“That was terribly embarrassing.” Princess Eleanor was saying, as she held a hot mug of coffee in her hands. Seeing Yukiko looking, she raised one eyebrow sardonically, amused. “What? I may be British, but I like coffee just fine, and I feel the need of a pick-me-up. You should uand, the stereotype of the Japanese is you only drioo.”

  “I wasn’t judging.” Yukiko had to chuckle a little. “In fact, I could use something strong myself. If not coffee, then perhaps some alcohol. It was nerve-wrag, wasn’t it?”

  The two Princesses shared a smile. They were backstage at the Tokyo Dome, the final act, the duet bination of Adeide and Ayumi-san, having fio rapturous appuse, and nawa-san and her co-hosts were giving the final speeches, before the crowds would be set free to desd on the merdise stands and bars to drain the Dome dry.

  “Some might call us idiots. Fighting is clearly more frightening, but…” Eleanor shrugged. “…I’ve never been one for being in the public eye. Richard, he’s born for it, being the heir after father, and Henry… well, he’s never out of the news…”

  “Yes, he’s certainly been in a few well doted is. At least he seems to have settled down now he’s engaged.” Yukiko interjected.

  “I would bloody well hope so!” Eleanor swore fervently. She took a long sip of her coffee to calm herself, before tinuing. “If he still acted like the fool after nearly dying to Mary Stuart, I’d have to question his intelligehough… sadly we Windsor’s arely renowned for our smarts. My grades at school hardly could match yours, Yukiko.”

  “Grades are all I have going for me.” Yukiked. “At least you look like a Princess, Eleanor. Me, I could fade into the background oreet without any difficulty.”

  “What is this, a Princess pity party?” Eleanor snorted. “But as I was saying, yes, much like you, I’ve always shied away from the spotlight. Even my cousins have been iabloids more than me. But… I get that it’s necessary. Though… a cert.”

  Yukiko nodded, fully uanding. We are very simir, in a way. Both of us shunning the fame being royalty entails, both of us Chosen by the Gods, and… both of us Princesses of the Six Paths, acc to Tsukiko. I wonder how she’s doing, out with Akio-san’s family…

  “Thinking of your friend, are you?” Eleanor correctly determined by Yukiko’s suddenly vat expression. “I doubt you’re thinking about him, anyway.” Eleanor’s smile broadened, slightly mog yet fortably warm. “This whole mess artially his idea. But… he’s n, grandmother says so. Though… all this merdise. I don’t quite get it.”

  “It’s a cultural thing, I think.” Yukiked. “At least with a certain subset of the Japanese youth. And holy… it makes sense in a way. There seems a bias towards the young in terms of the favour of the Gods, though there are certainly plenty of exceptions. Keeping the young from causing chaos is a matter of national i. Yin-Yang Grandmaster Daimon-dono agreed.”

  “An Onmyōji, huh?” Eleanor mused. “Fortunate. Britain should also have a rich legacy of hidden practitioners, but… they are all either in hiding, or already killed. It seems Mary Stuart and her fanatics were three steps ahead of us.” She frowned, her blue eyes like chipped sapphires. “I’m not sad that she perished, not after what she did, but… it’s such a waste. Britain lost many God’s Chosen.”

  “Yes, we were lucky in that regard. Although…” Yukiko helped herself to coffee too, wing a little at the strong taste. I like mine a little milder. “…Akio-san and Tsukiko both feel danger approag. I hope peace sts until after the Pilgrimage. It will take in both Ise Grand Shrine and the shri the Imperial Pace. Daimon-dono and his Onmyōji are hoping to e together and share knowledge, though holy… they are more ied in Daiyu-san. Onmyōji and Cultivators have many simirities, they insist, though their paths diverged fifteen hundred years ago.”

  “Lucky. We’ve no Druids, Witches or Wizards, not that we find. If Merlin is hiding somewhere, or King Arthur is irely a myth, it would be a wonderful time for a return. Though I suppose our situation is not as dire as it could be. Thanks to his help. I just hope… no, that’s too selfish of me.” Eleanor shook her head, slightly rose-cheeked.

  “You mean helping Mrs Mary-Jane Smith, yes?”

