Royal Princess of Blood

The castle's tall protective walls stood before them, the gates full of guards. If they were to step into this place, they would be walking into an enemy's den. Where several more wolves might be a threat to her life. There would be no allies. They had no one to trust but themselves, just the two of them facing hundreds. As long as no one had any intention of hurting anyone, it should be all right.

Looking at it from the outside, the place seemed incredibly secure. There was no easy way inside, and Miyako imagined there would be no easy way out as well unless taking the gates. Especially now that there should be other VIP guests as well — that is, if they still haven't left. If they were kind enough to wait.

"Ready, Satomi?" Miyako asked, making sure that they were both prepared to proceed.

"Of course."

Miyako let out a sigh. "Here's hoping we don't get attacked at the gates."

With a firm, brave heart, she stepped forward, walking towards the gates. One of the guards moved in front of them and held out his hands, stopping them in their tracks.

"Identification, please."

"Miyako Taira, representative of Nishinoa Island. Here for the Assembly of Lords."

"Ah, you're… Apologies, Lady Taira. We're expecting you." The guard became nervous. Of course they would be; they were interacting with an envoy from another island, after all. If they ever offended her, it would spell doom for them.

It would seem the castle staff was more careful about this kind of thing. But not like Miyako would be offended over tiny matters.

"Please come inside."

The men opened the gates, and a couple of guards guided the two of them inside. Miyako looked around and felt a little apprehensive. There were even more guards inside, training, marching, or just standing guard, keeping a firm perimeter. If things went wrong, their lives would truly be in danger.

Miyako and Satomi glanced at each other, worried about the same thing. It would have been more comforting if she still had her guards with her. But she had to brave it. So far, they had not tried to harm her or anything, so things were looking pretty good.

Still, Miyako couldn't help but think about how to escape when things go sideways.

When they arrived at the front doors of the castle, they were greeted by what seemed to be a senior servant. The servant bowed deeply, showing what seemed like genuine respect.

"Lady Miyako Taira, it is a great relief that you have finally arrived safely. We have heard about your situation. It's a tragic thing what happened to you. The Lord of the island, Lord Yoshio, would like to meet you at this moment, to hear more of what happened."

"Meeting me already? That is fine. But first, I would like to know if the meeting of lords is done."

"Not yet. We were waiting for you."

Miyako resisted the urge to sigh in relief. At least they were nice enough to wait. She wouldn't know what she would have done if that hadn't been the case. If there were no other lords to talk to, she might as well go home. No, that was wrong, the important thing was to talk to Yoshio, who had been increasing his forces at the water between their islands and the shores. He might think that no one would notice, but Miyako's island did.

"I see. Then lead us to your master."

With that, they stepped inside, following the servant ahead of them. They didn't confiscate their weapons or anything, perhaps it was a show of trust. No matter the reason, Miyako was just glad about it.

As they walked the corridor, Miyako sensed Satomi was becoming tense. Now they were actually in the enemy's belly. In here they had to be most wary, this was a good place for them to be taken out. And no one would be able to disturb them. Miyako sharply observed around. The place was nicely decorated, with priceless decorations and objects placed throughout. They all looked nice to look at, but she had no time to adore them for now.

They were brought to what Miyako guessed to be the office of the clan lord. The servant knocked on the door to notify the person inside. Once they were allowed entry, only Miyako and Satomi entered. The servant closed the door, giving the leaders some privacy.

A man stood in front of his desk. From the way he stood, and the presence he exuded, Miyako knew he was strong. Stronger than her and Satomi. And he couldn't help but feel more wary than she already was. Not always she could meet someone that she could tell was incredibly strong right away.

That being said, she met someone way stronger than her recently. This and that exuded different kinds of presence. While this one announced his hidden strength, Estelia was just emptiness. Where you could only see a glimpse of her strength when she does it. It was as if she didn't want her true strength exposed.

"Daughter of Kiyoshi Taira, Miss Miyako. Finally, we meet." He had a powerful voice. "It is a pleasure."

