Royal Princess of Blood

The capital of the Hokunoa Island, Hokugo. A fortress city complete with tall, sturdy walls made of stone and metal. A river went through near the center of the city. Numerous guards were positioned on top of the wall, keeping a close watch over the surroundings, mainly watching for any approaching monster. Which was not a rare occurrence. Security was pretty tight, it might be the most secure city on the island, with plenty of strong people guarding it.

Thousands of people lived here, many warriors, but many of them were also just normal people. Many of them were from various parts of the island that had nowhere to go, or searching for a safe place to stay. But ultimately, it was also where the different clans of the island mainly reside. The clans that made up the island's leadership.

About to enter the city gates was a small convoy, inside of one of the carriages was the commander of the Mahana city garrison, Katsuo Takauji. And with him inside the carriage was both his trusted personal aide. His first lieutenant, Minori Nishi, and the elite ninja, Jin Rei. They came here because of a summons from the clan lord.

"Finally back home," Katsuo said. "I didn't expect to be back this time of year."

"They called you back just to stand on some corner during some meeting? How ridiculous," Minori said with an annoyed face.

"There's nothing we can do about it," Katsuo replied. "Looks like I did a pretty good job with the pirates and securing our oceans that they have to call me back for this honor to stand along with the leader during this important assembly."

"We still had some work to do that we left behind."

Jin Rei shrugged. "What's wrong with taking it easy for now? It's always good to be back home once in a while. Don't you miss home?"

Minori let out a sigh, staring out at the window. "Not really. There's too much politics here, I don't like it."

"Then just ignore it."

"Do you really think Lord Katsuo could ignore something like that? You'd never know, someone might steal his position in Mahana tomorrow."

Katsuo quite understood what Minori was trying to say. There were many clan members here, even highly positioned ones, that were searching for a position or job that would increase their influence and power. And they might not hesitate in trying to steal one's job, or have someone under them take it.

Now that things were going well to Mahana and the seas around it, it would be displeasing if someone would just steal his position after all the hard work. Despite being a member of the ruling clan, the Eternal Shores, his position was not completely stable as one might imagine. There were just many ambitious individuals out there among them.

However, Katsuo was not too worried about it. His family was quite influential in the clan. He was certain they could drive away who would do something like that.

One guard came to personally check on Katsuo, inquiring who he was after seeing that he came with a convoy. Katsuo pulled out an emblem from his pocket, which had a simple shape of a tide, and showed it to the guard. Seeing the item, the guard quickly signaled to his men to let the convoy in.

Their carriage rode through the crowded street, paved with bricks and stone. The houses in the city were also made with bricks and stone, and metal, a few being made with wood. People in shabby clothes crowded the street. Vendors shouting, beckoning for people to buy their wares and goods. Blacksmiths released smoke and sparks as they hammered down swords. Children played warriors with their friends, slaying pretend monsters.

"Lord Katsuo, can I go and visit my master while I'm here?" Jin Rei suddenly asked.

Katsuo raised an eyebrow. "That's a surprising request. I didn't think you'd be the one to miss your master."

Jin smiled wryly. "Uh, no, it's not about that. I just wanted to consult with him."

"Consult?" Katsuo pondered as to why he would want to do something like that. Rarely did he ever hear an elite ninja that would ask for a consultation with their master. "That's alright with me. I think the old man might be pleased to have his old student visit him. But I have to ask, why? Does it have something to do with that girl that we met?"

Jin Rei lowered his head. "I want to use the time we had here to train under him again. To become stronger than I am now. Maybe I could learn something different."

"I thought his graduates are already among the best, that there is nothing left to learn."

"... The girl beat me all the way. Lord Katsuo, she may be on the same level as my master in terms of ninja skills."

Katsuo was astonished to hear such words. Jin's master was among the best, if not the very best, ninja in the whole of the archipelago. He may be old, but that old man could demolish just about anyone if he wanted, and no one would even realize before it was too late. In short, that man was an entirely different kind of monster. Even Katsuo could never hope to win against him.

