Tezuka looked down from the balcony at the procession of Rikkai and Hyoutei aristocrats and soldiers coming toward the palace and felt a bit of nostalgia for his home country before he swiftly turned and headed down through the palace and toward his opulent office to do some reading that would be useful for Atobe. It was best to keep busy until the welcome banquet later tonight.
-0-0-0-0-
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Hyoutei," Atobe said as he stood from his throne and crossed the small distance toward Sanada and his entourage. He had already sent several high ranking aristocrats and diplomats to meet the emperor and his entourage at the harbour and now it was time for the official meeting between the two monarchs. The nobility had all turned out in their finest and were lining the room like beautiful and sparkling artworks.
Hyoutei may not encompass as much land as the ever expanding Rikkai empire but there was no shortage of wealth and prosperity and it was on full display at the moment. He could only hope that it would not make Rikkai think that they were better off being invaded and not as a strong ally.
"It's a pleasure," Sanada said. He gave a small nod that could be considered enough of a bow coming from one visiting monarch to another. "Thank you for inviting us to visit your kingdom.
Atobe returned the nod. "We're honoured that you could join us. We know it must have been a long journey for you to take."
"Yes. But we understand the importance of visiting with other nations."
"True. It does none of us any good to remain isolated," Atobe replied graciously and then looked at the beautiful man on Sanada's left in the flowing robes. "We take it this is the famed oracle of Rikkai?"
"I am but a mere spiritual advisor. I assure you, I do not boast to know the future," The man said.
"This is Yukimura. He does the empire the honour of sharing his wisdom with us," Sanada said.
"Well he is most welcomed in our kingdom as well. One can never have too many wise men in one's kingdom."
"So very true. Which makes me wonder where your advisor is. We've heard a lot about him," Sanada said making a point to look around.
"He's hard at work. As he always tells us, a kingdom does not run itself. He'll be at the banquet later tonight if you wish to share words with him," Atobe said. He did not like how Sanada was already asking after Tezuka. According to Tezuka, they should not be overly familiar and Sanada should have no more than a passing interest in his presence here. He would have to make sure to speak with Tezuka before the banquet and see if his advisor had been keeping things from him again.
"I suspect it takes a lot of work to make your kingdom work for you," Sanada said, his gaze drifting over the numerous self-important looking people near the dias around the throne.
"Numerous hands make for light work. We have no need to micromanage our trusted advisors," Atobe said. Already he was disliking Sanada. Asking about Tezuka, waltzing in with all the confidence as if he already owned Hyoutei and the far too amused advisor at his side. And unfortunately, he could tell that Sanada was not yet a fan of his either.
"Neither do I. I would not be here if I worried that my empire could not manage without me for my trip here," Sanada said.
Atobe wanted to point out that maybe it showed that the empire did not need Sanada but that crossed the line of wordplay to a full threat that could end up with real world retaliation. He needed Rikkai as an ally or at least open to allowing trade routes to pass through their waters.
"Of course. Anyway, you and your entourage must be tired from your journey. We will have you shown to your rooms where you may freshen up and relax before tonight's welcome dinner for you."
"That sounds good. Thank you," Sanada said.
Atobe gave a nod of acknowledgement and called forth Oshitari and Shishido to show them to the rooms he had assigned to the Rikkai delegation. He then gestured for Kabaji to go with them. He would show the Rikkai guards where the barracks were and how those accommodations would work while they were here.
Once all of Rikkai was gone, Atobe reminded the gathered courtiers of the night's dinner and then left to take care of business.
-0-0-0-0-
"You're fidgeting," Oshitari said to Tezuka as they waited in the anteroom to Atobe's quarters as he got ready for the welcome party.
Tezuka's hands immediately dropped to his sides and he straightened. "We should be heading down now. The king will not set a good impression by being late," Tezuka said, changing the topic. He did not want to admit that he may have been fidgeting. It had been quite some time since he'd seen anyone of the royal court of Rikkai. And after Atobe told him that Sanada had immediately asked after him, he wasn't sure what to expect from it.
