Judal is both badass and cute. At the same time.
"badass cuteness" achievement unlocked. Was the merchant Budel? That would be a fun coincidence.

Next one should be from Hakuryuu's point of view, right? Can't wait to see how it'll come along with Kouen being a grumbly serious and INTENSE travel partner.

I'm a bit disappointed that Judal did not find Hakuryuu, but that was to be expected. It would have been way too short a journey too.
I'm starting to wonder if they'll cross each other without meeting, since one is going to the capital and the other is leaving for the country.
Or is the rukh pulling Judal in Hakuryuu's direction? (because, yes, I am unashamedly assuming that Judal will choose Hakuryuu)

I'm really taken in by your story and I'd love nothing more than to read the next chapters... Please write them?
Pretty please?
With a cherry on top?

The plot is moving... Brace yourselves!

How old are they? From what I gather, this is only a few months after the fire, so Hakuryuu and Judal have not yet reached ten years old. Maybe Judal has, he’s a year older. That’s still pretty young to go wandering alone.

Anyway, I’m curious as to what Kouen’s answer to Hakuyuu’s question would have been. And as to the origin of his apparent inferiority complex?

Oh My Gods, Hakuyuu is Daredevil! How the hell does he fight his (very capable) brother when he’s blind and has apparently no magic/djinn/whatever to counter-balance his reduced senses? I believe the courtiers should be made to watch their emperor spar. That would shut them up. Well, no, nothing can shut up gossips, but it would give them some ground to think. Or maybe they want to keep Hakuyuu's badassness a secret advantage.

I really REALLY hope that the next chapter contains the meeting between Hakuryuu and Judal.

Also, I'm preparing myself to restrain the laughs when Judal will basically choose Hakuryuu over his big brother. Because that's what I sense happening later on in the great flow of the rukh. Yup.

... until he found his king?

I’m in love with your setting. In fact, this is now my established head canon for any alternate universe where Judal gets to grow up with his family. The sheer peacefulness of it is awesome.

Also, Yunan. Just... comes up, tells his story, nudges someone into their destiny and leaves. Classic Yunan.
I'll be flying to the next chapter without pause.

This is pretty awesome! I love how you write Judal.. the part where was originally just going to watch the mugging was so HIM before that pesky social obligation interfered. At least he can get to Rakushou easier with that performance. ;) Overall, wonderful story! I'm really enjoying it! Please update as soon as you can; good luck writing!

You always make the best stories for this pairing, I'm excited to see where this goes!

Woo, update! This fic really deserves more favorites and follows. And I really like how you manage to make Judar (Judal?) assholish and proud but endearingly naive to the ways of the world. It's just really shocking to find that there are so few follows/faves... (:O

Oh wow. Nice start, I really like the idea of this fic. I totally approve of this story, keep on writing!

This is great, I'm looking forward to reading more of this.

THIS IS SO GOOD! I love your writing, it flows perfectly through transitions and conversations. There are hardly any grammatical errors, and I find myself riveted with the tale. I can't wait to see where you go with this, and how awesome it's going to be. Once again, what an awesome story!