In the Shade of a Sakura Tree

by AlmostLover321

A new school has just been built and Yuuri's been accepted. How? He doesn't know, but this school is full of strange foreigners that he seems to know. He just can't remember who they are or their connection to him. Little does he know, his acceptance will lead him to something much bigger than he ever expected his life to become. This is less and less about high school as it goes.

21. Chapter 21: Real Intentions

Hey everyone! It's been awhile...a long while. I'm sorry that I disappeared for two years. If you would like to know more about why check out my profile. This was supposed to go up a few weeks ago, but I've been a little busy. So, I've officially graduated from university. I quit my job and moved back in with my parents. Life is not going where I want it to, so I wanted to get back on track. This meaning finishing things I've started, including this story. I'm not making any scheduled dates for when to expect my updates, but I am back. I'm also going to be getting an AO3 account and start uploading there as well for anyone who doesn't really use FF anymore. Thank you all for sticking around if you did. 3

A reminder: There is a summery for chapters 1-19 I believe, so you don't have to re-read the entire story if you don't want to.

Sorry for any grammar mistakes. I didn't really check. heh heh

KKM! doesn't belong to me.

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Mei's POV [outskirts of von Radford territory]

The forest was quiet except for the rustling of the leaves in the wind. The weather was perfect and I had not met a single person on the path so far. A fifteen minutes ride was left until I reached my home, the Von Radford estate, but I would not go that far. A break in the trees led to a stray path which would take me to a small lake. Here, I would let Eva take a very deserved break. As I entered the clearing, I slid off Eva and brought her to the crystal clear water. Shinou still kept his distance. I could let him continue his little espionage adventure, but his horse was most likely as thirsty as Eva.

"You should probably let Charlie have a drink, too. The poor horse is probably dehydrated," I said, staring at my reflection in the water. I grimaced at the pink skin from a developing sun burn. Even trees could not protect a person entirely from the sun's wrath.

I watched Shinou's reflection join mine. He was still pale without a sun burn in sight. Of course the sun would absolutely adore him and leave his skin just as flawless as it has always been. "How long have you known? That I was following you, I mean."

"I knew since we left the capital. Your sneaking skills are in need of some severe improvements," I replied.

A pout crossed Shinou's face. "You knew for that long and you did not call out to me!"

"I thought you were enjoying your little game of spy. I didn't want to ruin your fun. It would be rude of me to do that," I said, smiling.

After a few minutes of silence passing between us, Shinou spoke up. His voice was much more grave than his usual bubbly act. "You feel that something is wrong. What is it?"

I laugh. "Your espionage skills are lacking, but your perception is too advanced."

"Don't try to shirk the subject Meiline. What is wrong?" Shinou pressed.

"I wasn't avoiding the subject. I only made an observation. I don't mean to praise myself, but I am good at making observations like you are. This is why I know something is wrong. I know my uncle. I probably know him better than anyone else. I was raised around his professional and personal life. It is hard for me to believe that someone as stubborn as him would lie in bed from an illness. My uncle is a soldier and is dedicated to his country. This meeting is to select the next king of Shin Makoku. He would not let some silly sickness overcome his lifelong duties to his country and he would never take time off. I may not like my uncle, but none of you understand our relationship or know that I have stayed in contact with him for years. We talk at least once a month, so he can keep me informed of what is happening in the Radford territory. This is how I know something is not right. The last time I spoke with my uncle was over six months ago. Normally, he would inform me if he would have an extended absence. At the time, he sounded perfectly healthy. Though, a lot can change in six months."

I took a moment to collect my thoughts. My gaze drifted up from my reflection to the woods across from the lake. I narrowed my eyes as I saw movement. A single person dressed in a tan and brown uniform pulled a chestnut-colored horse.

"A few weeks ago, I asked Shori Shibuya to get in contact with my uncle by any means necessary. Luckily, Bob has many good connections. Shori received a call from him, but the second Shori mentioned he was talking on my behalf, the phone call dropped. He's a blunt person. If he had a problem with me, he would've expressed it. The man would write a book about it if he had the time. You should here him go on and on about Lord von Gyllenhaal. Also as much as my uncle hates being hung up on, he wouldn't do it himself unless he was hiding something. Therefore, something must be wrong and I was right." The corners of my lips curled up as the man wearing the tan and brown uniform stepped into the clearing across the lake. "Our ride stops here, Shinou. We'd put ourselves in danger if we continued on, isn't that right?"

"It's quite alarming how perceptive you are, my dear. The von Radford blood is flowing through your veins, so I shouldn't be too shocked," my uncle said, the left side of his lips tugging up in a small smile.

"What has happened Lord von Radford?" Shinou called, worry lacing his voice.

My uncle's face turned grave. "I am ashamed to announce to the both of you that we have lost our territory to the Cimaron scum. My men and I have not given up the fight and are battling for our land. I had spread the lie of my illness in hopes that it would prevent many soldiers from coming." My uncle held his hand up as Shinou opened his mouth. "Let me speak. I and my men have overheard the plans of some of these men. From what we could piece together, they are in the final planning stages of a coup in the capital. They have an outside informant and know of Lady von Spitzweg's whereabouts. Be wary of intruders amongst your military for I fear the worst. You need all the men you have in the capital. Don't worry about us out here. My father would disown me if I cried for help when we have enough capable men."

