On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

The main room at our estate was literally packed with people. Beside me, Hinata’s brother Hiroto-san gave me a gentle smile, raising his beer to me mockingly. “This is the problem with being so popular, Akio-san. These family gatherings get rather too large.”

“How do you manage it? In the nobility, I mean?” I asked him, looking around at the crowd. It was all my girls and their families, though we also had a few other guests. Keomi-chan was Kana’s cousin, so was welcome to be here as family, but we had also brought along Marika-chan, as she was home alone otherwise. Hotene-san was also here too, since after the events of Kyoto, she was very dependent on her fellow survivor, Keomi-chan. In addition we have our pair of freeloader foxes.

Shinkume-no-Hana was enjoying the sympathy she was receiving for her missing leg and tails, sipping on plum wine, while Mae was sitting imperiously, as if in a royal court, surrounded by the older members of our group. Strangely enough, Tsukiko’s elderly parents had taken a shine to the Kitsune, perhaps as they were extremely pious, and were listening to her talk, pouring her sake whenever her glass was empty.

In addition, we also had our group of Koreans, since they were still here it seemed churlish not to invite them. My mom was keeping them company, alongside Daiyu, and Violet-noona seemed to be having a great time, while Yu-mi was looking after Suk-ja and Eui.

“We don’t. Not like this.” Hiroto-san chuckled, looking at his sister fondly. Hinata was rushing about talking to various people, as energetic as ever. “Bear in mind Fukumoto house was only part of the Three-Hundred before this, so it’s a bit different, but mother was from Takatsukasa house, so I think I can speak authoritatively on the subject.” Hiroto-san looked a little proud. “When she married father, she became part of our house, and lost a lot of status. And her brother then didn’t really bother with her after that. It’s only natural. And complicated. But then, uncle was …” Hiroto-san stopped what he was about to say, probably because one of our other guests was Sakura-san, Hinata’s cousin, or sister, depending on how you looked at it.

Yeah, her father was extremely opposed to Hinata being adopted. Even now he has very limited responsibilities, supposedly due to health issues, but it’s more being kept in the background. Seeing her looking so disconsolate, I was about to go speak to her, when Eri went over, accompanied by Shiro.

“Sakura-san, there’s no need to fret. We are all friends here.” Eri said warmly, putting on a calming expression. “If you are worried about being without a bodyguard, this is the safest place in the world right now. Besides, Kazumi-san is with her. They are having their own little gathering in the other home.”

“I am hardly concerned about that.” Sakura-san replied coldly yet politely. “I just…” She was looking at Hinata with a complicated expression on her face.

“I get it.” Shiro spoke up. “Must be hard, seeing your cousin come in and cause a fuss. But Hinata’s a little fireball. Besides, you need to see the benefits rather than the problems. But not today. Today everyone’s here to have some fun.”

“But I…” Sakura-san began, and Eri shook her head.

“Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi are all relaxing. We’re all among family, Sakura-san. You’re Hinata’s family, so just treat us all the same…”

As Eri and Shiro handled the situation, Hiroto-san finished his beer and took another. Seeing me raising an eyebrow, he shrugged. “I might not be as invested as my sister, but I’ve still been training on occasion. It takes extra effort to get drunk now. Anyway, looks like all your women are working together to keep matters in hand. So you might as well relax, you’ve a busy week ahead, don’t you?”

I nodded, taking a sip of my own beer, grateful Ether Healing allowed me to feel the pleasures of being tipsy without the side-effects. “Yeah, there’s a lot that I have to take care of. So…”

“So, you should relax when you can, son.” My father joined us, alongside uncle Junpei, grandfather Jack and also grandfather-in-law Kenji-san, who nodded to his grandson beside me. “A stressed man makes mistakes.”

“Eri’s grown up so much.” Junpei observed emotionally. “I never thought I’d see the day when she cared enough to reassure other people. She’s really come out of her shell.” We were all speaking in English for Jack’s benefit, though after Chirurgery, he was learning Japanese, refreshing his past, mediocre efforts, and the boosted Intellect meant he was learning rapidly.

