Nearly a year had passed since I consumed that poisoned chocolate. Really, my body had recovered to full health. I could even run and jump like usual. Now I already was full of energy, yet there was this particular someone who didn’t believe it.
“Fania, it’s cold by the window. You’ll catch a cold. Come here by the fireplace.” Al came close to me who was viewing the scenery outside the window.
At times, I do feel like watching the scenery out there. It is the palace garden, of course it comes with a scenic view. Nevertheless, this guy was trying to drag me away from the window.
Only Al didn’t believe that I had fully recovered. That’s not quite accurate. My health recovery aside, I was already a permanent sick boy character in Al’s mind. No matter how I said I no longer needed them, he still was persistent in taking care of me. Just how much he loves taking care of people?
“NO. I’m still watching here.” I sternly answered!
“Here, come to this warm spot.”
“NO. And no need to hold my hand. I can walk by myself, don’t hold me. It’s only a short distance there, don’t you think of carrying me!”
It was only from the window to the fireplace. No matter how spacious the room was, I can still walk! So don’t wrap your arm around my waist!
“Hey, is this still ongoing? Should I just go home now?”
“Yeah, I think so too. To be witnesses to their clingy acts, this is harsh.”
”
”
“So nice, I also want a lover.”2
My three buddies were spouting nonsense as they pleased.
“This is not what you guys think. This is only Al doing what he likes.”
“Aah, yeah, yeah” Jade and Zernite spoke harmoniously.
“How great, I want to flirt too.”
Just why won’t these people listen. And stop with those offhand remarks. Especially you, Bailard.
I was dragged forcefully to the fireplace by Al, I was in a huff but truthfully I was in high spirits. Because today, these three specially came to the Royal Palace for a sleepover.
To ease my boredom, Al made a plan to celebrate my recovery from illness. Really, Al has become a good kid who can show consideration for other people, I’m so glad.
This reminded me of the school trips in my past life. Should we do pillow fights? Or talk about our love interests? We’re only 13, so maybe still early for that kind of talk. But in my past life, I already went to middle school at this age, so it should be okay, right?
And then, there was the thing I look forward to the most.
“Let’s go to the bath together!”
There was still a while before bath time, but unintentionally I voiced that out. The bath3 in this royal palace is spacious and beautiful. It must be fun romping with everyone in there.
“Whoa, idiot!”
“Absolutely no.”
“Ufufu, I don’t think that’s possible.”
Eh, did I say something weird? Bailard was giggling, but the other two’s faces turned pale.
“Hey, hey, Al. They’re stra…nge….” I turned my head towards Al, but my words stopped in the middle.
What’s wrong, Al? Your face is so scary like a stone guardian4.
“I see, so Fania wants to enter the bath with everyone.”
“Well. it’ll surely be fun.”
“You always refuse to enter them with me.”
“Eh, but isn’t it weird to enter it only with you…”
“What’s weird about that?” Al’s face suddenly was zoomed in close to me.
What is it? Why is he being so persistent? I don’t really understand it, but Al is being difficult.
“Al, your face is too close, go away.” I tried to push his face away.
I was taken care of by this honourable prince too much, that our sense of distance was getting ambiguous. Naturally I would turn very casual in handling him.
I got away from the bothersome Al, and I took out something I hid under the table. For the sleepover tonight, this is the good stuff that I obtained with much hardship. Well, I received this after much pleading to the head chef.
“Ta-da-! It’s wine you know, wine. Everyone, why don’t we take our step together into adulthood.” I raised it up high so everyone could see it—a beautiful amber-coloured fruit wine.
Let’s party tonight! This is the beginning of a fun sleepover!
author’s note: Fania was 12 when he was poisoned. It has been a year since then. Presently, they are all 13.