"Now I understand. I get why you were so willing to talk to Shori, but not me," I said.

Shinou's eyebrows creased. "I don't understand. I'm definitely missing something."

"Sorry. You see, Shori does not have loyalties with Shin Makoku because until very recently he has had no ties to this country outside his grandmother whom he hasn't seen in years. While there are capable soldiers within the von Radford territory, it would be a problem if Cimaron rebels tried to take the territories beyond here. If ever there came a time where they lost completely, Shori could inform Bob of the situation. Bob has strong ties with the people of Shin Makoku, but is unwilling to get involved due to his economic relations with all of the country, including the coal mines in Cimaron. With the closed off status of Shin Makoku, Cimaron losing business with Bob could be dire for them. They'd lose money for any resources they obtain. I guess there's still the black market, but that's not important right now. Cutting resources from Cimaron could set back the plans the rebels created. Bob could also inform the capital of what has happened. When he heard from Shori that he was asking on my behalf, it worried my uncle of this plan. After all, I have been in contact with several nobles in the recent months as well as my family. While my relations with my mother's side of the family is not great, as you well know Shinou, I still might've said something about the actual state of the von Radford territory. After all, my loyalty still lies with family and their safety. This is purely speculation of course."

"Cutting off resources from Cimaron! That's a fantastic idea! Why haven't we already told Bob to cut ties with Cimaron?" Shinou said.

I sighed. "Have you finally turned into a complete idiot?! Cimaron still part of Shin Makoku! It would affect the economy of the entire country!"

"Right," Shinou mumbled softly.

I turned to look at my father's brother. "You wanted to separate me from Bob. That's why you demanded I study at Julia Academy and signed me on without considering my feelings. Did you honestly think I would expose your position if you asked me not to?"

"As I said, it is alarming how perceptive you are, but I would like to add something you haven't thought of. I didn't only send you to Julia Academy to separate you from Bob, but also so you could amend your broken relations. It is important for your future to have strong relations with other nobles," my uncle added.

"I'm guessing this means we won't be seeing you in the capital tomorrow," Shinou said.

My uncle shook his head. "Unfortunately, this is a decision that will have to be made without me. I have not yet met this young man, but I know his older brother. It eases my mind if he is anything like him. I trust your choice, Shinou. Though with that being said, I cannot let the von Radford family not be present at this meeting." He turned to me. "You will be taking my place at this gathering, Meiline. After all, you are next in line in the von Radford family. I may called my older brother a fool in the past, but I never distrusted his judgment. If you truly are his daughter, I put my faith in you to make this decision on behalf of our family."

"I still hate you," I said, testing him.

He nodded. "I know and understand that, but you would not tarnish the bloodline your father held dear to his heart. You are not that kind of petty person. I will say it again if it will ease your mind. I put my faith in you."

"Then, I will act in your absence," I said.

"May I ask, Lord von Radford, how did you know to meet us here?" Shinou asked.

"I told you before, Shinou. The Cimaron rebels has an outside informant. A few Cimaron rebels were discussing preparations for an airplane due to arrive in the outskirts of the capital this morning. Shori Shibuya also informed me this morning that my niece was on that airplane. While her hatred of me is well known and just spoken aloud, we know each other well. I knew she would come to me. A while ago, my brother and I had made a plan to meet here if ever there was a dangerous situation at home. A hidden lake in the middle of the woods seemed like an inconspicuous meeting place. It is best to always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Also, it is a good place to relax after a long trip before returning to duties at home," my uncle said, a flicker of nostalgia clouding his eyes briefly.

"We should leave soon, Shinou," I said, climbing up on Eva.

Shinou mimicked my actions as I turned back to my uncle. "Don't you go off and die, you old bastard. I still have a score to settle with you."

"Wouldn't dream of it my dear. I don't plan on dying until I'm old as dirt," he replied with a smile.

We parted just like that without a word more being passed between us. Shinou stayed uncharacteristically quiet as we started our journey back. After thirty minutes of him presumably mulling over the brief conversation he heard, he finally spoke. "Do you think it's wise to leave everything to him alone?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Uncle Shinou, you clearly have not spent much time with the von Radford family. They are a bunch of stubborn fools."

"So like you?" Shinous shot back.

I hummed at his accusation. "Yes, except I unfortunately got triple the douse. Not only do I have the von Radford and von Spitzweg stubbornness flowing through my veins, but I also learned the von Bielefelt stubbornness from Wolfram. Quite the dynamic trio, no? I'm still surprised myself that anyone likes me."

"That's why it's so damn hard to explain or demand anything of you," Shinou muttered.

I shrugged. "I'm just adamant about some things. It's hard to make me change my mind."

"Obviously," he laughed. When his laughter died down, he continued, "For hating Lord von Radford, your relationship certainly seems strong."

