DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"...and he was most insistent that I serve them. I, didn't want to make him mad."
"I see," Richard said stroking his chin, "did you feel a little suspicious about it at all? In all honesty?"
"Kind of yes, I had never heard of that rule before. But like I said...,"
"He intimidated you, yes," Richard agreed, "I can easily believe that. I've seen it first hand." He turned his attention to the second server, "and you?"
"Well, after I stumbled upon him and Lord Yusuke talking about taking the drinks back, I offered my tray. It had the same amount of glasses, I didn't think it would be too awful. And, not to throw him under the bus, but Lord Yusuke said that would be okay."
Yusuke nodded in agreement.
"Then, as I was taking the bad drinks back to the kitchen, Lord Robert walked past me and took one. I tried to warn him but he brushed me off, like he so often does. And, well I didn't know for sure if the drinks were bad so I decided to just let it go and dump the rest. I figured worse case, he'd just have to endure a nasty tasting drink. To be honest, I was kind of hoping for that."
"Then you just dump the rest of the drinks down the drain?" Richard asked.
"Yes sir, and I then I put the glasses among the other dirty dishes to be washed."
Richard nodded again, "thank you guys. Don't worry, as far as I'm concerned neither one of you did anything wrong. If anything, you may have helped saved the kingdom. Good day."
Both servers bowed as he and Yusuke walked out of the kitchen.
"So, I guess there's no way to know what Robert might have been trying to do to Ema and the king and the other relatives?" Yusuke asked.
"Well, with him not able to interfere anymore, I'm sure Mr. Greenland can finally figure out most of his miss-doings freely," Richard said casually.
"Who?" Yusuke asked.
"Travis Greenland, the manager of Robert's household. I'm sure he can find out nearly everything Robert's done or tried to do during his time as heir to the throne," Richard explained.
"But if he works for Robert, how can we be sure we can trust him?" Yusuke asked.
"Well he because he doesn't work for Robert per say, he works for me," Richard said casually.
"What?" Yusuke said confused.
"Hey, Robert had his spies and informants, the king and I have ours. I planted him in Robert's house as my eyes and ears. Find out what he could and what we could put a stop to, that sort of thing. How else would you guess that we were able to get to and save you and the princess when you were first taken here?" Richard pointed out.
"He found out we were going to get kidnapped?" Yusuke said surprised.
"Not that extent," Richard continued, "he just was able to find out a lot of Henry's men were suddenly going to Japan for a big assignment. Which was enough to have me station Chrissy at the airport to watch for them returning."
"Good thing you did," Yusuke said, "I can only wish to be about as half as great of a gaurd and protector that you are!"
"Well, glad you brought that up," Richard said as they walked on, "I was wondering, how would you feel about maybe attending a military academy here in Elence for when you're ready for college?"
"Military Academy?" Yusuke said back.
"Prince Peter Ashton Military Education Academy," Richard said, "founded by and named after Queen Katherine's husband, a military professor himself. A lot of the gaurds we have are recruited from the academy. And Billy and I were thinking, even if you don't become a gaurd, you'd at least like to be properly trained in defense and protection for Princess Ema. I know how you feel about her and she about you."
"Military Academy?" Yusuke said out loud.
"You don't have to, it's just a suggestion," Richard insisted with a smile, "you have the knack for protection. I'm sure most people wouldn't mind seeing a strong firm protector next to the princess and hopefully future queen."
"I'll, uh consider it," Yusuke agreed.
"You should, it'd suit you lad,"
Yusuke and Richard both turn and saw King Dimitri standing behind them with his arms folded and smiling.
"Forgive, I didn't mean to eavesdrop," the king said as he walked over to the pair, "you know Prince Peter also help founded a fine military academy in Poulon? A gesture to help ease the tension between our two countries following the war. I'm sure you're aware of the conflict between our two countries that accure."
Yusuke noticed the king look towards Richard mostly as he spoke. Richard stared back with a hard stone face look.
"Yeah, I've heard a little about it," Yusuke admitted, "but you guys seem to be getting along well now."
"To an extent," King Dimitri replied, still looking towards Richard, "and who knows, in time, we'll completely bridge the gap between us."
