Ep.31: The Kingdom of Coatlicue, Part 5

“What?! Kekekeke! What are you talking about, Professor! There were no big adventures. We were totally in class today!” I say while whistling and looking the other way. “I-I–I mean, does this look like a face that would lie to you? Kekekeke!” I say, unintentionally conspicuous.

“Hahaha! Like always, Fukai, you’re too honest! That's what’s so great about you!” Gwyn laughs.

“Thanks, Professor!” I respond while smiling.

“Idiot,” Ramsey says, his hand on his forehead, making me feel like I missed something.

“Haha.” Gwyn wipes a tear from his eyes. “I’m getting off topic here. So, why didn’t you show up for class today?”

“We went on a big adventure in the Deep Jungle!” I cover my mouth, quickly realizing my mistake. “Oops! I mean, umm…”

“Don’t worry about it. As long as you’re safe and learned something from the experience, I’m fine with it.” Gwyn says while patting my head.

“Wait, Professor Gwyn! You aren’t mad at us?" I ask, a little confused.

“Mad at you? Why would I be mad at you?” Gwyn seems genuinely puzzled by the question.

“Umm… Well, Anaea told us we were in trouble.” Maka says while trying to hold in a growl from his stomach.

“Oh, that’s right.” Gwyn, realizing the situation, takes advantage of it. “Well, I’m sure you'll find out soon enough.” Gwyn looks up at the palace while smiling. “Hmm… you know, Ramsey, a prince should show a better example for his people.” Gwyn looks at Ramsey with a smile. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I agree, but it’s also a prince’s duty to keep his people safe,” Ramsey looks at the ground calmly, “I think.”

Looking at Ramsey, I can’t help but wonder what position I put him in. “I…”

“Look, Ramsey, a good leader helps his people,” Gwyn walks up to Ramsey, putting his hand on top of Ramsey’s head and smiles, “…but a great leader inspires his people. I’ll let you think about that.” Gwyn looks at me. “And you, Fukai…”

“Who, me?” I say.

“We need to discuss your behavior.” Gwyn approaches me with ill intent. “Let’s talk.”

“No!” I shout while backpedaling only to have Gwyn grab my shoulder anyways and pull me aside.

“What kind of leader do I want to be?” Ramsey says and looks at his palms.

“Ramsey?” Maka implores quietly.

Ramsey begins to walk away while pondering the quandary Gwyn presented him with. “I hadn’t really thought about it that way.”

“Ramsey, are you ok?” Maka looks Ramsey up and down.

Ramsey turns around and sees Maka right behind him, worried. “Huh?”

“Umm… I mean, you just started walking off and talking to yourself. I was just wondering if you were okay.” Maka explains.

Ramsey looks past Maka to see me avoiding eye contact with Gwyn who’s giving me a stern talking-to, and Anaea right beside me, doubled up with laughter. “I’m sorry, Maka.” Ramsey looks down at Maka again while smiling. “I think it’s time for me to go home.” Ramsey heads in the direction of the palace. He turns around one last time and waves goodbye.

“I hope to see you tomorrow!” I interrupt and shout, noticing his wave. “And just like that, Ramsey was gone. We never heard from him again,” I say quietly, looking off in the distance.

“Ummm… Fukai, don’t go killing-off Ramsey… I’m sure he’s going to be fine,” Maka says.

“I hope you’re right, young one,” Gwyn says while looking in the direction of Ramsey’s departure. “The King is a very strict man, I can hardly see him taking it easy on Ramsey.”

“You think so?” I ask.

“Yes, I do. Going into the Deep Jungle is forbidden, except being granted orders to go or obtaining your Buki license,” Gwyn explains calmly.

“Hmm… I had no idea.” I look at the palace from a distance, wondering if Ramsey will be ok. “Hmm… I wonder,” I say, and quickly turn around, my worries disappearing. “I’m sure he’s going to be fine!” I say, smiling. “Alright, let’s find some food! Maka, let’s go!” Maka, Anaea, Gwyn, and I walk away.