“Are you fortable enough?” Fukumoto Kenji-san, Hinata’s grandfather, asked me, a look of on his face. I’m not an invalid! I suppose it’s unfair to pin about him being kind though.

  “I’m fihank you.” I said, still a little stiff with him, as I barely knew him, but he was Hinata’s grandfather, so he was almost a retive to me. And isn’t that a strahing to think. But what’s stranger is I’m almost used to it by now. I suppose it’s because my days are so full there’s no time to myself with such things… “See? I walk a bit now, but Hyath worries.” I flexed my legs a little. It annoyed me how stiff and unrespohey still were, but it was a huge improvement, being able to walk with crutches, and my bad arm was able to grip the crutd move me just fine. I wouldn’t have wao do any delicate work with that hand, as it still felt like I had sausage fingers, but just being able to grip and move it was such a huge relief.

  “Ooof course I am worried. Akio worries toooooo!” Hyath said, sitting beside me. “But I knooow you are strong. Every day you get better, right?”

  “You two have a good retionship.” Fukumoto-san said jovially. “I think that’s a y. But… I’m gd you are rec, Mori-san. By the way, that’s a lovely dress. Designer, right?” he said, and I nodded.

  “Yes, Hinata gave it to me. She’s beeing a lot of clothes retly.” I don’t normally wear such expensive, fancy dresses, in fact, other than my school uniform I prefer jeans. I’m not fortable having people stare at me. Aiko is the same. But then I do want to look pretty for… Shaking my head I ged the subject. “It’s Hyath who won’t ge out of that maid outfit. I don’t know why. Shaeu loves dressing up. Sure, most of her clothes are fancy yukata or western-style summer dresses, but on occasion she’ll wear other things.”

  “This is my proooper dress.” Hyath insisted, looking down at her maid outfit, which was rather fshy but I admitted was cute. “Besides, this was what Akio wished fooor.”

  “In that case, I should have words with him.” I tossed my head, but I wasn’t really annoyed. As the expensive fn car was driven out into Tokyo, Fukumoto-san seemed amused by ument.

  “Yes, you definitely get along. As for the dress, enjoy it. After all, Hinata may have made the deal, but it’s Akio-kun who did the healing. A marvellous thing that. I still hardly believe how healthy and young I feel.” He grinned. “It’s not just clothes too. Makeup, perfumes, champagne… LVMH provides everything. Though I suspect they might get more than they bargained for.”

  “LVMH?” Hyath asked, and Fukumoto-san happily expined, while I only half-listened. Some big Frenpany. It’s not important. It is a nice dress though. Bd white…

  “The makeup isn’t all that necessary. You all have such lovely skin. A perk of Chirurgery, right?” he grinned, his expnation done, Hyath only grasping that some important people were io Akio, which pleased her. “Though it’s all very expeuff. Even with your youthful charms, now and then a bit of makeup do wonders. I’m sure Akio-kun would be surprised.”

  “Right now there’s no point.” I said, and then immediately regretted being so short with him. Mellowing my tone, I managed a nod. “Thanks for the advice though. But until I’m pletely better, I’m more ed with my recovery. I know Akio, that’ll make him happier than anything else.”

  “I think you’re right. He’s certainly a man who cherishes those he loves.” He agreed, and as Hyath nodded, I cast my gaze out of the window, watg the streets of outer Tokyo passing by. I don’t dislike him, he’s rather like a friendly uncle, but… it’s awkward.

  “ I speak freely?” I asked, and Fukumoto-san chuckled.

  “It seems to me you always do, Mori-.” He said rather informally. “But this old man isn’t so thin-skinned as to be offended, so go ahead.”

  “I never used to. I always used to hide behind Akio and Aiko. But I ’t anymore.” If I do, then what am I here for? I’m already falling behind, but no more. I made up my mind… “So, don’t you hate us, Fukumoto-san? Yranddaughter, her situation…” I trailed off, unsure of how to expin it, but the ses were obvious, so Fukumoto-san merely smiled wryly.