"That would be nice," Richard seemed to agree, though a bit reluctantly, "I have to get back to my duties. Think about the military academy Yusuke, it might be a good thing for you."
"Thanks, sure," Yusuke called out as he was left alone with King Dimitri. The king looked like he was about to walk off as well, Yusuke suddenly spoke up, "um, your majesty?"
"Yes lad?" King Dimitri replied turning back around.
"Is there a more deep reason Richard doesn't like your country?" Yusuke asked a little sheepishly.
King Dimitri shifted his eyes in shame, "yes, I'm afraid so. You see, during the war, when many Jewish people were trying to get to Elence for protection, and some met with hardship as they tried going through Poulon to get there. There was one case where a mother and her three daughters were trying to make it through my county to get to Elence. They had just made it to the border to cross. The younger two girls made it across safely, but when the mother and oldest daughter were coming over, a few boarded gaurds of Poulon caught them, dragged the poor mother and daughter back over and shot them right there, in front of the other two daughters. It was awful. Even I can't believe my country did that. And Elence, oh they were furious about the whole thing, including the queen, who did her best to retaliate against Poulon.
Meanwhile the two daughters who survived, became little medical darlings. They were adopted by a well meaning family and spent the rest of their lives in peace."
"Well that's good and all, but what does that have to do with Richard?" Yusuke asked.
"Richard's a decedent of one of the two little girls, the elder one I think. So it's no doubt he'd a strong sense of hate towards us. I can't blame him nor condone him for it. Only appreciate that he hasn't let his anger towards us interfere with his duties. He's done a good services to King Stephon over the years. In a small way, Richard's like a son to him."
"Yeah, I can see that," Yusuke agreed, "and I guess I can understand why a marriage between Ema and your grandson would have been helpful to makd things better."
"No, that wouldn't have done. If anything, I think it would have made things worse," King Dimitri insisted.
"Mmm, well, I bet Ema would still do her best to make things better between you two countries. Call me crazy, but I bet her not growing up here, knowing about the hatred Elence has for Poulon, might makenit easier for her to want to make peace," Yusuke sputtered.
"You could be right," King Dimitri agreed with a smile, "I hope so. Take care, Sir Yusuke, I hope you make the right choice for you in regards to the military academy. I have to go make sure my family is ready to return home."
"Take care your majesty," Yusuke also called back. He walked on, by himself pondering a lot of the new things he had recently learned.
"How big of a funeral will be held for Lady Lilac?" Ema asked, sitting in her grandfather's office. Lord Markus, Revern Howard, her parents and Ukyo were also there.
"Well, there'll probably be a rather big memorial service for her, for all those who wish to pay respect, can attend. As for her actual burial, I'd imagine they'd want to keep that small. I might not even attend that myself, less I risk drawing the media on what should be a simple family time," King Stephon explained.
"A wise choice," Lord Markus agreed, even as he rubbed his face, "I am so going to miss her. Mostly because I enjoyed being mistaken for Great-grandfather Rupert."
"I'll miss her too," Revern Howard agreed, "I remember going to her estate and playing on that marvelous playground she had put in on her grounds, and all the interesting children you could meet and play with there."
"I saw that when we visit the estate," Ema spoke up, "even though it was a sad time, it was nice to see the children playing with it."
"Yes, Lady Lilac enjoyed knowing children could be happy. She'd had herself a perfect window where she could watch them play. And anyone was allowed, no matter their status," King Stephon recalled. "and that was only one of her good qualities even before she started loosing her mind."
"I remember her when I was here with Kenji and Yolanda brought us to her estate to document some of her landscape," Rintaro spoke up, "even though it was getting harder for her to walk, she insisted on coming with us to personally show us some of the spots she wanted to personally have documented. And I aslo remember the whole time practically she tried talking to Yolanda about her marriage to Kenji, even though they weren't that serious yet. She seem to know they end up married just by meeting him."
"Did she really?" Ema asked excited.
"Told you she had a 6th sense," Lord Markus joked amused.
"Yes," King Stephon seem to agree softly, making everyone look back at him.
"Are you okay Grandfather?" Ema asked taking his hand.
