Four Hundred And Seventy-Eight
Eleanor looked troubled at Miss Aditi’s sudden request, but Aditi held her ground. I didn’t know her well, not at all, but judging by the reactions of her companions, such wilfulness and determination seed unusual. From the little contact I’ve had with her, she’s always seed rather softly spoken and polite.
“I… am not sure what to say.” Eleanor began. “Aditi, we have no right to make such a request, but do you believe you could succeed?”
Aditi wasn’t sure, but her brown eyes were resolute. “Princess, I have no idea. But… if a chance could co my way to replace what was lost, and once again stand by your side, I wish to seize it.”
The mbers of Adamant and the crowd looked on, curious. Our allies from Britain ca up to the stage and my girls were on, and I communicated silently with Eri, who said I should decide based on how I felt, and I was surprised when David spoke up. “It’s a big ask, sure, but we’re all friends here, right?” He draped an arm around my shoulder, grinning savagely, amused. “It’s not like I don’t get the urge to help out your girls, playboy.” He winked at Motoko and Natsumi. “Ordinarily I’d cheer for you both, especially you, fangirl.” He addressed Natsumi, who rolled her eyes, but she wasn’t displeased. “But little miss Indian here is one of my comrades, and as the battle-king of Britain, heir to Caturix, I don’t let my comrades down. So forgive .” He winked, and Natsumi giggled.
“You’re awfully brave.” Shiro chuckled. “Flirting with Natsumi here in front of Aki.”
“I’m not flirting.” David snorted, amused. “I’m not the sort of man who needs to steal won from other people. But I’m a professional, I have to respect those smart enough to be my fans!”
“As egotistical as ever, Mr Reckless.” Mary-Jane said quietly. “If I may… as soone who knows what it is to lose these new powers… so may see it as a relief, perhaps. Setting down their burdens, but for those of us who have stood beside Princess Eleanor, and our other comrades, we know… if we don’t carry it, soone else has to take that weight as well. If I could have my powers returned… I waver, but perhaps I would, despite the danger.”
“Yes, you understand well.” Aditi agreed. She bowed to and the Princess. “I certainly do not feel I have any entitlent to this boon. In fact, I have been receiving your kindness…” she said to earnestly. “…for so ti. First in saving my life, and secondly, in showing a path to regaining so strength and purpose. And I am no liar. My parents raised to be upright. So I certainly cannot pledge to serve you, for I have already given my word to Princess Eleanor. However…” she curtsied again. “…I can assure you that as long as it does not compromise my integrity or harm the efforts of the Princess, you can call and I will answer.”
“This is… troubling.” Eleanor said at last. “We are allies, certainly, though asking for this seems a bit much.” She paused. “Though of course you had no hesitation in robbing for your aid, so my conscience could stand it, I think.”
Shaeula laughed at that, coming over. “Of course. And there will be more-more to take. Vassals and wives, both-both shall have their due, as agreed. But…” she was serious now. “Even your treasures pale in comparison to the gifts-gifts of these Gods. But do not-not let the value sway you. It is simply a matter of inevitability.” She snorted happily. “After all, Princess of Humans, you are tied to us by the very threads of Fate itself.”
“Miss Aditi, you are here, so of course you can compete.” I said at last. I hoped that Motoko or Natsumi would win the Favour, of course, and I was tempted to offer it to them without question and let them decide amongst themselves, but that was short-term thinking. There were a number of benefits to this current plan, such as showing off our power to Adamant and my other allies, finding a host who would use the Favour to its greatest extent, and more. Besides, Eri’s shown that strength doesn’t have to be tied to Favours. In fact, I imagine she could defeat a number of Chosen, should she fight them earnestly, though obviously any number with broken or deadly abilities would defeat her in turn. “We’re all fighting for the sa thing, which is the safety of those we love, our countries, and humanity. We have mutual defence agreents and more. So… yeah. It’s fine.”
As Aditi thanked , I waved it off. “Hey, don’t get cocky, Motoko and Natsumi will be taking part too, and you can’t count out Bell or Soliteare.”