I kept silent for a few seconds, waiting to see if Shinou would ask anything in particular, but he remained patient in waiting for a comment from me. "I have full intentions of becoming head of the house of von Radford in the future. It's where I belonged to begin with and I would've become head when my father passed away if I had not been as young as I was. Even if my uncle is fully aware of my hatred of him, my good graces to the family will show I am not quite as bratty as some like to believe and I have a high tolerance for those I don't like. This includes Waltrona. I can't wait to wipe that smug look off his face when he sees me at that meeting."

"So you intend to return to Shin Makoku permanently?" Shinou asked.

"I never said or acted in any way to show distaste in Shin Makoku. It is my country after all. I only dislike Blood Pledge Castle and a few of those who occupy it from time to time. I always intended to return to Shin Makoku, but only when my mother's rule ended. That is soon upon us and if Yuuri does aim to become king, that only strengthens my need to return. Some of the current nobles are not quite prepared for someone like Yuuri to take the throne. Their personalities will clash harshly. You know very well who I am thinking of. My own dislike of him does not cloud my judgment on this. Lord Waltrona von Bielefelt does not think for his country. He only cares about his family name. I will not say this aloud at the meeting and I can't stop wondering if Wolfram did in fact take the throne, another incident like Lady Cecilie's will happen again. I don't understand why Waltona won't just nominate himself for the throne," I said.

Shinou chuckled. "Maybe you should nominate him yourself."

I shot him a glare. "And send our country directly into chaos and collapse? No, I think I'd rather bite my own tongue off."

"You'd die."

"That's the point. I'd rather die than live in a country ruled by that pompous prick."

"This meeting shall be entertaining for everyone, I believe. It will be interesting to see what you two will do when locked in a room together. Try not to kill him," Shinou said.

"I'm not an idiot, Shinou. If I purposely provoke him, I'd be thrown out and lose favour from my uncle. Besides, I'm well aware at least half of the nobles that will be in that room don't view me very favourably," I scoffed.

"Time to prove you're not just a whiny brat, but a whiny brat who knows what's best."

I frowned. "I'm still young. An eighteen-year-old will not hold much sway in a meeting like this."

"You will if you make good observations, which we both know you can," Shinou corrected.

I rolled my eyes at him and refused to say anything more on the topic. The remainder of journey back to the castle lay in complete silence. It had been a long time since I spoke so openly and care-free with any member of my family. It was...nice.

... ... ...

Yuuri's POV [Blood Pledge Castle]

I felt helpless as I watched maids and guards rushing around to make preparations for the heads of all the noble households to join us at the castle. Lord Densham von Karbelnikoff was the first of the nobles to appear other than Gunter and Gwendal. He was an interesting man. He seemed to be the opposite of Annisina. He didn't have her insane amount of energy. Instead, he seemed calm and somewhat tired. A dreamy expression never left his face as if he longed to be somewhere else or as if he wasn't fully aware he was awake. At the current moment, I was sitting at a table with him and Wolfram having tea. He occasionally asked me questions about myself without pressing for answers, but he spent most of the time staring at me quietly. It was a bit unnerving.

"Lord von Karbelnikoff, Lord von Bielefelt, Lord Shibuya, may I present to you, Lady von Rochefort," a soldier announced.

I froze as I processed that the soldier had called me a lord. I slowly shifted my gaze from the soldier to the woman by his side. She smiled politely, but it reminded me of one of those forced smiles the cashiers give you at a convenience store. It was a annoyed smile that begged you not to ask any stupid questions. Maybe it actually a smile like that of a salesperson who is about to con a lot of money out of you. It was a hard smile to decipher, but it hinted that Lady von Rochefort was not a woman to upset. She was a very vibrant person as well. Her hair was a shockingly bright shade of purple and her eyes were the color of the sea. A pair of large red rubies hung from her ears and her lips were painted a deep shade of red that made her ivory skin look like porcelain. A pair of maids appeared from the castle and hurriedly set a place at the table for Lady von Rochefort. At this, I noticed both Lord von Karbelnikoff and Wolfram were standing. I hastily stood up, worried that I might offend her.

"It is nice to see you again, Densham. It has been a long time, young Prince Wolfram." She turned to me, her eyes bright with curiosity like she had discovered a rare jem. "It's nice to meet you, Yuuri Shibuya. I have heard much about you from Queen Cecilie and your grandmother, Lady von Wincott."

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lady von Rochefort," I politely returned.

"He has manners. I like you already," she said quietly. "Please sit."

We all sat down in our respective seats and rather than be hounded with questions, a polite conversation sprouted between Lord von Karbelnikoff and Lady von Rochefort. Their conversation did not stop them from glancing at me occasionally. I felt a soft hand slip into mine under the table and give my hand a reassuring squeeze. I glanced up at Wolfram to see him staring at the two nobles. Their curiosity was understandable. I was foreigner that no one has ever met and someone who knows almost nothing about Shin Makoku.

