he thought I was watching him change during PE and decided to hit me.


    I was saved that day by that same voice that said ¡° Hey you! Get off him¡± as I was scrunched up into a ball. I remember that same owner of the voice taking me to the nurses'' office, he too ended up covered in bruises but he was smiling for some reason.


    We had become best friends back then, there were rumours that would go around that we were dating but they ended up being squashed a few years later when he got his first girlfriend. It was also the first time my heart was broken.


    I remembered taking a week off from school at the time because I couldn¡¯t bear to see him. I was disgusted with myself for feeling the way I did and cursed at my inability to be happy for him.


    I didn¡¯t want to lose him so after that week I pretended as best I could that I didn¡¯t care.


    They didn¡¯t even last that long¡­ but to me, it felt like forever.


    I played video games with him when they broke up to cheer him up. I felt sick at how happy I was they broke up and hated myself further.


    Still, I watched him and smiled. Finally, we went to university he had had many girlfriends in between that time none of them lasting long, but each time putting a nail into my heart.


    I remember it was after on of our lectures that he lent me Romance Fantasy ++. I remembered because I was so angry that he would give me such a stupid game.


    I thought about how damn stupid and insensitive he was but still, I laughed it off and said thank you.


    It was one of the only things he had ever lent me. I felt special in his heart for once and I was conflicted. I ended up playing through it so I would have something in common with him. Even though he probably just gave it to me because he felt since he had never seen me with a girlfriend.


    A tear rolled down my cheek, I brushed it away gently. I stood motionlessly as I watched a young man I both knew and didn¡¯t know stand in front of me with a three-year-old child. ¡° Yuta, get that crayon out of your mouth!¡± The man said.


    It was Isayama Anzai just looking like he was almost 30. The same black hair, white teeth and a casual smile on his face. The small child in his hands had the same face as him but with different shaped eyes and mouth. He was carrying a box of crayons and attempting to eat them.


    ¡° Honey how do I get Yuta to stop eating these things!?¡± Shouted Anzai into the other room. Footsteps were heard as a young woman with an apron on came to his rescue.


    ¡° Is that Rita?¡± I mumbled to myself as I walked up to the father holding his child. I went to touch him but my hand slipped through.


    I clenched my fist.


    ¡° We are out of time and space sync with them¡­ they won¡¯t be able to see you Yuki.¡± Cupid stated quietly.


    ¡° So he married Rita from university? That''s a surprise.¡± I said softly.


    ¡° Yeah, they named their kid after you. When you died Anzai spiralled a bit, he blamed himself for not being there for you more. She was the one he has said he had met. She helped him through it all so he thought it was only right to stick by her too¡± Cupid said.


    ¡° I see¡± was my only response.


    Kibbles, jumped up on my shoulder and used his tail to wipe away my tears. It was warm and comforting considering how isolated I felt watching such a happy couple. My emotions swelled further. I wrapped my arms around myself.


    [ Why does this hurt so much? He moved on without me¡­. ]


    ¡° Have you seen enough? ¡± Asked Cupid gently.


    [ Wait.. is this really alright to leave it like this? ]


    ¡° Just one more thing,¡± I said as I cleared my throat. My arms dropped to my sides and my fists clenched.


    ¡° ISAYAMA ANZAI¡± I shouted as loud as I could. The words in my throat felt that they were hot coals.


    ¡° THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING¡­. AND I LOVE YOU! Please¡­.¡± My voice trails off as it trembles.


    ¡° PLEASE BE HAPPY AND I WILL TRY MY BEST TO BE TOO!¡± I finish, huffing air into my lungs.


    My shoulders heave up and down before stopping abruptly. I turn and look at Cupid, tears in my eyes and a smile on my lips.


    ¡° I am ready¡± I state.


    Cupid walked up to me and patted my back. His hand felt warm, an indescribable feeling washed over me. It was like being touched by peace itself. My limbs felt like jelly but the hole in my heart that I had carried with me since young felt like it was filling.


    Cupid clicked his fingers with his other hand and we started slowly fading. Kibbles resting on my shoulder and Cupid at my side. I took one final look at the small child who was now carrying my name.


    The young child looked at the space where I was fading drops the crayon and stands in front of me. He smiles and claps his hands.


    ¡° What are you looking at little darling?¡± Anzai says


    The child smiles brightly in response before they walked up to their mother and hugged her.

 Custard Tart

    Name: Yuki (Yuta)


    Doki Dollars: 11


    Strength: 7 ( Unlock: 10 DD)


    Dexterity : 6 ( Unlock: 10 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 12 ( Unlock: 20 DD )


    We had just returned to Cupid¡¯s garden space, the lush green grass and fresh forestry smell in the air had left me feeling slightly refreshed. I could see a blanket sprawled on the ground and some picnic food. I looked over at Cupid, and he gestured for me to sit on it.


    In this space, I didn¡¯t feel as weak as I usually do it was almost exhilarating. It was strange that I thought I could do almost anything here. Kibbles rubs my shoulder with its cheek before going into standby mode and fading. To be honest, after my embarrassing calls of love I didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Cupid must have figured as much, so he had broken the ice.


    ¡° Have some food. It will make you feel better.¡± Cupid remarked. He pointed to what looked like some custard tarts with some unknown pink shaded berry on the top. Its shape was not circular as one might expect instead it was star-shaped.


    I took a bite.


    [ What the hell is this flavour? I have never tasted anything so good! ]


    The look on my face must have shown my thoughts, as Cupid nodded and smiled.


    ¡° This custard tart and everything on the blanket is from a dimension that trains their spiritual energy via cooking and eating. This food is good enough for a kingdom would go to war over. I would be surprised if you didn¡¯t like it.¡± Cupid offhandedly remarks straightening his back a little.


    [ His gloating face is a little handsome... Just a little ]


    ¡° A different dimension?¡± I stated surprised in response.


    ¡° Well, of course, I only eat the best!¡± Cupid grabs a blue drink and takes a small swig. A faint blush appears across his cheeks.


    I couldn¡¯t help but look at him differently for a moment. His pale skin, dark black contrasting tattoos and red blush were rather attractive. I stopped myself from staring after a moment and looked away. I shook my head.


    [ What am I thinking? Bah! He put me in this mess, to begin with! ]


    ¡° Hey, Cupid, why did time pass so quickly for Anzai, why had he gotten so much older than me?¡± I said out loud without thinking.


    ¡° Do you really need to ask that? Time flows differently in different spaces. It¡¯s that simple.¡± He responded and looked away.


    We finish the snacks on the blanket without saying much else. It seems that eating had calmed me down. After all the terrible food I had eaten back in Tama; this experience was indeed a treat. I caught Cupid starting and me a few times, but I try to ignore it.


    [ Stupid Cupid! ]


    He rubbed his chiselled stomach before he finally smiled brilliantly and said ¡° Right time for you to go. It seems like they revived you. You got lucky this time. Try not to almost get killed again!¡±


    ¡° What really now?¡± I respond.


    ¡° Of course, it''s not like you want to stay here with me right? Gonna miss me?!¡± He says with a cheeky grin.


    ¡° Of course not!¡± I blurted out as my cheeks naturally puff. A subtle red blush sweeps across my face.


    Cupid laughs before responding ¡° Okay, Okay I was just teasing. Get out of here!¡± He clicks his fingers, and my vision fades to black.


    The next thing I felt was a dull pain in my left arm and chest. I also felt a warm hand grasping mine and some incoherent talking. The room I am in seems to be filled with some sort of medical incense as I catch a small whiff inside my nose.


    A small whimper escaped my lips. The grip on my hand tightened slightly as I open my eyes. My vision is hazy. After a few minutes, my eyes seem to clear.


    The room I am in seems rather extravagant. I am in a rather large four-poster bed. The place is painted in grey, red and black. There was a bookshelf stacked with books and trinkets and a finely etched cupboard. My left arm and chest were wrapped in gauzes. My mother was holding my hand.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    I stare at my mother for a moment, her eyes seemed puffy and covered in bags entirely unlike her usual high and mighty persona.


    [ It seems I have worried everyone ]


    Mother looked back at me, her eyes opened wide before grabbing my hand tighter. She leaned over and rested my hand on her cheek for a moment before smiling. She then frantically calls for a doctor.


    A few minutes later, a woman in her mid-twenties comes in wearing what looks like a green uniform with a badge on it. It has 5 stars etched on it with a leaf logo. As she walked to my side, mother released my hand and the green-garbed women grabbed my hand in her stead. A warm feeling washed over me.


    The woman closed her eyes for a moment before smiling. She dropped my hand gently before saying. ¡° He isn¡¯t critical anymore. His heart seems to have stabilised. He will just need to rest for a bit, apply this cream to his burns, so they don¡¯t scar.¡± She nodded to my mother, handed her a bottle from a pocket in her robes and walked out.


    Mother looked at me before stating. ¡° You have really worried me to death this time, If that Sato families madam weren¡¯t in the castle we would have lost you for sure!¡± Her eyes had a pained expression.


    ¡° I am sorry, mother,¡± I said like I was eating chalk. The husky tone was like a whisper.


    There was a sudden knock at the door. After a few moments, a blindly attractive man with ombre black and purple hair walks in. He has a woman on his arm that looks like a Picasso with three children in tow behind them. The children behind him seem sombre.


    [ Princess and the two princes and them empress so that must mean that handsome man must be the emperor. What a strange family. ]


    Mother stood up, knelt and then saluted. I tried to struggle to get up, but it was futile. So I place my right hand meekly over my chest. The Emperor noticed my actions and a flash of a smile passed over his face before resuming its air of noble dignity.


    ¡° Rise Madam Aikyo, this is not the time to be formal,¡± the masculine voice of the emperor said.


    My mother gave a small nod and went back to her seat next to me. The family looks me up and down before the empress gestures for the three children behind her to step forward.


    ¡° We''re sorry!¡± They say in unison and give me a half bow.


    [ A half bow and apology from royalty?! ]


    ¡° Please don¡¯t¡± is all could muster in response. The future rulers of this country bowing to me made me flustered. If I didn¡¯t feel so sick, I would be flustered.


    ¡° Yuki¡­ It was my fault I should have..¡± The princess'' voice cuts off big dripping tears threatened to fall from her eyes. She rushes up to my side and grabs my hand.


    [ Don¡¯t cry, it was your crying that caused this in the first place. EMPEROR THIS ISN''T MY FAULT!]


    I looked over to the princess''s family their faces pale slightly, but they held in their thoughts. It looks like I won''t be blamed this time.


    [ Your so spoiled princess ]


    What surprised me was next the crown prince came over. He touched Rosli¡¯s shoulder to get her to move over before placing an object next to my bed.


    ¡° This is a small token of apology please accept it¡± He stated in a flat tone. I reached out and grabbed his sleeve meekly. He nods in response. I then let him go.


    { Crown Prince Leopold¡¯s profile gained 50 DD to unlock }


    [ I may as well get something out of all this nonsense ]


    He walks back to his previous position. The second princes approached me and put a strange herb next to my bed. I look at him, and he stutters ¡° Yukk..kii for you¡­ Sorry¡± I grabbed his sleeve he panicked a little before calming down. I smiled at him meekly, and he blushed before walking back after the crown prince.


    { Prince Nathaniel¡¯s profile now available 50 DD to unlock }


    The emperor smiles as the princess grabbed my arm again.


    ¡° Please stop apologising, my heart can¡¯t take it,¡± said as I glance over everyone in the room. They looked back at me, I stared back at them. Absolute silence.


    [ Guess my joke didn¡¯t work ]


    ¡° Our son Leopold has gifted you a protection spell talisman, it is the same we ( the royal family) use. It will stop one attack in the future and spare your life. Our son Nathaniel has gifted you a Talon herb. It very rare and is suitable for one''s heart.


    Finally, on behalf of the princess, we will grant your wish to postpone the engagement until you are both 16 we feel after this incident it is for the best. Please look after your body until then.¡± The emperor finished and gave me a piercing look.


    [ WAIT REALLY! YES!!! Although that last sentence... Is he threatening a ten-year-old to not sleep around? uhhh]


    ¡° Your majesty, rest assured I will not let the princess down,¡± I say as solemnly and disappointedly as possible hiding the excitement boiling under my skin. The emperor and his family told a few more pleasantries to my mother and I before they excused themselves.


    My mother ended up following behind them to let me rest, and I shortly fell asleep afterwards due to sheer exhaustion. I remembered sleeping peacefully that night.


    I awoke the next day to Kibble''s disembodied voice in my ear ringing.


    { Mission accomplished: Makeup with Rosli + 20 DD | Mission accomplished: Survive the palace one night + 30 DD | Mission Failed: Find out Riku¡¯s favourite food - 15 DD | Mission Failed: Sword and breathing techniques each day for one week | 45 Available DD }


    I rubbed my eyes slightly thinking about what had just rung in my ears.


    [ A week has flown by I guess I forgot.. Wait - 15 did I just lose points? ]


    Kibble''s voice enters my ears again. ¡° Mmm that''s right Meowster, you will be penalised for failing time missions. It is to stop you from only choosing to do easy missions! ¡°


    ¡° Oh? Then why haven¡¯t I lost points for the exercise one?¡± I ask back questioningly.


    ¡° The system is fair Meowster, It decided that Riku¡¯s mission could have been done but the training one could not. How could a dying person train? Thus you failed with no loss of points for that mission. It¡¯s okay you can get that one done next week! It is recurring after all¡± Kibbles responded.


    ¡° I see, I guess I should spend some points then!¡± I grinned slightly.

 Breakfast of champions

    Name: Yuki (Yuta)


    Doki Dollars: 45


    Strength: 7 ( Unlock: 10 DD)


    Dexterity : 6 ( Unlock: 10 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 12 ( Unlock: 20 DD )


    Missions:


    5 DD: Complete sword and breathing techniques each day for one week. (Recurring Mission)


    A few weeks had passed since the incident I had healed up rather well. Unfortunately, a small burn scar had appeared on my arm from the fireball, but to me, it wasn¡¯t a big deal since I survived. Since then I had spent some points in my dexterity as well as unlocking Riku¡¯s profile.


    Surprisingly enough, the crown prince, as well as his brother, began coming to my residence to visit when the princess did. We spent our time talking about random topics and eating snacks. Considering how eventful my life had been up unto this point, I was somewhat grateful for the company.


    The look on the princess¡¯s face when I first presented her some red bean paste cakes was priceless. I didn¡¯t think such a small child could have such a big grin! Her brothers seemed to approve as well.


    I had been accumulating points for a while to unlock both the princes'' profiles, and I was somewhat close with 50 DD. I had earned them by my weekly exercises as well as doing odd jobs like finishing a particular book in the night or making the second prince smile.


    Finally, my father had come back. Apparently, on his business trip, he came across some medicine he wanted to try on me for my heart. Ishi had been concocting the drug with from what I was told, help from the Sato family as well as the herb that the second prince had given me.


    Tonight was the night that I tried it.


    [ Erh do I really have to drink this it smells like toilet water ]


    I looked down at the brown goo that was attempting to harden in the medicine bowl. I was currently in my room surrounded by mother, father, Ishi as well as Ki. They looked at the medicine in my had like it was some sort of divine pill. I looked at it like it was attempting to grow six arms and three heads.


    I held my nose and swallowed.


    THUMP


    THUMP


    I had felt like my world was collapsing in on itself. The disgusting liquid made me shudder it landed in my stomach with what I could only imagine as a heavy thump. The medical goo rushed through my body like liquid lava.


    I began to sweat


    [ Are they trying to fix me or kill me? ]


    Ishi grabs my wrist, and a refreshing feeling travels down my arm. The two competing forces of fire and ice were running rampant. I clutched at my chest.


    { Stamina + 1, Strength +1 }


    { Stamina + 1, Strength +1 }


    { Stamina + 1, Strength +1 }


    Kibble''s voice was repeating in my ears. It was the only thing that was stopping me from passing out. Finally, my heart constricted.


    THUMP, THUMP


    THUMP


    THUMP, THUMP, THUMP


    [ Am I going to have another heart attack? ]Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    I could feel the beating of my chest grow erratic I clenched my teeth till blood dripped down.


    The pillow that I had been resting in was covered in sweat. Finally just before I couldn''t take anymore the feeling to vomit surged up through my intestines.


    I couldn¡¯t hold it any more and threw up some black inky substance.


    A weak grey light emitted from my body. I grabbed at my bed covers still covered in ink. The bed covers had begun to vibrate as if they were being blown by a small wind. I gasped for air.


    My father had rushed to my side and touched the back of my head. I fell asleep instantly.


    I had woken up a few hours later to find key wiping my forehead with a cloth. My sheets had been changed, and it was bright and early the next morning. The soft warbles of birds had given me the time of day.


    Ki looked at me with light bags under her eyes. It has seemed she spent the night looking after me diligently. A smile had broken out on her face.


    ¡° Young master you have awakened! How do you feel¡± She said putting the cloth away. I checked my body, and somehow I felt a lot lighter than usual. I looked back at her slightly confused.


    ¡° Oh, so you have noticed? Congratulations young master, it seems since your heart has gotten a little better your latent magical ability activated. You almost went berserk, lucky your father was there!¡± She said before signing.


    She pinched my cheeks and then poked my nose then said ¡° could you stop worrying me so much. I will go grey before my time!¡± then pouted.


    I coughed to clear the ambiguous air.


    [ Please don''t touch me like that ]


    ¡° So what are my magical abilities?¡± I replied excitedly after a moment.


    ¡° Mm we are not too sure, you will have to find out when your instructor gets here. Just keep doing the breathing exercises until then. Oh, Riku will be taking you into town tomorrow. He said that there is a cultural event that will be of some interest to your studies. Something about the Bright Festival?¡± She said before she pretended to hum and haw.


    [ Festival?! Riku and I alone? A date?! No way! ]


    The disappointment from my powers not being revealed instantly vanished. I thought about how festivals looked back home and imagined what it would be like to have gone with Riku. She watched my face go from the shades white to red before laughing.


    ¡° Everyone has been watching you work hard, so your parents decided that you should do something fun for once. I would like to go, but I have matters to attend to. Your mother thought you may be lonely with just Riku, so we invited the princess and her brothers to go too¡± Ki had further mentioned.


    [ No my perfect festival date is ruined !!!]


    I hung my head dejectedly.


    ¡° Don¡¯t worry young master, I am sure your friends will come,¡± Ki replied. She must have thought I was worried about the princess.


    I let her continue to believe it.


    Next to my bedside was what I had been eating as per usual after I convinced Ishi to stop with the medical porridge. It looked precisely like bacon and eggs on toast, however¡­


    The taste was revolting.


    The eggs were overly salted, and the bacon was sweet like a dessert cake, even the toast tasted strange. I had wondered how my mother could go so wrong cooking. I had imagined a scene where my mother was standing in the kitchen blindfolded just putting in random ingredients and hoping for the best.


    [ just think of how good she had been to you ]


    I forced down every mouthful.


    After I had finished I had noticed something else on my side table it was a clear liquid broth. Ki looked at me and then she took a spoon full and put it in my mouth.


    Like an oasis in a desert, my mouth was filled with heavenly delights. It was not the best tasting soup I had ever tried but compared to everything else I had eaten here it was delicious.


    My eyes had open wide, and my taste buds were dancing. Ki looked at me as if she was expecting something. I thought for a moment.


    [ Did she make this? ]


    My eye twitched.


