“Now, I’m not going to go into the details.” The Queen smiled benevolently. “After all, we have children here.” She looked at several younger people scattered around, including at Miyu and Honoka-san. “It’s always so o see the young, when you reach my age.” She looked at Prince Henry then. “Maybe my grandson will finally settle down and give me some grandchildren like his brother?”

  He ughed at that, running a hand through his reddish hair, while o him Melissa looked down, her expression strained.

  “Well, enough of embarrassing my family. Other than Eleanor, probably.” The Queen ughed, a rich, vibrant sound. “But having children around serves a purpose as well. After all, surely nobody would suspect serious discussions happen at su event, attended by happy families and fs? Besides…” her expression ged. “The young have been called too. The Gods are cruel.” She paused then, and I took the opportunity to look at Miyu, who had been terrified of Ame-no-Uzume’s Divine Favour and the burden she had to bear. And rightly so. On seeing me looking, she smiled at me a little, and I turned my attention back to the Queen as she tinued.

  “There are those of you who may disagree with me, even hate me. Nor do we agree oh to take easily.” She looked out over the crowd, her face showing snition as she searched the sea of faces. “There are those of you who have e from abroad, some as friends, others to… if you’ll five the bluntness of an old woman… try and vince us to eat manure and call it ice cream. I fear that will be a rather difficult task. This old woman has ruled too long to enjoy the taste of horseshit.”

  “Grandmother!” Eleanasped beside her, and nervous ughter went around the room, while my ears could pick up the familiar mirth of Christina Bakker, who was muttering that “Yes, it’s going to be a hard sell, damn Adam and his useless goons. I should be busy researg, n to be diplomatic. That’s not one of my strengths!”

  No kidding. Though I think of several reasons why she might have bee here…

  “Let me just say, and to those of you who’ve heard this before, I apologise. When you reach my age, repeating yourself is an occupational hazard.” Her charisma was shining through, and I idly wondered if she had any points in Charm and Majesty. “The world has ged, no, the world has shed its skin, showing what was hiddeh this whole time. From the days of the earliest history, even before Engnd was truly united, never mind Brittania as a whole, the Royal lines have guarded knowledge of the hidden world, that we call Avalon. King Arthur… well, perhaps he did as the tales tell of him, but exist he did.” She snorted. “And every King and the odd Queen, few as they were, passed down the knowledge of what we must protect to their heirs. Even bitter enemies, when they usurped and killed, querors from other tries, we passed on the words. For it is rger than simply the Monarchy, the fate of this green and pleasant nd, this sceptred isle, but it involves humanity itself. No, even beyond that.”

  Her words were drawing us in, and I marvelled at the thought of knowledge passing down unbroken for fifteen hundred years. I shouldn’t be surprised. The faiths of Japan did the same, and the Imperial Family too, holdis such as Onmyōji. So it stands to reason that a simirly august line as the British Monarchy would have the same sort of knowledge. Especially when the Seelie Court inated here in this nd too…

  “We all of us, must set aside our differences and work together. If we do not, then I fear for our future. Not merely as a try, but as a species.” She paused to let that sink in as well. “To succeed, we o gather those who have been Chosen. I uand some reservations, and that it is not easy to ge one’s beliefs. I have had many hardships over the years. Being a ruler is far from easy. I hardly expect people to sympathise, but let me tell you, the is bloody heavy.” She said spiratorially, ther. “We need unity, strength, sadly money… always money.”

  It's a good speech, but yes, a number of people around us look like they’ve heard simir. But not everyorying to be subtle, I used aether to expand my vision, and I could see varyiions. The men in silver and grey suits were nodding when the Queeioned money, and I could see that Mary Stuart looked as if she was chewing on a lemon, her mouth twisted.

