ShipTeaser

  Oering the small room I was directed to, I saw Motoko and Natsumi, being fussed over by their parents. Well, Natsumi anyway. On seeier, Natsumi’s rather eic yet still beautiful mother Masae-san smiled gently, while her father Shou-san had a rather plicated expression on his face. They were both wearing yukata, likely from their family store. Motoko was with her mother, the elegant Tsumura Rikako, her long brown hair trailing down her back, and her movements graceful, like a dancer.

  And then there is… A sixth person was in the room, Yukiko-saed in the er, fiddling idly with her long braid, though when she saw me enter she reacted, perking up a little.

  “Good afternoon.” I greeted the parents of my fiancées, nodding to the princess politely, w why she was here. “I trust that Motoko and Natsumi have filled you in on… progress?”

  “Indeed.” Rikako-san said, her tone even and fident. “I fess that the decision we made was a hard osumura house is amongst the most prestigious houses in the nd. To… go against tradition in this way is unusual.” She lowered her voice, a slight smile on her face, one eyebrow raised, as if sharing a fideh us. “I will not say that no daughter of Tsumura house has ever chosen poorly and thrown away her chastity in the past, but usually that would be a cause for disiance. In this case however…”

  “That’s maly unfair.” I protested. “I bet there were plenty of sons who slept around and still ied.” I interrupted.

  “He has you there, Tsumura-sama.” Masae-san chirped. “Though I do agree it’s a bit different for boys. But… well, this situation is also different, isn’t it? Even if our men struggle with accepting it.”

  “Is that why father is being so… so rude to Akio?” Seeing Motoko’s normally posed expression twist into an aggrieved pout was fresh and charming. “Demanding from him, despite all Akio has given already! I shall not five that, not at all!”

  “It’s true then.” Masae-san giggled, very remi of her surprisingly wicked daughter. “When a girl bees a woman, they no longer g to their parents, but to their man. Well, I suppose it was like that for me, wasn’t it, darling?” she said to her husband, embarrassing Natsumi, who flushed.

  “Father agreed to this!” Motoko insisted. “This was not done lightly! Besides, there is no shame, all.” Her voice dropped. “Natsumi and I, we could see his heart. There is no striving fain or treachery. Only a wish to have us by his side. Ahat is where we wish to be.”

  “I am gd.” Rikako-san stroked her head, surprising her. “Your father… well, yes, seeing his precious daughter grow up is a plicated feeling for him.”

  “I have always been a trouble to father and you, mother, with my obsession with Tsumura Arts. I know.” She said, tears in her eyes. “But it was all worth it, it was!”

  “I heard. Tsumura Arts and your Eye.” She said to me, still f her emotional daughter. “It seems there is no more room for doubt. Your father though… dive him. The situation is very tehe military is in crisis. Searg for more power, the power to protect the try… well, as a Tsumura, he feels that need keenly. Besides, expeg the husband of his beloved, if frighteningly wilful daughter, to help out is only natural. Though I fess…” she turo me, before bowing, shog the Hori’s. “… I worried for my daughter. I feared unhappiness or disgrace, perhaps both, awaited her. A, she remains a Tsumura, duty fulfilled. I look forward trandchildren.” As Motoko blushed, she surprised me again by winking, at odds from her stately demeanour. “Not until well after the official wedding though.”

  “Should I be here?” Yukiko-san said, unfortable.

  “Uh, we’ll be done soon, I think. I assume you wao speak to me about Tsukiko-san?” I asked, and she firmed it. “Well then.” I finished. “We talk in a minute. I do have things to say to you as well.”

  “Before that… if I may speak?” Natsumi said diffidently, and Rikako-san smiled.

  “Of course you , Natsumi-. Not only are you my Motoko’s loyal bodyguard, but… well, I am not quite sure how to describe it. Fellow e is wrong. Sister and wife, maybe?” At that, Natsumi looked happy.

  “Yes, I’m Motoko’s sister in truth, and a fellow wife. And I couldn’t be happier, But don’t distract me, please. You said… to help out is natural? But from what I see… Akio is doing all the helping aing little back. I… Hori house is not as noble as Tsumura house, being one of the Three Hundred, but… it’s starting to upset me. I’m not alone in this. Hinata too.”

