“So, this is farewell then.” Princess Eleanor said, a tired smile on her face. She was wearing a turtleneck jumper in green, and a pair of blue jeans, looking very casual with her broulled in a ponytail over one shoulder. She held out a hand to me, and I took it, giving it a shake.

  “For now, yes.” I agreed. “Though if all goes well, we’ll see each other soon.”

  Eleanor looked over my shoulder, to where Hyath was standing, wearing her modest maid uniform, more fortable in that than the ordinary clothing she had been wearing during our stay in Britain. “It depends on her, right? I hope you succeed, Hyath.”

  Hyath met her gaze, violet eyes to blue. “You dooo not o tell me that. I will succeed for Akio’s sake.”

  “I see. You still haven’t fiven me for my rudeness yet, have you?” Eleanor smiled, a touencholy in her eyes.

  “That is not true. Yooou were a fool, but now you knooow better. I simply will dooo what I must for him. Hooope is not a , I will make it happen!”

  Before Eleanor could answer, a harsh voice spoke up. “There’s no point arguing with her, Princess. She’s clearly crazy. If I was being charitable I’d say crazy for him, but crazy heless.” David ughed then. “You better do it quick, maid girl. I ’t wait for my rematch with yuy here. This time I won’t lose.”

  “No way, Aki will pulverise you. I have to admire yuts though.” Shiro mocked him, though there was no malitended. She took my left arm, pressing it to her chest. “The other two didn’t e then?” Shiro ged the subject, looking around.

  “No.” the old man, Sir Arthur, spoke up. “Mrs Mary-Jane and Miss Aditi are still in recovery. I have to thank you all though.” he bowed, his every movement refined. “At least with your help, they will live, and they have hope of some recovery, even if not to the heights of their power before this tragedy.”

  “It’s no problem. They fought to the end for you. I hate seeing loyalty unrewarded. And speaking of such…” I paused, unsure of precisely how to say it, before deg just to go for it. “… what’s going to happen to them in the end? You know you ’t leave things as they are. It’s too risky, for a number of reasons. Besides, there are advao a tough approach…” I trailed off unfortably, as I was talking about her erstwhile friends and colleagues.

  Eleanor nodded, while David looked down, his expression unreadable. “Damn stupid redhead…” he muttered. “This wasn’t the way it was supposed to end.”

  “I know.” Eleanor cpped David on the shoulder, her own feelings plicated. “It isn’t like I don’t uand your s. In addition… we do owe you a great reward. Though I think… I am giving you rather too much. More than I should. I just hope that those of Royal blood before me five me.”

  It isn’t like I’m asking you to give us the Grail. Although I do uand your duty… Keeping silent was the best course of a, so I waited for her to finish. While I did so, Na was rapidly b our private jet that had flown over from Japan several days go, not wanting to listen to a situation that paralleled her own. “I am a woman of my word. Not just as a Princess, but…” she said resolutely after the pause. “… as a woman. I thank you again. All of you. You especially.” She o the grinning Shaeu.

  “Think nothing of it. I do greatly despise those who would-would atta unwilling female. Males should triumph over females with their own strengths and charms like Akio does, not-not rely on cowardly tricks.”

  “No kidding. I have to admit that I respect yuy, since he’s mao tame you.” David teased her, grinning at the cold look her amber eyes gave him. “Pass on my regards to the martial arts girls, ahem I hope to see them soon, especially my fan. Must make you burn with jealousy to know she’s into me, right?”

  “Hardly.” I scoffed, giving David a fist bump as a farewell, before shaking hands with Sir Arthur. “Into you? In your dreams. Natsumi is my precious fiancée, and if you try and mess with her, I’ll paint your Octagon with your blood.” My smile robbed the words of their sting.

  “Damn man, I was only messing with you. David Reckless isn’t a woman stealer. Seriously though, it’s not often you see such delicate girls into martial arts, so of course I’m eager to see how far they go.” He turo Hyath then. “So, I’ll not wish you luck, you said it yourself, crazy maid, you’ll get it done for him, the lucky bastard.” He me. “But make it soon. I’m itg to reach a new level of strength. I may no longer be the King of the Octagon, but hell, maybe one day we’ll be doing Gods’ Chosen bat sports. And by then, I want to be King again.”

  “David…” Eleanor warned him, but he waved her off.

  “Don’t worry. I’ve gone nine rounds with him in the ring, and I’ve watched him beat down that bitch Mary Stuart. I know his character. He’s a man who wants to be stronger himself.”

