4. Firewood.

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• Midsummer Sunrise.   14. Good intentions (1).

  Why did everything have to go wrong for Saga? He only wanted to help someone, he wanted to be useful for once in his life. But he was stupid, he overlooked too many things, and those things suddenly became clearer when he was already in confinement. What was the use of knowing about them now?He should have questioned his uncle about the search of his carriage, Yega had taken too long searching to just end up claiming he had not seen anything out of the ordinary. Now that Saga was thinking back, it wasn't that strange that Yega had acted so out of character that day. He didn't want to poison him with his wine, he probably only wanted to blackmail him. Yet Saga was so sure of himself and his plan… He had the silly idea that anything he ever did would turn out alright (because up until that moment, it had been like that).How could he be so blind?

• Midsummer Sunrise.   13. A royal decree (3)

  —Where are you going?Even with the bad lightning, Taru could see Saga perfectly: his face was devoid of emotion. It felt weird and cold and distant.—How did you know I was here?—I just knew.But the Prince lied, he was just passing by when he saw the window opening. He wouldn't admit that, as he was having fun by confusing Taru.—So, where are you going, Taru? —he asked once again. Regardless of his expression, Saga's voice was far from angry. It had a hint of warmth that Taru had missed.—I… wanted to go to the bathroom.—I have a private bathroom you can use.—Ah, yeah, that's right. It's just that I like the servant's bathroom.Saga nodded as if he understood, yet he still didn't let Taru move away. He pushed him slightly with the box he was carrying on his hands.—Let's go to the room, I have something for you.The sight of the box (that wa

• Midsummer Sunrise.   12. A royal decree (2)

  Saga was quiet, he thought he needed to be more cautious. The words his grandfather had said that day were suddenly all over his mind. Taru was suggesting something that Saga was afraid he could not do.Yet he asked, just to make sure.—How can we do that? How can we improve this nation?—Right now, only the king has enough power to make such changes —Taru's expression had started to mutate, a slight smile showed on his face—. Do you think your grandfather can cooperate with us?The Prince only shaked his head.—Then maybe we should convince your dad. The king is old already, anyways, and soon your dad will take his place. You should start implanting the idea of a better world.—And what do we do if my father doesn't want to cooperate either?That had a high chance of happening, but it wasn't that the only reason Saga had decided to inquire about it. He wanted to see how far Taru was willing to go.

• Midsummer Sunrise.   11. A royal decree (1)

  As the King of Gasheka, Osha had to be up the moment the first light of the morning sun made its appearance in the sky. Getting out of bed, however, didn't mean he was awake, at least not entirely. He was almost eighty years old already and had been on that throne for the last thirty-five years; he was tired, he had run out of energy. Besides, after his wife's death, his job had doubled. They were married when they were both very young and had remained together through every hardship for six decades. Suddenly she was gone and had left a big void behind.He missed her, and regretted not appreciating her when he could. That's why, when his eldest grandchild asked for an early audience, King Yoru granted it immediately even if that meant he wouldn't be able to nap. He was trying to be better, at least with his family.—Good morning, Prince Noroku.—Good morning to you, Your Majesty.—Come here, come —King Yoru made a sign so Saga woul

• Midsummer Sunrise.   A warm welcome (3).

  Saga's cup was still full. His uncle had indeed brought Nomari wine to receive him, and although it smelled really good, Saga didn't dare to drink it.Yega wasn't stupid enough to try and poison him, right? And why would he do that? To get the throne? Even if Saga died, Mira would be the one to succeed him. And if she was dead too, then there were his three siblings. Even if all his close family was dead, Yega still had an older sister who would inherit before him. Killing off all that people seemed to be too difficult. Saga didn't doubt that his uncle would do it if he could, but it simply wasn't convenient.—Is there anything you would like to talk about with me, uncle? —Saga finally inquired.—I just wanted to spend some time with my favourite nephew. I'm glad you're back.—I appreciate

• Midsummer Sunrise.   9. A warm welcome (2)

  —I think I was in hell —said Saga.He had woken up just an hour before but he was already sitting restless on his bed. He wanted to go out, let the summer air fill his lungs. However, at least three out of his five caretakers said that it wasn't going to happen, and so it didn't happen.—And how is it? Hot? —Ragi was the most interested in whatever his master would say. He was sitting by his side with a spoon in his hand and a bowl of porridge, ready to feed his prince.—At first it was fine, but then it became really cold. I don't remember much though. But…—Yes?—I think I heard Taru. He was here when I woke up, I guess he was talking to me.—Yeah, sure, Your Highness.—Where is he now?—He's tied up in the carriage.—Why?—Because he's our prisoner and he might escape.—He's not our prisoner.Ragi blinked a couple