  Hinata? I knew she had been making an effort to be accepted, to raise our status and power. She wao stand on equal footings with Mayumi-san, make her aowledge her worth, her legacy. That should have been happening as Hinata was being treated as a Takatsukasa, but… is she? I remarked on it earlier. I’ve tried to do whatever Hinata wao help her out, but was I misreading her all this time, or was Hinata making mistakes in how to get what she wanted? I fet, she’s a young girl, only retly spreading her wings… again, I liked quick wins that would be me, but it could certainly be argued I was getting back silver while giving gold, as the old sayi.

  “Just what do you mean? After all, he has the privilege of marrying such fine daughters of the nobility, despite being a oner…” Rikako-san seemed genuinely puzzled, and Yukiko-san tensed, biting down on a sigh.

  “And we have the privilege of marrying a man who will defend, love and cherish us, and make our dreams e true. Who already is eo a princess, so on, he is not!” Motoko jumped in, defying her mother. “Besides, I uand what Natsumi means. Kyoto would have fallen without Akio. Those that were saved… still be saved…” at those words, Yukiko-san searched around, as if looking for the spirit lights again. “…owe Akio everything. He has freely shared his arts with the nobility, getting dubious rewards iurn. Rewards that are not… always… being honoured.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, having a bad feeling.

  “It’s Hanafubuki Academy.” Natsumi said, exging a gh Motoko, who nodded. “I wasn’t sure whether to say anything, but after st night…” she blushed, before resolving herself. “I know Hinata wants to be a strong wife who isn’t always a nuisance or a burden, so she hasn’t said anything. Oh, before I pin, I should say Miyu-sama… uh, Miyu… she’s beeremely respectful of us and Hinata. I was a little surprised actually, but I have no pints. And her sister Honoka-sama, well, she’s trying, I think… and that’s helped some of the Three Hundred and even a few of the lower Fifty-Eight to treat Hinata with a good deal more respect, but…”

  “Let me guess? Everyone else is still treating Hinata the same, despite what I romised?”

  “Not the same.” Motoko insisted. “It is not that bad, but… not like Sakura-sama, her cousin. Mayumi-sama has not ged her attitude at all.”

  “I see. Well, that’s… disappointing.”

  “It takes time to ge the eople think.” Rikako-san said softly. “The rule has always been those sons and daughters who marry out are not sidered part of the main line. Even with the Three Grandfathers decreeing otherwise… it takes time to effect ge. In due course, they will uand. Just as they will uand your marriage, Motoko.”

  “I find I do not overly care whether other nobility uand or not. I know I serve Tsumura house. But…” she looked at Natsumi, who nodded.

  “I don’t want Akio to be looked down on! Not when he’s doing everything he ow! If he took his due time, Kyoto would have ten thousand dead, more, not a mere thousand!” she almost spat. “And we wouldn’t have the Ministry, or any of this…”

  “There are others, dear…” Shou-san said, worried she was being rude to a higher-ranked person in Rikako-san. “The nobility, especially Ichijou house is gathering them. Though Takatsukasa house is… well, struggling.”

  “Gather all they like, will they match up?” she refused to back down. “I know Eri is pretty angry too, even if she doesn’t show it. I’m just grateful she doesn’t take it out on us. She knows we don’t look down on you. Not anymore.” She flushed. “I’m not going to apologise for being a bad girl again. Not after st night. Shaeu, she… well, she has a strange way of looking at things. She’s noble herself, so she expeobility to have their due. But if she decides that the ck of respect towards you isn’t going to ge…”

  “… I do worry what she might decide to do.” Motoko finished for her. “Mother, you holy say Akio is getting the respect he deserves?” she turo Yukiko-san, surprising her. “Five me for speaking to you so suddenly, Princess Mikasa.”

  “Oh, it’s… fine. I’m not much of a Princess, not really. Though I suppose I am Princess of Heaven…” she muttered, a touch forlorn.

  “Well then, excuse me, but… what do you think of what Akio has achieved?”

  The question surprised her, but she stood, resolute. “I… well, now is the time to speak of it. Tsukiko… you failed to save her life, didn’t you?”

  “I did.” I held nothing back. I owe it to her, the truth. Besides, Yukiko-san is one of the Princesses I swore to protect, along with Princess Eleanor, Shaeu and Shiro. Well, Shaeu and Shirivens, but… well, prophecy, I don’t like it, and don’t trust it, but I ’t dist it either, sidering Fht and the fact that Tsukiko-san died, even if it didn’t end with her annihition. My Eye glowed, and I could see her light floating, gently sug iher. Besides, when did I need an excuse to save someone, especially a woman? Damn, I sound such a lecher saying it like that, but… well, save first, worry about the details and sequeer. “She seemed almost cheerful wheold me she was right and I was wrong, but… I call it a draw. She will be back, just like Haru-san. And then… well, she id down her life for her try and her God, so I think that she should be able to choose how she lives her new life, as simply Matsumoto Tsukiko, not the Diviner. You agree, right Yukiko-san?”