“Our children have to grow up.” Kenji-san said fondly. “And our grandchildren too. Hinata’s extremely excited about the trip to South Africa. She’s hoping to show Ichijou-chan she has what it takes to match her, no, surpass her. And even you’re maturing, young Hiroto.”

Hiroto-san shrugged, embarrassed. “Well, it’d feel bad if I wasn’t working as hard as my sister, wouldn’t it?”

There was laughter and agreement, and Jack spoke up. “I still can’t believe it. Taichi, how did you raise such a son?”

My father shook his head, an unusual smile on his face. “I still do not know. I admit to worrying about both my son and daughter over the years.” He looked over to where my sis was sneaking sips of beer, and he turned away, ignoring it. Yeah, that’s a losing battle. Besides, her stats are high enough it doesn’t really affect her much. She just wants to fit in with everyone else. Father also found it hard to complain about breaking the law, as the noble girls were used to drinking from an early age at parties, and father didn’t feel comfortable meddling in the affairs of my women. Even Eri, he had a light touch with.

“I don’t see why.” Hiroto-san said, amused. “Other than his womanising, Akio-san’s a stand-up guy. Hinata loves him a lot, and so do the others. He’s a good provider too, and honestly, Oshiro house is one of the Fifty-Nine in all but name. Though not everyone is happy about that…”

Motoko was in one corner of the room, talking to her parents, as well as Katsuro-san, who was able to make time to attend. Natsumi was there too, and she had a slightly bitter expression on her face, as she was sidelined, Motoko’s brother, Masaru-san, standing stiffly with a grim expression on his face as he observed the bustling room. Moments later, a maid came bustling past, and Masaru-san casually ordered Natsumi to fetch him a drink.

My face hardened, and I was about to intervene, when Motoko grabbed her brother’s arm. He was older than her, in fact he was probably a couple of years older than me, and he was quite tall and well-muscled, being military-trained, like every man in the Tsumura house, but despite that, he was unable to shake off Motoko’s grip. His face reddened, and in the end, after failing to dislodge her he tried to pretend nothing had happened.

“Natsumi is your bodyguard, sister. It’s only natural to follow my orders, after all, I am the heir to Tsumura house, while you… you will be leaving us soon.”

“It’s all right.” Hiroto-san grabbed my arm to stop me from going over there. “Motoko-san can handle it. Hinata tells me all about all your wives, so I know she’s not the sort to take any nonsense, even from her brother. But he doesn’t like you much, does he?”

I nodded. “Well, his mother was the same at first, but after London I think I’ve won her over.” Indeed, Rikako-san was about to say something, but at a look from Motoko she remained silent.

“Whether I leave or not is irrelevant, Masaru-sama…” she scolded her brother coldly. “But Firstly, I think you will find that this marriage is not merely a noble arrangement…”

“Of course not. Oshiro-san’s simply a commoner who had great fortune. Unworthy of a daughter of Tsumura house. You should be marrying into Ichijou house, or Takatsukasa house. Fujiwara house has no male heir, but…”

“Not noble? More fool you, Masaru-sama. If you think that, you truly are a shame to Tsumura house. Mother, father, grandfather…” she addressed her family. “I have ignored his poor attitude towards Akio these past months. I understand it. We are a great house of long lineage, and pride is in our very bones. Though I do worry for the future. If Masaru-sama cannot grasp the way things are now, we can only decline…” He made to open his mouth to chastise her, but Motoko narrowed her eyes, as furious as I had ever seen her. “…shut up, Masaru.” Her honorific was gone now. “

“What I cannot abide is that you would order Natsumi around. She is my sister-in-arms, and in heart too. We will both marry the same man, and we will share joy and sorrow, and fight together.”

“Oh Motoko…” Natsumi breathed, before gathering her own will. “She’s right, Masaru-san. While I still see myself as Motoko’s bodyguard, I know I’m not. As she is also mine. Not just her…” She gestured to the watching girls. Hyacinth had paused, and was staring at Masaru-san rather murderously, and Hinata was also watching coldly.

“…but each of us will defend the others. Would you be so crass as to order one of Akio’s other wives to fetch you a drink, Masaru-san? If so, I’d like to see how you deal with the consequences.”