"A king is never late, Tezuka. Surely Atobe has taught you this by now," Oshitari said and moved over to a lounge chair to drape himself upon.
"To an emperor, I assure you he will be." Tezuka was uncomfortable with Rikkai visiting for many reasons. But the chief among them was that Rikkai had been aggressively expanding their territory lately and there was no guarantee that Rikkai would not turn their eyes, and the force of their might, on to Hyoutei if they saw any cause to do so.
"Shall I go check on him then?" Oshitari asked though he made no move to rise from the chair.
But there was no need to send anyone in as the door opened just then and the King stepped out followed by several of his attendants, all dressed in their best dinner finery.
Oshitari quickly rose to his feet to bow with Tezuka to the king.
"Your majesty, you are looking splendid this evening," Oshitari drawled. And then his eyes moved unsurprisingly to Shishido. "As do your attendants. "You must tell me the secret of how you keep such fine young men in your service."
"We are the king. And we do not spend our time ogling them like our ministers," Atobe said with a pointed look at Oshitari.
It looked as if Oshitari may have offered a rebuttal but the duel hard looks from Atobe and Shishido obviously gave him second thought. Instead, Oshitari gave a small flourish of a bow before moving beside Atobe to fill him in on anything he needed to know before the dinner as they walked.
Tezuka took up a position behind the attendants, having had his fill of conversations with Atobe earlier as they took tea together and pondered just what Sanada's interest in Tezuka and Hyoutei could be.
As they neared the hall, Tezuka felt a presence behind him and turned his head to see Kabaji looming over him.
"You're fidgeting again," Kabaji said in a quiet voice that still rumbled through Tezuka.
It must have been bad if even Kabaji felt the need to point it out. Tezuka once more forced his hands to let go of the material of his overly fancy jacket and focus on what was happening around him. He did not consider Rikkai his own personal enemy but that did not mean they were not an enemy to Atobe… and while Rikkai may not be his enemy there was no guarantee and assassin or two would not try to take advantage of this trip to finish what others had failed to do and assassinate him for allowing Atobe to live.
Once more on guard and more concerned with the safety of Atobe and possible assassins than Sanada and Rikkai, Tezuka felt much more balanced and calm. It must say something that he felt more at ease considering possible ways someone might kill him or people he wanted to protect than possible topics for dinner conversation but he was not about to analyze it now. He would leave questioning his psyche to Oshitari who seemed to have made a hobby out of it.
As they reached the doors of the dining hall, Tezuka heard the herald announce them and the sound of numerous people rising to greet their king as the doors opened.
The hall bowed as Atobe entered and strode to the main table that was set with extra chairs tonight. His attendants moved to their usual spots and even Oshitari veered to a nearby table leaving only Atobe, himself and Kabaji as they moved to the head table. He had eaten many meals now beside Atobe here but it never became less awkward to be stared at by so many and gossiped about so blatantly.
Tezuka kept his head held high and stare neutral as he sat when Atobe had done so and gestured for others to do the same. Kabaji took a moment to confer with Atobe before retreating into the shadows behind the king's chair. Tezuka was sure the man and his guards were on high alert today and would be for the duration of Rikkai's stay.
Tezuka made a mental note to stay out of the secret passages for now. He was sure Kabaji would have assigned extra guards to them and he did not want to accidentally run into a knife happy guard who was of the mind to stab first and ask questions later.
"See, nothing to have worried about, Tezuka. We made it well before Rikkai," Atobe said quietly.
"Please rise for the emperor of Rikkai, Sanada Genichirou, his high spiritual advisor, Yukimura Seiichi and the Rikkai retinue," The herald called out.
Tezuka gave Atobe a look that conveyed that 'well before Rikkai' was quite a stretch and then rose to his feet along with everyone in the hall but Atobe.
