SEVENTY-SIX - Connecting the Dots

Damn it.

For as long as Zen has lived, he has never feared anyone or anything. The boy has constantly been on his feet, venturing out of the castle, doing things he wasn't supposed to be doing. He trained to win every battle he's fought, poisoned himself constantly to build his immunity, and doesn't flinch upon getting bruised or scraped. The one thing that he certainly did fear was loss, but that was something that traumatized him enough to be a valid fear.

Second to that, Shirayuki's father.

In silence, Zen insisted that Mukaze come in and sit for dinner. Izana and Haruto watched as the younger Prince stressed his maids and servants to prepare rooms for him and the rest of the visiting Mountain Lions. Shirayuki was red all over, embarrassed and finding solace right beside Obi as Mukaze stayed watching Zen as he fretted his castles staff to make the visit as perfect as he could.

Haruto was pretty astonished at this, though it didn't seem like it due to her usual blank expression. She was in even more disbelief that nobody else was really in shock. It did give her a sense of realization that she's so disconnected with Wistal Castle and her two sons. The distance helps ease her heart, but in exchange, it also damages the bond she has with her only kids. Even Izana, the more introverted son, was completely aware of Zen, the friends he makes and the relationships he forms during his adventures outside of the castle.

"Papa, why did you come all this way from the mountain?" Shirayuki quickly goes to him as they waited for the maids and servants to prepare everything. Mukaze smiles down at his daughter and puts away the letters to give her a big hug. She holds him tightly, fingers grabbing hold of the back of his shirt. "It was a far trip, wasn't it?"

Mukaze hummed in agreement, but patted his daughters back happily, "it was, but I needed to have a talk with Zen here. I did not have the patience to exchange letters with him when he could explain in person."

"First of all." Everyone turns to see Haruto start speaking, her eyes filled with intimidation. "How dare you address my son like this? Which kingdom are you from?" Zen should have expected that his mother would get touchy when people regard Zen 'incorrectly.'

Mukaze looks over at her and slowly walks in front of her. She watches him good and clear, wondering how strangely familiar this stranger felt. His burgundy-colored hair was shaggy but was somehow well-done and fit his character. His jawline was defined, with his beard not going anywhere further than his chiseled chin. His aging wrinkles were evident on his face, but he looked around Haruto's age. He was still young and clearly strong, as his build was much larger than everyone in the castle. His face alone is able to beat up anybody's confidence, regardless of how plentiful one could have.

"Ah, so you're his mother," Mukaze looked down at her. He could see so much of her in Zen; he could only imagine how Zen's father looked. "I'm sorry we're meeting in a completely different circumstance. I'm Mukaze," he introduces himself, curving his lips to make a soft smile. He offers his hand, which surprised Haruto. "And you are, Miss…?"

He doesn't have any royal training. He was no King, or Prince. He didn't even look like a lord. But strangely, Haruto really liked it this way. She always liked correcting people in formalities because it happens so rarely. But because how infrequent it is, she enjoys the reaction of (typically) the stumbling and correcting themselves. Mukaze, however, did not stumble nor correct himself. He begins with 'Miss,' and that alone itched the smile on her face.

"Haruto," she replies, placing her small hand in his much larger one, "Haruto Wistaria." They shake hands, both wearing similar smiles on their faces. But Mukaze's was quick to fade when he glanced over at Zen, clearly impatient regarding his request. "I understand what you mean by 'different circumstances.' It's a shame the wedding was called off."

"Well yes, but also considering the bride wasn't-" Mukaze began, but Zen quickly interrupted and came between the two. He looked over at his mother, clearly distressed but attempting to play it off.

"-the bride wasn't destined to be wedded to me," Zen 'completed' Mukaze's sentence, shyly staring up at his mother. Haruto looked at her son, clearly confused about Mukaze's appearance and why it made Zen so nervous. Shirayuki notices and decides to help the struggling Prince before her.

"Father!" Shirayuki wraps her arms around one of his and tugs for his attention. Mukaze looks down and smiles at his daughter, who looks over at the opening entrance of the dining hall. "All that traveling must've made you hungry. The cooks have already prepared some snacks to eat before having the main course meal."

"I suppose I could have something to eat," Mukaze hums. He gestures to his men, who walked over calmly. Kazuki, however, ran into Shirayuki and hugged her tightly. Shirayuki trips back a bit, but stays on her feet as she returns the hug to the very feminine-looking boy. She notices his hair was cut, and raised her eyebrows.

"You cut your hair, Kazuki," Shirayuki comments, pleasantly surprised at the change. Kazuki nods, looking up happily at the red-haired girl. "It looks very nice." It wasn't extremely short, but it couldn't be put in a ponytail anymore. He also didn't take care of it much it seemed, as it was very shaggy and messy. "It looks… nice."