"You say that because she beat you?"

"Yes."

Katsuo realized that it hit Jin hard to lose to that girl so easily.

"Very well, you do what you want while we're here." Katsuo had no reason to reject him. If he wanted to improve himself, then so be it. It won't help to hold him back. He turned to Minori. "What about you, Minori? Maybe you have someone you want to visit. You can go ahead."

"... I can visit my parents when we're free."

"Alright then."

Some time later, they arrived at a grand fortress at the center of the city. It was not just a single building, the fortress itself covered a wide area, one that housed multiple large training grounds. It was protected by tall walls and the best soldiers in the city.

They easily got through the entrance after Katsuo confirmed his identity. They also wouldn't dare to delay him too long, for they feared for their lives. But not like Katsuo would actually kill any of them, it was only the reputation one would have for being a high-ranking individual among the clans. Being feared by the common soldier or man was to be expected.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

On the way inside, Katsuo saw guards in the courtyards in formations, doing marches or practicing swings. Their convoy stopped in front of the castle entrance. He was to meet with the clan lord first, it was only the proper etiquette.

"Greetings, Lord Katsuo," said one of the old servants wearing a servant's uniform, one that Katsuo knew. "It has been a while."

"Indeed, it's been a while. Is Lord Yoshio home?"

"Yes, he is. He's been expecting your arrival."

"Does he now?" He looked around, checking up the guards and tighter security around the area. "Everyone's busy?"

"Yes. Two of the island lords have arrived."

"Just the two, huh?"

"Yes, but please, let us go meet with Lord Yoshio first."

"Very well."

The entourage followed the servant into the castle. The corridor had servants cleaning all round. And as Katsuo went by, they would bow. Not exactly because they recognize him as someone of high standing, but because he was a guest of the house.

There were also guards positioned all over, leaving no blind spots on this important occasion. Where the leaders from the various islands came to visit. As they were on a high alert, the guards would stare sternly towards Katsuo and his group as they passed by.

The corridors were the most beautiful and luxurious in the city. The floor of marble, decorations of silver and some gold. Ornaments of various crafts were hung on the walls. On pedestals placed some beautiful carvings and craftsmanship, mostly of metal, while some wooden. There were even swords on display as decorations, showing the sheer skill of the blacksmith that created them.

Katsuo glanced at the painting, the art was drawn with simplicity, made with black ink. The shapes and figures were also pretty simple. It was not common to see a painting. It was usually frowned upon to waste ink on such things as paintings, they would pretty well be used for writing or documentation. Furthermore, not many possessed the ability for art.

Not many were just interested in such a thing. Most would prefer something practical, one that would help them survive in the world. Becoming warriors, or some skills that would be useful for many, like crafting or cooking. Art skills like painting were just useless, a waste of time. They contribute nothing to society.

Still, Katsuo was quite intrigued to see something so rare. People should truly try to appreciate the little things, the beautiful things.

As they went on their way, a young man came out of a corridor with rushing steps. He was a tall, handsome young man. His body was well built, with a light brown complexion. He had short, dark hair and deep, dark eyes. He wore a casual outfit, with a sheathed katana on his left waist. His eyes widened when he saw Katsuo.

"Katsuo," the young man smiled. "So you've arrived."

Katsuo bowed, followed by his other two aides. "Young lord Yuki. I did not expect to meet you so soon."

The young man was Yuki Naganori, the son of the lord of the island.

Yuki chuckled. "Heh, you're going to meet with my father? Can't you even go to have a rest?"

"Duty does not always have rest."

"Of course you would say that. But I strongly suggest taking your time to rest before the main meeting. It will be a headache to deal with old men."

"I will try."

Yuki then turned towards his two aides. "Nice to see you two again, Minori, Jin. How's the seaside, by the way?"

"Salty," Minori curtly said.

"Love the wind," Jin said casually. "You should try going there sometimes, young lord."

Yuki shrugged. "If my father would get less protective of me, I might. But I doubt that would happen so soon. As long as you take out the pirates, I'll have a good chance of visiting."