“Indeed. Natsumi has status higher than yours, Masaru.” Motoko scorned him. “Even by the rules of the nobility. After all, many marry into the great houses, as you suggested I do, but how many can command their daughters, even ask them to give up their lives?”

“Yeah, I’m marrying Akio, and lest you forget… I’m a daughter of Takatsukasa house, I outmatch you!” Hinata insisted, and Kenji-san chuckled beside me, praising her courage under his breath. “But Miyu… she lives and dies by Akio’s word. If he wanted, he could ask for her hand in marriage too, and she would give it. Sure, that might have… issues…”

No kidding, as far as I can tell she’s into girls, for one!

“…but Fujiwara-sama wouldn’t protest at all. As for Mayumi and Sakura… well, we’ll see.” Hinata saw me watching and winked playfully. “So watch your mouth, Masaru-san. If you upset Natsumi, you upset all of us, and you can’t bear the consequences.”

“Can I kill him, just a little bit, I prooomise?” Hyacinth broke in, and Motoko chuckled elegantly, hiding her laugh behind one hand.

“I do not think you can kill someone a little.”

“No, but… I can certainly burn off his head. He’s not using it.” Shiro was next to complain, and her beauty overawed Masaru-san a little.

“I appreciate the aid, but I can handle this. In fact, I should. After all, is not chastising a brother the job of a sister?”

My own sis laughed at that, and Masaru-san flushed. “I… you…”

“I would stop while you’re ahead.” I couldn’t stand watching him make a fool of himself any longer. I walked over, patting the watching girls on the head as I went, before draping my arms around Motoko and Natsumi. “I treat Motoko and Natsumi the same, just as I would Hinata, or Shaeula, or Eri, or any of the others. You may not understand, but… if you think Motoko has married down, you’re a fool.”

“He is right.” Katsuro-san said gently, and his daughter-in-law Rikako-san nodded, remembering her own disdain, which left her smiling ruefully. “Grandson, military minds must be flexible. I agree following the traditions we hold is important too, but… here there is no conflict. Just consider Akio-san as a son of Takatsukasa house, and let it go at that.”

“He is simply jealous. A small-small man.” Shaeula, who had been silent until now, interjected, “Did you perhaps think this should-should be you?”

“I…” Masaru-san was lost for words, and I decided to step in.

“All right, this is a family dinner. And friends, of course.” I didn’t forget to include our other guests. And despite everything, we are family, Masaru-san. And Natsumi will be your family as well, so… you’ll have to get used to it. Now, don’t let this spoil them mood. After all, your grandfather could use a break after the crap I dropped in his lap today.”

Katsuro-san chuckled, breaking the tension. “That is quite true, grandson-in-law. Quite true indeed…”

With a graceful way to back down, Masaru-san nodded stiffly, and with that I steered Motoko and Natsumi over to the table, deciding to sit between them, at least at the start…

 

***

 

“I see cooking has advanced over the years.” Mae observed, as she devoured a fine, A5-grade steak. It was accompanied by steaming vegetables, rich gravy and sauces, and of course washed down by ample, expensive sake and wine. “I am not displeased by this. This feast would have matched any in the Imperial Court.” Her tails wagged happily, her ears flapping.

“This is nothing.” Shaeula declared proudly, puffing out her chest, her face flushed from the alcohol. “We shall-shall see greater in the future. Our wedding feast, for example!”

At her drunken words, many of the girls around the table flushed, but Mae merely looked interested. “A bold claim indeed. I shall look forward to it.”

“Planning to stay then?” Hinata asked her, and she nodded.

“I am not ungrateful, despite what you may think. I shall linger a few years, or perhaps decades. What is that but a blink of the eyes to a proud Kitsune such as I?”

“Good.” Hinata rubbed her hands happily. “As a legendary being, you’ve got to be strong, right?”

Mae snorted, clenching one fist. “I am… not at my best, child. But in time, I shall be the strongest here once again. My tails are not simply an affectation. We Kitsune…” She looked pointedly at Nebisuki. “…display our might through them.”

“The strongest?” Shaeula scoffed. “You had best-best regain your strength quickly then, fox, else I shall-shall surely surpass you, to say nothing of Akio.”