    [ Open up Ki¡¯s profile ]


    ¡° As you wish Meowster¡± Kibbles disembodied voice said in my head.


    Name: Ki


    Hobbies: Blank ( Unlock: 50 DD)


    Heart Meters: 8/10 Green | 5/10 Red | 2/10 Black ( Unlock: 100 DD)


    Thoughts: Blank ( Unlock: 30 DD)


    Likes: Blank (Unlock: 20 DD)


    Dislikes: Blank ( Unlock: 20 DD)


    Kibbles Comments: Hmm.. is that spring I smell in the air?


    I involuntarily flinched.


    [How the hell did the red points go up?]


    ¡° What do you mean Meowster? ¡°


    ¡° I mean she isn¡¯t starting to fall for me, is she? Wasn¡¯t it 2 points last time I checked? Even the green hearts have gone up by 1¡± I said inside my head.


    ¡° Meowster it could be romantic, and it could be that she sees you as a little brother. You have to unlock her profile more to find out.¡± Kibbles responded seemly amused.


    [ How many Doki Dollars do I have? ]


    Name: Yuki


    Doki Dollars: 50


    Strength: 10 ( Unlock: 15 DD)


    Dexterity : 9 ( Unlock: 15 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 15 ( Unlock: 20 DD )


    ¡° Not enough meowster¡± Replied kibbles as my stats appeared.


    [ Could you ask the system to pretty please give me some better missions, this lack of information is driving me nuts! ]


    ¡° I can¡¯t do that meowster!¡± Kibbled responded


    This had all happened over a few moments. Ki was looking at me and smiling brilliantly as per usual.


    ¡° This soup is delicious did you make it?¡±


    Ki said nothing and just humbly blushed.


    [ Crap ]

 Blinding lights

    Name: Yuki


    Doki Dollars: 50


    Strength: 10 ( Unlock: 15 DD)


    Dexterity : 9 ( Unlock: 15 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 15 ( Unlock: 20 DD )


    Missions:


    5 DD: Complete sword and breathing techniques each day for one week. (Recurring Mission)


    If someone told me a few years ago that I would be surrounded by beautiful people who went so far as to call me a friend I wouldn¡¯t have believed them. But here I was standing side by side with what I could only describe as living paintings.


    To my left was Riku holding a paper fan. He was in a dark red yukata with brown trim. The sash he wore was also brown and accentuated his handsome visage. His hair was half tied in a man bun and held together with a red accessory.


    It seemed like he was excited although he tried to hide it. I used my well-practised hidden stare as he looked towards the festival in front of us with wide eyes before he coughed a little seemly to hide the longing in his chest.


    [ I guess Riku has a childish side to him. So Cute! ]


    To my right was the princess, she had chosen to wear a kimono. Her hair was done in an intricate design that kept up most of her hair beside her long bangs which were plaited and tied with pink string. Her outfit was finished with a wooden comb etched with gold leaf in the shape of a majestic bird which held the style together.


    She had grinned widely looking ahead of us. There were purple and black lanterns lining all of the stalls. She had pointed and made jokes stating that they looked like her brothers. The boys walking just ahead of us had smiled and laughed along.


    Crown prince Leopold was wearing long black robes with purple trim, his black waving freely. It seemed that the princes¡¯ had decided to go incognito as not only the crown princes but prince Nathaniel¡¯s outfit was only a simple purple robe with black trim. This being said if one looked close enough they could tell that the materials used were impeccable.


    It was decided that we wouldn¡¯t bring any guards as that would bring too much attention to ourselves. Riku had explained beforehand to us that the reason for going to the festival was to see how the common people lived. He had said that coming from a military family like myself, knowing the people whom you are trying to protect is imperative for being a good warrior.


    The crown prince and nodded along seemly in agreeance with the lecture we received, he even asked a few questions to make sure he understood.


    It seemed like the training the royal family children receives is on a whole different level from one stationed at my level. The crown princes¡¯ diligence and love of learning had left me admiring him a little.


    His brother, on the other hand, was attached to the crown princes¡¯ hip with his head down. It seemed that the middle brother was timid. Even in the few weeks that I had known him, he hadn¡¯t spoken much. I had wondered to myself on many occasions if I could ever get a full sentence out of him. To be honest, I sort of hoped I would. His cute shy smile and continuously embarrassed face had left me wanting to pinch his cheeks!


    [ Such a cute kid! ]


    When we finally got to the event, the moon had come up, and the lanterns had all been lit one after the other starting from where we entered. The various stalls began shouting for people to visit and a small of roasted meat and deserts wafted throughout. The princess was in a bit of a rush to try each stall, so I ended up being dragged along.


    After 10 minutes or so the crown prince had ended up getting worried his sister would run off, so he grabbed her hand, then the second prince grabbed the crown prince''s¡¯side. They looked like the perfect siblings as they walked along in front of me, slowly the gap widened and I was left a little behind.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    I started to reminisce about my old family and my new and how much they contrasted. In this life, I had been given new friends a family that cared about me and the people around me that truly wanted me to generally succeed. Even my doctor would check on me more then he needed to.


    [ This new life isn¡¯t so bad ]


    I sighed.


    The princes¡¯ and princess were checking out a trinket store, I watched them from a distance. A significant yet delicate hand grabbed my shoulder. I turned to see Riku crouch down to eye level with me.


    ¡° Are you feeling left out? ¡° Riku said with a complex look on his face.


    ¡° A little bit... But it''s nice watching them too. I don¡¯t have any brothers or sisters, so I am used to it.¡± I said and shrugged.


    Riku smiled and looked at me before reaching out his upturned hand like a prince would offer a princess. The lantern lights reflected beautifully of his features making him look more charming the usual.


    ¡° Yuki, I would be honoured to play the role of your big brother just for tonight... If you have me of course. ¡° Riku¡¯s smile widened, and he blushed a little.


    Not even a second had passed before kibbles voice had rung in my ears.


    { Abrupt Mission: Get 1 heart closer with Riku before the end of the night | Reward 50 DD }


    Time had seemed to have stopped. My heart was pounding as I put my smaller hand in his. He nodded to me once, and he stood up. The stares that we got from the people around us were blinding. My face had gone a little red, and I moved closer to Riku for mental support. He laughed a little, and we slowly started walking towards our other three comrades.


    I was baffled as to why Riku had done such a thing. Kibbles sounded in my ear at that moment and said¡± Hey Meowster, why don¡¯t you unlock his thoughts? Then you would know right?¡±


    [ I had completely forgotten I could do that. ]


    I had realised at that moment that I had been so busy trying to stay alive that I hadn¡¯t even looked at Riku¡¯s profile yet. I thought about it mentally, and his profile and it appeared in front of me.


    Name: Riku


    Hobbies: Blank ( Unlock per hobby 50 DD)


    Heart Meters: 5/10 Green | 3/10 Red | 4/10 Black ( Unlock In-depth info 100 DD per heart)


    Thoughts: Blank ( Unlock first thought 30 DD)


    Kibbles Comments: Purrfect, Oh an Event!


    [ How many Doki Dollars do I have ?]


    ¡° 50 Meowster¡± Kibbles voice had rung in my ears.


    [ Oh, Okay unlock a thought please ]


    { - 30 DD Riku¡¯s thoughts unlocked | 20 DD remaining }


    Kibbles had appeared in front of me after unlocking the thoughts before he sat on Riku¡¯s head. Kibbles opened his mouth and a voice sounding just like Riku¡¯s started to pour from it.


    Ahh, his hand is so warm, did he blush before? Cute! -


    Ooh is that store selling bracelets? I should get one for my brother -


    I wonder if we can find some fish my favourite grilled eel! -


    Kibble''s mouth closed after a moment, he swished his tail a few times before he jumped off Riku mid-air. No one else could see what I could see, so Riku looked down thinking that I was staring at him. Just as Kibbles disappeared, I thought to myself.


    { 1 Like has been uncovered Grilled fish added to profile }


    [ He likes grilled fish? I wonder if we can find some! ]


    ¡°Umm Riku,¡± I said as I looked up where kibbles had last been seen.


    He nodded to me as expecting me to continue.


    ¡° Can we find a grilled fish store. I am getting a little hungry¡± I said quietly.


    The princes and prince looked at me, They must have overheard the conversation. The princes face lit up, while the princess stopped for a moment looking at my hand in Riku¡¯s before puffing her cheeks. I was the only one to notice though. Finally, the second prince has smiled a little bit.


    Riku stared at as all and then nodded and said: ¡° Right, let''s go find some fish!¡±.


    As we walked around trying to find a fish store, we noticed a big crowd forming near one of the stalls which were blocking the road. We approached slowly trying to get passed.


    All of a sudden we hear the words ¡° The Sato family does not lie! We did not take your goods mam¡± coming from a younger girls voice.


    [ Sato?]


    I signalled to the others, and we pushed our way through the crowd to the front. What we saw were two young children. A young boy shielding a young girl from a bulky man who was glaring at them.


    The young boy had a deep green yukata on. He has dark green hair and green eyes. From the looks of it, the girl behind him must have been his sister as she had a matching outfit with a flower trim where the boys were just plain dark green. The boy had slightly more masculine features and a plainer hair accessory.


    The older man started taking stern steps towards the children. I looked at the scene angrily. Being bullied previously, I had begun to shake furiously.


    [ It¡¯s not right for adults to pick on children! ]


    I suddenly felt Riku drop my hand. I looked up at him, and he had patted my head to reassure me.


    He then looked at the rest of the entourage and had told us to stay there before taking out his folding fan covering his face slightly and walking towards the middle of the two.

 One Hell Of A Festival

    Riku had finally stood between the two young children and the man who was at least three times bigger than the one ones he had shouted at. Even Riku who was considered rather tall was dwarfed by at least a head.


    The young man who seemed to be defending his sister had taken a few steps back while he had continued to shield her. The tall and slightly stocky man, on the other hand, began to shout of Riku, sputum flew in all directions only being blocked by the fan Riku had been holding.


    ¡° How dare you get involved! These little thieves deserve to have their hands cut off!¡± the stocky grumped.


    ¡° We the Sato family never stole a thing! How dare you accuse us without proof.¡± The young man seemly gaining courage behind Riku stated with his little chest puffed out.


    ¡° Brother is right! We didn¡¯t steal, we didn¡¯t steal! ¡° parroted the sister of the young girl.


    ¡° I don¡¯t know who the Sato family or whoever you say you are is but you better give me my stock back!¡± Shouted the hulking man in return.


    The crowd looked over at the fight, while some of the shopkeepers quietly whispered to one another.


    ¡° Seems like those children are going to be duped by Taji this year,¡± Said one the shopkeepers


    ¡°Mm best not to interfere, I hear that guy is dangerous¡± continued a balding shopkeeper


    ¡° One of the river gangs men, I heard¡± finished an elderly stall owner.


    Riku turned his head slightly looking at the two children and then at the man as he had just finished overhearing what the shopkeepers had said.


    The tall man started to laugh from his stomach a smile missing a few teeth shined through. He stopped laughing and then pointed to Riku.


    ¡° Seems like my cover has been blown. No matter ay! You better hand over some cash since you wanted to play Mr Hero for medical brats behind you and that little miss can hand over that herb I saw in her bag, ¡± As the gang member finished speaking his face turned rather sinister.


    ¡° I wouldn''t worry about calling the guards either, your throats will be slit before they can get here¡± The man finished as he pulled a blade from his hand and licked it.


    A slight smirk appeared from Riku¡¯s mouth as if he were looking at beggar pretending to be a monkey. His actions had unnerved the man in front of him.


    Riku then said to seemly no one in particular in a normal voice ¡°I know you''re here, you won¡¯t let his cousins get bullied like this right? ¡°


    There was no action or movement. The crowd had fallen silent, the small children behind Riku looked up at his broad back confused and the man began to laugh.


    [What the hell is Riku talking about and to who?]


    An image of Riku and the small children behind him getting beaten to a pulp and murdered appeared in Yuki¡¯s head. He had clenched his fists at this moment until his palms had threatened to bleed.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Riku had quickly glanced over at Yuki and smiled for some unknown reason before once again talking to thin air ¡° Look, he''s about to cry if you don¡¯t help us he will hate you!¡±


    Suddenly a figure quickly appeared over the rooftops covered entirely in black. It moved soo fast not even it¡¯s silhouette could be made out. It jumped from building to building before it made its way to the man.


    Thunk!


    A noise like a tonne of bricks being dropped was heard as the man fell down on the ground. A look of confusion spread across his face as he had passed out called. Before even a mouse could squeak the sound of a slap crisply echoed in the air.


    Finally, the figured had seemly jumped over the crowd before flipping a few times and disappearing over a building.


    Riku held his slightly swollen cheek.


    [ They are saved? What just happened?]


    Yuki took one look at Riku¡¯s cheek and then at the spot where the figure had disappeared to and shook his head. There were too many questions to ask and too little time to ask them.


    The Crown prince, his brother, the princess and Yuki all stepped forward at the same time and walked up to Riku and the two children. The crowd stood around for a moment longer, realised the drama had ended and decided to disperse.


    The youths behind Riku then walked up to face him. ¡° I am not sure who you called to help us but thank you.¡± the boy said before he bowed.


    His sister then took a moment and said ¡° Yep thank you mister!¡± before she bowed too.


    Riku who was still holding his cheek smiled.


    ¡°Oh I forgot to introduce myself, My name is Sato Tamo and this is my cute little sister Hina!¡± The boy named Tamo said.


    [They truly are my cousins!]


    ¡° Mm I thought you might be the Sato family siblings, My name is Riku I am your cousin''s teacher, ¡± Riku said before he pointed to me.


    ¡° Uhh I guess I am your cousin, my name is Akikyo Yuki¡± Yuki said as he bowed politely.


    ¡° I am uhh call me Leo, this is Nathan and my sister uh Rosy! ¡° Said the crown prince.


    [ I guess they can¡¯t just be saying in the middle of the street that they are royalty.]


    Yuki had sifted through his previous memory and found that the only time he had met his cousins was several years ago. Considering his age it was quite normal to not be able to recognise his other family members.


    After a few minutes of discussion, it was decided that they would all find a grilled fish stand and find a place to sit. So they all left, the gang member still passed out of the ground.


    The Sato siblings made sure to each give the passed out man a quick kick as they left.


    The order for walking had changed so that the Sato family were walking in front chatting with the crown prince, the second prince and the princess were walking hand in hand together and Riku and Yuki were in the behind also walking hand in hand together.


    ¡° Riku is your face okay?¡± Yuki asked quietly.


    ¡° Mm it¡¯s fine don¡¯t worry I deserved it¡± Replied Riku


    ¡° Who was that?¡± Yuki replied after a moment.


    ¡° Just think of them as a helper,¡± said Riku.


    Yuki spent the next few minutes trying to question Riku but had failed miserably. They then all lied up got the fish they were looking for and found a place just outside the festivities to sit.


    [ I wonder if they have such a thing as fireworks here ]


    ¡° Uh Riku, what normally happens at these sorts of events,¡± Yuki asked in a casual tone.


    ¡° Well just a little bit later there will be a performance and then the night will be topped off by some magic duels and sword fighting!,¡± Riku replied as he took a bit of his fish.


    ¡° Sword fighting!? Magic Duels?! Really?¡± All of the children bar the Sato siblings said in unison.


    ¡° Oh course dummies, they do it every year, the herb my sister has is actually one of the prizes,¡± said Tamo. Panic started to be drawn on his face, he then looked at his sister who stopped mid-bite.


    ¡° We need to hand in the competition prize!!¡± They had both screamed together.


    The party had all looked at the Sato twins for a moment before the princess said ¡° Calm down what time does the duels start?¡±


    [ Wow the princess can be pretty reliable in times like this.]


    ¡° In about an hours time¡± replied Riku looking at the position of the moon.


    ¡° Mm, that''s plenty of time right!¡± said the crown prince.


    ¡° Can we go with Tamo and Hina?¡± Said the second prince in almost a whisper.


    ¡° Yeah, can we Riku? I want to see the fights!¡± replied Yuki with a broad grin.


    Riku had looked at all the children with expectations written on their faces before nodding slightly to give his consent.


    The team finished their snacks before heading toward the centre of the festival.

 A Clash Of Titans

    There was a massive stage in front of us. Two people dressed in kabuki masks were sitting up on stage, one was wearing a pure white garb while the other was wearing a black garb. The one in the dark garb on the left wore a mask that was sad, while the one in the white garb on the right side wore a mask that had a smiling expression.


    In front of them, were two Guzheng. Instead of the expected red colour, they alternated black and white. The white one for the black-garbed player and the black one for the white-garbed player.


    The crowd packed the outer rim of the stage and we managed to squeeze our way to the front. As the crowd hit it''s peak the one wearing the sad mask shouted. Instantly it got everyone''s attention and a silence filled the air.


    The sad mask then began to pluck their strings, softly at first. It was strange however that with each pluck you could feel the air change slightly.


    As sad mask began to play the melancholy tone happy mask jumped in and began to pluck along as well. As the tune picked up they began rhythmically stomping their feet.


    Everyone''s blood started boiling.


    [ Wow this is amazing! ]


    I looked at Riku and the others they seemed entranced by the sounds. Suddenly the beat picked up.


    Whoosh!


    At that moment two streams of light came from each of the instruments. The lights formed a bird and a snake. They seemed to battle in time to the music. A few people in the crowd pulled masks from behind their backs and put them on.


    Riku looked at us and said " They have some pretty amazing wind magic. Coupled with their music abilities we are in for a treat!"


    My heart beat erratically as every kind of mask could be seen, from ogres to beautiful women. Both the males and females who jumped up on stage began to fight, dance and sing with each other in perfect unison to the dueling Guzheng. Each stomp of the people''s feet forming a backbeat to the player''s melody.


    Just as the crescendo was about to hit the bird burst into magnificent light and a phoenix appeared in its wake. The snake seemed to flee for a bit before it to burst and transformed this time into a dragon.


    The transformation seemed to send the backup dancers on stage into a frenzy as their voice stopped they all bowed to the beasts above them. A war cry sounded out from the smiling mask and the sad mask in unison.


    The dancers seemed to pick sides and went to ram into each other. It seemed to me as a novice swordsman that each person on stage had very strong martial arts. Kicks, whirls, flips and punches could all be seen! Finally, the song started dying down the Phoenix and dragon seemed to fly up into the sky before seemingly bursting into brilliant fireworks.


    It felt at the time that my heart would stop as a raging applause echoed in the air. I clapped along unconsciously too. Finally, the group lined up and bowed before they shouted in unison.


    " HAVE A HAPPY FESTIVAL FROM THE MAIN MAGICUS ACADEMY! "


    [ They were high school students?! ]


    " Were they really from the Magicus Academy?" I mumbled to no one in particular.


    The second prince being right next to me looked over and said " I heard from papa that the oldest students have to put on a show for the people at some point... I didn''t know it was in public." the crown prince seemed to shake a little.


    I felt a little bad for the shy kid so I grabbed his shoulder and said. " Don''t worry! I am sure we will be in our classes together at that time we can be nervous together!"


    He looked at me squarely in the face for the first time. His face had none of the usual uneasiness. Time seemed to stop for a moment as I looked at him. His eyed seemed clear and firm and hair fluttered slightly in the wind.