I should have tried to listen to the conversation that was going on in case the conversation turned to me, but I found myself staring at Wolfram. His golden hair shining in the sunlight was breath-taking and his skin was flawless. The pink of his lips reminded me of our shared kiss earlier and I bit my bottom lip in remembrance of how soft they were. Wolfram must've felt my gaze because he turned to me and his eyes widened when he saw me staring. He looked away, flustered and his cheek darkening slightly. He tried to sneak a glance from the corner of his eyes a moment later. I turned away and noticed both Lord von Karbelnikoff and Lady von Rochefort watching us. Lady von Rochefort gave a knowing smile, but said nothing. She turned to Lord von Karbelnikoff and asked him about his pet chicken, which was sitting in his lap. At that moment, Lord von Karbelnikoff looked the happiest he had been since his arrival. Meanwhile, a scowl crossed Wolfram's face and he stood up, dragging me up as well. I bumped into the table in the process and nearly spilled the tea. This drew the attention of the two nobles back to us.

"Lord von Karbelnikoff, Lady von Rochefort, please excuse us. Something foul just entered the garden," Wolfram said.

The pair turned to the direction where Wolfram glared. A man with slicked back white-blond hair walked into the garden with a black-haired man at his heels. A large smile graced the blond man's face as he strutted towards us. The pair sitting down turned back to us and nodded. At that, Wolfram wasted no time dragging me into the castle. The blond and black-haired duo looked familiar, but I couldn't remember where I'd seen them before. The soldier from before announced the blond man as Lord Stoffel con Spitzweg as we crossed the castle's threshold. Spitzweg? Wasn't that Lady Cecilie's last name? Is that the uncle no one talks about? The one that used Lady Cecilie to rule indirectly?

"Stay away from that man as long as you can, Yuuri. I mean it. Nothing good will come of establishing any sort of relationship with him," Wolfram whispered in a harsh tone.

I nodded as his hand slipped free from mine. We entered a corridor with two massive portraits adorning the wall. One was of a blond man that looked identical to Shinou. In fact, I would not be surprised if someone told me it was him. The portrait beside looked like a Japanese man with long jet black hair and black eyes. He looked familiar, too, but I could not figure out where I had seen him. It was the eyes. The longer I stared at them, the more I felt as if the eyes were staring into my soul.

"This first king of Shin Makoku and his right hand man, the Great Wise Man," Wolfram said.

I tore my eyes away from the portrait of whom I presumed to be the Great Wise Man to find Wolfram staring at the portrait of the blond. "He looks like your uncle Shinou."

A small frown tugged at Wolfram's lips. "I get told that a lot. He gets told that even more. My grandmother, Lady Loretta von Spitzweg noticed my uncle's growing similarities and changed his name to Shinou when he was ten. I'd be impossible to be related to him because none of the noble households share his bloodline. He died young and never had any children. Some historians believe a romantic relationship developed between the king and the Great Wise Man. One historian believed he found evidence of him having a relationship with one of my ancestors from the von Bielefelt family. There all rumors in my opinion and there's no official proof. It doesn't matter anyway. The past is in the past."

"What about the Great Wise Man? What happened to him?" I asked, my attention drawing back to his portrait.

Wolfram shrugged. "No one knows. After the death of King Shinou, he disppeared. Those that believe there had been a romantic relationship between them think the Great Wise Man could not bear to live in a world without Shinou and found a place to commit suicide. Others think that he returned to the land he came from since most records indicate he was not from this country, but another. It's all baseless speculation."

"I feel like I've met him before," I announce.

"Yeah. You're strange Japanese friend, Ken Murata seems to have the same personality of the Great Wise Man if historical portrayals are correct," Wolfram said, his eyes trailing to the portrait of the Great Wise Man.

"That's it!" I shouted enthusiastically. "It's the eyes! Murata always wears an expression like that! It's a little unnerving like he knows what you are thinking before you say anything."

"Our home in Japan has duplicates of these portraits if you'd like to compare them," Wolfram said.

"Don't they have pictures on the internet?" I asked.

Wolfram shook his head. "It is actually illegal to post pictures of Shin Makoku royalty on the internet and anywhere else, including textbooks. I don't exactly know why that is a law, but everyone follows it. Apparently anyone who breaks this law will get in a lot of trouble. These portraits and the duplicates are the only picture of the two in existence that we know of. It's also illegal to take pictures of these portraits. The duplicates in our home are technically illegal as well."

"That seems a bit excessive, don't you think?" I asked.

Wolfram nodded.

"If the duplicates are illegal, how do you have them?" I asked.

"I painted them," he replied.

My jaw dropped. There would probably be no point in comparing Murata to the Great Wise Man if this was the case. Wolfram had shown me some of his paintings earlier when I asked him about his hobby. I had never seen him look so enthusiastic before. His paintings were horrific. He called it abstract, but I wasn't sure what I was looking at. No wonder he hadn't gotten in trouble for painting duplicates. No one could probably figure out what they were. "You painted portraits...in abstract?"

His eyes narrowed at me. "No. I didn't paint them in abstract, you lummox. I have not always painted abstract. I used to paint a lot of realism, but I got bored with it."

I threw my hands up defensively. "I wasn't trying to insult you, Wolf. It's amazing you can paint realism, too."

His face burned pink and he stormed away with me close at his heels. "Shut up! You've never even seen them! They're horrible! I've messed up in a few spots! It's awful! But mother loves them, so she hangs them up for everyone to see!"