  “Yes. It’s only going to get worse before it gets better. But… we have a path forward, if everything works out.” I answered him holy.

  “I tooold you, my name is Hyath.” she pouted, and David ughed.

  “Maybe so, but you are pretty crazy, right? I know it when I see it.”

  “Nooo, I hardly ever get the urge tle sooomeoo death nowadays. Though my fingers are itg a little nooow…” she pouted, hands twitg, only making David ugh harder.

  “There’s nothing wrong with being a bit crazy.” He said. “Better crazy and honourable, than a traitor.” He was mencholic again all of a sudden, and I felt a bit sorry for him. “But I do want to see this Territory you’re so proud of, ahe Princess get ba her feet. That stupid bitch, telling us everything we’ve done was worthless, wasted effort… shit.”

  “Do calm yourself, David.” Eleanor said, g his shoulder again, and I smiled, thinking it was a little like disciplining an unruly dog. “Hyath, I have every faith in you. And I fess, it would be reassuring to have our nds linked. Before, it would have been impossible, but if not for your aid… I am bad at trusting people.” She fessed. “I’m not as smart as grandmother. I guess I take after Henry and Richard after all.” she snorted in self-deprecation. ”Henry is sorry he ’t be here to see you off, but we have a lot of matters to attend to as a family, I’m sure you uand.”

  I do. The situation in Britain is far more intehan in Japan. There’ve been some awful riots, even the Pope’s message of peace hasly calmed things down. “I get it, don’t worry. I’m just gd he made a full recovery.”

  “He’s even more eic than normal. He is driving poor Melissa mad. I…” Eleanor flushed. “I apologise for her. She feels rather strongly on some issues.”

  “No kidding, didn’t you as well, Princess?” David said unhelpfully, smirking, and she pouted, embarrassed.

  “I did. And I apologised!” She said, shaking her head. “I still don’t think it’s exactly normal, but…”

  “But we’re all happy. Every one of us. So it’s nobody’s damn business but ours.” Shiro said. Shaeu had joined her on my other side, clutg my other arm, her smile knowing.

  “True. Though if she should ever bully or mistreat you, I extend the same offer as I did to the irls.” Eleanor held her pride together. “Call me, and I will help you in whatever way I .”

  “At least you’re sistent.” I chuckled. “Seriously, if I ever do hurt them, I’ll be more than happy for you to punish me. As for Melissa… I hope she es around some day. But if not… we’ll still be happy, in our own way.”

  “Noble ses.” Sir Arthur agreed. “We should this up, Princess. uests have a long flight ahead of them.”

  “Yes. I suppose they do.” She nodded. “So, we will see you soon. And at the New Year.”

  “That’s not decided yet.” I demurred, but she pressed onwards.

  “Oh really? It seems doo me. Yover has agreed it would be an excellehod to soothe the popuce of both tries. Besides…” she the sparkling eyes of the girls. “… I think they wish for you to be honoured and respected for your deeds in front of the world. And I know enough to know you won’t turn it down and disappoint them, will you?”

  “Indeed, it is only natural that Akio should receive praise-praise and honour for his deeds, should he not-not?” Shaeu puffed out her modest chest proudly.

  “You as well.” Eleanor promised, and Shiro ughed.

  “As, none for us then, Hyath. I feel left out. This Princess isn’t as nice as I am, Aki. Stie for your princess quota.” She paused. “Well, I guess you t too Shaeu, I allow you.”

  “How-how magnanimous of you.” She sniffed, amused, and as they fell into banter, while David was exging more fist bumps with Grulgor, who had served as his sparring partner during his after-battle recovery, the Princess tinued her farewells.

  “Sadly, you are not eligible. As it stands. But you are more than wele to attend the ceremony. All of you.” Eleanor promised. “As for our cooperation...” She took my hand again, giving it another shake. “I look forward to it. Pig up the pieces will be hard, but your advice was meaningful.” She then turo my grandparents. “I call you Jad Evelyn, right?”

  The tere shogly unfortable at the incredible se of meeting the Princess in person, nodded, dumbstruck.

  “Yes, you .” Jack managed a nod. “Princess, I mean. By God, this is quite the shock.”