    " Thank you," he said as he grinned and nodded once, he then looked away towards the stage. The moment and the spell were broken.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    [ One day I will pinch his cheeks!]


    I watched as my cousins then walked off over to what seemed to be a master of ceremonies stand and handed a strange herb over to the person at the counter. I watched as the master of ceremonies face flashed from black to white then finally to smiling. My cousins must have told him about what happened.


    He then walked up to a woman in a beautiful black garment. It looked like a kimono and on the bottom, it had a beautiful forest pained on it. Every time she moved it seemed to make the trees sway and come to life. She had bright red lips and green hair. Just by looking I could tell she was my aunt.


    I watched as she then went to the centre on the stage and announced in a loud clear voice. " Ladies and Gentlemen it is now time for the commencement of our festivals grand finale, the herb we have given this year as a prize is the precious Lion Herb, said to help bring out your magic potential."


    Cheers and applause once again echoed in the centre of the festival. I thought back to what Riku had taught me about magic not too long ago. Basically, magic can be utilized by anyone but talent, as well as practice, can be the difference between a small spark and a fireball.


    People can utilize fire, earth, water and wind elements. There are also rarer elements such as darkness and healing. The magic here in this world is not omnipotent however and can at most be used as a support for peoples professions.


    A chef can use magic to control the temperature of his flames better, while fishermen can use water magic to tell if there are fish under the water. It''s not like someone could use a fireball to blow up a mountain or something.


    Even the best magicians in the world are not the best due to the amount of magic they can produce but due to the skill that they possess and how much they understand the element itself.


    My grandfather, for instance, is considered a top teir fire Elementalist. When he uses magic his control is so fierce that even when surrounded by a group full of people he can use his magic to burn only the targets he wishes while the rest are completely unharmed.


    Fire just like every other element here is dangerous and is more likely to burn the user than the target. Becoming a proper mage truly takes years of effort.


    As I pondered over the magic in this world I found myself hoisted up on Rikus back. He had explained to me that the fights were going to get rather intense and due to me apparently staring out into space he thought it best to carry me to a safe spot.


    His back felt very warm.


    The crowd stepped back the women in green clapped her hands and people appeared to put special stones down near the edge of the stage. One after the other seats made out of dirt appeared and then hardened. They seemed to be a type of mud golem.


    Riku carried me to a seat and placed me down. The princess sat to one of my sides while Riku the other. The crown prince and second prince sat next to each other.


    As everyone was taking their seats people were walking in between calling for people to buy snacks from them. I got a big slice of what seemed to be bread as well as some fizzy drink in a small gourd. They tasted really good, but next to the custard tart I had with cupid they were average.


    [ Damn it! Cupid had spoiled me!]


    " Of course Meowsters Cupids food tasted better Meowster." Kibbles appeared and landed in my lap.


    [ Oh your here did you come to see the festivities? ]


    " Mm you can say I am rather curious for a cat!" replied Kibbles. It kneaded my lap before it finally got comfy.


    We all watched as two people stood on stage the female fighter was named " The Carnivorous Cook" while the male fighter was called " The Furious Fisherman". The cook seemed to wear a chefs uniform while the fisherman looked like he was ready to find a nice stream.


    [ These people must be like wrestlers in my old world]


    The announcer stated " No dirty shots, no crippling and no death! Let the battle begin!"


    The crowd went wild as the chef and the fisherman began to fight. The chef had her hands covered in fire like gloves while the fisherman had his legs covered in water.


    The cook went to throw a punch and the fisherman countered with a kick, steam rose up in the air.


    They both jumped back a few steps.


    " I''m gonna pound you into kimchi! " said the cook.


    " I''ll catch you hook, line and sinker little girl," said the fisherman.


    The fisherman mumbled to himself as the air in the atmosphere formed a water net. He spin kicked it at the cook. The cook returned by mumbling and clapping her hands together forming a fireball.


    The net and the fireball hit each other mid-air and the bubbling of water was heard.


    The fight lasted a little while before the cook got in a good punch to the fisherman''s face and she was declared the winner. They both shook hands and walked off stage.


    We all watched as stranger and stranger people came up to battle. There was a local blacksmith, a beautician and even a farmer. Each showing off their various talents for the elements.


    The grand finale was against local night watchmen who used the wind element, while her opponent was a miner who was good in the earth element.


    In the end, the miner had come out on top but the matches overall were thrilling. The moon was high up in the sky by this time. We had all said good-bye to my cousins who left with their mother.


    The crown prince, princess and prince all said goodbye and left with some guards who had come to pick them up. The princess hugged me with a complicated expression on her face. I was exhausted however so I ignored it.


    Riku piggybacked me and we started walking toward the exit.


    " Did you have fun tonight?" he said casually.


    " Mm I really liked the music show," I said quietly as my eyes started to shut.


    " Mm you are a good kid, sleep a while you will be home before you know it" He responded.


    Unable to fight my sleepy eyes I fell into the land of dreams.


    { Quest Completed "Get closer to Riku" 50 DD rewarded }

 A Little White Fang And The Taste Of Tangy Soup

    It had been a few days since the start of the festival. I had gone back into my usual routine, however, there had been a small change in my relationship with Riku.


    You see he would spend more time talking to me, sometimes during our lessons, he seemed to be trying really hard to make sure I understood as much as I could. It made my heart feel very warm.


    After my lessons in politics, my etiquette teacher had gone to extra length to show me as much as she could. She had apparently heard from the palace ladies that I had been spending a lot of my time with the royal family and decided to double my workload.


    The words ¡° I will not have you embarrass your family¡± had rung in my ears like a broken record.


    I had eaten some lunch that Ki had personally cooked for me afterwards. It was some sort of sea beast and salad. I can¡¯t tell you what I ate but it actually wasn¡¯t too bad.


    Afterwards, I had my rehabilitation with Dr Ishi. We had done my daily breathing exercises as well as sword movements. It had become much easier since when I first started. I had even managed to impress my father, who had snuck out from his piling work just to see me. I could tell he was happy because he seemed to be holding back a few tears.


    It made me embarrassed but I was happy.


    [ Stupid big guy! ]


    Looking back on my past few months here, I had finally felt like I have found somewhere I belong. I still had a worry in my gut about my future and I still didn¡¯t dare tell anyone I had no interest in women but ¡­ I felt like I had finally found a home.


    I had just finished packing up and thanking Ishi when an old man had come to greet my father. He looked exactly like my father just a little older. He had long unmanaged hair that seemed to form a birds nest.


    He was wearing dark amour with the Tama royal family coat of arms on it. It only took me a second to realise that he was the guardian of Tama, the one that had caused all the guards in the palace to salute at me... The awe-inspiring man that was my grandfather the general of Tama.


    [ This¡­ This is the awe-inspiring man? If it were not for the armour I¡¯d mistake him for a beggar!]


    I had looked to his side to see a young man no older than 18, he had a massive sword on his back and dark black fitting amour. I could see from a distance he had long flaxen white hair tied with a black string and strong red eyes.


    [ Oh, it seems like albinos also exist here.]


    My father after a while had signalled me to approach them. I had put on my best poker face to stop myself from laughing at my grandfather and approached the group.


    ¡° You may not remember little Yuki, but this is your grandfather,¡± my father said.


    The person who was my grandfather started slapping my back and smiling brightly.


    ¡° Boy! You sure have grown! It¡¯s like I blinked when you were a small child and now poof you¡¯re an adult!¡± My grandfather said.


    The boy to his side straightened his back.


    Grandfather looked over then introduced him. ¡° This young lad here is Etsuko Ren, He has served by my side on the border since he was a wee lad, Now he will be your sword fighting coach! Be sure to be nice to him, he isn''t used to being in towns and could use a friend!¡±


    My grandfather slapped his back and he stepped forward before saying ¡° Etsuko Ren, 100 soldier leader of Tama pass. I will do my best to assist you Aikyo Yuki¡± He said awkwardly before saluting a perfect military salute.


    [ What a weird guy ]


    ¡° My name is Yuki, please just use that, can I call you Ren or do you prefer instructor Ren?¡± I say in response as I practised my court bow.


    ¡° Instr..instructor Ren? No, you can¡¯t do that you are from the esteemed Aikyo family! The honour cannot be mine. Ren.. please just call me Ren¡± Ren flustered through while trying to breathe.


    [ haha cute! ]


    I stifled a laugh. Ren went beetroot red. My grandfather and father both laughed.


    ¡° Good that you are modest Ren, I am also glad to hear you talking Yuki, I had almost forgotten what you sound like!¡± Grandfather said to Ren to cheer him up and then looked at me.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Ren looked up at my grandfather as if he was starstruck and smiled.


    ¡° Uhh yeah, I guess.¡± Is all I could say in response.


    My father had then called over Ki before he said ¡° Ki, Get young lad Etsuko here a place to stay near my son''s room. Since he will be here to train him, They can start tomorrow morning.¡±


    [ Finally, some sword training! even if Ren does seem rather unreliable he must be good if grandfather recommended him ]


    ¡° Young Master Estuko, My name is Ki, Please follow me to your new room,¡± Said Ki elegantly, her aura changing to that of a perfect maid.


    ¡° Is there anything else you desire Master? ¡° Ki said to father.


    ¡° Not at this time¡± father responded.


    She looked Ren up and down once as if sizing him up before leading him away.


    Grandfather, father and I all ended up in the north building. Mother had stopped by and we spent the rest of the day with tea and snacks talking about grandfathers experiences at the border.


    Apparently, it wasn¡¯t just the other kingdoms that Tama had to guard against. There were bandits situated on the border as well as massive beasts that would cause smaller ones to attempt to flee into the Tama kingdom.


    I had asked grandfather why it was bad to get new beasts in the kingdom and he had told me that animals are very territorial.


    If the beasts in our land were to smell the new rivals, battles could break out. In fact a few years ago a village near the border was decimated after a giant beast had picked a fight with another over territory.


    [ Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps ]


    He also told me about Ren, apparently, he was orphaned young. He had joined the army to put some food in his belly, grandfather had decided to take him under his wing.


    Life in the army was all he knew so he may not understand a lot but when it comes to swordsmanship he is one of the best.


    It had taken so long to get a new teacher because he had personally gone to the border where Ren was guarding to assign this mission to him and bring him back.


    I had at that moment decided that I was going to try my best, even if some of it was self-preservation, the efforts that my family were putting into me made me grateful.


    Mother and father had also spent time telling grandfather about my improvements and the general running of the house. He seemed surprised as he had not realised how bad my heart had been.


    I had watched the colourful expressions on his face as mother had told him about the palace. The sun had finally hidden under the horizon and the moon had begun to show its pale face. Ki had come to pick me up. I said my goodnights and left the north building.


    As we were walking back I had noticed that Ki was walking a little more forced the usual. I turned to her and asked, ¡° Are you okay?¡±


    She looked surprised for a moment before saying that she had an upset stomach. We had talked about her day as well as my training. She seemed pretty interested in it and also gave me some pointers. I think she had been reading some books when she had free time to help.


    [ Ki¡¯s a nice person, maybe she will learn how to fight when she had time too!]


    We had finally arrived back to my room. She helped me get changed into my pyjamas and served some sort of vegetable soup concoction for dinner. I could tell the instant I took a bite who had made it.


    [ Mother¡¯s cooking is the worst ]


    I was fed each spoonful and I smiled. It had tasted terrible but I began to appreciate the unique flavour. It seemed that my mother had made soup during my training and Ki had reheated it.


    The sweet, sour and salty flavour made my heart quiver with gratefulness and my taste buds burn and cry.


    After I had finished I had said my goodnights to Ki and she had left the room. I laid down looking at the ceiling. I had then spread my hand up in the air and absent-mindedly looked between my fingers.


    [ I wonder how Cupid¡¯s doing ]


    ¡° You thinking about Meowster Cupid, Meowster?¡± said the disembodied voice of Kibbles.


    [ mm since I can only see him when I almost die, I guess]


    Kibbles had appeared out of thin air and landed on my bed with a small thunk. I dropped my arm and looked at it in the candlelight. It¡¯s cute little-folded ears and stubby legs filled me with love. Kibbles seemed to fill the void that my old cat had left when he passed away.


    Kibbles walked right on to my chest and stared down at my face. Its eyes seemed to reflect the light and shined a slight green and silver. Kibbles seemed to size me up before it gently licked my face.


    It then turned around and put its rear in my face before getting comfortable and laying down.


    ¡° Meowster, since you have gotten stronger I am able to come out more have you noticed?¡± Said Kibbles and it kneaded my chest a little.


    I thought about it and realised for the past few weeks Kibbles had been appearing a lot more. It even sat around to watch the fights at the festival.


    When I had first received the cat it could barely say hello before going into standby mode.


    ¡° Mm I guess so,¡± I said out loud in response absent mindedly stroking its fur. It¡¯s fine hairs felt really soft on my hand.


    [My Status]


    As I thought to myself a screen appeared in front of me. It was shades of pink. My picture appeared on the side and my figures were shown in deep black bubble letters.


    Name: Yuki


    Doki Dollars: 100


    Strength: 11 ( Unlock: 18 DD)


    Dexterity : 10 ( Unlock: 18 DD)


    Magic: 0 ( Unlock: Unavailable)


    Intelligence : 15 ( Unlock: 20 DD )


    I had realised that both my strength and dexterity had gone up again. I then looked at Kibbles and said ¡° What do these stats mean compared to the average person?¡±


    Kibbles seemed to think about it for a moment before saying. ¡° Well Meowster, 13 seems to be the average stat for most people your age in strength and dexterity. So you are just below average! However, 10 is average for intelligence so you are above average there. Someone like your grandfather is up at 94 in his stats and your father is mid 60¡¯s.¡±


    ¡° So I am about average huh? I guess that is better than being useless!¡± I said out loud in response and smiled.


    ¡° Meowster are you going to spend some points? It seems like you have accumulated a few¡± Kibbles suggested.


    ¡° I am sleepy right now, maybe tomorrow¡± I responded, patting Kibbles one last time before shutting my eyes and peacefully sleeping.


    I had to save my energy for tomorrows sword practice.

 Then There Was Darkness

    The day seemed to slow down for me, Riku had spent extra time teaching me calligraphy as he seemed to think I was a little behind in my writing. My etiquette teacher was as strict as ever and by the time I had finally gotten to my rehabilitation with Dr Ishi I was exhausted.


    I had finally finished everything I needed to do. At last, it was time for my sword training lesson with Ren. Ki had shown me to the training ground that the soldiers used. I could spot in the distance Ren with his long flowing white hair in a training outfit. It was a deep black colour with a white trim. He was strung like a taut bow as he swung his sword rhythmically.


    ¡°61, 62, 63¡± I could here Ren count after each stroke.


    [ Sixty?! I could barely do ten without getting tired ]


    He saw Ki and I walk over. I caught him as he seemed to avoid looking at Ki before he looked at me and became flustered.


    Ki clicked her tongue and hmphed.


    [ What was that about? ]


    Ignoring what seemed to be bickering I made my way over to Ren. Ki walked over to the side and found a bench nearby to sit and watch over us.


    ¡° You ready to go uh.. I can¡¯t say it!¡± Ren said as he looked down.


    ¡° Say what¡± I responded confused


    ¡° Uh, are you ready to train young mmm..aaa..ster Yuki?¡± Ren replied his face went beet red.


    ¡° It¡¯s fine to just call me Yuki you know¡± I retorted.


    Ren quickly looked over at Ki¡¯s direction and then shook his head.


    ¡° I can¡¯t, I can¡¯t!¡± Replied Ren, his embarrassment getting worse.


    ¡° Well if you insist on it Ren!, I am ready!¡± I responded brushing of the strange mood before getting excited.


    [ Yep definitely a weird guy ]


    Ren looked me over once and noticed the eye bags under my eyes. They were due to the tossing and turning I did last night excited for today''s training coupled with the intense lessons of the day.


    ¡° Are you sure? I won¡¯t go easy on you just because your tired¡± he said in a warning tone.


    ¡° mm Let''s do this!¡± I responded happily.


    Ren then sighed a small sigh before he walked over to a weapons rack. He found a small wooden sword. He tossed it at me before he found a thin bamboo pole and held it. We walked back to the centre of the training ring.


    Ren had looked down at the ground for a moment. The aura around Ren changed from a kind and shy young man to a bloodthirsty tyrant. I unconsciously took a few steps backwards in fear and my heart began to race.


    He looked up at me and smiled sinisterly before saying ¡° No good! If this bit of bloodlust is making you scared you will never survive a true fight! COME ATTACK!¡±


    [ Ahhh scary! ]


    I took a few steps back watching as his bloodlust rose, visions of him appeared in mind where he slit my throat and drank my blood. I was honestly terrified. A pervading darkness appeared and haloed around Ren¡¯s whole body. His features blurred and became unrecognisable. I stood there unable to move as he walked towards me with a simple bamboo pole.


    He walked up and tapped me on the shoulder, this simple action snapped me back to reality. His aura disappeared completely and he scratched the back of his head with his hand.


    [ What a monster! ]


    ¡° Are you okay? I am sorry I didn¡¯t mean to scare you that much!¡± Ren said with an apologetic look on his face.


    It took me a moment to readjust but I smiled it response. ¡° How did you do that face melting thing? The darkness and the scariness were so cool!¡± I blurted seemly gibberish in my attempt to explain my excitement.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    [ If I could be even 10% as scary as that if my household turns to dust I can still earn a living! ]


    Just thinking about being an invincible sword king made my blood boil. I looked at Ren with expectant eyes.


    Ren had a shocked look on his face. He wiped the sweat that had accumulated on his brow due to worry before going back to his flustered self.


    ¡° Uh.. my magic element is darkness... I can use it to cause fear in my opponents as well as shield my face, so I can do stealth missions.¡± Ren replied after a minute of silence. I had nodded at every word he said before becoming downcast.


    [ What if I don¡¯t have the darkness element? ]


    I sighed as my dreams of being a horrifying swordsman faded away as quickly as they came. Ren seemed to sense my emotions. He gently patted me on the back.


    ¡° No matter what element you end up having, as long as you practice the sword long enough I am sure you will become good at it!¡± Ren tried his best to reassure me.


    In an attempt to change the subject Ren said ¡° Do you understand why I did what I just did?¡±


    I thought about it for a moment before being unable to reply I shook my head.


    He nodded before saying ¡° It¡¯s good that you said you didn¡¯t know, asking for help is the first step to being good at something!¡±


    He paused for a moment before continuing ¡° I did that to show you that being a great swordsman is more than just practising. You have to overcome your fears, your ego and remember no matter how good you get there will always be someone better than you. So fight to improve not just your outer strength but your inner strength too!¡±


    When Ren had said those words holding that flimsy pole he looked like a hero on the battlefield holding a banner of hope. I could see he meant every word as if they had been etched into his soul through years of practice and tireless battles.


    I took what he said to heart and tried to savour his words like a fine wine. I then looked at him resolutely and held my fist out.


    He looked confused at my actions.


    ¡° Uhh sorry I was just trying to fist bump you,¡± I said as I had temporarily forgot I wasn¡¯t on earth


    ¡° Fist bump?¡± Ren replied still bewildered.


    I went to drop my arm embarrassed but he stopped me.


    [ I¡¯m such an idiot! ]


    ¡° Wait, I am sorry I don¡¯t know, please teach me!¡± Said Ren as he panicked.