I smiled softly at his antics, but glanced behind me when I felt eyes trailing after us. A guard was walking the other direction. Where he had come from? Well, Conrad and Gwendal did say that the guards patrol the corridors. I just got here, so maybe I missed seeing a corridor earlier.

... ... ...

Mei's POV [Blood Pledge Castle gates]

It was a strange. The fact that we did not meet anyone unwelcoming on our complete journey felt unsettling. If Cimaron men were in the capital, they could have easily attacked us. Shinou and I rode through the town without a single guard flanking us. Many townspeople bowed or lowered their heads to us. I watched cautiously for any sign of something out of the ordinary. There was nothing, absolutely nothing. I glanced over at Shinou to see him also surveying the townspeople. From what I could tell, he could not see anything out of the ordinary either. As we neared the gates of the castle, we found a few caravans waiting to enter the grounds. We rode past them, knowing the queue were due to everyone be checked before being allowed to enter. Whispers broke out as we passed the von Bielefelt caravan and the von Gyllenhaal caravan. I smiled politely as I made eye contact with Waltrona von Bielefelt. He snarled at me. Lord von Gyllenhaal poked his head out of his carriage curiously.

"Meiline! Darling! What are you doing here?!" an elderly voice called out as we approached a third caravan belonging to the von Wincott family.

I stopped in front of the carriage, containing the elderly woman and smiled widely. "Lady Amelia! It's nice to see you again!"

The elderly woman was struggling to open the carriage door. "Oh! This is such a bother! I told them we should just take the car. These formal meetings are so old-fashioned and ridiculous! Such a bother!" she grumbled. A guard who had dismounted from his horse was about to open the door for her. She scolded him as I slid off my own horse. I bit my lip to keep from laughing at the delight on her face as she finally managed to open the door by herself. She hopped down from the carriage as if she were a small child and hobbled over to me, opening her arms to me as she drew closer. She embraced me with firm arms before pushing herself off of me to cup my face with her small, boney hands. Her eyes held the same youthful twinkle Yuuri's eyes had.

"Let me get a look at that beautiful face." She nodded. "When did this little girl turn into a woman? You all grow up so fast. Yuuri has grown a lot as well. I regret not being there for him more." Her hands dropped and she frowned. "I need to get out of my house more. I was so upset when I visited Japan and didn't get to see you." Her eyes shifted to Shinou. "Or you as well." She huffed. "Look at the two of you. Goodness. You're making this woman feel old. Unfortunately, I only had poor company while in Japan. I barely had the opportunity to speak with Yuuri and Wolfram. Most of my time was spent with that horrid Waltrona. I've never met a more bitter man. I mean that. You've never met my father. He was worse than my father ever was. At least, Del Kierson was a breath of fresh air. He's such a sweet man and so similar to Julia. It pains me a little. Gorgeous woman. It's still such a shame. Lord von Grantz informed me he still wishes to remain absent out of respect for his son, Adalbert. Poor boy. His grief prevents him from leaving the house." She paused. "Oh dear. Please forgive this old woman for her rambling. As I asked earlier, what are you doing here Meiline?"

"Shinou and I were only just visiting my ill uncle. It is unfortunate, but he will not be able to make it to the meeting. He appointed me to take his place for the decision of the von Radford family," I replied.

"Worry crossed her face as a man's voice spoke up from beside us. "Lord von Radford is still unwell?"

I turned to find Lord von Gyllenhaal had joined us. "Yes."

"That is terrible. Please give him my well wishes the next time you speak with him," he said.

"I will. Thank you," I said, smiling at him.

"Oh, I wish these castle guards would hurry up. I wish to see my grandson before retiring for the day," Lady Amelia spoke up.

I looked to Shinou. "Let's see what we can do about that, shall we? Lady Meiline, if you'll please join me."

I silently thanked Shinou as we took our horses to the gate. Relief spread across the faces of many guards. One of them shouted to others of our return while they let us in. The gate was shut immediately behind us and Shinou went to speak with the guards while I was left alone to face an infuriated Gwendal alone. A guard took Eva from me to return her to the stables with Shinou's horse, Charlie. I took a deep breath before walking directly to Gwendal.

"What we you thinking?!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the courtyard and causing several heads to turn our direction.

"Before you try to scold me any longer, I should tell you Lord von Radford is still unwell and has sent me back as representative of the house of von Radford. If I had not went, the von Radford territory would not have representation," I said calmly.

Gwendal's eyebrow twitched, but concern diminished his anger slightly. "Your uncle is still sick. This could be serious. Why has he not tried to contact us?"

I shook my head. "My uncle is a stubborn old fool. He never asks for help from others. You should very well know that, Lord von Voltaire. You are overreacting. He is still sick, but he is doing fine. He is only unwell enough not to travel long distances. He only needs to recover, so there is no need for serious concern. Lord von Radford has promised me to live until he's old and even more grey than he already is."

Gwendal sighed. "All of you von Radfords are nothing but trouble and cause needless worry. Don't leave the castle any longer without a guard."

