The Doll and The Prince - v2 Chapter 74 (Patreon)

Hiiro (38)
"Are you awake?"

After lunch, I was called by Akemi, so I ended up leaving Naruhito behind. Today, he especially didn't want to be apart, so I'm worried.
I wanted to take him with me, but Ikumatsu stopped me.
I can see a small bulge of a futon on the bed.

"He did wake up once, but he got angry because His Highness wasn't there."
"What about food?"

Ikumatsu shook his head.

"It seems he couldn't even drink a mixed juice."
"That's why I said I should take him with me."
"His body needs rest."
"He doesn't have any injuries or fever now, does he?"

Ikumatsu shook his head again.

"I was thinking about how Naruhito's body can move like that, how it can produce such strength. My guess aligns with Dr. Shinobube's research. Such use of the body won't last long."
"Speak plainly."
"It's like the superhuman strength people get in emergencies. When people are cornered, they sometimes exhibit a once-in-a-lifetime, beyond-their-limits strength. It's like he's causing a malfunction in his brain to always be able to use that. If you do that, the body would usually scream and put a stopper on it, but even his body's stopper has been removed with drugs. The reason why Combat Dolls are children is probably because it's easier to induce brain malfunctions and change the body's structure when they're small. As long as they can exert their strength, it's fine if they're useful in war, so they're not made to last. Naruhito's body is starting to deteriorate."
"... What?"
"It’s not like I want to tie him to the bed. I want him to have fun. Without making him move recklessly, I'll make sure he gets proper nutrition so he can live even a day longer... I will."

His voice gradually trembled and became quieter. Swallowing his saliva with determination, Ikumatsu spoke again.

"Please, listen to what I say."

I was half-stunned. Even one day? Isn't that too short of a unit? Shouldn't it be at least one year?

"Participating in combat is absolutely forbidden. Playing with Rikimaru using his body is also limited to when he’s in good health, once a week."
"... I will definitely obey."
Naruhito gently lifted the futon that covered him up to his head. A trace of tears could be seen under his right eye.

"... But I will take him with me."
"Your Highness."
"I promise I won't let him participate in combat."
"... Yes."
"As soon as Rikimaru returns from school, we'll leave. Until then, please give him an IV drip."
"Understood."

Gently stroking Naruhito's head, I left the room to prepare for the assault on the Nijou family.

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