Disclaimer:Hunter x Hunter belongs to Togashi-sensei. I'm just a big fan!
Story:Kuroro finds out that there's another settlement of the Kurutas at the Eastern part of the Azian Continent. Suspecting that the Chain Assassin is there, Kuroro and his Spiders travel to the continent to try and capture him then steal the eyes of the people there. However, what they saw is not a mere tribe but a kingdom, open to everyone; the complete opposite of the Kuruta tribe in Rukuso Region. Twists and turns! Non-Yaoi! KuroKura. FemKura!
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Chapter 10
A Great Empire
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A Royal Crown Prince has many duties. One of them is to study. Yes, STUDY. Study not only the rules and regulations of the Palace but also the history of the Kingdom, the traditions and celebrations, the climate and many others. Of course, Kuroro is also expected to oversee the training of the Royal Guards as well as the military. As the Crown Prince, he also has a lot of previlidges. He is allowed to enter the Grand Palace, the Royal Library as well as the Armory, which are all highly restricted to him when he was still a Selected Bachelor.
The past few days had been very busy for him. When the Crown Princess annouced that he is to be appointed as the Crown Prince, in other words also her husband, there was a big uproar among the higher officials. Among them was Haru's father, the Minister of Works, vehementlydisagreed to recognizing Kuroro as the Crown Prince, still insisting that his son deserved the position. However, Queen Ahami silenced all the ministers, telling them that whoever questions the decisions made by a member of the royal family has violated and disrespected the blue lotus emblem. The punishment will be severe. It seemed a bit tyrant for the Queen herself to say that, Kuroro thought to himself.
As the Crown Prince, he's not being transferred to the official residence, which is in the West Wing where the residence of the Crown Princess can also be found.
As of this moment, Kuroro is still studying inside his residence, with books from the Royal Library being brought inside his study room. During the Selection, he introduced himself as a half-Kuruta who has been away from the Kingdom so it makes sense if he is engrossed with studying about the Kingdom.
While focusing on a new topic, which is about the military powers of the various other Kingdoms in the Azian Continent, Kuroro was disturbed by a sudden announcement from his attendant, Eunuch Ge.
"Your highness, the Crown Princess is here to see you." the eunuch said and opened the sliding frame door.
The Crown Princess entered the study room and when she saw the heaps of papers and books as well as paint brushes scattered all over, she scoffed.
"It seems like this place needs a little clean up." she said amusingly.
Kuroro looked around him and just chuckled, just realizing now how messy his study room had become. Kurapika gestured for the ladies-in-waiting to clean up the mess and after doing so, she sat o in a small pillow on the tatami floor in front of Kuroro. Kuroro only noticed it now but she's actually holding a piece of paper.
"I supposed you came here with a purpose. I'm sure you wouldn't visit me so randomly because you miss your future husband." the Spider Head joked but only a little glare from the Princess was all he got as a reply.
She then finally put the piece of folded paper on the table, presenting it to Kuroro. It's actually and long enveloped with the Kurutan characters for 'WILL' written on the back. He looked at the Princess who then nodded, as if allowing him to inspect the contents of the envelope. It was already opened and Kuroro pulled out a piece of folded paper. He unfolded it and spread it on the table. The first thing he noticed was the royal blue lotus stamp at one corner of the letter and the Kurutan characters for 'King of the Blood'. His eyes widened a little and he shifted his gaze to the Princess.
It was the will of the previous king, King Otto, Queen Ahami's husband,
"What's is the meaning of this?" Kuroro asked, folding back the will for he refused to read it unless the Princess offers him some plausible explanation.
"That's my grandfather's will." She replied curtly.
"I know. But why show such confidential record to me?"
This time, Kurapika sighed before answering. "As the next King, you are obligated to grant the wishes of the late king in his will. This is to show respect to the late king's soul."
"Wishes?" and that's when Kuroro decided to finally read the contents.
He thoroughly read the will for he is still having difficulties learning Kurutan characters, but when he finished reading, he had a disbelieving look in his eyes. A few moments later, he glared at the letter angrily, almost wanting to crumple it. He looked at the Princess in the eyes, almost looking disappointed.
"The late king is insane." he simply stated.
"I know. But that's his wish." the Princess replied.
Kuroro furrowed his eyebrows, even more disappointed at the Princess. "So you're telling me to expand the Kingdom by invading others in order to make this country a great empire?"