  “I see why you’d think that. But I’m an old man who grew up in a different era. I’m not one of those nobles, who treat their daughters like prized horses, just for breeding and f es.” He paused, perhaps remembering that his daughter-in-w was one such. “Now don’t get me wrong, when I was a boy, arranged marriages were onpce. Even now, it’s around five pert, so most people know someone who had their marriage settled by their parents. But that’s not what you mean, is it?”

  “Sooo foolish.” Hyath snorted softly. “Mistress Hinata loooves Akio, and she likes all ooof us. Why worry? pared toooooo our past sorrows, Hyath thinks everyone is far happier now. If there are tears ooor sadness, Akio will wipe them away, and if he alooone is not capable, then all ooof us together will work hard. Hyath… I love being here. I looove everyone, who smiles at me and what I dooo!”

  I found myself with damp eyes, feeling hot. I sympathised with the girls that had suffered, so Shaeu, Hyath, Asha and Daiyu, I found it impossible to be too resentful of them. Especially Hyath and Asha, who had been hurt in ways I could never prehend. And I hope I never have to. Hinata and the others were different, but I was getting used to them and our live together. There are hassles, but… Hinata reminds me of Aiko. They are both very forward, eid also kind. “I know, Hyath.” I reached out and took her hand. “But from the outside it looks strange.” I turo Fukumoto-san, sitting opposite us. “The Fae all think in different ways to us. They don’t care about the things we do.”

  “My son married a noble daughter. He hated the way that despite me building up Nichibotsu from nothing.” Fukumoto-san said mildly. “As for me… the arrogance of the nobility sure is annoying, but they have a long history and a great deal of financial power. Even so, in terms of teology, Nichibotsu is the equal of any. But my son couldn’t face being looked down on by them. When you’re an old man like me…” he said spiratorially. “… the words of others doesn’t matter. As long as we were profitable, putting money in our pockets, I could live with the s. But my son, well, he was young. I doubt you enjoy being spoken badly of, Mori-?”

  “I don’t much care. Let people say what they want.” I said, surprising him.

  “I see.” He let out a dry chuckle. “You’re quite unusual for a young girl then, Mori-. Hinata is very sensitive to the opinions of others. It’s why she struggles with her pce as a half-hearted noble daughter. Or at least she did. Things have certainly ged.”

  “All she o worry about is what we think of her.” I repeated. “I ’t say I like that Ichijou girl very much. She’s not achieved anything herself, only borrowed her parents authority.”

  “I see.” Fukumoto-san spped his thigh, amused. “That’s exactly the problem with nobility. But there are some who uand. Fujiwara-san does. He knows that merely proteg what they have won’t work in the modern world. Especially now. As for achieving… isn’t that what Akio-kun is doing now, with the help of everyone?”

  You mean… “Building from scratch? It’s ly the same, after all, he’s got the support of you, and those nobles, and even the gover…”

  “You think I built Nichibotsu without support? Nothing is ever achieved in a vacuum, Mori-. Even I had friends in power, even if they weren’t the nobility, who smoothed my path, and several other businesses aided me. But that doesn’t make the achievement any less.” He lectured me, which I would have ordinarily found annoying, but since he wasn’t looking down on me, but early expining, I listened. I do want to learn how to be more helpful. I should listen to those who have succeeded in life. Hyath was listening too, though I did wonder just how much she was taking in, judging by her slightly vat smile.

  “If you want the purest definition, I’d have had to do everything myself. That’s simply impossible. No. I provided the vision, the know-how, the drive… it’s no different to Akio-kun, right? He’s building a new system that ies these new powers into Japan, no, not just Japan. The whole world. That Press feren London sure was shog.” He looked at Hyath, who was there. “I especially ehe way Akio-kun and Shaeu took charge.”

  “It’s annoying. Everyories to tell us how to live our lives. As long as we’re happy…” I began, irritated, and he looked triumphant.