  Eleanor nodded. “Aditi is back with us, her zeal greater than ever, actually. It’s even inspiring David to new heights. But Mary-Jaries to pretend she doesn’t care, that she gets to spend more time with her husband and children, but… it eats her up inside. But asking for another Favour, when we already snatched this one from Miss Motoko or Miss Natsumi… I’m not so shameless. Holy, I’m not.”

  “You’ve already done a lot for us.” Yukiko disagreed. “Yes, they saved your life, and protected the Tower of London, but… you’ve paid for that. And our alliance makes us both stronger.”

  “It’s hardly that simple.” Eleanor chuckled, a little embarrassed. “Although I’ll keep paying. The agreement was Akio’s women, his sister, and his Vassals. But it seems he’s not shy on increasing two of those. Fortunately we only agreed on one sister as well, as I have heard talk of an adopted Tengu sister? Holy, that man…” Eleanor was smiling, shaking her head. “I holy found him quite shameless and frustrating at first. I was rather rude. But…”

  “I get it.” Yukiko agreed. “Tsukiko, who has always been there for me… I get mixed feelings when she found her love with him. She’s been alone so long… I wondered if it would be enough for her, such a plicated retionship. But she seems happy. I suppose the noble Lady Diviner…” she ied the title with a rather dry tone. “…would never have a normal retionship. No, she couldn’t. Even so, I… what with matters as they are…”

  “Oh, I see.” Eleanor frowned. “I guess why you have mixed feelings. It might e to nothihough, right? I’m in the same boat as you, so at least we’ll sink together. It does make things.. awkward, sidering. Holy, Akio’s more popur than I am bae. It’s a little frustrating, but on the bright side, it keeps me out of the spotlight just a little. Anyway…” Her eyes narrowed as a thought occurred to her. “While we have the many treasures of the Tower, you only have three, yes, the Imperial Regalia?”

  Yukiko nodded. “Yes. The Sword, Mirror and Jewel. They have immense spiritual power, too immense, acc to Grandmaster Daimon-dono. Part of the Pilgrimage will hopefully to be reawakening them.” With those, I should be more than able to protect Ise, perhaps… stand against the threat of the Golden-Eyed Devourer, the ohat nearly cimed Tsukiko, and is destio e for me...

  “And will he be rewarded for his efforts? sidering the talk I’ve heard in diplomatic circles…” Eleanor asked shrewdly, and Yukiko nodded, her faow the ohat was slightly pink.

  “It seems impossible not to. It was his demand, after all. Though… the Tsukumogami that makes up their other selves might dee. Searg through a records, Daimon-dono and his Onmyōji found out a lot of iing things. If one does, though… and the others accept me…”

  “Done deal, huh? My iserations. Or gratutions, I suppose. You are indeed fortunate here in Japan. Our Royal Family certainly has our oral traditions, grandmother has passed them onto Richard, Henry and me. In fact, even my cousins are being roped in. But… the monarchy has ged family lioo many times to have such detailed histories as you hold. A real shame.”

  “True, but what the Tower protects is easily a match for any of the Regalia, I imagine.” Yukiko was embarrassed by the praise for her family. I never really wao be a Princess. But… we don’t always get what we want. And if I wasn’t… I’d never have met Tsukiko. I hope she’s having fun…

  “Yes, Asha is full of praise for the power she obtained. It’s… quite the grand tree she has, I admit. Anyway, enough talk of that. Back to the cert… apparently evee the ludicrously early start ba Britain, it’s been watched by as many people who watch the World Cup final. That’s the football… uh, soccer… version to you Japanese.”

  “So it was worth you flying over for this thee how busy you are?” Yukiko smiled, sipping her own strong coffee.

  “It seems so.” Eleanreed. She skimmed through the BBC website on her phone. “Very positive ce so far. Holy, we might be better suited to PR work, rather than fighting, and I don’t know just how to feel about that.”

  “Yes. We hate both.” Yukiko agreed, once more struck at the resembweeastes, personalities and situations. Though of course there are some differences. I didn’t make quite such a lousy first impression…

  “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but that smug smile is rather irritating.” Eleanor frowned, looking up from her phone. “Anyway… it appears some of the merdise from here is already up on au sites at infted values. Damn vultures. Don’t they know this is for charity?”

  “If it bees too much of a problem, we have ways of finding out now.” Yukiko assured her. “But a bit of reselling is harmless, so long as it’s not out of hand. Just imagine if ures were avaible?”

