No, that's not like something you see in department stores, okay? I'm not in front of one, either.

The talk with Grandpa didn't end the way I hoped, so I excused myself and went to that garden with a pond at the back of the residence, to get some fresh air.

Mind you, our sky is not like yours. It's always bluish-purple, but it gets dark in a way that still confuse me.

That settled? Good. 'Cause I feel like punching something now...

*takes a deep breath... release...

Apologies, that was nowhere fitting for a prince. What I meant to say was... okay, I feel a bit lonely *sobs.

Sometimes being renowned is... just, not the best thing you could hope for.

Hi there, fishies...

This pond was made shortly after my birth, Mom said. It was Tou-sama's way of showing appreciation, for he's... well, usually not one easily moved. As a Maou, that is.

Now, what was meant to be a gift turned out to be a breeding ground for fresh, well-fed, colorful fishies. I couldn't say I dread them, were it not for one passing thought...

Grandpa's second nature is a cook, see, and we have armies of maids and servants. My only fear every time I'm about to enjoy any fish dish is that some of them ingredients might be taken from here.

Almost every week I came here and counted the fishies. No decrease in their numbers, so far...

"Meow..."

Ah, now there's a black cat lurking around the pond...

Hmm... might be a good idea to have pets. It's not like I won't be able to find the time to care for them.

I hope Grandmom wouldn't be against it.

--huh?! What?! A cat so near fishes? How careless of me to let it go that far!

I stood up, trying to shoo it away with my hand. In vain.

As I picked one of the pebbles strewn around the pond, it began to hiss. Agitated.

Not too pleasant, huh.

"Away!"

Crap. My first aim was off.

Picture it--a young prince throwing stones at a cat (heck with the manners!), and please tell me how that feels. I really want to know.

No tutor would ever teach you doing this.

But... I guess I did say about wanting to hit something...

"There!"

That throw, the seventh, was partly with annoyance--and what do you know, it hit!