  “I do.” She said, her expression softening. “Did she… suffer much?”

  “It wasn’t too bad. In the end, as she passed, it eaceful.” I resisted the urge to touch my lips. “And the ants pguing Kyoto that sought her life were exterminated.”

  “I wish I could have been there.” Yukiko-san said, teary-eyed. “But… apparently I ’t be risked, if I was to die, it would shock Japan, and Tsukiko made me promise I’d protect myself. I did take your advice… my Territory is flourishing. Even to be here today, I feel unfortable though, but it is being guarded by some others that the Imperial Family has recruited. When… wheurns, I provide one of these Thrones for her. You won’t insist on doing it yourself, will you?” Her eyes were intense behind her gsses, b into mine.

  “Of course, she choose. Didn’t I just say that? I didn’t do it to earn her gratitude, I did it because I wao save her. You agree, right Yukiko-san? With her life of service, she deserves happiness as a reward. Though if she does want to be part of my Territory, I’ll scrape together the ether somehow.” Ten million for instantly building a Rank 3 Throhat’s… too much. But then… well, we’ll see.

  “And that just proves my point.” Motoko said fidently. “Akio should also be rewarded fairly for his deeds, just as he hopes to reward others. A win-win as you call it is good, and I would not have you ge, being greedy and grasping. But I ot bear to see you looked down upon anymore. Even if I thought it was natural, I have ged. I am a woman now, and no woman tolerate her husband being insulted.”

  “I agree!” Natsumi shouted. “Rikako-sama, I uand why Minoru-sama is troubled. But Akio is not the ao every problem, he has his own s. Our own s. Princess Mikasa…” she asked, expression serious. “Do you believe in Akio?”

  “I do. I’ve seen no reason to doubt him, and Tsukiko… she trusted him enough to cim he was the oo save Japan, save me…” she shook her head, braid boung. “… I know he’s a kind man.”

  “Too kind. And too na?ve. Hinata is right on that.” Motoko decred. “Akio, I think we need a ge of approach. Do.. do you enjoy being humbled?”

  “Perhaps it’s my own fault.” I sighed, realising the truth. “My father retty strict, so I was used to being told what to do, and then as a freencer, I had to bow to the request of the t if I wao get paid. And I did want to get paid, or I would.” I smiled, remembering those tedious days, seeming so distant now, despite only being a few months ago. “I think the habit to promise, to accept… it isn’t a bad one. But… well, if Shaeu was here, she’d say I’m too often folding my hand while holding all the aces. What do you think we should do?” I asked, though I kheir answer.

  “The timing is awkward, but…” Natsumi checked the time. “I should be able to reach Hinata. I’ll call her, Motoko, you…”

  “I know.” She nodded. “Mother, I am sorry if this es across as undignified, or could endanger my standing in Tsumura house. But I have to make a stand. I am a fighter, a warrior. Tsumura arts was everything to me. Well, that and Natsumi. But now I have other things I treasure. My dear husband, the other wives. And it is now time to show I am a warrior. For not all fighting is against enemies.”

  “Daughter, I…” her man, only for Motoko to shake her head.

  “I believe I am not being unreasonable. Grandfather will support me, even if father does not. He reises value, having the eyes of a warrior. But I have apologised in case I overstep and the Three Grandfathers try to force you to discipline me. If so… I shall take my leave, and move in with Akio.”

  “Me too.” Natsumi said, as she was dialling.

  Yukiko-san ughed then, and the sound was full of good humour. She moved her gsses, wiping at her eyes. “Oh, I hat. It’s been… it’s been hard. You are all so passiohe other women were like that too. You must inspire them, Akio-san. You even inspired Tsukiko. Well… my voice ts for little, but for what it’s worth, I support you.”

  “Our daughters have ged, Rikako-sama. They were ging, but to think… one night could transform them so much. Just what did they experience?”

  “Love.” Motoko answered. “And finding kindred souls. And that love is too fio be squandered on the ungrateful, who think themselves great simply because they are old. Tsumura Arts were old, a sed, despite the value they held.”

  “The nobility doesn’t like ge.” Masae-san warned.

  “I know. But the right ge is iable. Akio… this is just our selfishness speaking, but what do you want?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “You’re right. I’ve been thinking too much… too much as an adult.”

