"But yes, I'll remember that, Yurei… that you mocked me. It won't leave my mind."
Kuradome stood at the balcony, clothed only in a flowing white silk robe for sleep. His crown ribbon lay silently on a low lacquered table; his long silver hair fell free, lifted by the dawn-touched wind.
Above, the half-moon clung stubbornly to a sky where soft pink and gray of morning began to bleed in. The wind smelled of damp earth and crushed blossoms.
His gaze settled on a rose plant growing beside the balcony rail — blossoms so dark they looked as if blood itself had shaped them into velvet petals.
"Kyoren… he always gets enchanted by this scent," Kuradome whispered, the corners of his mouth twitching in something between fondness and quiet ache.
His hand, pale yet hardened by power, traced lightly over a petal. It trembled faintly under his touch.
"And someone… wrapped in silk and gold, like royalty… Even after all I did to make that boy noble. Even gave permission to his teachers to beat him — just so he wouldn't turn spoiled. And still… he's the same complicated brat. What would he have become if I hadn't been so strict?"
A faint smile, edged with regret, brushed his lips. The dawn shimmered over the rose petals, and for a heartbeat, Kuradome thought he glimpsed strands of wine-red hair in place of silk.
He blinked, the memory dissolving, and clicked his tongue softly.
"Foolish mind," he murmured under his breath.
Turning back into the chamber, he pressed a hand over his temple. The rose scent clung stubbornly to his sleeve, sweet and heavy. The room glowed in soft embers from the brazier; shadows danced over folding screens painted with foxes chasing sun and moon.
With a quiet sigh, Kuradome lay down on his silk-padded bed. One collarbone slipped from his robe, pale skin traced with faint veins and old scars. His eyelids fluttered as sleep crept closer, memory spilling into dream.
In that half-dream, Kyoren was small — no older than ten. A tiny fox yokai with two fluffy white tails that brushed against Kuradome's sleeve, golden eyes wide and shining with childish want.
"Father! Give me your crown! I want to look like a king too!"
Kyoren jumped excitedly, clutching Kuradome's larger hand, laughter ringing soft and bright.
Back then, Kuradome's hair was tied into a high ponytail, held by a deep red silk ribbon. No crown ribbon yet across his brow; no sharp strands of hair shaped by time and memory. He lifted Kyoren gently off the ground, letting the child swing for a breath before setting him down again.
"Ah, no… not yet, you two-tailed fool," he teased gently. "It's heavy. And you're still too little to wear it. When you're older — as I was when I received it — then it will be yours."
Kyoren pouted, his small fox ears lowering, cheeks puffed. "When will I be as beautiful as you? I can't wait forever!"
Kuradome's face flushed lightly, though he hid it behind a low cough. Smiling, he swept Kyoren up easily into one arm. The boy wrapped tiny arms around his neck, tails flicking in delight.
"Stubborn kit… you must learn patience. If not, you'll stay a little prince forever — never a true king. And then, no queen will look your way," he teased softly, though a note of warning laced the words.
"But I want to be a king! I need a queen! I don't want to sleep on the cold ground! I love my soft bed!"
Kyoren's eyes grew wet as he tugged at Kuradome's ponytail, lips trembling.
Then, softer, as if gathering courage, he cupped Kuradome's face between small hands. "Father… don't you feel sad? Because you don't have your queen? Because my mother isn't here?"
Kuradome's smile faltered, old sorrow catching in his chest. But he steadied himself, pressed a gentle kiss to Kyoren's temple.
"No, my dear… not every king needs a queen to remain strong. You shouldn't bind your whole heart to searching for one either." He paused, voice dropping. "But tell me… are you sad, about your Fummy ?"
Kyoren blinked " Fummy ? "
Kuradome Cleared his throat awkwardly before correcting.. yet it felt like the truths slipped out " No dear , I mean..mommy "
Kyoren didn't pushed the matter either he just hesitated at first . Then quietly, "Um… no, father. If you're strong, then I'll be strong too. But… I'd truly be sad if you left me too."
Kuradome's heart twisted, pain and tenderness flooding him. He kissed Kyoren's right eye, the place foxes hold their warmth.
"Of course not, my dear… I won't leave you. Ever."
Kuradome shifted in his sleep. His face hidden among silver hair, mouth parted in a breath so light it barely stirred the air. The sky beyond the balcony brightened softly.
From somewhere deep, words slipped out in a voice thin as paper.
"I won't leave you… Kyoren…"
[ End of Chapter 35 ]