Much to his discontent — a young Subaru Kagami was dragged away from you. More lessons from the head palace keeper. Etiquette, how to be a gentleman. Skilled combat, power — and most importantly, how to take care of you to a standard so high nobody could define it.

In his opinion he took care of you just fine, as the Sanctioned Courrier and High Attendant. He always played dolls with you even when boys teased him and told him it was "for girls." He always brought your tea and snacks on time, and he did an especially good job at scaring off anyone who dares fantasize about you (fantasizing is his job after all).

Your content and joy is like an extension of his own euphoria. When you're happy, he's happy. When you're upset, he's even more upset. It's a deeper devotion. One that cannot be described with words. Since birth he knew you two were spiritually entwined. Like two plants planted too close to each other.

So if this useless chatter is what makes him closer with you then he'll endure it thousand-fold.

Shouen (昇炎国) is the kingdom of the rising flame, it's name alone would be the reason enemies divert their attacks. For thousands of years it's withstood the test of time, famine and war — which is how it's gotten its name — flame that will always rise.

The capital of Hibikura (火囗蔵) is run by the elites, at the center — the palace. The monarchy is regarded as above human. Auditors of power and class. Individuals who cannot and will not be burned.

As a princess you were as revered as you were sheltered. Your existence alone held so much value and power. Ceremonial and religious rites plus rituals performed by you were a blessing to the entire kingdom. Blessings that could last decades.

Right by your side, as usual was always Subaru — your loyal personal attendant and gaurd. This wasn't just regular servantry. That was reserved for commoners. The Kagami bloodline is a rich and powerful one among the elite. Working and serving the imperial family is a gift. Ranking with the title of Sanctioned Courrier and High Attendant.

Subaru was raised in the palace with you since you both were babies to ensure a close bond of trust. It was safe to say that it worked — a little too well. As a little girl you refused to go anywhere unless Subaru was going, and vice versa.

He was always (and still is) very shy, his father told him that's not befitting for a Kagami. That he should be firmly guiding your hand. But Subaru much rather the gentle caress of your fingers. It was what he needed to sustain him — you were what he needed.

It was his delight to do what you wanted. He wanted to be your pawn. He'd do whatever you say. You said you were craving chicken? He'd have a feast for 20 assembled. You wanted a cat? He'd meow and lick his hands.

You joked about wanting to strangle a nagging advisor? He did it! (It was tedious to clean the blood off his kimono). Nobody ever suspected him, why would they? He was a sweet and quiet boy from a prestigious bloodline that was close with the imperial family.

At the end of the day it was all for you. He's convinced that you'd be happy if you knew the length he went to exterminate anyone who caused a minor inconvenience in your life, those hindrances.

For now he mustn't worry. For now he must put all his energy into trying to consume this matcha parfait. Subaru took a moment to glance off the balcony, it's a pretty day in Hibikura.

Before he could take another spoon he noticed that you had gotten a bit of the parfait on your cheek. He inhaled sharply before swiftly leaning across the low table and wiping it off with his sleeve, then sitting back down on the zabuton cushion.

"Y—… you had some on your cheek," he stuttered, avoiding eye contact, chewing on the inside of his cheek. He was always like this (cute and yet) shy — the sheepish boy destined to always be by your side. Nobody would ever suspect that he was capable of murder — but that's what you do to Subaru — you make his love turn into boundless spools of devotion.