    I looked over at him and laughed mostly at my own stupidity. I took his hand in both my hands and clenched Ren¡¯s hand into a fist. I then held Rens fist up in the air and knocked my fist against his. I then put my arm down and Ren mimicked my action.


    { Ren Etsuko profile now available: 60 Points to unlock }


    I heard the faint buzzing in my head from Kibble''s voice but I ignored it.


    ¡° What does this fist bump mean?¡± Said Ren


    ¡° It¡¯s for friendship and my way to tell you that I promise to keep what you said in mind,¡± I said quietly.


    ¡° Huh Really?! That¡¯s Umm. Thank you¡± Ren said and once again copied the actions of a fist bump I showed him to himself. He seemed really excited.


    Ren looked at me and said ¡° I don¡¯t really know many customs... I am glad you taught me this.¡±


    I scratched the back of my head before quickly blurting out ¡° uh it isn¡¯t a custom, I just um made it up. It can be our friendship sign or something¡±


    [ Whoever invented the fist bump would be so mad at me right now]


    ¡° Ahh I see, well I still like it so, let''s use it more!¡± Ren said cheerily.


    Ren spent a few minutes explaining to me the basics of the sword, everything to how to find the swords balance to why the shape is the way it is. He talked about the sword so passionately even I could not help but be swept away.


    I was then told to show him the sword positions I had learned. I did my best to copy the manuals that I was given but up until recently, I had been doing them sitting down. Ren had spent the time tapping each part of my form that needed to be corrected and watched for a little while.


    He had finished correcting my form after thirty minutes or so. I was sweating slightly. It had gently dripped down my forehead.


    ¡° Need to take a break,¡± Ren said worriedly.


    ¡° I am okay¡± I replied. The adrenaline from today''s lesson was coursing through my veins. We kept going for a little while and he showed me a few leg techniques since I was sorely lacking in them.


    I was so focused on training that I didn¡¯t see Ki walk up to my side with a cold drink and some snacks on a tray, in her other hand was a damp cloth.


    ¡° Young Master¡± Ki called.


    I looked over to see Ki standing next to me. Ren had walked several steps away.


    ¡° I don¡¯t know much about swords but you look very tired, do you want to take a break for today?¡± Said Ki sweetly.


    I nodded.


    [ I have more training tomorrow I guess ]


    Ren seemed to shiver. Still standing a few steps away Ren said ¡° Training was good today, think about your foundations and we will do more again tomorrow¡±


    ¡°Want to stay for some snacks and a drink, you must be tired too right? ¡° I said to Ren as Ki handed me the sweat towel. I wiped my face and neck with it.


    [ So soothing! ]


    ¡° Maybe uh next time Young Master Yuki, ¡± replied Ren nervously. He took one last look at me and then Ki before bowing and putting the wooden pole back in the rack.


    He left soon after.


    ¡° Ki, what did you do to him? He seems frightened of you for some reason¡± I said to Ki curiously as we walked to the pond in the centre of the manor.


    ¡° Nothing at all young master Yuki, I just taught him to rules of living here, maybe my face is just scary?¡± Ki said dodging the subject.


    She grabbed the sweat cloth in my hand and put it in her front pouch skillfully. The tray in her other hand did not move even an inch let alone wobble.


    ¡° Did you have fun today?¡± Ki asked.


    ¡° Mmm,¡± I replied nodding.


    ¡° I am glad to hear that young master,¡± Ki said and smiled.

 Like A Walk In The Park (Part 1)

    I looked up to see the massive teeth of a creature about to bite my arm off. It stood on four legs and had a massive tail like a salamander. What was unique about this creature, however, what was strange was that it was covered in deep black features and its mouth was a beak covered with razor-sharp teeth.


    It¡¯s beady red eyes threatened to bore a hole in me.


    You may be wondering how I ended up in this situation. It all began a week ago. I had settled into my normal routine with all my teachers. It had now been two months since I had first met Ren.


    Since meeting him I have even made some advancements with the Lub Lub System adding points not only into my stats but into unlocking both princes profiles. I decided that since I was training I would have to get stronger as to not be left behind.


    Training with Ren had since become my favourite part of the day, even Riku and Ki had started to stick around to watch.


    I¡¯d look over to see them whispering and chatting as Ren and I trained, it was nice to see them getting along so well!


    The battles were still very one sided but the feelings of pent-up frustrations of the day and feelings of helplessness for the future were all fed into my sword. I had taken to training each day like a fish in water learning as much as I could, as best as I could.


    My heart seemed to have gotten better since my father had brought back that herb and Ishi had mixed it with one from the second prince. It wasn¡¯t 100 percent perfect but it was good enough for me to sweat a little.


    My father had actually dropped by one training practice. I was told to train by myself for a little while Ren and Father spoke. After about an incense stick of time, Ren came back and tapped me on the shoulder.


    I paused my sword movements as sweat had dripped down my face.


    ¡° Young Master Yuki, ¡± Said Ren firmly


    [ His tone is a bit off I wonder what''s wrong ]


    ¡° Your father and I have decided that you are going to go on a training trip to the Tama forest. We leave tomorrow¡± Ren said with no room for discussion.


    ¡° Tama forest with the magic beasts grandfather spoke about!?¡± I remarked bewildered.


    ¡° They''re one and the same, Ki and I will come along to keep you safe, however, unless your life is in serious danger I won¡¯t step in¡± Ren replied.


    ¡° Why is Ki coming, isn¡¯t it dangerous? She is my maid, I wouldn¡¯t want anything to happen to her! It¡¯s not like she can defend herself!¡± I retorted worriedly.


    Ren had coughed for a moment to clear his throat.


    ¡° Please have a little faith in my protection abilities young master¡± replied Ren. The look on his face was complicated.


    ¡° It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust you... Sorry Ren, I am sure you can protect us both¡± I responded unable to take back my words.


    Ki walked over at this point with Riku and touched Ren¡¯s shoulder. He seemed to want to jump back ten feet but was stopped by her dainty arm.


    Ki giggled before she said, ¡° hmm your father just told me what''s happening, don¡¯t worry I am sure Ren can protect me very well, right Ren?¡±


    ¡° Yes, Ma''am!¡± Shouted Ren out of sorts before giving a military salute.


    [ Maybe he has venustraphobia? *fear of women]


    I had noticed that since the first day of Ren being here he had been somewhat fearful of Ki. However, it seemed that no matter what I did to fix the problem it never went away. For instance, this one time I invited him for tea with her and I, but as soon as her name was mentioned he ran away. It has gotten worse ever since.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    [ Not much I can do¡­]


    I internally sighed.


    ¡° Young master, I apologise for not being able to join you, however, I am quite useless when it comes to anything other than books. ¡° Riku said apologetically breaking up the awkward atmosphere.


    ¡°I would like to have you there too but with Ren protecting both Ki and I, I am not sure he could protect you too¡± I replied dejectedly.


    Riku scrunched the hair on my head.


    ¡° Next time!¡± Riku responded and smiled.


    ¡° Why am I going now of all times anyway?¡± I grumbled to no one, in particular, blushing slightly.


    ¡° Since it has been a while since you started training it is best to train with real targets. Not everyone is like me and will hold back, you need to be prepared!¡± Ren said.


    ¡° Are you really okay with going Ki¡± I said to the maid at my side.


    ¡° Of course it is my duty to follow you, through sunshine and rain young master!¡± Ki replied energetically.


    She pumped her fist in the air.


    ¡° Young master, I will start getting your clothes and equipment ready, please be sure to finish your training and get any other work done that you may need by tomorrow. We will be leaving at dawn¡± Ki followed with.


    ¡°I will have Ki see me out, it was a pleasure seeing you and I hope you have a fantastic trip,¡± Riku said. He bowed and starting walking away. Ki nodded and followed a step behind him.


    I had spent the rest of the afternoon with Ren, he corrected my form as I copied the sword, I learned from him. They were slightly more complicated than when I first started but Ren was rather patient so learning was rather easy.


    When we had finished up I said to Ren ¡° What sort of things should I expect in Tama forest?¡±


    ¡° We will be going to the outermost section of the forest. So nothing too scary but just right for you¡± Said Ren as he nodded to himself. His arms were crossed. He looked like he was a grandmaster of a dojo imparting wisdom on his disciple.


    ¡° Outer forest so there is more than one part?¡± I responded.


    Ren then uncrossed his arms and crouched down. He grabbed the trusty bamboo pole at his feet and began to draw a crude map. He had sectioned it into three before putting skulls in each section.


    I had also crouched down so I could see what he had drawn.


    [ What a crappy map, Well I guess he is a swordsman and not a cartographer ]


    ¡° You see this section here, this is the outer area, it has a lot of weak magic beasts. They should rank between 1-3¡± Said Ren as he pointed to the map.


    ¡° uh, Rank?¡± I replied.


    ¡° Sorry I got ahead of myself!¡± Ren shook his head and blushed slightly.


    He looked down at the map and said ¡° We, humans, rank magical beasts from one to 9 to make it easier to classify them. The stronger the beast the higher the rank¡± Said Ren as he touched his chin in thought.


    ¡° Think of it this way, a rank one beast is usually really harmless, we actually eat them regularly. Even a farmer could find one for dinner. A rank 9, however, needs an entire army to remove it¡± He said as he then pointed to the inner ring.


    ¡° Here is where you would likely see a rank 9, they are normally called the guardian of the area. There is normally only one rank 9 who is the leader of all the beasts. It could probably be found in the inner area where the resources are more abundant¡± Ren states out loud in thought.


    ¡° Why is there only one?¡± I said as I tried to imagine what a rank 9 beast would look like.


    ¡° Hmm beasts are very territorial, why would a king share their subjects and food with another king?¡± Ren replied as he shrugged.


    ¡° Right I think that is enough for now! I will explain more as you need to know it, I would hate for you to get your information mixed up¡± Ren finished with that.


    We both stood up to find Ki had been standing there looking at the crude map from behind us. In one hand she held snacks and in the other was a towel for my sweat.


    [ How did she sneak up on us?!]


    She handed me the towel and I wiped off my face. Ren seemed to shake his head slightly unfazed.


    ¡° I know you are looking forward to tomorrow''s journey but you must make sure you are healthy enough to go!¡± said Ki as she looked at the snacks and then back at me.


    I said my goodbyes to Ren and Ki and I found my way back to my room.


    Today¡¯s snacks were pretty reasonable in flavour so I guessed Ki had made them. This time, however, she handed me a cup containing the foulest looking liquid I had ever seen.


    [ This drink needs a censor on it ! ]


    The pungent smell of swamp had invaded my nose and made me wince. My eyes had started to water and my soul threatened to escape from my body. I looked at Ki as if I were a dying man.


    ¡° Young master, Ishi had found out that you are going on a journey tomorrow, He had made this drink just for you saying it was a family recipe or something to help you stay healthy¡± Ki seemingly responded to my expression.


    ¡° Do I really need to drink this stuff ¡° I looked at her pleading.


    ¡° He has been your doctor for years... I am sure it isn¡¯t poison... Probably¡± She took a look at the vile concoction trying to hold a straight face.


    ¡° Ki! You are supposed to be on my side, can¡¯t you just say I drunk it¡± I said as I tried to push it away from me.


    She pushes it back to my chin and smiled.


    ¡° Young master, drink it, Ishi spent a lot of time on this for you, do not waste medicine,¡± Ki said sternly.


    [ I knew it everyone here wants to kill me! ]


    I had held my nose and took a swig.


    The taste of that vile goop will haunt me for the rest of my life!

 Like A Walk In The Park (Part 2)

    Ki unlike usual had woken me up before the sun had risen. Sleeping under my bed covers was so warm and comfortable that I struggled to awaken. I grumbled slightly before rolling over my bed trying to ignore Ki.


    [ Just five more minutes! ]


    Alas her calls turned into whining and then she finally grabbed my arm and attempted to shake me away. At this point, she shook me hard enough that I had almost fallen out onto the floor.


    ¡° You¡¯re finally awake young master¡± Ki cooed.


    With my arm over my face, I opened one eye to see Ki not wearing her usual maid attire. She was in brown leather pants, a long white shirt and some black riding boots. It was all covered in a brown travelling cloak. She also had a belt around her waist that had an array of tiny black throwing knives as well as two black daggers one on each hip.


    [ Oh right we are leaving for the forest today I forgot ]


    To her side were two bags that I guessed were filled to the brim with supplies as well as two small pouches. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Ki picked up a bowl of breakfast and placed it on my bedside table. She then walked up to the bags to produce a set of clothing for me.


    The clothing I changed into was black leather pants and a long black shirt as well as a black travelling cloak. She also handed me a bandana with gold markings on it, which she told me to wear if I smelled any fumes or if there was some sort of dirt storm.


    I couldn¡¯t see myself but I assumed I either looked like a very small assassin or some sort of vigilante. I decided not to complain because they fit really well and seemed to be tailor-made for me.


    [ Just how long ago did they plan this trip? ]


    There was a knock at the door. Ki had answered it to find my mother standing there. In her hands she held a small box. She also carried with her a sad expression. Mother looked me up and down before walking up to me and hugging me tightly. I swayed from side to side as she seemed to want to squish me into a ball.


    ¡° My son, your father didn¡¯t want to see you off, he was too heartbroken! My small little guy is going on his first adventure, I am so proud! Please be safe and come home. I know you have Ki and Ren with you but I still worry! Ahhh you''re getting too big to hold! Soon you will tower over me and I know that my work will be done¡± She half sobs and half sighs.


    [ Oh Mother¡­ ]


    I thought back to how my previous mother was, cold and detached treating me like any other stranger on the street. I remembered that when I went to visit her after uni she would barely say two words to me before she would find an excuse for me to leave.


    [ I ¡­]


    Tears started trickling down my face. First, it was just one or two but then they came out in a flood. I held my new mother close to me. My heart filling with a warmth I had never felt before. I was both jealous of the previous Yuki and thankful to him for giving me the love of a family I never thought I¡¯d have.


    I felt selfish and also very lucky.


    My mother seemed shocked for a moment before she held me tighter in her arms. I started to settle down after a few minutes.


    ¡° I know your scared son but your mother is here, mother will always be here¡± She whispered in my ear.


    ¡° Mmm Thank you for everything¡­ Mother¡± I said, calling her mother for the first time honestly. I let my body go soft in her arms and smiled as I buried my head into her shoulder. The smell of sweet-smelling hair wafting into my nostrils.


    She pushed me back a little after a while and handed me the box she still held in her had. Since she had been holding me tightly the corners of the box had been imprinted in her hand. I had put the box down for a moment before stoking her hand slightly.


    ¡° Does it hurt?¡± I asked sincerely.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡° Not at all! Now open your present soon silly or you are going to be late!¡± replied mother.


    I picked up the box I had put gently on the floor and opened it gently with a smile.


    [ It feels like Christmas! ]


    Inside there was a small round container and a charm. The charm was bright red and the sewing on the packet seemed like it was hand stitched. It said ¡°Y. A¡± in big bold red letters. I looked at mother confused.


    ¡° There is a tradition when a child does something big for the first time in their life. A mother will make them an item to bring them luck. Mother cut a bit of her hair and put it in this charm so you can always carry her with you.¡± Said, mother, as she showed a length of hair that was shorter than the others.


    She then said ¡° Your father on one of his travels found this wonder cream that can be used for burns, cuts and other wounds. We hope that these things will help keep you safe!¡±


    Mother and I spoke for a little while longer before she left. As I watched her leave I vowed to myself that no matter what happens to me in the future, I would keep both her and father safe. Ki picked up the bags and we headed for the front of the building where Ren had been waiting.


    I felt a little bad that he had waited out in the cold for me. Once we met we fist-bumped each other in greeting. Ren was wearing a grey travelling tunic with chain mail underneath and black leggings. He also wore a travelling cloak, however, his was very tattered. Even the boots looked like they had walked over a thousand miles.


    Behind him were three large animals. They walked on two legs and were covered in red scales. They had saddles on their backs and a beak lined with large teeth. They also had large tails that looked like they were made of snakes. What was most interesting was the part of their heads that looked like something you would see on a rooster. I stared at them with my mouth open slightly.


    ¡° Oh, you like them? These cockatrices may seem scary but they can actually be really cute! ¡° Ren said as one of the creatures rubbed up against his cheek.


    Ren had already put his bags on one of the animals so Ki had put mine and hers on the other two beasts. The smallest one was given to me which I was grateful for. Ren spent a few minutes teaching me how to ride. Just as the sun rose we had jumped on the creatures and headed towards the forest.


    ¡° BE SAFE MY SON! ¡° Shouted the voice of a man from behind.


    I turned to look to see mother and father arm in arm waving at me. I unsteadily removed one hand from the reigns and waved back.


    [ Looks like he couldn¡¯t stop himself from saying goodbye ]


    I smiled and caught up to Ren and Ki.


    We had spent the day travelling, I had seen many sites that I had never seen before. People picking what looked like yellow apples from floating trees. Cow looking creatures in paddocks with purple spots, people using wind magic to sow seeds and even a real-life unicorn!


    In the distance a massive forest that stemmed as far as the eye could see appeared. The trees were so tall that if someone were to tell me it was enchanted I would believe them. Unlike a regular forest, the trees all seemed like a mix of sakura blossoms in full bloom and bamboo.


    [ Amazing! I guess in future if all else fails I can go exploring, this world is so beautiful!]


    Ren lead us to a small town just outside of the forest. It was less of a town and more of a mercenary camp, There were no real buildings more like a collection of makeshift places to sit, cook and sleep.


    Ki helped me dismount and we walked up to what looked like an inn. As we walked we saw people had set up stalls selling everything from potions to animal hides. To the side of the inn was a series of stalls containing animals happily munching on grass and a stocky man sitting on a log smoking a pipe.


    ¡° Come to drop of ye animals have ya?¡± said the man looking at the three of us.


    ¡° Right!¡± said Ren


    ¡° Good steeds they are, that be 7 silvers a night feed included,¡± said the man looking behind us.


    Ren fished into his robe and handed the man some coins. The man then grunted lightly and stood up before tapping his lower back. The man reached into his pocket and handed ren three tokens before leading the animals to their stalls.


    ¡°Ki, how does money work?¡± having watched the transaction take place.


    I realised that I have never actually bought anything before.


    [ Ahh it''s good to be from a wealthy family! ]


    ¡° 100 coppers are 1 silver, 100 silvers are 1 gold,¡± said Ki and she reached into her pocket. She took a copper a sliver and a gold piece out to show me. The man with the pipe looked over to watch us.


    ¡° Damn, more rich kids coming to the forest¡± the man mumbled under his breath before shaking his head.


    Ki shot a glance at the man and he froze on the spot. Ren then came up to Ki and I before saying ¡° We better go.¡±


    Ren, Ki and I each took a bag each before we left the camp. Ren and Ki both looked at each other for some reason and nodded. Ren walked from in front of me to my right side and Ki matched my pace on the left.


    We made it to the forest entrance. Ren had reached behind him and given me one of the two swords on his back as well as a sheath. The blade was a cold black metal with a white coloured handle.


    ¡° Consider it a gift, its name is Malice,¡± Ren said as he smiled.


    [ That''s not a sinister name at all..]


    I took a few swings of the sword it seemed to leave a black afterglow in the air.


    ¡° Good Blade! ¡° I excitedly said.


    I put the blade in the sheath and put it under my travelling cloak.


    Looking at the trees ahead of us I felt so very small¡­


    I gulped as we marched forward into the gloom.

