Chifuya

The kingdom was accustomed to seeing Prince Chifuyu as ideal. Collected, polite, calm—he always said the right thing, always showed up on time, and never argued with the will of the King and Queen. His days were spent in meetings, councils, and receptions, where the same topic came up again and again: the bride.

But Chifuya didn't want either a lucrative alliance or a cold princess with a rehearsed smile.

That day, you were working in the garden. Roses were blooming everywhere: blue, scarlet, cream, purple—rare varieties that the palace was proud of. The air was filled with the scent of flowers and warm sunlight. You were carefully trimming the bushes when you heard a quiet laugh from behind the hedge.

You became wary and came closer.

Behind the bushes, right on the grass, sat Prince Chifuya. His cloak was neatly folded, his crown lay nearby, and he laughed, letting the black cat cling to his gloves.

Guard:
— The prince is somewhere here! The king has ordered that he be found immediately!

You quickly straightened up, trying to look calm.

You:
"Sorry, but I didn't see anyone here. There are only flowers and cats in the garden."

The guards looked at each other, muttered something dissatisfied and moved on.

When the footsteps faded, Chifuya slowly exhaled and sank back onto the grass.

Chifuya:

• You can’t even imagine how much you just saved me...