"I won't. I promise this time." I paused. "Lady Amelia von Wincott has informed me Lord von Grantz will not be appearing again. That's one territory that will not be represented. I am assuming Lady Amelia is here as representative of the von Wincott family with Lord Del Kierson acting as headmaster at Julia Academy. Lord von Gyllenhaal and Lord von Bielefelt are also waiting at the gate."

Gwendal nodded. "All the nobles have gathered. Lord von Karbelnikoff arrived only a few hours after our arrival. Lady von Rochefort and Lord von Spitzweg arrived this afternoon. They all seem anxious. I'm still shocked Lord von Karbelnikoff was the first to arrive. Usually, he's the last to show up."

"Really? I expected Lord von Gyllenhaal to show up last. He always seemed to be easily distracted by anything beautiful, which is usually everything for him. I remember once he arrived at the castle a week late due to the Cherry Blossoms being in full bloom. When he finally got to the castle, he refused to leave the garden because mother's flowers were in bloom as well," I laughed at the memory.

"How could I forget that? It gave all of us a headache. Lord von Karbelnikoff threatened to leave because he left his pet rabbit at home," Gwendal grumbled.

"Does he still have that rabbit?" I asked, remembering its pure white fur.

Gwendal shook his head, frowning deeply. "It died two years ago. He wouldn't leave his castle for almost a year. Now he has a pet chicken Annisina bought for him. He takes it with him everywhere. I saw him take it to the bathroom with him earlier."

"A... chicken?"

Gwendal nodded.

"I need to see this," I muttered to myself. "I'll leave you to greeting the guests. Just so you know, Lady Amelia is a bit restless right now. Be sure to be extra kind to her. Also, Lord von Bielefelt is the last to arrive. Please be sure to point that out to him... maybe several times. It'll frustrate him. It'll be great," I say to Gwendal as I slowly walk towards the castle.

I swear I saw a small smile on his lips. He's not very fond of Waltrona either.

... ... ...

Yuuri's POV [Blood Pledge Castle dining hall]

Dinner was an awkward situation. Four pairs of eyes watched me the entire time. Wolfram's uncle, Waltrona, stared at me with contempt most of the time, but also sporadically glared at Mei who sat on my left. She ignored him the entire time and held a lengthy conversation with my grandmother on her left about Switzerland and its beauty. She was trying to convince my grandmother which locations are the best to visit if she ever decided to go. Lord von Gyllenhaal, a man with long blond hair, listened in with keen interest. He occasionally asked a few questions. Lady Cecilie was not here because she had retired to bed early due to jet lag. She had only just gotten used to France's time. After we had finished dinner, Wolfram wasted no time whisking me away from the room. His uncle, Lord von Spitzweg has been trying to find ways to talk to me since this afternoon. He dragged me into a massive bedroom with a huge canopy bed covered in blue velvet drapery. He sat me down on the bed.

He sighed. "It's going to be hard to keep you from that man. I know the other nobles would love to have a chance to speak with you, but it would be best to avoid being seen speaking to Stoffel. The only reason he's still acting as head of the von Spitzweg family is because my mother refuses to take his place and there's no one directly in line to take over," Wolfram said, pacing in front of me.

"Maybe we could hold a private gathering with the other nobles and just not inform Stoffel," I suggested.

Wolfram paused and looked at me. "It's so simple that it might work, but I don't know how well. Sometimes Stoffel is simple-minded enough to think we'd do something so simple. He knows we're avoiding him. Anyone could tell we're avoiding him. Plus, Stoffel is a weasel. He always somehow knows everything that is happening. I'll make the suggestion to Gwendal though and see what he can do about it." He paused. "This is your bedroom by the way. There's a bathroom through those doors. Guards will be stationed at the door all night, so if you need something, just ask them.

"Okay."

He walked up to me and pressed a chaste kiss to my lips before withdrawing. "Goodnight, Yuuri. We'll speak more tomorrow."

And with that, he left. I stared at the doors after he left. I expected him to stay a lot longer if not the night here. The room was massive. I shifted my gaze to the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. I wondered if the gems were real. After staring mindlessly at the chandelier, I walked over to one of the tall windows and noticed that from here, you could see directly into the garden. It was dark so it was hard to see anything, but small lights lit up a pathway through it. One if the windows appeared to actually be a glass door, leading out to a balcony. This room was bigger than both of Wolfram's bedrooms in the castle and at the mansion in Japan. I moved over to the doors Wolfram claimed to be the bathroom and opened them. Lights clicked on immediately when I stepped into the room. It was weird to think this old castle had something as technically advanced as motion sense lights. In fact, all of Shin Makoku seemed that way. It felt as I was seeing both the 19th century and the 21st century at once. I walked over to the bathtub and brushed my fingers against the porcelain edge. The bath could probably comfortably fit five people. It was more like a small pool than a bath.

I glanced over at the massive mirror covering the left wall. I looked exhausted. It still hadn't sunk in yet that this could be my life. This castle, these people, and this country could easily become mine by a simple decision. The weight of that though made me sink to the ground. It was scary. It was horrifying. I don't know how to rule a country! How the hell do you rule a country?! Could I really do this?! Did I want to?! What if Shinou made a mistake? What if he thinks better of me than what I actually am?