"I will be dear," King Stephon assured her, "I just, would like to take a breather. I think I'll take a small stroll through the gardens."
"Do you wish to be alone Uncle?" Howard asked.
"Well, anyone else is welcome to come walk in the gardens too, but I'd rather not have any one walking besides me at the moment," King Stephon ordered. He stopped by Ukyo.
"Ukyo, Lad," he continued, "if yours and Masaomi's friends on the Council, Erica and Hannah, are still here, could please meet with them to maybe discuss how to go about releasing the information on Lady Lilac's death and Robert's new state to the public?"
"Of course Grandfather," Ukyo promised.
"Thank you, try to make sure Lady Lilac gets more attention than Robert. Mostly so because I think she should be more honored and recognized during this time. And also, I don't want whatever happened to Robert to be blamed on me Ema or anyone else in the family. At least not right away. I'm sure it'll happen one way or another. Even if there's no evidence to back that up," King Stephon instructed.
"We will do our best," Ukyo assured him.
"Thank you, I'm sure you'll handle it with kindness and discretion," King Stephon said as he opened the door to his office and surprisingly, Wataru stumbled in.
"Wataru!" his mother scolded.
"What brings you stumbling in Lad?" King Stephon mocked.
"I just wanted to know if you were okay Grandpa!" Wataru quickly said.
"I'm fine," King Stephon said as he kindly patted Wataru's head. "I've had to deal with a whole lot more." He nodded his head back towards Rintaro, "I'm going to go take a small walk in the gardens. Do you want to come for a walk too?"
"Sure!" Wataru agreed eagerly.
"You can walk around on your own at first. I want to have a small time by myself. Does that make sense?" the king asked.
"Sure," Wataru said.
"Why don't we go with them? Just to keep an eye on Wataru?" Miwa suggested.
"Good idea," Rintaro agreed, "the gardens are nothing but the best! I can even show you some real life Maebe trees!"
The group followed close behind the king in silence, giving him a fair enough of space.
"Oh hey, mom, here you are,"Yusuke suddenly called out as he came across the group, "oh and Ema too!"
"How did go with the investigation with you and Richard?" Ema asked as she paused to offer Yusuke her hand.
"We may have found out what he took rhat made old Robbie what he is now," Yusuke explained, "that's all I know for now. But I'm sure Richard has a few more things to look into. And if he needs me, he'll know where to find me."
"Robert may have poisoned himself?" Rintaro said, sounding amused but trying hard to fight it.
"It's a strong possibility," Yusuke said right as they reached the gardens. King Stephon walked down a smooth stone path by himself, while everyone else seemed to find a different path all their own. Wataru was running around happily like any regular boy would.
"You know I am glad I ran into you guys," Yusuke continued, as he walked with Ema and their parents, "Richard may have made an offer for me in regards to my future."
"What's that?" Ema asked a little concerned.
"He asked me if I'd like to consider attending this apparently famous military academy," Yusuke told het.
"Military Academy? You?" Miwa said also sounding like she was attempting to suppress a laugh.
"Richard said he and Billy thinks it'll be a good move for me. Apparently a lot of guards in the place security unit get trained and recruited from there. They both know how much I want to protect Ema, this would be a good place to learn more how to do that. Plus it's a real famous academy here in Elence founded by What's her name, Queen Katherine's husband?"
"Prince Peter," Rintaro spoke up, "Yeah, Queen Katherine's husband and Ema's great-great-grandfather. He himself was a military professor."
"My great-great-grandfather?" Ema said.
"It is an impressive school," Rintaro continued, "I remember going there for some documentation. It has this rather impressive statue of the prince out in front. It's actually kind of intimidating."
"Is this what you want Yusuke?" Ema asked squeezing his hand.
"Well it sounds tempting, especially if Richard and Billy both think I have potential for it. I've never thought I'd have potential for anything except being seen as a delinquent," Yusuke admitted.
"Oh honey!" Miwa cooed as she walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tight.
"Mom!" Yusuke whined as he tried to pull away.
"I knew you'd never settled for just being a delinquent all your life. I knew you'd rise up and find your own path like your brothers. Of course even I never expected military academy, being trained as a guard. But then again, it might just suit you. I'd say go for it."
