Shota knew he'd be in trouble when he got home, but if he found the Crane-girl, he'd be forgiven readily enough and he would find her no matter what it took. If she existed, she was Azuki's best hope. Who else was there who might know about illness in bird-humans?

He'd do something no one else could! That would show them! He tried to be angry, but realized he was really hurt at the Princess's lack of attention. The way to rekindle his friendship with the Princess, he reasoned, ...