As the doors opened, Sanada's eyes swept over the assembled crowd before zeroing in on Tezuka. Feeling the sharp gaze on him, Tezuka gave a brief nod of acknowledgement and tried not to wonder just when his friend had gotten so much broader than himself. At least they were still of the same height.
His gaze then drifted to Yukimura's for a moment and considered how far the man had come since Tezuka had last seen him. It had been many years ago when Yukimura lay in his sick bed in the palace temple complex and was complaining to Sanada and him about how they wanted to put his training on hold.
At the time, Tezuka had hoped Yukimura would make a solid recovery, though none of the doctors had much confidence. So it was good to see him looking so strong, even if the power and influence Yukimura now wielded, if his information sources were to be believed, put him on edge.
As the group made it to the head table and scattered to various seats, Tezuka found himself separated from Sanada and Yukimura by Atobe and a couple high ranking ministers. He did not escape their guests completely though as they sat mixed around the head table.
Because he was low ranking enough, Sanada could not directly talk past the king and high ministers to direct questions at Tezuka during the party. It meant that for now he could relax and enjoy the dinner and not worry about anything too awkward coming up throughout dinner. He did not need Atobe's ministers knowing that he was in the assassin guild and not just a childhood friend that Atobe was currently infatuated with.
Though of course rules and etiquette did not stop Yukimura from wandering over once the entertainment had started. He should have known that nothing would stop Yukimura from doing what he wanted. Though he was mollified somewhat by knowing that Yukimura looked unhappy about being sent as a mere messenger to Tezuka's side.
"Tezuka," Yukimura said as he came up beside him.
Marui Bunta who had been sitting to his right for the dinner glanced at Yukimura and with a slight nod from the high priest suddenly vacated his seat and headed down the table to converse casually with others. Yukimura then slid into the chair and looked Tezuka over.
"High Priest," Tezuka said. Unlike many others in the Rikkai retinue, and Tezuka suspected most of the empire, he was unintimidated by the man. He had a wary respect for his skills but he was hardly afraid of him. He had skills of his own and the protection of Hyoutei's monarch at his back.
"The emperor wishes to speak with you," Yukimura said.
Tezuka gave a nod. He wasn't surprised at all by that. Though the fact that Sanada had chosen to send Yukimura as the messenger instead of sending a note was curious. "When?"
"Tomorrow morning at first light. He will be in the gardens near the maze. You are to come alone."
Tezuka nodded. "I will see him there then."
Yukimura nodded in return and was about to stand when Tezuka decided that no matter the rumours or current standing it would cost him nothing to be nice to an old friend.
"Yukimura, I'm happy to see you so recovered," He said.
Yukimura paused and looked at him intently. "Are you?"
Tezuka didn't hesitate though he was sure Yukimura expected him, too. "Of course. We may have only been friends because of our friendship with the emperor but I would not wish you ill."
Yukimura considered him a moment longer before nodding again. As he stood he placed his hand on Tezuka's shoulder and gave a soft squeeze. His words just drifting down to him over the noise of the hall. "You should agree to the emperor's offer, Tezuka."
And then Yukimura was walking back down the table and Tezuka was left to sort out if that was a threat, a warning, friendly advice, or something else entirely. Until he knew what the offer was he wouldn't be able to judge. He would just hope for the best and prepare for the worst. When it came to Yukimura, that was really all he could do.
-0-0-0-0-
"The arrogant ass," Atobe complained as Shishido helped him out of the ornate jacket he had worn to the dinner.
Tezuka glanced up at him over the correspondence he was reading. "Oh?" He had rather thought the dinner went well. But then he was fortunate to be far enough down the table that he had not had to listen to the subtle alpha male grandstanding of two rulers. He would feel sorry for Yukimura having to put up with it but he was sure the high priest was just as bad and likely twice as dangerous.
"He had the gall to say he found the welcome banquet quaint. Quaint!" Atobe said loudly while swinging an arm and almost hitting Shishido in the face who had come back to his side after hanging up the jacket.