  “But resources are nothing if not directed. We need a leader. To that end, my granddaughter, the mantle has fallen to her. I wish it was not so, that my precious grandchild was not burdened with this, but… it is the destiny of the Royal Family, and it has e due. Even so, we ot succeed alone. So I hope those of you who have supported us will tio do so, and those on the fe off it. Splinters fester, you know.” she said, archly. “Lastly, I hope our fs, despite their own troubles, looking towards their own nds and peoples, as they of course should, work with us. Together, we stand strong. But if we fight, steal from each other and only sider ourselves, then none of us will pass this trial unscathed. I thank you for listening to this old woman. Now, a word from someone a lot younger and prettier. Eleanor, my dear.”

  As we all appuded, Eleanor took the stage, her face slightly red. Now I was taking a better look at her, I had to admit she was a good-looking woman. Seeing that, Motoko squeezed my hand, looking at me reproachfully, while Natsumi poked me in the back.

  “You have us.” Motoko said, and I nodded.

  “I know. Well, a man loht?”

  “old me lookis you into trouble.” Motoko whispered.

  “Akio is a princess-killer, we all knooow it.” Hyath giggled, before a harsh look from Fujiwara-san quietened us down. Yeah, focus on the speech.

  “You all know me. Well, I don’t like giving speeches. Really, unlike my brothers, I was tent to stay out of the public eye. Cut the ribbon at a few hospitals, do some charity work…” her brother cpped his hands at that, embarrassing her. “… I guess fate had other pns for me. Those of you who are already w with me, fighting with me…” she smiled at some of the people around the room, such as the redhead we saw earlier. “… and those of the other teams, w to safeguard the cities and towns around the UK, I still appreciate what you do, aher I nor the will fet your service. I hope that one day, we look ba all of this as something to be proud of.” She csped her hands behind her back, sapphire eyes filled with deep emotion. “As grandmother said, we have children here, so I won’t say anything too scary. But Henry, you’ve been a soldier, right?”

  “Of course. You op being one.” He said calmly.

  “Well, not all of us who are brave enough to take up the sword will return. At first I hated every st minute of it. I still do.” That got some nervous ughter to break the silence. “I’m not cut out for battle, aing injured is hard. Especially for women. But grandmother told me what was at stake. And I’m not able to turn my ba the people of this try, the people that have given my family so much, that my grandmother has served for all these years. But alone, I falter. Fortunately… I’m no longer alohose of you who are fighting with us, it’s a hing, and I thank you. But noble deeds alone don’t sustain us. That’s why those of you who weren’t Chosen like I was, we were… reciate the money you give us, both for charitable endeavours, that soothe the sting of the terrible deeds we have to perform in Avalon, the ughter of happy children hides the sound of battle, the smell of flowers chases out the st of blood, the sight of sick patients rec helps us see something other than violence, and also for support in seg what we o maximise the prote we give the citizens.” She paused, looking at her grandmother then. “I do have an advantage in that regard.” Her lips quirked into a slight smile. “Those of you who have remained undecided, tent to pnt your own fgs and defend them, I ’t tell you not to. Nobody . All I ask is that you defend those that fall under your care. Though I would prefer it if you joined us. Together we are stronger, like the shieldwalls of old. It may seem like all this is distant from the people now, but it will ge. We have some Japanese guests today…” she looked our way, as did everyone else, and the grey eyes of the non-human widened as he saw me and Hyath, and he looked troubled, unsure. I wonder what that’s about. No way I’m the bad smell, right? Hyath…? No, she’s not a Dark Fae now…

  “I wouldn’t dream of reopening painful wounds, but… we have all heard of Kyoto. That is what happens when we fight each other, whe greed and foolishness blind us to the o help each other. And it was the civilians that suffer. A thousand of them, near all told.” Her speech oignant, and roup bowed our heads at the memory of the dead. “For now, only human arrogand evil leads to these tragedies. And though we have beerayed…”

  My vision picked up Christina squirming unfortably at that, drawing eyes arouhe Princess noticed too, and her soft gaze as she was looking at us vao be repced by annoyed s. “… we have to set aside our hatred. Those who have wronged us shall make reparations, but then we ive. For danger is ing, and if we don’t uhen we will surely fall. So thank you. Everyone who has fought by me, everyone who has fought to protect others, those of you who offered help with money and other issues, and even those of you who have just e to listen. Listening is the first step to joining us. Thank you.”

