Four Hundred And Three
“So, just why are you here?” I said to our recent visitor, who had hurried over to Kyoto, eting us just before we set off through the bamboo forests and foothills towards mount Atago.
“Things are quiet at the Spring now.” Bellaera, the blue-haired and long-legged elf smiled at . “And I heard you were going out on an expedition. I am still a Way-Warden, and my specialties lean into this sort of thing.” She laughed prettily, one hand held over her mouth in a flirty manner. “Besides, great-grandfather is curious as to how our progress is going. Elves like to take our ti, ti is what we have in abundance, but mortals burn so brightly, move so quickly. Although…” she giggled again. “… you are hardly mortal now. Many tales of union between the Fae and mortals exist, and most end in sadness, as unless you are one like the Scotsman, gifted long life, like an epheral butterfly the mortal withers and dies, while the Fae remains young and beautiful.” She sighed. “Many co seeking the Fae for the secrets to a greater lifespan. But it is not ours to give without care. Not ours…” she frowned montarily, before shaking her head, her beautiful face cracking a sly smile. “Enough of such sad tales. I am simply here to spend so ti with you, Akio. What harm is there in it? I am here to help you, and if I appeal to you as well at the sa ti, all the better.”
“I’m not interested in arranged marriages anymore, Bell.” I reminded her. “I’ve already had my quota of three.”
Natsumi giggled at that, Motoko smiling gently.
“That is fine.” She stretched, showing off her graceful body and long limbs, her leather and cloth armour not hiding her bodyline. “Nobody is forcing you. We would hardly dare.” She winked. “But… it would be nice if you were to appreciate more. Tear is sad she was unable to co but…” she smiled again cheerfully. “… she lost our ga of rock-paper-scissors. Quite an interesting mortal way of settling disputes. And Moira was not interested, of course. She is such a stoic. She will never find happiness that way…”
“I see. Prince Aethelathrion doesn’t have to worry. He doesn’t need marital ties to to have support the Fae’s interests.” I sighed. “But you can co. It’s a simple trek to mount Atago. If we’re attacked on route while claiming Territory, then we’ll fight back for the experience, but hopefully we can annex the mountain peacefully.” My thoughts went back to Nie Ling. Right now, I was with Hinata, discussing our plans for the factory and also the construction under our new ho, which I still hadn’t seen. Nie Ling could well be instruntal in making it go smoothly. I still feel guilty at pushing her towards the resolution I wanted, but… I’m not heartless. Setting aside justice and what was right and what was wrong, this way I can make sure that the victims get what solace they can, while Nie Ling can one day feel she’s lived worthy of the sacrifices she forced others to make for her. If I can’t find a perfect solution, then I just have to do the best I can, while also looking towards the future. Fucking toad bastard, I’ll drag you out of hiding and end you, I swear it…
“I do not think you understand.” Motoko pointed out. “As nobility, we realise the rits of political marriages. Yes, it is often to tie allies together, bring families into the sa orbit. After all, blood ties are the strongest bond. But it is also a matter of respect, as offering marriage between families is the greatest indication that both sides see each other as worthy allies and people on the sa level.”
“That is absolutely right.” Bell agreed. “Great-grandfather wants to be closer to the once-mortal who inspired the selfish weasel princess to beco a shining moon of the Seelie Court, brought Duke Formor into the Royalist fold, and more. Besides, unlike Moira…” her smile was wicked, looking strange on her perfect features. “… I am hardly opposed to finding a partner to share my life with. Tear and I, we are bored, and still young for elves. Yes, we have suitors, and so of them, I have considered, but that is hardly exciting. No, the world of the Fae is as unchanging as our moon, except for tis of desperate, brutal struggle such as when the Unseelie start another war. But in the last few moons, so much has been different. And as a Way-Warden, seeing our enemies fall…” she giggled cheerfully, her smile still teasing. “…it has captured my heart!”
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