"Rikkai banquets are quite renowned for their size and boisterous entertainment," Tezuka said evenly.
"Why didn't you say something earlier? Hyoutei can easily match or outdo what Rikkai does," Atobe said.
"I don't feel it's a tradition that Hyoutei wants to get into. And as the hosts, it's our job to introduce them to Hyoutei culture while still respecting theirs. You did so with the dishes and music selection. I'm sure our guests did not feel slighted." Tezuka set down the papers and stood up to walk to Atobe, prepared to sooth him if he started up a tantrum.
"What do you mean it's not a tradition we want to start?" Atobe asked.
Tezuka took his hand and gently squeezed. "Rikkai has many enemies so they must show that they are strong and without remorse. A lot of banquets feature fights to the death of prisoners or at least the humiliation of them in some aspect. That is not something that the kingdom of Hyoutei should find such pleasure in. That is not your style of ruling and I would not have you adopt it." He brought Atobe's fingers up to his lips and gave them a soft kiss.
Shishido went to put away the jewelry that Atobe had been wearing and Tezuka didn't miss that he lingered more than he usually did. Obviously he was giving them some semblance of privacy.
"True...though I hate to be thought of provincial or underwhelming," Atobe said. He moved his hand from Tezuka's hold and gently placed it on Tezuka's cheek.
"I'm sure it was only said to rile you up. If you make a mistake and offend them, they could use it as an opening for hostilities between us."
"You're right, Tezuka. I shall be careful of how I react to Yukimura's thoughtless words."
"Good," Tezuka said. And feeling bold, leaned in to give Atobe a kiss to his cheek before withdrawing back to his chair so Shishido would feel comfortable returning.
"Are you sure you can't just kill him?" Atobe asked as he sat and held out his foot as Shishido walked toward him. Shishido bend down and swiftly unlaced the boots with practiced ease before pulling them off.
"Quite sure." Tezuka didn't elaborate on why he couldn't since Shishido was in the room. He didn't know how much the man knew about him or what he could be trusted with. As he was Atobe's favoured courtier and it was clear that Oshitari had taken a liking to him, he probably could be trusted with a great deal but it was best not to be careless.
"But surely you're still not obligated to follow such rules?" Atobe asked. Shishido walked off into the King's large walk in closet to properly clean and store the boots and Tezuka figured he had a moment or two before he came back.
He pitched his voice low so it wouldn't travel. "Regardless of my current standing, my vow remains. Also, as he is not a direct threat to your person I have no justification to kill him or anyone in the Rikkai retinue."
"And what about threats to my kingdom?" Atobe asked.
"Unfortunately my debt protects only you from harm and death and not the kingdom as a whole. My vow to the guild remains, Atobe."
"So you admit they pose a threat to my kingdom if I'm not careful?"
"Ah… well, perhaps you can show Yukimura your rose collection," Tezuka suggested before picking up his correspondences once again. He knew Atobe would have said something but just then there was a knock at the door and some of his advisors came in to speak to him about the evening and tomorrow's affairs. Hopefully by the time they were done with business, Atobe would have put such foolishness of assassinations behind him and would instead focus on how to make the best of the situation.
-0-0-0-0-
Slipping out of Atobe's bed had been easy enough, as had getting past the guards. No sneaking had even been needed as he was well known to keep strict hours and wandered the castle freely at all hours of the day. And with as much energy as planning a royal visit and running a kingdom required, Atobe was still fast asleep as he left the room and Tezuka assumed he would be until one of his courtiers came to wake and dress him for the day.
When he arrived at the garden he did not see any signs of Sanada or anyone from Rikkai and wondered if they had gone to a different side of the garden maze as there were multiple entrances. Atobe and his ancestors had never skimped on the gardens and the vast variety of them throughout the castle grounds was impressive with the crowning jewel being either the immaculate rose garden or the sprawling maze depending on who was asked.