 Like A Walk In The Park (Part 3)

    As Ren, Ki and I walked into the forest, I could feel a sense of foreboding creeping under my skin and sinking into my bones. The world around me seemed to shrink down and I felt isolated. The dampness of the undergrowth left a stench under my nose and the dense foliage left little light to shine down upon our heads.


    ¡° Where to now young master ¡° Ki stated as if we were on a holiday.


    [ She sure doesn¡¯t scare easy ]


    ¡° I am choosing where we go?¡± I almost whispered and held myself a little.


    I could hear the sounds of creatures far off into the distance echoing into my ears.


    ¡° Of course, we are here for you young master,¡± Said Ren as he looked around and sniffed the air.


    I had never been in the wilderness before, the closest jungle I had ever been in was made of concrete so I was worried I would lead us astray. My self-confidence was shrinking by the minute.


    { Abrupt Mission: Capture feline type spirit beast before leaving the jungle | Reward 50 DD }


    Kibble''s voice rung in my ears and seemed to calm me.


    [ Kibbles are you there? ]


    ¡° Yes, Meowster! Need anything¡± said kibbles as they were tucked away inside what I assumed was my soul.


    [ No just glad to hear your voice. ]


    ¡° Meowster how sweet! Well, I am here if you need me! ¡° Kibbles responded. They then seemed to materialise and land perfectly on my shoulder.


    Kibble''s warm fur and weight seemed to calm me like a hug, I thought for a minute before asking ¡° Do we have a detailed map?¡± to both Ki and Ren who were waiting for instructions.


    ¡° We sure do!¡± Said, Ren, as he revealed a map.


    After checking it over for a little while I chose for us to head northeast avoiding going too much further in. As we walked there we saw various footprints for animals as well as humans. Some were hooves while other were like chicken feet.


    We had walked for a few hours before there was a strange smell wafting in the air, Ren quickly drew his sword, while Ki grabbed her daggers.


    ¡° What''s wrong?¡± I whispered as I unsheathed my sword.


    ¡° Something¡¯s off,¡± said Ren


    ¡° Mm this smell is bad young master... It¡¯s a scent used for drawing spirit beasts.¡± Ki said before she was cut off by the sound of heavy hooves.


    A ball containing pink fluid was thrown at our feet by an unknown assailant.


    ¡° We are surrounded!! ¡° Shouted Ren


    Thirty or so spirit beasts had surrounded us each gnashing their jaws and baring their fangs. They started to charge at us. I looked up to see the massive teeth of a creature about to bite my arm off. It stood on four legs and had a massive tail like a salamander.


    What was unique about this creature, however, what was strange was that it was covered in deep black features and its mouth was a beak covered with razor-sharp teeth.


    I abruptly dodged to my side but was almost trampled by another one. I looked over in shock to see Ki shout ¡° Young Master! ¡° before charging towards me. She was leaping over spirit beasts like she was possessed. She fought like a bloodthirsty death god stopping me dead in my tracks.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    [ Ki can fight?! ]


    ¡° Young Master Look Out! Behind You!¡± Shouted Ren hysterically as he also went to reach for me.


    But he was too late.


    I felt an arm grab me.


    The last thing I saw before being knocked out was the sight of Ren and Ki running after me.


    Everything went black.


    Some unknown time later I awoke to the sounds of ¡° Meowster, Meowster! Wake up Meowster!¡± and a tiny paw nudging at my face.


    It was terribly dark but there was a fire light right in front of me. I tried to move but it was futile. There were thick ropes tied around my arms and waist and I was tied to a tree. I struggled for a bit before I heard footsteps.


    I closed my eyes pretending to still be asleep.


    ¡° Those people in town flashing their money, we got one hell of a fat sheep this time!¡± Said one voice.


    ¡° Those Tama pigs pulling out gold while the people of Vance starve, Serves them right that a rich kid or two goes missing,¡± Said another voice.


    [ People from Vance?! What are they doing in Tama forest?! ]


    ¡° We will have to get moving to the border soon. Fire Ice Fang and Death Dealer should still be around looking for this runt. We manage to give the slip in the spirit beast stampede but that only slow them down and not kill em.¡± replied the first voice.


    ¡° Still I wonder what a high-class mercenary and a well-ranked soldier were doing guarding a runt like this, wasn¡¯t death dealer retired?¡± said the second voice.


    [ Oh good, they should be safe, wait! A mercenary? Who? If Ren is the soldier then Ki is the¡­]


    I felt stupid, the hints were all there it had finally dawned on me that Ki was not just a maid.


    [The input she had on my sword and breathing techniques should have been a dead give away¡­ ]


    [ But why would she hide it from me? ]


    Just as I was thinking the excruciating pain of a boot landed on my side. I winced in pain and tried not to bite off my own tongue.


    ¡° You up yet lad?¡± A voice said above me and laughed a guttural laugh.


    I looked up with one eye to see an older man with scars etched into his face. One eye was missing and he basically looked like a sewn up doll. There was not one part of him that did not look battle torn.


    I glared at him as I tried to swallow every curse word I could think of shouting.


    ¡° Wakey wakey rise and shine!¡± said the second voice sarcastically. The second man joined in laughing at me.


    The second man was abnormally lanky, every time his chest moved from laughing he looked like a willow tree swaying in the wind. The camp was a crudely made one, we were situated just outside a cave. The moon was hanging high up in the sky.


    ¡° Don¡¯t think your hired help will be able to save you, boy, we are in the middle part of the forest so if you run off or shout for help you will be a spirit beast¡¯s dinner in no time. If you''re a good lad when we get to the border, you will be sold to a good family for a nice price!¡± said the second man.


    ¡° Of course we could always sell you into a not so savoury household. The Vance just love to keep Tama dogs as pets! Good or bad the choice will be on how you behave, now get up! We have some ground to cover¡± said the first man, he seemed to kick me again for good measure before untying my ropes.


    I instantly fell to the ground in the fetal position trying to catch the breath that was torn from my lungs.


    ¡° This isn¡¯t looking good meowster, I hope you have a plan. Of course, if you were to live in Vance you wouldn''t have to worry about being left homeless in Tama¡­¡± Kibbles stated as it appeared in front of me.


    My brow had creased after hearing its comments.


    [ What about mother and father? I can¡¯t run away, after all, they have done for me! Riku, Ren, Ki the princess and the princes¡­ I .. ]


    Clenching my fists into a ball and crunching my teeth down hard I tried my best to stand. The first kidnapper used one arm to hoist me up, his hand covering most of my waist.


    He dropped me so I stood on two legs still holding my chest.


    ¡° You better drop that nasty look on your face before you get kick number three,¡± Said the second kidnapper.


    ¡° Right we found the herbs we needed from here and now we have our bonus, so we should head off¡± kidnapper one had said.


    Kidnapper two reached over into the pouch on his side and shoved a black flower in his mouth. He walked over and gave the second kidnapper the same herb before walking up to me. He was at least a meter taller than me so he had to kneel before pinching my jaw open and making me swallow a third black herb.


    [ What the heck did he just feed me? ]


    The second kidnapper poured water on the fire and it all went pitch black. A cool feeling wafted into my brain from my stomach and suddenly my eyes hurt. I clutched them in pain and groaned a little.


    ¡° Don¡¯t worry kid, we didn''t kidnap you just so we could poison you, what Delta over there gave you was a night witch herb. It''s so you can see in the dark for a few hours. Wouldn''t want our paycheck damaged. ¡° Said the first kidnapper.


    [ The tall one is Delta not that it matters ]


    I tried to focus my mind on anything other than the pain I was experiencing. After a few minutes it finally calmed down and I opened my eyes.


    The world had gone from pitch black to strange shades of black, whites and greys. I tried to hold myself together as kibbles jumped on my shoulder.


    I walked in between the two men into the night.


    [ Ren, Ki I am counting on you... ]


    The eerie sound of beast howls filled the area sending chills down my spine.

 Like A Walk In The Park (Part 4)

    *Ren¡¯s Perspective*


    A few Hours Earlier -


    I stood in the middle of several Salamank corpses as I wiped the blood from my blade, panting heavily. Looking over, I could see that crazy woman Ki glaring at me before she too cleared her daggers and sheathed them. She started walking towards me and I shivered a little.


    Ever since she spent 2 hours beating the living the daylights out of me when we first met as a warning not to betray Yuki, I have found myself scared of her. My ribs still burn when I think about it. I at least felt a little good getting a few kicks to her stomach that day.


    Ki raised me up by my collar and shook me.


    ¡° You said that you would protect him! YOU PROMISED! Now he is in the damn hands of those Vance black market traders, Delta and Kelt!!! ¡° Said Ki, her voice was rougher than her usual maid tone.


    [ I wish Yuki could see her like this! ]


    My hands had unwittingly turned into fists as she shook me and anger crossed my face. I thought about all the abuse that has happened since I got to Aikyo manor at her hands.


    [ If it wasn¡¯t got Gramps and Yuki I would¡­!]


    ¡° Oh, here we go! Blame me for not being able to protect him, how was I supposed to know that two of the nastiest people from the Vance black market would throw spirit beast hormones on us!? Our mission was only to train Yuki for a few days in case cockroaches appeared to cause trouble!¡± I retorted as my face went red.


    Ki took a step back and clicked her tongue.


    ¡° The famous White Fang pissing his pants over a few black market chumps!¡± Ki responded with acid dripping from each word.


    ¡° I was trying to stop my head from getting bitten off by seven rank 4 beasts! So were you miss Death Dealer. Why couldn¡¯t you grab him in time?! Just blaming me isn¡¯t going to sort this out!! He''s gone!¡± I responded.


    ¡° Mmm he''s gone¡± Replied Ki with words that I barely caught, the angry mask on her face disappeared and was replaced by a complex one I was unable to read.


    She stood quietly for a moment before she walked over to a nearby tree and punched it repeatedly.


    Bam!


    Bam!


    Bam!


    ¡° Hey stop that it, won¡¯t bring him back! We need to think of what to do next! ¡° I said after a moment.


    I watched as her knuckles bled.


    The punching stopped for a moment. She rested her head on the now hole filled trunk and said self deprecatingly. ¡° I took this job just three years ago, I thought getting paid to watch a brat wouldn¡¯t be so bad. Watching him grow up... He grew on me ya know... Now for the first time ever, he actually needed me and I failed him.¡±


    ¡° There is still a chance those worms don¡¯t know who they''ve picked up! Yuki is a smart kid, I am sure he won¡¯t have told them anything. If I were them I would ¡­¡± I said out loud in thought.


    Ki looked up at me, her face seemingly grateful.


    ¡° Go to the middle section of the Tama forest then make my way to the border,¡± said KiThis story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡° Why the middle section?¡± I replied confused.


    ¡° There is a gap in the wall that slave traders use for human trafficking there. I¡¯ve snuck through it a few times for missions in Vance. The king plays dumb and pretends it doesn¡¯t exist so he can keep an eye on their movements, better he knows where the hole is rather than those Vance chumps building a new one!¡± Ki responded as the colour returned to her face.


    She walked up and stood in front of me, looking straight into my eyes. She crossed her hands over her chest.


    ¡° It''s the only idea I¡¯ve got unless you have a better one, I think we should head straight to the gap and set a trap for those bastards!¡± Ki said as she started to fume.


    [ She has more mood swings than a pendulum.]


    At that moment, out of the corner of my eyes I saw a bush tremble.


    ¡° Who?!¡± Ki and I said in unison. We unsheathed our blades.


    A small injured creature came out of the thickets, its fur a dark red with sharp facial features. It had super long ears and red whiskers with thick black fur covering its cat-like eyes.


    ¡° A young Kithun? What''s it doing here? I wonder if the Salamanks from before trampled the nest it was in¡± Ki said as she approached the injured creature.


    ¡° It looks like a runt, it¡¯s injured anyway it won¡¯t last long,¡± Ki said again after a moment. She then put her blades back into her waist holsters.


    I walked over to inspect it. It was limping a little. It was startled and tried it¡¯s best to hiss at me, its hackles were up and its long ears were turned up against its spine. It tried its best to look intimidating but instead, it looked really cute.


    [ This looks a little like someone ]


    I compared this creature to Yuki in my head and it made me smile. I took a vile out of my bag and forced the Kithun to drink it. It seemed to cough and splutter a bit before it feel asleep. I wrapped it up in my travel cloak and then attached the bundle to my bag.


    ¡° What are you doing, we don''t have time for this!¡± Said Ki


    ¡° Apology present.. Doesn¡¯t it look a bit like someone?¡± I said as I grinned slightly.


    Ki looked at the sleeping cat bundle in my bag with its head poking out. She looked back at me and smiled.


    ¡° I guess there are things we can agree on, ¡° Ki said and nodded once.


    After checking our equipment one last time we took to the treetops where Ki started leading us to the slave traders hole.


    We finally got there just before the sun had set. Still sitting in the treetops we looked over to the spot where people slip through. There was a gigantic wall that seemed to span the whole forest.


    Looking around I spotted a hole just big enough for 3 people to stand side by side. Next to it, there seemed to be a camp where 6 people were going about mundane tasks.


    ¡° Mm just as I suspected, looks like they were herb hunting, ¡° Ki said as she pointed to a stocky well-built creature that was covered in nets filled with herbs.


    ¡° Why come to Tama, why not just search in Vance?¡± I whispered back to Ki.


    ¡° The medicines in this forest are hard to come by in Vance and trading is currently illegal. The black market comes here from time to time to steal and make a profit off the ill and sick¡± said Ki her fist shaking a little.


    [ Some people can be really despicable! ]


    The campsite had just started getting some fires lit.


    ¡° No sign of Yuki, we should get rid of some of these flies before he gets here to welcome those two who took him!¡± I said through gritted teeth.


    I looked at Ki and she looked back at me, we both nodded.


    Waiting for the right moment we jumped down from the tree tops silently and made our way to the camp. Breathing in slightly, I activated my darkness attribute magic and melded in with the surroundings.


    Ki, on the other hand, went to distract them, since her magic was water element, she took some of the vapour from the air and shouted. At that moment I felt slightly sorry for our enemies.


    Forming small bubbles of water she shot them so they landed directly on the targets running for her. Their heads were instantly covered in a small bubble of water. They held their necks struggling for air.


    ¡° Small fries!!¡± Ki said as she ran at one and sliced.


    I ran to the entrance of the hole and blocked anyone from escaping.


    Checking the other side of the hole as I killed a runner, I noticed that the coast was clear.


    I signalled to Ki as she had taken out the last attacker. We then did one last check of the area before hiding all the bodies in the tents.


    Ki had gone through each of their pockets before loading up anything of value on to the pack mount laden with herbs.


    [ Really? ]


    I gave her a strange look.


    ¡° Consider it my apology gift for Yuki. There is roughly 4 months worth of heart medication here. As well as some for training magic and even a marrow and bone wash!¡± Ki said as she tied the beast to a post near one of the tents.


    We did one final check of the area, cleaned our weapons and finally headed back into the treetops.


    We began to wait.


    I took one more look at Ki who was few trees over.


    Then looked over into the distance.


    [ I hope this works. We are coming for you Yuki!]

 Like A Walk In The Park (Part 5)

    The full moon was high up in the sky when I finally saw the light of a campfire in the distance. The kidnappers didn''t even let me go to the bathroom without supervision. We encountered a few spirit beats that were promptly taken care of.


    I found out during the journey that their names were Delta and Kelt, however, I told them nothing about myself. I thought back to all the political intrigue movies I had watched in my tiny apartment and wondered what would happen if they found out I was related to the ¡°Great General of Tama¡±.


    The thought of being a political prisoner made the small hairs on my arms stand up. We approached a place with several tents, although the fire was burning, there seemed to be no one around. There was an eerie silence in the air.


    ¡° Oi! Taro?! Eggy! Where are you lazy dregs at?!¡± called Delta irritation flashing on his face.


    ¡° I wouldn¡¯t worry about it, probably went out hunting. Look our mounts are still here!¡± Kelt said nonchalantly.


    I was shoved in the direction of the camp forcefully before being knocked to the ground.


    [ Damn it stop hitting me, I know how to sit! ]


    ¡° Meowster, I think something is wrong here! Best to keep your guard up!¡± Kibbles said as it dropped to the ground next to me.


    I clutched my aching ribs and sat crossed legged on the ground next to the fire.


    ¡° You sure don¡¯t talk a lot rich kid, cat got your tongue? Well, you better start giving me details of your house so I know what price to sell you for! ¡± guffawed Kelt as he sat next to me.


    He laughed as he kept hitting my back. I wondered how many bruises I would get and wondered if I would even get to the slave market alive.


    ¡° Oi, show a little bit of restraint on the merchandise, we will lose some cash if he doesn¡¯t have all his teeth when we deliver him.¡± Delta glanced over and said.


    ¡° This fire is pretty good on my cold bones, I could use some fine wine and some meat right about now,¡± Kelt said as he grabbed some ration from a pouch.


    Kelt then shoved some jerky in my direction.


    ¡° You may hate me to your very bones kid, but I gotta make a living. Don¡¯t worry it won¡¯t kill you. See?¡± Kelt said as he grabbed another ration from his pouch and pushed it into his mouth.


    I looked at the ration he held in his hand and grabbed it. My stomach growled before I took a small bite and then dug in ravenously to sate my hunger.


    ¡° mm good lad,¡± Said the man named Kelt, he reached toward my head and I unintentionally flinched. He paused for a moment before he ruffled my hair.


    His touch made me feel like puking but I kept my rage to myself.


    ¡° Kelt has a brother around your age, just think of yourself as being sold so that another kid can live. Don¡¯t worry, your new work won''t be so bad. Probably just end up as some butler for a bunch of rich women.¡± Delta said as he joined us near the fire.


    Kelt and Delta sat drinking from a pouch for a little, they offered me some of the content but it seemed like a very strong alcohol. I turned them down as I was never much of a drinker. They also handed me some more rations as they talked about their plans and the country of Vance.


    ¡° Vance is getting pretty tough to live in, ever since that damn general took out our trade routes, living has been hard. Why is it that us common folk have to live and die by the words of a few rich men? You think we wanna kidnap wee rich lads?¡± Delta said as he took another sip of what seemed like strong liquor in a beast skin pouch.


    ¡° Women and men alike, watching as their houses burn, their lives ruined and no one does a damn thing, what''s the point of having all the power in the world if you do nothing to help the people who gave it to you,¡± Delta said as he slammed his hand on the ground.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡° Why don¡¯t you just let me go then? Aren''t you adding to the problem?¡± I said in a tiny voice.


    Since I hadn¡¯t said anything for a while my voice was chalky.


    Delta and Kelt at this point had a red blush on their ragged cheeks, they looked at each other and started laughing, slapping their knees like they had heard the funniest joke ever.


    ¡° Oh kid, our kindness only applies for those in Vance! You Tama rats caused the problem in the first place! You can apologise by serving those who your country''s king has caused problems for!¡± Kelt said in a mocking tone.


    Suddenly the air seemed to freeze as the shadows born from the light of the campfire abruptly lengthened, the campfire flickered like a dying candle in the wind.


    ¡° Who?!¡± Said Delta and Kelt in unison. They unsheathed their weapons and leapt up. They stood in front of me, between them and the fire, I had nowhere to go.


    A black mist wafted over to our direction covering us like squid ink would in water.