  “There’s o worry. Yrandson and I are friends.” Eleanor said warmly, and I couldn’t help but admire her. Even though she says she’s unfortable in social events, she still has that Royal dignity. Except with me, it seems. Somehow we mao upset her at our first meeting…

  As if Eleanor could tell what I was thinking, she gnawed on her lip, looking ashamed, before deg to ignore me. “I hope you enjoy your trip to Japaing your daughter again, and her family. Remember though, you are British, and always will be.”

  “Uh, of course. We were born here, we’ll die here.” Jack said stiffly.

  “Don’t be like that, dear.” Evelyn managed. ”I’m sorry about him, it’s been a shog few weeks.”

  “Oh, that it was.” Eleanreed softly, bringing a ugh from David. “Just please remember that this is your home.”

  “Yes, we are looking forward to seeing our daughter and granddaughter. But we’ll be back.” Evelyn promised.

  “And when you are…” Eleanor looked at me, eyes ear. “… don’t worry. I uand how important your family is to you. We’ll protect them. We’ll protect all those who deserve prote. After all, I am Eleanor Elizabeth Diana Windsor, the Green Knight.” She curtsied to me, which was a bit odd as she was wearing jeans, but I got her i. “And now I uand why I was chosen. It’s to protect those that ’t protect themselves.”

  “Those are good ses. But for that, you’ll o get stronger, Eleanor.” I advised her, and she sighed.

  “I know that, of course. Isn’t that ill be w together?”

  At my nod, she tinued. “So, Hyath, again, I wish you fortune, but I have faith in your skills, and your dedication.”

  Hyath nodded, arms crossed. “Soooooon we shall return, you will see.”

  “And when we do, we’ll be plundering your Tower.” Shiro ughed, holding the golden cloth she had taken from the Tower of London, the old ma had been ed up and repaired, but obviously it couldn’t show its true appearance here ierial. Yet, at least. “Eri and the others heir treasures too, else you’ll suffer, Aki. Nothing worse than jealous girls, right?” She wi Eleanor, who had a wry expression on her face. “There’s no point sting Aki for his harem, he’ll have enough to worry about keeping everyone happy.”

  “I suppose that is true.” Eleanor raised an eyebrow, though she was smiling. “Just… those treasures are Britain’s. Don’t drain us dry.”

  “Yeah, we’ll be fair.” I agreed. “But strengthening us is strengthening you. After all, we’re allies now. We stand or fall together.”

  Eleanor looked away, face pink, and Shaeu and Shiro were sniggering. With our farewells said, Hyath took Jad Evelyn onto the pne, Grulgor following them in, leaving just the six of us.

  “So, this is farewell. I am finding our parting a little sad, holy.” Eleanor admitted. “Our time together has been brief, but it was certainly… meaningful.”

  “Our time has only just begun.” Shaeu ughed. “After all, Princess of Humans, I do not-not think you escape your destiny of fighting at our side.”

  “No kidding. Us princesses have to stick together.” Shiro approved.

  “I’m still sceptical. But… I’ve no reason to refuse your aid. Even if it’s going to ore than I’d like.” Eleanor responded. “We’ve kept you waiting long enough. Go, before David here bursts into tears.”

  “In your dreams, Princess. I didn’t even cry when that bitch Mary Stuart fucked me up. But… yeah, ter.” He turned away, waving. Sir Arthur also said his farewells, and with that we turned away and climbed the steps to the private jet. Shiro and Shaeu entered, and before I did I turned back, to see Eleanor had likewise turned her head, and as our eyes met I waved at her o time, before I closed the door. It’s farewell for now. But we’ll be back. But first, Japan. I’ve been away too long…

  ********

  “That was nerve-wrag. Meeting a member of the Royal Family like that…” Evelyn said, only now rexing after we had been in the air for an hour. We had two flight attendants on board the jet, but Hyath had insisted on serving us our drinks, si had been too long since she was able to, so we were now all enjoying some alcoholic beverages.

  “Get used to it.” Shiro ughed, a little tipsy. “Aki moves ied circles. I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up meeting Japan’s Imperial Prioo.”

  “Yukiko-san is very busy. I don’t know if we’ll be meeting any time soon. At least, not until our pn reaches fruition.” I said, and Shiro waved her hand, the ice king in her half-empty gss.

  “See, see? I told you. This princess isn’t an idiot! Aki’s on first erms with her. You might not uand, but for us Japanese, especially girls, letting a guy call them on a first-name basis is pretty intimate!”

  “I know that.” Jack agreed. “Our son-in-w is Japanese. We uand the s, even if our Japanese is terrible.”