"Really?" Yusuke said looking to his mom's honest and sincere face. Miwa nodded.
"I kind of agree with your mom. You seem like the kind of guy suited for something like bodyguard work or something like that," Rintaro also insisted with a assured look on his face.
"What do you think?" Yusuke asked turing his attention back to Ema.
"I think you should do whatever you think is right. And if you feel it's right, I'll be cheering you on all the way to the end," Ema encouraged.
"So you think I should?" Yusuke asked.
Ema nodded, "Yes, it seems as though you really want this and I want to see you succeed and be happy! So please, do this for you. And know I'm happy for you."
Yusuke blushed. He sheepishly looked back at his mom and stepfather.
"Could you maybe give us a moment?" he asked. He grabbed Ema's hand and pulled her away down a different path that had an overhead, out of the adults' sight.
"You don't think he's going to do anything naughty do you?" Rintaro asked a little concerned, looking like he wanted to follow. Miwa pulled him back.
"No, Yusuke may act bad, but deep down he's just as much a gentleman like his brothers. I should know, I raised him to he such. I bet anything he hasn't even tried yet to get that girl in bed."
"What?!" Rintaro sputtered.
"Just saying, I'm pretty sure our little girl is still pure and innocent in that regards," Miwa said as she pulled her husband, "but as for you and me, think you can show me that secret spot where nothing happened between you and Lady Theresa?"
"Well, maybe," Rintaro started to agree and he took the lead and led his wife off, making her start to giggle.
Ema had to smile as Yusuke pulled her along the path under a canopy of flowers.
"Think we're alone here?" Yusuke asked once they had run a short while.
"I think so," Ema said, looking around. She noticed their parents wetr out of sight at least, "why do you ask?"
"Well, I just wanted a moment alone," Yusuke said, "you still doing okay?"
"Yeah, I mean, I'm sorry Lady Lilac is gone, but I think I feel alright for the most part," Ema said.
"And, do you really think, truthful and honestly, that military academy is a good idea?" Yusuke asked, rubbing her hand with his thumb.
"Yes, both with what mom and dad said and like I said, as long as your happy, Yusuke," Ema insisted, blushing at Yusuke's gesture. Yusuke nodded looking a little embarrassed.
"I guess, I'll do it," he decided, "Richard said it wouldn't hurt to for me to be seen as a strong protector next to the princess...,
Did I just say that out loud?"
"Yes and, he's right," Ema teased, "I've always felt safe with you next to me, the whole time. Even starting as far back when we were kidnapped and brought here by force. I had a small sense of comfort knowing I'd have you to protect me in the worse case scenario. Even if it also terrified me with idea of you getting hurt!"
"Yeah, well, hopefully with professional training, you won't have to worry about that anymore," Yusuke said, pulling her a little closer.
"I'll always worry about you getting hurt, even if you're the best trained gaurd in the world! I love you Yusuke!" Ema declared.
Yusuke didn't reply. Instead, tugged at Ema, pulling her closer to kiss her.
"Mmm," Ema moaned happily, wrapping her arms up and around Yusuke's neck. Yusuke also wrapped her arms around her waist.
It felt like the perfect moment, complete with flower petals actually fluttering down around them.
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
"Ah!" Yusuke shouted as he and Ema pulled apart and looked to see King Stephon coming their way.
"Grandfather!" Ema said as she tried fixing her outfit.
"Hello dear," King Stephon said as he walked closer, "hello Yusuke, having some nice clean enjoyment together?"
Neither Ema and Yusuke could respond, but looked around embarrassed. The king smirked as he walked around the pair, gazing at some of the plants.
"Would you believe I actually caught your parents in practically the same place, doing the practically the exact same thing, Ema?" he said.
"What? You did?!" Ema said in shock.
She noticed her grandfather cast her an evil smile.
"Most assuredly," he said, "only maybe a little more...,"
"Grandfather! Please!" Ema shouted in alarm.
"Relax dear, your father was by far a good moral man through and through. Even if he snuck your mother away, he only had the best intention at heart," King Stephon assured her. He cast a glance at Yusuke. "Actually, with that said, do you think it's possible to borrow you Yusuke for a bit?"
