► Bonus Chapter ◄

It was a long day for Shoto. The sun was already setting as he was on his way back home. He had to carry a dead deer while using his earrings. Even though, it didn't take a huge toll on him, maybe because the dear wasn't living anymore, it still exhausted him to some extend. Being exposed to the miasma for the whole day didn't help much either. When he reached the entrance of the castle walls, he saw Shu and Luca who were still on watch duty. They must have been waiting for him. They kept looking around with worried expressions. Shoto waited until he was only a few meters away from them before he spoke. 'Shu, Luca, I'm back' he said while still being invisible. Both of them were surprised by the sudden voice, but they soon realized who called out to them. 'Shoto?! Are you alright? You took so long that we got worried' Shu voiced. 'Yeah, I'm just a little exhausted. Wait a moment. I'm gonna move behind the wall to become visible again' Shoto replied. 'Ok, follow us. We will switch with the night watch' Luca said. Shoto did as he was told and carefully followed them. He had to be careful, since he didn't want to bump into someone by accident.

After they switched with the night watch, they went to a more hidden place and Shoto released his invisibility. He suddenly felt a heavy burden and lost the strength in his legs. Thankfully, Luca reacted just in time and caught him. 'Shoto. What's wrong?' he worried. 'Don't tell us, you used your earrings too much again?' Shu asked concerned. 'Ye-Yeah. Maybe a little. But, I think it's more because I was in the miasma the whole day' Shoto admitted. 'What?! The whole day? Shoto... You have to take better care of your body...' Shu scolded. 'He's right. What, if you become sick?' Luca agreed. 'I know... I just want to find out what is causing this miasma as fast as possible. If it spreads to the castle then we will have to leave and I don't even want to start talking about the forest itself' Shoto frowned. 'I know how you feel. But please, try to look out for yourself more, ok?' Shu sighed. 'Ok...' the other surrendered. 'Now. Let's get you back home. You should eat something and then go to bed' Shu ended. Luca helped Shoto walk while Shu carried the deer to the castle.

Shoto was now sitting in the kitchen. Shu told Shoto to stay on his chair, so he rested his head on his arms. Luca and Shu were off to get the ingredients for dinner.

'Shoto? Is everything ok?' he heard a voice next to him ask. 'Vox... Yeah. I'm fine. Just tired' he blinked. 'Don't tell me you overdid it again?' Vox worried. 'Just a little. But nothing a good night's sleep can't help with' Shoto calmed him. Vox only sighed and sat down next to him. Shoto already closed his eyes again, since they were really heavy. Wanting to help him, Vox started petting him on the head. Shoto didn't mind and it actually felt very comforting. Soon, Vox heard deep breaths. 'Fell asleep again huh?' he chuckled. He brushed some of Shoto's hair out of his face to get a better look at the sleeping beauty. After some time of this peaceful quiet, the others walked in. Vox motioned them to be quiet, since he didn't want to wake him up. 'Oh, did he already fall asleep?' Ike whispered. 'Yeah. I think, we shouldn't wake him up' Vox replied while also whispering. 'But, what about dinner? He should eat something...' Ike lamented. 'I'll make sure, that he eats a lot for breakfast, don't worry' Vox assured. Ike sighed and agreed with a nod. 'I'll bring him to his room' Vox said and gently carried Shoto in his arms. 'Wow. He's as light as a feather' he chuckled slightly and set off towards Shoto's room.

As he arrived, he walked up to his bed and slowly put him down. He was feeling a little conflicted, but decided to strip him down to his shorts. His clothes were just too dirty to be kept on. Then, he quickly covered him with his blanket, so that he wouldn't get any weird thoughts. Now satisfied with himself, he smiled and watched the sleeping beauty for a little longer. Before leaving, he leaned forward and gave him a kiss on his forehead. 'Good night, handsome' he whispered and left the room.