The scene shifted to the royal mansion, where an unexpected figure was waiting. Kazuki blinked in surprise as he stepped into the great hall and spotted his eldest brother, Arthur, casually leaning against one of the marble pillars.
"Arthur…?" Kazuki murmured, unsure if he was imagining things.
Arthur turned with a grin, his silver armor catching the evening light filtering through the high windows."So, how are you, little brother?" he greeted, walking over and ruffling Kazuki's hair.
Kazuki stared up at him, still a little stunned."I… I thought you were at the front lines?"
At that moment, Isabela appeared from the corridor, a soft smile on her face."Why don't you spend some time with your brother, Kazuki?" she said warmly. "He's come home for a month's vacation. Your father had to leave because of some important duties, and since Arthur is both the Head Knight and a royal prince, he's here to oversee the kingdom's defense and make sure everything runs smoothly in Shang's absence. Even the Emperor needs someone to keep the knights in line."
Kazuki's face lit up with an innocent, delighted smile as he quickly pulled out a chair at the dining table. Arthur took the seat across from him.
"You've really made a name for yourself," Arthur said, a teasing tone in his voice. "I've been hearing about this 'child prodigy' nonstop for the last three years. Word travels even to the battlefield, you know. I regret I couldn't be here for your ceremony, but duty called. Forgive me, little brother."
Kazuki tilted his head, adopting the innocent expression he always used to avoid suspicion."Ohh," he replied with a small nod.
Trying to seem casual, Kazuki asked, "So… how was your duty as a knight?"
Arthur burst out laughing."Dude — I haven't retired or anything! I'm just on vacation," he chuckled. "It's good to take a break from all that blood and war sometimes. Besides, the council insisted I return for a while since Father's away."
Kazuki giggled, covering his mouth. "Oops, sorry!"
Arthur reached out and ruffled Kazuki's hair again. "You're growing fast, aren't you? I can tell just by looking at you. You've got that same fire in your eyes Father has."
Kazuki blushed a little, partly from the compliment and partly from excitement. If he already thinks this much of me… maybe I can use this.
Later that night, Kazuki lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling as moonlight streamed through the window. The mansion was quiet, save for the distant footsteps of the patrolling knights.
If I manage to convince Arthur to take me to the war… I could grow stronger so much faster. He's the Head Knight — if anyone could make it happen, it's him. And he's kind, too. He might say yes if I can just make him believe it's safe, or if I come up with a good reason.
Kazuki rolled onto his side, staring at the small pendant hanging by his bedside — a token from Elsa, glowing faintly in the dark.
Though… this won't be easy. He might refuse right away. I'll have to be careful about how I ask him. Maybe… if I prove I'm strong enough, or if I convince him that it'll help our kingdom…
A determined smile crept across Kazuki's face.
I'll find a way.
And with that thought, Kazuki finally drifted off to sleep, his mind already plotting his next move.