"Uh, sure?" Yusuke sputtered.
"Good, come with me, now," King Stephon ordered, pointing down the path again.
"Yes your majesty," Yusuke quickly obeyed, hurrying after the king.
"Don't worry Dear Ema, I shan't cut off his head or anything," King Stephon called back as he led Yusuke out of sight.
"Oh, sure," Ema sputtered.
'Why am I feeling nervous?' she thought as she went back the way she came.
She walked along the path as it led along through the garden.
"And he broke their feet huh?" she suddenly heard Howard talking. She walked along until she found sitting on a bench talking to Wataru.
"Uh-huh and then he got me on him again and he managed to jump the fence to get away!" Wataru told him excited.
"What an amazing horse you have, Wataru," Howard said, "I can see why you want to take him with you back home."
"Do you think he'll be happy in Japan?" Wataru asked.
"I think as long as he's with you, Wind Storm will be perfectly happy," Howard assured him.
Wataru nodded, "do you ride?"
"Of course, I am second generation royal. It's still kind of a requirement," Howard teased, "of course it didn't help that my wife enjoyed riding. Her favorite place to ride was this beautiful mountain trail that went along a river. It's so peaceful there. She could spend hours up there on her own, horse or no horse. That's why I went so far as to spread her ashes along the trail after she passed away."
"Oh I'm sorry she died," Wataru said.
"Thank you lad," Howard said, "maybe before you leave or if you have a chance to visit again, I can show you and your sister the trail. I bet you like it."
"Could we really?!" Wataru said excited.
"Maybe even just for a walk," Howard started to say.
"No no! I have to take Wind Storm there! He'd love it I'm sure!"
Howard laughed, "well then, we'll have to work on that."
"I'd like to see it too personally," Ema said as she finally joined the two and sat next to Howard. "I'd like to see more of my country."
"Your country hmm?" Howard said, "you feel good saying that now?"
"Kind of," Ema blushed, "I really feel like it's my destiny to be the next queen."
"You are going to be queen!" Wataru insisted, "and I'll be one of your great knights along with Yusuke!"
"Maybe even a better knight," Howard said, "you already have your gallant steed."
"I do, don't I?" Wataru said smugly.
"Do you or have you looked into getting a horse yourself Princess Ema?" Howard asked.
"Yes, actually," Ema said, "they introduced me to Miss Shadow, my mother's horse's daughter."
"Really? They managed to get her to re-produce? How wonderful!" Howard said. "You know we took lessons together, more or less? Your mother and I?"
"Oh?" Ema said, "was she any good?"
"Oh yes, she had some of the best teachers money could buy training her. And she had fun with it. Though it wasn't her most favorite hobby. Those were her video games," Howard told her.
"I remember hearing that," Ema said with a giggle.
"Yes and for some reason, meeting her father, made her enjoy it even more," Howard said.
"Did you like my father?" Ema asked.
"Very much, even if he came from a different land. It seemed like nearly everyone liked him and were excited with the idea of him being your mother's husband," Howard said.
"Wouldn't he have been a king?" Wataru asked.
"No, it doesn't work that way," Howard said, "since Kenji wasn't even born royalty he was going to just be prince consort. Same with whoever Ema marries, he'll just be a prince consort."
"What's a consort?" Wataru asked.
"Just a term used to describe a spouse of a monarch," Howard explained, "just like your grandfather's wife was technically a queen consort rather than just a regular queen."
"Oh," Wataru said, though he still looked confused by the whole thing.
"I am glad Father was well liked before he and mother ran away," Ema mentioned to herself. In a way it made her feel more confident that if and when she and Yusuke maybe marry, he could be accepted as well.
Yusuke took a deep breath as he followed the king until they came to a more open area that had 4 Maebe trees all in a circle.
"Come here lad," King Stephon ordered as he stood in the center of them. Yusuke quickly joined him.
"Take a look lad. The Maebe trees, a proud symbol of Elence. They are a very unique type of trees. Do you know why that is?"
"Because like if you plant them at a different time of the year they'll have a different color bloom or something?" Yusuke tried to answer.
