Kazuo PoV
I rubbed my stomach, a satisfying warmth spreading through my body. "Thank you for the meal, Manato."
He smiled. "It was my pleasure, Your Grace."
Natsumi stood up. "We must be going. We have a king to see."
Manato nodded. "I know. But remember what I said. About the docks at dusk."
She huffed and shot him a quick glare. "I'll think about it." She then turned and walked out, the silk of her red cloak swirling around her.
I sighed. She was impossible.
Manato chuckled. "She's something else, isn't she?"
I nodded. "She certainly is."
"Take care of her, Kazuo."
I was taken aback by his words. Take care of her? I thought I was the one who needed to be taken care of. I was the cowardly bookworm, the one who shied away from a fight. She was the fierce warrior, the one who faced danger head-on.
"Why me?" I asked, my voice a little shaky.