Kazuki smirks and lets go of Shirayuki. "This way, people won't keep mistaking me for a girl."

"That's a boy?" Haruto points, causing a big eruption of laughter as Kazuki huffs and glares over at Haruto. Obi quickly walks over and gives the short boy a pat on the head.

"Before you begin to sass," Obi hums, leaning his arm against the boys head. Kazuki groans. Obi points at Haruto and begins, "that lady right there is the Queen of this place, so you better watch your tongue." Kazuki quickly shut his lips and walked back to Mukaze's side. Obi chuckled before winking over at Zen.

Zen seized the opportunity and gestured for everyone to enter the dining room for a meal. Haruto and Izana lead the way, with Kiki and Mitsuhide guiding Mukaze's men (including Kazuki) into the room. Zen looks back to see Mukaze slowed down to speak with Obi and Shirayuki. His eyes widened a bit to notice Mukaze giving Obi a very big hug.

"Obi, my boy," Mukaze huffs happily, giving him pats on his back, "how're ya? How're you treating my daughter?"

"I'm well, sir," Obi replies. He pulls off and begins to blush as he stands next to Shirayuki. "I have been treating her with nothing but respect and adoration, sir!"

"You swear on it?"

Obi slams his hand against his heart, "cross my heart, sir!" Shirayuki resigns her face into her hands, clearly embarrassed, as Mukaze holds Obi's shoulder and gives it a good squeeze. He emits a hearty laugh before putting his arm over Obi completely.

"Atta boy," Mukaze hums warmly, walking with Obi into the dining room with Shirayuki trailing right behind them. "I'm glad to see Shirayuki with a good man like yourself, Obi." Zen could feel just a twinge of jealousy shaking in his chest, but he knew that this was how it was and should be.

Mukaze loves his daughter more than anything, and seeing her with someone good must make him feel better, considering his absence in her life. Obi treats her right, and that isn't hard to see from any distance. Shirayuki's face is beaming and full again, and that's really all that should matter in the end. Still, Zen's feelings for her still shakes a bit while in its dormant state. He knew it would take him a long time before he flushes them out completely.

Everyone seats themselves on the table, with Mitsuhide and Kiki standing guard by the main entrance of the dining room. At one end by the fireplace sat Zen, Haruto, and Izana. At the other end opposite to them sat Mukaze, Shirayuki, Obi, and the rest of the Mountain Lions that came along. The contrast of their posture and attire was amusing, as Mitsuhide couldn't keep a wide smile from forming. The Royal Family emitted elegance and good posture, while the Mountain Lions (though respectful with proper manners) were hunched a bit and did more glaring than blank or smiling expressions.

"So," Haruto begins, not even allowing a bit of silence to sit. She stares directly down at Mukaze, who sat directly across from her at the other end of the dining table. Her eyes quickly flicker to notice how serious and deep Mukaze's dark green eyes were. He emitted this unintentional intimidation that she wasn't as sure of herself as she usually is. "You're here for an explanation from my son?"

"Mother, I-" Zen tried, but Haruto quickly raised a finger to hush him.

"I asked Mister Mukaze, right?" Haruto hums. "I don't believe your name is Mukaze, is it, Zen?" Zen quickly simmered down and watched Mukaze attentively staring at Haruto. She clears her throat quietly as maids and servants walk out from the kitchen with platters of luxurious foods. "Might I ask what those two letters inquire, Mister Mukaze?"

"Mukaze is fine, Miss," Mukaze insisted, reassuring her with a brief smile before revealing the two letters once again. He tosses one of them before him, keeping his eyes locked with Haruto's. "This one is the letter I received recently regarding the cancellation of the wedding. Is it truly not happening?"

Haruto shook her head, "no, it's not. The Bride-To-Be wasn't good enough for my son. Her parents will be coming soon to collect her, as I've sent them a personal letter regarding the cancellation of the wedding."

"Ah," Mukaze sounds as he looks away to watch all the platters being placed before everyone. Plates and utensils alike are being distributed as well. The rest of the Lions were eager and already tried to dig in as soon as the domes were removed from the platters, but Mukaze halted them. "Wait."

Haruto blinks once, then gestures to the other letter, "and the other one?" Mukaze holds it up, keeping it in his hand. She notices that he could only eye it so many times before denting it a little, clearly trying to retrain himself from crumpling it. He chuckles a bit, remembering he crumpled it the first time he read the letter. He faces Haruto again and nods.

"This one regards Zen," Mukaze hums as he tosses it before him. It lands on top of the other letter, looking much fatter than the other one. "I won't tell you everything word for word- although I've read it so many times that I can recite it." Obi shifts uncomfortably while Shirayuki was all ears. She never actually got to see or hear what that letter exactly inquired aside from it being a personal invitation to Zen's wedding.

