Chapter 5:
More than Money and Devotion
“HIMARI, I’m setting you free.”
“No, Prince Osvalt! I-I’m a criminal, guilty of a disgraceful crime. I cannot come out.”
We went to the dungeon to free Himari, but as we feared, she was reluctant to leave. She had a strong sense of responsibility. I could understand why she couldn’t bring herself to accept her reprieve.
“My brother has left this matter to me. You’re not a criminal, and I’ll find some way to free Haruya, too.”
“Even so, the fact remains that my brother broke the law. I’ve disgraced both of you, and I deserve to be punished.”
“Don’t say that, Himari,” said Sir Osvalt. “We need your help to find Haruya. We have to catch him while there’s still time.”
“You’re both ninjas,” I added. “Maybe you’ll pick up on something that we won’t. What do you think, Himari?”
Like Himari, Haruya had mastered the art of the ninja. No one was better suited for the task than she.
“Prince Osvalt and Lady Philia, I’m too ashamed to look you in the eye. Not only did I fail to convince my brother to see reason, but I watched him flee, unable to stop him.” Himari kept her gaze fixed on the ground, even when we were speaking to her. She was distraught that she’d let Haruya flee, despite being right at the scene of the crime.
“You don’t need to blame yourself, Himari,” I reassured her. “You’d just gone all the way to the palace and back. You were exhausted.”
“But I—”
“You’re the only one we can turn to. If you have any clues, tell us.”
“Y-you two… I don’t deserve your kindness.”
I could understand why Himari was so apprehensive. She had a strong sense of accountability. Nevertheless, this wasn’t the time for anxiety. It wouldn’t do us any favors, let alone her.
“Himari, it hurts to see you like this. Your presence has brought me so much comfort. That’s why I’m asking for your help.”
“Lady Philia?”
“You protected a cherished member of my family, Himari. I don’t want to lose you. You’re important to me, too.”
My words didn’t come out exactly as I’d intended, but I meant what I said. There were so many people I cared about, and I didn’t want to see any of them in pain.
A fierce light grew in Himari’s eyes. “My brother escaped using a smoke bomb hidden in his teeth. The Fuuma clan invented them. They’re effective for blinding the enemy, but they have a very distinct scent. An untrained person could not track it…but I might be able to.”
“Himari!” Sir Osvalt and I cried.
The scent of the smoke bomb? Himari was right. The Knights of Parnacorta would never be able to follow that. Only a true ninja could do so.
“All right, Himari,” said Sir Osvalt. “You lead the way. Take us to the site of Haruya’s escape and see if you can detect the scent.”
“Very well, Your Highness. Leave it to me!”
Sir Osvalt told Himari what to do. It sounded like she would be leading the chase.
Himari had rescued my sister and me. Now that she had finally been reunited with her sibling, I couldn’t watch her life fall apart.
With that thought in mind, we left the royal palace in pursuit of Haruya.