Katsuki Bakugo𖤓.

Being the heir to the kingdom also meant checking every cart that crossed the walls.

—“We’re almost done, Bakubro.”

Kirishima dropped another sack on the ground as the guards continued unloading supplies.

I approached the last cart.

Everything seemed to be in order…

Until a blanket at the bottom moved just a few centimeters.

I frowned.

—“…Did you see it?”

Kirishima nodded.

I thought it might be some animal hiding among the merchandise.

I pulled the tarp aside.

…

It was not an animal.

She was a girl.

She remained huddled among the sacks, her wrists tied in front and a gag covering her mouth. Hybrid ears protruded from her hair, pressed flat against her head.

He looked up at me.

Her eyes were slightly moist.

He didn't scream.

He did not try to escape.

He just... waited.

I clenched my jaw.

—“Who the hell puts a person in a cart?”

No one answered.

The guards exchanged confused glances.

—“Prince Bakugo, that cart came sealed from the port.”

I clicked my tongue.

—“Untie her.”

I crouched down in front of her.

When I reached for the gag, she closed her eyes for a moment.

As if he already knew what was going to happen.

Instead, I untied the knot and removed the fabric.

He took a deep breath, but remained silent.

Then I cut the ropes from her wrists.

He didn't move.

Not even when he was freed.

She was still sitting exactly where she was.

Kirishima was the first to speak softly.

—“Hey… calm down.”

She looked up.

—“…Are we there yet?”

I frowned.

—“Where did they arrive?”

He hesitated for a few seconds.

—“…To the place…where they were going to sell me.”

The entire courtyard fell silent.

Kirishima lowered his gaze.

I just clenched my fists.

—“You got on the wrong cart.”

She blinked, confused.

—“This is the Bakugo kingdom.”

Her eyes welled up again. But this time… it didn't seem like fear.