"Likewise, Mister Yoshio."

Miyako was being careful in how she addressed this lord. She must address him in a way that doesn't imply one was superior to the other. They must be equal in status here. He may be a lord, and Miyako was not, but addressing him as Lord or Sir was absolutely not an option. It would be akin to a submission.

The clan lord slightly smiled. "We've been waiting for you."

"I heard you have yet to conduct the meeting."

"Yes. We just couldn't start without the representative from Nishinoa. But even so, we could not take our time. Thankfully, you have arrived."

"I truly appreciate it. And I apologize for my tardiness. The ambush of my convoy delayed my arrival."

"And so I have heard." Yoshio slowly walked towards a large round table with a pair of chairs facing each other. "Care for some tea? I would like to hear what happened."

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Is he trying to ease the tension?

She didn't imagine that a lord of his firm status would just casually offer tea. But she had no reason to deny.

Miyako nodded and walked over to her chair opposite ‌Yoshio. She handed out her sword to Satomi before sitting down, her bodyguard standing behind her with a blank face. Picking up the teapot, Yoshio gently poured tea into a couple of porcelain cups.

He sat down on the chair and slowly sipped from his cup. After he took a sip, Miyako picked up her cup — she had to make sure that they were not poisoned. She took a sip, and her eyes widened for a moment. The taste was different from what she was used to. This one was more delicious than any she had ever taken.

What is this?

"Different, isn't it?" He said, noticing her surprise.

Miyako lowered her cup. "... Yes."

"We imported it from a traveling merchant ship. They said they're from a continent in the far west."

West? Not the same land as Estelia then.

"They brought with them interesting things. They brought different kinds of teas, spices, delicious wines, books with colored drawings on them, and they even have powerful telescopes to look at the stars and the celestial objects that surround us."

"Telescopes?"

"Did you know? There are colossal objects, for instance other worlds, that surround ours?"

Miyako blinked. "... No." There was no way she would know about that, nor did she even ever think of that. Well, except for stars, but there was not much known about what they were exactly.

"They say they, like our world, revolve around the sun."

"I do know that our world revolves around the sun." They had records of that fact.

"And our world, they say, is the third farthest world from the sun."

"... Are there people living on other worlds?"

"That we do not know. Interesting things out there, but there is no way to even reach for them."

"Are you a collector?"

"Yes, and I've been trying to obtain an instrument where you can play music by pressing, as they call it, keys. A piano, they say."

"... A piano, huh…"

Miyako was not particularly very interested in the matter, for she could not even imagine what it was. She sipped on the tea, savoring every taste — this must be expensive to buy.

"In any case, I'll stop my babbling," said Yoshio. "Tell me what happened."

"... After we disembarked our ship, we met with the men that you sent to escort us here. However, on the way, we got ambushed by a powerful group of enemies — seven individuals."

"I see. I realized this was no small matter when reports came that your ship was destroyed."

Miyako's eyes widened, confirming her suspicions. "... I knew it. They would try to get to the ship to prevent my escape."

Then the crew might already be dead…

Then there might be more than the team that they faced. Whoever was behind this, they came prepared. With a powerful spell, one could destroy a ship strong enough to decommission it. A simple hole in the hull would be enough. Miyako had thought about going back, but they just had no opportunity to turn around with enemies pursuing them. Ultimately, she had the responsibility to fulfill her role as the island's representative.

"Tell me about the people who ambushed you."

"They were powerful, almost like elites from a state. Professionals. I'm certain they are no mere mercenaries."

"There are still strong mercenaries out there."

"No, these people are different. They knew where I would be, even prepared monsters to stampede our way. They knew the time of when we'd depart. You wouldn't happen to know why that is, Mister Yoshio?" Miyako lowered the cup, narrowing her eyes. "Did it disappoint you that I arrived?"

Yoshio smiled. "Are you suspecting I have something to do with it, young lady?"

"Are you not? The enemies knew my actions, my path, my schedule. Who is powerful enough to send men after me in this land?"

