Chapter 6: The Quiet Voice Speaks

Hiroshi slouches further back in his chair than he ever could have managed if he had tried. Laughter and giggles over his diplomatic faux pas cut into what is left of his dignity. The red wine glows with a mocking sheen on the white tablecloth, and Brunhilda's thunderous laugh makes him cringe with even greater humiliation.

"Maybe it's time to rethink this whole 'Chosen Sovereign' idea," Altheria said icily, her silver eyes flashing at Hiroshi with thinly disguised disdain.

Hiroshi opened his mouth to offer an apology, but nothing came out. Instead, he was gaping at his plate, wishing he could simply disappear from the room entirely.

As the nobles whispered and chuckled, a soft voice cut through the din.

"Stop it."

The voice was low, barely audible, but there was a gravity to the words that could not be escaped. The laughter ceased as the heads turned to the speaker. Hiroshi was so surprised as he saw who it was that had spoken.

Lila, the timid Beastfolk girl, was standing up from her seat, her fox ears shaking with fear. Her tail lashed behind her, betraying her nervousness, but her amber eyes sparkled with determination.

"I told you, stop it," she commanded, her voice stronger.

The nobles exchanged confused glances, their murmurs silenced. Even Brunhilda froze with laughter in mid-air, her expression transforming to one of mild curiosity.

"He's trying," Lila continued, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched the edge of the table. "Hiroshi's trying to help us. He doesn't know our customs or our ways, but he's here because he wants to understand. Laughing at him won't fix anything."

The room fell silent as Lila's words hung in the air. Hiroshi stared at her, stunned.

"I know what it is to be belittled," Lila said softly, her gaze sweeping the room. "To feel that you don't fit in. But just because we cannot turn a blind eye toward the way he behaved does not mean that we shouldn't attempt to do this together. If he will listen to us, then we must listen to him."

Altheria frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing to view Lila with subdued scrutiny. "A gracious thought, but words will not tie the realm."

Lila's ears flattened slightly, but she didn't withdraw. "Then have him prove it. Have him show us that he's worthy of the prophecy. But give him a chance first.".

Hiroshi felt a lump in his throat as he saw Lila stand up for him. He hadn't anticipated anyone standing up for him—not after what he had done.

"Thank you," he was able to get out, his voice little more than a whisper.

Lila glanced at him, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "You're welcome," she said quietly before sitting down again, her tail curling nervously around her chair.

Brunhilda leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms as a grin spread across her face. "Well, I'll be. The fox girl's got guts."

Altheria sighed, her refined features relaxing ever so slightly. "Well then. Let us hope that Hiroshi has the energy to match her resolve."

Hiroshi sighed, his tension easing as the spotlight was taken from him. The room's tension began to dissipate, though he could still sense the pressure of dubious stares.

Arkanis moved forward, a pleased look on his face. "See? You're fine. Nothing to worry about."

"Nothing to worry about?" Hiroshi gasped in amazement. "I almost ruined everything!"

"And yet you didn't," said Arkanis, smiling at him. "Now eat a salad before it begins to glow.".

Hiroshi looked over at the green plate before him, which did seem to be giving off a soft glow. He sighed, taking a tentative bite as the nobles fell back into talk.

Across the table, Lila's gaze caught his and she smiled faintly. Hiroshi smiled in return, feeling a spark of hope that perhaps—just perhaps—he wasn't completely alone in this bizarre world.