After two days of travel, Princess Asuka’s entourage finally arrived at Iwaya City.
“I assud the fog was limited to the woods. Yet, it envelops the city as well,” Asuka comnted, her gaze fixed on the city’s entrance and the fog-shrouded silhouette of a distant castle.
“State your identity!” The gate guards demanded.
Stepping forth, Reika announced, “Princess Asuka is here. Open the gates imdiately!” Recognizing Asuka’s banners in the torchlight, the soldiers complied.
The princess and her procession made their way into the city. Given that the festival was the next day, the kunoichis hadn’t prearranged their attire.
Lily’s carriage trailed the princess’ group, and since they entered collectively, no one questioned or checked her.
Gazing out of her window, Lily observed the regal city’s panorama. Nestled within a valley and encircled by mountains, the city sparkled under countless lights, reminiscent of a starry night. However, the streets seed eerily deserted.
Once inside, it was expected that the princess would have her private residence. The group’s first stop was the princess’ hillside mansion near the city gate, guarded by several shinobis. Their elation at the princess’ return was palpable, but it was tinged with a touch of sadness.
“Where is Lord Kiryu?” Reika inquired of the lead shinobi.
“After eting with the king last month, Lord Kiryu began departing without notice. Ten days back, he left and hasn’t returned since.”
“Not returned?” Asuka’s face darkened. “Didn’t the king assign him any tasks?”
“We’re unaware. Lord Kiryu didn’t share details.” The chief shinobi explained that her primary duty was guarding the mansion. Given the princess’ two-year absence, there was no reason to inform her of the king’s orders.
“We must contact Kiryu. He’s in the city, after all,” Asuka insisted.
However, Reika countered, “I’ve tried reaching him since we entered, without success.”
Asuka’s apprehension grew. Her reservations about the upcoming jubilee deepened, especially with Kiryu, the most inford, missing.
“The city too is veiled by this fog,” noted Ayaka as she approached. “Let enhance the transmission orb using a formation. Perhaps that will help.” Despite setting up the formations in the mansion’s vacant room, her attempts to reach Kiryu failed.
“Could it be that Kiryu left the city on the king’s orders? With this encompassing fog, it’s plausible the voice transmission orb would be obstructed,” speculated Reika.
“Princess Asuka, maybe you could attempt to reach Hiji using this formation.”
Despite her efforts, Asuka couldn’t make contact.
Ayaka sighed deeply, “This fog is indeed formidable. If even my formations cannot breach it, it’s quite likely that Lord Kiryu has ventured far from here.”
Having settled in Iwaya, Reika inquired, “Princess, why might the king have dispatched Kiryu? Perhaps you could inquire with his majesty?”
After a pause, Asuka responded, “It’s late, and his majesty would be resting. It wouldn’t be right to disturb him at this hour, nor would it be polite to press him on this matter. Tomorrow, during the celebrations, I’ll seek my answers.”
Subsequently, Reika ensured everyone had rooms to rest in. The facilities in the princess’ mansion surpassed those in Hiji. After all, the princess had invested most of her energy and resources in the city’s defenses.
Night had fallen. Post her bath, Lily, adorned in a blue yukata, decided to stroll in the courtyard. During her walk, she ca upon the princess, who stood solitary on the porch, eyes clouded with lancholy as she gazed up.
“Princess,” greeted Lily, stepping closer with a nod.
“You seem weighed down by thoughts of tomorrow’s jubilee,” Lily remarked gently.
“Miss Lily, regardless of whether there’s a conspiracy at play, tomorrow’s jubilee promises to be a significant event,” the princess responded with a touch of anxiety in her voice.
Lily smiled faintly, “A celebration of such grandeur; I am eager to witness its splendor.”
The princess hesitated before confessing, “Lately, I’ve been overwheld by a sense of unease, more so than when facing formidable adversaries. I’ve always tried to control circumstances, but perhaps my true strengths lie only in combat and craftsmanship.” She seed genuinely troubled.
“Princess, since we’re here, let’s witness together the spectacle that unfolds tomorrow,” said Lily.
“But how do you remain so composed?” the princess asked.
Lily offered a reassuring smile. “I’m not in your shoes, Princess. Were I in your position, amidst this turmoil, I doubt I’d manage as gracefully as you have.”
“Lily… I fear what tomorrow may bring. A foreboding gnaws at , suggesting my apprehensions might be realized.”
“So things are inevitable,” Lily murmured, “But know this: co what may, I’ll stand by your side.”
These words seed to bring so solace to the princess.