"I don't like it either. But if had to go to war to protect my Kingdom then I'll do so without question." Kurapika replied fiercely, almost angry.
Protect? War?
"There is something going on that I should know about." Kuroro stated as a matter-of-factly. "What is it?"
It took a few moments for the Princess to answer and when she did, it was not what Kuroro expected at all.
"A Prince of Kakin Kingdom asked my hand in marriage. Of course, my grandmother refused but he left enraged, saying that we will regret not uniting our Kingdoms together"
"Kakin Kingdom..." Kuroro trailed.
"His statement can be considered a threat of war. That is why we have been preparing for any attack they any launch against us."
Now everything makes sense to Kuroro. The Kingdom had been breeding war horse like the one given to him during the horseback tuho. When he checked the armory sometime ago, he noticed new weapons arriving and new shipments being ordered. Even the military training grounds which he also inspected as the Crown Prince is very busy, with soldiers everywhere training nonstop.
"When did this happen?" he asked, finally deciding that he made a big mistake. He should have bailed on the Selection in the first place. But the Princess' amusing antics and his curiosity made him stay. Now he's in for some big trouble.
"Not long after I was found by my grandmother. Even before that, Kakin Kingdom had been eyeing us, wanting to unite our Kingdoms together. The Kuruta Kingdom is still in its infancy stage so other Kingdoms are not sure whether we are a threat or an ally." Kurapika explained briefly.
Kuroro nodded. "King Otto must have refused the offer of Kakin to unite and they tried again by using another method and that is by marrying one of their princes to you." he concluded to which Kurapika nodded.
"That's right. As of this moment, the Prince who asked for my hand is coming again to confirm the news."
"What news?"
"That I'm about to get married to the winner of the Selection."
Kuroro sighed. "Let me guess. Queen Ahami plans on rushing our wedding and the coronation before that Prince arrives."
Kurapika did not answer, which confirmed Kuroro's theory. This is a big headache. He has to consult with his Spiders about this problem.
"And who is this Prince of Kakin that you are talking about."
The blond princess made a disgusted face before answering. "Prince... Tserriednich Hui Guo Rou."
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The Palace is bustling. Every servant is making sure all the preparations for the venue are complete. Every soldier are checking every possible flaws in the security system. The whole kitchen is finishing up the preparation of the menu and the wine and drinks to be served. The seamstress are hurrying to put the finishing touches on the royal robes of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. And the blacksmiths are finally polishing the crowns the new monarchs will wear.
Tomorrow is the wedding and coronation day.
As all of these are happening, Kuroro is nowhere to be seen in the Palace grounds. Having been informed of the whole situation by the Princess a few days ago, he opted to consult the other Spiders and hear their opinion about this.
The Spiders are currently staying in an inn paid for by the Minister of War, Sakano and Ayato's father. Also the Head of the Larkspur Kurutas, the Kuruta Clan that Kuroro is representing. Ever since he won the Selection, the Minister had been very good to him and his Spiders. He paid for their lodging, their food and even for some of their leisurely activities such as drinking, partying and sight-seeing.
Kuroro and his Spiders met in a bar near the inn. They gathered together in a table, ready to hear what their Danchou is about to say.
"I'm getting married tomorrow." the Spider Head announced and silently watched the reactions of the Spiders.
It took a while before Shalnark opted to speak first. "Well, congratulations, Danchou." he said while grinning.
Kuroro sighed. In the first place, it was all Shal's fault. But after a few days of thinking about it, Kuroro weighed the benefits and compared them to the disadvantages. By becoming King of the Kurutan Kingdom, he will receive a lots of perks. Not only will he get power to search for the Chain Assassin easily but he can also support Ryuusegai using the riches of this Kingdom. That's right, if Kuroro can't escape this responsibility of winning the Selection then he will turn the tables and use this event as an opportunity to provide more necessities to the people to Ryuusegai. He will exploit the Kingdom for the sake of his homeland.
But the disadvantages that come along with marrying the Crown Princess and becoming King are also serious. He had to make the wish of the previous king come true which is to expand the Kingdom by invading others and elevating its status to an empire. Also, with the conflict with Kakin Kingdom which is more powerful as compared to the Kuruta Kingdom in terms of military prowess, Kuroro thought that it would be much better to leave instead of mixing himself in this country's problems.