  “You learn.” I smiled. “Chirurgery has a positive effe learning speed. Daiyu is making goress, and I hear that the Bck Wolf crew is taking lessons too. You hop in outors. Most of us speak English perfectly well, but learning never hurts, does it?”

  “Daiyu. That’s the ese girl, right?” Jack mused. We had of course talked about my irls during our stay in Britain, to prevent any more shocks. “She’s lost her family and her home, so if yoing to take responsibility for her, you o be reliable!”

  “You sound like father.” I so which Jack shook his head. I tinued. “I know that. Daiyu is a little plicated, but for some reason she genuinely seems to like me, and it’s hard to knock her enthusiasm for Cultivation. If we could be sure Dual Cultivation was safe I’d give it a try. But… well, it all es down to what we p.”

  “Of course, there is the issue of Asha, is there not-not?” Shaeu was also red, supressiher Healing to allopy state of drunkenness. Grulgor had drank several bottles and was listening patiently, and even Na was looking more rexed, though she was still apart from us, due to her status as a criminal, and effectively Haru-san’s sve.

  Asha. Yeah, it’s a bit of a thorny issue. But it was already settled by my past as, now all that remains is to accept it. “I realise now it was too te when I saved her and she kissed me. And holy, there’s nothing to dislike about Asha. She’s very pretty, and has a motherly sort of charm, despite not looking more than my age.”

  “It’s the chest.” Shiro ughed, looking at Shaeu with a triumphant grin. “Us busty girls have a mother sister vibe. Aki digs that.”

  “I shall have you know-know that Akio is very fond of petite girls as well.” Shaeu shook her head. “Does he not-not look kindly on me, and ravish me at every opportunity?”

  “I don’t o hear that, granddaughter-in-w.” Jack said, embarrassed, and Shaeu snorted.

  “It is quite-quite natural to assume that a male and a female in love will make love. Pay it no-no mind. Besides me, there is Daiyu. Hinata is perhaps a middle grouween fas?”

  Yeah, there’s the Hinata issue as well. If I carry out my pns and she’s the only o out it won’t be fair. I see we need a family meeting. As the girls bickered, Hyath joining in, asserting that I enjoyed girls with her figure as well, I gathered my thoughts. “Assuming Hyath gets the Ring Gate linked properly, so we move between Tokyo, Kyoto, London and the Spring of Clear Refles at will, we give the pn a go.”

  “I dooo it. If I fail, then I will try again. I shall nooot sleep until I succeed!” Hyath protested.

  “That would just make Aki worry.” Shiro sighed. “But I get it. You want to be helpful, and it’s a big deal if this works.” Her hair suddenly took on a red tinge, her eyes likewise, as Tan, who had beeing for a while, spoke with her voice.

  “I believe it work. That Cauldron, the False Grail, as the fool from the Ninth Heaven called it, tains an astounding adherence of growth and natural abunda is a treasure that would not be out of p a higher Territory, it would be one I would be happy to possess. Obviously my father has better treasures, but in a world like this, beggars ot be choosers, uhey wish to starve.”

  “That reassures me.” I had gone over the pn with Tan, since she had knowledge we didn’t, and since we had all seen the Cauldron ourselves, she felt she could speak of it. I’d also sent a few questions to Yasaka-san regarding it, in fidence of course, and vague enough that he wouldn’t be prying into Eleanor’s secrets. Lastly, I had sulted Shaeu, Hyath and even Raidre about Dryads. It retty funny just how scared and respectful Raidre is towards Shaeu and Hyath now. I guess their strength is not to be ughed at.

  “If it works like you think, then the sky is the limit. Nobody would be able to have a Territory like ours then.” Shiro excimed. “In that case though, where should I put my new one? Kana has the same issue.”

  “It’ll be somewhere to maximise Ether Spire advantages, since mine won’t be able to take it all.” I said, and she nodded, agreeing. “The issue again is Asha though. I want to be fair to her. I ’t ask her to do this, and take on this role, not when she likes me, if I don’t reciprocate. And like I said, I like her just fine. But I’ve barely spent much time with her, I certainly don’t love her.”

  “Hyath thinks yooou think too much, Akio.” She chided me, though I could see it pained her to do so. “You already prooomised to accept her. You will not break your wooord, we all know that. If you spend time with her, yooou will fall for her. Everyone else has accepted it toooooo.”