“Bold claims, little Kamaitachi. I shall hold you to them…” Mae dismissed her, going back to her feast, and Tsukiko’s mother, still looking a bit shy and ill at ease, spoke softly.

“To think we are in the presence of such mythical figures. I can hardly believe it…”

“Why?” Kana piped up. She had taken a day off from her construction work, which admittedly would slow down the progress, as with Grulgor alone the compound effect of their abilities wouldn’t be activated, but spending some time with Kana and her family was important to me too. “Your daughter had mystical powers even before all this. If anyone can believe it, I’d think it would be you.”

Kana’s father looked a little upset his daughter had spoken out of turn, but she meant no harm, and Tsukiko knew it, taking over gently.

“It is one thing to believe in the Gods. After all, your shrine is a true one, and you have powers yourself, Kana.” As Kana conceded that point, she continued. “And therefore it is not unreasonable for Yōkai to exist, just as the Gods do. But… there is a difference between knowing of the other face of the world, and meeting a legend, only written of in history books, thought to be mere allegory, or myth.”

“Hear that, my dear grandmother?” Nebisuki snickered. “You are a legend. Whereas I seem rather unimpressive in comparison.”

“See brother, you are missing out.” Hinata giggled. “You really should train more. Though I will accept that you’re busy raising Fukumoto house’s profile now we have to keep up appearances as one of the Fifty-Eight.”

“I’m going to make time.” Hiroto-san promised, and then Violet-noona spoke up, laughing.

“Damn, Emily, is it always so fun here?”

On first name basis with my mom already, huh? Well, she’s rather more outgoing and free than most Asians, so…

“It never used to be. Oh, don’t look at me like that, Ai.” She laughed at my sis, who was pouting. “But when Aki left, didn’t things get boring? Though now every day’s interesting. I’m never bored! And now you’re a part of it, Violet!”

She shrugged. “Well, your son is my boss now. But yeah.” She cracked her knuckles. “Great days ahead, too fucking right… err… oops, my bad.” She apologised for swearing, and that set my mom off, giggling again.

“Speaking of our visitors…” Daiyu was next to speak, and beside her, Eui was eating heartily, which was a good thing, as she was still painfully gaunt, despite her ordeal at Choe-Museon having ended. Weaselkin and human maids, plus a few ratkin, were tending to the group, and Hyacinth was managing to be waited on, though she looked a little uncomfortable still.

“…Suk-ja is proving most useful. Now I can  break down her crystal blades into Qi, I feel my strength growing. I have faith I can convert the Invincible Jade Yang Technique into a secondary Foundation in time.”

Hearing her name, Suk-ja then flushed as it was translated for her, and nodded shyly. She stammered her thanks, which started Violet-noona off laughing, until Yu-mi scolded her to be more dignified, as one of Korea’s heroic Hunters, and the conversation turned more light-hearted, everyone mingling and having fun…

 

***

 

“So, are you still fitting in at school?” I asked Marika-chan. The main meal was largely finished, through a few of our hearty eaters, Motoko included, were still picking at what was left. Smiling sweetly, she answered me in her usual polite, adult manner.

“Yes, Akio-san…” I had finally persuaded her to drop the overbearingly respectful way she spoke to me, though her eyes were swimming a little as she did it. “Keomi-san and Kana-san are very kind, and the school I attend is one of faith, so they have an understanding of our matters.” She paused. “Oh, Hotene-san, I must not forget your kindness.”

The dark-skinned girl nodded shyly, muttering that she was happy to have a friend like Marika-chan, and then Keomi-chan bounded over, followed by my sis and Kana. Keomi-chan pulled Marika-chan into a big hug, giggling. “You’re just too cute. Awah, I can hardly stand it! I want a little sister just like you!”

“Act your age for once!” Kana rapped her on the head until she released the red and embarrassed Marika-chan. “Besides, you may be in high school, but you act younger than she does! Doesn’t it embarrass you, considering all the other people here?”

“Should it?” Keomi-chan tilted her head. “I’m just happy to be around friends. It’s all so fun, isn’t it Kana-chan?”