"Correct," Stephon confirmed, "the only type of tree that will do such a thing. And as such, it led to a special tradition with men of the royal family. When a man is more or less determined to be married, whether by blood or not, he would come among different trees and pick whatever peddle color he liked best. I myself picked blue and Wilma and I hqd a beautiful winter wedding. And Kenji, Ema's father chose white. I can only imagine what a beautiful summer wedding he and Yolanda would have had."
"Oh that's cool," said Yusuke calmly.
There was a little awkward silence.
"So?" King Stephon finally asked.
"Uh, so what?" Yusuke asked.
"So, what color do you like, Lad?" Stephon asked again.
"Uh, you mean, you want me to...," Yusuke sputtered in shock.
"Well, I can't help but feel it's a safe assumption," King Stephon said.
"You, you actually think, Ema, and I?" Yusuke asked.
"Yes," King Stephon smirked, "and I approve. So, pick a tree."
Yusuke was quiet before he walked out more towards the center of the 4 trees.
"I guess the pink then?" he said at last.
"Pink huh? A spring wedding, how beautiful," King Stephon said.
"Spring wedding?" Yusuke said.
"Pink repersents spring," King Stephon explained.
"Spring Wedding?" Yusuke said again, thinking long and hard about it. He did admit, it was beautiful to imagine. Ema in a light white dress, next to him wearing a tux. Or maybe even a uniform of sorts like he had see the British princes wear.
"Yusuke? Are you still with us?" King Stephon called out.
"Oh sorry, sire!" Yusuke quickly recovered.
"That's alright," King Stephon assured him, "I was merely saying would you feel comfortable having a church wedding?"
"A church style? Yeah, I'd do that, especially if it'll be what the public wants to see Ema do. Is she going to have to do the whole converting thingif she's the princes?"
"No, the whole must converting to one religion among the royals was abolished many years ago by my father. One of the last things he did as king before he passed away. Believe it or not, we have Robert's mother to thank for that. She was so determined to marry first and the man she settled on didn't want to convert from his religious practice. So she persuaded mother to get father to abolished the whole thing," King Stephon explained.
"So," Yusuke said.
"Ema will have total freedom to practice whatever religion she chooses as long as she doesn't force her religious beliefs on the country as whole. And actually if she does go that route, she'll be the first to do. That'll be most interesting to see personally," King Stephon speculated.
"Well, whatever she does do, I'll follow," Yusuke assured him.
"I should hope, a woman isn't a woman without the proper support of the man she loves," King Stephon declared, "of course the same can be said for men as well."
"Yeah," Yusuke agreed, "you know Richard offered me to go to your grandfather's military academy for training."
"Did he?" King Stephon said intrigued.
"And Ema said she'd support me if I do," Yusuke continued.
"Are you then?" King Stephon asked.
"I think I am," Yusuke said.
"Excellent, it'll make you look even better with that and your knighthood," said the king. "Speaking of which, I still have that ceremony to plan for the mayor who saved Ema and possibly that Alex fellow. And I'm thinking, I may have Ema do the ceremony."
"Is she allowed?" Yusuke asked.
"She will be," King Stephon said, "I'll make it so."
"Sire," Richard said as he suddenly came running out, "The Poulon royal family is getting ready to leave."
"Oh, right, better go say good bye," King Stephon said.
"...the Poulon Royal family is getting ready to leave," Ema , Wataru and Howard all suddenly heard Richard call out.
"Oh, I should go join Grandfather with that," Ema said as she stood up.
"Me too! Me too!" Wataru aslo said he started looking around for the king.
"Got to say good bye to your girlfriend, Wataru?" Howard teased.
"I, what?" Wataru sputtered.
"Ema, come along, we must bid farewell to Dimitri and the others," King Stephon called out as he and Yusuke suddenly walked past.
"Coming," Ema said as she hurried to catch up.
"So what were you and Grandfather talking about?" she whispered to Yusuke.
"Uh, um, the military academy?" Yusuke sputtered.
"Oh, does he like the idea too?" Ema asked.
"Yeah, yeah he does," said Yusuke a little proud.
