Chapter Text
A soft, pale hue of sun cast itself down onto the land, birds started their morning song, chirping happily as they basked in the warmth of the new, spring sun. From the field nearby, came the sound of roots snapping, feet shuffling in the mud, and occasional groans of a young man hard at work. Miyuki Shirogane had risen long before the sun made it's appearance, already harvesting vegetables for his father to sell into town later. He used the hem of his thin shirt to wipe the sweat forming on his brow- his bangs sticking uncomfortably to his forehead. With a tired huff, he pulled the cart of crops towards the hen house. He unlocked the door, carefully entering the coop and moving towards the fresh eggs. He silently counted them- more than two dozen today. Before he collected them, he reached down to stroke the only chicken who had risen with the sun, the small animal faithfully lingering at his feet.
"Good morning, Bertha."
He whispered, a slight chuckle escaping him as he moved to collect the eggs. After locking up the coop, he dragged the cart back to his small shed, separating all the crops for each of his different customers. He picked up a spare apple he had miscounted, walking out of the shed to the stable, he gently knocked on the wood, smiling when he heard a huff from the other side.
"Good morning, Orion."
The horse put his head down for Miyuki to pet, he presented the apple to the horse, who took the fruit with pleasure. Miyuki gave him another stroke, the horse sighing in delight.
"Maybe we can go riding today, is that something you'd like?"
Orion just rubbed his head against Miyuki's hand, the young boy laughed, giving the horse a slight hug before returning back to his shed.
He checked the time on the small wristwatch his father had given him- already seven hours into the new day. He closed up the shed, heading back into the house. He walked into the small bathroom, wiping himself down and wearing a new pair of clothes, before walking into the kitchen and starting on breakfast. The odd few eggs he had collected, he cracked into a pan, scrambling them as the smoke hissed into the air.
"Morning brother, were you outside?"
His younger sister, Kei Shirogane, sat down onto the wooden dining table, fixing her appearance with her small hand mirror. The siblings heavily contrasted each other in term of clothes, Miyuki was wearing a basic shirt with thin pants, Kei was dressed in a prestigious girl's school uniform. Miyuki placed her breakfast in front of her, pouring her a glass of water too.
"Is the old man up?"
Kei shook her head, humming in surprise once she put the omelet in her mouth. Miyuki smiled, patting her head lightly before entering his father's room. The man was cooped up underneath his sheets, breathing heavily. Miyuki rolled his eyes, pulling the blanket and lightly tapped the older man's head. His father stirred in his sleep, groaning as he faced the other way.
"Father get up, breakfast is ready and you need to do deliveries."
The man reluctantly opened his eyes, groaning as he sat up on the bed, rubbing his eyes. Miyuki just put a hand on his shoulder, leaving the room and going back to the kitchen. He put away the lunch he had packed for Kei in her school bag, handing it to her as he walked her to the door. On cue, a carriage rode up in front of their small house, the coachman leaped down, holding the door open. The pink haired girl sitting inside put her fan down, waving at Kei and squealing.
"Good morning, Kei!"
"Good morning Moeha!"
Miyuki took the coachman's place, holding open the door and helping his younger sister in.
"Hello Miyuki"
The young girl giggled, face red as she fanned herself and waved.
"Good day, Miss Fujiwara."
He waved both girls off, the coachman riding away. He walked back into the house to see his father washing the dishes, Miyuki silently walked past and went back into the shed, recounting all the crops and double checking that they were all going to the right people. He straightened his shirt, sweat made it stick to his body uncomfortably, he ought to get the bath ready. His hands were covered in dirt, his stomach grumbled, begging him to feed it some food. Miyuki sighed to himself, locking up the shed and walking back into their little home, right into the bathroom. The walls were still moist, the smell of vanilla clinging to the walls, Miyui noticed the clean, warm water left in the bath, along with a note, the handwriting elegant. It bought a smile to his face, as cold as his sister was, he knew she still had a soft heart somewhere.
He striped himself of clothing, pouring the bath salt Moeha gifted their family into the bath, then finally relaxed. Miyuki mentally counted the orders placed today, silently reviewing his day in his head. He was grateful they had a bath, most farmers, like them, did not have the luxury of one. He should probably thank his mother for it, but his pride would not allow such gratitude.