  “My granddaughter, isn’t she a marvel?” The Queen said, leading the reneuse. “I sed her words. All of you here know this is not a joke, or some small matter. We do not have long to prepare. So… feel free to talk to each other, share your experiences. Eat and drink freely, make es, and above all, think about what your role will be in the new world.” She paused. “And why not finish with a word from our Prime Minister?”

  “Way to put me on the spot…” he managed, blustering. “… oh well, yes. Uh, the Gover wholeheartedly supports the efforts of our Royal Family to safeguard Britain against the uping threats, whatever they might be. Well, it’d be lovely if we had some more idea of what they might be, but… sorry, your Majesty, I’ll shut up now! Just… if you support Princess Eleanor, be you good citizens of the United Kingdom, or fn visitors, please do so. She’s a sparkling jewel of the United Kingdom, and the apple of ood Queen’s eye!”

  One final round of appuse, Eleanor blushing at the Prime Ministers praise, and a number of the crowd headed towards the dais, which was our cue to back up a bit. “We should go, I don’t like the way that guy was eyeing us.” Even as I said that and Motoko was nodding, the grey-eyed man came pushing through the crowd. As he did so, he bumped into the redheaded woman, and she shot him an irritated gre.

  “Ach, watch it Raidre, what’s your damn hurry, ye fool?” she said ihick at.

  “Over there. By the st of the salty seas, ’t any of you smell it? I don’t like it…” he answered, pointing towards us.

  “Looks like a few Asians to me, nae big deal? Ye sure ye don’t have a screw loose somewhere? They’re with the damn PM, ach, there’s no way they’re anyone bad.”

  “Just hurry it up.” The person, who must have been called Raidre, snapped. Well, there’s no way out. Might as well see what he wants. He with the Princess so he’s some sort of bigshot.

  “Well, let’s see how this pys out. Fujiwara-san, do you want to leave?”

  He shook his head. “I will remain. I am curious as to why he is so ied in you. I trust that you protect my granddaughters if matters take a turn?”

  “Of course.” I agreed. Moments ter, Raidre was in front of us, followed by the redhead, who was rather attractive, but the look of fusion on her face dulled that somewhat.

  “So, just what do ye want with these fners?” she said, and Raidre froze, looking at me, face pale.

  “Wait, why is a noble Fae here? I should have heard…” Raidre trembled for a moment, before his grey eyes narrowed. “No, by the salt and smoke… you’re no Fae, though you have the aura of one. Just who are you and…” he looked at Hyath again. “Ugh, the smell. Is that… yht an Unseelie here? Such treachery! Quickly, call for the others!” he shouted, and moments ter, to our surprise, the Princess herself roag us, along with the spiky-haired fellow I saw earlier.

  “The fuck’s going on, Raidre? I was just about to have a drink.” He snapped, before looking at the woman with him. “Should have known you’d be causing trouble, redhead.”

  “I have a damn name, ye get it, David? Call me redhead again, and I’ll knoanners into ye, I swear it.”

  “Yeah, like you could, shield girl.” He snorted.

  “It’s all right, everyone. Just a bit of boisterous energy. Men.” Princess Eleanor said, as everyone was looking at us. “Don’t worry, if you want to talk to us, I’ll be around all evening.” She mao calm the situation down quickly with her charm and bearing.

  “Nice work, Princess.” The Prime Minister approved. “But… could you get your frieo be less rude tuests? These are VIP’s you know.”

  “No!” Raidre demanded. “Not without an expnation!”

  “Stupid Selkie, have you left your brain ooon the shooore along with your seal skin? Or are yooour eyes so salt-burned yooou ot see clearly?” Hyath said sfully, and I froze. Uh, that was rather undiplomatic.