“I will thank you anyway.” Eleanor said seriously. “Again, you have treated us with great fairness, even if you did plunder the Tower.” She seed unwilling to let that go. “Miss Motoko, Miss Natsumi…” she nodded to Aditi’s rivals in this challenge. “…once more I apologise for nearly ruining an important event in your life with my own narrow-mindedness. It seems we are destined to be at odds.”
“It is nothing to be concerned about.” Motoko said calmly. “In the end, our debut was a great success, and my parents and grandparents were proud, and my classmates envious. Akio is prone to being misunderstood.”
“That’s right.” Natsumi agreed. “It’s just one more rival to battle. And there will be no hard feelings. If it isn’t ant to be, it won’t co to us.” As David praised them, admiring their martial spirit, it was settled.
As Bell and Soliteare joined Motoko, Natsumi and Aditi on the stage, I explained exactly what the trial would entail. “This may be over swiftly, or it may take days, weeks or longer. But essentially, the five of you have to complete to strengthen your compatibility with the Favours.” There were only people I trusted here, so after giving the crowd that explanation, I went into more depth with the competitors. “There seem to be multiple facets to it. As to how people are chosen to bear these gifts, it’s not entirely clear, but we do know from experience a lot of details.” So weaselkin and ratkin maids brought us all refreshnts. My girls were eagerly listening to explain, and the mbers of Adamant and the Fae were also partaking in a generous feast laid out to raise morale.
“The first thing is it depends on the God. Personality traits and experiences like the Gods from myth seem to be an indicator. Like how I hate dogs.” I laughed at myself. A wolf like Fenrir wasn’t a dog, but it was the little things like that which could make a big difference. “Jumong is worshipped in Korea, and I have so basic information. In addition to personality, experiences seem to be a factor too. If you mirror so, then it seems more likely to take.”
“That’s down to the adherence, right?” Shiro questioned Tan, and nodded. “Yeah, makes sense. You may not be able to make them yourself, but of course you’d know.”
“There’s also having talent in the area. Since this is an archery-related favour, being a skilled bow user is likely key. Then there’s elental affinities. Having the relevant Skill seems to make you more compatible. Let explain…”
The description of the Favour was The wielder can call upon arrows of potent light, near invisible and as swift as an eagle, yet precise enough to strike even a fly in flight. Just as Jumong struck down many prey animals with his precise accuracy, so too shall your foes be pierced with arrows as swift as light. “So breaking it down, it’s a light elent, but archery is also very favourable with wind. Swiftness and precision seem to be key. Honestly, my sis could likely take it, if she was so inclined.”
My sis nodded proudly. “Yeah, and don’t get wrong, my bro has doubled up, so I could too, but I’d rather soone else gets their chance.”
“You are quite kind, Aiko.” Motoko praised her, and my sis looked embarrassed.
“I wouldn’t say that. It’s just logical. Sure, it’d give more offensive options, but… I’m confident I can learn to get my arrows that strong without a crutch. And a lot of the other benefits are wasted on . I was more than happy to concede to you or Natsumi-chan, but it seems you have it tough.”
“I fear no competition.” Motoko declared. “Not fair competition, anyway.” At her glance, Natsumi flushed.
“Sorry. Can we stop talking about that now?” she replied, and there was laughter.
“So, if you need to borrow anyone, feel free. The twins and Haru can help with elents, and anyone else will be happy to support your efforts.”
“All right!” Hinata declared loudly. “The competition is starting. Those of you from Adamant will be rewarded if your help pushes one of the challengers closer to success. So stay sharp!” So of the mbers seed excited at her words, and others were rely puzzled. I saw the two Shiraishi girls looking particularly lost, and I glanced at Hinata. Seeing where I was looking, she sighed. “Don’t mind them. They aren’t used to things yet. But when the Tengokusentou is back in their hands, they’ll understand. Now I’m more determined than ever to make the Koreans yield!”
“In that case, I won’t be shy.” Natsumi laughed. “Are you coming, Motoko?”
Motoko shook her head. “No, I shall return to the Material for a brief while. Good luck, Natsumi.”
“You too!” As they hugged, their brief dispute resolved, the two Elves grinned.
