The answer Hiro got wasn’t technically the one he was looking for, but that was moreso because he didn’t phrase it very well. Nonetheless, Akito did answer and he smiled in thanks. Instead of carrying on the conversation, Hiro took in the scenery around them. He didn’t recall this particular area, which only further moved his attention to his surroundings. There wasn’t anything spectacular about this particular place, but it was quiet and secluded. Somehow, it had its own charm with its simplicity. It was very fitting for Akito and a place that would could definitely grow on him. 

He started to take a few steps after the horse was tied, but paused to watch Akito carefully make a path. He decided not to question it and followed the faint impressions that he left behind only moments before. As he got closer to Akito, it was a lot clearer that he was trying to make sure the two avoided falling into the small body of water hidden in the grass. Fortunately, on the side they were on, there was a clear view of it all. Hiro took a seat and placed the box of food in between them. If either of them got hungry, there would be easy access so no one had to reach around the other.

The silence was drawn out a little longer before Hiro realized Akito clearing his throat. “If you don’t mind me asking, what were the other towns like? Well, if you got to see them. Were they similar to this kingdom?” Asking that, he realized he wasn’t even sure he could even define his own kingdom, save for the few short visits. Nonetheless, the prince was curious. 

Once he did get the answer, Hiro seemed content with it. He returned it with a soft thanks and rested his hands in his lap. “You know, I don’t think I’ve asked… Or at least I haven’t asked in some time, but there’s four days left before our big day. How are you feeling?” There was a moment’s pause before Hiro continued. “Me? A bit overwhelmed.” His relaxed expression hadn’t changed, although instead of staring at the pond, he would occasionally look in Akito’s direction or watch Hoko shuffle about. “There’s a lot of first impressions as future emperors’ that’ll be made that day. And as much as I...fret over the traditions and rules- and whatever else I could annoy my father about, I know I can’t mess this up. Not this one.” He had taken to creating a small, contained flame in his hand before giving a shrug. “I suppose, I should be used to this kind of pressure with all the teaching, so it’s hard to imagine just how you may feel.” As he thought it over, he realized not much of his life required this much responsibility from him, but it did at least try to prepare him for it unlike Akito who was quite literally tossed into the life. 

He expected, as his father told stories about it, that he’d receive a betrothed excited about the idea of marrying into royalty. What he got, was someone definitely the opposite of such and without realizing it, he was beginning to enjoy that about Akito. All or at least most of his expectations of the ex-soldier weren’t as true as his father’s stories foretold. He would have laughed at the thought had he not been listening to the man next to him talking. It had also made him wonder what it would have been like to marry into another royal family had his father not been so utterly opposed to sharing his already great kingdom's power and wealth.