All trademarked items in this fanfiction is owned by their respective copyright holders (A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio by Ark Performance, etc). The ones owned by me are future OCs, plot, and author's thoughts. This fanfiction is made solely for entertainment purposes and not intended for any material gain.

An Arpeggio of Ice on Fire

Chapter 21

"A feast of dreams?" Hamakaze asked. The white room was a little less decorated today, but the white round table was inhabited by three.

"Yes. We will need it to make a splash," Shiomaru said, sitting across the grey-haired girl. "And show our soft power."

"Are you sure you're not exaggerating?" Hamakaze said, frowning. "While the desserts and noodles has been met with approval, I can't say that our world's foods would be a display of power."

"Ah, but it could be a statement of another kind," Yamato added her opinion. "We're showing them that we can help them to be something… greater."

"I'm not sure if we can use that angle…" Hamakaze replied, her eyes skeptical. "Tywin Lannister is perhaps the greatest man leading what is arguably the greatest noble house in Westeros, connected by blood to the next in line to the throne. That kind of angle might appeal to someone in a less secure position, Fleet Flagship, but I don't think Tywin Lannister is unstable enough to consider it."

"Oh, but he has his own worries," The Fleet Flagship said, bringing up a shimmering light panel with a clip playing in it. "Hyuuga and Haruna has analyzed the whole thing and this revelation might lead us to very… interesting outcomes."

"They think that this had something to do with the royal household," Shiomaru clarified Yamato's statement. "Mayhaps he has… something highly illicit behind locked doors, something with enough force to destabilize the realms. Lord Lannister would not have reacted so severely if it was not a matter of great importance."

"I see…" Hamakaze said as she rubbed her chin after the clip has finished playing. "This might be… game-changing, if we utilize this correctly. If we can secure Tywin Lannister's support…"

"We can leave Home Waters on autopilot and operate in legitimacy here," Yamato said as she smiled. "The strongest country in the Malacca Strait, accounting for area, was…"

"…Singapore," Hamakaze said. "Do you intend to… get a monopoly on trade?"

"Yes, but that's not all of it," Yamato said softly. "Hyuuga had 402 map the seafloor around the Chokepoint's seas. She then analyzed the results and found countless undersea vents spewing out valuable minerals. Much too deep for humans to mine, but we don't have that limitation."

"What materials are we talking about?" Hamakaze asked.

"Sulfuric compounds mainly," Shiomaru explained. "But from there we can refine many… iron, gold, silver, rare earths, thanatonium… preliminary results indicate multiple high value deposits. With our tech and some buildup time we can rival the Westerlands in monetary power if we want to, and that's before we factor in tariffs and taxes from our hypothetical subjects."

"I see…" Hamakaze said, leaning back and rubbing her chin. "Home Waters do produce all that, but the yield is heavily skewed towards thanatonium… And we haven't had much buildup time there, not when our priority was establishing the GPS network."

"Tyrion must be informed of this at some point," Yamato said as she turned to Hamakaze. "He will be in charge of either Home Waters or Chokepoint eventually..."

"Why, Fleet Flagship?" Hamakaze asked. "We don't strictly need this."

"We need an undoubtable truth about The Code," Yamato answered the question.

"So why not choose a town and drop a bomb there?" Hamakaze asked again. "Why go through all this?"

"The Chihaya Family," Yamato replied in a quiet voice.

"But… the circumstances are different. Compared to Westeros, they are specialists with special training…" Hamakaze said.

"Will I take another risk, knowing minds as bright as Tyrion Lannister exists? Shouzou Chihaya was one man on the head of a skeleton crew. Gunzou Chihaya was one man on the head of a party of five. They were up against the full might of The Fog," Yamato said, her tone wistful. "No. One blunder is enough for us. The loss of half of our fleet is not something I want a repeat of."

…

"A feast?" Tywin Lannister said, looking up from his daily work.

"Yes, my lord," Hamakaze replied. "Lady Yamato had agreed for Shiomaru to cook a feast for the esteemed members of House Lannister, as a showcase of our culture and an appreciative gesture."

