Ch. 7: We'll Go Back Together (SUN)
I walked through the flames, still holding Sai's hand.
I feel a little light headed.
My consciousness dimmed, and I wondered if I'd inhaled too much smoke.
But I have to keep walking.
Yet contrary to my own will, I collapsed on the spot.
Sai: "OO…?"
Sai's voice rose in worry, sensing what had happened.
Sai: "OO, take care of the kitten for just a little bit."
Sai said as much and handed the kitten back to me.
OO: "…Sai?"
Then Sai used all his strength and lifted me up.
OO: "Sai, you'll get too tired…"
Sai: "It's fine, just hang on to me tight. And hide your face in my chest so you'll breathe as little smoke as possible."
OO: "Alright…"
Sai held on to me for a little while, and we safely made it outside.
OO: "Thank you…"
Sai: "…I'm glad you're safe."
OO: "…Sai."
Many people had gathered in front of the stable and were in an uproar.
Villager: "P-Prince Sai! Are you hurt…!?"
Sai: "I'm fine. But I want everyone to hurry and get water! OO, rest a little."
Even though Sai had just gotten done carrying me out of the blaze, he started leading the work force to put out the fire.
Seeing how reliable he was, my heart started pounding.
…
……
At last the fire was safely put out, and there was a large cheer.
Good…
Sai: "OO, are you alright?"
OO: "Yes…Sai, thank you so much."
I said my thanks and…
Sai: "Why did you do something so dangerous!?"
He shouted.
OO: "…the kitten, it was inside…"
It was the first time I'd seen Sai so angry, and I replied as best I could.
Seeing me like that, he took a deep breath.
Sai: "That may be…but you were so reckless. I want you to look out for yourself more OO."
Sai…?
Sai: "Please, don't do something so crazy again…"
OO: "…"
Sai was looking directly at me.
His expression was different than usual, and my heart sped up.
Sai…
At that moment, there was a 'meow' and the kitten's head appeared at our feet.
For a moment, Sai looked at the kitten fondly …
Sai: "…maybe I'll keep it in the castle."
At last, he spoke quietly with determination.
OO: "Eh…are you sure?"
Sai: "Yeah."
OO: "But what about the king? You said he doesn't like animals…"
Sai: "…there are empty rooms in the castle, and I think it'll be fine if I can keep it in secret. If I'm found out, will you face the scolding with me?"
Sai gave me a mischievous smile.
OO: "Yes…!"
Sai: "Let's all go back to the castle, together."
His words made me so happy that my whole face lit up in a smile.
Sai gently lifted up the kitten at his feet, and together we left the stable.