  Raidre froze too, his handsome face twitg, and he reached for his belt, where a long, narwhal-tusk dagger y sheathed. Before he could though, Eleanrabbed his wrist, while the man David also had reservations. They both spoke at the same time.

  “She’s dangerous. Got a crazy look in her eyes.” He said. “This one is too.” He looked at me cautiously. “He’s a Chosen, I’m certain of it. Done some killing, too. It’s in the eyes.”

  “There are young girls here, calm down Raidre. You ’t draw a on on uests either. If a fn visitor is injured, it’ll throw mud on grandmother’s name and also mine, and I’ll lose hope of cooperation from the others.”

  As David and the Princess looked at each other, Fujiwara-san stepped smoothly into the breach.

  “I believe we should apologise for our rudeness, but… is not Unseelie a racial slur?” he surmised, and Hyath nodded.

  “Yes, I am nooot Unseelie. Hyath hates them mooore than anything. Idiooot selkie makes me feel bad.”

  “You’re definitely not normal.” Raidre sniffed, extrag his hand from Eleanrip. “Princess, we should be careful. Many Unseelie are crafty, cowardly and cruel. Any mortal that traffics with them is doubtless evil!”

  “No, you ’t call Shige Fujiwara and his guests evil! This man here is the fiancé of the granddaughter of the Tsumura house. They run the JSDF! If you upset them, my trade deal with Japan will catch fire and explode! We’d be lucky if they don’t withdraw their support from the UK entirely!” The Prime Minister anicked.

  “Please, calm down.” I said, flexing my Majesty and League. Everyoopped for a moment, and I patted Hyath on the back. “Look, Hyath, apologise. I know he was rude, but…”

  “Fine.” Hyath puffed out her cheeks, before managing an apology as best she could. “Master Akio says I shooould five you, so I will. But dooo not snder me again.” Her fiwitched, and I imagined she was wishing she could wring his neck.

  “Great. Now, introdus.” I introduced everyone on our side.

  “I see. You seem awfully young to be getting married.” Eleanor said doubtfully to Motoko.

  “I am not as young as you think, Princess.” She said politely. “I am old enough t no disgray dear Akio. To Westerners, us Japanese always seem youhan our actual age.”

  “I see. Well, if you are unhappy, or being coerced… tell someone here. I will and for sujustiot after Uncle…” she winced. “A bad busihat. Grandmother was heartbroken.”

  Oh yes, there was that sdal in America where the girl was seventeen, right? Though the UK insisted he had no charges to answer as the legal age in the UK was sixteen, as I recall? Well… not really my business. My thoughts were interrupted by ughter from Motoko, rid full of quiet humour. “I thank you, you are quite kind. But I assure you, I am extremely happy being with Akio. This is a happy day, my official debut as his fia would mean a lot to me if I could have ynition, Princess.”

  “I see. Sorry if I overstepped as well.” She looked at Hyath then, curious. “So… you answer his question now? You’re like Raidre, aren’t you? Not human.”

  Hyath nodded. “I am a Fae toooooo. My name is Hyath. I am not Unseelie. Nooor am I Seelie.”

  “A wahen? Hmm, but I smell Weal and Woe on you, I’m sure of it.” Raidre insisted.

  “Well, you would. Poor Hyath was once Seelie, and then was cruelly treated and became Unseelie. Now she is her, simply Hyath.” I expined. “And she is dear to me, so please stop your inquisition. She means no harm to any that don’t seek to harm us.”

  As I said she was dear to me, Hyath blushed happily. The Princess eyed me askance, sidering this was my e debut, but chose to ig. “So, you’re a Chosen w for the Japanese Goverhen?” she asked, but Raidre interrupted again.

  “There’s still something wrong. This one, he feels like a Fae, a Noble one. But he’s mortal. I want an expnation.”

  “Master Akio is the sooort of Shaeu Tu Shae Dannan, Duchess of the Spring of Clear Refles.” Hyath decred proudly. “Hyath was there wheooooook the Spring, and vanquished the Unseelie Duke. So cease yooour yapping, selkie. Yooou insult your betters!” she said proudly, and a stony silence fell over the se.