“Speak for yourself. I’m working myself to the bone every day!” Kana sniffed. “But… I won’t say it’s a waste. There’s definitely satisfaction in building something, seeing it get closer to completion. I’m… actually rather proud of myself for once.”

Hearing Nagi-san tell auntie Hana that she was so proud her daughter was all grown up now, Kana flushed, but instead of cringing, she pressed on boldly, grabbing my arm and kissing my cheek, which made Keomi-chan giggle. “Besides…” Kana continued. “I just know all my efforts are surely strengthening my Favour and my earth elemental Skills. Even my Kami praises my efforts. In fact… I shouldn’t say this, but I’m better than Shirohebi…”

Her father grimaced at the blasphemy, but Shaeula, who was now highly tipsy, merely laughed. “There is no-no shame in the truth. Kana is merely reaping the fruits of her efforts. Be they these Kami, Yōkai, Fae, or even Gods, if they do not-not exert themselves, we will all-all overtake them!”

“Do you think I will ever be praised by Chairo-sama?” Marika-chan asked wistfully. “I have yet to meet him…”

It was my sister’s turn to hug Marika-chan, though she was less clumsy about it than Keomi-chan was. ”Sure you will. In fact…” My sis grinned, and I knew she was readying some mischief. “Can you skip school Friday?”

“I should not, but… if it is you asking, Aiko-san, I can hardly refuse…”

“Great. Well, I have to go back to pick up Rika-chan and Yae-chan for the concert. Damn bro, you’re going to miss it.” My sis narrowed her eyes, looking at Hinata. “But then, I suspect you’ll be having a different kind of fun.” She snorted, then got to the point. “Anyway, I have to keep that Oni occupied too. So… you can visit Chairoakitara in the Boundary. Sound good?”

Marika-chan nodded happily, and my sis continued to tease her. She’ll be going home over Christmas break anyway, she’s too young to be away from home all year, but a brief visit might do her good… Keomi-chan expressed a wish to go, but Kana berated her for her terrible grades, and advised missing any more school was unwise.

“It’s a shame I’ll miss it, especially since Suzu-san is on the bill, as well as Red and White and the girls from AKB48. There’s also some other groups too…” I glanced over at the Korean contingent. “We’ve got some famous Korean acts…”

“Oh, who, who?” My sis, a huge idol fan, was suddenly interested, but I shrugged.

“I don’t know, but you can ask Arisu-san, she’s in charge…”

“No thanks.” My sis shook her head. “I like her, don’t get me wrong, but… she’s a bit scary.”

She sure is! Anyway, as I had to mingle, I approached Asha, who was with Natsumi’s parents, taking about clothing.

“So, I’m very curious.” Masae-san said warmly. She resembled Natsumi quite a bit, having a youthful exuberance still, but also the quiet elegance of a noble mother. “Just how fast do Dryads grow? I’ll need to know if I am to make clothing for them. Akio-san’s children should all wear Hori-made fabrics. I wish our daughter would hurry up… though I suppose it would be a scandal, marriage should come first…”

“Mother!” Natsumi gasped, flushing scarlet. “You can’t talk about that here…”

“Why not?” she teased. “It was a significant concession, your father and I allowing you premarital relations. Honestly…” Now it was Masae-san who was pink with shame. “…the conversation we had to have with Fujiwara-sama… it was nerve-wracking. Fortunately, he is very understanding of your situation. Though I suspect he does worry about Miyu-sama.”

“There’s nothing to worry about there.” I assured her, stepping into the conversation, giving Natsumi a hug and then one for Asha too, gently patting her stomach. “Asha, how’s your Tree? It’s not too much, is it?” I was still trying to mitigate the Berserk Blessing, and over the several hours of the feast, which was over twice that in the Boundary, the effect of Shiro’s buff had risen, though so had the additional ether and elemental gains…

“It is not too painful. My Tree is huge and growing well, any discomfort is spread throughout it. And Trees endure. We cling to the ground with our roots, and we resist the winds and rain with our canopies. We will not die, even if we must struggle…” She remembered her past, and I hugged her again.

“Just say if it’s too much. Nothing can put you or… our children… at risk.” I insisted, and she was the one kissing my cheek now, mimicking Kana from earlier, since more in such company would be rude.