  “Is that a bad thing?” Motoko asked.

  “It be. I’ve been trying to work within the rules of the adult world. It’s uandable really. That’s how the adult world is, well, maybe not for nobility, but I’m as on as they e.”

  “No, you were on.” Yukiko-san said, shaking her head again. “Yet here you are, saviour of Kyoto, the soul of my dearest friend in your care, talking casually to the Princess of your try, your… rather young…” she pursed her lips a touch disapprovingly. “…Fiancées from some of the fi families in Japan rallying around you. Tsukuyomi has blessed you, and supposedly yoing to help save me from a fate worse thah. on? I think not.”

  “Yeah, I get it. I do. As an adult, I tried to respect authority, promise, get those quick win-wins. And I profited from it. It isn’t wrong. I’ve e a long way. But… I’ll never go further. Not fast enough. Because this new world won’t wait for that. If it’s starting to hurt Hinata, hurt you girls… well, it has to stop. The world… the adult world is crumbling. It’s a warriors world now.”

  “Indeed. I am gd we have finally realised.” Motoko agreed.

  “So, what are you going to do?” Rikako-san persisted, still worried.

  “Get fair value, and what we were promised.” I said. “Don’t worry, a warrior still be an adult. Besides, I think… most people are reasonable. Again, I’m a citizen of this try, I care about it. But I’m also a didate of the Gods. Gods.” In my case the plural was literal. “I have a greater calling. But my greatest calling is proteg those I love. And those precious to them.” I looked at the parents of Motoko and Natsumi. “You’re their parents, and you raised them well. They’re great girls. I want to protect all of you as well. But to do that… I need power. And not just the scraps I bargain for. The world will ge, the cracks are spreading, the walls of secrecy, the masquerade, it’s going to colpse. And thehing ges.”

  “Hinata, when you get this message, call Akio as soon as you , it’s urgent. No more swallowing your tears. It’s time to demand our due…” she put the hand over her phone microphone as she spoke to her mother. “Please, mother, father. This journey, embark on us with it.” She the back to talking to Hinata’s answerphone.

  “My mother, I ask you this too. We have to ge. What recious before might be worthless now, the worthless more valuable than gold. Besides…” she smiled radiantly. “You are my mother. You ot be happy having me so looked down on, my husband likewise. We are the Tsumura house. Akio is a Tsumura noill fight for Japan, but as generals, as befits the Tsumura house, not footsoldiers, as some of the nobility would wish.”

  “If you have made up your mind…” her mother said slowly. “… I will witness it.” She then smiled, and I think I saw relief and pride in it. “You seem stronger after your… night away from home. Are you?” she asked, and I could also see .

  “Somewhat. I am stronger, certainly, with greater potential than ever. But…” Motoko let Natsumi finish, havi Hinata the message.

  “… it is our birength that matters!” Yes, it is. Well, time for war then…

  ********

  “You’re te…” Morita-san said sourly, givihat schoolteacher look, seeming surprised with Natsumi now joining us as well.

  Haru-san and Hyath looked at me, the ter narrowing her eyes, perhaps pig up on my defiant mood. Saionji-san grinned, sensing something too, perhaps the wily politi had noticed from my body nguage.

  “I am. I was discussing something important.” I said, taking a seat after getting Natsumi another chair.

  “This isn’t a daycare.” She sniffed. “Well, no matter. We were discussing the ese threat. It certainly hasn’t gone away, has it? We have reports from the te Diviner. If these so-called ants were the scales of the Red Dragon Of The Numberless East, then it is clear that a is that Red Dragon.”

  Well, obviously. But from her other visions, then the golden-eyed devourer is also part of it, as well as something greater. If I had to guess… well, no point speg. Nht now.

  “That’s why we o focus on our army.” Minoru-san was insisting. “We need every soldier strong and capable. Neons too. How long before your factory starts creatieology, Ichijou-sama?” Whose factory is that then? I’m fairly certain that it’s half mine.

  “Well, we are waiting on several matters. Any updates on that, Akio-kun? We o know so we start stru. Time is pressing.”

  “Yes, it is.” I said. “About that… I think it might be time to go it alone, Ichijou-san.” I said, surprising him.

  “What do you mean, Akio-san?” he asked.

  “I mean, I’m not vinced I want to do business with you, even with the stake in your house as a reward. I’m more than prepared to return it. If there are penalty fees, I pay them.”