  “I quite agree. ge is terrifying, but if we never ged, then girls such as you and Hinata wouldn’t even be able to get an eduori-. No, you said it yourself. Hinata is happy, and living her dream. How I resent you all for that? Besides, you’re a friend to her, aren’t you?”

  I nodded. “Yes, she’s very pushy, but she’s a good girl.” g that point, I was rewarded with a grin. Yes, Fukumoto-san is extremely cheerful. Hinata must take after him…

  “I uand.” Hyath said suddenly. “It is like hooow mistress Shaeu wishes to rebuild the Spring and reform the Seelie Cooourt. Having it haooo her is not what she wishes.”

  “Exactly.” Fukumoto-san agreed. Our versation had tinued for a while, so now the car ulling into tral Tokyo, and the bay was visible, shining a brilliant blue in the weak autumn sunlight. “This Boundary is like a bnk ste, right? If that isn’t building from scratch…”

  “Akio is very happy.” Hyath giggled. “Mistress Asha’s Tree and mistress Shirooo’s abilities have bio make him rich.”

  “Hyath, you shouldn’t be revealing such…” I began, and Fukumoto-san agreed with me.

  “Yes, keep your cards close to your chest. My Hinata believes the same. After all, not everyone is going to be friendly or supportive. While the nobility and the political elite currently supports your aims, they don’t realise just what they’ve doakatsukasa house is a sacrifice they are prepared to make to pcate you, especially since Hinata is desded from Itsuki-san. But with such a foundation Akio-kun will build something that exceeds anything that has e before, and when they realise they are no longer on top, they will only have regrets.”

  “You seem certain.” I said, satisfied.

  “As do you, Mori-. And why not? Your husband is going to shape the world, assuming he chooses his allies wisely. And Hinata is part of that. As long as she keeps smiling and realises her dream, why would I pin? Her mother is happy now, but Kokoro- wasn’t pleased at first, marryih her, as she saw it. You think that Hinata is just trying to gather Akio-kun money? Well, he needs it…” he unched as the car pulled up, and I looked out the window at the rge two-story mansion, eyes wide.

  It's beautiful. Is that…? “Is that the new house for us?” I asked, hardly able to believe it.

  “No, that’s your parent’s house.” Fukumoto-san enjoyed my rea. “Yours is a little further over the hill. It has a view out over the bay too. And it’s bigger. You are a big family, right?”

  “Getting bigger tooooo.” Hyath giggled. “Soon mistress Asha will be able to join us. She will like it here, I knooow.” The hillside, a rarity in Tokyo, was filled with trees and pnts, giving it a soothing, almost rustic appeal, despite the heart of tral Tokyo surrounding it.

  “The Jonan hills are certainly a nice area.” Fukumoto-san said, and as the bodyguard that came with us opehe door, not that we needed oh Hyath here, he offered a hand to help me out. I hesitated a sed, before deg it was fine, being as he was Hinata’s grandfather, and rather old. Once I was in my wheelchair, Fukumoto-san finished his talk. “… the money is necessary. After all, we got these mansions by paying well over the odds. I think if you knew just how much, you’d provably faint, Mori-.” He teased me.

  I probably would. I still have my poverty mi, as Akio calls it. Even this dress seems wasteful… “I uand the rationale behind the move. But Akio needs money for other things too…”

  “Yes. But it’s not just money. It’s a web of favours. Really, it’s enviable.” He said, as Hyath started wheeling me up the hill. As we crested the summit, an even bigger three-story mansion came into view, as well as Tokyo bay, which was filled with a number e yachts. It’s beautiful…

  “If only I had such opportunities in my youth… but with political power and es, including abroad… after all, Britain owes Akio-kun a great deal, and their most famous Chosen, their very own Princess, is in an alliah him, bined with personal power on a scale that only appears in manga, and financial strength… there’s nothing stopping Akio-kun from building a dynasty that rule Japan, if he so chooses.”

  “I don’t think he has a choice. There’s a lot of ambitious girls beside him.” I said, thinking of Shaeu and Hinata. “But he’ll have to anyway, as he ’t protect us by just keeping quiet. Not anymore.”