"I assure you, Miss Miyako. Your disappearance came as a surprise to me."

"Is that so? I find it hard to believe, considering the actions of your forces lately. You can't blame me for suspecting you of trying to kill me."

"I see. I understand." He sipped ‌his tea. "But think of it this way. Why would I go so elaborate in assassinating you? Here in my own land, no less. That will gravely implicate me. Why would I go in such a way just to start a war? Not like I want a war in the first place."

"Hm…"

"I could just go ahead and march down your shores, couldn't I?"

"You wouldn't want to be the aggressor. The people who started the war, who first charged their army to another land. My demise can be hidden as long as possible until the narrative is on your side."

"What a funny idea. But if it were my doing, why didn't I just use the escorts I sent for you to attack you? Did they change sides during your ambush? Or did they fight with you?"

"... They fought with me."

They could still be oblivious to what was truly going on.

Yoshio smiled. "They tried to fulfill their duty, to bring you here safely. But they failed. I would not have my own soldiers fight against each other. But you should know, I don't stand to gain anything from having you killed on my island, young lady."

"... Perhaps."

Indeed, from what Miyako could think, they couldn't benefit greatly from trying to kill her. But there was a chance that there could be another reason for it.

"I swear I am not involved in your attempted assassination. I sent teams to search for you, even delayed the meeting of lords. Is that not enough for you to trust me in the matter?"

Miyako resisted the urge to sigh. "... Very well. I'll trust that you are not involved."

That may be what she said, but she was still cautious. Like ‌Estelia said, do not trust anyone.

"Excellent. But if not me, then it could be the other lords. Be careful, young lady. And if you were ever to discover who it was among them, I strongly suggest not doing your business here on my island."

"Do you mean to say, no killing?"

"No killing, no fighting."

"What a funny thing to hear where our lands are forged in steel and violence."

"If we cannot be peaceful and abide by civility in this event, then we are truly no different from the mindless and orderless monsters."

"... I understand. I am not an aggressive person."

"That I can imagine. Your father is a sensible man. How is your father, by the way? Is he doing well?"

Miyako sensed something strange in that question.

He knows about my father's health. How frustrating.

"He is doing quite well."

"Oh, then I wonder why he sent you here instead?"

"I am the future leader of my island. Is it not only proper that I experience this event firsthand?"

"Does that mean your father is about to retire as the lord?"

Miyako forced a smile. "He doesn't plan to retire anytime soon."

"I see."

They sipped their tea until there was nothing left.

"Now that you're here, we can proceed with the assembly. However, in consideration of you, I will conduct it the day after tomorrow. Use the remaining time to rest. You will need it."

"... Thank you, Mister Yoshio."

"My servant will lead you to your rooms. If you want to look around the castle, feel free to do so. You might find something you'll love to see."

Miyako nodded and stood up.

"Ah, by the way," Yoshio said, stopping Miyako. "What happened to the men who tried to kill you? If they are strong enough to wipe out your entire escort, how did you survive? If they're very good, I find it hard to imagine how you lost them."

"We didn't lose them, they're dead."

"... Dead?" He was surprised. "There's no way it was done by monsters."

"You got that right."

"You defeated them somehow?"

"I didn't. They were killed by a friend."

"... A friend… Singular?" He seemed to be in disbelief.

Miyako smiled and received her sword. "If you'll excuse me."

With that, Miyako and Satomi left the room. They met with the servant from before, and he led them to their rooms, which were beside each other.

***

Yoshio sat down silently, all alone.

"The ambush… One of these lords is truly stubborn. Attempting to frame me…?"

But they failed, and the young princess survived. And these powerful men that pursued them… how could a single person kill them?

Miyako may be young, but she was a daughter of a lord, and Yoshio had heard of her strength, and that bodyguard of hers. They were impressive warriors, they were no pushovers. If someone were to try to kill them, they would need to send the most elite to make sure the job was done for certain.

"Who was it…?" he muttered.

He wanted to know, but he didn't have the chance to ask.