Since the last assassination attempt, Tezuka was not a great fan of waiting out in the open but he would trust the guards on duty off near the doors and doing rounds to at least make enough noise should someone try to sneak up on him. He normally had more confidence in his skills but he was still recovering from the last attack and he knew that any number of highly trained assassins could have snuck into the grounds as part of Sanada's escort. It was somewhat unnerving.
But Tezuka was not one to be easily run off and so stayed his ground and looked casually around once more for any sign of the emperor. That's when he saw him coming down the steps with a scowl. He didn't worry about the look. He had known Sanada long enough to know that was generally what he looked like when anything at all was bothering him even the smallest of things. He doubted it was currently directed at him. But he supposed that could change depending on how their conversation went.
As Sanada drew near, Tezuka tried to examine how he felt. He was glad to see the other. They were not what he would consider best friends. But Sanada was a familiar face from Rikkai and someone from his childhood that he associated with good memories. It was good to see him even if the circumstances were not ideal. Rikkai was not a friend of Hyoutei even if they were not yet enemies. And his current status as Atobe's advisor and being at odds with the assassins guild could only lead to tension.
"Greetings, Emperor," Tezuka said and gave a bow as Sanada approached.
Sanada waved a lazy hand at Tezuka dismissing the bow and the formalities. Obviously this was to be a more personal talk. "Tezuka. It is good to see you well," Sanada said.
"And you. I was concerned when I heard about your family. I'm glad you had skilled and strong people nearby to support you," Tezuka said. The news of the Emperor and his eldest son being lost at sea had hit the empire hard and the news had been cautiously received around the world. A loss that big to such a powerful nation could cause all sorts of upheaval. And while Tezuka doubted the transition was easy with the past Emperor still alive and Sanada old enough, if not fully trained, to take over it well enough.
"Thank you. Though it would have been easier with you at my side." Sanada started a slow walk down the path into the maze and Tezuka had no choice but to follow along. He noticed that Sanada's own guards stayed outside of the maze, blocking the entrance and assumably walking the perimeter to take care of the others.
Had someone secured the maze earlier? If not, he felt the guards were taking a risk by letting Sanada out of their sight into a complicated hedge maze, even more so since they could not know for certain if Tezuka still upheld his assassin guild beliefs. Still, it was not his place to point this out and as he he had no intention of taking advantage of the trust Sanada was showing him nor letting harm come to him, he was sure nothing needed to be said this time.
"Perhaps. But I doubt I would have been allowed to serve in your court without giving up vows I made. And as I'm sure you've heard, that is easier said than done." Serving Atobe instead of killing him was a rather bold and reckless way of giving up his assassin vows in the eyes of the guild but he was sure the reaction to either would have been similar. He had worked far too long and far too well as an assassin to take up his grandfather's title of a noble in the court.
"We would have found a way... Though if you consider your vows now broken, do I have need to worry about your skills being directed towards me?" Sanada asked.
If Sanada was worried about such a circumstance, he didn't show it. He kept his voice even as they continued at the same casual pace deeper into the maze. Tezuka noted that Sanada didn't even glance to see if his guards were nearby and able to reach him in case Tezuka decided to prove how broken his vows were.
"No. I consider my vows still standing. Even if for the moment they have been put on hold." Tezuka could hardly kill someone he owed a life debt to. Though if he were honest, he wondered if he would be able to fulfill his contract whenever that debt may be paid. That was not something that needed to be shared with anyone though. Especially not Oshitari who was far too smug about such things already.
"Good. That will relieve my High Priest's worries somewhat. He is quite upset with me over this stroll," Sanada said.
"I can understand why. You take many risks, your highness."
"What is life without a few risks. And I trust you, Tezuka. No matter what sides we currently stand on, I was confident you'd meet me in the middle," Sanada said and then paused as they reached a dead end in the maze.
"I owe you at least that much," Tezuka said. He knew how to exit the maze, or reach the central pavilion from here but he waited for Sanada to make the first move. "And as I said, my vows still hold. You have nothing to fear from my direction." At least as far as physical harm went. He had a feeling that Atobe would still set him the task of accosting Sanada in the role of his advisor before the trip was done.