  There was a dead silence. He then spoke, his usual jovial smile fading. “Just what do you mean by this? I thought you were happy to get suvestments.”

  “I was. Though Hinata could have fi by asking her grandfather. But… I did it for her, really. You know…” I looked around the room at everyone. “I’m disappointed. In myself, mostly, but also in you. You all promised. That Hinata would be reised as a true Takatsukasa…”

  “She is. I have allowed it so.” Takatsukasa-san said, and I frowned, actually starting to get pissed off. Ordinarily I’d be an adult about this, and not get worked up. There’s no profit in rog the boat. Nobody wins if we fight. My Resilience is trying to calm me as well. But not today.

  “Oh really? Well, would you try and order Sakura-san’s fiancée about like he was a servant?” I asked a pointed question. I then turo Ichijou-san. “Mayumi-san, would her fiancée be treated this way, supposed to be grateful for scraps? Besides… Mayumi-san is quite dismissive of Hinata. I find it makes me angry,” Yes, this… this is good. Actively resisting the Resilience… I think I get it. I’d have goerally insane if I didn’t have Resilience keeping my cely the same. Massive boosts to intelligence, I’d be a totally different person without it. But… it isn’t all helpful. It makes me accept things far too easily…

  I imagined I could hear a crag noise in my head, and amber letters fred in my vision. Your Determination has increased by 1.

  “My Mayumi is a fht girl, she…” he began, but I let out all my League, suppressing everyone barring Haru-san, Saionji-san, Yukiko-san and Hyath, though even as Motoko and Natsumi were feeling the pressure they looked on approvingly, faces pale. Akai awoke with a squawk and on seeing the situation darted uhe table, which made me ugh, rid proud.

  Your Determination has increased by 1.

  “What are you doing, Akio-san?” Abe-san said, panig. “To fight at a time… like this.” He mao squeeze the words out, his head spinning, my presence seeming to loom over him like a giant. The other civilians were likewise affected.

  “This isn’t a fight. This is a discussion. Of fairness.” I said firmly. “Hinata has always looked up to yranddaughter, wao be her equal, a true friend. But even now the ce should be there, she still doesn’t treat her properly, as an equal. Which she should be, right? If she’s a Takatsukasa?”

  “My Mayumi is a proud girl…” he mao say, face pale as a ghost.

  “Yes. I’m sure she is. You’re all too proud.”

  “He has you there.” Saionji-san grinned. “Akio-san, if I may?”

  “Speak.” I said imperiously, and his grin only broadened.

  “I get it. I tried the same, to use Akio-san. He rapidly put me in my pce, and I’m not an idiot. I quickly saw the way the wind was blowing. Old Yasuhide too, he’s no fool. Uchida-san and his poor, moroni… well, they made the mistake of not acceptiy. Princess…” he turo Yukiko-san. “What do you think?”

  “I think that Akio-san has a point. He has no obligation to put his life at risk for a those he chooses, or extend his bours for those outside his family. I’m grateful…” she bowed to me, shog everyone. “… that you stood for Tsukiko, and all the people of Kyoto. The lives you saved, even those that will never know it, I thank you on their behalf.” She looked at the nobility. “I uand it is not my pce to interfere. The Imperial Family always stays aloof from the faith and the nobility, other than the Priestess of Ise. I ent on matters of faith, but… Takakura-san, you’re the bridge. What do you think?”

  “I think you should calm yourself, Oshiro-san.” He said to me mildly. “These old men, the pressure might do them injury.”

  “If it does, I’ll heal them.” I said, but I did drop my League, allowing them to rex, slumping in their chairs.

  “My thanks. I am gd we keep things… civil.” Takakura-san said. “I thank you again for your Chirurgery on my granddaughters. You did not have to, but you have always been generous with us. I suppose we mustn’t mistake that generosity for servility.”

  “I hope people aren’t misuanding me. I’m not saying I won’t honour my itments. I expect the same iurn, as well as the appropriate respee and mine. Did I have to defend Kyoto? No. I did it though, and as we’ve said, without me it would have fallen.”

  “We have other Chosen. Japan has many we …” Ichijou-san began, and I shot him a withering look.

  “Then why aren’t they here?” I looked at Fujiwara-san then, and my expression softened. “My apologies, you’ve always been fair with me, Fujiwara-san. And your daughter Miyu has, after our initial cshes, been a fine girl, and helped a lot. And she’ll tio do so. Even your Honoka-san has made an effort.” She’s young, it’s no wonder she be a bit forward and demanding. But she’s trying at school it seems… “I uand your aims, but… I have my own aims too. I like win-wins. I want to tinue helping us all win. But… I’m not a servant, I’m not an employee, I’m my own man! And everyone needs my power!”

