To the reviewer with the recent suggestion: we're on the same page, for sure. I just added a few more details to their fate xo

Also I've been thinking, and I desperately want fanart for my story so to anyone who has been tempted to but didn't want to for permission reasons- you have my permission, I swear. Please make fanart for my story; I would be beyond flattered. But do it as your desire, not my desire.

Anyways, here's the next chapter!

EIGHTY-FOUR - Plans and Presents

Zen made his way to his family, who were found in Zen's quarters, waiting for him.

He enters through the double doors, and he finds his brother sat at his desk, hands folded while looking down in contemplation. His mother sat in one of the chairs provided in his quarters, sitting straight and much more put together than earlier. It was night already, so lanterns were turned on and tea had already been provided and served to them. They had an extra cup waiting for Zen.

"Good evening," Zen announces his arrival, having Izana and Haruto stand up on cue and hurry over to him. Haruto immediately gives him a hug, holding her younger son as tightly as she could. "M-mother, I can't… breathe…"

"Oh Zen!" Haruto wails, immediately starting to cry as she holds her son. "God knows what I would have done if Obi wasn't there!" Zen could feel her tremble in his arms when he returned the embrace, understanding how much fear surged through her body.

She really only did have just Izana and Zen left. Kain, her beloved knight, had left her too early and she was only left with her two sons and the memory of him. Zen couldn't even ask her to calm down, knowing these things good and well.

"Obi is one of my personal aides," Zen informs her, "I hired him due to his skills and assets. He's also become a very good friend of mine."

Haruto nods, letting her son go and silently praising Obi's existence and position in the castle, "he seemed like a good man when you first sent him to me as a messenger. Be sure to let him know that if he ever needs anything, the Wistaria's have him covered." Zen decides to mentally note that down for the next time he goes to talk with Obi. "How's our men?"

Zen explains that there were no casualties, just several injured. He explains that the court herbalists have treated all of them, and will be monitoring them through the night just in case of any news. But when she asks about the Mountain Lions, Zen looks down and frowns. He explains Mukaze's serious injury, and how they might need to stay in the palace a few more days to recover.

Haruto nodded, "they can stay as long as they need to until Mister Mukaze feels well enough to return home." Zen smiles and was content that his mother agreed with the plan. "After all, they did help fight off the enemy. The least we could do is provide them with whatever they may need right now, and going forward."

Zen then looked over Izana, "have you guys discussed the fate of the Knight family?" Zen looks at his feet nervously and sighs, "honestly, I haven't thought of anything myself. Granted, I've been busy checking on the guards and Shirayuki's father, but no decent punishment has come to mind."

Izana quickly smirks and pats his brother's head, "aren't you lucky I'm here then, huh?" Zen looks up at him, waiting for him to elaborate. "We've come to the conclusion that it is not safe for us to just send back the Knight family to their kingdom. They could plot up ways to ambush again, or start a war with us. Which I don't mind, as our military is impeccable. However, mother doesn't want us to engage in wars if we don't have to."

Haruto nods, "we already have the Knight family in our palace, arrest. We don't have to go to war when we already have the important individuals of that kingdom." Zen agrees. "They're being held in the cells until we confirm our plans with you."

"You've already thought of something," Zen practically breathes. He looks at his brother, awaiting his words.

"We have decided to accept responsibility for their kingdom," Izana announces.

Zen looked at him, wide-eyed with his jaw dropped. "A-accepting responsibility? As in…"

"It's ours." Izana guides Zen over to the desk, where a large scroll was unraveled on it. The scroll revealed the map of the kingdoms of the chunk of land they reside on. The large estate of Clarines resided there, sitting at the west side of that chunk before the rest of it being ocean. Izana points northwest, where the Knights' kingdom sat. He circles around the increase of land ownership if they take control of their kingdom and force them under Wistaria command.

"Brother, it's not just a few acres of land," Zen begins to express his concerns. "We'd be taking over a kingdom with many citizens. This isn't just a simple and easy expansion."

"Sure it is," Izana explains. "When mother declared Elizabeth to be your wife, I purchased some research about their kingdom. Their military is quite small, and their economy is very successful due to their heavy amounts of fishing."

"So what, we'd send around 3,000 to 4,000 of our men over?" Zen suggests. Their military was incredible. They owned over 30,000 soldiers, and they're all evenly distributed around Clarines. Their dedicated staff and citizens are the main reason why the land of Clarines was ultimately one of the best kingdoms. "Fine, but who would we get to rule it? We can't just leave it to any of our commanders."

"I suggested for Sir Zakura to lead the maintenance of the kingdom until we decide what was best," Haruto hums, "but we need him here in case of anything. And Izana has already thought of something."

Zen turns to him, puzzled, "Lord Brother?"

"Apparently it's quite warm there, considering it's up north," Izana informs. "Haki has been getting tired of coldness. She's been yearning for a change."

"You want Haki to rule?"