  “No thank you!” Eleanor shuddered. “I felt bad enough having to sing that chorus. And worse, it’ll be on a charity album, yes? So I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  “If that’s true… at least we’ll be alive to hear it, and Britain and Japan will be stable enough to still enjoy such things.” Yukiko pointed out, and Eleanor nodded.

  “I ’t fault yic.” She finished her coffee, pg the mug down. “Anyway, you don’t have to keep me pany, Yukiko. I appreciate it, but my Japanese is ing along well. I’ll be fine by myself. I know you miss your friend.”

  “No, we should stick together, at least for now.” Yukiko shook her head. “I’ll have time to spend with Tsukiko when the uping trouble is dealt with. And speaking of… everyone’s ready to implement the emergen?”

  Eleanor nodded. “It met with a det amount of opposition. Wasted work and resources, all that waffle. But being dead is a lot more wasteful, if you ask me. Besides, we have assurahat resources will be provided to help us rebuild.”

  “Yes.” Yukiko agreed. “It’s the same here. Nobody likes a setback, but… all our best pnners, both human and spiritual beings, decided. Anyway… that’s good. As for Tsukiko… she needs more time to bond with her parents, and her greater, expanded family. I’ll catch up with her aime. So…” Yukiko checked her own phone. “…they’ll be backstage. Want to do the rounds, thank the performers?” She quickly gulped down her own coffee, the caffeine and sugar strengthening her.

  “Sure, why not? I have e a long way, after all it’s not like I just walk through a Ring Gate, is it?”

  No, that’s true. With that they left their dressing room, heading for where her colleagues and allies were…

  ***

  “It’s Princess Eleanor and Princess Mikasa!” A younger girl squealed, uo hide her excitement and surprise. That’s quite the fashion. She was wearing a tight leopard-print dress, fishs and loud pink heels. Her bunched up hair was bright pink too, and her makeup was heavy. “I ’t believe it…”

  “What’s not to believe, Ikeda-san?” another simirly dressed girl smirked. “I totes told ya we were ected. You’ve already met one princess, ain’t ya, in Shaeu, so what’s two more?”

  “Yes, but…” A plicated look of mixed annoyand happiness flickered in the first girl’s eyes as she looked at the speaker. “…who would believe you, Sana-? I’m not an idiot…”

  “Nope, I think you are.” A familiar face said, and Akio-san’s sister, Aiko-san, piped up. In addition to the numerous idols from AKB0048, now in their casual clothes after the show, the room was filled with young girls from Akio-san’s training school, as well as an roup, led by Shiro. It was crowded, but everyone was talking happily, especially… That’s a rge group around Daiyu-san. I had heard that some idols were taking lessons in Cultivation…

  “It’s not reating someone like an idiot just because of how they dress.” Aiko-san tihe girl… Ikeda-san… seemed like she was going to snap back, but she then shrank in on herself, perhaps cowed by Aiko-san’s charm and bubbly personality.

  “It’s okay, Aiko-. She’s always like this. But I’m not a monster, ya feel me? She’s done what she promised, so…” Sana-san apologised. “Don’t mind her. She’s just a bit starstruck.” She gave a rather adorable smile, not diminished by her own thick fake tan and makeup. “Si’s not every day ya get to meet a Princess, is it?”

  “No, I suppose not.” Eleanreed. “In that case, charmed to meet you all.” Her Japanese was not bad, as she’d said, and Yukiko watched as Eleanor used her experien social situations to make harmless, pleasing chatter. Yes, she might not desire the spotlight, but like me, oftentimes, we have to do what we don’t like. Besides, at least here…

  “It is quite-quite the gathering, no?” Shaeu smiled as she came over, trailed by several eager idols. “You were rather amusing, Yukiko. I did-did enjoy your singing. Perhaps I should have joined in myself.”

  “ you sing?” Yukiko asked, surprised, and apanied by giggles from the idols, Shaeu puffed out her chest proudly.

  “Of course I -! Like all princesses I had lessons when I was younger. Song, instruments aiquette. I do-do fess to being a rather terrible, spoiled student, but I am still-still capable. Especially now.”

  One of the idols, who wasn’t from AKB0048, and who Yukiknised, as she was from Kanda-myōjin shriamami-san, stifled a ugh at Shaeu’s antics. “Holy, I’m rather fttered. She knows most of our songs, even the ones she didn’t see when we performed at Kyoto. And her voice is excellent.”