  “Ye got any idea what’s going on, David?” the redhead said, and he s her that he didn’t have a clue and that she should shut up. She merely s that, giving him an amused gnce. Male tsundere? Anain, nobody cares about those…

  Princess Eleanor and Raidre reacted, both with very different focuses of i.

  “That brat of Prince Shaetanao’s that everyohought was worthless, who somehow avenged one of the Three Great Defeats? Even Prince Morioth has thrown his support behind the restru of the Spring…” Raidre seemed poleaxed, and at that, both Fujiwara-san, who knew little of Boundary matters, and the Prime Minister, looked ied in learning more.

  Meanwhile, the Princess looked horrified. “sort. You mean… as in a husband? But…” she looked between me and Motoko before settling oh a look of disdain. “You’re marrying such a young girl, and are already married… to someo even human? A disgrace…”

  That hurts my feelings a bit, you know… It seemed it wasn’t just miher, as the looks in Motoko’s, Natsumi’s and Hyath’s eyes had turned ugly and hostile. We really aren’t getting off on the right foot here.

  “A disgrace? A noble such as yourself should speak more carefully.” Motoko said, her poise stunning, her head tilted at just the right ao vey polite disdain. “I have a great respect for Shaeu, and she is as noble as you are. She graciously allowed Natsumi, Hyath and I…” at her words the Princess grew even more pale, hearing there were other women. “… to share a measure of happiness. I do thank you for your , but you should not view things from your own lens. Do I look unhappy?”

  “Me her. If you knew just what we were going through, before this…”

  “I am very angry. Disrespeg Akio is terrible indeed. I dooo not like it!”

  “Hah, looks like the pretty boy isn’t impressing the Princess much.” David snorted. “Well, makes sense, she was against it when she heard about the new ws… that’s right…” He looked at us, thoughtful. “So, girlie…”

  “My name is Tsumura Motoko. You are no acquaintanine, so please address me as Tsumura-san.” Motoko said to him frostily.

  “Uh, sure thing Tsumura… san. So, you’re tellihis guy is seriously married to a weird fairy like Raidre? What kind? How does that even work…and you as well? But you’re some bigshot rich girl acc to the PM here…”

  “My house is as noble as any.” She agreed. “I fail to see the issue. Legally, there is no problem. We all love Akio and he loves us. I will take up spear, sword and bow for him and to protect the others.”

  “Me too. I want to stay with Akio and Motoko forever.” Natsumi decred.

  “I thought you looked good.” He muttered. “Your stahe way you keep your tre of ba first I thought you might be like us, but no… you’re just very well trained. Unusual for ye, especially firl. Martial arts, huh? I just hope it’s none of that Eastern mystical shit like Tai Chi. Even Karate and Judo just gets your ass beat iagon.”

  “Ogling little engaged girls. A new low for ye, David.” The redhead ughed.

  “Shut it, Sarah! Now is not the time. The Princess is about ready to blow. She was really touchy about this whealked about this the other day, she doesn’t get what it’s like to be a man. Loving a lot of women, sure, we do it.”

  “Shut it, ye damn pig! The Princess must be sick of listening to ye.”

  “Our Arts are for war, I assure you. And we have drawn blood, fought in the Boundary.” Motoko decred proudly.

  “Wait, that’s nht. You’re not Gods’ Chosen.” Princess Eleanor said, snapped out of her dark thoughts.

  “Those Akio loves always be with him.” Motoko decred, dissembling, realising she had said too much again. Well, we let it slip to Mrs Man and Mr Hunter anyway, so it’s no big deal. “I am immensely satisfied with my life now. Please do not deny our way of life, force your own values onto us.”

  “But…” she said, troubled, eyes narrowing. “… oh, fine. So, Raidre, they aren’t a danger?” she settled on avoiding the subject.