I let out an unmanly yelp as I heard a knock on the bedroom door. I gripped the edge of the bath and pulled myself to my feet. I hurried over to the door and opened it to find Conrad standing behind it with a pair of maids. The maids bowed their heads to me before they and Conrad entered the room.

"Should I turn down the bed for you, my lord?" one maid asked.

"Shall I draw a bath for you, my lord?" the second maid asked.

I glanced at Conrad who nodded. "Yes. That would be great, but you don't have to."

The second maid giggled. "It's our job, my lord. We will do anything you ask of us."

"You will?" She nodded. "Then, stop calling me 'my lord.' It sounds too stiff and weird, Yuuri will do."

The two women broke into a fit of giggles. "Pardon us, my lord, but that is too informal. Only those close to you should use that name. We should use honorifics unless you want to make a bad impression," the first maid said.

"Ah. So Shin Makoku uses names like Japan?"

"How about Lord Shibuya?" the second maid suggested in a soft voice.

I smiled. "Yeah. That's better."

The maids smiled and went about their duties.

"The maids were nervous about entering your bed chamber," Conrad chuckled.

"Why?"

"They don't know what type of person you are."

I glanced over at the two to see them watching us. They hurriedly returned to their business. "I feel like a walking museum exhibit."

Conrad chuckled. "You'll probably feel like that for awhile. Other than the people, how do you feel about Blood Pledge Castle?"

"It's amazing! I thought my house in Japan was big. It's enormous and despite the staring, everyone is so nice. It's weird to think you grew up here," I replied.

Conrad smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

"Why do you think Shinou wants me as king?" I blurted out, not being able to shake my earlier thoughts.

"Though I don't know you very well on a personal level anymore as I used too. I'll tell you what I know of you from your past and what I've noticed from the small time after meeting again after all these years." He paused to make sure I was listening.

I nodded to let him know I was listening. "You're a good person, Yuuri. The devastation from this civil war has affected many of us and you haven't been affected at all. We need someone who has level mindedness, but also is kind. We need someone who can feel empathy, but not want turn Shin Makoku into a dictatorship led by someone with a bloodlust for revenge. You provide that while also have familial ties with a noble house. I'm sure there are even more reasons that only Shinou himself can provide and he most likely will present those reasons at this meeting between the nobles."

While flattering, Conrad's feelings were somehow not as satisfying as they probably should have been. I frowned. "I feel like thousands of people can fit that description better than me."

"Shinou has observed you for years, Yuuri. He knows you better than you probably know yourself. I remember the way you were as a kid. Despite being a household of nobility, you acted as a leader so naturally. You would never let Wolfram fall behind when the two of you and Meiline would play. I've even seen you with your last baseball team. You were a good captain and helped your team win plenty of games. You are a leader already even if it's not of a country yet," Conrad continued.

He knew I played baseball. "Have you seen my baseball games?"

"Everytime I was in Japan for a business trip if it was during the season," he replied.

"Why didn't you ever say anything to me?" I asked.

He chuckled. "Would you have remembered me?"

He was right, but... "What if talking to you would've triggered my memories?"

"How long have you been talking to Meiline without remembering the past?" he asked.

It was true. Mom told me Mei was a childhood friend of mine that I must've forgotten. I just accepted it, but Mei would hardly ever talk about the past or her family. When she did, she wouldn't say names. She mostly talked about Bob, who I knew from a few of his visits. Bob was friends with my dad. I had always assumed back then that I became friends with Mei through that connection. I also though Bob was either her dad or uncle. I had never seen her before and only heard her voice through the phone and occasionally received a letter.

"But I never saw her in person. Maybe seeing you in person would've done it."

"...Yuuri."

"Nevermind. Thank you for trying to make me feel better. I'll just have to wait to hear Shinou's reasoning," I mumbled.

The maids rejoined Conrad's side. "We'll leave you to get rested. Goodnight, Yuuri," Conrad said with the maids bowing their heads to me.

I was left alone once again with only my thoughts to keep me company. As I returned to the bathroom, I found a hot bath waiting for me with a pile of blue pajamas laid out on a chair. I shed off my clothes and immersed myself in the steamy water. I reveled in the feeling of the heat swallowing me. I sighed in relief as the stress from today seemed to slide right off me. I hadn't had a calming bath like this since I was a kid. Usually, I don't have the time to just sit and relax until the water runs cold.

After I had properly washed myself, I soaked in the bath and let my mind wander again. This time I tried not to think about what I would have to decide soon. Instead, I thought about school and how far behind I would be once I went back... if I went back. My homeroom teacher was here, but I had only seen him once today and he was the head of the von Christ family as well, so he probably had more important things to attend to first. Stop. Stop! Much too close to the thought of becoming king. But why would so many important people work at a school outside of Shin Makoku. Lord Del Kierson von Wincott was also the head of the von Wincott family. Lord von Karbelnikoff's sister was also working as a teacher. Surly she had more important things she could be doing rather than teaching a bunch of students.