  “That’s certainly true. Perhaps others might master Chirurgery, or something simir. But only two use it now that we know of, and the sed will never move for us without his say-so.” Saionji-san shrugged. “The faith… there are many old bloodlihat be awoken by this. Isn’t that right, Suzuki-san?” he addressed Haru-san.

  “That’s right. I think the Special Forces were a useful thing to do. And I cede that further training is would make them extremely deadly as soldiers go. But Akio-san would easily tear them apart, even then. As would many other Chosen, I have doubts. I could myself, I’m dead serious.” She said. “If you genuinely want them traihen… find a way to persuade Akio-san, to pensate for setting aside his own ambitions for a time.” She looked at her father. “After all, he brought me back from hell. I’ll always be loyal, even if I wasn’t a vassal.”

  “Oh, my Haru…” he sighed.

  “I’ve done a lot, I really have.” I insisted. “I’ve given us a head-start. After all, aren’t we about to pass legistion to prepare for the iable? I don’t see many others like me here helping with that, other than a few of the military. I brought knowledge others don’t have. I trol the means of replenishing our numbers… and all I’m asking for is what’s promised. And to be treated with respect.”

  “The faith is behind him. Even before he defended Kyoto.” Saionji-san shrugged. “With two Pilrs, the nobility isn’t necessary. Sure, you’re all rich, but… well, so’s the family of his fiancée, right? Nichibotsu is a multinational powerhouse.”

  “Father. You’ve been rude, and I know why.” Motoko said, urging him to cede. “And I uand you are panig. This was the first battle that showed just how helpless ordinary soldiers will be. You fear for the military, and thus for Tsumura house. But… Tsumura house lives within us. Support Akio. Grandfather… you know it to be true, or why else would you have allowed…” her face turned crimson, Natsumi’s as well, and she said no more.

  “I think my strong-willed granddaughter is right.” Tsumura-san said slowly. “We do worry that the military is worthless. After all… you could defeat the eokushusakusengun, you cim?” he said, eyes glittering.

  “Yeah, but I couldn’t face off against the entire JSDF. Yet.” I allowed. “But one-man armies are going to beore and more on, so you need reform. I think there’ll always be a pce for numbers. I learhat anew in Kyoto. But fet that, that’s not what we are talking about.” I looked at Minoru-san. “I’m not happy. You’ve treated me badly, and you’ve hurt your daughter. She’s a good girl, the best. Stop being a fool and listen to her.” I turned my gaze on the rest of the room. “Again, I’m n to break any agreements I made. Though I don’t mind abandoning the factory, Ichijou-san.” I insisted, showing I was serious.

  Motoko was blushing scarlet at my praise, her father looking troubled.

  “Excuse me, why am I being singled out?” Ichijou-san pined.

  “Not just you, Takatsukasa-san too. I healed him, aill doesn’t treat his granddaughter properly.”

  “This isn’t the time or pce for…” Abe-san began, but I gred, sileng him.

  “it is. I don’t like making a se, I’m too adult for that, but if we don’t correct these misceptions, it could be a disaster down the line. I prioritise those I have to protect. Worst case, I could leave the try. I am sure that any try worldwide would treat me and mine like royalty, with the power and knowledge we offer. Motoko, Natsumi, Hyath, would you e with me?”

  “Ooof course. Where you gooo, Hyath follows.”

  “Tsumura house endures, wherever we are.” Motoko approved, though her hands were trembling.

  “If you and Motoko are leaving, then I will. I’d be sorry to leave my family, but, I probably persuade them to flee with us.”

  “You’re bluffing.” The leader of the opposition said, frowning. “I’ve seen the reports. You’ve ied huge amounts of effort in this Territory of yours…”

  “I have, but before I go I’ll break it down. We likely use the Spring of Clear Refles as a jumping off point and stash the remnants there. Sure, it’ll set me back a few months, but with the Trees and support of the Seelie, and likely whichever try we end up in… I am a half, you know.” I warhem.

  “But we agreed to support you, even with resources, despite it being a potential abuse of power and trust…” he persisted, and I rolled my eyes. Okay, now I need my Resilie’s annoying pying with a deck of aces and people still try and bluff me.

  “Yes, because it’s the best thing for Japan. You know you trust me, I’m ahead of the game. And my pints now don’t ge that. All I want… is our due. I’m not even looking for power. But me and mine, we will be respected for what we bring to the table.”