"How many courses would you serve?" Tywin asked again.

"Five courses for up to a dozen people," Shiomaru answered. "Soup, fish, poultry, meat, and dessert."

"A very modest feast," Tywin said. "Peasants typically serve seven courses in their weddings. A noble's feast can go up to thirty-five, and royal feasts can go beyond seventy."

"I aim for quality, my lord," Shiomaru replied. "My efforts shall ensure that one of my course shall equal ten of others."

"Bold words, but out of experience to your family I cannot say outright that it is hollow," Tywin said, leaning back to his chair. "Very well, I shall allow you to serve your… modest feast."

"Thank you for your consideration, my lord. We request a week to prepare, and five helpers from the kitchen," Hamakaze said.

"Very well. One week from now, we shall see if your words carry weight," The Old Lion said. "Request your help from Master Orton in the kitchens."

…

"The view is indeed breathtaking," Yamato said as a few servants spread a tarp and then carpets on the floor of the tower. Pillows were strewn around, while Shiomaru Kirino prepares a drink by the parapets, on the other side of the area. "A perfect day for an outing, too. Truly a wonderful castle."

"Most ladies I know would have preferred the countryside or garden for an outing like this," Tyrion commented as a maid distributed pastries on a plate to the gathering of five. "From yours? Apparently dueling a Kingsguard is part of fun."

"The ladies of my house is not cut from the same cloth with most Westerosi ladies, evidently," Yamato said after a chuckle. "Lord Tyrion, I'm sure you know that my visit here is not… social, so to speak."

"Of course. Ever since the welcoming feast of my nuncle's return, my father has made his intent clear," Tyrion said after a sip of wine. "One of you would have me as husband… a demon monkey made of gold."

"True, true," Yamato replied amicably, smiling as she finished a piece of yokan. "Thus, I as the head of House Kirino would like to help you narrow your choices down by presenting five candidates. Lord Tywin has been notified, and expressed his support in this."

"I see… then who are chosen as the candidates?" Tyrion asked.

"Not asking for our dowry first? A bold step into the unknown, my lord," Yamato replied with a question of her own.

"Passions must have blurred my judgement, my lady," Tyrion said without any tone of remorse. "But by the tone of your voice, it will surely be something… of value."

"One steelship, to be used for you two's convenience," Yamato said, reclining into a pile of pillows. "That is our dower to you and House Lannister as a whole."

"Truly?" Tyrion asked, his tone somewhere between awed and curious.

"Yes. Each of us possesses a steelship of our own, of varying sizes," Yamato started her explanation. "Faster, more nimble, and capable of carrying more than any ship of comparable size. Comparing our steelships with current vessels in this kingdom's disposal… would be like comparing a valyrian steel blade to a wooden dagger that has been eaten by termites."

"Such a vessel would be a dower fit for a king…" Tyrion said, pensive.

"However, the vessel is soulbound to the bride you choose. Magical stuff, don't tell the septons," Yamato said, her tone conspiratory. "And it would be used as she see fit. She will not hesitate if pushed."

"Quite a short leash, considering," Tyrion commented.

"But, if you two are in agreement," Yamato went on. "Not a single naval force in this realm can challenge the two of you. As long as there is water under the keel, you two will be invincible."

"Well, knowing what I am expected to do is great and all," Tyrion sighed after a sip of wine. Shiomaru then served two bowls of green liquid between the two.

"Ah, the drink of my people, in the refined vessel of Hyuuga's make," Yamato commented.

"Two different drinks, it seemed," Tyrion commented before putting the edge of his bowl to his lips for a sip. If the Lannister heir had grimaced, he had hidden it well.

"Yours is a… innovation, my lord," Shiomaru replied, breaking her silence. "I'm afraid I have no way of knowing how you will agree with its… original taste."

"Ahh… the bitterness of life," Yamato commented after a sip from her bowl. "Cha, made of select leaves of the plant, dried and powdered. Just about the only thing thriving in the fog."