Suddenly, a though struck me. Daucaucous had once said to me that there were a lot of students at the school from Shin Makoku because Lord Del Kierson von Wincott has highly respected. If I presumed correctly, almost half the student body was from Shin Makoku. They were all sons and daughters of important people. Wolfram was a prince, Mei was a princess, and Elizabeth was the daughter of a noble the von Spitzweg territory. Daucauscous was a soldier and Gisela was a doctor-in-training. Why would they be at Julia Academy if they were given personal training in Shin Makoku at the castle itself? Shin Makoku never tried to establish allies with any countries before, but recently, they made contact with Japan through Bob. I remember overhearing hushed conversations between my father and him about some problems with a nearby country. Shin Makoku was the country they were talking about. Things in Shin Makoku has been getting exceedingly worse. What if Julia Academy was not really a school? What if it was a safe house for children from Shin Makoku to keep them safe from the civil war?

I laughed to myself. Now I was over-thinking things. There's no way a plan like that was actually happening, right? Wouldn't there be more security if that was truly the case? Anyone can easily just walk through the front gates. I sighed. I needed to stop thinking. I stood up from the cool water and dried myself off. I slipped on the pajamas provided for me, left the bathroom, and snuggled into bed with my hair still wet. I lay in dead silence for a long time before my mind refused to let me sleep. I wasn't used to the silence anymore. It's become a habit to expect to hear snoring, whether it was from my dad or from Wolfram when he decided to invite himself over to stay the night. I was restless. Rolling out of bed, I grumbled at nothing in particular as I walked to the door. When I pulled the door open, I found a single guard standing there. He jumped and stared at me with wide eyes, his knuckles turning white on this partially drawn sword.

"Is somethin' wrong, milord?" he whispered, his eyes looking past me as if an intruder was already in my room.

"Where is Wolfram's room?" I asked.

He slid his sword back. "The young Lord von Bielefelt?"

I nodded. "Yeah. He...er...forgot something earlier and I wish to return it to him."

"I could give it to him for you, sir," the guard offered.

"No, no. I would rather take it to him personally," I said.

The guard studied me for a minute. "Alright. I'll be takin' you there."

I nodded at him and he led me through a few corridors. Wolfram's room was surprisingly close, but I probably would have difficulty finding it by myself again. The guard knocked on his door and announced my presence a lot louder than I would have liked. It was a little embarrassing, but slightly understandable due to the late hour. I hadn't thought that Wolfram could be sleeping right now. After a few moments, I heard the padding of feet crossing the room and the click of a lock. The door clicked open and my mouth went dry at the sight before me. Wolfram's blond locks were ruffled and slightly sticking up in a few spots. His night shirt was wrinkled and falling of his right shoulder.

He wasn't wearing pants.

"What's wrong, Yuuri?" Wolfram asked sleepily, leaning against his door.

I glanced at the guard before looking back to Wolfram. "Can I come in?"

Wolfram nodded and he moved away from the door to let me inside. He yawned and dismissed the guard before closing the door. I heard another click as Wolfram locked the door. He turned around and grabbed my hand to lead me to his bed. He pushed me down before sitting beside me. He reached up and pulled my face towards him to study my face. His eyes narrowed a bit before he let go of my chin.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just a little quiet in my room," I complained.

"Wimp. You're just scared to be alone. Admit it," Wolfram said, yawning again.

"Maybe," I admitted.

"Go to sleep, wimp," he said before crawling under the covers and pulling me down with him.

We lay there in silence. I could hear his breath and the rustling of the sheet as he moved. This was better. I glanced over at him to find his back turned towards me. I knew he wasn't sleeping. He'd be snoring if he was. I turned on my side to face him. I never realized how comfortable it was having him around me. I'm still not sure yet how I felt about him, but maybe I could love him. Slowly, I slid my arm around his waist. He flinched at my touch and froze when I dragged him closer to me. After I got comfortable, he slightly turned his head toward me to give me a questioning look.

"Go to sleep, Wolf," I simply said, closing my eyes and pressing my face into the back of his neck.

... ... ...

Guard #1's POV [Blood Pledge Castle outside Wolfram's bedroom]

I watched the young Lord von Bielefelt close the door. He had a sleepy smile on his face. I shook my head and wiped away any indecent thoughts of what the young lord and the king candidate could be doing behind closed doors. If only Doria was here. She lived for this type of gossip. I hurriedly returned to my post at Lord Shibuya's bedchamber to let my partner know the king candidate was sleeping in a different room tonight. I thought to keep his location quiet to keep their privacy. After all, no one has heard of a relationship between the two if there was one. I wonder if any of the maids know.

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And that was Chapter 21: Real Intentions. It took 2 years, but it was a long update. It was a lot more Mei centric than Yuuri and Wolfram, but I have my reasons. So let me know what you think and feel free to PM me or message me on tumblr (just got it not long ago) I have the same username (almostlover321) on there. If you follow me on my tumblr, I might post random things about this fic on there or let you know ahead of time when the next chapter should be coming out. This fic will be tagged Fic: ITSOAST on there.

Until next time!