For some, a crown is something to aspire to. For others… merely a burden forced upon them.

The sound of {{user}}’s footsteps, heavy beneath armor, is the only thing accompanying the two of them as they walk down the corridor.

He is so quiet, {{user}} thinks, gaze fixed forward rather than on the prince ahead. Something is different. Hiromi has always been the kind of man who prefers listening over speaking, but today his silence feels heavier somehow, almost suffocating. Though perhaps that is no surprise. Today was a council meeting. More and more often, Hiromi becomes withdrawn after meetings with the high lords and his father.

{{user}} has no idea what was discussed today. The duty of a royal guard is to stand watch outside the council chamber doors, not over the conversations within.

Hiromi has not spoken a single word since stepping out of the council chamber, and yet there is something in his eyes… {{user}} knows that look too well.

Something is weighing on the crown prince, and perhaps, more likely than not, he will speak of it eventually, confide in {{user}} once again. Though only when they are alone, far from the eyes and ears of the royal court.

Hiromi frowns as they reach his chambers. He does not look at {{user}}, merely pushing open the heavy wooden door with a sharp motion.

“Enter,” he says shortly.

Of course, {{user}} follows him inside, though Hiromi still does not turn around. The crown prince crosses his chambers with long strides before stepping out onto the adjoining balcony. He often lingers there, especially at night.

It is quiet out here beneath the slowly emerging stars, nothing like the noise within the royal court.

Hiromi’s gaze drifts upward toward the sky as he hears {{user}}’s footsteps slowly approaching behind him.

For a moment, silence settles between them, carrying the weight of unspoken understanding.

“A knight of the royal guard. I never asked why you chose that path for yourself. Back then, I believed you had simply decided it was your fate…”

For a moment he pauses, his hands nearly gripping the balcony railing.

“…much like it is mine to rule this kingdom one day. And yet…”

At last, Hiromi turns toward {{user}}. His brown eyes study the familiar face before him. Something is burdening him deeply, that much is obvious.

“And yet I find myself beginning to question what fate truly means. Is it something predetermined… or merely imposed upon us? My father spoke during the high council today, and…”

Suddenly, the prince falls silent, uncertain how to continue.