  “The maid is dangerous, no question, But… if she serves that bratty weasel Princess… tell me this. ns have you?” he inquired harshly.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but I believe the eventual goal is to take back Samandrastrae. I received some elven support, and they are pnning the eventual campaign with Ulfuric. I believe Duke Formor is also keen. Well, it won’t be soon, but…”

  “By the salt and smoke, it’s true.” Raidre defted. “It all matches with the rumours on the breeze. I spend little time at Court, but even on Bermondsey Isle we have heard the ging times. It fits, Princess.”

  “Yes, and Hyath is Shaeu’s Head Maid, so… tone down the disrespect.” I warned.

  “I… apologise.” He mahe words torn from him, and Hyath smirked at him until I rapped her on the head gently. She pouted, clutg her head, and that led to the Princess misuanding. I barely touched her, it was a gesture of affe.

  “You treat them quite carelessly… Mr Oshiro.” She said witheringly. “I do not believe you are the sort of man I will get along with. I appreciate you ing from Japan, but I have many others to speak to.” She looked at Motoko and Natsumi pityingly, before st off.

  “Akio-sama, I don’t think she likes you.” Honoka-san said ily, and I shook my head, as David roared with ughter.

  “No kidding. Shit, we really o discuss the prophecy with her. I ’t believe she got so worked up over my retionships…” Sure, I’ve had some disbelief before, and envy, but never such ht hostility…

  “Well, the Princess is a romantic.” David snorted, when he had things under trol. “I get it though, man to man. I’ve had my share of romance, ended up with two or three girlfriends on the go.”

  “I get it too.” Sarah said, and David froze.

  “What?”

  “I said, ye deaf idiot, I get it. He’s a handsome man, and he looks strong. Women go for that sort of thing, ye know.”

  “Handsome and strong, huh?” David cricked his neck audibly. “So, you think he’s better than me, huh?”

  “I nae did say that, did I, ye grand fool. Though right now, I think he surely might be.” She smiled at me. “Want to grab a drink over there and have a wee talk, handsome?”

  Wait, are they iio their tsundere lovers quarrel? I’m so not up for that.

  Motoko must have felt the same, as she looked a bit panicked, so I rapidly tried to soothe the situation. “We o talk to Princess Eleanor.” I said hastily. “It’s a matter of utmost importance.”

  “Good luck with that.” A stern voice said, and I saw it was the white-haired man from earlier. “Prime Minister, esteemed fs.” He bowed politely.

  “Sir Arthur. Well, it was quite the ued result.” The Prime Minister mopped his brow.

  As David and Sarah bickered, Raidre having seized up, uo process ere, Sir Arthur spoke to us apologetically. “I am afraid she was quite upset. Perhaps she will calm down ter, but like her grandmother, she be awfully stubborn. She might not wish to listen to what you have to say.”

  “Well, we o talk to her.” I repeated. “It’s about a dao her life. If not her, the Queen, or maybe you …” I swayed aside, arm snaking out to catch a gss that David had thrown at me. Gring, I took a step forwards.

  “Watch it, man. If you’d have hit any of my party with that, I’d make yret it.” I warned. What a jerk. Throwing gss with girls about…

  “You think you’re hot stuff, don’t you? Well, I’m David Reckless, King of the Octagon, Chosen of Caturix. And I challenge you to a fight!”

  “Why? I’m fused.” I said, and Sarah shrugged apologetically.

  “He’s got a right bad temper, this pig. Guess he got jealous when I said ye be quite a catch.”

  “Oh, wonderful.” I rolled my eyes. “No way I’m going to fight you over something so stupid. I’m sure you’re a nice girl, Sarah, was it?” she nodded and I tinued. “But aren’t I in trouble with the Princess because I have more than enough girls to make me happy? And sorry, I’m stig with who I already have.”

  “Yes, please calm down, David. Luckily, he caught the gss before you caused a se. Your temper will be the death of you.” Sir Arthur admonished him.

  “Shut it, gramps.” David snapped. “Something about him rubs me up the wrong way. Well, are you too much of a coward?” he looked at Motoko. “Looks like your fiancé here is chishit. I wouldn’t back down from a fight in front of a girl I liked.”