"Think a little harder, Zen," Izana encourages, tapping at his temple. "I wouldn't force Haki to lead a kingdom, even if it's significantly smaller than ¼ of Clarines. At least not alone anyways…"

Zen looks at him, surprised. "You… want to go maintain that kingdom? Are you sure?" Zen glances over at the balcony, looking at the shining lights of the town. "But won't you miss Wistal?"

Izana shrugs, "I left Wilant for Wistal. I go where I believe I'm needed. I came here for you, little brother." Zen wistfully looked up at his brother, seeing a soft smile crack at his lips. "But you've already grown up. There's nothing I can teach you that you haven't already learned. You don't need me here."

Zen wasn't sure how to feel about this decision. It was fairly wise, as there would be no need for 2 royals to be at one palace. But it's such a sudden event, and Izana would have to leave Wistal immediately. And then considering he wants to bring Haki, too… he'd have to send a letter immediately and then await her arrival there. He'd be alone for the first day, and Zen wasn't sure if he wanted that for his only sibling.

"Izana, you don't have to do this," Zen says quietly. He looks down at his feet, unsure of himself and what he was feeling in his heart. "We could ask one of our allies to seize control of it."

Izana shakes his head, "this kingdom is ours now, Zen. We must take responsibility for it. It's not like I don't trust our allies with it, but this is our problem. We will fix it." Zen quickly learned that there was no changing his mind. Izana was set on leaving Wistal, and Zen was pretty sure it was for more reasons beyond what has been stated.

All Zen could do was smile and support it, "alright then. Get a letter ready to send to Haki, and pack your things." Zen looks up at his brother, receiving a nod upon his suggestions. "You have quite the task ahead of you, Lord Brother."

"I do indeed," Izana huffs in agreement. But he quickly smirks and ruffles Zen's white hair, "it's been fun, but this castle got boring quickly. This is a good change for me; a new challenge for me to take on."

Zen understands this desire clearly. Since everything that has happened, including Zen's liberation of an unrequited wedding, he's now realized how dull life has become for him. It wasn't like his entire world revolved around Shirayuki, but she had been the one adventure that never ended. But now that he no longer has her, his life went back to doing his royal duties and wandering out of the castle in search of something eventful.

"Well, go on then," Zen dismisses, "go prepare." Izana and Haruto both noticed a change in Zen's tone. He looked away from the two and stared distantly at his balcony. He didn't want them to see it, but his true feelings finally came to the surface. His cheeks were growing hot, and tears were welling up in his eyes. He was going to miss his big brother, and words didn't have to express that.

Izana chuckles, genuinely touched by his little brother. He gives him a pat on his back before dismissing himself from Zen's quarters. Haruto quickly rushes to her younger son and gives him a hug from behind. Zen's tears finally decided to stream down his cheeks as Haruto rested her head against him.

"I'm so proud of you, Zen," Haruto whispered. "You and Izana became the men I always anticipated you two would be. Your father would be so proud."

Zen sniffs, "you think so?"

Haruto smiles warmly, "I know so."

She lets him go so Zen could properly wipe his tears from his face. Taking a few deep breaths, he turns to her and nods, "anyways, can you do me a favor, mother?"

"Anything."


"You asked for me, Master?" Obi's quiet voice chirped in.

It was pretty late into the night. After the two made up, Obi left Shirayuki with Garak, Ryu, and the rest of the herbalists to watch over the wounded guards and her father. Mitsuhide and Kiki remained down in the cells, interrogating every captured enemy, seeking as much information about the Knights as well as their kingdom and plans. Haruto came to him calmly with a smile, and went through with Zen's favor.

"Obi," Zen hums, turning over to him. "Come on in." Obi closes the large double doors behind him before walking up to the young Prince. Zen was sitting at his desk, searing hot tea beside him as he looked through the stacks of paperwork he had to get done. "How's everyone down there?"

"They're good," Obi informs. "Mukaze's fever has gone down and he's sound asleep. Your men are asleep as well, but they say that they're ready to be back up and at it by morning."

"That's great news to hear." Zen felt a relief in his heart to know that everyone was fairly well for the most part. "What about Kazuki and the rest of the Lions?"

"They returned eventually," Obi says, "Kazuki is really beat up about everything that happened, but he declared that he'll be staying awake to monitor Mukaze's condition until he wakes up."

Zen chuckles, "how silly."

Obi watches Zen reach for his cup and take a sip of his tea. As he did, Obi asks, "is that all you needed from me, Master?"

Zen shakes his head as he swallows the tea down. "No. I actually wanted to ask you something." Obi looked like a lost dog, with his warm amber eyes open and full of curiosity. He takes a seat in one of the chairs and sits obediently.

"Yes, Master?"

"Is there anything I can give you?" Zen asks genuinely. "Anything that you want or need at all?" Obi widens his eyes, obviously surprised and taken aback by such a question. "Obi? Are you alright?"

"Y-yes, Master," Obi snaps out of his shocked state and nods. "Why… are you offering me whatever I'd like?"

"Well, I figured after everything you've done for me as a whole," Zen begins, "my family and I have decided that you deserved something for your hard and valiant work for the Wistaria family and the people of Clarines."

