Chasing After My Wife

The two of them went down to the ground floor, walked towards the garden and found a wooden bench to sit. "We can talk safely here. Just don't drop any names." Savannah informed her after checking her surrounding to make sure that no one could hear them.     

"Would you believe me that my father didn't kill your family?" Natsu stated with a low voice. He was looking at the pine tree not far from them and the scent of wood wafted to his nose whenever the wind blows.     

"I had a hunch. However, it was an undeniable truth that it was your father's men who killed them."     

"I am not saying this to clear my father's name. I just want you to know what really happened that year base on what I heard." He took a deep breath and released it. "I was seven and you were five that spring. Our family had been together for years. Even though your father was the son of the Empress and mine was the son of a concubine, they grew up close to each other. Your father, the Crowned Prince, didn't know how to manage the palace affairs."     

"I agree on that. He often talks to your father about several matters. My father wasn't really smart. I don't know why he was chosen to be crowned. I was even wondering if the late Emperor wanted to incite chaos within his sons."     

"I have the same doubt as you." Natsu responded before he continued. "Many of the ministers started to take my father's side. They thought that he was more fitting to be the Emperor instead of your father. They came to our courtyard to persuade my father but he always refused. Days turned to months and months turned to a whole year. My mother warned your mom about the possibility of catastrophe falling in your family. Your father knew about it, too but he trusted my father so much."     

"And he was betrayed." Savannah added."     

"Sort of. His kindness and simplicity were taken advantage of. While my father and elder brother went out to hunt, the ministers plotted against your father. I was there on the roof sun bathing when they told our guards to besiege your place and that my father will reward them handsomely once he became the Emperor. Our guards were fooled. That day, my learning about horses was tested for the first time. I went to the hunting ground to find my father and brother. I informed him about what happened. But it was too late. My brother even died because he tried to rescue your elder sister. A flaming beam fell on him."     

"Hatsuo died?"     

"You didn't know?"     

"I thought he was just staying in seclusion. I was even shock that you will be the next Emperor. I didn't try looking into it though."     

Natsu looked up into the bright blue sky. "It was even in the middle of the day. One sunny day became a bloody hell." He looked down on his hands once again. "When the bodies were taken for proper burial, you were the only one missing. My father believed that you are still alive. I didn't look for you because I want to escape from the responsibility but because it was my father's wish. He wanted to return the crown to you. Sadly, he passed away before he can find you."     

"I was also wondering about what happened back then. I had nightmares and I often cried in the middle of the night after escaping the place. However, I have always been bugged by a question. Why do it in the middle of the day when he can secretly kill my father? I don't think Uncle was that stupid."     

"So, you believe me?"     

"There is no reason for you to lie. But I still won't change my mind. I won't go back."     

"I know. I just want to lighten the burden you are carrying for decades now."     

"Thank you."     

He rose to his feet and made a deep bow this time. "Fifth Princess Taira Azumi, with your permission, I will declare you lost and dead to the whole world. In this way, you will be able to live a peaceful life."     

"Sure. I don't mind. When I get married, be sure to attend, 'kay?"     

"Hn. I will support you." Natsu smiled at her. He straightened his body, reached out his hand and messed up her hair. "You have grown into a strong woman."     

"I found people who cared for me."     

"Whenever you need help, just let me know."     

"Likewise."     

Complicated matters won't be settled easily and misunderstandings won't be cleared right away if you won't take any action. Perhaps, people won't understand you or forgive you in an instant but, they will surely start to think about what you just said. That's how we all are. Once someone says something other than what you believed in, you will start to wonder about the fact and validation. Sometimes, trust is all that matters for you to believe in the person.     

"I will go back to Japan now."     

"Take care of yourself."     

Natsu left without letting Jillyanna know. He wasn't ready to see her yet. He would move on first before finding her again. Nonetheless, he still kept in touch with Travis for cooperation. Their country isn't very stable yet and not many businesses were booming. He needed someone who can help him boost the country's economy through business cooperation.     

Savannah went back to the hospital to talk to Travis about the time they'd be gone. "Where's Natsu?" Jillyanna asked when she saw her walking inside all by herself.     

"He went back already. He would need a lot of preparation as the next Emperor." Base on her statement, there's no need to ask about her decision. It was clear as day to everyone.     

"Let's wish him good luck and prosperity, as well as good health and mental strength. After all, he will be dealing with the whole country's affair." Jillyanna stated with a smile.     

Since there weren't any ill feelings between him and Savannah, Travis decided to accept the proposal that Natsu sent. He had been waiting for Savannah's decision regarding her personal matter before coming to conclusion. He didn't like putting anyone in an awkward position thus, Travis put everyone's feeling into consideration. Specially Savannah, if he will cooperate with Natsu, as one of his temporary secretaries, she will have to travel to Japan. It wouldn't be good if she still holds deep grudges towards the people and the country.     

"Happy cooperation to you, Mr. Madrigal. I'll send someone to process all the legal documents for us." Natsu replied to his email that Travis sent few minutes ago.