"Danchou..." it was Machi who spoke next. "...what about the Chain Assassin?"
"Yeah, what about him?" Nobunaga asked as well.
"We'll still search for him. Only that we will do so by using my power as King." Kuroro replied simply.
Machi looked worried about the whole notion. "But if you become King, you'd be known throughout the world and some may recognize you as Kuroro Lucifer."
Kuroro smiled. Of course he considered the possibility of being exposed. But he already had a plan in mind to which the Crown Princess agreed to as well.
"We will use a stand-ins to pretend to be the King and Queen to avoid our exposure to the public." he explained. "And besides, even if I really want to leave, I wouldn't be able to do that easily."
"Why?" Shalnark asked. The rest were just quietly listened, not knowing what to actually ask. Just the notion of their beloved leader getting married tomorrow still kept them speechless.
"Because the whole Larkspur family might be punished."
This even made them more speechless. True, by leaving, Kuroro will bring shame to the Larkspur Kuruta Clan. And because the Larkspur presented him as their representative, they will be punished severely for wasting the whole Selection. It's like a domino effect where the action or fault of one will lead to the downfall of another.
The Spiders liked Sakano who always visits them to ask them to tell her stories of the outside world. Ayato is also like a comrade to them, teaching them many things like how to interact with the citizens or where to get proper information. Even the Minister of War was kind to them, but only because of their Danchou.
"Do you guys want to see them punished?" Kuroro asked and they all simultaneously shook their heads.
Even though they are killers and ruthless criminals, they actually know how to show gratitude to people who helped them. Ayato and Sakano are good people to them. As long as they don't find out who they really are, it's all fine and dandy.
"So, you really plan on marrying her? The Princess?" Machi asked seriously this time, still having that worried look on her face.
Seeing her expression, Nobinaga can't help but tease her. "Oi, Machi, you jelly? Because it seems to me you want to marry Danchou!"
"W-What? NO! You idiot samurai!" Machi yelled angrily, throwing a punch which the samurai caught.
The rest of the Spiders laughed then congratulated their Danchou. They then spent the rest of the night partying, declaring it to be their Danchou's bachelor party.
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The next day, everything was set. The wedding ceremony and the coronation will be held in the Outer Court, the largest open space in the whole palace that is decorated with various flowers. A long pond was built on both side of the rectangular court that is filled with blue lotuses . The Outer Court was created in honor of Queen Ahami by King Otto, who loved flowers and was the one who created the flower system for the different Kurutan factions in the Kingdom.
Kurapika is in her residence, busy preparing herself. The ceremony is in one hour and she's not dressed yet! Her attendants are still in the middle of doing her hair and her make-up. Kurapika sighed as she looked at herself in front of the mirror.
Is this what she really wanted?
It's definitely not what she wants, that's clear, but seeing how the future of the remaining Kurutas rest on her shoulders, she can;t possibly say no now. And besides, Sir Kai seemed like a respectable man. Even Queen Ahami approved of him, even more so when he displayed such clever plan on capturing the culprit during the Second Challenge.
"You're in good hands, my dear." Queen Ahami once said after picking Sir Kai. Seeing how relieved the Queen is, Kurapika couldn't bring herself to break her heart by refusing to marry and ascend the throne.
After her attendants were done with her make-up and hair, they carried the ceremonial clothes she will be wearing. The robes were especially made for this day. It's a blue long silk ceremonial dressed that was modeled closely with the Japonese wedding clothes but a hint of Kurutan was incorporated. It has three heavy layers composed of a white inner layer, then a second layer of blue silk robe, and a long blue overcoat embroidered with golden lotuses. Her hair was gathered up tightly in a bun to allow the veil-like headdress to fit.
Thirty minutes passed when the wearing of the robe was finished. Kurapika was then assisted by her attendants in entering the royal palanquin waiting for her.
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Kuroro, meanwhile, had finished preparing and is currently waiting for the Crown Princess in the Outer Court. He's wearing a more-or-less the same ceremonial robes as the Princess, only that it has a more masculine tone. His hair was pushed back to a slick style and he wore the headband given to him by the Princess when he was chosen as the Crown Prince. Since his hair is not long enough to be worn as a top-knot, he wore a headdress decorated with golden beads and sapphire stones.