“On another note, I’ve heard of your unparalleled skills in both literature and the martial arts. More intriguingly, that you’re an exceptional swordsmith. Might I have the honor of witnessing your creations?”
The princess released a subtle sigh. “Within the Asuka Kingdom, many master swordsmiths exist; I’m not alone. There are several who can craft low-ranked spirit treasure weapons.”
“Indeed, Your Highness, as the princess, tasks like sword forging might be considered unbecoming of your noble stature. I apologize for my oversight.”
“Lily, you’ve misunderstood.” Asuka turned, swiftly capturing Lily’s hand. “My Asuka lineage is fad for our sword crafting. Legends claim we rose to power because we forged divine swords for Takamagahara, earning blessings from the gods. For the royal Asuka family, sword-crafting is our proudest tradition. If you perceive it as re labor, it would hurt my pride.”
“I didn’t an that. I spoke without fully understanding the traditions of the Asuka Kingdom. My apologies.”
Lily held the princess’ hand more securely, their proximity increasing. Their lips ca achingly close, the space between them nearly nonexistent. For a mont, they simply regarded one another. Asuka’s gaze on Lily’s lips and clear eyes evoked a palpable heartbeat within her.
“No.” Asuka pulled back slightly, embarrassnt evident in her eyes. She maintained a modest distance, studying Lily. “Miss Lily, why this kindness? You defend but shoulder the bla yourself. Surely a samurai of your stature holds the art of sword-making above the views of re nobility.”
“That you understand warms my heart, Princess. For a samurai, blades and swords are life, akin to lovers.”
“Lovers?” Asuka’s cheeks reddened. “You see your blade as your lover?”
Realizing the depth of Lily’s bond with her sword, she pondered, “Is the sword truly a lover to you?” Asuka’s heart seed to skip a beat, her eyes fixed on Lily.
“Princess, are you alright?”
“It’s nothing… Miss Lily, with the jubilee tomorrow, we should rest.”
“Yes, Princess. Whatever transpires tomorrow, know that I stand with you
1.”
Heartened by Lily’s words, Asuka relaxed.
The Asuka Royal City, dormant for so long, now buzzed with festivity. Lights adorned every corner, and the pathway to the castle shimred like a nocturnal gala. Citizens, though worn, ventured out, seeking fleeting monts of joy. It felt like ages since they had genuinely celebrated.
Asuka, atop her horse, led her convoy of birthday gifts. The kunoichi guards had traded their combat attire for elegant court dresses, forming an impressive entourage on either side. Although treasures could easily be stored away, displaying them added to the grandeur.
Today, Asuka’s attire consisted of a dusky rose velvet kimono top with a high slit skirt, still retaining elents of her ninja heritage. Trailing behind was another cart.
The castle’s grand gates stood invitingly open. Strings of radiant lanterns hung aloft, illuminating the city like a constellation.
The pri minister, clad in ornate blue hunting robes and a tall black hat, awaited guests alongside so of the kingdom’s prominent ministers, an expression of respect to the king.
“Lord Pri Minister!” An overweight minister approached, his visage reminiscent of a Tosa dog.
“Ah, Lord Shisa! Welco.”
The minister chuckled, “You’ve forgotten , Pri Minister. I am Otomo Inutai.”
Laughing it off, the pri minister responded, “Ah, forgive my mory. I’ll drink a penalty wine later as ands.”
“No need for that, Pri Minister. In gratitude for all you do for our kingdom, I’ve brought dicinal materials from Shisa. I’ll send them to your residence.”
“Ahaha, Lord Otomo, you’re too kind. While it is His Majesty’s jubilee, I’m rely playing the part of a receptionist today. Please, co in.”
A group of distinguished monks swiftly entered the gates, their presence commanding as they moved into the courtyard.
Approaching them, an official inquired, “Might you be…?”
“We represent the Myojin Temple, here to honor His Majesty’s fiftieth jubilee.” The lead monk, donning a white robe and bamboo hat, presented an invitation.
“Ah! From the renowned Myojin Temple, ho to the world’s most formidable warrior monks. Please, make yourselves at ho,” the official greeted with evident respect.
Spotting the monks, the esteed expert of Iyo Island, Tsukuba Naoya, made his way over. “Are you Brother Sonosuke from the Myojin Temple?”
The leading monk removed his bamboo hat, passing it to a fellow monk, revealing himself as Sonosuke. “Brother Tsukuba,” he greeted, stepping forward with a courteous nod and a warm smile.
Footnotes:
Yuki: Sigh Lily really makes these statents…
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