IN THE FOREST OF THE LOST

[beathollow]

it's all too perfect.

Comments

[emptyself]

[ ‘the princess’? soujuurou has no idea what that title is, but from context he figures that they must be talking about mafuyu.

he tries to approach, quietly. ]

Oh, um… excuse me… may I ask a question?

[ if he tries to speak up, will they listen to him? ]

[beathollow]

They will! He's good and polite, so they welcome him readily.

Of course, lad! What can we help you with?

[emptyself]

[ phew! soujuurou smiles, giving a quick bow in appreciation. ]

Oh, I just had a quick question about the princess. Is there anything else you know about her?

[beathollow]

Why, of course!

The princess is the only child to their Majesties the King and Queen. Ever since she was little, she's been a well-behaved and dutiful child. She studies very hard, is always kind and courteous, and manages an incredibly busy schedule with such ease, you'd think she was having a day off!

She doesn't fail her tests. She doesn't miss a day of lessons, or her extra lessons. She maintains a position on the council. She practices archery flawlessly. She does everything flawlessly!


She's perfect!

[emptyself]

Wow. That really is incredible of her. Her parents must be proud of her.

[ soujuurou looks genuienly impressed. it reminds him a bit of aozaki, whose class president and reputation as an honor student has made her famous across the school.

but aozaki did that because of her own pride. anything less than her best would be a disappointment for herself, and she cared for no one else. this seemed… like the complete opposite. ]

I had heard that um… that she does singing along with her archery. Is that true?

[beathollow]

Something goes quiet, and they both look... angry. But like they're trying to not show it.

... She said she does music therapy. But... she's said she'll give it up, to devote herself to her studies and the crown.

She's not supposed to.

[emptyself]

[ that says a lot. soujuurou keeps this close to mind, and decides not to press further. ]

That makes sense. It’s a lot of work to do all of that together. [ he gives them another short bow. ] Thank you, it was a lot of help. Sorry to keep you from your work.

[beathollow]

.... You're a good kid. Maybe the Queen will grant you an audience. But if you want to, come by any time. We love company.

The gardener smiles again, and waves him off.