The Doll and The Prince - v3 Chapter 65, v3 Chapter 66, v3 Chapter 67

Hiiro (56)
It had been quite some time since I last came to the conference hall.
Was it a year and a half ago? Back when the war was finally nearing its conclusion, there was a discussion on how a member of the royal family, or someone of similar standing, should lead the final campaign to the battlefield. We had to decide who would go. That was the last meeting I attended.

At that time, it was unofficially decided that Sekitora would take command, but after some back and forth, it somehow fell to me. I had a feeling my older brother had set me up, but I didn’t hate the role enough to refuse, so I accepted. After that, I went to the battlefield, and when I returned, I took full advantage of the leave policy for soldiers and had been absent ever since.

I thought I’d never have to attend again.

With that in mind, I entered the hall. Most of the attendees had already arrived, and a variety of eyes, filled with their own agendas, were fixated on me.

The head of the Sanjou family, who sat at the highest seat in the absence of Ichijou and Nijou, was glaring at me, and I had a vague idea why. The Gojou family, represented by Sekitora also had their usual hostile gazes directed my way. I noticed that I hadn’t greeted Toya Sanjou, who looked at me kindly since my return from the battlefield.

"Touya-san, I’ve returned unharmed."
"Yes. Welcome back, Your Highness."
"I apologize for the delayed greeting."
"As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters."

Though Touya-san was already at a considerable age, there was no sign of decline in his beautiful face. If anything, the deepening laugh lines only added to his charm.
This gentle man had opposed my going to the battlefield until the very end, even offering to go in my place. I realized that I had been neglectful by not greeting him upon my return.
I bowed my head.

"I’ve heard of the various events. If possible, I’d be glad to hear them directly from you, Your Highness."
"Of course."

I took my seat as my father and older brother approached. My father looked surprised to see me, while my brother smirked with satisfaction.

The reform proposal concerning the licensing system was put forward: those without a family name could be exempt from the status guarantee fee if they had a guarantor with a family name, and the examination fee would be the same for everyone. Only Sanjou and Gojou opposed the proposal, claiming that people of low birth wouldn’t be able to receive the higher education needed to obtain a license, making it pointless. The rebuttal from Kujou Toshitane was nothing short of brilliant.

"Two people passed the medical license exam last year. One of them was an orphan I adopted. The other, if I recall correctly, was also an adopted child from the Yakushi family, a medical lineage. They took in a talented orphan and raised him. Now, look at the incompetence of those with family names who are supposed to have received higher education. Our Ikumatsu studied relentlessly, sacrificing even sleep. Isn’t that something to be proud of? I’ve been meaning to propose expanding the scholarship system to allow more talented individuals to receive higher education."
"We would like to consider that proposal in due time. For now, let's focus on the licensing issue."
"Hmm. Those who put in the effort deserve proper rewards. This proposal also benefits the country by securing talented individuals. It’s wonderful!"

Under Akemi's chairmanship, the parliament session continued, and additional advantages were raised, such as solving the shortage of doctors, chefs, and drivers. With a majority in favor, the proposal was passed.

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Hiiro (57)
“Hiiro."
"Huh?"

As soon as the meeting ended, and I stood to leave, my father called out to me. Startled, I gave a dumb reply. Come to think of it, he hadn’t said a word during the meeting. He had indicated his agreement with a raise of his hand...

"Ah, umm, Father. It's been a while."
"It’s been far too long. You should show your face more often."
"Erm. yes, you're right."

It was true. I had greeted him upon returning to the country and apologized for the destruction of the research facility, but that was all. In reality, it was Akemi who was running the country. Father was more of a helper. Knowing that, I had work discussions with Akemi but had little to talk about with Father, so I would immediately return home. I didn’t mind living in the royal palace, but after receiving my own residence, I found it so comfortable that I had no desire to return...

"You still haven't let me meet your beloved child."

His slightly sulking tone made me exasperated.
He’s a kind, ordinary father. Not the kind of man fit to be an emperor.

Originally, it was supposed to be my uncle who would inherit the throne, so my father wasn’t raised to carry the dignity of running a nation. He was brought up with the intention of assisting under the name of Ichijou, along with my mother, who had been the wife of the second son. The story goes that when my brother died suddenly from illness, no one cried more than my father. Since my uncle and his wife had no children and Akemi had already been born to my father, he became the emperor’s bloodline. My uncle’s wife, who had been slated to become the empress, returned to her family and remarried a relative. My mother, who was suddenly made empress, worked hard and harder until her heart became weary. By the time I was old enough to remember, she would tremble and freeze in front of large crowds and couldn’t perform public duties. Depressed by her inability to contribute, she had once even wished for death.

