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Chapter 11
X-X-X-X
"Hime-sama, do you think the birds are ready to be trained?"
"Hm..." I silently took in the condition of the pigeons. "Yes, let's train them to open the trapdoors. It's important to train them each day for a week before changing what they learn. For this week, we'll train the pigeons to open the trap door. After that, we'll take them one mile out to train them to return home."
"Understood!"
"Once they get used to the one mile, we'll move it to five miles. Each week, we'll change the location from north, south, east, then west before moving on."
"Why don't we just train them in the direction we want them to?"
"It's to get them familiar with the location of their home."
"I see."
"When they succeed with the five mile mark, we'll move onto ten miles. If they end up lost, then we'll simply return them to the five mile mark."
"W-What do we do if they get lost?"
"That's right. These birds are also considered food..."
"What if someone shoots them down with an arrow?"
"It's fine, we'll tie some red ribbons around their ankles during training. We'll spread word that no one is allowed to shoot any pigeons with these red ribbons and if they happen to find a lost pigeon that they should return it to the castle."
"I see, you're incredibly smart."
"It's only common sense! Now, I expect you to spread word of this within a week."
"Yes, Hime-sama!"
"Also, stop shouting in here. You're frightening the birds."
"S-Sorry..."
"Apologizes."
"That reminds me." I glanced at the men and I gave them a sharp stare. "None of you have told anyone how to care for the pigeons, correct? If this method is indeed successful then we must not let our enemies gain knowledge of how we care for them."
"Of course we haven't spoken a word."
"Also..."
"Considering..."
"What is it?"
"Well...many make fun of us for taking care of birds all day long instead of acting as soldiers..."
"Hmph! Let them gossip like foolish women with nothing to do. When they realize how amazing our pigeons are, they will practically be begging you to forgive them for their harsh words!" I flipped my braid over my shoulder and I gave the men a cold smile. "If we succeed then these birds will save many lives and will win us many battles."
"Of course, Hime-sama!"
"You're amazing, Hime-sama!"
"Stop it with your useless flattery and get back to work. I leave the rest of today's duties to you for I have training with General Joo-Doh now."
"Have a nice evening, Hime-sama!"
"Please avoid getting harmed."
"Stop your useless worrying and work."
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I continued to dodge Joo-Doh's attacks as I threw knives left and right. As usual, my training consists of me fighting Joo-Doh while also hitting the targets. However, unlike before, the man is purposefully aiming at my openings. The only saving grace to it was that it wasn't an actual weapon, bruises I can deal with. I don't want to end up dead because I told him to use an actual weapon.
"You're doing better, but you're still running about." Joo-Doh said observing the targets.
"I can...do better...!" I said falling to my knees.
"You're an untrained princess. Even if you did run around and steal horses from the stalls, you're still a child. Hime-sama, please go and get some rest. It's fine to take your time." Joo-Doh said looking down at me.
"Fine then. Please, help me up." I said raising a hand.
Joo-Doh assisted me in standing and I tugged my hair behind my ear. I thanked the general for making time for me again as usual before taking my leave. I was tired...very tired. I was halfway to my room when I noticed Soo-Won talking with his advisor, but they had this unusually serious look on their face.
"Soo-Won?" I questioned gaining their attention.
"Kana-hime, are you doing with training already?" Soo-Won asked giving me a wide smile.
"Yes, what were you talking about?" I asked placing a hand on my cheek.
"We were thinking about going to Chi'shin. Do you want to come along?" Soo-Won asked with a smile.
"H-Heika! You shouldn't ask Hime-sama to do such a ridiculous thing! Think about her safety!" Kye-Sook shouted at the man.
"Chi'shin..." My eyes began sparkling in a way that seemed to surprise the two men. "I've never left the castle before...I'm getting a bit excited..." I said covering my mouth with my sleeves.
"Kana-hime seems to like the idea." Soo-Won said pointing at me.
"That doesn't mean she should go! She needs escorted guards and we need to prepare a carriage for her." Kye-Sook said glaring at the man.
"Actually, this is a good time to check on the outpost on the way there. Today, we managed to send a proper letter back and forth from the castle and the western outpost. I wanted to see how that outpost was doing." I said gaining their attention.