He was not always like this- a farmer's son with an education that could top most nobleborns. His father was one, a long time ago, but his mismanagement led to him being striped away of the title. His mother, who seemed to only marry for that, left with Kei, the young girl returned a year later, claiming her mother's expectations were too high, and that she preferred her father anyways. It irritated Miyuki, the way his mother left him like he was nothing, like he had no worth. His own flesh, his own blood, left him to rot. He had been working away since he was fourteen- six years later, not a thing had changed. He clenched his jaw, feeling the warm water beginning to have a cold bite to it. He cleansed himself a second time, before stepping out of the bath, wrapping a towel around his waist and walking to his room.
He put on his blue dress pants and shirts, as well as his overalls, checking in on his father. The old man was in the shed, probably loading up the orders. Miyuki sat in the small study desk, cooped up against the wall. Miyuki opted to take the smallest bedroom, a small bed and wardrobe just about fitting. His father slept in one which was similar, slightly bigger, and Kei had the master bedroom. He flicked open one of the many books stacked against the wall, picking up a feather and scribbling down notes. He hummed a quiet tune to himself, completely entranced by his studies.
The sound of ink splattering across the sheets and paper rubbing against each other filled the room, Miyuki went from solving basic mathematics equations, to writing about noble etiquette. A hand on his shoulder took him out of his focus, his father stared at him, eyes wide and his forehead slightly crinkled.
"You have a guest."
Miyuki groaned, the wooden chair scraping against the floor as he made his way to the front of the house. His frown immediately disappeared when he saw the pink haired girl standing in front of her carriage, her blue eyes gleaming in the sun, her dress as flowery and big as it always is. He walked towards her, the girl extending her arm out, Miyuki responded by kissing the back of her hand, in a well practiced motion.
"Chika Fujiwara, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Good to see you too Miyuki!"
She giggled, covering her face with her fan, and Miyuki could not help but smile. Both Chika and Moeha, were granddaughters of the chief governor of their kingdom- they both hailed from high nobility, Miyuki sometimes found it preposterous that he could even breathe the same air as them. After his mother abandoned him, Mr Fujiwara made sure he got a proper education, not only that, the man ensured he received basic knight training. It usually consisted of him training with a swords master, or chaperoning the Fujiwara girls into town. Nevertheless, he was extremely grateful, if it weren't for the Fujiwara's, he would not have most of the things he's been blessed with.
"What do you require, Chika?"
"I need a chaperon into town, a new boutique has opened with all sorts of fabrics! Please take me Miyuki, please, please, pleaseplease-"
"Alright, I will! Let me grab my sword."
"Yay! You're the best!"
Miyuki laughed, walking back into his home to pick up his sword. It was sheathed with yellow fabric, the handle was embroidered with the Fujiwara crest. He looped it into his belt, waving his father goodbye as he walked back to the carriage. The coachman held the door open for the two, as Chika began blabbering about her new adventures. Miyuki just smile and nodded, slowly zoning out.
"You know Miyuki, you really remind me of Kaguya sometimes."
"Comparing a commoner to her royal highness? You wound me, Chika."
The young girl playfully slapped his leg, continuing to explain what events occurred at her tea party. Miyuku leaned his head back, his mind slowly wandering to what Chika said before.
Princess Kaguya Shinomiya- people called her the 'black cat' of the nation, the only girl to be born to the empire in the last 50 years. She's distant, cold, and only involves herself when it concerns her nation, but for some odd reason, it intrigues Miyuki. He had only ever seen her once, and it was in a portrait Chika had shown him. She had hair as dark as the night sky, and ruby red eyes that held no light in them. Chika would argue, and say she is a wonderful young girl, who has a sense of humor and cares for her close ones. Miyuki does not disagree, but it truly intrigues him, she's like a complicated puzzle that Miyuki is itching to solve.
"Look, we are here!"
Miyuki turned his head, the bustling town coming into view, as the horses trotted over the bridge. Miyuki stretched his arms above his head, fastening his sword to his belt, instead of looping it around.
"Stay close to me, if anything catches your eye, make sure you tell me."
"Yes, yes, whatever you say knight."