“I never will. To answer your question, Masae, I simply do not know in this case, as Akio has a… unique… heritage. He is Fae now, but also human. But ordinarily, we Dryads age with our Trees, and Trees grow slowly. Yet as they will pair with existing adult Trees, it is hard to say. But I shall be honoured to see my daughters wear such things, as they will not be confined to their Boundary homes, but will walk this world too…”

Conversation then turned to what sorts of little kimonos and dresses would look good on children, so Natsumi pulled me away.

“Thanks for earlier.” she whispered, and I nodded.

“Yeah, I think her brother did it to try and exercise power over me, I don’t think it’s your fault.”

“Actually, as a bodyguard from a lesser family, it’s only natural for him to order me about. I used to have to fetch him drinks all the time when at the Tsumura estate. Honestly, if I wasn’t from a noble house, no matter how minor, he could have called me to his bed.” She paused, flushing deeper. “But he didn’t! Nobody touched me but you!”

“I know that.” Now it was me kissing her cheek. “I remember our first time. That aside… yeah, the nobility will be reformed. Like your mom says, Fujiwara-san is very considerate of our issues. Besides, the training school seems to be full of nobles nowadays…”

Natsumi giggled. “That’s mostly Hinata’s doing. But she’s right. If we induct all of the daughters who attend Hanafubuki in our ways, and get as many into Adamant as possible… then we control all the nobility by proxy. Maybe one day soon there won’t be three great noble houses, but just one at the pinnacle.”

“That’s a way off yet.” I whispered, and she nodded, her smile sly.

“Not so long as you think. Hinata is determined. Hence why Sakura-sama… -san is here.” Natsumi couldn’t show Sakura-san too much deference. “Well, that and she’s lonely, of course.”

I nodded. “Yeah, Hinata seems to have a complicated relationship with her cousin. I wonder why…”

“There are… rumours. I don’t want to speak of them.” Natsumi shook her head. “But amongst the top families like Motoko’s, there are whispers that Sakura… no, I said I wouldn’t say. Just… Hinata did have reason for her bitterness, and why she pressed to become equal to any of the three great houses so fearsomely. Even to the extent of bringing in Kazumi-san, a bodyguard, when she didn’t have the pedigree to do so.”

“Is it going to cause us any problems?” I asked, and Natsumi shook her head.

“I don’t see how it could, but… it’s a personal matter. But Sakura-san surely knows herself. Setting that aside, so you’ll be going with Mayumi-san to South Africa too, and Ichijou-sama?”

I nodded, and Natsumi shook her head. “Be careful. Mayumi-san is by far the most arrogant and forceful of the daughters of the three great houses. Don’t get swept up into her pace, or if you do… be sure to get the best of the bargain…”

“Do you think that Hinata would settle for a poor deal?” I quipped, and Natsumi laughed, pulling me closer by my arm, and her breath was hot on my ear.

“Tonight… it is my turn in your bed. And do you know who else won the lottery?”

I shook my head imperceptibly, and she gently nibbled on my ear. “I guess you’ve got a surprise then…”

I guess so. But a pleasant one…

 

***

 

“It is quite troooubling, being a mistress.” Hyacinth said to Tsukiko, who merely nodded. She was unveiled in front of many people, quite a lot of them unfamiliar to her, and it had exhausted her mental strength. Likewise, Hyacinth had also suffered, seeing all the maids at work.

“Yes, but you did well.” I said, sitting between them. “You too, Tsukiko. I know how stressful it can be when you aren’t used to it. But at least…” I glanced over at her parents, talking with Jack, Evelyn and the Kitsune. “…they seem more settled.”

Tsukiko nodded. “Indeed they are. And I am grateful. It is still impossible to change our relationship so swiftly. But… time is what we have, no? Tamamo-no-Mae is right. For us… a year or ten is nothing.”

“Time is looong and often cooold.” Hyacinth said insightfully, and with a hint of melancholy in her violet eyes, silver highlights twinkling. “Yet here is very warm, and Hyacinth loooves it. Mistress Tsukiko, never fooorget that what is whole can be shattered in but a moooment.”

