Hiro nibbled his food, watching the interaction go on with a curious gaze. The prince was still surprised by how much Akito blushed- even at the simplest things. He wondered if his parents noticed it too, however his betrothed had been with him most of the day, so he didn’t guarantee they noticed too much. The young soldier’s response made everyone, save for Hiro, give a curious gaze. HIm wanting to see the servants’ quarters was of course odd for any of the royal family, but Hiro quickly intervened by clearing his throat. “It’s no big deal. I suppose he may have wanted to better acquaint with the entire palace, just in case he got lost. Either way, it doesn’t hurt to be curious.” Both parents looked at each other for a moment before seeming to come to terms with the assessment of Akito’s actions. It fell silent for a moment, so the two could take a few bites of their food, Hiro took that opportunity to give an apologetic smile for putting the male in the spotlight. The prince then took a breath, as if demonstrating it to Akito, then mouthed the words ‘Relax’. The poor male would probably pass out from how embarrassed he was. 


After he managed to catch Akito’s gaze, Hiro was once more eating, paying no mind to the bristling little creature Akito had. The Empress stopped for a moment making a small ‘oh’ noise before placing a hand on her large belly. This caused the Emperor to stop and turn to her quickly. “Relax love. The baby just kicked is all.” She smiled and then went back to eating her food. After a few moments, the Emperor did the same. Hiro had looked up in concern as well, however relaxed before his father. He learned that when his stepmother said she was fine, she meant it. However, he did notice her gaze go up to Akito again as if to speak, so once more Hiro politely intervened so Akito wouldn’t have to speak. 

“Ah I was wondering, something about the wedding.” This was the first he openly displayed some sort of interest in it, so both the Emperor and the Empress looked at him with curious gazes, Hiro, as much as he didn’t want to talk about it, decided to ‘take one for the team’. “So, who’s all invited? I hear so much about decorating, but I’ve heard of no one showing up.” This seemed to make the Empress perk up in delight. 

“Ah! I almost forgot to mention it!” She thinks over the list. “You remember the Kurosawa and  Mazashi family, yes? I hear The Kurosawa’s daughter has gotten engaged as well. The Mazashi family and their baby boy will be showing up. Oh, I can’t wait to see their cute baby!” She begins to ramble and gossip like a teen, not seeming to care who listened. However it seemed, the Emperor paid the most attention. Hiro met most of the families she had mentioned, but their interaction with Hiro was normally brief. While his mother rambled on, Hiro finished his own food, glancing over at her every now and then to show he was paying attention- at least somewhat.