  “ge does not e easily.” Fujiwara-san said. “And it o be managed carefully. The three of us have helped carry the nobility forwards. You may not uand, but we do protect much that is good.”

  “I don’t disagree. But you also protect yourselves and your own privileges and rules. And that’s going to have to be bent, if not broken. Hinata gets the treatment we’ve earned her. Motoko and Natsumi, and their families, they get no disadvantage from our marriage. If anything, they should be honoured for their sacrifi giving up their futures to tie me to Japan and the nobility. At least, that’s the way it’ll be, all right?”

  Your Determination has increased by 1.

  Still going up, huh? Well, I admit this is someainful for me, but… it’s happening. I’ve had enough.

  “A sacrifice? I’d say we’ve gained…” Natsumi muttered, only for Motoko to shake her head.

  “Hush Natsumi, you know what he means.”

  “From now on, I’ll not deal with any house that doesn’t treat us fairly. Which is a real shame for you, Ichijou-san. Ixitt’s finally designed a prototype aether geor. There’s only a few more hurdles to overe, and we’ll have , cheap electricity. Ever sihe nuclear power pnt disaster of twenty-eleven, Japan has been dependant on outside sources of fossil fuels.” I looked at Haru-san’s father, as well as Abe-san, Kishida-san and Morita-san. “When the world starts seeis like Kyoting up everywhere, when people like me go on a rampage, how long do you think supply s and iional trade will st? Energy, recyg, ons… ns for them all. We could make Japan self-suffit. But… maybe you’d rather we take that elsewhere?”

  “We could detain you…” Morita-san said, and Hyath broke the mood by ughing madly.

  “Akio, there are toooooo many fools here. Hyath could purge them for yooou? Just ask and I shall dooo it!”

  At that the JSDF didates went tense, but Haru-san was o speak. “She’s not serious… well, mostly. But if you move, you’re both as dead as I am.” She rolled her eyes. “You aren’t hot stuff, I tell. Even I could take you both. Akio-san could take twenty of you.”

  “If your words…” Motoko said, bag Haru-san up. “… are something foolish like threatening his family or friends, I would be more than happy to kill you myself.” Well, that’s bold of her. Natsumi is nodding too, even if she looks sick. “I get it. I do. I was raised noble, I have only known Hanafubuki Academy, I know little of the outside world. But I know this. You will regret rejeg my Akio over mispced pride. Some small sacrifices, and the nobility, the try will be strong, united. Faith, Imperial Family and Nobility. Business, Politics. Five Pilrs as one.”

  Fujiwara-san ughed softly. “Well said indeed. If you were born a Tsumura son, I would have you marry my Honoka and be my heir. But as, such is not to be. Kira, Itsuki, I fear they have a point.” Well, once again, I guess he’s reasonable. But then, Miyu is my vassal, so he has limited choices.

  “I don’t get why I’m the bad guy here.” Ichijou-san said, frowning. “I’ve always been dealing fairly with you. Besides, my Mayumi… she’s a plicated girl. She’s the top daughter at Hanafubuki, no offesuki, Shige.”

  “aken. Sakura-, my Honoka, they are younger, while Miyu was too timid, though that is ging. I suppose I should thank you for sparking her fire, and looking after her.” Fujiwara-san said.

  “Well, we started off on the wrong foot. Just like us now. She was rude and looked down on Hinata and I. Sound familiar? But when I helped her, she showed gratitude, and she pays her debts. Miyu, Motoko, Natsumi, Hinata. They are truly what I think of when I hear the word noble. Hell, Shaeu is mal than Mayumi-san, and she down an assault helicopter in battle. pete with that!”

  Motoko and Natsumi were ughing, Hyath and Haru-san too. It was then my ph loud, and the table shook, as the hiding Akai jumped, smming her head. She rolled out, pouting, and I checked the caller ID. Hinata. Great timing.

  “We’ve all heated up a bit. We should calm down and think.” Abe-san said. “We still have to deal with a. This is a distra. You’ve made yourself clear, Akio-san. What do you want?”

  “I’ll have to see. Let me take this call first.”

  Morita-san tried to object, but Hyath gred at her, violet eyes frightening, her hair shifting slowly like bck, green and purple vines ready tle.

  “Hey Hinata.” I answered, and she appeared on a video call. I o Haru-san and she fiddled around with her surface tablet, and soon my phone was dispyed on everybody’s ss, Hinata in her uniform, Miyu beside her, along with their bodyguards. “Good timing.”