  “Of course she knows.” Aiko-san was o answer, her friends, and also the two girls in gyaru fashion, having fiheir chat with Eleanor, who was now talking to Shiro and her group. Eleanor was quite close with Shiro, perhaps after spending time with her in London, after her rescue. “I mean… we’re huge fans of Red and White, aren’t we?”

  “Yeah, totally!” A blonde girl in tight-fit jeans and bck tank, over which was a see-through, cy t-shirt, making her look both cute and a bit punk, agreed. “In fact, Ai- could tell you it’s thanks to our influehat Shaeu’s such a fan!”

  The irl beside her nodded, seeming rather overawed. She was blooo, in blue denim and a white t-shirt. “Yeah… uh… it’s very o meet you, Princess Mikasa. Oh, damn… mom would go mad if she knew I met you…”

  “It’s nothing special.” Yukiko replied, a little self-scious. “After all, if you know Aiko-san and Shaeu, you’re hardly ordinary.”

  On hearing that, the girl iank top flushed, and Aiko-san elbowed her cheekily in the ribs. “See, even a Princess says so. Although… you’re defihe most ordinary by far, Yae-!”

  Yukiko exged a gh Eleanor, whed. Yes, I don’t quite get it either.

  “I know it!” Yae-san puffed out her cheeks. “Being here only reminds me of that!”

  “Giving up then?” her other friend asked, and she shook her head defiantly.

  “I ’t do that, Rika. Not just for me, but because Ai- put in so much effort thinking of a way to give me a ce.”

  “It’s just a ce.” Aiko-san warned. “It could all be for nothing. Though… even if it is, you’ll have set yourself up nicely for the future, so… hey, don’t take it too hard, okay?

  “Why are you making it sound like I’m going to get shot down again? We don’t know that…” Yae-san pouted, to much ughter. Shaeu spped her on the back, clearly amused.

  “No-no, nothing is certain in life. If you simply do your best, then you should not-nret, no matter the oute. And if you require assistance, do-do seek me out. After all, you have-have made the noble decision to join…” Shaeu gnced around, before ging what she was going to say. “us… so I will provide you support.”

  “And just what are we discussing?” Eleanor asked, and Shaeu merely shrugged.

  “Yae’s future. After all, it is never-oo soon to start preparing.”

  “I… see. That’s true, I suppose.” Eleanreed. “Callie is young, and is as fierce as any of us. So, are you a new Chosen, or…?”

  Yae-san shook her head. “Nope, like I said, I’m just a friend of Ai- and Ri-Ri from school…” At that, Eri-san, ith Daiyu-san, snorted. “Hey, I am!” Yae-san insisted. “Even if you don’t think so Ri-Ri. But… I’m also an ambitious girl, you know? hought I was, but ever sihe baseball…”

  “Baseball?” Eleanor asked, curious. “Not a sport mujoyed in Britain. Now if it was cricket…”

  Exging a gh Shaeu, who was grinning, Yukiko felt her fellow Princess had rather missed the point. Perhaps because her Japanese, while good, isn’t fwless yet? To her, it sounded rather more about her future in a seirely different to her future career. Seeing Aiko-san likewise amused, Yukiko was certain of it.

  ging the subject, Yukiko asked if there were any updates on Akio-san’s journey abroad, and Eri-san was the oo nod. “Yes, there was a lot of trouble. An iional i. Luckily, Ichijou-san was unharmed, if shaken, so he’s handling the fallout.”

  “I see. So, is the pn for the Pilgrimage still okay?” Yukiko pressed, it being important to her, and not just for the Regalia.

  “It had better be.” Aiko-san grinned. “sideriakio see the Tengu of Mount Atago while we’re on route. Oh, I’ll shut up now!” She mimed zipping her lips as Eri gred at her.

  “Yes, please do, Aiko. We shouldn’t be rude to her.” Yukiko was a little surprised by the searg gaze in Eri’s dark eyes, feeling as if she was being stripped down. “Though we are all friends here, aren’t we? It’s importa along.”

  Shaeu burst out ughing again, and Yukiko fouhoughts going to the Regalia again, before she nodded. “Of course we are. Since Kyoto, and… my dear friend Tsukiko is in all of your care.”