As he waited, Queen Ahami can't help but notice his habit of drumming hi fingers on his clothes. She stood up from where she sat and approached the young man.
"Nervous?" the Queen asked when she arrived to where Kuroro is standing.
Kuroro just smiled. "A little." he admitted. Who wouldn't be a little nervous on their wedding day?
He looked around and saw how many people are gathered together. All nobilities, high-ranking officials and some merchants were invited. Outside the palace walls, there are even more citizens flocking fo after the wedding and coronation, the new King and Queen will show themselves to the people through the balcony in the Grand Palace.
"Well, looks like it's gonna be over." the Queen replied and gestured for Kuroro to look at certain direction.
There he saw a Crown Princess' Royal Palanquin stopping. The people carrying it lowered the Palanquin and the attendants following opened the door, helping the Princess step out.
And when she did, everyone in the Outer Court was awed, including Kuroro.
He couldn't believe the stunning beauty right in front of him is actually the tomboyish Princess who tried to escape the Palace one night. Although her face was covered in a transparent veil, her beauty is radiating. What a lucky man, Kuroro is.
When the music started, the Princess started walking on the carpeted aisle and the guests stood up, bowing as the Princess walked past them. Kuroro straightened himself waiting for his bride to arrive to him, and when she did he stood right beside her and continued walking towards a Kurutan Shaman waiting for them at the end of the aisle. The guests continued standing, all of them pinned with a blue lotus on their chests to symbolize unity of the whole Kurutan Kingdom on this great occasion.
When both the Crown Prince and Princess arrived in front of the Shaman, they knelt together and bowed in front of her. The Shaman then performed a ritual by saying verses in an old Kurutan tongue which neither Kurapika nor Kuroro understood. After that her disciple brought to her a golden chalice to which she poured white wine into. Then, a silver blade was presented to Kuroro.
Kuroro, still kneeling, took the blade and made a little slash on his right hand. He then hovered the injured hand over the golden chalice, letting his blood dripped in it. Kurapika did the same thing and let her blood dripped inside the chalice after slashing her right hand.
The Shaman set aside the chalice and took a long red cloth. She Covered Kuroro's slashed right hand with one end of the cloth and Kurapika's own right hand with the other end, connecting the two. Then, the golden chalice was brought back and was handed to the two.
"By drinking from this cup which housed both you bloods, your souls shall become one." the Shaman announced with hand held up as if blessing the couple.
Kuroro stared at the cup before taking one sip from it. Kurapika then took the cup then brought it to her lips. She looked at the man who will become her husband after drinking. Somehow, she can't bring herself to drink. Then, her vision shifted to her grandmother, smiling happily at her. Closing her eyes, Kurapika took a sip from the cup, finally completing the ceremony.
After handing back the cup, the Shaman spoke a few more verses before finally closing the ceremony. It's time for the next event: the coronation.
Two shaman disciples entered, carrying with them two crowns, one for the Crown Prince and the other for the Crown Princess. Both are laid with gold and sapphire stones, decorated with carvings of a big lotus and the twelve flowers of the different Kurutan families. This time, Queen Ahami stood and approached the newly wedded couple, gesturing them to stand up. She took the Queen's crown and held it in front of Kurapika.
"My dear, my one and only grandchild, to you I bestow this crown as a symbol of our heritage. Become the light that will shine in our people's hearts when times are dim and seem hopeless. I wish only happiness for you."
Kurapika smiled and bowed her head as the now Queen Dowager placed the crown on her head, formally transferring the power to her granddaughter.
Now, Queen Dowager Ahami took the King's crown and faced Kuroro.
"To the man who will become King, bring prosperity and abundance to this Kingdom. Keep in mind it's people and never turn a blind eye to their suffering. Suppress personal desires and become the hope when your people can't find one."
As she leaned forward to place the crown on Kuroro's head, the Queen Dowager whispered a personal wish to him.
"Take care of your Queen."
Ahami smiled at Kuroro after leaning back then faced the guests. Both Kuroro and Kurapika held each other's hand and faced the people as well.
"Long live the King and Queen!" the Queen Dowager announced.
"Long live the King and Quuen!" the guests echoed over and over again for the whole kingdom to hear. Even those outside the palace walls heard the announcement which meant that the ceremonies are over.