  “Yes, it’s all very medieval. In a way, everything’s ged back to the time of the Shogun.” He chuckled as we reached the door to the stunning mansion. “Now a single person domihrough force of will and power, and just like the past, they have as many partners as they wish.”

  I had to ugh at that. So Akio is like Tokugawa Ieyasu, is he? I hope he doesn’t get to een wives, but… I’m not fident…

  ********

  “This is too luxurious.” I said, amazed. The balies that looked out over both tral Tokyo and the bay were wonderful, and it even had a basement taining the sort of amehe training school did. The indoor pool was a bit smaller, but still more than enough for our needs, and the rge living areas and kit were astonishing. “How did you even vinyoo sell such a perfect house?”

  “Like I said, paying well over the odds.” Fukumoto-san ughed, amused by my open-mouthed gawking. “And also by a favour. If the previous owner or his family are ever in need of healing, Akio-kun is on the hook for it. They buy an equally nice house elsewhere and still have det money left over, but money ’t buy health, right? sider it an insurance policy.”

  “This hooouse, may it be blessed with faith and good fortune!” Hyath said, and I felt aether flow from her. Fukumoto-san may have had Chirurgery, but he wasn’t trained, so he looked at her with some fusion.

  “She’s a Brownie, or she was.” I said. “She’s a house spirit. A bit like a Zashiki-Warashi, maybe? So she’s very ied in the home.”

  “This hooouse has a good feeling!” Hyath was ecstatic, her silver-violet eyes glittering. “I believe we will all be happy here.”

  “Hinata too. For some of the week.” Fukumoto-san said. “I still find it hard to believe, that we humans aren’t alone on this Earth. But then, I’ve seen too much to deny it. So, what does this blessing do?”

  “Ward ooof siess, misfortune and sadness. The dwellers will be fed aile, and the garden will bloooooom!”

  “And that works? No, five me my rudeness.” He apologised to Hyath. “I shouldn’t be surprised by anything. Fed aile, hmm?”

  “Worried about Hinata?” I said, uo hide my grin. “It’s a bit te if you are letting her live here for part of the week.”

  “Worried? ly. I’m a good judge of character, that’s ohing I pride myself on, I would never have built Nichibotsu from nothing otherwise, and Akio-kun isn’t the sort to mistreat a woman. Besides, when I was young, girls got married at that age all the time, and babies followed quickly. I’m not nobility, even if I’m definitely nobility adjat. I’ve never liked the greenhouse-styled way they raise their daughters. But I let my son and his wife decide, it’s their business.”

  “So you don’t have s then?” Eri pressed, and he ughed.

  “s? Of course I do. Hinata’s pushing herself, what with trying to manage her takeover of Takatsukasa house, the business with Mayumi-, her training and more. I worry she might have taken on too much… but then, building something from nothing is hardly easy or free of risks.”

  I uand. It’s one reason why I’m going to try and learn lots of things, so I help Akio and the others. As I nodded my head, I poihis out. “That’s right. And if your business failed, it wouldn’t be your death, right? Whereas when Akio fails, he could die. Hyath and Shaeu too. Perhaps even Japan might fall.” I ’t see any of the others being able to defeat that terrible slimy toad they’ve talked about…

  “That’s where you’re wrong, Mori-.” He disagreed. “A failing business could have meant poverty ah back after the War. It was a grim time. Japan has it better nowadays. But…” his expression was worried yet kind. “… it seems that war could be ing back to us. In war, nobody is safe. Just look at the bombing of Tokyo, or the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Women, Children, Elderly, the i and the guilty alike, all died just the same.”

  I opened my mouth to say something, but Hyath beat me to it. Shaking her head as if to clear something unpleasant from her mind, she spoke. “Hyath… remembers a little. War is a terrible, terrible thing. Sooo many screams and cries, the hiding, the shaking. Wet face, boooth salt aal.” As she trembled, I got to my feet. Without my crutches walking was hard, but Fukumoto-san put a hand on my shoulder to steady me, and I drew on all my stats to keep my baaggering to Hyath I put my arms around her.