"We might not have to worry about that for too long," Katsuo said.

"Yeah, I heard from Father that you were doing pretty well. Anyway, you guys should get going."

Yuki took a step forward, but then the servant asked a question. "Where are you going, young lord? Don't go anywhere so carelessly, especially right now."

Yuki wryly smiled. "Well, just here and there. Nothing far, so you don't have to worry."

"Are you sure?" The servant narrowed his eyes.

"Oh, for sure. Anyway, see ya!" With that, the young lord walked away, but with a quickened pace, as if he wanted to get away from them as fast as possible.

The servant let out a short sigh. "Let us continue."

They continued upstairs until they arrived at the clan lord's office. The servant knocked on the door.

"My lord, Lord Katsuo is here to see you."

"Come in."

They entered inside the room, and the clan lord, who was in his late forties, was standing by the window with his arms crossed, looking out. He wore a dark robe. He had dark hair tied in a short ponytail and a short beard. His physique was fit and muscular, from his straight and firm posture alone, one could tell he was an excellent warrior. He was the lord of the island, Yoshio Naganori.

He slowly turned around to face Katsuo and his entourage. His eyes were sharp and fierce.

"Katsuo, it has been a while. I hope your journey back here was not too troubling."

The servant left and closed the door.

"There were several monsters, but they were easily dealt with."

"Good. Now then, I'm sure you're wondering why I have you return."

"I am."

He turned around to face the window again. "I need you here to be present in the meeting."

"Why?"

"You have done well on Mahana. Wiped out the dangerous elements that plague that part of the ocean. We are heading close to our goal of opening trade and developing our economy."

"You honor me."

"I'm sure you share my vision. We cannot remain closed forever, stuck in a perpetual loop of stagnancy. When we open up trade with other nations, we will become more wealthy, but also we might get new technology and connections from faraway places."

"Yes."

"While the other islands have yet to realize the potential, we will be ahead of them. Being ahead is what will give us the advantage."

If they have more resources, new technology, or perhaps new connections that could aid them, they could use whatever is at their disposal to overcome the other islands. They could have the upper hand. Both in defense and offense. Unlocking the ability to trade with the outside world could bring great merits to the island. And the first step to that was making the seas safer.

"The other islands focus on self indulgence, and thus their sights are narrow. My vision has become closer to reach because of your efforts." He glanced back at him. "I appreciate that. With you present in the meeting, it will show your position to everyone in our clan."

"My position?"

"Your position with me, as my important associate. You have an excellent reputation as well. Standing with me will show our power to the other island lords."

"... I see."

This could be taken as some sort of promotion. Which was surprising a little, Katsuo didn't think something like this would happen so soon. Still, even this was more of a jump than he had expected.

"Are you up to the task, Katsuo?"

"Of course."

"Good. Our meeting is starting soon. However, the representative from Nishinoa has yet to arrive."

"Nishinoa?"

"They should have arrived by now."

"Could something have happened?"

"No news. I have sent a team to investigate. However, their representative, I imagine, should not be the lord this time."

"The daughter."

"... If she cannot even survive in these lands… Then that will be quite disappointing. But that will further prove their weakening state."

Hokunoa had heard of Nishinoa's plight — their leader was sick. It was a sign of weakness. That was why Hokunoa had gradually increased their ships between both islands, and even added troops on the shores. Nothing too great that would indicate that they plan to invade. It was merely preparation.

Perhaps that's why he already promoted me. Does he need me to participate in case the takeover begins?

Even though Hokunoa was the host of maintaining the status quo between islands, it was still secretly scheming to try to take control of the other islands. Perhaps that was its purpose, so the other islands wouldn't act too drastically. And give Hokunoa an upper hand and give time to prepare.

"When we have the chance to take Nishinoa, we'll take it. The archipelago has been divided long enough. I will unite us all. Katsuo, the shogun must return."

"Yes. And it shall be you, Lord Yoshio. There will be no others."

"When I have all the islands… United… It will be a good gift for my son to inherit it all."