  Yeah, I get that. Hehis crap. “I’m rather opposed to needless violence. And to be ho, I don’t o look good in front of Motoko and Natsumi. They know my skills, and there’s no be in me showing off. Only demerits.”

  “No bes, huh? Well, listen up, dipshit. You and me, one on one. Octagon rules. We find a room in the Paewhere, since you’re such a pussy you don’t want your skills leaking. I’m not afraid of people seeing mine.”

  “It’s still a no.” I said.

  “Well, how about this then? You win, and I’ll drag the Prio you and make her listen to what you want to say.”

  “Are ye sure ye should be promising that? You’ll look a bigger idiot than usual if ye ’t deliver. Only fools bet other people’s stuff, ye know?” Sarah mocked him, which just stoked his temper more.

  This is not helping. “Akio, why do you not just do it?” Motoko said mildly. “I am sure that this gentleman…” she eyed David coldly. “… will not take matters too far. Besides, I ot abide his rudeowards you.” She turo the Prime Minister, who was trying to look like this all had nothing to do with him. “This rudeowards us as guests has been inexcusable. The Princess herself has disappointed me, though I do cede our retionships are unusual. As for you others…”

  “Yes, as a bodyguard, I’m honour bound to tell you to cease your disrespect.” Natsumi added.

  “You shut your hole, girlie. I don’t like hitting women, but if you say you’re a bodyguard, then you have to expect a few bruises, and you’re not my matot even close…”

  Miyu was getting upset at the temosphere, and we were attrag too much attention. Besides, I’m getting tired of this prick running his mouth. Threatening Natsumi, even though I’m sure he wouldn’t actually strike her, was the st straw.

  “Now we should all calm down, before Her Majesty has us all thrown iower for the night to cool down.” The Prime Minister blustered.

  “What if you win then?” I said, and David grinned.

  “Oh, ied now? Guess you do have some guts. Well, no guy who has this many women be total trash I guess. When I win, you apologise to Princess Eleanor for upsettio Raidre for… well, fuck if I know, but looks like you broke him, so make it right, and to me… well, I’ll allow you to publicly admit I’m the better man. Got it?”

  It’s Shaeraggo all ain. But… I’m not the man I was back then, and this bastard sure isn’t Shaeraggo. “Fihough if you ’t get the Prio listen to me, then…?”

  “I’ll never call myself King of the Octagon again. But dream on. You don’t stand a ce. You let a bit of power and think you’re hot shit. I was beating the crap out of fighters barehanded before I ever received a blessing from Caturix. You ’t fake guts and skill. Hey, old timer…”

  “Me?” Sir Arthur said mildly.

  “Yes, you. You’re refereeing! You’ll trust him, right? The old fart is renowned for fairness.”

  “Fine.” I ceded. “I won’t be long, you stay here with…” I began, but Motoko and Natsumi shook their heads.

  “No, if you are fighting a match, we want to see.” Motoko decred, and Natsumi seded her.

  “Yes, we wouldn’t miss it. I realise I’ve seen him before.” Natsumi looked at David. “You’re David Reckless, aren’t you? I have seen some of your matches.” On seeing my odd look, Natsumi shrugged. “I sometimes watched boxing, mixed martial arts and other bat sports i.” Her smile was wicked. “I wao see how the powerful fought. Back then, I desperately wao be stronger.”

  “So, I got myself a fan, and she’s one of yirls. Must annoy yht?” He ughed.

  “Oh, I apologise, I wouldn’t say I’m a fan, sorry for misleading you.” she said brightly “pared to Akio, you don’t eveer my eyes.”

  As David reddened, angry but too proud to snap back at her, Sarah ughed loudly, just pushing his anger higher. Oh great, just what I needed, escation. So, David Reckless, huh… this is annoying. So far I’ve been accosted by a crazed woman, no, make that two, and upset the Princess and ahis guy… and lucky me, there’s still hours to go yet…

  ShipTeaser