Miyuki smiled, flicking her forehead, Chika grumbled in annoyance, shoving his arm away. The coachman stopped, opening the door for them. Chika, who seemed to have not listened to anything Miyuki was saying, immediately began running off, Miyuki trailed behind her, making sure to keep an eye on the girl, who was jumping from stall to stall.
Soon, Miyuki was only a step behind Chika, carrying her abundance of shopping, the young miss was walking happily, talking with her chaperon, who responded with humorous remarks. Miyuki's eyes travelled to one of the many fruit stalls, people were gathered around, the sounds of bickering and arguing echoing in the centre. Miyuki gently grabbed Chika's hand, pulling her closer to the scene, Chika was more than happy to oblige, interested in some drama. They squeezed past the onslaught of people, as they were faced with two merchants who were quarelling over money.
"Just admit that you stole from me so we can be done!"
"I am not admitting lies! Guards, I'm innocent, seriously!"
The young guard, who was definitely new to his job, looked around confused, his sword sheathed in front of him.
Miyuki raised a brow, his eyes moved towards the accused man's stall, where he could just about make out another man stealing. He had on an apron, embroidered on it was a family crest, coincidentally, the man who had his money, apparently, stolen was wearing the same one. An older guard stepped forward, unsheathing his sword and pointing it towards the accused. Miyuki let go of Chika's arm, walking towards the commotion.
"Excuse me, sir."
The older guard spat on the ground, staring Miyuki up and down.
"What'chu want kid? Dont involve 'yerself in business that don't concern 'ya."
Miyuki shook his head, pointing to the daylight theft.
"No sir, I just wanted to let you know, that man over there is stealing."
Everyone turned their heads, the younger guard immediately chased after the thief, who dropped all his stolen loot. Then, Miyuki walked towards the so called 'victim,' pointing at his money tray.
"Do you see sir? All his money is correctly aligned, if it were stolen, it would be all messed up."
The guard turned his head from the accused, to the victim who now had his hands above his head in surrender.
"I-I can explain-"
Miyuki turned back around, taking a hold of Chika's arm and walking away from the crowd, ignoring the gasps and whispers that ensnared behind him. The young girl turned back and laughed, poking Miyuki with her free hand.
"Miyuki that was amazing! Aren't you just the smartest?"
"It was quite obvious actually..."
The young girl still laughed, talking about how she would treat him to any dessert he wanted, Miyuki just laughed along, allowing himself to be dragged into random stalls.
However, he could not shake off the weird feeling that he was being watched.
It was not the gaze of a normal civilian, it seemed much harsher, much more observant. He looked around, letting Chika excitedly order her drink. The plaza was getting busier, and tracking down that wandering eye was getting harder. He led Chika to a different stall after she received her drink, diverting her attention to other things, so he could focus. Just when he thought he was in the clear, he saw it. A man, dressed in formal attire, a glove on one hand. He had been at nearly three different stalls they visited. He turned around and saw another one, dressed practically the same. He put a hand on Chika's back, leading her back towards the carriages.
"Miyuki? Is everything okay?"
He did not reply, just gave a sharp nod to the coachman as he hurried Chika inside the carriage.
"It seems we were being followed."
He put her shopping on the seat opposite to her, Chika stopped him from shutting the door, pulling his arm.
"You're not coming in?"
He smiled at her, squeezing her hand.
"I'll be a few paces behind you."
She nodded, reluctantly. He slammed the door shut, watching as the horses trotted away. He noticed the men again, three this time. He held onto the handle of his sword, before running into the nearest alleyway. The sound of hurried footsteps behind him confirmed his thoughts, as he ran out into the busy plaza. He slid into the sea of people, he counted more men, probably more than ten, he grit his teeth and continued running, finding another alleyway. He took a sharp turn, only to be met with two men. He unsheathed his sword, using the flat of the blade to fight against the men. He managed to slip past them, running further down the alleyway. What on earth did he do to incur their wrath!?
He slowed his steps, taking a deep breath before stepping back into the busy plaza. He walked at a normal pace, searching the area for an escape. Guards stood at the front of every bridge, if he led these men to the western bridge, he'd be sure to make a clean escape.
'I need a distraction first, though...'
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a spare piece of paper, before scrunching it up and holding it in his fist. He saw one of the dressed men, casually walking past him, before throwing the paper at the guard in front of him.
"Hey! Who did that!"
