10/7/2026, 4:45 PM
The air suddenly felt oppressively warm. Oh, to be able to take off his coat! Her idle praise and its implications sent him into a quiet panic, but Osamu managed to regain his composure enough to offer a tenuous smile back. The best. He swallowed. Was he really? Every day he simply hoped he was enough.
A year?he said, silver brows lifting in surprise.
I will not ask how it is we have not formally crossed paths. The error is mine.Osamu dipped his head in apology, horrified by the error of his negligence. Izumi's sister! He could have whipped himself raw for shame.
Aika's nobility was obvious in the deft way she quickly guided their conversation away from his failings. Only a royal could have been raised to handle such social blunders without batting an eye, he thought miserably. He was grateful.
I actually no longer recall if she found me, or if I found her,Osamu replied truthfully.
I only remember waking in a strange new land, in this strange new - body - and her expression. How determined she was, a young Empress with a lost dynasty and a cause. It never seemed like there was any other path for me.
It made him sound like a lovesick puppy, but to lie about their encounter and his thoughts that day would have been a disservice.
So you grew up together, I assume?he probed gently, curious as to Izumi's childhood and those of her past.
![[Image: ZvwmV36.png]](https://i.imgur.com/ZvwmV36.png)