"I cannot say that it's a delicious beverage," Tyrion commented. "It is… a new experience, as it is so often with your family."

"Well then, now that pleasantries have been exchanged and terms have been explained, let me enlighten you of the five daughters of Nihon who have stepped forth," Yamato said, smiling. "The first candidate is I, Yamato Kirino."

…

"My Lord Lannister, and esteemed members of House Lannister," Shiomaru adressed the small audience in one of the smaller dining halls of Casterly Rock. Tywin Lannister was there as well as all his siblings. Stafford Lannister sat on one of the seats, accompanied by his son Daven. Dorna Lannister accompanied her husband Kevan. Emmon Frey sat beside the hefty frame of Genna, his weaselly Frey features a stark contrast with the leonine Lannisters. Jaime sat on a seat between his father's and Tyrion's, the older brother grinning to the slightly apprehensive-looking younger. Yamato Kirino sat on the other end of the table, flanked by Hamakaze and Hyuuga. The atmosphere was formal, but relaxed. "I thank you all for attending this… modest feast of our making. Mayhaps this feast would be a window to what life would have been in the Nihon we remembered."

"Oh this is going to be so good!" Gerion exclaimed, interrupting Shiomaru's speech. "You are going to be swept away, brother!"

"We shall see," Tywin Lannister said stiffly. "Lady Shiomaru, you may start the service."

"Thank you, my lord. I shall walk you through the course of the feast, since some of you might not be familiar with the food," Shiomaru announced, giving a sign to a few serving girls to serve the first course. "The first course, a thick soup."

"Excuse me, Lady Shiomaru," Jaime interjected. "But this looks more toast than soup…?"

"The pastry conceals the soup underneath, keeping its aroma under," Shiomaru replied to the question. "Go on and partake, my lords and ladies."

Slightly confused, the Lannister diners pierced the layer of crusty toast with their spoons. The moment they did, several eyebrows shot up in surprise save for one Tywin Lannister.

"By The Seven above…" Tyrion said as he inhaled the vapors escaping from the pierced crust. "This aroma is… so rich. If someone told me this morning that an aroma like this existed, I would have branded him a liar."

"This taste… is this crabs?" Kevan added after swallowing a few mouthfuls of soup. "I think there's some taste of shellfish and shrimps, too."

"Yes, Lord Kevan," Shiomaru said. "A selection of the bounty of the sea, cooked in a stock of fish-bone and kelp, thickened with starch and cream."

"There is no mistake of the care and skill involved in making this," Genna said, in awe. "I see now that Lady Hamakaze was not being humble for the sake of it. You are a full arm compared to her single finger."

"Our King's best cooks cannot hope to match this, Tyrion," Jaime said to Tyrion beside him, his portion no more than scraps. "We are doomed, my brother. Doomed to never find this anywhere else, I say."

"And this is only just the first course," Tyrion replied. "By The Seven, Lady Hamakaze understated her comparisons grossly."

"The second course, fish," Shiomaru announced, the serving staff again serving a covered dish to the people in the small feast. "Cubes of boneless fresh snapper marinated in sauce, served with a salad with dressing of oil and herbs."

"Oh boy," Gerion said, terminating in a short laugh. "Sashimi, lady Shiomaru?"

"A variation thereof," Shiomaru replied as they started. "I opted to not use the thin slices of sashimi here, as it would take away the texture of the fish."

"This is so delectable," Tyrion said between bites. "The taste is a sharp contrast to the full, mellow flavors of the soup. This is so sharp, but delicate and refined. I wonder how long it takes to prepare a dish like this, Lady Shiomaru."

"It depends on the deftness of one's knife, my lord," Shiomaru replied. "But no more than two hours, as this dish does not require use of fires. The wine vinegar and lemon juice mixture used to marinate the fish is strong enough to kill any harmful pests."

"Such a daring way of life," Jaime commented.

