Page 109 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
The human rubbed the back of his head with alittle laugh. “I come here a lot because I enjoy hanging out with Kisano, so I probably make him talk more than he’s comfortable with.”
“It is not uncommon for our conversations to last hours,” Kisano said. “I still find it hard to believe myself. Fersen also visits me often. They both are tremendous company.”
“Well, I am certainly impressed.” Kizoshi smiled at her younger brother with pride. “Good for you, Kisano. It pleases me to hear you and Vanra have become so close. It warms my heart.”
“I keep telling him he’s the best, but I don’t think he believes me,” Vanra said.
“I still think you are being too generous with your compliments.” Kisano’s protests didn’t surprise Kizoshi when he had lived centuries of solitude in the library, with only her and Kitaro for company.
“Luckily for him, I am happy to say it as many times as he needs to hear it to believe it.” It touched Kizoshi to see how much Vanra supported her brother. Fate had made the right choice in bringing Vanra into all their lives. “I wouldn’t be nearly as content here if it weren’t for Kisano keeping me company.”
Kisano’s blush reached the tips of his pointed ears. “It has been most enjoyable having Vanra visit me.”
“That is truly wonderful,” Kizoshi said. “It makes me feel slightly less guilty for being so remiss in visiting you, Kisano.”
Kisano waved it away. “Thereis no need for guilt. You are busy with your responsibilities, so I have never taken it personally when you are gone for long periods of time.”
“That is because the longer I am in the Divine Realm, the more books I bring,” Kizoshi told Vanra with a playful wink at her brother.
“No, that is not true at all!” Kisano protested as Kizoshi laughed.
“I am merely teasing, dear brother. I bring the books because I love you.”
“That is why you are my favorite sister,” Kisano teased.
Kizoshi grinned. “Mitsuki doesn’t exactly make for tough competition. Although, that is true in any regard.”
“Nasume might have beaten him for who was more foolish at breakfast the other day,” Vanra added.
“Yes, I am satisfied that he is still licking his wounds.” Kizoshi took great pride in it. “Every time I think his stupidity has found its boundary, without fail, he makes a further ass of himself.”
“Kitaro must have been so upset.” Kisano frowned. “I hate that Nasume still tortures him.”
“He stayed cool and collected, as always.” Kizoshi sniffed disdainfully. “I would rather have revenge, though.”
“Your retribution tends to involve more bleeding than Kitaro’s,” Kisano said.
She flicked her long, red hair over her shoulder. “That is becauseIknow how to do it with style.”
Kisano chuckled. “You have always had a flair for theatrics.”
“There is nothing wrong with wanting to put on a good show.” Kizoshi pouted. “It is why Mitsuki being such a simpleton almost takes the fun out of putting him in his place.Almost.”
“That has always been your favorite hobby since childhood.”
“I dare say I will never grow out of loving to do that. He could at leasttryto make it a challenge, though.”
Vanra laughed. “I can only imagine what you’ve done to him over the years.”
“There was more blood involved than tears,” Kisano said to Vanra.
She arrogantly tilted her chin. “It is further proof of his stupidity that he never once learned not to take me on. He loses every time.”
“And I’ve seen firsthand that he’s a sore loser,” Vanra added.
Kizoshi nodded. “That he is.” She turned her attention to Kisano. “Would you be terribly offended if I borrowed Vanra for a little bit? I will return later if you are amenable to it.”
“I would never tell you no.” Kisano smiled at her. “I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you for coming to visit, Vanra. It was a pleasure, as always.”