"And from the king's?" Sanada asked not missing a beat.
"Even he's not arrogant enough to take on the empire," Tezuka stated. Atobe was not a huge fan of Rikkai but he was wise enough to recognize their strength and Tezuka knew that Atobe merely wished to make some beneficial trade agreements with the empire and nothing more.
"Are you sure? He seems quite full of himself."
Tezuka smiled a little at the comment. He had often felt the same thing himself. "Quite sure. Though most he would have me do to you and your entourage is bend your ear about the benefits of working with Hyoutei."
Sanada laughed and shook his head before turning down another path. "He tasked the wrong person with that role. Come, lead me to somewhere we can talk a moment in private."
Tezuka nodded and began leading them to the center of the maze. It would be deserted at this time of the morning and the central pavilion was far enough away from the surrounding shrubs that if they kept their voices low, it would be impossible for people to listen in without them being aware of it.
When they reached the rest area, Sanada moved to sit and gestured to the other bench nearby and Tezuka also sank down onto the bench and waited for Sanada to start. The silence stretched a moment longer before Sanada leaned forward closing some of the distance between them.
"Your grandfather bid me to relay a message to you," Sanada said.
"Since when does my grandfather have the power to have an emperor do his bidding?" Tezuka asked both surprised and not by Sanada's words. He expected his grandfather to make contact with him. He just expected it to be via post delivered by one of the entourage members.
"He remains good friends with my own grandfather. And when he bids me to do something, I find myself obliged."
"Of course, your majesty." He felt much the same way about his own family obligations normally. Though right now he was having to set filial duty aside to pay back a life debt. "What is it my grandfather wished relayed to me?"
"He wants you home," Sanada said simply.
"Not possible." Even if I wanted to go back to Rikkai, and I wasn't sure I wanted to at the moment, it would be at the forfeit of my life to do so.
"Your grandfather will protect you from the guild."
Tezuka sighed. He supposed that his grandfather and his parents would find a way to keep the guild from going after him. Though he hated to think about what debt he would owe the guild for such an exchange. More risky and dubious assignments? Or would he be forced out of the guild, take up the Tezuka mantle and titles and owe the guild in other ways.
He didn't like it and Sanada easily spotted the frown marring his face.
"It's a generous offer, Tezuka. None of us can guarantee your safety while you're here," Sanada said.
"And how would it be guaranteed when I'm in Rikkai?" He wasn't sure if his grandfather would have told Sanada that much but since it seemed that Sanada was more invested in his safety than he expected perhaps he did know.
Sanada reached into his intricately embroidered tunic and pulled out a sheath of papers and handed it over to Tezuka. He hesitated for just a moment before reaching out for it and as he read, his frown deepened.
"The crown would claim me as one of theirs?" Tezuka asked. The Emperor of Rikkai had an arrangement with the assassin's guild in return for all that Rikkai did for them. If Sanada named him as one of his, he would be protected from any member of the assassin guild. Though it would mean he gave up his ability to hire an assassin from the guild to do his bidding, too. But as a member of the guild he could easily dispatch his enemies himself.. But as a member how would being named protected by the crown work?
"Yes. With conditions…"
"Of course," Tezuka said. He wasn't at all surprised by that. He had been raised in both the world of assassins and nobles. He knew all about how nothing came for free.
"Don't frown so much, Tezuka. We are trying to help you. It's hardly an execution sentence to take up the Tezuka titles and work as one of my ministers," Sanada said pointedly.
"No. But it's not what I'd chose for myself."
"Yet you happily stay in Hyoutei and play advisor to the king here?" Sanada asked. And there was a glint in his eye that made Tezuka decide to be careful with how he phrased his response.
"It is not by choice, your highness. I made a mistake on my mission and the king spared my life and now I serve him to pay off my life debt. Though in the process of doing so, I managed to become further into his debt. As a Tezuka and as a member of the assassin guild we take such debts seriously."
