Jin poked her head out of the kitchen as she heard the prince’s cries, but did nothing to assist. She was too busy laughing at their antics. She heard the splash as Prince Hotaru was dumped into the bath, and just laughed until her sides hurt.

The soup on the stove was about done, and Hotaru appeared not soon after, clean and smelling of soap. “Good morning, Han. Of course you can help. Please grab the bowls and spoons.” 

Hotaru pulled a small step stool from underneath the table, and pulled it over to reach the cabinets. Once he set the table, Jin poured soup into each bowl. A heaping portion for Ishawari, and smaller portions for Hotaru and herself. Fresh tea came next, and then everything was ready.

“Now, my dear Han.” Jin settled at the table, looking slightly sternly at the Prince across the table. “Today you’re going to have to be very good in school. Do it for me and Takumi.” There had been concerns that Han was acting up just a bit recently, and Jin realized quickly that the boy was probably bored.

“Aw...” The Prince pouted. “Do I have to go to school? I know all of that stuff already.” He blew the steam from his soup, trying to cool it.

Jin sighed. This had been the boy’s argument from the beginning, and it was a decent one. The Prince’s tutors had brought his knowledge far beyond what they taught in the little village school. “I know you know. But you must be somewhere while Takumi and I go to work. You need to go to that school, so that we can be sure that you’re safe.” She reached over and gently rubbed his head. 

“Besides, you get to see your friends there.” Jin offered him a big smile, hoping the boy would see the good in the experience.

“I guess.” The Prince did not smile back, still looking a bit dimmed.

Jin thought. There had to be something that could cheer him up. “Maybe… if you’re very good… I can take you out after school and teach you something about plants. Would you like that?”

The boy brightened visibly at the thought. “Yes, Akemi-san. I would like that a lot.”

“Good. Now eat up before it gets cold. I’ll go get Takumi.” With that, she got up and called behind the house. 

“Takumi, it’s getting late. Come on and eat!”