After a few more minutes, all the students finished their exams.
"That's all for today. I'll see you in class after the weekend," Rin announced.
Everyone dispersed to their homes.
"Kimi, what time should we meet tomorrow?" I asked.
"Let's meet at noon, at the café across from the school."
"Got it. See you tomorrow."
"Bye," Kimi replied.
"Hey, Akusa, what's this? Are you going on a date tomorrow?" Tasu teased with a smirk.
"A date? Hardly."
"Then what is it?"
"Kimi asked for my help with something."
"I see... Good luck tomorrow."
"What about you? Got any plans?"
"Not really..."
We headed home together.
"I'll leave you here," Shiari said, stopping near her house.
"See you later."
"Bye!"
Tasu and I continued to our place.
"Man, I'm beat," Tasu sighed.
"From what?" I asked, surprised.
"Those exams drained me!"
"Same as always… Studying really isn't your thing."
The next morning.
"Hey, Akusa, wake up, or you'll be late for your 'date'!"
"I'm up, I'm up! Stop shaking me!"
I quickly stretched and got dressed.
"Alright, I'm heading out."
"Good luck on your 'date,'" Tasu called out, lounging on the couch and munching on sandwiches.
"Are you still eating?"
"So what?"
"You've already eaten my portion too!"
"You wouldn't have eaten it anyway."
"You're going to get fat!"
"Nah!" Tasu retorted, biting into another sandwich.
"Whatever, I'm leaving."
"Got it."
I strolled towards the café where we agreed to meet. Kimi was already waiting by the entrance, dressed in a beautiful gown, her hair tied into a voluminous ponytail.
Wait… isn't this supposed to be a business meeting? Why am I dressed so casually? This feels awkward…
"Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No, I just got here."
"Your dress looks... really nice," I said, feeling a bit flustered.
"T-thank you," Kimi replied, blushing slightly.
"Shall we go in?"
We entered the café. It was spacious, and we chose a small, round white table. The waiter brought us menus.
"Order whatever you like. I'll cover it," I said, immediately regretting how out-of-place that sounded. She's royalty—surely she doesn't need me to pay.
"Thank you," Kimi said, her cheeks turning pink.
Something feels off...
"Have you decided what to order?" the waiter asked.
"Yes, I'll have a coffee with milk and a jelly cake," I replied.
"I'll have..." I noticed Kimi seemed nervous. "...a coffee with milk and a chocolate cake."
"Please wait a few minutes."
"Alright."
"So, how can I help you?" I asked as soon as the waiter left.
"Akusa, could you... accompany me to another country?" Kimi asked suddenly, leaning forward slightly.
"Accompany you?"
"Yes, I need to establish better relations with a neighboring nation."
"But why me?"
Kimi looked slightly embarrassed.
"Never mind. I think I understand why you chose me…"
"You want us to go alone? For me to act as your personal guard?"
"Yes, if you don't mind. I'd be really grateful!"
At that moment, the waiter returned with our order.
"Here's your coffee and cake."
"Thank you," we said in unison.
"Alright, I don't mind," I said once the waiter left.
"Thank you so much," Kimi said, bowing slightly.
"Hey, stop that," I said, startled. "But this isn't your only request, is it?"
"Eh?.. Akusa, how did you know?"
So my guess was right…
"Just a hunch."
"Even though I'm officially the ruler of this country, I haven't been granted full authority, have I?"
"Well, not entirely."
"At the moment, I'm more of an executor for everyone's wishes…"
"After my parents passed away, my uncle took over governance because I was too young at the time. But by law, I've been eligible to rule for the past year."
"Your parents' passing…?"
"Y-yes…"
"S-sorry for bringing it up."
"It's alright," Kimi said, trying to hold back her emotions.
I had my suspicions that someone was controlling her, but this…
Later, I found out my assumption was correct, but not because Kimi couldn't pay me. In her country, rulers are often treated as ordinary citizens in such matters and rarely receive special privileges.
"Oh, I almost forgot to mention... Tadoki Kishizu is my half-brother."
"...What?" That's a surprising revelation, I thought.
"But even so, I'd like you to help Tadoki with a mission tonight at midnight!"
"I don't mind, but..."
"I have a few questions," I continued. "Tadoki could handle this himself, couldn't he? But you're worried about him?"
"I suppose you could say that…"
"Even though we're half-siblings, I don't know much about his strength. He spends all his time training or with his girlfriend…"
Girlfriend?
"The same goes for my uncle…"
"And even though Tadoki possesses immense power, I'd like you to support him!"
"Alright, I don't mind."
"Really?.. Thank you!"
"Sure... No problem."
"But I have more questions."
"Of course!"
"What exactly is Tadoki planning to do?"
We continued discussing the details over coffee and cake.
"And... when are we leaving for the neighboring country?" I asked.
"Tomorrow at noon, I think."
"Alright. Then, maybe we should head home and rest?"
"Yes, let's do that."
I paid for the food, and we left the café. I walked Kimi home, chatting about Tadoki and his mission along the way.
"Thank you for today," Kimi said with a smile.
"No problem."
"See you tomorrow. And be careful…"
"Got it. See you tomorrow," I nodded.
I headed home. Now I had six hours to rest.