"Only enabled by the clean waters of Caster's Bay and the expertise of Lady Suzutsuki, good Ser," Shiomaru said as the servers roll up another cuisine. "The next, our poultry course, is perhaps the most… jarring one."

"Jarring?" Genna asked as waiters set a covered dish in front of the Lannisters.

"It is one of the ways of cooking that originates from the poorest walks of life, people so poor that they do not possess pots and pans," Shiomaru said as the dish is uncovered. The aroma of the dish again filled the air, making a few pair of eyes blink. "Whole chickens, rubbed in marinating sauce and herbs, encased in a mix of salt and moist clay, then buried under a few inches of dry loam before a bonfire was lit on it. The fires are kept alive for at least half a day, before the chicken were dug out and served. Do not let the Beggar's Chicken fool you with its name my lords and ladies, for it has been a favorite of many kings of Old Nihon."

"It is very tender," Genna commented as she picked apart her chicken. "Falls apart to the touch."

"Yet… this texture is far different," Gerion observed. "This is not like roasted chicken…"

"The flavor… By the Seven, the flavor," Jaime said in awe after swallowing a mouthful of chicken. "It's like… more chicken than chicken itself."

"The taste so favored by kings but discovered by the poor…" Tyrion marveled.

"The next is the meat course," Shiomaru said after the chicken dish is polished clean, another covered dish distributed by the servers then revealed. "Low-heat deep-fried pork cutlets in flour and breadcrumbs, with a side of gravy and sauteed vegetables."

"So tender…" Gerion said after he swallowed a helping. "And juicy, too! It's like the meat are stewed in its own juices."

"Crunchy, juicy, fresh… this is a riot of flavors and textures," Tyrion added. "How are these made, Lady Shiomaru?"

"Fairly simple, Lord Tyrion," Shiomaru said. "Thick cuts of marinated pork rolled in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried in low-heat oil. Hotter oil can be used, but it makes thorough cooking of the thick cuts more difficult without turning the outside into charcoal. After that, it must be served with haste or else the juices would seep out of the coating."

"Simple, she said," Jaime joined the conversation. "Between you and a maester, I bet my white cloak you are more knowledgeable in matters of the kitchen."

"Thus we arrive in the final course, a sweet dessert called Amai Picha," Shiomaru announced as the serving girls brought in two large pans and distributing the cut portion of the pastry to the feasters. "Thin pastry sprinkled with various toasted grains and nuts, topped with a mix of cheese and maple sap before baked."

"By The Seven, this is heaven's fare," Gerion said, having finished his share and being served his second one.

"A perfect finish," Tyrion said, noticing Tywin's eyes gazing to his section of pastry in a flash of wistful remembrance. There was some more idle chat after the dessert, until the lord of the house called for attention. The table quieted as one.

"Lady Shiomaru Kirino," Tywin said in the conclusion of the small feast. "The feast was sumptuous. In just five courses you have brought this… novel experience to us and proven that your words carry much more than its weight. Just for this, Casterly Rock will always be open for you should you have a need of livelihood."

"I am honored by your praise, Lord Lannister," Shiomaru said, bowing to the Old Lion.

"The Red Keep's cooks are like candles against the shine of your moon, Lady Shiomaru," Jaime said. "The king would happily surrender your weight in gold for a feast of this caliber. Come with me, and I'm sure you will have the whole Red Keep begging for more."

"And apparently your dish had made a poet and negotiator out of my brother," Tyrion added. "A clumsy one, but that is a feat that maesters had failed most miserably before. Well done, Lady Shiomaru. If Lady Suzutsuki showed me heaven all those months ago, I know now that it is but a glimpse to yours."

"In a fortnight's time, I will be heading to King's Landing to visit my grandchildren," Tywin said. "You will be welcome to travel with us, Lady Shiomaru."

"About King's Landing, my lord, we have… drafted some plans," Shiomaru said as she eyed Yamato.

"About that, well," Yamato said, catching the glance and taking the reins of the conversation. "I have drawn up a plan of acquiring property then start selling food and clothes in King's Landing. Introducing our fashions and food while making money on the side seemed to be a solid plan to… put a foot down on Westeros, so to say."