There were plenty of hands to raise us children, so we weren’t troubled despite my mother's condition, but when I was young, I saw her as someone I shouldn’t approach casually. It was more like Lady Himiko and Aoba were the ones who raised me as mothers. When Akemi, who had been raised to become emperor, and Akari, who had been determined to become his betrothed, were able to take on the public duties, my father and mother visibly calmed down.

By the time I was in high school, family gatherings had become a little embarrassing, but it was then that I realized they were just ordinary parents. Looking back, I understand why I couldn't possibly become emperor. I was only ever raised with the intention of assisting my brother, who would be emperor. My parents' confusion stemmed from the same situation. Even so, they’ve done a remarkable job. After realizing that, I was able to interact with my parents as just a normal family. This time, it was fortunate that my mother was able to take care of Naruhito.

"I’ve left him with Mother. I’ll go pick him up; would you like to join me?"
"Yes, I’ll come."

When I knocked on my mother’s door, she responded immediately. Opening the door, I saw Naruhito sitting on her lap in a rocking chair, his mouth hanging open as he stared intently at the fish tank. A large ryukin goldfish swam leisurely in the one-meter diameter circular tank. It was placed on a stand, so it might have been at eye level with him as he sat in the chair. My mother was smiling gently, watching Naruhito closely. Every so often, she would stroke his left arm, which ended at his elbow, as if she were hoping it might somehow grow back...

"Thank you for taking care of him."

I spoke, and Naruhito finally turned to look at me.

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Naruhito (69)
When I woke up, a kind-looking woman was gazing at me with a slightly anxious expression. I was lying in an incredibly soft bed. I couldn’t help but rub my cheek against it.

Wow, it feels so nice.
As I rubbed my face against it, the comfort made me feel like I could fall asleep again.
I sensed a soft laugh and felt the woman patting my back… gently, gently.
……… Who is she?
Where am I?
I can sense Grandpa’s presence, but since he hasn’t appeared, this must be a safe place.

"Little Naruhito, would you like to sleep a bit more?"

A gentle voice asked.
How does she know my name?
I stared at the woman’s face. I didn’t know her, but she sort of resembled Prince Akemi.
But Hiiro is way cooler.

"My name is Shizuku. Nice to meet you. You must be surprised waking up in an unfamiliar place, right? Hiiro will be here to pick you up soon, so let's wait together."

She explained slowly.
If Hiiro is coming to pick me up, it means he left me in Shizuku’s care while I was asleep. That must mean she’s someone important to Hiiro.

"My name is Naruhito. Hello."

I sat up and greeted her.
Aoba had taught me that when you meet someone during the day, you say “hello.”

"Yes, hello. You're so polite. Would you like something to drink?"

My throat was dry from just waking up, but is it okay?

"Um... well..."
"Water?"

A woman in the room immediately moved and brought water from the adjacent room. She handed it to me, saying, "Here you go."
The water wasn’t very cold...

"Thank you."

I drank a little and gave it back.
Hmm? Shizuku tilted her head.

"We also have juice."

But I can only drink Hirosue's juice...
As I hesitated, they brought out juice too.
Huh? The color looks just like my usual mixed juice.
As I stared at the cup, a straw was placed at my mouth. I tried sipping a little.
Huh? It's the same as my usual.
Feeling happy, I slurped it up. Yum. It was delicious.

"Oh my. I'm glad."

Shizuku was still holding the cup for me.
I hurried to take it from her, reaching out with my right hand.

"Here you go."
"Thank you..."

I looked up and saw a container of water. Inside, something red and white was moving. It swayed right, then fluttered left, and flipped back over to the right, drifting lazily. Its mouth opened and closed.

Wow, what is that?

"Do you like goldfish?"

Goldfish? So that's what it’s called.

"Do you want to feed it?"

A stepping stool was brought out, and I dropped some small pellets into the hole at the top of the container.
After stepping down, I watched.

Chomp.
Wow, it ate it.
Chomp, chomp.
Wow, it’s eating.
Ohh~ Amazing.

"Little Naruhito, come over here. You'll get tired if you keep standing."

Shizuku brought a rocking chair in front of the goldfish and sat down.
She held out her arms, inviting me.
Is it okay?

As I hesitated, the woman in the room lifted me up and placed me on Shizuku’s lap. Wow, she’s strong.
She hugged me snugly, and it felt so nice.
And right in front of me was the goldfish.
I was fascinated and kept watching. It’s alive, too. It ate food, after all.

"Thank you for taking care of him."

Hiiro’s voice suddenly startled me.

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