  “Hyath is of course correct.” Shaeu agreed, her smile wicked. “You saved her and thus you are-are responsible for her forever. Daiyu told you simir, did she not-not? Her nd has some iing sayings. If she did not-not wish for you, then that would be another matter. But she has fallen for you, and you need-need her. I see no issue. Besides… she is a Dryad. She would not-not take up much of your time. Even Eri would not-not see her pine away alone.”

  “I know all that. But if I do fall for her, I’d want to treat her like everyone else. I’m not going to visit her Tree occasionally, spend a little time with her and ditch her.”

  “randson is very fair.” Evelyn approved happily, while Jack had a diplomatic expression. “Once I accepted that you had multiple girlfriends, it doesn’t seem strange anymore. I wonder how many great-grandchildren we see before we die?”

  “You sound like mom. She’s dreaming of a Rugby team of wives, so god knows how many grandkids she wants. Maybe a whole league?” I said dryly. “As for death… you’re both still young. And with Chirurgery, healthy too. So stick around a while yet.” As the girls agreed with those ses, I put aside my misgivings with a sigh. “I suppose thinking of Asha is both premature and also too te. The Ring Gate first.”

  “So that aside, y out the pn. You’ve been w on it for the st few days, right?” Shiro pressed, extremely enthusiastic. She does love games, and that’s transted over to being a Chosen well enough. She adrowing her numbers. Who am I kidding? Obviously I do too, as does anyone who actually see them. I wouldn’t be surprised if just quantifying gains is enough to push people onwards, without eveher adva offers.

  “We won against Mary Stuart and the toad bastard in Kyoto, but both were too close to the wire for my taste. It’s not over. Mary’s anisation seems rge and threatening, and the toad will be back. So we then ourselves. It’s time to grind. But not so much for levels. Though of course we’ll still be getting what levels we .”

  “Skills then?” Shiro questioned, and I agreed.

  “Definitely. We know how to get more elemental skills, and I also want to improve our bat skills too. I need a style, I’ve put it off too long. I’m thinking of bining Tsumura-style arts with Daiyu’s Cultivation martial arts, and whatever Ulfuri add to that. Maybe we’ll eve some help from David. After all, he worked out my moves easily enough, even when my speed was outg him.”

  “Sounds good.” Shiro agreed.

  “That’s not all though. Csses.” I pointed out. “Gaining and raising them not only has League bes, which is only going to be more important as we fight powerful oppos, but there are plenty of stat bonuses and other useful gains. Kami-Blessed and Fae-Bonded, we do that for everyone, I think. I’ve put off raising it for too long. I also want to experiment. I have a few ideas of other csses that might be possible.”

  “I am not-not sure that Kami-Blessed is possible for us.” Shaeu sighed, nodding to Hyath. “Fae-Bonded is certainly not-not.”

  “True, but you have your own csses, and I’ve been watg them level for a while now. I think I’ve grasped the basics. It’s time for a training arc.” I grinned.

  “Grulgor is excited. Since he mastered water element, Grul has been far stronger. It was a good fight.” He grinned.

  “Yeah. There’s another be to the csses. There’s the ce of gaining abilities. I pulled Might of the Furious Earth fror, and Kin Bonding from you, Shaeu. It’s a long shot, but if the girls are using me as their anchor for the Fae-Bonded css, they might get lucky. Even if they don’t, the League, Charm, Fortune and Majesty are well worth having.”

  “Yeah, I definitely want to be more charming.” Shired. “Not sure the world could handle a hotter Shirohime though.”

  “It’s been a while since you’ve called yourself that.” I snorted, amused. “Well, we still have a long flight ahead of us, so we might as well brainstorm some further ideas.”

  “Sounds good.” Shiro approved. “But first, more booze! We o let loose! It’s like the st day of a holiday. e to think of it, it was my first trip abroad. I ’t say it was all that rexing, but it wasn’t bad.”

  “Yes, we should make the most-most of this. Jack, Evelyn, do not-not fear to drink more. Akio or I cure any hangover, it is quite-quite trivial. Join us!”

  As my grandparents were uo refuse her hospitality, I let out a long breath of relief. The agreements have been made, and everything is in hand. My Eye shone a little, as I watched the spirit lights cirg me, two of them rapidly pulling in my plentiful aether, more flooding over from Shaeu. But there’s still more to do. And new dangers could appear from anywhere. g my fist, I resolved that ime we wouldn’t be relying on any luck, merely overwhelming power…

  ShipTeaser