This time it was Sanada's turn to frown. "I have heard some of this… but there are other ways to pay this debt. And removing you from Hyoutei would probably make it safer for the king. How many assassins have attempted to remove you, Tezuka?"
Too many, was Tezuka's first thought but he bit back the words and stayed silent.
"Hmph, don't think your silences will phase me," Sanada said and crossed his arms over his chest. "You have a week to think on those papers. If you want to take up our offer, all you need to do is come to me and ask me to sign and seal those. It will make it official."
Tezuka looked at the papers once more before nodding and carefully tucked them into his own tunic much like Sanada had had them. "I understand."
"Think hard on your choices, Tezuka. Your empire is calling you home nicely."
Tezuka understood the implied threat. The empire rarely called nicely and it was most unwise to refuse it when it did… He would have to tell Atobe more about this meeting than he had originally planned. If his staying on would incite a war with Rikkai it would be impossible for him to do so. Bringing a war to the shores of Hyoutei would be the exact opposite of what his life debt would have him do.
Tezuka finally nodded and was about to ask the emperor to tell him more of what had been going on in the kingdom with family and friends but before he could form any questions, Captain Yagyuu came bursting through the entrance to the center of the maze along with Bunta.
Spotting Sanada, the two bowed as did the guards coming in behind them. "It seems our time has come to an end," Tezuka said quietly.
"We'll speak again," Sanada said and moved to his guards and lord who were looking most annoyed with him.
"Well, what is it?" Sanada asked.
"The high priest sent us to retrieve you, your majesty," Yagyuu said. Tezuka had no doubt that Yukimura was not pleased about the meeting and even less so when the two of them had disappeared into the maze on their own.
"Well consider myself retrieved. That is if you can get us all out of here," Sanada said and Tezuka smiled slightly at the challenge in his voice. He wondered just how long the guards had been hunting for them in the maze.
"No problem, your majesty. That's what I'm here for. Leave it to the genius~" Bunta said before blowing a bubble with the candy in his mouth. He then bowed with a flourish and turned back the way they came.
Sanada allowed himself to be flanked by his guards and as they left, Tezuka could hear the start of a conversation about Yukimura and breakfast as Bunta led them away.
Tezuka stayed a moment longer as he considered the papers next to his chest and what the consequences his decisions might bring.
-0-0-0-0-
The meeting wasn't going well. Tezuka had warned Atobe that it was likely to do so since Sanada had seemed upset with his unenthusiastic response to the missive he had delivered. But Atobe had told him that he would not allow Sanada to hold the trade agreements he wanted hostage. So both parties had entered the meeting with hostilities despite the flowery words of welcome and diplomacy.
Tezuka wasn't quite sure how Atobe planned to work around this since it was clear that Sanada and Yukimura fully expected Atobe to use him as a bargaining chip. And while Tezuka was not completely averse to being part of deals and negotiations - he was an assassin and currently the king's advisor so such things were expected at times - he was thankful that Atobe was letting him make his own decisions on this. Of course, it could just be greed on Atobe's part as he doubted the king wanted to let him go anyway.
Unfortunately the ministers working with them at the table seemed baffled why the trade plans were not going well and while the emperor at times seemed receptive it was quickly ruined by whatever words Yukimura said to him.
The atmosphere remained unpleasant throughout the morning and even lunch had failed to foster any warmth between the two nations. Everyone was starting to grow tired and diplomatic and flowery words were starting to fail the ministers present. No good could come from that and Tezuka passed a piece of paper to Atobe to tell him it was time for plan B.
Plan B was of course, Oshitari's plan. Tezuka wasn't sure it would work but did admit that Sanada, as well as most people of Rikkai, enjoyed a good old fashioned tournament and a few thrilling fights could put even the emperor and high priest in a friendlier mood.
"Perhaps we could leave the ministers to debate finer details of contracts and in the coming days and avail ourselves to the fine entertainment Hyoutei has on offer," Atobe finally said when again the talks had stalled.