    ¡° Hmph! Seems like Death Dealer and White Fang have found us.¡± Kelt said as the blush on his cheeks faded away. The atmosphere turned frosty.


    ¡° Stay there kid or we will kill you!¡± Said Delta as he took a defensive stance and glared at me.


    Blobs of water seemed to come out of nowhere and shot towards my two kidnappers. Kelt had summoned his fire element magic on his sword and pierced the bubble. The water dissolved into a fine steam.


    ¡° Nice try you little witch! ¡° yelled Delta as he smirked.


    Under the cover of the darkness, I felt myself being grabbed I stiffened before remembering Ren''s powers. I let myself be carried away a little.


    ¡° Bastards!¡± Yelled Kelt as he saw me vanish into the darkness and chased after Ren and I.


    ¡° Sorry we¡¯re late! ¡° whispered Ren in my ear.


    ¡° You came just in time!¡± I whispered back gratefully.


    I watched as Delta and Ki had begun to fight each other, both being veterans in combat they were equally tied. They exchanged swing for swing. Delta had somehow made a shield made out of hard rocks while Ki had used her water abilities like bullets.


    Kelt at that moment caught up and grabbed my leg then refused to let go. It felt like it was going to be yanked out of its socket. Using one hand, Ren managed to slice at Kelt before he let go.


    Ren then quickly placed himself between Kelt and I and they too started to fight.


    The light and the shadows intermingled, each blow aiming for a vital point. They looked more like wolves fighting to the death than humans at that point.


    [ I feel so useless! ]


    I knew this was a battle I would do more harm than good in so I started backing away and hid behind a tree. Crouching down before watching the scenes of fierce combat ahead. I could feel the sword that Ren had given me and felt like it may as well have been a stick for how useless I was with it.


    [ Delta and Kelt didn''t even bother taking it off me¡­]


    Suddenly a women''s grunt was heard. I snapped out of my depression and turned to see that Ki had been stabbed in the side by a pike shaped stone.


    My stomach fell.


    ¡° Ki!¡± I heard Ren shout as he was swiped at by Kelt.


    ¡°Where are you looking boy, your battle is here with me!¡± Kelt said as he laughed.


    My blood boiled as I thought about how well Ki had treated me since I got here. She may have not told me some things but she probably had my best interest in mind. It felt like my body was on fire.


    [ Can I really sit here and do nothing? ]


    I gritted my teeth till they bled.


    I let loose a cry into the air as I picked myself up, my body shaking. I drew my sword and ran towards Delta arms flailing as I struggled to keep my sword aloft.


    ¡° Young Master, No, step back!¡± I heard a tired woman''s voice say as she blocked another killing blow.


    Delta was at least twice my size, so he laughed as he saw me coming.


    ¡° haha look the kid came back to me, looks like it''s my lucky day!¡± Delta said snarling.


    The heat in my body didn¡¯t seem to dissipate. It burnt brighter and brighter before I could see a faint green glow surround me. I couldn¡¯t stop it. My head seemed to throb and my body ached.


    All I could think about was saving Ki.


    [ Even if I die it is worth it! ]


    Suddenly a vine on a tree seemed to wrap itself around Ki and flung her into the tree a few meters away with a thunk.


    ¡° Not good, the kids going to go berserk!¡± spat Delta.


    My mind went blank.


    The trees around seemed to feel my emotions, they wrapped up Delta and began to choke him. He used the rocks he could summon to slice at them but there was too many.


    I ran up to him while he was distracted and my sword somehow ended up in his belly.


    Delta looked at me.


    I felt a warm liquid slide down my sword and onto my hands.


    I was shaking.


    [ Did I just? ]


    I felt like vomiting.


    The vines wouldn¡¯t stop covering him even though his eyes had glazed over.


    The pain was overwhelming.


    I screamed as every inch of me felt like it was about to explode.


    [ Someone help me! Anyone Please!! Make it stop! ]


    Green glowing tears slid down my eyes.


    Blood had started to drip down my nose and my mouth.


    My heart raced and threatened to escape through my ribs.


    A man''s warm arms had grabbed me and wrapped themselves around me.


    ¡° Breathe Yuki! You have to breathe!¡± Ren''s'' voice seemed to echo from a distant place.


    I collapsed in his warm embrace.

 Cat Nap

    As I regained consciousness, I noticed a pain all over my body and it was hard to move. I shakily opened an eye to see the face of Ren walking forward with his teeth clenched and his eyes glazed over. It seemed like I was being princess carried by him. I tried my best to wiggle out of his embrace before he laid me down.


    Thud.


    ¡° Young.. Mast..er¡­ You are awake.. Thank.. The heaven...s..¡± Said Ren weakly before he collapsed.


    I quickly shot up ignoring my pain and saw we were on some sort of dirt road. Ki had been slung over the pack animal and a little cat-like creature was in a bag hanging off the animal''s neck sleeping.


    I rushed over to Ren, he was covered in wounds, I spotted a rather nasty gash on his shoulder. He was sweating profusely and had passed out cold.


    [ What do I do?!]


    I walked over to the pack animal and searched for a bandage. Reaching into my hip holster I grabbed the ointment mother and father had given me. I wrapped his wounds as best as I could and dragged him over to the pack animal.


    Using every last bit of strength I had, I pushed him onto it next to Ki.


    I was sweaty, covered in my own blood and the blood of Delta, in an unknown place while Ki and Ren were very unwell. I too was covered head to toe in bruises and for some reason, my stomach felt particularly bad.


    I had never been this terrified in my life. I felt like I was about to have a panic attack.


    [ Did Ren lead us out of the forest himself?! ]


    Breathing in and out taking long deep breaths, I calmed myself down. I gripped the lead that was attached to the pack animal and slowly started walking in the direction that Ren had been taking us. To try and keep myself awake I counted each step I took and just focused on the ground ahead of me.


    I walked for so long I had lost count on the number of steps I had taken. Losing my stamina rapidly, I called for Kibbles in my mind.


    ¡° Meowster you don¡¯t look so good,¡± Kibbles said as it appeared next to me walking at my pace. Kibbles them jumped on the pack animal and looked at the cat-like creature who was sleeping.


    ¡° Meowster.. I think that creature is about to die¡± Said kibbles in a melancholic tone.


    [ Is there anything I can do? ]


    I couldn''t even speak at this point due to the exhaustion.


    ¡° Hmm I could always take over its body Meowster¡­ but I won¡¯t be able to do it to anything else.¡± Kibbles responded.


    [ I don¡¯t know if it was Ki or Ren, but that creature was important enough to save.. Please do what you can ]


    ¡° It will cost all of your Doki Dollars are you sure? You could spend them right now on yourself so you could walk better¡± Kibbles said as it purred.


    [ This bit of pain is nothing. Just save it ]


    I don¡¯t know if it was guilt from killing someone or the feelings of regret I had but my soul felt numb. I couldn¡¯t help but think of how Ki and Ren were injured for my sake.


    [This, all of this was my fault.]


    { 105 DD deducted | 0 DD Remain | commencing system change}


    I stopped for a moment and started at kibbles. It licked its paw before it rubbed itself behind its ear. Its eyes began to glow red, green and then black. It shot off like a blur before seeming shooting itself inside the sleeping creature.


    It jolted for a minute and startled the transport animal. The creature then jumped out of the bag it was carried in before it seemed to cry a little. Its red fur turned a shade darker, its cat eyes turned bright green and the dark patches around its eyes turned pitch black.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡° Meowster, it has pretty bad internal bleeding, I am going to repair my new host. So I need to rest.. Goodnight meowster,¡± I heard Kibbles voice in my mind.


    The cat-like creature took one last look at me before jumping back in the neck holster. I sighed a little in relief. I looked over to see Ki and Ren still sleeping so I tightened my grip on the reigns and walked forwards.


    { Abrupt mission capture a feline in Tama Woods completed 50 DD rewarded}


    Time seemed to stagnate as everything slowly faded in and out in my vision while I kept walking on and on, In an endless march to civilisation and help.


    By the time the sun was well over above us, I heard a shout in the distance. ¡°HALT OR WE WILL USE DEADLY FORCE!¡±.


    I looked up to see that I had somehow reached a fortress of some kind. Two guards with arrows nocked and drawn in my direction were staring straight at me.


    ¡° Please .. My friends help them,¡± I said in the loudest voice I could muster.


    ¡° This is the Royal Tama Forest Fortress, civilians are not permitted entry! Begone!¡± Said the guard on the right.


    ¡° I am Aikyo Yuki. Grandson of Reo Aikyo and Son of Tenma! You must let me in¡­ My friends might die!¡± I implored with a voice full of determination.


    ¡° Right haha and I am the uncle of the king! Do you have any proof?!¡± Said the guard on the left.


    I clenched my fist angrily. The dried blood on my hand began to crack.


    [ Proof ?]


    I shook my head solemnly. I thought for a moment before mustering all my courage.


    ¡° You dare to face my grandfather if I am turned away?!¡± I said trying my best to sound like a rich kid from the novels I had read.


    ¡° You two what is happening?¡± came a third voice. A man in full silver amour carrying the royal crest could be seen with a red cape flowing on his back.


    ¡° My friends you must save them¡± I begged once again to the third voice.


    ¡° Cap¡¯n he says he is Tenma¡¯s little brat.¡± Said the guard on the right to the man who seemed to be in charge.


    ¡°Does he have proof?¡± said the man called captain in response.


    ¡° Doesn¡¯t look like it¡± said the man on the left.


    The captain looked me up and down and then looked at Ki and Ren on the pack horse.


    ¡° Bring them in and treat them, put a few guards on the door and keep an eye on them. I¡¯ll send a letter out and get this mess sorted¡± Said the captain before striding off.


    ¡° OPEN THE GATES¡± Shouted the guard on the right.


    I sighed in relief resigned to whatever fate lay ahead of me, I finally collapsed smiling.


    I awoke to find myself in a building of some sort, my body seemed to be in a medical bath. The stench of herbs was thick in the air.


    ¡° Oh, Kid your awake,¡± said a man who was checking my pulse.


    ¡° Ki? Ren? Are they okay!?¡± I said struggling to move.


    ¡° Woah! I wouldn''t get out of the tub if I were you. Your magic organ is damaged if you move now you will never be able to cast again. Nasty wound you got! Don¡¯t worry your friends are over there resting!¡± Said the man in response.


    He seemed to be scarred all over and his face had a patch over one of his eyes. His voice was soft and calm giving him a rough but gentle aura. I looked over seeing them bandaged and resting before finally relaxing.


    The pain in my stomach seemed to come back in full force and assaulted me. I clenched my teeth and wrapped my hands around my gut.


    ¡° Told you not to move!¡± said the man who then shoved some green liquid in my mouth. It flowed through my organs granting me some relief.


    ¡° You¡¯re a pretty lucky kid! A bad heart and a torn magic organ and you somehow got to this base.¡± The man said sighing.


    [ Magic organ what the heck is that? ]


    The man seemed to sense my confusion. He looked at me before saying ¡° The magic organ is like your heart or lungs.. But it seems to build up what we use to cast magic. Humans have essentially the same organ but for some reason, they collect different energy. Your wood organ seems pretty badly damaged though.¡± Said the man.


    ¡° Wood organ?¡± I meekly replied


    ¡° Well yeah it seems you have wood magic, did you know?¡± Said the man in response as if he was looking at an idiot.


    ¡° Uhh nope¡± was all I could muster in return.


    Just then a knock at the door was heard before the man in the red cape from earlier entered.


    ¡° Doctor Tau, what''s your report?¡± The captain said.


    The doctor saluted before saying sharply ¡° Reporting to captain Rain. The young woman seems to have been stabbed by some form of earth elemental magic, the young man across from her has some infected cuts from multiple magic beast bites and is suffering a fever¡± Tau said and then paused.


    ¡° This young man has flesh wounds, a heart problem and an injury to his magic organ¡± Tau finished and saluted again.


    ¡° A heart problem, red hair and two brats with him. Seems like the reports match¡­¡± Captain Rain said out loud.


    ¡° I got a message from your father... He said your mother gave you something, where is it?¡± Rain looked at me and said.


    ¡° In my clothes, my mother''s good luck charm is in my clothes!¡± I said quickly.


    Doctor Tau went to my clothing as I was still in the murky medical bath and pulled out my mother''s good luck charm before he handed it to the captain.


    The captain took a few seconds to look at it. He opened it up to see my mother''s hair locket. He then stood up straight and saluted.


    ¡° It is an honour to have an Aikyo family member in our humble base! Rest well, we can talk later about what happened!¡° Rain said.


    Tau seemed rather shocked and saluted too before Rain abruptly left.

 Fit For A King

    It has been a few hours since I was taken from the medical building into my own accommodation. The base was large with a big open space that the men and women who protected the commoners from spirit beasts would use to train.


    My room was rather quaint, it had an unknown beast fur rug which was equal parts creepy and menacing to me. It also had various maps for different regions that lined the walls. It also had a relativity large bed in it covered with pillows and a writing table.


    They had let me take Kibbles since it was silently sleeping and showed no signs of waking up. Doctor Tau had taken a look at it but he was not used to dealing with animals so could only give some basic pain medications.


    I put Kibbles on my bed and let it rest as I got used to its new form.


    [ Oh dear, what if this was meant as a gift to grandpa? ]


    I thought about what would happen if I had to give Kibbles away and my stomach churned. I walked up to the sleeping cat and gently rubbed its fur. It¡¯s cute little jelly bean paw pads made me want to squish it.


    I started rubbing my face up against it like I would have done to my old cat when I was interrupted by a cough.


    Jumping back startled, I look to see general Rain, his face bright red seemingly embarrassed for interrupting me.


    [ Oh god... This is embarrassing]


    The captain cleared his throat and said ¡° Sorry for interrupting, Do you have a moment to talk about what has happened? Our chef will be here soon with some dinner for you¡±


    I looked out one of the room windows to see the sun was already setting over the horizon and my stomach began to gurgle.


    The captain laughed and said, ¡° It looks like all the men in the Akiyo family are honest to a fault!¡±


    I looked down and back up at him before laughing and rubbing the back of my head.


    We each sat across from each other and a woman with a cooks outfit came in. She was the same cook that I had seen at the festival not so long ago.


    ¡° Woah it¡¯s you! ¡° I said in surprise as I looked at the women with the serving dishes.


    The women looked at me in surprise before she served the dishes. They looked like the second tastiest thing I had seen since getting here. The first of course being the picnic I had with Cupid. There was a mix of everything from vegetables to braised meats. They were all cut into small pieces that would be easier to digest for someone who was unwell.


    I started to unintentionally drool.


    ¡° Shizu here is our chef, she is the best cook we have, I thought I¡¯d let her make you something special as an apology for doubting you.¡± Rain said.


    ¡° Apology accepted! I am just glad that Ki and Ren are doing well. I saw Mrs Shizu fighting at a festival I went to not long ago and she was amazing!¡± I said nodding my head.


    Shizu seemed to beam a little before saying ¡° Ahh you saw me, how embarrassing, all the support staff who are here to train enter! Every year!¡±


    We said a few more words to each other before I started eating with Rain, the topic was first on how I ended up at the base. I watched as Rain sat there in thought for a while and nodded. When it came to how I attacked Delta I couldn¡¯t help but look down.. It became hard to talk and I almost burst into tears.


    When It got up to the part of seeing Ren collapse I was holding my chopsticks and began to cry. I thought I could hold it all together but I couldn¡¯t. Everything that had happened the last few days was too much for me.


    Worries, Fear and anxiety all poured out of me.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Rain probably didn¡¯t know what to do so he just sat there and said ¡° let it out, it must have been tough for you¡± and waited as if he was unfazed.


    Suddenly a figure rushed from outside the door and grabbed me. They held me so tight I felt like I was going to explode.


    ¡° Young Master! I am soo glad! Soo glad! You had me soo worried!¡± I could hear Ren''s voice in my ears. He smelled slightly of medicine and dirt but it was comforting.


    ¡° Please don¡¯t cry, Ki and I are okay! I promise!¡± Ren''s voice became more and more flustered.


    Ren must have seen Rain with his arms crossed across the table.


    ¡° Captain Rain! Etsuko Ren Platoon leader of a 100 men, White Fang! Thank you for looking after Yuki for Ki and I!¡± Ren said and saluted still holding me.


    ¡°I have heard of your exploits from young Yuki here, very commendable! I also heard that you single-handedly killed a rank 7 Lunar Tigress that was attacking on our border from some of my men. White Fang is a fine nickname¡± Said Rain as he stood and saluted before sitting back down.


    At this point I couldn''t help it, I latched on to Ren¡¯s non-damaged arm and hugged him as if he would disappear. I knew it was selfish but I couldn¡¯t help myself. Seeing him so sick before made me sad.


    The most surprising thing then happened. He picked me up stilling holding on to his arm and placed me on his lap like a child. I was embarrassed but it was very comforting so I sat there.


    Ren and Rain continued on filling in the parts of the report that I couldn¡¯t fill in. Like how Ren had killed Kelt, then managed to catch me and knock me out, then carry Ki, myself and the pack animal towards the base using his darkness abilities.


    The whole thing sounded like something out of an adventure movie. I had always known Ren was amazing but I had also always seen him as someone who becomes shy at the top of a hat. I gained a new level of respect for him.


    Finally, Rain, Ren and I finished dinner and Rain excused himself.


    I sat on the bed where Kibbles was sleeping, having finally calmed down. Ren was still bandaged but seemed to be smiling. He noticed Kibbles right away.


    ¡° Hey do you like that little thing?¡± Ren said as he pointed to the spirit beast.


    ¡°Mmm¡± was all I can say as I looked at Kibbles lovingly.


    ¡° I thought he looked like a great pet for you, his home was damaged while we were attacked so I hope you can look after him from now on! ¡° Ren said as he walked over and petted the beasts fur.


    ¡° You mean I can keep it?¡± I said beaming as I looked at Ren.


    ¡° Of course. What are you going to name him?¡± Ren said smiling.


    [ I don¡¯t have to give him away!! ]


    I pretended to think for a bit before I nodded.


    ¡° Kibbles! I will call him Kibbles.¡± I said watching Kibbles sleep.


    Rens faced changed slightly before forming a grin and finally falling into full bellied laughter. My face changed from white to red.


    ¡° Why are you laughing, Kibbles is a fine name!¡± I said as my cheeks puffed.


    ¡° hah..ha sorry Yuki! Kibbles is a very fine name.. For a Kithun who will grow to be a rank 6 beast when it is older. Lo and behold Kibbles the destroyer!¡± Ren said as he couldn¡¯t stop laughing. In fact, he laughed so hard he started to cough.


    He looked at my growing rage and stopped abruptly.


    ¡° Sorry Yuki, you can name this Kithun whatever you like.¡± He said as he calmed down.


    I mulled over his words for a moment.


    ¡° Rank 6?¡± I said shocked as I stared at the small animal with its cute little panda eyes.


    ¡° Well yeah, normally the female Kithun will leave the inner ring to raise their young, we got really lucky it¡¯s mother wasn''t around. Kithun are fire elementals. So it will match well with your new wood magic¡± Ren said out loud.


    ¡°Ren... What actually is wood magic?¡± I said as I looked up in interest.


    ¡° Hmm.. The best way to explain it would be that it is an offshoot of earth magic. Basically, you can help plants grow and control them to some degree... But that is still a long way away for you. ¡° Ren said with a straight face.


