[BL]The Hero and his Party Won't Let Me Go-Chapter 44: Ch : Saintess’s letter

[Dear Head Priest,

I have heard of the present news. The hero and his party have made their way to the holy sanctuary unharmed, and that pleases me a lot. However, it also worries me because he has decided to forgo a key component of his journey: the saintess’s blessing.

As such, I would like to ask you for a favor. Please make sure the hero spends another night at the holy sanctuary. I will be there tomorrow to talk to him in person.

Regards,

Saintess Rosalyen]

The head priest read the letter and then read it again. But the contents in front of him did not change.

"Ugh, how does that stupid child expect me to pull something like this off? Does she think Prince Kaiden is someone who would listen to me just because I told him to stay...?"

The elder man sighed as he rubbed his forehead.

He already knew that there was nothing he could say to influence the crown prince. But since the saintess had made a formal request to him, he still had to try and honor it.

Sigh

"What a load of bullshit. But I guess I better send for a lunch invitation in order to tell Prince Kaiden that the rituals are not done."

That was the perfect way to keep him and his companions here. Even if the head priest did not like the said companions, he had to bite his tongue and keep it to himself.

At least, these companions would only remain with the crown prince for as long as this journey. And after that, they would never have to hear of the ’goddess’s reject’ again.

__________

"I am honored to have you all eating lunch with me. Prince Kaiden, how does your body feel after purification?"

The head priest asked as he looked at Prince Kaiden. However, displeasure radiated off Prince Kaiden in waves. The crown prince kept looking toward Shuu, who was made to sit at the other table with Nero instead of by his side.

He would have pulled Shuu to sit on his lap, but unfortunately, he was caught by surprise before he could do that.

"I am fine. Since the rituals are done, I will take my leave tonight and head out."

Prince Kaiden declared, and the head priest swallowed the curse that threatened to leave his mouth.

"I... am not sure if that is possible. I was going through all the rituals and stuff when I came across one that we have not done yet—it is for your companion. The goddess will boost his wellness and—"

"The goddess, huh? I guess the temple is truly full of crap these days. There will be no need for anything more."

Prince Kaiden declared, and the head priest realized that he had made a mistake.

As much as he wanted to keep pressing, he realized that it was best if he went quiet now. He had his own life to think of.

’Sorry, Saintess. I tried my best, but I am not willing to put my neck on the line for you anymore.’

Everyone noticed where Prince Kaiden’s attention was. He was not hiding it, and it was starting to make Shuu uncomfortable as well.

"Here, you should try this. This is really good."

Shuu looked down at the plate where Nero had dumped too much food on. His stomach growled, but his mind recoiled at seeing so much food.

"This is... too much. I think I might be sick if I eat all this."

If not the food, then the atmosphere was surely going to make him sick. He wished he could be back in his room by now and away from all these looks.

"Hmm, is it too much food? Then eat as much as you can, and I will dispose of everything else."

Nero told Shuu, and one thing Shuu had noticed was that Nero talked a lot—but only when it was the two of them. He was usually too quiet when others were around.

Currently, their seats were far away from everyone.

"I... alright..."

Shuu did not bother fighting with Nero over this. He quickly tried to finish his food so that he could return to his room.

He was not a picky eater, so he ate what he could. But the looks he was getting from the people around him sure made it hard for him to swallow his food.

"Slow down, or you will make yourself sick. Do you want me to block out everyone else? I can do that if you want me to."

Nero offered, but Shuu was well aware of Prince Kaiden’s gaze. And somehow, he had a feeling that it would end in a disaster if he tried that.

"I... let’s not go that far just yet. I am also done. I don’t think I can eat anymore."

Shuu pushed his plate away with more than half the food left on it. Nero sighed as he looked at the wasted food before he took the plate.

Prince Kaiden’s glare worsened, and Shuu felt sweat on the back of his neck. He quickly wanted to head back to his room...

"Do you want to go back? If so, then let’s go back. Kaiden will understand why you left."

Shuu looked at Nero’s offered hand, and the kindness touched him. Nero was... a breath of fresh air from all the glares around him, and being with him felt easy.

He was not Prince Kaiden, but he did make Shuu feel better about the situation he was in.

"Alright. Let’s leave now."

Shuu told him and allowed Nero to drag him out.

On the other side of the room, Prince Kaiden started to get up as well, and Liam decided that it was the right time to hold him back.

Before he could speak up, Reina spoke up, startling Liam and everyone else.

"Those two make a good couple, right? Maybe Nero can take care of Shuu once we are done with this journey. That way, we will have an excuse to keep Shuu around. Don’t you agree, Prince Kaiden?"

She asked as she looked at the crown prince.

The hero looked startled by Reina’s words, and his expression twisted between resignation and aggression. He did not say anything, but his expression was louder than ever.

Liam had a feeling that this could lead to something dangerous, so he decided to address the situation beforehand.

"That will be good, right? After all, Prince Kaiden will marry Lady Sera and ascend the throne. And Shuu can have a happy life while being with Nero and being close to us... hahaha..."