"It actually worked?" Kye-Sook asked in disbelief.
"Sadly, we only managed to reach this point so quickly was because of my ability with birds. It will take a few more months without me so I was hoping we can prepare the outposts ahead of time to save time. I hope by a year that we'll have outposts all over the kingdom." I said giggling.
"That's amazing! It's only been two months! You're amazing, Kana-hime!"
"Thank you, Soo-Won."
"If this method does work then we should obtain more pigeons..."
"Not a good idea. Wild pigeons are much harder to train than pigeons hatched in captivity. Even then it takes time to even train them."
"I see. What if we capture wild pigeons in order to use them for breeding? Then releasing them when we have no further use for them?"
"I am a bit unsure, but it should work...Still, we must wait approximately six weeks before we can train the newly hatched pigeons and we have to be careful not to lose them so we have to take time to slowly train them. As I mentioned, we only got this far because of my ability."
"What if we sent you across the kingdom to assist in speeding up the training?"
"I also have to train the people to care and train them. My people did well the last two months, but there are still mistakes being made. Not to mention there are problems with pigeons getting sick. There are only two methods when dealing with it, killing it to prevent it from getting sick or secluding it until it gets better. I don't want people cutting corners and giving the birds feed that is to be thrown away...Feed that is to be thrown out has to be thrown out or the birds will end up getting sick."
"I see, we should discuss this further."
"I feel lonely over here..."
"Heika, please stay quiet."
"That's right! Soo-Won, you have other things to worry about than my messenger birds!" I poked him in the chest, a hand on my hip. "I'm going with you, no matter what."
"I know, that's what I like about you."
"Really...Kye-Sook, I pity you for dealing with this child."
"That's so mean!"
"Thank you for your concern, but I have grown used to his behavior."
"You're both so unfair!"
"We tease and bully you because we love you." I reached up at patted his head. "Now behave yourself. I'll talk to you later tonight."
"Y-Yes..."
"Good!"
I gave him a small smile before continuing my way to my room. I wanted to bathe, change, and study before dinner. I began thinking about what happened the night my father and Min-Soo had died. I had my suspicions, but...can I really act upon them? Soo-Won...I shall give you a chance to explain yourself to me if you are guilty...if you are then I shall decide what I will do.
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I tried not to laugh when Joo-Doh began to chew Soo-Won for 'sneaking' me out of the castle without telling him. The two of us knew he wouldn't let us go on an 'undercover' mission to Chi'shin...considering we were the king and the princess of this country. Normally a princess would need a group of armed guards, but it's easier to travel if no one knows that the princess has left the castle. Sensei and my close maids were ordered by Soo-Won to say that I was 'sick' and was not allowed to leave my room in fear of it spreading so my room is under heavy guard and no one would know I left.
"-and Hime-sama! What were you thinking going along with his plan?!" Joo-Doh asked glaring at me.
"But...!" I looked over Soo-Won's shoulder as we continued to ride on the horse. I wasn't allowed my own horse so I was stuck with Soo-Won...since we knew Joo-Doh would be shouting and I like my hearing thank you very much. "I have never left the castle before and Soo-Won said it was fine..." I said pouting.
"Just because he says it's fine doesn't mean it is!" Joo-Doh shouted tick marks appearing all over his face.
"So mean, even though Kana-hime was looking forward to this." Soo-Won said hugging me and patting my head as if I was an innocent little child.
"I'm not being mean! It's only logical that a princess needs proper guards and travel arrangements, not sitting on the lap of a king who is being so irresponsible!"
"I get the feeling this will always be happening so there is no point in worrying about it so much~!"
"Hime-sama!"
"Kana-hime, it's important to keep your hood up, alright?"
"Yes!"
"Lord Soo-Won!"
I began singing a soft song as we traveled and I felt Soo-Won stiffen as I rested my head on his chest. I was excited, quite so, that I had to find a way to show it...the best way for me to do so is by singing. Soo-Won eventually relaxed and I continued to sing. I stifled a yawn and I began to get drowsy...I was so excited about leaving that I didn't sleep very well.