The guard, who seemed displeased already, pulled his sword out on one of the men, another saw and came to aid his ally, the guard screaming out a string of curses. Miyuki saw his chance, ducking down and running onto the bridge, he heard footsteps behind him, but continued running until the end was clear. When he was under the care of the Fujiwara's, Mr Fujiwara had him learn every secret passage in the main city. He turned his head, the men were still far behind, but they were close enough to know that Miyuki was running away. He leapt off the bridge, diving into the water, before crawling onto the hidden platform below it.
"Where did he go!?"
An angry voice bellowed above, before the sound of an angry guard intervened. Miyuki quietly walked down the platform, that led right back to the plaza, he could hear the men walking above him, along with a guard, yelling how he'd have their heads for causing such a scene. Miuki ran a hand threw his wet hair, climbing up the stone staircase. He began walking down an alleyway that led to the confectionery stall Chika wanted to visit, counting the loose change in his pocket.
Suddenly, he lifted his head up, his eyes widening as that malodorous smell wafted in the air, he immediately held his sword to his body, the smell of gunpowder strong-
CRASH!
'What the fuck is going on!?'
His sword shattered onto the floor, holding onto the handle, he leapt off a wooden box, jumping onto the roof. He could not hear any footsteps, yet that glare he felt on him before seemed to follow him with every step he took. He jumped across buildings, trying to shake off that stare, but it was like he was constantly being watched. He could hear the noise below him begin to fade, as he ran further into town, far away from his farm. Just when he thought he could escape, he was met with a wall, a large stone wall that meant he was at the border of the city.
Behind him, he heard someone clapping their hands, as if they were celebrating. He turned around, panting heavily, his eyes widened in shock.
"Not bad kid, not bad at all."
Miyuki looked at the gun, then back at the man's face, and immediately fell onto one knee, his head down as he tried catching his breath.
"Y-Your Highness."
He managed to cough out, his sweat ran cold, a chill creeping up his spine, snaking around his neck and suffocating him.
Prince Un'yo Shinomiya, the third prince of the nation, also known as 'the fox.' The kingdom call him a schemer, he controls what happens behind the scenes- he controls trade, controls the gangs, anything remotely bad that happens in the kingdom, happens by his call.
'So what the hell does he want with me?'
Un'yo chucked his finished cigar on the floor, his hands in his pockets.
"Get on your feet boy, I've been watching you for a while now."
Miyuki obeyed, still, he stood with his head hung low, the prince fixed his collar, before addressing Miyuki again.
"What's your name?"
"Miyuki Shirogane, your highness."
Un'yo let out an impressed hum, a smirk creeping onto his face.
"Shirogane, huh? You know, you got a lot of skill for being the son of a farmer- and you were with the Fujiwara girl. You guys are from two different worlds, ain't 'ya?"
"Lord Fujiwara provided me and education and knight training."
"You wanna be a knight?"
Miyuki raised his head, Un'yo chuckled, amused by how light appeared in Miyuki's eyes again.
"How good are you at keeping secrets, Shirogane?"
Miyuki did not answer, he just stared at the prince in front of him, who was already lighting another cigar, his gaze piercing through Miyuki's flesh, right into his soul.
"Depends on its weight."
Miyuki clenched his jaw, that was definitely not something you say to a prince- as a commoner especially. Yet, all Un'yo did was smile, looking very amused, and pleased, he nodded at Miyuki's answer, turning around to take his leave.
"Meet me at the western gate tomorrow after sunset. Behind the Sakura tree theres a door. Enter it."
Un'yo began walking away, but stopped when Miyuki spoke again.
"But, your highness... that gate is always locked and guarded."
The prince looked at him again, smiling with all his teeth and tapping his head.
"Then use that brain of yours."
Miyuki's feet were sore from all that walking and running, he was still holding onto the handle of his broken sword, and could practically feel the blisters littered across his feet. He limped into his house, throwing his sword on his little makeshift counter, and falling onto the floor. His eyes grew heavy, as he heard the hurried footsteps of his sister and father besides him.
"Brother, where were you, and why do you look so out of it!?"
His father flipped his body around so he was lying on his back, he grunted, his arm over his eyes to block the light from the oil lamp. He turned to look at his father, his sister beginning to poke at him for answers.
"I think I just landed a job at the palace."