  “She is, and she’s fine.” Eri-san promised. “My mother likes her, she’s very calm and mature. We get used to anything, if we try. Mother’s accepted the way things are. Besides, she gets on very well with Shiro.”

  “That’s good. Yes, they do have rather simir circumstances.” Yukiko was aware that Shiro had suffered from a spiritual defe her body, rather simir to Tsukiko’s unique stitution, but without any of the mitigating bes Tsukiko enjoyed. Her family life was plicated too, I think?

  “That aside, Akio’s had to set aside some of his pns, and he’ll be heading straight for America when this is all sorted out, but he should still be back for the Pilgrimage.” Eri-san assured them. “Hinata will be ing back with Mayumi-san and her grandfather oters have bee with, it might take a bit longer.”

  “I’m curious…” Eleanor asked suddenly. “This Pilgrimage. I’ve heard of it. Is it really going tthen everyone?”

  “It should do.” Eri-san nodded firmly. “Being blessed by the Kami works for us. Though…” She g Shaeu, who grinned sourly.

  “Yes, it does not-not seem possible for us Fae to gain such a Css, no more-more than we gain Fae-Bohough versely, we have access to Csses through our very-very elemental natures that mortals do not-not, so I suppose all is fair.”

  “Why, thinking of verting to Shintoism?” Yukiko asked Eleanor, whed, shaking her head.

  “You know I ’t do that. Our family has to be Church of Engnd, it would be rather shameful not to be, sidering it’s a faith established by the British monarchy. But… just because I ot…”

  “Oh, thinking of some of your team, I see.” Yukiko nodded. “Very noble of you. Holy, I’m not sure if our Kami would accept fners like that, but…” she g Shaeu, whed.

  “I ot-not say. Just as Akio has extended his bonds to many, granting them Fae-Bonded, it may well be that the Kami grant their favour to many as well-well. However…” Her tone brooked nument. “…our forces e first. But if you wish-wish to try, I doubt Akio will have any objes, for we are indeed-indeed firm allies. This favour I am sure we grant. Ask him, Eri!”

  “A favour. I see.” Eleanor didn’t miss the implications, and Yukiko felt a brief sting of sympathy for her fellow Princess, but as she was Japanese, she was thankful for any support they could garner. Britain is our closest ally now, but we have to look out for our own first, no question. Although… the situation could easily ge, if the political mans behind the ses py out as anticipated. No, there’s no point w about that now…

  “He says that’s fihough they’ll be disadvantaged if they do it via Ring Gate.” Eri-san reyed a message from Akio-san after a moment. “That would be fine for the Tokyo shrines, and Kyoto of course, but… travelling all of Japan in the Boundary, through uncimed areas, is fraught with real risk, and will likely overstress their Silver Cords.”

  “I see.” Eleanor mused. “That makes sense. But it would be a shame if we left Britain uaffed for several weeks for no gain…”

  “I think it’ll be fine.” Kana-san, the shrine maiden from Shirohebizumi spoke up. “I know Shirohebi won’t hold ba his blessings, fners or not, so long as the piety is genuine. And anese don’t demand ods be the only ones worshipped.”

  Tamami-san agreed. “Yes. I think Daikokuten-sama and Ebisu-sama will extend their great fortuo any who early seek their aid, especially our allies who promise to defend Japan.”

  “It’s rather difficult.” Eleanhed, and Yukiko agreed. Yes, it most definitely is. But… sadly, whether we chose this or not, we were born with responsibilities. And given more since. Both by man and by God.

  “Of course, just as Japan defended us in our time of need, we will return the Favour. Though… if trouble strikes us both at once, matters will be troublesome.”

  “Think so?” Aiko-san shook her head cheerfully. “That’s overplig things. First group to deal with their own troubles helps the other. No problems!”

  As the girls around them ughed, Eri-san rolling her eyes, exasperated, pining life wasn’t that simple, I exged a gh Eleanor, whed.