Kurapika and Kuroro looked at each other, smiling slightly then faced the people again. From this day forward they will both rule this Kingdom together.
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After the ceremonies, a feast immediately followed, with table after table after table of food coming out and with servants after servants taking care of the guests. Kurapika and Kuroro sat on their respective thrones located on a very high platform at the end on the aisle. This way, they will be able to see a whole Outer Court. After the feast, they will enter the Grand Palace's balcony to greet the common people waiting outside for their appearance.
"How... elegent..." Kuroro commented with a bit of disgust, talking about the behavior of some high-ranking officials who are already drank with sake.
"Get used to it. Some of them just don't have manners." Kurapika replied, also with a hint of disgust. "It's always like this every celebration."
Kuroro stared at his wife. Wow, that seemed new to him. She's still veiled since the unveiling of the bride is reserved for tonight, during their wedding night.
"The Hana has been prepared." he said nonchalantly, wanting to see how she's going to react.
Kurapika only shrugged though. "I'm aware of that."
The Hana is a place in the palace located deep inside the West Wing. It is a very private place where the King and Queen will reside for a year in an attempt to conceive a child. It's also the place where the pregnant Queen stays to prevent any stresses from palace duties reach her and affect the pregnancy.
Kuroro scoffed at her lack of reaction. "I still can't believe I married you."
This time, the blond blushed so hard and turned to her husband angrily. "Perhaps your dream woman must be someone complete opposite of me. If you regret it so much your should have just refused me in the first place."
He sighed. His dear wife must have misunderstood his words. "That's not what I meant. This all feels so surreal that I still can't believe it."
This calmed the Kuruta slightly and she looked away shyly.
As the celebrations continued, a golden palanquin entered the palace grounds, heading towards the Outer Court. When it reach the Outer Court, it's arrival immediately distracted the guests and stopped the music and the dancing. It was a golden palanquin with golden handles. The palanquin was lowered down and the passenger stepped out.
Kuroro furrowed his eyebrows, not liking this feeling he has. He looked at Kurapika who's clenching her fists. This is not good.
"Looks like I was too late." the passenger announced as he walked on the carpeted aisle, towards the newly crowned monarchs. He stopped in front of the stairs leading to the thrones of the King and Queen then bowed. "Ah, my Princess, you should have waited for me."
Kurapika just sat silently, not wanting to reply. Kuroro took it upon himself to identify the man.
"And who might you be, honorable guest?" Kuroro asked with a smile. Seeing that the man is wearing such elegant clothes and expensive jewelry, he must be a high-ranking person. Kuroro already had an inkling to who he might be but he just wanted to confirm.
"I am the fourth prince of Kakin Kingdom, Prince Tserriednich Hui Guo Rou , your majesty. I came here to ask for the Princess—no, the Queen's hand but it seems like I'm too late."
"Indeed you are. She is mine now." Kuroro declared possessively, wanting to expel this man from the Kingdom. He can feel he's bad news.
Tserriednich ignored Kuroro and turned to Kurapika. "My Queen, didn't I say that I'll come back for you? Didn't I say you'll regret not accepting my invitation of marriage. Should I kill you right here right now?"
That does it. Kuroro stood up and the royal guards pointed their weapons at the Kakin Prince. Threatening a member of the royal family is equivalent to asking a death wish. The King place himself in front of his Queen in a protective manner.
"Leave now before I'll have you beheaded." Kuroro ordered angrily. He will not stand silently while someone threatens to kill his wife.
Tserriednich only chuckled and waved his hand. "It was only a joke, Your Majesty. Rest assured I will not do it again."
"Leave..." the King ordered firmly again.
The Prince sighed and bowed again before walking back to his palanquin, following the King's order to leave.
After leaving the palace grounds, Kuroro looked at Kurapika. "So that's the Prince, huh."
"Yes, and he's a jerk."
"I noticed." Kuroro sat back on his throne and gestured for the guests to continue the celebration. The music, dancing, eating and drinking resumed as if nothing happened a while ago.
"He might try to invade us." Kurapika voiced out her worries. Prince Tserriednich did threaten them that if they still won't agree to the arranged marriage then they will have to take the Kingdom by force.
"Kakin might try, but they won't succeed." I guarantee that. Kuroro added mentally.
Looks like his troubles and worries are never-ending.
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A/N:I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk! Please read and review! YEAAAAHHHH!
