Snow White with the Red Hair (赤髪の白雪姫)

If that's the case, then try making me an ally on the path you and Shirayuki follow.

The one I wish to have by my side in the future is...

Brush the dust off gently. It's heavy, so be careful.

Okay.

Oof.

"Episode 23: The Future Because of Who You Are"

Shirayuki, morning.

Mitsuhide! Good morning!

Oh yeah, Shirayuki, has Zen been acting weird lately?

Hm?

It's like he gets kind of spaced out sometimes.

Shirayuki!

What's the matter?

I'm sorry, but will you come with me, please?

Prince Zen was injured badly--

What?!

So then the cloth fell on you, and you hurt your neck?

Yeah...

It hurts when you move it, right?

Yeah.

M-My deepest apologies, your highness!

No, it's fine. I should've just dodged.

Be careful next time.

Y-Yes, your highness!

You may go.

Excuse me!

Those girls had tears in their eyes, huh?

I can't blame them since I wasn't paying attention, either.

Anyway, it's nothing serious.

Are you sure?

Are you really, really sure you're okay?

It hurts, but what about it?

Oh, too bad I can't turn to face you.

There you go, acting cold again.

Shirayuki, do you have a moment?

I'll go tell the chief herbalist what happened, so can you look after Zen?

Oh, okay.

He'll probably listen to what you say.

He's using spiteful words, but I think he's trying to say not to worry.

Thanks.

Excuse me.

Huh?

Chief, are you here?

Now I've done it...

It has a mysterious fragrance.

What is it?

I'm making Zen wait, too...

Mitsuhide's taking a long time, isn't he?

Shall I go find him?

It's nice and quiet without him, but please do.

Oh, Mitsuhide!

Prince Zen, I deeply apologize for my tardiness.

I, Mitsuhide Louen, have returned.

Hm?

The chief herbalist wishes for you to pay her a visit.

I will accompany you to the medical wing, Prince Zen.

Why are you talking like that?

Mitsuhide, did something happen?

Shirayuki, did my lateness worry you?

I apologize. I'm fine.

Who is this person?

It looks like Mitsuhide accidentally got a whiff of a medicine with hypnotic properties.

Hypnotic properties?!

Did he become someone else?

No, no, this is still him.

To put it simply,

part of him that normally lies deep in his consciousness got a boost,

and it is appearing on the surface.

Well, there is no injury to his person.

By the way, Mitsuhide, there was a fragrance coming from the spilled medicine, right?

Did you think strongly about anything when you smelled it?

Oh, yes, that's right...

I knew that Prince Zen has recently had many things weighing on his mind,

so I thought if I had been steadfast by his side, he would not have been injured.

You know what...?

Prince Zen, are you all right?!

I'm fine! Stop making a big deal out of everything!

I see.

That must have made his loyalty to Prince Zen even stronger.

That was one of the things we prepared for you to analyze

to prepare for your upcoming exam, Shirayuki.

Exam?

Sorry about the trouble.

Can you fix his strange symptoms?

We can make some medicine, but it may take a while...

Prince Zen, that is unnecessary.

I cannot allow my failure to cause more work for others.

From what I have heard, the symptoms should leave me in a few days,

and they will cause me no difficulties.

What?

Rather than worry about me, you must worry about your own injury, Prince Zen.

No matter how you look at it, you're the one seriously injured! In a lot of ways!

However, I do not understand what is wrong with me,

and even if your injury is not serious, Prince Zen,

it may become something more serious if you avoid using that area.

You must be treated quickly.

If you stood behind me the way you are now,

it would make me want to turn around with my injured neck over and over!

Shirayuki, will you treat Prince Zen?

Y-Yes!

Mitsuhide!

Fine. Do whatever you want.

Zen...

You don't have to worry about him either, Chief.

If those are your instructions, your highness.

Now, Shirayuki, please treat the prince.

Oh, right. Prince Zen, this way please.

I'm counting on you, Shirayuki.

Oh dear.

Sorry for taking up your time, Shirayuki.

That's fine, but...

Oh, I'm going to spread the medicine on, so can you take off all your shirts?

All of them?

If you're in pain, I'll help you.

No, it's fine! I'll do it myself!

Okay, I'm putting it on now.

Okay...

Zen, let me know if you're worried about anything behind you.

Behind me?

Yeah. It looks like turning around is painful.

If there's anything I can help with, tell me. Don't hold back.

All right.

Master--

Woah! Why are you undressing?! It's still light out!

I'm putting them back on--Ow!

Found it! Yoikagari, a plant with hypnotic properties.

Really?

Yeah. It's a species we don't have in the herb garden...

I'd have to use this to treat it, too, huh?

I was wondering why you still had a stack of books even though you're off work,

but you were looking it up after all, huh?

I felt like it would bother me all night even if I went back to my room.

But I need to talk to the chief herbalist next--

Shirayuki.

Ryu?

The chief said to give this to you.

This is... yoikagari!

She said, because of the prince's wishes, this is just for you to study.

That herb is difficult, so do your best if you're going to use it.

I'm going to get some sleep.

Okay!

Kiki, good morning!

Morning.

Excuse me.

Prince Zen!

Oh, Kiki? I am terribly sorry.

Was your precious hand injured?

Morning.

Huh?

Morning.

He's not back to normal even after a full night's sleep?

It's more serious than my injury after all.

Thank goodness! Your injury has healed, Prince Zen?

Yeah, that's why you should--

Please do not worry about me.

These are the reports from the areas under your jurisdiction.

Will you please look over these by the end of the day?

He's the picture of a young noble, huh?

I understand. Then, I will make the arrangements.

Thanks, I'm counting on you.

By the way, Lord Haruka--

Prince Zen, it is time for your next appointment.

I'm still talking!

Time is of the essence, Prince Zen.

If you are late now, it will make you late for your next meeting,

making you late for the one after that, and the one after that!

That lateness will affect the next day, as well,

which will carry on to the next day, and that will cause a terrible situation--

Wh...?

Please wait, Prince Zen!

You cannot use this path. Let us take a detour!

Your feet will be dirtied!

You know what...

It is my duty to protect you, whatever the situation!

Sorry, Mitsuhide. Can you get that?

Yes, sir.

Please wait, Prince Zen!

I'm finally free...

I was waiting for you, Prince Zen.

He won't turn back!

Are you all right, Master?

I wonder...

It reminds me of the past.