  “It seems I was overthinking things. Well, I’ll see who is suitable on my end. It’s not as easy as you would think. David, for example, while he craves strength, he’s… ly the pious type, and is wedded to his praise of Caturix. As for Aditi…”

  I see. Yes, in some cases we have it better. Although… this does make me wonder. We are most definitely not the only try with Gods and Kami. What… what bes do others have? Including… including our ehinking of the twin Dragons Tsukiko had prophesised, the Red and White, Yukiko felt a chill, and for a brief moment… No, it’s nothing. It must be. I’m just tired after my performance. And dwelling on the uping troubles because we were talking about it…

  ***

  “Cheers!” Gsses ked together, and Yukiko took a sip of beer. Beside her, Eleanor had gulped down half of a gss of it, starting to unwind.

  “Yes, cheers.” Arisugawa-san remarked, sipping on a crimson wine elegantly, her poise impeccable. Sometimes I think she is more suited to be a Prihan I am.

  The rger gathering had broken up, most of the younger girls having fun with various idols from the cert, and now it was just Shiro and her group of friends, along with Arisugawa-san, and Suzu-san, or Suzanne, as Arisugawa-san called her. Makes sense. She’s definitely not Japanese, despite her attitude and nguage skills. Not with those looks.

  “Hey, look what I got!” One of Shiro’s friends, Yasu-san, decred proudly, pulling out a small figurine which despite the big head, was clearly reisable, with long dark hair and pierg eyes. “I lucked out and won yure from the gacha, Arisu-!”

  Arisugawa-san twitched a little at that, and Shiro rolled her eyes.

  “I see. Most fortunate, as there are few of me in circution.” Arisugawa-san said at st. “Just… do not do anything unsavoury with it.”

  “Shit, Yasu, she saw right through you!” Shiro howled with ughter, and the young Suzu-san griugging idly at one of her brilliant blonde curls, while sug on a lollipop.

  “He wouldn’t dare, or the boss would burn him alive for you, Arisu-!” She paused then. “Oh, did a one of me?”

  “No luck I’m afraid, Suzu.” Shired.

  “A shame. But some lucky people did. Not that it beats getting yure, Arisu-!”

  As the talk tio be harmless, one person there seemed out of pce. Turning to the woman, Yukiko politely asked her who she was.

  “Oh, I’m… I’m Akiko, your Majesty. I’m… Shugo-kun’s girlfriend. Sorry… I… uh… I’m a schoolteacher, I feel very out of pce here…”

  “A schoolteacher, huh?” Eleanor broke in. “Just like Mary-Jahere’s no shame in it. A praiseworthy role, in fact. However…” Eleanor suddenly smiled impishly, and at that Shiro raised an eyebrow, grinning to herself as well, muttering something too quietly for even Yukiko’s enhanced hearing to pick up, other than “…so bad, after all. At least she…”

  “…it’s proper to call Princess Mikasa Her Highness. Majesty would be reserved for the Emperor. Though you Japanese of course have your own s. -sama perhaps, though that does seem rather generic.”

  As Akiko-san flushed, she apologised, thanking Eleanor for the corre. “So, yes… I feel out of pce here. I’m… well, I didn’t know Shugo-kun was so important before we started dating. You get it, right Aimi-?”

  The shorter woman nodded. “Yeah, I do. My boyfriend… he’s been really busy with work at the moment. I never really uood what he did before, except he was w for some big pany. But… seems like it’s actually some sort of subsidiary of Fujiwara house. That’s Miyu-’s family, right?”

  “Yeah.” Shiro agreed. “That why yetting an io that hotel?”

  “Seems so.” Aimi-san nodded. “It’s a very formal event though… oh, damn.” She suddenly looked mortified. “I simply don’t have anything to wear! I’ll shame him and me if I turn up dressed in miniskirt and floaty top!”

  “In that case, we’ll hit the shops, no problem!” Shiro ughed. “Or better yet… I know.” She pulled out her phone, firing off a rapid text.

  “Who are you messaging?” Suzu-san asked, and Shiro grinned.

  “Natsumi. Her family is not only nobility, but iraditional clothing business. I bet they sort you out with some borrowed jewellery to match as well. We ’t be having you looking like an idiot, Aimi, it’ll shame your boyfriend, who we still have yet to meet, may I add…”

  “Sorry, sorry!” Aimi-san csped her hands in apology. “He’s… always so busy. Holy, it was getting me down a lot. I mean, he’s handsome, got a good job, kind to me… but… anyway.” Aimi-san coughed to cover her embarrassment. “…actually, that’d help me out a lot. But aren’t clothes from there very expensive? I know I have money, but…”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it.” Shiro grinned. “I’ll ask nicely, and if not, I’ll make Aki pay. Although…”

  “Yeah?” Aimi-san asked, and Shired.

