Everything fell back into its normal pace after the talk with Hiro’s father- not saying that anything was actually out of place for the servants, just back for the royal family. The short adventure was nice while it lasted, but of course Hironori knew it wouldn’t have lasted forever. [i]’Kaede said dinner should be ready soon.’[/i] It was then he realized the maid had already departed to continue her chores. “I might as well change it up a bit.” Hironori pushed himself off the floor and made his way into the halls.

He had passed a few servants, some who questioned if he needed anything, while others bowed respectfully. Some of the servants that asked if Hironori needed aid had been concerned due to his ‘aimless walking’. He looked lost, or as if he was looking for something. However, he was just lost in thought, reminiscing about the trip to town. He remembered the various shocked faces when he arrived, the familial and safe feeling as everyone gathered together to play games. 

He couldn’t understand why his father would think it was dangerous just to visit the people who adored the royal family so much. Sure there were other kingdoms that they went to war with, but these were their people. They were protected by the Emperor’s army! They, and himself, were perfectly safe!

Hironori’s thoughts subsided when he entered the dining room. Seeing the servants still setting up made a brief look of surprise flash across his face. “Huh.” The last time he had been this early for a meal had probably been when he was a kid. The staff moved back and forth in a system, but one person in particular hadn’t been doing so. That’s when he realized Akito was standing out of the way. “Oh.” He nodded his hello. A servant broke from the flowing system of plates and food being set in order to direct both of them to their seats. “You know, it’s not necessary to come in so early?” He looked at Akito with a genuine expression of curiosity before adding. “Well, depending on when you got here. My parents should be arriving soon as well.” He shrugged and looked down at the empty space in front of him. He didn’t seem as troubled as his father, but something did seem a little off about him. 

Their conversation was short lived after a few exchanges due to both his parents walking in. Well, the Emperor walked in while the Empress sort of waddled. They both briefly paused in surprise when they spotted their son already sitting with Akito. Jezura beamed in delight while Satoru simply nodded to the both of them before helping his wife sit down.