    [ Help plants grow, how useless! Should I give the male lead a rose and say please don¡¯t kill me?! ]


    Ren seemed to sense my disappointment. He thought for a moment and said ¡° Sure it is support magic but where do you think medicine and food come from?¡±


    He paused before finishing with ¡° Wood magic is really needed in the kingdom. Growing rare herbs can net you a lot of money for your family too! Plus you have.. Kibbles now so it¡¯s not like you are lacking when it comes to damage! I wouldn''t underestimate a good wood mage!¡±


    [ Money?! You mean I can grow herbs and sell them? Then I wouldn''t have to worry about the ML making my family broke! I will have to make a nest egg!]


    My mood seemed to brighten a little.


    ¡° I think when I get some more training I will have to make a garden!¡± I said seriously.


    I thought about everything Ren had done for me over this past adventure and started to feel a lot closer to him. I decided to tell him as best I could that I was grateful. For saving my life and training me like he was.


    ¡° Umm Ren,¡± I said blushing as I mustered some courage.


    ¡° Yes what is it, Young Master?¡± Questioned Ren.


    ¡° I just wanted to say thank you for looking after me¡­ I am really grateful. I would have been dead without you.¡± I said as I stood up and gave the best and most polite bow I could.


    ¡° Ahhh umm.. I .. Um.. Please stop.. I umm¡± Ren spluttered.


    He face went bright red and he held his face in his hands.


    I stood up from my bow and Ren couldn''t even look at me.


    [ I think I broke him. ]

 Growing Up

    We left Kibbles to rest for a while and then went to see Ki as Ren and I had just been told that she had woken up. We walked from my residence to one that was close by. Ki was in a room that was rather similar to mine but it was a lot less furnished. There was just a bed and a side table.


    Ki was laying down on the bed, her chest and stomach wrapped in a bandage. Ren leaned on the table while I crouched down on the side of the bed. Ki was looking away from us and had not spoken since we walked in.


    ¡° Ki, I am really glad to see you awake, are you feeling okay,¡± I said as gently as I could.


    Ki turned her head to look at me a complicated expression on her face. She, Ren and I said nothing for a while before she finally spoke.


    ¡° Young master... I am sure you have realised that I have hidden some things from you¡­¡± She said as her voice became quieter and quieter towards the end.


    ¡° Like the fact that you are a one-woman army? ¡° I said in response bluntly.


    Ren who was still leaning on the table stifled a laugh.


    Ki then looked at Ren and shot him a death glare before looking back at me.


    ¡° I guess you could say that ¡° she laughed nervously.


    ¡° Are you angry?¡± She said after a moment.


    [ Angry? That is what she was worried about? ]


    ¡° Ki, I am sure you had your reasons. I am young and I don¡¯t need to know everything yet. I am sure when you are ready you will tell me.¡± I responded.


    She looked at me with a strange expression before laughing a little and patting my head.


    [ I guess being this mature in a ten-year-olds body probably seems weird ]


    ¡° Plus who can say they have a famous mercenary that serves them breakfast. I.. am really lucky to have you Ki¡± I said honestly.


    ¡° Young master! ¡° the look on her face beamed to her usual high spirited self. She then nodded before a stern look came across her face.


    ¡° Now that you know, no more running off and playing hero okay! If you dare do something so stupid again I will tell Ishi to make you some more porridge, you got it?¡± She said before she paused.


    ¡° You may think that you have learned a lot but you were just lucky this time! Worse comes to worse, I will give up my life so that you can live. Your family is responsible for the safety of the entire country, remember that!¡± She huffed angrily


    Her words hit me like a tonne of bricks and my stomach sank. I sat there pondering the responsibility that I had been born into, the soldiers that admired my family and what Delta and Kelt said about Vance.


    Here my family are considered heroes that had saved our country from destruction during the war. In Vance, however, my family are the equivalent of monsters that ruined the livelihoods of many. I put my head down.


    ¡° It is sad to say young master but there will always be more mercenaries like me and more soldiers like Ren but there is only one Aikyo family!¡± She continued.


    ¡° YOU ARE WRONG!¡± I lifted my head and snapped.


    Ki had looked at me tilting her head to the side in confusion.


    [ Nobody¡¯s life is so cheap! ]Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡° There may be many soldiers and mercenaries but there will never be another Ren and there will never be another you,¡± I said as my voice broke.


    ¡° You are my precious friends!¡± I looked at her and said determinedly.


    ¡° I.. may not understand war.. I may not understand what happened in Vance but I do know that you and everyone else around me are irreplaceable! Don¡¯t think you can be thrown away!¡± I said as my hands turned into fists at my side.


    There was at that moment, the hand of a male, that landed on my head and ruffled my hair.


    ¡° Haha, well said!¡± A stern voice said. I turned around and saw someone who had almost the same face as me, stern eyes and red hair.


    ¡° Father?!¡± I said in shock not having noticed he entered.


    ¡° Master!¡± Ki said and saluted as best she could in bed. Her face seemed just as shocked as mine did.


    My father picked me up and held me in his arms. He was at least twice my size so it was very comforting.


    ¡° I heard you had a bit of trouble in Tama forest so I came as quickly as I could. I am glad Ki and Ren were able to keep you safe! I was soo angry and worried! Seeing you now, I¡¯m relieved!¡± Father said as he held me tighter.


    ¡° I can..t brea..th¡± I managed to say as my chest felt heavy.


    ¡° haha sorry, Yu Yu! I forget how small you are!¡± Tamna said smiling.


    [ I am not short! I am just right for my bodies age! ]


    ¡° I will shoot past you in no time father!¡± I said with my cheeks puffed.


    Ren, Ki, my father and I all sat around and caught up. Father told me he had rushed here on our house¡¯s finest transport animal. He had also gotten some of our men to collect the cockatrice from the stables back near the forest entrance and look through the area for clues.


    Since Ki and Ren were too injured for transport we all decided to rest here the night. It wasn¡¯t too long before Rain came in.


    Rain looked at my father like a person back on Earth would look at their favourite idol. Ki, Ren, my father and Rain started talking about military tactics and how this base operated. I understood the general idea but the rest of it made my head spin.


    After an incense stick of time father then called for me and we excused ourselves. He took me to a quiet part of the barracks before he knelt down and looked at me. Everything from the tip of my head to the bottoms of my shoes.


    ¡° Can I trust you with a secret?¡± He said as he raised an eyebrow.


    I looked at him seriously and nodded.


    ¡° You have grown up to be a fine kid! ¡° he nodded a few times to himself.


    [ Ahhh! ]


    ¡° I was so worried when you stopped speaking and now look at you going on your own little adventures and making friends with your subordinates. You had to take a life to protect one... It must have been very hard on you.¡± he said as he looked out into the distance.


    ¡° You know, being in charge of people isn¡¯t all about just bossing them around¡± he followed with.


    He then found a stick nearby and drew a circle around me.


    ¡° Think of this circle as everything a person will protect and be responsible for in their lifetime. Some people have a circle just around them and that is okay. It is very hard to live.¡± He said before he drew another circle around me.


    The second circle was bigger than the first one and engulfed the first one dwarfing it. He then placed some rocks he found nearby inside it.


    ¡° This circle is what most people have. These rocks you can think of as family and friends,¡± He said again before pausing and drawing an even bigger circle around me and adding grass to it.


    ¡° This is what people like the nobles have, they look after themselves, their family and friends and the people under them. Our family we have the burden and honour of protecting..¡± Father said before he drew another circle.


    The circle encompassed all the ones before it. He then placed more grass, inside it.


    ¡° Everyone. Every single person in Tama. You may be too young to understand now but if you keep getting better, maybe in future you will stand in my shoes.¡± He said as he walked towards me taking a step in each circle.


    ¡° What you said to Ki inside was important. Remember, no matter how many people follow you, they will never be disposable. It will make you a fine person. If it gets too much for you.. Just remember those people who serve by your side will always be there for you!¡± he said smiling.


    [ I don¡¯t know what to say¡­]


    He noticed that I had taken in everything he said and started to digest it. My father started laughing.


    ¡° Haha don¡¯t worry son, you will understand when you are older!¡± he said holding his belly.


    ¡° Do you think Riku could add war strategies to my education?¡± I said seriously.


    ¡° Haha when this old man has the time, he will teach you himself! Good lad, Good lad!¡± Father said as his eyes lit up.


    ¡°Now go get some rest, we will be heading back tomorrow bright and early. I am glad we had this talk!¡± father said as he scruffed my hair.


    It was the first time that I think I had ever had a proper one on one talk with father. His charisma and caring attitude for his subordinates could be seen from a mile away. I had seen him just as I would my own father.. But this man is actually really here for me and not just in the background.


    I was honestly really grateful.


    I walked back to my residence and thought about the words he said.


    [ Just how many people could I protect as I am now? Can I even protect myself?]


    I clenched my fist.

 A Dirty Prank

    **** Cupids point of view ***


    I was looking out over my back porch, my back porch, it was more like a veranda that looked over the edge of a tiny universe. My house you see, is a chunk of rock floating around a dying star that I had stopped time for.


    It wasn¡¯t much but for me, I called it home.


    With two fingers I pinched a tiny marble, inside it was galaxies that orbited around one another, vast black holes and the first soul that I had ever created. This soul had many faces, names, genders and species over time but as my first creation I always quietly watched over them.


    I watched them as a blade of grass nurtured by a rising star, I watched them as a creature that had killed more than they had saved, I watched them as a saint worshipped by the people they served and I even watched them as a depressed gay man trying to figure out how a microwaved meal worked.


    You see people like me are a drop in the ocean, just like many others, I trained my martial arts, fought beasts I thought were strong and rose up like a phoenix from the ashes before becoming the strongest in my universe. However, there is always a bigger fish and a higher mountain to climb.


    After a time longer than I care to imagine, I had become strong enough to create a universe and travel between them, just like I found out someone had done for mine. I then found out in my travels that everything I had done was truly just a moment within a moment, insignificant.


    I was so angry. I felt like every win and every loss I had ever faced meant nothing. Watching my partner die¡­ the thing that had left me fighting in the first place was the same to my creator as a drop of water falling from the sky and landing on dirt.


    I wanted to be different, I wanted to watch over the beings that I could create. I was not a God, since the Gods merely lent us who were strong enough, the power to build but I wanted to try to be different.


    A God was several million times stronger than me, they could wipe away my existence with merely a thought. They probably saw me as no more than a speck of dust floating in the wind.


    Rinura on the other hand merely laughed when I told her.


    ¡°That¡¯s the stupidest thing you have ever said, you merely blink and a planet has lived it¡¯s entire lifespan. Why worry about a few measly souls? Just let them do their own thing, gain power from their prayers and watch!¡± I remembered her saying.


    My fist clenched up just thinking about her stupid purple hair and black dress. Her golden eyes were scrunched up at the time as if to mock me.


    She, like me, is another being that had transcended the limits of her universe. She unlike me, was okay being seen as a speck of insignificant dust.


    We had been friends longer than most planets had been in existence but we had never seen eye to eye on some things.


    I remember as she took the world I had created from my hand and injected some of her power into it. She watched as my face changed and handed it back to me chuckling.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I have no idea what she did and no matter what, she wouldn¡¯t tell me. She seemed mad that I had spent so much time thinking about the world and beings I wanted to create. Finally, when I had done it she didn''t seem satisfied with just mocking me


    ¡°Making things more interesting...¡± was all she said as she threw my creation marble back at me.


    I could only sigh at that point. She had always been stronger than me. She was like a big sister stomping on my sandcastle.


    I left as soon as she had finished laughing and returned home to inspect the universe I had built. She hadn¡¯t changed any of the laws like last time or directly interfered with my first soul like the other time, in fact, nothing seemed to be different at all.


    It worried me. I looked again this time combing over everything I had built with my mental link.


    [ Wait¡­ She didn¡¯t? did she? ]


    I noticed a faint vibration from Rinura¡¯s power on the planet I had made for my first being.


    ¡°I am not sure how I can fix this¡­ ¡± I said as I sighed.


    I closed my eyes and sent a small burst of energy to the system I had created.


    [ It¡¯s up to you Kibbles.]


    I looked over at the vast nothingness that pervaded my vision and tried to figure out my next steps.


    [ Rinura what have you done?! ]


    ** Yuki''s point of view ***


    I was just about ready to leave, Kibbles, Ren and Ki were all able to move again so we all decided to head back home.


    I watched as a few of the soldiers said their final farewells to my father and even asked for autographs. I watched as my father carved a few etchings into peoples shields and smiled.


    The soldiers all stood up on the top wall and waved as I turned around one last time. Tau and Rain and the cook were all standing on the highest position and saluted before waving.


    After a few hours, we had finally reached the entrance to Tama forest. I was amazed looking at it, the immense distance of how much Ren had walked with both Ki and I injured and unconscious. I looked at him sitting high up on his saddle looking straight ahead and I couldn''t help think about how cool he is.


    [ Maybe when I am older... I can.. Never mind ]


    My face had turned the colour of a tomato while I shook my head musing over my silly thoughts.


    I had gotten a little bit better at riding so I had Kibbles who was looking out at the surroundings wrapped in one of my arms, while the other was on the saddle.


    Suddenly Kibbles seemed to have groaned slightly, the Kithuns eyes seemed to grow wide. It looked at me and started to paw.


    ¡° Please stop moving around little guy! ¡° I said as I tried to stabilize my steed.


    ¡° Something the matter? ¡° Ki said as she rode up next to me still bandaged.


    ¡° Mm Kibbles is being weird,¡± I said as Kibbles pawed again.


    [ Hey Kibbles what''s up? ]


    I had tried calling a few times but I had gotten no response. In fact, Kibbles had not spoken to me since taking over the Kithuns body.


    Kibbles started clawing at me again trying desperately, as if trying to say something before falling, fainting in my arms.


    I couldn¡¯t shrug it off but I couldn¡¯t do anything about it. So I decided to wait until it woke up again.


    As we made our way into the camp where the soldiers were waiting with our mounts. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what had happened.


    I held Kibbles closer to me.


    We grabbed everything we had left before heading back away from the forest and back towards home.


    [It is finally all over¡­]


    I gave one last look towards the forest that nearly took my life before I urged my steed forward.


    I sighed in relief.


    ¡° Young master are you excited to be going home!¡± Ren said as he slowed down to match my pace.


    ¡° mmm! ¡° I sounded before nodding.


    Our journey had lasted for several hours and the sun was setting as I had finally saw the place I called my new home. I was beaming from ear to ear!


    Standing at the entrance way was my Mother, Ishi, Riku and.. the princess.


    ¡° YUUUKKKIIIIIIIIIIIII!¡± I heard her shrill loud pitched call as she ran up to my mount.


    [Just who I wanted to see..]


    She had tears in her eyes. I stumbled off my mount and she gripped my arm before rubbing her tiny face up against me.


    ¡° I .. hic.. was .. so .. worried.. Hic!! Yuki!!! You¡¯re okay!¡± the princess said as she rubbed my arm more.


    ¡° Mm.. It¡¯s okay .. I am home now¡± I said.


    [ I guess some things will never change. ]

 Fan Service On A Blades Edge

    My father since coming home had been stricter than ever. Yuzu my etiquette teacher was given a break which I was grateful for, however, father had called upon every blade-wielding person in our house to train for a week and even some who had never picked up a blade also decided to join in.


    Not only had my house decided to train, the royal family had also sent their children, my cousins and even Riku had also all joined in! It was a warm summer''s day, so looking over the crowd I was shell-shocked.


    [ My heart I can¡¯t take it please put your shirt back on! ]


    I was flustered looking at Riku who was not in his regular scholars¡¯ outfit. He was wearing some dark brown training pants and sporting a bare upper torso. He was not muscular but his pale slim body was enough for even the idols back on earth to blush. His hair was tied in a low bun with the sweat dancing off his body with every stroke.


    Next to him was Ren, who was also shirtless wearing the same kind of training pants except in black. He bare torso was very muscular with drops of sweat rolling off his perfect six-pack. I watched as one particular sweat drip had dropped down to his V line and fell between the gaps of his pants and gulped.


    [ Are the gods mocking me? Damn this child''s body! ]


    Watching them trade blows like they were my mind went to an AV video where the actors where in a gym and then one of them fell on the other than ****** and ***** happened then they *****.


    My mind wouldn¡¯t stop so I looked away quickly.


    It didn¡¯t help however as the princes were sparring my cousins. The crown prince was wearing a short sleeve yukata and was trading blows with Tamo who was not giving an inch with a boomerang type weapon. I watched as fire flew towards him and was blocked swiftly by a boomerang covered in wind.


    I was slowly getting used to the idea of magic but seeing the two of them fighting it out made me want to run over and cheer. My blood started pumping before I glanced just to the right of them and saw the second prince fighting Hina.


    The second prince was in a matching outfit with the crown prince as always. He was putting up a brave front with his short sword against Hina¡¯s whip weapon. Hina was wearing a short floral dress, her green hair flowed in the wind like a lush green waterfall. She was moving like a fairy.


    The second prince, on the other hand, had such a serious expression on his face. Knowing how easy it was for him to get nervous I was really proud of him. Sweat dripped down the side of his face before he unleashed a water attack. I had no idea that Nathan had water magic until that moment but I think it suited him very much.


    Ki was over in the corner with my mother, I was surprised to watch them trade blows, I had no idea mother could be so fierce!


    Ki was sporting a pair of pants that had been cut off at the knees and a half kimono, her chest was covered in bandages I was guessing to stop as much movement as possible. With each movement, I noticed they jiggled slightly and I felt sorry for her as most of the soldiers watching were gawking at her with their mouths open.


    My mother was skillfully blocking blows using wind magic attached to a musical instrument that she was carrying. She was using the same sort of sonic attacks that I had seen at the festival some time ago. She moved like an ethereal fairy as each step seemed light as a feather.


    Father looked on with an approving head as I stood next to him. Finally and unfortunately my opponent showed up. She was sporting a lovely pink dress with pink ribbons tying her hair up. Each step she took with perfect grace as if there was no combat at all happening around her. She looked around as if she were in a garden.


    What I saw on her back shocked my brain into a meltdown.


    [ How the hell is she carrying that?! ]


    On her back wrapped in dainty floral cloth was a massive sword. Next, to her, it stood at least a head taller. I imagined this sword would look perfect next to some sort of ogre or kingslayer and not in the hands of a tiny girl.


    I looked at my father for answers still shocked.


    He took one look at me before laughing. ¡° You didn¡¯t know? The princess is the most skilled out of the royal siblings in combat. She has a very rare sort of wind magic. Instead of using it like a blade as you would assume, she can change the weight of things. I would watch out Yuki, she is very talented!¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    As he finished talking he slapped my back forward.


    Rosli came up to me with the massive sword still wrapped around her chest and on her back before she hugged me really tight. I could feel that my arms were about to break.


    [ Are you a monster or a child?! ]


    ¡° Yuki! I am so happy to be training with you today. You have been spending so much time with everyone else that I was getting lonely so I asked your father to let me train with you! Isn¡¯t it great! ¡° Rosli said with a broad grin on her face.


    [ I guess I had been neglecting her a bit. I would hate for her to be angry at me¡­it is bad for my health! ]


    I put on my best plastic grin and as she let go I put on my best court bow before kissing her hand as was considered etiquette. As she blushed the sword on her back fell down with a


    BANG!