Tsukiko’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment my Eye activated, picking up a surge of aether around her, as well as the violet flickers of spatial element. For a brief second Tsukiko’s red eyes were shading violet, matching Hyacinth’s, and after a moment she reached out and took the surprised Fae’s hand.

“I see.” Tsukiko remarked. “I shall take your advice. For who knows better than you?” Tsukiko turned to me then. “I believe you should take Hyacinth to your bed tonight. I know she did not win the lottery, but you have enough strength to spare for three, do you not?”

Hyacinth flushed, her grin turning sloppy, and I nodded. “Assuming the chosen two don’t mind. Besides…”

“You will ooonly have mistress Hinata for the next days.” Hyacinth chuckled, glancing sideways at Tsukiko, communicating with her eyes.

Tsukiko blinked, seeming to understand, and smiled at me. “Do not mind me, spend some time with Hyacinth. I shall seize the moment and talk to my parents once more. Besides, I wish to speak to the legendary fox I heard tales of as a child.” Tsukiko got up primly and strolled off, while Hyacinth clutched my arm, humming off-key and contentedly.

“Are you all right?” I asked, and she nodded.

“Hyacinth always is, nooow. Though sometimes when people annoooy me…” She glared at Motoko’s brother, who had loosened up after drinking a lot of fine alcohol, and was now chatting with my father, who had taken it on himself to smooth matters out between us. I appreciate it, but it’s not likely I’m going to do something stupid, father. Though I did chastise Shaeraggo for his idiocy… We had invited Shaeula’s family, of course, but despite Shaeranna’s wailing, Prince Shaetanao had required their presence for some Fae matter or other, so they weren’t here.

“…I dooo find it a little hard to clear my mind. Sometimes serving like I used tooo helps, but… this is not so bad.” Hyacinth nodded to herself. “It reminds me… ooof old times. The glittering lights in the dark, wine and sooong.” She glanced at the speakers that were playing gentle background noise. “The parties spiralled ooout into the endless night, spanning days, weeks. We were fools. The rot was already in ooour hearts, the dark.”

Fascinated, I listened. Hyacinth almost never mentioned anything about her past before she fell, so I didn’t want to distract her. As if understanding that, she gripped my arm, her fingers digging in. “It was tooooo easy. To let petty mistakes and grudges grow. We hated the humans, who wielded bright, cold iron, who burned ooour trees and our homes. But were we blameless? Nooo, our hands were already red.” She looked down, as if her own hands were covered in liquid. “Pranks, harmless fun. Sooour the milk, steal a shoe, turn a bed upside down. Nooo… lead into swamps, steal a child and leave a changeling, burn a hooome, the sleepers inside… when did it start, why did it start? I dooo not know. Sooome changed. The weaker ones… ratkin, Goblins… first. And those with anger-filled hearts. Giants. Trooolls. But we never thought it could strike us, and sooo the endless night was full of dancing, ooof music and lights, until it was not any longer. And once a heart is pierced, there is nooo putting back the blood…”

I listened, rapt, to her explanation, only for her to fall silent. I waited a little longer, but she didn’t speak, until she suddenly shuddered, the usual silver glaze in her violet eyes shining. “Oooh, was I talking?”

I shook my head, squeezing her hand. “No, it doesn’t matter. We were just sharing a moment.” As she giggled, I kissed her on the cheek, and she flushed, chortling. One day I’ll know everything. But until then… better the Hyacinth we know. I sat with her for a while, before moving on to speak to Eri and Shiro, who were engaged in a heated debate with Violet-noona over the merits of body art…

Yes, this has been fun, but… tomorrow, it all starts. So many tasks need to go perfectly to not upset my plans, and, above it all… My Foresight was still prickling. But… I’ve prepared all I can. And nobody but me can do what needs to be done. I can’t be everywhere at once, but… I glanced at Mae as she was questioning Tsukiko over some small matters. I’ve hopefully secured the aid of the one who can protect my seeds. If not… I looked down at the boots I wore. They had been tailored and spruced up by Natsumi’s family, and now the Seven-League Boots were fit to be worn everywhere. At seven leagues a step, it’s still a long way home…