  “I heard. Natsumi filled me in. So…” she looked at me with her dark eyes, therefore simultaneously staring into the eyes of everyone in the room. Her lip trembled with emotion, and she finally spoke. “I’m sorry.”

  “Why are you apologising to me?” I asked genuinely fused.

  “Because I wao be mature, a grown woman, to match you.” She sniffled, tears starting to e. “Sorry, I wao be the perfect wife, respected, doing business, but…” she sucked in a breath of air. “I’m still a noble daughter, despite eople think. My mother is a Takatsukasa!” Her voice was shaking. “I’m trapped by that thinking, by the teags of Hanafubuki. But I saw fident girls like your sister, like Shaeu, and I wao be that way. I wao be free… no, that’s a lie. Sorry. I don’t want to be free, I wao be me. I wao be accepted as a true friend to Mayumi-sama, as noble, as respected as any. She’s dynamic, beautiful, prideful, imperious, fident… annoying.”

  “That’s my Mayumi, all right.” Ichijou-san chuckled.

  “… before I met Akio, and the girls around him, so unlike any I’d ever met, she was my role model, I wao be just like her. I may be beautiful, but I’m not full of pride, I’m not fident, imperious, no. I… hope I don’t annoy you, Akio…”

  “Never.” I promised. “Even when you were effectively bckmailie, I think I secretly loved it. You were so cute then.”

  She flushed. “Ugh, way to make me feel bad. Well… I tried tain hard. I did it with Miyu. Sorry.” She said, and Miyu nodded her acceptance.

  “You had no choice. I was a fool, and my own pride and stubbornness would have killed me. I have s.”

  “Well, when it es to Mayumi-sama, no, Mayumi-san, no matter how angry I get, I just… I just fold. I let her walk all over us. and Sakura too. My cousin… I know she cares, but it isn’t fair. Just because she’s born from the son, while I’m born from the daughter, I’m nobody. We’re cousins! She’s kind, in her own haughty way, but… it’s not enough for me.” Tears were dropping now, and she sobbed, though she talked through them, trying to be strong.

  “And when I wao appease them, was u to, you followed suit, Akio. For me. I know. I hate that. I’ve failed.” Damn, I hate seeing her cry. Especially when it’s not that at all. Well, I admit t to read what she wanted, not pnning to rock the boat, put her ambitions, her wants at risk, but…

  “Bullshit.” I de. “Okay, sure, I know how much being accepted means to you, so sure, I made sure not to aliehe other nobility, especially your peers, the girls from Hanafubuki, but…” Of course, I’m also weak to girls, so it was a double-whammy of appeasement…

  “…well, I’ve realised I’ve been thinking like a freencer all this time. Weak to the strong, too diffident. Well, that won’t get us anywhere. So Hinata…”

  “Yes?” she sniffled.

  “Stop your tears. Even if we have failed, we don’t win all the time, but so long as we don’t lose... I couldn’t prevent Tsukiko-san from dying, but I did save her spirit. Likewise, you couldn’t get what you wanted, but you have another ce. I’m no loing to aowledge those who don’t respect us, be they politi, noble, priest or anyone else. We know our worth, and we have to get it. I’m no monster, I want to save Japan, but a Japan that hurts those I love isn’t a Japan I reise. So… smile, okay?”

  “I… I love you. I wish I could have been there…” she sniffled, wipieary eyes. “… that night. But I know you think I’m not ready. Holy, the way I’ve let myself be drowned in my insecurities and fears, I see why. I’m still a girl. But… I won’t lose either. No more.” She ched her fist. “So, if Mayumi-san won’t respect me… so be it.”

  “In that case, Hinata, what do you think we should demand to provide our support? Obviously we’ll prioritise requests as we feel are important, we aren’t servants, but allies, but… I think you should decide.”

  “I see. Up to me, huh? Well, I’m gd you still trust me, you’d still put your faith in me. Well, really, there’s only ohing, and it would solve every problem.”

  “And that is?” I asked, curious.

  “Is everyone else listening?” she asked, and I answered they were.

  “Great. That’ll make things easier then. For our support… what we should have… what I want… is Takatsukasa house.”

  There was a silehat was somehow deafening, quiet enough to hear a pin drop, and then a chair scraped, breaking the stillness, as Takatsukasa-san leaned forwards, eyes bulging, almost falling out of his chair… “What in the name of all the Gods…?” he shouted, and it was suddenly pandemonium…

  ShipTeaser