"Oh? My son must have written something good then."

"I wouldn't say good," Mukaze starts. Zen could feel goosebumps tickling his entire body, his nerves clearly on high. He did intend to tell his mother his relationship with Shirayuki, but he also intended it to be from his lips. But, seeing this situation as it is, he doesn't believe he'll be able to. "But it definitely kept my mind wondering for a long time."

"What was the letter about, may I ask?" Haruto hummed. Zen quickly hung his head in defeat and waited as Izana just simply sat there and stared.

"Well, to keep it short," Mukaze says, "Zen has 'changed his mind' about my dear daughter." Haruto turned her head a little, clearly confused and not filled in on the situation. Mukaze realizes and nodded, "ah, you don't know what the relationship was between Shirayuki and your son."

"I didn't know there was even a relationship between them," Haruto looks over at Zen. He was as red as a beet. "I figured she was just a really wise and cheeky court herbalist that was recently hired."

"She is, but my daughter and your son grew a bond that I thought was unbreakable," Mukaze says quietly. He notices that Haruto's eyes were still blurry, as if he was still being unclear. "Essentially, I expected the invitation to be regarding the wedding between Shirayuki and him."

Haruto quickly turns over to Zen, who she notices was filing himself out of his seat. "Zen!" Haruto calls but Zen was already walking towards the double dining doors. Kiki and Mitsuhide keep their eyes on him, clearly worried. "Zen!" She calls again, but this time he actually halts. "Look at me." He remains still. Haruto rolls her eyes and raises her voice. "Look at me!"

Zen turns slowly, his head still hung low. He kept looking at the ground, using his white wisps worth of hair to cover his clearly tear-filled eyes. Shirayuki turned in her seat and watched, feeling a bit of pain at the sight of a broken and defeated Zen. Haruto rises from her seat as well and walks over to Zen. She stops immediately when she sees tears dropping to the ground. "Zen…"

"Mother," Zen quietly says, his voice clearly breaking and croaky from emotion. "Shirayuki and I used to be lovers, and I had full intentions of being with her for the rest of my life." Everyone had their eyes on Zen, shocked into silence as he wept to himself. "But then you requested for me to be with Lady Elizabeth… and it's very hard to refuse you, Mother."

"Zen, why didn't you tell me?" Haruto lowers her tone, clearly seeing how vulnerable her son is. Zen was quick to wipe his tears and shaking his head a bit before raising it up again. He was clearly teary eyed and pink-cheeked, but he smiled softly up at his parent. "I wouldn't have pinned someone else on you if you already had someone. Especially someone as wonderful as Shirayuki."

Zen was going to go insane, he was sure of it. He wanted to yell until his voice gave out and he wouldn't be able to explain himself to anybody. But surely, it wasn't appropriate, and Zen was too tired of this. "You wanted me to be with a Princess," Zen says simply, "how could I tell you that I fell in love with someone who isn't a Princess?"

Haruto tries to reply, but that's when Izana decides to butt in. He, too, leaves his chair, ushering a servant to prepare everyone's plate and to be ready to bring it up to their quarters on cue. He walks over to Zen and gives both his shoulders a squeeze. "Mother, my little brother is tired. I'm sending him to his room."

"But-"

"Mother, he's had enough," Izana insists. Zen looks up at his brother in shock, unsure as to why he's actually being affectionate for once. Izana looks over at Mukaze and nods, "my brother simply did what our Mother desired. He had no intentions of hurting Shirayuki. What ended up happening is that the both of them get hurt."

Everyone remained silent, but Mukaze nodded at the older brother appreciatively. He felt bad for causing such a scene, but he finally got an explanation that worked out better than he thought. He figured that Zen was going to give him a terrible reason and end up with Mukaze holding a grudge. But instead, Zen just loved his mother and trusted her judgement enough to let go of the woman he loves for another that he never learned to love.

A servant comes in quickly and announces that rooms have been fixed for the Mountain Lions to stay in. Izana nods and bids the servant away before looking at Mukaze again. "Please stay and eat as much as you'd like. I apologize for all of this. We should've dealt with this privately."

"No please, it's my fault," Mukaze begins. He rises from his seat and walks over to the Wistarias. He places one hand on Zen's shoulder and gives it a good squeeze. "The letter is admittedly very misleading, but the explanation is acceptable. I'm sorry, Zen."

Zen stayed quiet. Izana nodded respectfully at Mukaze before keeping hold of his little brother and walking him towards the exit of the dining hall. Mitsuhide tails behind them as Kiki stays to watch over Haruto. Shirayuki tries to soften the situation by encouraging the Mountain Lions to eat the food provided. She even taps at her father to take a seat as well, who's clearly uneasy and hesitantly takes his seat once again.