“Akio, I’m going to show you I have what it takes!” Bell said proudly. “Watch and think better of , all right?” Her smile was seductive, and she grabbed Natsumi’s arm. “It’s a lot harder for us Fae to transcend our limits, but I know it’s possible, I’ve seen it many tis now. So help !”
“Don’t leave out!” Soliteare pouted. She nodded to , seeming a little shy, before following Natsumi over to Shaeula, who buffed them with her fortunate winds. They then grabbed Haru, who let out a little laugh as they dragged her off towards the twins.
“You forgot !” Shiro shouted, and Natsumi shook her head as Motoko entered one of the buildings and vanished.
“No, I’ll be back later when I work out what I want!” Natsumi yelled back, and in a flurry of activity, only Aditi of the competitors was left behind.
“Slow out of the starting blocks, girl?” David laughed, but Sir Arthur shook his head, stroking his greying beard thoughtfully.
“Haste makes waste, David. You should know that. While it is a competition, there is no ti limit, and we are at an information disadvantage. Taking a mont to pause is only wise.”
“Yes, you’ve explained how it works, which…” Eleanor thought to herself for a mont, nodding. “Yes, it’s why we ca, in a way. But while I’m grateful to you allowing Aditi to have a chance… we British respect fair play.” She crossed her arms, frowning. “It seems all the advantages lie elsewhere. Aditi is greatly behind.”
“Is she?” I shook my head. “I’m not entirely so sure.” I eyed the bow Aditi carried, a treasure from the Tower. “After all, while not all Favours are created equal, there’s got to be so synergy.”
“I have so questions, if I may. Your advice was interesting, but I fear I am not as well versed in such matters as you are, Mr Oshiro.” Aditi asked, listing a number of pertinent questions. I told her to drop the formalities and call Akio, and went through her points. Yeah, she’s pretty sharp. She gets it. “In that case, I am ready to proceed. Again, you have my thanks for your generosity, and if I can repay this favour in the future, I will do so.” She repeated her good wishes, and I felt a little embarrassed.
“Hey, don’t talk like you’ve won. Motoko and Natsumi are fired up, and the Elves are no slouches either.” I scratched my cheek, and David couldn’t hold in loud guffaws at my bashfulness.
“Hell, man. You’ve got like a dozen won, and you’re still all shy when little miss Indian here praises you? That’s damn weak, man. Weak. But then, so people prefer that to confidence, I guess.”
“Shut up please, David.” Eleanor rolled her eyes at his banter. “Though you hardly needed to allow Aditi to participate, despite my plea. I still don’t fully understand your reasons. It seems counterintuitive.”
“I’ve touched on it, but honestly, I’m a bit worried.” My sis being exposed on international television has worried . I could just have Motoko and Natsumi toss a coin to see who works on becoming compatible, but… no, I get the urge to let Fortune or Fate decide. The slow building of Foresight was becoming a shadow cast over . “Speaking of… you all need to be very careful. I sense trouble on the horizon.”
Eleanor opened her mouth to speak, but at my serious expression, she paused. “Yes, I see. I ignored your warnings before, and… I regret it.” She sighed mournfully. “In fact… we are here for a reason in addition to the returned citizens. But we’ll talk about that later.”
David was the one sighing now, and surprisingly, Sir Arthur patted him on the shoulder reassuringly, while Mrs Mary-Jane was talking to Aditi, giving her so advice. Her mind made up, Aditi nodded. “Well then. Thanks to your insights I know what I must do. Wish luck, Princess.”
After a few more reassuring words from her comrades, Aditi headed off, her eyes fixed on sothing down the hills that made up Shirohebizumi’s lands. Seeing what she was looking at, I couldn’t help but smile. Clever. Oh well, maybe this is a mistake, but doing it this way does increase everyone’s motivation, and shows to Adamant and my other allies that I’m prepared to offer them benefits too. Though certainly if a Favour cos up that fits one of the girls perfectly, they’ll get it, no questions asked, I’m sure. And speaking of…
I sent a maid to fetch Azuki, and soon the little Zashiki-Warashi waddled over, her short, doll-like legs struggling to cover the distance. On seeing her, Eleanor’s eyes sparkled, and she let out a bright exclamation. “How cute! Simply adorable!”
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