  “It’ll be all right. You don’t have to remember it. It’s over.”

  “Yes.” Hyath agreed, eyes moist. “The hiding, the tears. All over. But war… Hyath has been ooon both sides. The prey and the predatooor. I hate it. I like this.” She gestured to the house around us. “Seeing happy smiling faces, Akio and the mistresses living together in joooy.”

  “You too.” I told her, and she nodded.

  “Ooof course. Hyath too. At first it was hard.” she said to us, her expression wry. “I waooo go back to being a Browo teh and hooome, but… sooo many years of hatred and suffering, sooo much pain. It ges you.”

  I had heard Hyath say a little about her past, but she always cimed she remembered little, and nobody wao push her on it, least of all Akio or me. Even so, it was equal parts fasating and terrible, heariale, seeing the pain in her eyes. Beside me, Fukumoto-san was also at a loss.

  “I gooot so angry, felt so much darkness.” She ceded. “But if ooone is cared for, one gradually e to looove themselves again. But I ever gooo back to who I was before. Even if I dooo not remember most of the time in the hands of the Dark Maidens or in the booox, I remember too much. Thus I know…” her expression was serious. “… I will nooot allow those I serve, those I looove, to go down the wrong path again, et hurt and suffer. Never. No.” she ched her fists. “This home and all whooo dwell in it, including you, mistress Eri, mistress Hinata all the others… your family whooo will live iher house…”

  “Our family.” I said to her, and she nodded happily, before tinuing.

  “… they shall all be blessed. I will make it sooo. Before I was strong in hatred, but weak in spirit, not nooow… now I am strong in purpose, and strong in belief.”

  “It’s rather amazing…” Fukumoto-san said to us. “…to hear stories from someone of so long ago, who lived so long ago. You feel the weight of years, of history. Of the mistakes made. I guess you aren’t any wiser than us humans, always doomed to repeat the same mistakes.”

  “You shouldn’t talk about a woman’s age. Not even a Fae.” I chided him, and he ughed.

  “That’s true. My apologies, Hyath. And my thanks. I’m gd you are looking after Hinata.”

  “Ooof course.” She said, nodding. She then realised my legs were trembling wildly and scooped me up in her arms, carrying me bay chair effortlessly, great strength in her slender arms. As I flushed in embarrassment, I ged the subject.

  “Hinata isn’t the only one who wants to build. I do too. I thought about doing some internship or other at the Ministry. I figured I could work under Haru-san.” I said. “If Akio puts in a good word he could make it happen. I ’t just be a housewife, no matter how sweet that might be. I’d feel ashamed seeing Shaeu, Hinata, Shiro all w hard.” Damn, even Kana-san has bee a different person, putting her all into the training school. I knew I had to be wary of her, but… at least as she is now she’s good enough for Akio… and far less annoying for me.

  “That’s a good idea.” Fukumoto-san agreed. “But let me give you another option. Why not spend some time learning busioo? I find you a role at Nichibotsu. Nothing important…” he said dryly. “… but somewhere you learn.”

  Business, huh? That’s Hinata’s province, but it would be good to know more… “You know, that’s an iing idea. I’d like to learn a lot of things, to work out what I’d like to do and what I do…” Shiro and Asha have their roles. Shaeu goes without saying. Hinata and Kana-san. The others too… but I o find my reason for being by Akio’s side. In the past I’d have been arrogant enough to say my reason was because I loved Akio, and was his childhood friend, but having seen Daiyu so happy, and so useful, I wasn’t na?ve enough for that now. No, those aren’t reasons, those are just simple facts of life… Looking at Hyath, I decided if I was going to ge myself, she was too. “You know, Hyath, I want you to do something for me…”

  As she agreed instantly, as I knew she would, I smiled. Akio has it hard, he’s got a lot of tiriings today, so… at least he should have a nice surprise whes home…

  ShipTeaser