"Miss Haruto." Shirayuki walks over to the Queen once the Lion Kings begin to dig in on the dinner. Haruto still seemed at a loss for words but watched as Shirayuki bowed before her. "The marriage would have worked out if I never came into the picture. I apologize for everything; for Zen's behavior and-"

"Dear, straighten up." Haruto interrupts her, patting Shirayuki's head as she begins to stand straight once again. Haruto takes Shirayuki's hand and squeezes it. "It's nobody's fault but my own. Zen didn't owe it to tell me about the two of you- I should have visited more. I'm the mother of two sons that I never see because I hate this castle so much." Haruto was close to tears, but she was too prideful to actually let them go. "But my boys are much more important than anything else in this world. They're all I have."

Shirayuki nodded slowly, but she still felt unsure. Haruto gave her hand another squeeze and smiled. "I owe two people a very big apology, starting with you. I'm so sorry to have been the reason why you and my son lost your happiness." Shirayuki squeezed back. "I should have visited long ago before deciding what's best for my son. It's clear that he knew better for himself than I did."

"Miss Haruto, don't be so hard on yourself," Shirayuki insists. "You're just trying to look out for him. Any mother who loves their child would do anything to ensure they're forever happy and doing what they need to do. Especially for a Prince like Zen."

She nods sadly, glancing over at Obi, who was looking intensely at Shirayuki. He notices that the Queen caught sight and quickly looked away, his ears turning red as his face. "But it seems I no longer have a chance at convincing you to take my son back and try again." Shirayuki widened her eyes at this comment and looked the Queen right in her eyes. "I cannot deny, however, that you and Obi are perfectly paired."

Shirayuki looks over at Obi and kicks the floor a bit, "th-thank you…we feel perfectly paired, too."

Haruto smiles warmly at the young lady before letting her hand go. "I'm going to go check on Zen. I owe him the biggest apology in the world." Shirayuki watches as Haruto walks passed her to head for the door. "Oh, and Shirayuki," she does not turn around to meet Shirayuki's gaze, "I would have loved for you to be my daughter-in-law."

She pays farewell and goodnight to the Mountain Lions, insisting that she will be a much better host tomorrow before excusing herself to find her son. Shirayuki could only stand there, feeling the exact same way as Zen does. The only difference is she didn't feel as defeated as he does. She probably would if she were still in love with him.

"Shirayuki." As if he knew he was needed, Obi rushed right behind Shirayuki and gave her a big hug. The tension in her shoulders disappeared, and the entirety of her body instantly relaxed. She released a long breath before leaning her head back against Obi's chest to look up at him. "Are you okay?"

She nods, "mm, I'm alright. A little tired though." Obi nods, letting her go only to spin her around so she could be facing him. "I'm also a bit hungry. Have you started eating yet?"

Obi shakes his head, "I actually prepared two plates of food so we could eat alone in your room." Shirayuki looked up, eyes wide before glancing back at her father. "I know your dad is here, but todays already been a long day, and I think everyone just wants some rest before figuring this all out properly."

"But he probably would like to spend time with us…" Shirayuki hums quietly.

"Listen, how about this," Obi begins. "You take the plates to your room and I'll have a talk with your father. I'll even make sure he gets escorted to his room." Shirayuki hesitantly agrees as she goes to say goodnight to the Mountain Lions and Kiki. She lingers to give her father a big hug, promising that she'll see him first thing in the morning before taking the filled plates and walking out of the dining room.

As soon as her footsteps were no longer heard, Mukaze puts his arm over his mouth and enters a coughing fit. Obi walks over worriedly, patting his back to help let out everything he has to. A few seconds later, Mukaze waves at Obi, insisting he was alright. "I was holding it all in so Shirayuki wouldn't be so worried. It's a good thing you sent her to eat elsewhere."

"How have you been feeling?" Obi asks. He watches the Mountain Lions eat, clearly very distracted to listen to how quietly they were talking to one another. "How's your condition?"

"Probably worsening," Mukaze admits with a shrug. "I haven't been paying much attention, considering I have a big family to look after." He clears his throat once again. "But I don't think even a plague doctor could figure out what's wrong with me."

"Perhaps not a plague doctor," Obi begins thoughtfully, "but an expert herbalist could definitely figure it out." Mukaze looked up at Obi with a weird look, but Obi smiled confidently. "Only if you let him try, of course." He bites down on his tongue lightly, considering Obi's words before nodding.

"I suppose giving him a shot won't hurt, right?"

Obi praises himself in his success. "Miss Kiki, watch over them, will you?"

"Where are you off to?" Kiki eyes the man.

"I'm fetching Ryu."