"Are you tired?" Soo-Won asked glancing down at me.
"Just a bit tired..." I said rubbing at my eyes.
"It's okay to sleep." Soo-Won placed his hand on my shoulder. "I'll hold onto you so get some rest."
"Un..." I reached up, grabbing ahold of his sleeve. "Thank you...Soo...Won...zzz..."
"She really fell asleep."
"What do you expect, Hime-sama has never left the castle before. It's obvious she would be excited."
"...I suppose so."
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"This is tasty." I said chewing on the steamed bun Soo-Won bought for me.
"The princess of the kingdom...eating food for commoners in a forest...This situation is just plain strange..." Joo-Doh said shaking his head.
"It's not that bad. We're almost at Awa so it's fine to take breaks like this." Soo-Won said beside me.
"What's even stranger is that the king acts as if this is normal..."
"If we travel for a day and stop once night hits, we should reach Awa by dawn."
"Is the person in charge of Awa really involved in human trafficking?"
"It seems so."
"That's...just plain cruel..." I stared down at my hands. "A human should never be chained as if they mean nothing or that they are insignificant..."
"Hime-sama, you are much too kind for this world. It would be better for you to remain in the castle rather than going onto the battlefield like you want."
"Wait, what? Is this true, Kana-hime-sama?!"
"A princess shouldn't put yourself in danger like this!"
"You two, I thank you for your concern, but my mind is set. To stand beside Soo-Won's side...is what I decided. No matter who it is that stands in my way."
"Kana-hime-sama, you must really love Heika."
"I'm sure your marriage will be a loving one."
"A-Ah..." There was an awkwardness that was suddenly created between Soo-Won and myself. "T-That's right."
The three men that came along with us as extra protection began talking between themselves about Soo-Won and my future marriage. I was not against marrying Soo-Won, but I was unsure of how I should feel. Soo-Won tried his best to reassure me that he wasn't going to pressure me into marrying before I'm ready, to the point it was annoying Joo-Doh.
"Zeno is so tired...!"
"Halt! Who goes there!"
"Waahh! Zeno doesn't mean any harm!"
"Ze...no...?"
My gaze focused upon the blond child that was dressed quite oddly...however I knew him quite well due to the memories I gained. I stood up and I gently touched Joo-Doh's arm, stopping him from pointing the sword at the small male. The man looked down at me and I simply smiled.
"It's not good to suddenly point swords at mere wanderers." I turned my gaze to the one named Zeno and he gave me a kind smile. "My apologizes for my guards. They're too overprotective." I said with a small laugh.
"I can see why! You're very pretty, Nee-chan! What's your name? I'm Zeno!" Zeno said irritating Joo-Doh.
"Don't refer to-Guh"
"Dear me, I wonder what's wrong~?" I smiled innocently as if I didn't step on Joo-Doh's foot rather painfully. "Please forgive him. My name is 'Suzaku', it's a pleasure...Zeno-kun."
"Likewise!"
"Where are you headed?" Zeno and I shared a smile, one of recognition for the other. Like old friend meeting once again. "If we're going the same way, would you like to join us? I would be rather interested in hearing about your journey."
"Awa! I plan on meeting some friends of mine, but got super sidetracked with a really pretty bird!"
"A pretty bird, do you know what kind?"
"A songbird!"
"My, I love songbirds."
Joo-Doh looked like he seriously wanted to say no, but Soo-Won pulled him to the side and began speaking to him in shushed tones while I began my lighthearted conversation with Zeno. At first we were merely talking about birds, but the topic changed from our favorite foods to the favorite time of day. I knew...that Ouryuu was a child that would never age...but to think...he would still be so cute and cheerful.
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Chapter 11 Ends
Zeno! He is just too cute to not involve at this point! Plus...Zeno is the original and only Ouryuu so it's obvious he would know about the abilities of Suzaku. Since he was following Yona in the original, it makes sense he keeps track of Kana as well since she is now Suzaku. The two meeting would in no way be a coincidence as Zeno would at least try to meet with Suzaku before her security beefs up or he begins traveling with Yona, after which it would be incredibly hard for the two to meet. Well, that's it for today! Until next time, bye-bye~!