5.10 Not a very platonic thing to say

Shu XinYi left the palace, the council members barely noticed that Zither was not present in the meeting. Nor was he present at the castle. Instead he was investigating Saye's life with Yuè. Well not exactly; Shu XinYi had told them to find out about the discriminatory acts that were committed against Saye, secretly. These were the kinds of things they would have to do in the western valley. Shu XinYi couldn't actually do anything to stop the prejudiced actions, after all there was no law against this. Yet.

Either way, Shu XinYi went to the restaurant location to meet up with the 2 idiots. Obviously Saye knew he was being observed, but he didn't mind. He just let them be.

Shu XinYi met up with them, nearby the restaurant. "Brother Ilseu, you are here. I have gathered a lot of information." Zither said with glistening eyes.

Shu XinYi took them to a bustling walkway in the market instead of a secluded area and allowed them to continue. Both of them presented peices of evidence from written to verbal evidence along with confessions.

Shu XinYi listened to them patiently. He was walking with a straight posture and his hands behind his back, with Zither and Yuè at his either side. He hadn't put any effort to hide his identity today Unlike yesterday. So, many people were stopping to steal glances. Shu XinYi ignored all this and kept walking, "Are Yu-Sama and the restaurant manager aware that you have been investigating them?"

Yuè spoke, "Master Calian, how are we supposed to determine that? We conducted the research you asked us to do. So how does it matter?"

Shu XinYi said, "Do you remember the stall we bought the water chestnuts from the day before yesterday?"

Zither clearly remembered as he said, "Yes Master Calian, that rude guy charged us more then he normally would, when he saw your features."

Shu XinYi just silently walked ahead and they arrived at the same food stall. Shu XinYi asked for the same amount of lotus pods and water chestnuts he did that day. The seller recognized Master Calian immediately. He very honestly charged the right price knowing how lawful Master Calian was.

Shu XinYi just bought it and walked away to a secluded area with the 2. He gave them snacks as he said, "Do you understand the importance of my question now, Yuè?"

Yuè seriously answered, "Yes, Master Calian. Does it mean that we can't rely on our identity as princes and we have to be careful about them being in the know about our investigation? Right?"

Shu XinYi, "Yes. Your identity as princes cannot be revealed. Otherwise their behavior will obviously change. They'll do what they want you to see. Moreover, your identity can also become a threat to you. Your task is important but your lives are more valuable. Don't overdo it, while trying to prove yourselves. Be vigilant, not stupid."

Yuè said, "Oh then, can we become 2 farmers in search for work. This way we can be in contact with the locals and the authorities."

Shu XinYi said sighing, "That's a good plan. It's good that you are able to think for yourself. Let's wait for the market to close then we can go meet with Yu-Sama. I am hungry."

Zither looked up to Shu XinYi with excited eyes, "I can't wait to go Master Calian. I wish you could travel with us, it would be so much more intresting."

Yuè who had been normal all this while, showed an irritated expression. He just clenched his fists and looked away.

Shu XinYi had obviously noticed this, "Zi, take this and distribute amoung the needy, make sure everyone gets their share." Shu XinYi handed Zither a pouch full of bronze coins.

Shu XinYi said looking at Zither's retreating back, "Zither admires me doesn't he?"

Yuè's words were stuck in his throat and he could just hum.

Shu XinYi couldn't stop the tease now, "He fights to travel with me. Heh. So innocent. Zi really is adorable."

Yuè really couldn't hold his words right now, his rational self knew that Master Calian wouldn't have such intentions to begin with. But his irrational self won in the end, "He is mine. All mine."

Shu XinYi looked at him with a (´･ω･`)?

Yuè looked baffled as he stuttered, "I-I mean, he is my b-br-broth-ther."

Shu XinYi, "Pfft. Hahaha. Oh such brotherly love is unseen."

Yuè was a bit dazed right now, "L-love?"

Shu XinYi questioned, "Why? Is it something other then love? He is mine, All mine. Not a very platonic thing to say now is it?"

Yuè only now understood that Ilseu was teasing him. All day Master Calian had been so stern that he actually took him seriously. It seemed that Master Calian is already aware of my feelings, Yuè concluded.

Yuè, "Stop teasing me, Ilseu. It's scary as is, knowing what I feel for him."

Shu XinYi seriously said, "Scary? Who are you scared of? The people? The Gods? Your family? Or all three? Whichever it is, it's okay to disappoint them this once."

Yuè was fidgeting with his fingers, "Well there's that, but that's not exactly what scares me."

Shu XinYi oh'ed, "So it's the fear reciprocation huh? The only advice I can give is, just be yourself and allow him to know you and your intentions. After that just wait for the right moment. Calling him yours doesn't make him yours. You've got to work to actually make him yours."

Yuè bowed his head and said in a respectful manner, "Master Calian, I hope you can keep my intentions a secret. Thankyou for understanding me."

Shu XinYi softly patted Yuè saying, "Yeah yeah. Don't be like this now."

At this moment Shu XinYi heard the very delighted voice of Zither say, "Brother Ilseu, Yuè-ge. Look who I met on the way."

Shu XinYi instinctively knew that it must be Bane. It was. Bane would go out to spend time with the people. Because of his looks many would stop and listen to him talk. He would also go around helping those in need without getting anything in return. It was to maintain a good public image. A true scum or a true altruist? He balanced both the definitions with chaotic perfection.

Zither had not been in today's meeting so his behavior was understandable. Shu XinYi didn't want to put Zither on the spot so he let his oblivion continue, "Mr.Bane, what brings you here?" Shu XinYi said with his usual maintained calm.

"Ah, Master Calian. I was just taking a stroll outside. I don't have a residence yet and thanks to you I can't stay in the 2nd palace either." Bane said equally respectfully.

Zither innocently asked, "Huh? Why can't you stay at the 2nd palace?"

Shu XinYi said before Bane could reply, "Because he decided to humble himself tonight after learning from me. Right Mr.Bane?"

Bane raised his eyebrows, is Calian trying to be friendly? "Surely, Master Calian is a humble person indeed." Bane said with an irritated tone.

Shu XinYi took out a parchment from his robe and handed it to Yuè saying, "Yuè, don't leave this unattended. Take Zi with you, and deliver the message to the appropriate audience. The session is not over yet. Meet me at the food shop later on."

Yuè understood Calian's implications. So did Zither. The training was not over yet so this was an other test. Yuè and Zither both bowed their heads and left in a particular direction. In the parchment were today's meeting reports, including the claims made by both Bane and Ilseu.

Zither said after they had looked through the contents, "So Mr.Bane has his secrets. We should keep the matter about our training and travel a secret from him. As for this parchment, Yuè-ge you should keep it safe. Master Calian said to not keep the parchment unattended." Zither was logical and focused while making his judgements in serious matters. His usual playfulness would dissappear at moments like these.

Yuè was used to this mood switch, he even like this little shift Zither did. Yuè folded the parchment and carefully hid it on his person saying, "I know. Master Calian doesn't trust Bane. Neither does father. But most of the council seems to be in his favor. Let's go."

Zither followed Yuè to the closed food shop and entered from the backdoor. Inside, Yu-Sama was cleaning up the remaining tables. Except the one occupied.

In the sitting area, the conversation between Calian and Bane could be heard. "And then I slashed the softest part of their skin with the scarlet poison spear. Slowly their scaly dragon skins started to wither away."

"BANG!"