Obi shakes his hands in front of him, immediately panicking. "Master, you don't have to do that! You took me in when I was nothing but a menace and a nuisance. You saw the good in a bad man like me." Obi's expression softens, his small smile speaking a thousand words alone. "Allowing me to work for you is more than enough."

Zen smiles. Obi truly was a very good man; he just needed someone to guide him. He has added so much to his life, aside from being a loyal and skillful staff member. He's become a friend, someone that has provided laughs and endearing moments that cannot be taken away. Obi has added to something that Zen didn't realize was missing. And for that, Zen knows that Obi will never understand how much more he's done for him than Obi has done for Zen.

"I'm glad to hear that, Obi," Zen responds warmly, "but I still want to give you something. Not just on my behalf, but on my mothers and brothers behalf. They wanted me to give you anything you'd like- that doesn't involve a kingdom or a castle of course."

Obi chuckles but quickly collects himself in thought. He wasn't sure what he wanted. He already had everything that he could ever want and more. He gets to work for a respectable man, spend time with the best friends the world could offer, and was mutually in love with the woman of his dreams. What more could Zen give him that Obi could possibly want? But it was then that Obi remembered that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Shirayuki.

"Actually, I do have 2 things in mind, if they're possible…"

Zen leans back into his chair and weaves his fingers together, "if it's possible, I will do them without hesitation."

"I would like a house," Obi says quietly. "Not too big, but enough to… um…" Obi raises his hands and begins to tap the tips of his index fingers together. "B-big enough to potentially… raise a child or two…"

Zen raises his eyebrows. Obi was completely flushed, his ears even rosy red from embarrassment. This was one of the few personal things that Obi confided to him. The man was essentially an enigma, and Zen knew he was never going to learn about Obi completely. But these few things that he's willing to tell him were valued, and Zen would never press Obi to say more than he wants to. But he couldn't help but smile at this confession.

"Consider it done," Zen says calmly. Obi's shyness dissolves, and he looks up wondrously at his superior. "Is there any area in mind?"

"Just in town, not too far from the palace," Obi says calmly. "Maybe by the water, if that's possible. I'm not too picky aside from those things." Obi watches as Zen takes his quill and quickly writes the information down. "B-but if you can't find all the characteristics, it's fine! I'm sure Shirayuki will be happy with anything."

"I'm surprised you didn't want to go see around the town for one with her."

"She's quite busy," Obi reasons. "And now with Mukaze in the state he's in, I don't think she cares too much about the house right now. I figured I'd go ahead and get one for us while she's busy."

Zen nods, "good man. What's the second thing that you'd like?"

Obi brings his left hand up, and gives it a long look. "It doesn't have to be expensive but… I'd like a pair of wedding rings. Ones that Shirayuki will love."

Zen chuckles and rummages through one of his drawers. Obi watches curiously as Zen pulls out a big sack, the sounds of metal clinking from the motions. Obi studies the cerulean sack, silently questioning its being. "I think this will cover it."

"Is that…?"

"Yep," Zen nods, "heaps of gold coins from Kiki selling both my and Elizabeth's engagement rings." Obi widens his eyes but Zen was unphased. "This should be enough to purchase whatever rings you desire."

"I… okay," Obi quietly accepts. A soft smile crawls on his lips, but he doesn't reach for the money. Instead, he looks into Zen's azure eyes and requests something of him. "If you can… might you accompany me in choosing the rings?"

Zen was taken aback by the request. After everything he has done to Obi, from abusing Shirayuki to having him arrested, Obi still wanted him to play important roles in his life. He has asked him to help choose the knot-tying items in order to ask Shirayuki to be his forever. And honestly, Zen couldn't help but feel like crying once again.

"I would be honored, Obi," Zen nods, agreeing with the terms. Obi sits up and nods, the two smiling at one another as Obi gushes him in 'thank you's. "Is that really all you'd like?"

"That's all," Obi insisted. "Thank you… Zen."

"You're very welcome. Obi." The two sat there in peaceful silence. Zen noticed how Obi shifted excitedly in the chair, clearly thinking about his future with Shirayuki and everything he was doing for her. "So, are you ready to be a father?"

Obi shakes his head dismissively, "absolutely not."

Zen laughs, "I think you'll be a great father."

"You think?"

"Of course," Zen says confidently. "Though, I'm quite worried about how your kids will turn out… one of them is bound to be a piece of work like their father."

"I'm hoping they turn out more like Shirayuki," Obi admits honestly. "I want them to be as smart as her, and be able to carry out their lives independently and carefully while still having fun."

"Yeah? Hair and eyes, too?"

"That would be nice," Obi thinks aloud. "Beautiful red hair, and the most gorgeous set of eyes. It would be amazing if they came out to look just like her. I don't want them to be damned with my traits."

Zen furrows his brows in confusion, "what are you on about, Obi? You have the most unique amber eyes I've ever seen. I don't think I've met anyone with eyes like yours."

Obi accepts the compliment in pleasant surprise. "Are you flirting with me, Master?"

"Obi, I swear to god."