"This is an order, Commander! From now on, think of me as your own little brother and stay by my side!"
After hearing Princess Sakurako's words, Commander Toneri smiled. He got up and was now sitting next to Princess Sakurako.
"I noticed that your body is getting weaker, Rakohime-sama. Shouldn't we come to the Human Realm as soon as possible so that you are close to your Hoshi no Tama?" Commander Toneri made a suggestion.
Commander Toneri noticed that Princess Sakurako looked lethargic lately. Toneri didn't know why, but it seemed that it wasn't just because Princess Sakurako was far from her Hoshi no Tama, but for other reasons. The Hyugatsuki clan is one of the nobles of the Kitsune race who has great illusion magic. Their bodies wouldn't be affected so much, despite not having Hoshi no Tama anymore. Their bodies were already strong from the start.
So, Commander Toneri concluded that Princess Sakurako, who looked upset, must have missed Takumi.
Sakurako looked dumbfounded for a moment. He thought about Commander Toneri's suggestion earlier.
"But ... I'm afraid that my heart will be weak, Commander. I will definitely be hurt if I see Takumi who no longer recognizes me."
"It's fine, Rakohime-sama. When you're ready, I'll be happy to follow you wherever you're going."
"Thank you, Commander! You are willing to leave your duties as commander of the elite army just to keep watch over me."
"You don't have to be so shy, Rakohime-sama. In your Kingdom, there are many other strong soldiers capable of maintaining peace. So, I have promised myself to always be near you, wherever you are."
"Thank you again, Commander." Sakurako's eyes filled with tears when she heard Commander Toneri's words earlier.
Sakurako looked into Toneri's blue eyes and said a request.
"Commander ...."
"What is it, Rakohime-sama?"
"Can I hug you? I miss my brother so much, but I can't go back to the castle anymore. I've been branded a traitor by them." While saying this, Sakurako forced herself to smile.
Commander Toneri approached and patted Sakurako's head before finally pulling the head of the Kitsune race noble daughter into his arms.
*Kitsune = nine tailed fox
Commander Toneri gave his lord the warmest hug. Toneri remembers that he has always been by Sakurako's side, even when the princess ran away from the castle, Commander Toneri always accompanies her.
Commander Toneri did not expect that they had carried out this habit until now.
"You did everything right, Rakohime-sama. I won't blame any of your actions. I will always support whatever you do, Rakohime-sama. So don't be sad because you feel alone." While saying this, Commander Toneri gently patted Sakurako's arm.
Sakurako tightened her grip on Commander Toneri's stomach. Sakurako only believed in Commander Toneri at this time. In fact, her cousin had been cruel to her.
"So, are you ready to catch up with Akazawa-sama?"
"Yosh! We will come to the world where Takumi feels tomorrow, Commander!" Sakurako flinched for a moment. She felt that there was something odd about his words. "Oh yeah ... may I call you Onii-chan, Commander?" she continued.
*Onii-chan = brother
Commander Toneri smiled.
"Of course, Rakohime-sama. As long as it makes you happy, I won't mind."
"Alright! Please help while in the Mortal Realm, Toneri Onii-chan!!" cried Princess Sakurako, excitedly.
"Hai'!" The Commander nodded with a bright smile.
***
When Takumi woke up this morning, he had made the right decision. He won't be as depressed as he was yesterday. Even though Takumi will live alone in the future, isn't this normal for a teenager his age? Some of his friends even live in a rented house, alone.
The difference is that at least before they decided to live alone, they had felt the warmth of family. Unfortunately, Takumi has not felt the warmth of his family's affection since he was 7 years old. And it all started with the death of his mother.
However, Takumi advised himself that he would not complain anymore. He will act as if he comes from a complete and harmonious family. Although it will be a burden on his mind later.
The path that Takumi was about to take was probably a lonely road where there was only him and emptiness. But the only way where he can keep everyone's feelings. Takumi needs to learn to be selfless. Takumi continues to advise himself that his father is indeed working out of town and won't be home until the fall. So, Takumi tried to ignore the voices from behind the phone yesterday.
Takumi walked towards the large mirror that separated his room from the balcony. When he pushed aside the high hanging curtains, the morning sunlight greeted Takumi warmly.
Takumi closed his eyes enjoying the warm sensation. He felt at peace. He felt free. Truly like a feather, light and weightless.
The flowers in the yard next to his house had bloomed. Soft colors. When the wind shakes gently, they seem to dance in the direction of the wind. It looks very elegant and charming.
Then Takumi looked at the sky. Kami-sama's creations that he greatly admired. Bright. And Takumi knew, for the first time in a long time, his heart warmed to see him. Takumi didn't feel empty anymore. He just needs to let everything go and not be selfish. Hopefully this can be put into practice in the future.
Takumi smiled. He will start a new day.
Takumi took his steps towards the bathroom. Splashing his body with water, shampooing her hair to make it clean and smell good. Enjoying the splash of warm water on his body, his face smiled happily.
It's really a very pleasant life according to Takumi. Can't everyone have a bath like this? Ah, even just taking a shower made Takumi so happy as if this was his first bath after returning from the battlefield for months. Or as if he had just returned from a strange place in a different dimension. Alright, Takumi does often go overboard like that.
After finishing with his bathing business, Takumi put on his summer uniform, which looked really cool when he wore it. Then, he proudly praised his reflection in the mirror. Although his face looks a bit sluggish, but still does not reduce the level of his handsomeness. Takumi giggled to himself. He was just praising himself.
Takumi feels that he hasn't been this narcissistic in a long time. Ah, even so, Takumi still gets scared when he sees a bunch of girls. It looked scarier than when Takumi saw a bunch of thugs.
The uniform that Takumi wears this summer is a white shirt paired with pants. Takumi looks perfect and his face looks more radiant than usual. Hopefully today will go well, thought Takumi.
To be continued ....