"If the food will be even half as good as this feast, your coffers will be full of golden dragons within… a few months, I'd say. Surely less than a year," Kevan said.

"In that endeavor, we will need some endorsements to The Crown from House Lannister," Yamato went on. "I imagine it will greatly expedite the processes of land acquisition, guild registrations, and whatnots."

"I see. I can agree with some… backing to House Kirino's endeavor," Tywin said. "But as such favors go, I will require a payment on your part. Tyrion, name your chosen, for you are to be betrothed immediately."

"I… it's a difficult task to name one, even after knowing all of them. All beautiful, all skillful," Tyrion said. "Lady Yamato has revealed the candidates of her House's choosing to me recently, as she has done the same to you Father."

"You are correct," Tywin said, nodding.

"All women of the utmost capabilities, who would make a bride worthy of the greatest lords of the realm," Tyrion spoke. Tywin seemed to narrow his eyes for a heartbeat, but the moment is fleeting. "Lady Hyuuga with her knowledge and thirst of. Ser Owari and Lady Kasumi, both warriors no more than a few paces behind Ser Swordheart. Lady Shiomaru, whom on her hands holds the blessing of The Maiden to be dispensed freely. And finally… Lady Yamato, whom arguably the Valyrian steel link that holds the chain together."

The room held its collective breath as Tyrion paused in his speech.

"But choose I must, and my choice go to… none of them," Tyrion finally said. "I… my heart cannot choose of anyone other than Lady Hamakaze Kirino. Lady Yamato, please forgive me. Your offers are tantalizing, and you yourself would have been the greatest prize of them all, yet… I cannot."

A moment of murmurs filled the air as Tyrion made the solemn declaration, as tension mounted to an even higher height.

"What is there to forgive, Tyrion son of Tywin?" Yamato said, chuckling. "Who am I to stand between the two of you with a river of stars?"

"Onee-sama, please don't make comparisons with a folktale they don't know yet…" Hamakaze said, her expression between exasperated and bashful.

"Oh, then is he to your liking, imouto?" Yamato asked in a teasing tone.

"Life will not be easy," Hamakaze said after a deep breath. "But there is none I'd rather be with, none other than one Tyrion Lannister."

"Marvelous. Thus I stand behind my precious little sister!" Yamato announced with flourish. The room released a figurative sigh. Genna Frey nee Lannister nodded in particular.

"Then, is that your choice?" Tywin asked, his gaze against that of his dwarf son.

"Yes, Father," Tyrion replied, his tone solemn. "Lady Hamakaze is my choice, and nothing will sway me."

"So shall it be," The lord of the house said after an almost imperceptible nod. "My son has shown backbone. Your sister has shown acceptance. This is an… interesting match, but a welcome one Lady Kirino."

"Thus the lord spoke," Yamato said. "Hamakaze, we are happy for you."

"I… am honored, my lords," Hamakaze said, before bowing deeply. Jaime signaled for a seat swap so Hamakaze can sit beside Tyrion for the short remainder of the feast.

"Lady Hamakaze had discussed with me a possibility of acquiring a royal charter of nobility from the king, and with this accord House Lannister shall back it," Tywin said. "After that, we shall discuss the finer details of the betrothal and further economic ventures for King's Landing."

"House Kirino accepts this deal and shall accompany the Lannister retinue to the capital," Yamato replied.

"Anyways, a toast is in order lest we forgot!" Gerion Lannister exclaimed, raising his cup to the air. "For my nephew's betrothal, and the prosperity of the union!"

"Cheers!" The room said as one, some more enthusiastic than others.

A/N: The first chapter of 2019 is here! Cribbed most of the food from various cooking manga and half-remembered cooking shows, so do not expect any accuracy there. Also, synthetic substance synthesis is magic! You people would probably spot some mistakes I missed, so don't hesitate to say! Thank you for your support so far, and enjoy!