  “Just… this hotel was a big deal, for… uh…” She g Yukiko and Eleanor, seemingly a little unfortable. “…reasons. Anyway, so obviously we’re happy to have recovered it, even if not through all our efforts. So just do me a favour and keep your ears open, okay? I’d be curious as to what went down.”

  “Is that all?” Aimi-san muttered, relieved. “Sure, I do that. I’ll ask him for what he tell me too.”

  “In that case… back to celebrating!” Shiro decred, raising aoast. “Damn, it’s fantastic, being able to go out drinking without w about colpsing and having to duck out early…”

  As she unched into tales of her past, her friends interjeg their own amusing tales, some of which made Shiro blush, Yukiko exged a gh Eleanor. Yes, this certainly isn’t a usual circumstance. But…

  “So, Arisu-san…” Hayato-san asked, speaking for everyone. “Do you think your return to the public eye went well?”

  “I should say so.” Arisugawa-san nodded. “Though sadly, I shall have little time to dedicate to the eai business. It seems my abilities are too valuable to Akio-san and White here.”

  Shiro that. “No kidding. Though with your talents, I daresay you pull off every se in one or two takes, so you’d be done in no time.”

  “You fet there are other actors in any given se.” Hayato-san pointed out, and Shiro nodded.

  “Yeah, fot about that. I agree, w with Arisu would make me nervous, I’d make more mistakes than usual.”

  “How cold, White. Are you saying I am frightening?” Arisugawa-san shot back, and there was mhter, most of them agreeing that she was indeed intimidating. I think so too. There is an unapproachable yet regal aura she has. Though… she seems reliable.

  “You certainly aren’t good-tempered. But I love you anyway!” Shiro snorted, and Suzu-san couldn’t stop giggling at that.

  “In any case…” Arisugawa-san sighed. “This was an excellent experiment. All indications are it is being talked about worldwide, with rgely positive reception. This is a war. It may not seem like it now, but… that does not make it arue.” Everyone was listening to her words, especially Yukiko and Eleanor, who uood, being as they were privy to the highest yers of gover in their own tries.

  “For now, it is sporadits such as Kyoto or London, small-scale yet tragic. However…” Arisugawa-san held everyone spellbound. “…that turn of events will not persist forever. Battles between groups, between tries… cssical wars, one could say… will escate, despite our best efforts. There are those…” Arisugawa-san sniffed, and Shiro snickered, knowing who she meant. I do as well, I think. “…who believe in the good of others, but sadly, I am a realist. There are many who are not good people, or worse, those who would have been good, but are easily corrupted by power ah. So chaos is iable. Worse…”

  “Worse?” Eleanor asked.

  “Yes, eventually… it will not just be human wars. So… keeping the popuce behind us, when we will require their support… propaganda via eai. It is one important piece of the puzzle.”

  “I get it. If the cert brings everyoogether, and shows people are willing to donate and sacrifice food causes… then we escate it when matters get worse.” Hayato-san pointed out.

  “Indeed. So perhaps even with limited time, I shall be called upon to help create dotaries, films or eai for our purposes. But for now…” Her lips curled into a rather mean smile, which was still beautiful, but if it was directed at her, Yukiko knew she would be shivering. “… I am satisfied. Those who tried to destroy me… they shall see I have risen, from the ashes of their lies, like a phoenix, and… they will feel the fmes of my revenge!”

  As Shiro and Suzu-san cpped and cheered, Yukiko swallowed nervously. Yes, I’m very gd I’m not her enemy…

  With that thought in her mind, Yukiko pulled out her phone, sending a message to Tsukiko. There might still be time. I am supposed to be chaperoning Eleanor, but it’s not often I am in Tokyo nowadays, so I want to see Tsukiko again… I know I said I wouldn’t, that I’d leave her to spend time with her new family, but… I get a sudden urge to see her. I doubt Eleanor will object, after all, she’s rather affable. Well, in most cases. Lips quirking in a smile, remembering Eleanor’s terrible first impression and treatment of Akio-san, she held in a ugh, and as her phone beeped, signalling Tsukiko had replied, she finished her beer, ready to suggest a move…

  ShipTeaser