"Mmm, I can't believe we already have to say goodbye!" Queen Abigail squealed happily, as she engulfed Ema in another big hug, "you'll have to come to Poulon soon, just for a random visit! You'd like it!"
"I will make the time deer Queen Abigail," Ema assured her.
Queen Abigail hugged even tighter before finally letting Ema go. She slid her hand gently across Ema's cheek and under her chin.
"Take care and be proud of who you are, all of who you are!" she told her proudly.
"Thank you," Ema said softly as the queen slowly pulled her hand away and headed towards the door.
"June dear, come along please."
"Just a minute, Grandma-ma," June said, who was standing near Wataru.
"And when you come to visit, which you better, we're going to go riding. I want to race my horse against Wind Storm. I want to see who can win, because I know my horse is great. You see her and you'll agree she's great!"
"Yeah, but Wind Storm's better! You'll see, he's my gallant steed!" Wataru declared.
"You know, you two can Skype over this later," Prince Zane said as he came over and gently led June away. He paused and looked over at Ema one last time and bit his lip.
"Guess things didn't quite work out between us, huh?" he said sheepishly.
"It was kind of you to consider," Ema replied.
"Well, it wasn't hard," Zane said. Ema blushed while Yusuke made a quick gesture of putting his arm around her. He sent a warning look at the prince. Zane merely shrugged and headed to the door himself.
"Take care everyone," he called out, waving his hand back.
"Yes take care," Prince Oliver also said, "I look forward to seeing how well you progress as the princes of this great land, dear Ema."
"Thank you, Prince Oliver," Ema said curtsy.
"And I hope you can soon come and meet the rest of my family soon. They may not be as grand as yours, but I think you'll like them," Prince Oliver added.
"I'll be looking forward to such a meeting," Ema said before Prince Oliver also headed out.
King Dimitri watched as his family walked out before he turned to look back at his good bye party.
"Take care all of you," he said, "I can't help but feel in an odd way, with a new family introduced into the relms of the royal family of Elence, it'll open up new ways of mending the bond between our two countries."
"I agree," King Stephon said, looking towards Ema with pride.
Yusuke looked towards Richard who also seemed to have a face that suggested he agreed too. He hoped what the old king said came true.
"Well good bye now," King Dimitri said as he got ready to leave, "oh and Yusuke? We'll be in touch with you in regards to your knighthood ceremony."
"Oh sure," said Yusuke.
"You're so lucky to be a knight Yusuke!" Wataru complained as the Poulon royal family finally left all together.
"You know it's just a title right? I'm not going to be going off on quests and stuff to slay dragons," Yusuke muttered.
"You'd be wasting your time anyway," Natsume said suddenly walking by with Emily, "dragons aren't a big part of Elence lore."
Emily smirk, "you sound like you're a big expert on Elence lore."
"Well it helps to have a skilled mindset and a good tutor," Natsume said.
"Plus she's pretty," Wataru mentioned.
"Wataru!" Natsume muttered through clenched teeth.
"Ah, thank you," Emily said patting Wataru's head.
"Actually your highness," Natsume spoke walking closer to the king.
"Grandfather, please Natsume," King Stephon insisted.
Natsume took a deep breath and continued, "grandfather, Emily and I were just talking and we were thinking in honor of Lady Lilac's passing, puting a character based on her in the game. As the sort of guide, or Oracle the player's character can seek out for advice on how to advance on in the game."
"Oh, that's perfect for her, I'm sure she would have liked that," King Stephon agreed. "Thank you for that."
"Our pleasure," said Emily.
"Grandfather?" Ema spoke up, "speaking of tribute, will I be allowed to pay respect to Lady Lilac at her memorial service?"
"I should hope so. I'm counting on it," said King Stephon.
Ema nodded, "good, I'd appreciate it, as a full on princess of Elence."
"All hail the princess of Elence," Emily said suddenly.
"Yeah, all hail the princess!" Wataru also said.
"All hail the princess," Howard, Miwa and Rintaro chimed in.
Ema blushed as she noticed Yusuke and Natsume looking a little embarrassed about saying the same thing out loud.
"It's okay," she assured them softly.
'When you're a true princess, you don't need others to remind you with praise,' she thought.