    The whole crowd around me appeared to stop and stare as my lips were still pressed on her hand. My face threatening to go bright red and my heart pounding out of my chest. I had tried my best to ignore the onlookers.


    [ It¡¯s not like I WANT to do this please stop staring! ]


    ¡° Princess, I am sorry if you feel that I was avoiding you,¡± I said as I quickly took my lips away.


    ¡° I had no intention, I have just been training to become a better protector of Tama. Please forgive me¡± I said using my best and most fake polite tone.


    [ Urgh I feel sick. ]


    The stares on me seemed to deepen.


    I peeped around and noticed the peculiar glances on the faces of some of the people I knew. Some were shocked some were smiling but the most unnatural reaction of all came from the second prince. His fist appeared to be curled up in a ball.


    [ Maybe he is still angry about me cancelling the engagement? ]


    ¡° Ap..p..pol..ogy Acc...epted ¡° Stuttered the princess as smoke seemed to be coming out of her ears and snapping me out of my stare with the second prince.


    I stood up and beamed my favourite plastic smile.


    ¡° Shall we spar young lady? ¡° I said again in a practised tone.


    [ Ahh reading those shojo mangas as a kid has really helped. ]


    The princess nodded and everyone went back to dueling. She picked up the ogre sword that was sitting on the ground before handing over its cover to my smiling father.


    Looking at the sword in its entirety it was rather sinister looking. Dark coloured materials were used to create it and it was covered in some dried unknown blood. It gave off a sinister aura. Leaving me with a bad taste in my mouth. Some dark runes flicked on and off on it.


    Since Kibbles had been asleep all this time since we had returned I had been unable to check the system and as such the status of the princess¡¯s emotions.


    [ Please don¡¯t kill me with that sword. I have been nice today haven¡¯t I? ]


    I watched as she walked ahead of me onto a clear spot of the training grounds before swinging the massive sword with one hand as a practice stroke. The dark material seemed to leave a glow in the air.


    ¡° You like it? Daddy got it from me from our Vault, apparently, some bad guys tried to take over our kingdom and my great, great, great grandfather got this made from a rank 9 spirit beast! I have called it Mr Long!¡± The princesses eyes twinkled as she spoke.


    [ Mr Long?! Uhhh what horrible naming sense you have scary child! ]


    Comparing her ¡° Mr Long¡± to my Malice was like comparing a toothpick to a broadsword. I began to worry a little bit about my future safety.


    [ Is this how I die in the future? ]


    ¡° You ready Yuki? ¡° Rosli said as she smiled. Her aura changed from her usual fairy like one to a bloodthirsty demoness. If I hadn''t gone to Tama forest and trained with Ren I probably would have fainted in fear right now.


    I watched as her stance became perfect as she charged at me.


    [ I have to keep her at a distance, then move in when she is not prepared. ]


    All of the lessons that I had with Ren came stampeding into my mind at that moment like a bull. I remembered what he said to me on the first day of training and I smiled before charging back at her.


    I held Malice as correctly as I could and we exchanged our first blow.


    Clang!


    A loud sound reverberated in my ear but I had no time to get shaken by it. I sidestepped as she raised her blade above her head and threw it downwards. I dodged the slash but it left a slight dent in the ground.


    While she was recovering I jumped in trying to get closer to her while her guard was down but it was of no use. She swiped her sword at me and I had to use a backflip dodge technique that Ren had taught me.


    She just managed to miss me. The tip of my hair was sliced and small strands of red fell to the ground.


    All of a sudden my body started to feel slightly heavy as if I had training weights strapped to each limb. Just swinging my sword had become burdensome.


    [ What is happening ]


    I thought back to what my father had said about the princess¡¯s powers as I just barely dodged another swing. I moved back as far as I could from the princess and my body felt light again.


    [ I see so I have to be close to her? Her ability is terrifying! ]


    We continued like this for quite a long time. Each bout that we had I was unable to win. However, my reaction times had increased and I was slowly getting used to the princess patterns.


    I was glad that I had improved.


    But this had only been day one.


    We spent the whole week training like this, each day against different people. The last day of the practice session seemed to finally come.


    I was stood just across from the second prince. He was wearing his usual training uniform. A breeze blew by forcing his hair to move and a scent of flowers was carried with it.


    The prince''s face was holding a complicated expression.


    ¡° Come¡± was the only words he spoke.

 The Second Prince

    * *** Second Prince¡¯s Point of View ***


    Watching Yuki with my sister was hard for some reason. I saw as he got down on one knee and kissed her hand. My stomach started to churn. A sick feeling welled up in my chest and refused to disappear.


    I couldn¡¯t understand it.


    [ Why did I have to go to that stupid festival?! ]


    I remembered back when I had first met him, I was standing behind my brother as people make me nervous. Ever since I was born, I was always compared to my brother.


    I would hear the maids talk about how skilled he was and how special he was¡­.


    I guess compared to my brother I was considered a disappointment. Every time I would open my mouth someone would respond by talking about Leo.


    Then my little sister appeared. The apple of everyone''s eye. She had always been good at everything she tried. At only two years old she could already speak and by five she was learning math.


    I felt like a child that didn¡¯t deserve to be a royal.


    This was until I met Yuki. I remember how awkward he looked just being in the palace. My brother just wanted to play with him and fulfil his duty as the first son, so I remembered sitting next to him as he wrote that awful letter.


    Leo can be so mean sometimes.


    Not only did Yuki not get mad, he seemed just as scared as I did of the people around us all. Even my maid glares at me when I ask for anything. Then when Leo took the joke too far and Yuki collapsed I was so scared.


    Yuki when he woke up didn¡¯t even seem to be upset when we apologised to him. Not only did he take our apology he even invited us back to his house to play.


    Not once did he ask me about my sister, not once did he have that look in his eye that said he wanted something from me and for the first time in my life I had felt like I had made a new friend.


    [ Why does it have to be Rosli?,Can¡¯t I just have a friend for myself? ]


    I gripped my weapon and told him to come at me.


    My heart wouldn¡¯t stop beating hard so I took in a deep breath.


    He seemed to look at me with a complicated expression.


    [ Did I say something wrong? ]


    He started charging but he was full of openings, for some reason, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to attack him seriously. I could have gone for his wrist but instead, I jumped backwards.


    He started to smile, his white teeth shone through his pink lips and his hair danced like fire in the wind. Yuki was normally just as reserved as I am but in combat, he seems to be free.


    [ I wish I could be free too.. ]


    I threw my boomerang and blasted a water ball just to see what would happen, He smiled and sidestepped before blocking my attack with his black sword.


    Every stroke he made left a glistening trail.


    Clang!If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    [ Shoot! I wasn¡¯t paying attention ]


    My boomerang fell to the ground as Yuki charged at me once again. He seemed to falter at the last second and dropped his sword away from me.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    [ He can¡¯t hit me?! Maybe I am just a little bit special to him? ]


    I shook my head as now wasn''t the time to be thinking such things. I used Yuki¡¯s momentum to punch him in the stomach before running towards my boomerang.


    I felt the cold wind of a weapon behind my back and shot another waterball behind me.


    I then rolled on the ground and grabbed my weapon.


    Bam!


    My blade then seemed to hit something.


    As I rolled I turned around to see Yuki holding his arm that was soaked in water. He seemed to be in pain.


    ¡°A..re.. You.. okay ¡° I stuttered still clutching my weapon.


    [ Why can¡¯t I just talk to him normally like brother does? ]


    Self loathing seemed to pile up in my stomach.


    ¡° Mm I am just fine! ¡° Yuki said smiling.


    He flicked his weapon between his hands before he signaled me to come towards him.


    All of a sudden I heard the stern voice of Yuki''s father say ¡°alright that''s enough for today! ¡°


    [ but I.. didn¡¯t even get to finish my fight! ]


    We all seemed to stop fighting and Yuki came up to me after he sheathed his sword.


    ¡° Umm can I ask you something ¡° he said as he looked down at the ground.


    My brain seemed to not want to respond as his stern blue eyes looked at me.


    The best I could muster was a nod.


    ¡° Did you go easy on me today? ¡° He said innocently


    ¡° uhh I didn¡¯t mean to if I did¡­¡±I replied


    Yuki seemed to be in thought for a moment.


    ¡° I see..¡± Yuki said.


    Yuki waited a moment before saying ¡° I still don¡¯t have my magic under control yet and your brother and sister would not be the best match for me to train with... ¡° Yuki said embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his hair.


    ¡° Do you think.. You could train with me some more sometime? I need to get stronger..It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t have time, I know you are probably busy with prince things¡± Yuki said quickly.


    ¡° You mean it¡¯s something only I could help you with? ¡° I spluttered.


    ¡° I guess you can think of it that way¡± Yuki responded.


    [Something only I can do, something only I can do, something only I can do for Yuki! ]


    That sick feeling in my stomach seemed to disappear quickly as I looked at him. His training uniform was covered in water. His hair was drenched and he was nervously looking at the ground. I couldn¡¯t help but stare at him.


    ¡° Uhh.. sorry I guess you don¡¯t have time ..¡± Yuki said after a moment, his face going red.


    I guess I hadn¡¯t said anything in a while. My face went red and I looked down at the ground.


    ¡° Uh no no! We can do that! Um training just the two of us !¡± I finally said.


    ¡° REALLY!?¡± Yuki said excitedly before he coughed.


    [ I guess Yuki really isn¡¯t good at asking for help ]


    Yuki mayke look stern but everyone who knows him knows he is a very gentle person. I couldn¡¯t help but think about how scary he would look to people who don¡¯t know him and giggled.


    I watched as Yuki then came up and grabbed my cheeks, pinching them slightly. I can¡¯t understand why he did that but it made my heart feel very full.


    He coughed again and apologised saying something about forgetting his place.


    [ He can be really funny sometimes ]


    I thought as I rubbed the spots where he had touched.


    My mother had arranged a carriage for us to go home, so my brother, sister and I all said our goodbyes.


    My sister and I looked out the window one last time as we left to head back to the castle.


    ¡° Did you two have fun today? ¡° My brother said.


    My sister seemed to look out of the window and sighed. I curled up next to brother and nodded slightly. Being next to him made me feel safe, especially from sisters temper tantrums.


    ¡° Why didn¡¯t Yuki spar with me today¡± My sister said out loud.


    ¡° That¡¯s because he was sparing with Nathan, you can¡¯t have him all the time¡± Leo said as he chuckled.


    ¡° I can! I just need to tell daddy and make him spend time with me! ¡° Rosli said as she huffed her cheeks.


    That sick feeling from earlier seemed to start to travel up into my chest again.


    ¡° y..y..you can¡¯t do that! ¡° I said mustering all the courage I had.


    Both my brother and sister stared at me wide eyed. I couldn¡¯t help feeling even more embarrassed as this was the first time I had ever said no to my sister.


    My brother being the mediator of us siblings rubbed my back slightly.


    ¡° What do you mean by that? ¡° My sister said pouting.


    I clenched my fist before releasing it again.


    ¡° I just.. I just want to be friends with him too..¡± I said in almost a whisper.


    Big brother started to laugh until his sides hurt.


    ¡° Sorry sis, looks like your brothers both like him too! You are going to have to share.¡± Leo said.


    ¡° Hmph ¡° Sister replied.


    The rest of the carriage trip was spent with brother and sister sharing training tips and me hiding from the both of them.


    [ Yuki¡­I can¡¯t wait to train with you!]

 ?????

    The maids and butlers had been rushing around all day and for some reason instead of my normal lesson with Riku he had decided to take me in to town. Apparently he had cleared it with mother and father weeks ago.


    We spoke about the weather, politics and my studies on the ride over. The sun was beating down as I watched all the sights and the sounds around me. I had no idea what was going on but any time spent with Riku was time well spent in my books.


    He told me about his family and what his little brother was like as a kid, he would also point out various flowers on the side of the road and tell me a little a bit about them. Today father had lent us his best horses for the journey.


    Well I say they are horses but they are more like pure black horses with red eyes and six legs. They have two horns that come down near their ears and one massive horn in the middle. Not to mention their tail has fire particles on it.


    I haven¡¯t gotten use to the magical beasts as most of them look like they could kill you in one hit, but Ren had explained before Riku and I had left that these mounts were only rank 2 and they should be perfectly safe.


    We were at the halfway point when Riku had told me to dismount. We were at a place I could only describe as a paddock near the road.


    We entered a small gate on the side. There was lush grasses and flowers growing everywhere. After about an incense stick of time and passing strange live stock we came to a rather small house that was surrounded by farmland.


    There was a little cobblestone walkway as well as some tall trees and a picket fence. There was a child a little bit older than me picking vegetables in a garden patch to the side of the house. He was covered in dirt so I couldn¡¯t make out any other features besides his brown hair tied in a bun.


    ¡° Setsu! Tidy up we have a guest! ¡° Riku shouted startling me.


    ¡° BROTHER!! ¡° The teenager called Setsu seemed to shout.


    Setsu ran over to Riku with a broad grin on his face before giving me a once over.


    He looked down at the ground before running inside the house seemingly embarrassed.


    ¡° Hehe, He is a bit of a scatter brain but he is a good kid! ¡° Riku said grinning.


    I took another look at the house before Riku and I tied up our mounts near some grass and headed inside.


    [ Wow Riku¡¯s house is really nice! ]


    ¡° I am sorry Yuki, there isn¡¯t much here but as you have guessed this is my home. I thought we could stop for lunch here, I hope you don''t mind! ¡° Riku said grinning.


    All of a sudden a smell had wafted into my nose. It was the equivalent to a roasted meat smell from back on earth.


    My stomach grumbled.


    ¡° Mother! My student is here! ¡° Riku said as he led me through to the kitchen.


    Overall the house had a very cosy feel to it. There was paintings of children on the walls, which I assumed were Setsu and Riku, little knick-knacks on shelves and books as far as the eye could see.


    On the whole the house felt very lively and warm.


    ¡° Oh my what a cute child! ¡° A kind woman''s voice said.


    I looked up to see a female version of Riku standing above me holding a wooden spoon.


    ¡° Mother this is Yuki, I am teaching him at the generals estate! ¡° Riku said.


    ¡° Oh dear, should I bow? I am sorry we don¡¯t have esteemed guests come to visit often ¡° She said slight embarrassed.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡° No! Please don¡¯t Mrs Fujiwara.. I don¡¯t think I could handle it ¡° I flustered.


    Rikus mother gave me a small pat on the head before we all sat down.


    ¡° Oh mom is that lunch?! ¡° a bright males voice said.


    I looked over from my chair to see a miniature version of Riku staring at me.


    [ I really want to pinch his cheeks! ]


    Setsu had put some plates down before sitting at the table with Riku and I. Suddenly a roast spirit beast was set out on the table by Riku¡¯s mother.


    It was to say the least one of the most delicious things that I had seen since I got here. There was buttered bread, oven baked vegetables and even gravy. Everyone had suddenly put their heads down, without moving for a bite.


    [ Are they praying? ]


    ¡° Oh glorious one, thank you for the fine meal that we can have today, thanks to Riku¡¯s teachings and Setsu¡¯s farming skills. May you bless young Yuki here so that he can have joy and happiness in his life.¡± Riku¡¯s mother said smiling.


    [ I wonder if Cupid is laughing right now! ]


    We spent the rest of the meal talking and laughing. I found out a lot about what Riku was like as a kid and it made my heart warm. By the end of the meal I felt so full that I thought my stomach might explode.


    We then continued to sit at the table after it was cleared. I was given some tea to settle my stomach but the stories kept coming. All the stress from knowing the future had seemed to melt away. This place felt so safe and warm¡­


    I was truly happy.


    [ I don¡¯t think I can make it into town, can I just live here? ]


    Riku looked out the window and started to panic.


    ¡° Oh dear, It seems we have spent a little too much time here. ¡° Riku said looking over at the setting sun.


    ¡° I am sorry Yuki, seems as If I have to get you home now¡± Riku said shaking his head.


    ¡° Does he have to go? ¡° Setsu said depressed.


    ¡° mm run along! Oh wait, Setsu go up stairs and grab that thing that Riku mentioned yesterday¡± Riku¡¯s mother said.


    ¡° Thanks mother, I seem to have forgotten, ¡° Riku said smiling.


    [ Thing? ]


    Setsu bolted out of the kitchen before returning sometime later with something wrapped in a brown cloth before handing it to me.


    ¡° What is it? ¡° I said puzzled.


    ¡° You will see¡± Riku said smiling


    Setsu then pulled my hand and took me into a room. It was lined with so many books that they looked like wallpaper.


    ¡° Okay you can open it now¡± Setsu said grinning.


    I opened the cloth to see a hand stitched black Kimono with brown trim. There was a Kithun etched into the back that seemed to come alive. My heart wavered.


    ¡° Is¡­ this.. For me? ¡° I choked.


    ¡° Mm everyone here wanted to say thank you for looking after Riku. Did you know your father pays us enough to not only live comfortably but to pay for mom¡¯s medicine? We are very grateful! Plus Riku is always talking about you!! Hurry and get dressed! We wanna see it on you!¡± Setsu said excitedly.


    I tried on the clothing and it fit like a charm. I could see how each bit was hand sewn to impeccable levels. No one had ever made clothes for me, I felt like never taking them off.


    Riku walked in a little while later with a male''s hair pin and sat me down. He looked me up and down and nodded.


    ¡° Mm it looks very good on you ¡° He said smiling.


    He grabbed a brush and started doing my hair.


    My face started to turn a shade of red.


    ¡°All done!¡± Riku said after a few minutes. We made our way back to where his mother was. She looked me up and down and clapped her hands.


    ¡° This Yukata I made for you fits like a charm! You look very handsome with your hair done like that! Now don¡¯t tarry and get to your home safely okay and if you ever need anything.. We may not have much but we are here for you! ¡° Riku¡¯s mother had mentioned kindly.


    Setsu and Riku¡¯s mother said their final goodbyes while I tried my best to stop tears flowing.


    My heart and stomach were both very full.


    ¡° Sorry for surprising you like this, my mother and brother were very excited to meet you¡± Riku said as he helped me mount my steed.


    ¡° You have a very nice family¡­ Think I could come again?¡± I said as I grinned.


    Riku seemed to flush red before nodding.


    [ Ahh so cute!! ]


    We made our way back to my house.


    The sun had finally set as we arrived there, I looked around to see that lanterns were lining the buildings as well as some streamers.


    ¡°Riku is there something important happening? ¡° I said bewildered as I dismounted from my horse.


    ¡° You will see ¡® Riku said.


    He took my arm like a gentleman and led me into the north building.


    The colours of a festival seemed to line the walls and there were flower petals lining the floor.


    We went to the main north entranceway, which was littered with carriages and one of our butlers shouted at the door. ¡° Now entering Aikyo Yuki and his teacher Fujiwara Riku! ¡°


    The sounds from before had turned into silence.


    Riku then urged me forward. The place that we entered looked like a fine hall. There was plates of food lining the side and many people I recognised. The royal family, my cousins and even Ki and Ren all dressed up in their finest garments.


    Mother and father walked up to me elegantly before crouching down and saying loudly ¡° Welcome to your 11th birthday party Yuki!¡±


    ¡° Happy birthday Yuki! ¡° Said the people I knew and didn¡¯t know before clapping.


    My face went bright red and I stood there in shock.


    [ one more year until highschool huh? ]