"And what entertainment is that?" Yukimura asked. And by his tone and look it was clear he thought that Hyoutei lacked any entertainment that would appeal to those from the empire.
"You have all been confined to ships for quite some time so we thought your finest would like a chance to stretch their muscles and show the citizens of Hyoutei their skills. Of course, Hyoutei's own famed swordsmen and skilled fighters from across the seas will also be joining in," Atobe further explained.
"You're suggesting a tournament?" Sanada asked. It was clear that he'd much rather be watching that then trade ministers argue.
"Exactly. We held off the annual tournament to coincide with your arrival in the hopes you would join us," Atobe said.
It was not actually the original reason why the tournament had been delayed - the grounds had been ruined by a spring flood and required some work to make them suitable for a royal tournament and all the visiting guests. It was supposed to happen just after the Rikkai retinue left with many competitors already in the city and training. But it would be little effort to move things up and have the tournament running in two days time. In fact, Oshitari had already started setting things in motion and the castle outside this room was a flurry with not only keeping the emperor and his retinue well looked after but with preparing for the tournament.
Sanada looked over at Yukimura and seeing no negative reaction, smiled and leaned back in his chair. "We would be honoured to join you in the tournament," Sanada said.
Tezuka kept his face neutral but he wanted to smile at that. In their youths, Sanada had always been enthusiastic about the tournaments and kept trying to sneak into them and participate. Most of his plans failed well before he was anywhere near the tournament ring but one year his grandfather did allow him to compete in the archery contest. It was deemed safe and his skill was high enough that he would not embarrass himself and become upset. He had even come in fourth. An impressive feat for a fourteen year old.
So it was nice to see he still enjoyed them so. Though he doubted the emperor would be competing in any archery tournaments this time.
"Will you be competing Tezuka?" Sanada asked. The first time he had addressed him directly during all of the talks.
Tezuka looked over at Atobe who gave him no outward direction either way. Apparently it was up to him. "If the king commands it. Though I admit, I have always enjoyed a good tournament." He had won enough of Seigaku's famous tournaments to have a reputation and to not want to participate at all in Hyoutei's would seem odd.
"Then perhaps a friendly wager," Yukimura said, cutting in before Sanada could speak.
"Oh?" Atobe said, speaking for Tezuka this time.
"I will also join the tournament and if your man gets further than me, we will look at your terms with a more favourable eye. But if I go further, then you will accept the terms we put forth or get nothing." Yukimura sat there beside Sanada looking the very picture of the serene holy man he was despite the very serious wager and threat he had just delivered.
Atobe's gaze swept across his advisors before looking back at Yukimura. "As we seem to be at impasse, perhaps a friendly wager would help us find resolution. I have complete faith in my dear advisor as I'm sure the emperor has in you. So I will accept the challenge." Atobe looked imperiously at Sanada.
"The empire has every faith in our dear high priest. But do not think to back out of your word if things do not end favourably for you," Sanada said. He then waved toward a minister on each side of the table. "Draft up the wager so that we may sign it and declare it valid."
"Hyoutei always keeps it word. And we look forward to seeing you at the table once more after the tournament in a much more favourable mood."
The mood was tense for a moment, neither side of the table sure how to react to this banter when Sanada laughed loud and long. That seemed to break the tension and the ministers got to work drafting the bet between the two nations while Atobe sent for wine and food to toast to their champions and wish each other the best.
Before Tezuka could really put into words why he felt this could lead to trouble, the papers were signed, drinks poured and the toast done. The tournament was going to happen. Now they just had to make sure it was a success in all the ways that a good royal tournament should be and that Tezuka went further in it than Yukimura.
Everyone else probably thought it was going to be easy given Yukimura's deceptive appearance. But on top of the worries of keeping the King safe when scores of relatively unknown fighters filled the grounds around him, he had to figure out how to take the top prize at the tournament. He knew that Yukimura would aim for nothing less than the best which meant he would, too.