Shuu felt his heart skip a beat as soon as he heard Crown Prince Kaiden's words. His start was all Shuu needed to know that the crown prince had someone else.
"I do have someone I like. She's… someone I had always respected and felt close to. I think we were fated since I saw memories of her all the time before we actually met. Ever since then, I promised to protect her. But she's a little fragile, so she was not able to accompany me… ah, but don't worry. I care for you as well. I will keep you safe since you are my current partner."
Prince Kaiden sounded and looked drunk as he spoke. There was no other reason he would have told Shuu all this… or so Shuu would like to believe.
"You see, we met as kids, and in the start, I did not feel anything special about her, but the more time I spent with her, the more I dreamed, and I-"
"I think I want to go inside now. I am starting to feel cold."
Shuu told the crown prince as he quickly started to walk back inside. He could not hear a single word more about the person Prince Kaiden liked.
"Hmm, you want to go inside? Are you alright, Shuu? You do look a little pale and-"
Prince Kaiden reached for Shuu's hand, but Shuu quickly started to walk, not allowing Prince Kaiden to reach him.
Shuu's insides felt like they were twisting, and the emotions he was feeling made him feel ugly. And still, it did not feel like he could control himself.
"I am fine. I just… need to sleep it all off."
Shuu told the crown prince as he headed toward his room. He passed the hall, but the loud cheering was too much for him.
His eyes met Kana's as he passed, and she just sneered at him but did not stop him.
Shuu reached his room, only to find it empty. There was no blanket or sheets there… not even a mattress to lie down on. But Shuu still threw himself onto the wooden bed and closed his eyes. He just wanted to forget what happened today.
The room felt too cold, but Shuu somehow managed to fall asleep.
However, he regretted it the next morning when he woke up and his body felt too tired to move. He was not even able to open his eyes properly, and his stomach felt weird.
Shuu pushed his body, but when he tried to stand up, his legs had no strength.
The door opened just as he collapsed. He heard a loud gasp as someone rushed to his side and slid their arms around him.
"Shuu, are you alright? Can you hear me? Shit-! He's burning up. We need to find someone to take a look at him. Reina-"
"I will cast a spell, but I don't know how effective it will be. He doesn't have the goddess's protection, so magic is-"
"-Don't care. Just do something…"
It was getting harder and harder for Shuu to keep a hold on his consciousness. He just wanted to sink into oblivion and not think about any of it.
He blinked and looked up one last time, only to see Prince Kaiden's blank expression looking at him.
Shuu tried to speak up, but no voice came out of his mouth. It felt too dry for him to do much.
That was the last thing he saw before he closed his eyes and gave everyone a scare.
"Shit-! Shuu, are you awake? Ugh, this temperature is too high. This could cause brain damage. We need to do something-"
"The healer is taking too long. Reina, you hold him. I will go and get the healer-"
Liam told Reina, only to get cut off by Prince Kaiden.
"You both stay here. I will go and get a healer. The High Elder will respond to me more quickly."
Liam wanted to protest and tell Prince Kaiden to stay with Shuu. But something about that closed-off expression told him that he should not interfere with whatever Prince Kaiden wanted.
So Liam did what any sensible person did-he nodded and allowed Prince Kaiden to go.
"What the heck is wrong with that fool now? Ugh, anyway, Liam, help me put Shuu back on the bed. And where is the fucking mattress and blankets? Does this fool even realize how cold it is out there?"
Reina complained as she pulled Shuu up. She looked upset and irritated, causing Liam to let out a startled laugh.
"What are you laughing at? Do you want to become my victim as well?"
Reina asked, panic seeping into her voice a little bit. She looked genuinely worried, and Liam started to feel worried as well.
He had no idea what could happen if Shuu were to die. He was the only one who was currently holding Prince Kaiden in check.
"Hey, do you think 'she' will be able to calm Prince Kaiden down if Shuu dies? I mean, not that I want him to die, but still…"
"Honestly, I am not so sure. Prince Kaiden always says he loves 'her' because she's his destiny and all, but he has never shown any attraction toward her like he has with Shuu. I can't even tell if this is because Shuu is healthy or because of something else. Nor do I want to know."
Prince Kaiden was not someone who liked to share his thoughts with others. So it was almost impossible to tell what went on in his mind.
But there was one thing Liam knew for certain-Shuu should not die. At least, not until they defeated the Demon King and got the all-knowing cure from his grave.
Their journey was not only for the sake of tradition, but for the future of humankind itself.
__________
"Prince Kaiden, what brings you here? Your face… is everything alright? Is there anything troubling you? Should I call Kana for you-"
The High Elder saw the expression on Prince Kaiden's face and immediately tried to shoot his shot. But the crown prince only remained calm.
"I need you to call for a doctor… right now. And after that, I need you to answer a few questions for me. Who was responsible for looking after my companions' rooms? Especially Shuu's? I would like to have a detailed talk with them."
The High Elder suddenly had a feeling that he should not speak. But remaining quiet did not seem like a valid option either at this point.