DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"Huh, how interesting," Tsubaki said out loud as he read a morning paper, "listen to this, 'Lord Robert, formally the heir apparent to King Stephon the 2nd, suffered a sever stroke during the night follow a lavish ball he had orchestrated for his long lost cousin Princess Ema to introduce her to her royal family.'
"Yeah I'm sure he had the best intentions in mind when he planned it," Tsubaki said out loud before he continued reading."
'Doctor reports are indicating the stroke may have been caused to Lord Robert's love of wine and his obsession with its consumption.The king himself has declared that Lord Robert is to remain at his estate where he can be at peace and have the best care possible for duration of his life. Meanwhile his estate and inheritance are being handle by his long time secretary Mr. Travis Greenland, who, claiming to be acting on Lord Robert's personal requests, is seeing it be divided among several of Lord Robert's loyal staff, including several single monthers under his employment.'
"Single mothers huh? How noble of him," Bea said, sitting next to Tsubaki as he read, "can only imagine how they became single mothers."
Tsubaki smirked at her before returning to the paper.
'In other news, several men under Lord Robert's employment have been discovered to be working behind the scenes to alter and attack the monarch. It is widely being speculated that they, under the leadershipof Henry Killenger, were acting in a way they saw fit to ensure Lord Robert became king. Of course, it is also shown that Lord Robert knew nothing of this and would have brought it to a stop if he had.'
"Sure he would of," Azusa called out, as he sat nearby, putting on a new pair of shoes.
"It's actually a pretty clever strategy," Bea insisted, "by making Robert seem like an innocent victim in Henry's "plot", if word does get out that Robert was poisoned, they'll blam Henry or one of the other guys. They'll say they did as an act of revenge and or to keep him quiet."
"She's right, it's a good strategy," Natasha concured, handing Azusa a tie.
"Thanks," Azusa said as he fitted it, "well as long as it keeps blame from seeping to Ema and Louis, then I guess it'll be ok. Though it does seem a little unfair Robert will never be held accountable for issuing the death of Louis' parents."
"Anymore than his mother never really facing justice for killing Queen Wilma and her two babies," Bea pointed out.
"At least she'll never get her wish, to either be queen or her son be king. Hell, she doesn't even have grandchildren to carry on the lineage," Natasha added.
"Well legit grandchildren anyway, that could never be legally allowed to be king or queen," Bea said with a smirk.
"I'm just find it funny how small of an article it is, in the back of the paper none the lest. Doesn't even really have a head line," Tsubaki said as he folded the paper up.
"It's just as well, given what's really important in the news right now," Bea said softly, looking towards the front page headline that talked about Lady Lilac's wake service to take place. It featured a picture of Lilac in her younger years, dressed regal as a princess. And a more recent picture of her, still looking regal and dignified.
"She did quite a lot during her life," Tsubaki admired as he read a few of the accomplishments Lady Lilac had done over the years. "Helped a lot of the Jewish refugees, including forming the moving system that helped them move around to avoid potential capture from Nazi or Poulon spies. Helped better education for women. Did a lot of environmental work. Helped form and maintain a rather impressive looking orphanage out of one of the royal family's big houses."
"Yeah, I looked up to her a lot," Bea said, "often wishing I was a closer member of her family than my own. I can only wish I could be half the woman she was."
"I bet you'll be fine," Tsubaki assured her.
"How do I look?" Azusa asked Natash as he stood up.
"You look good," Natasha insisted with a smile.
"Thanks," Azusa said with a blush.
"You'll be fine, everyone will be more focused on the king, Ema and Lady Lilac's family," Natasha kept saying, rubbing his arm.
"Thanks," Azusa thanked her, putting his hand on top of hers.
"Well, I guess we should join the others," Tsubaki said as he stood up.
"Yep, better go get this done," Bea agreed as she stood with him.
"I'll come find you when we come back," Azusa told Natasha.
"I'll probably be out at the stables," Natasha let him know as he followed after his brother and Bea. "We can have dinner together."
"I'll be happy with that, after this is done," Azusa called back.
Ema stood in front of her mirror looking over her black dress that had a button up jacket that went over it.
"I hope I look alright in this. I don't want to draw too much attention at this," she said to herself.
"What's that your highness?" Jane asked as she busy herself at Ema's vanity table.
"Oh nothing too serious," Ema said as she took a seat and started to apply the makeup Jane had helped set up for her.
"I hope you're not too upset with attending such a thing today," Jane mentioned.
"Well, I am, I'll admit. These things are always ment to be sad," Ema admitted, "I am glad though I got to meet her before she died. She was an interesting woman.".
"Yeah she was," Jane agreed, "both my mother and I were members of the sorority she personally started. Lilac Feild house. It was started to help women feel more comfortable with going to college. I think your mother was a part of the sorority too."
Ema smiled at that. "Dear sweet Lady Lilac."
"She was sweet in her own way," Louis said as he came in.
"I figured you'd be coming to do her hair, sire," Jane said as she backed away to make room.
"Thank you," Louis said kindly as he started to do just that. "How are you feeling Chi?"
"A little nervous, hoping this day is able to properly show respect to Lady Lilac and all she's done throughout her life."
"You know I heard the emperor of Japan issued his condolences for her passing," Louis mentioned as he kept working with Ema's hair.
"That was nice of him," Ema said, "I wonder if some point I should consider inviting the royal family of Japan to Elence, as a good will gesture between our two countries."
"That would be an outstanding idea," Louis said as he finished, "do you like it Chi?"
Ema smiled happily, "yes, I feel a little better."
"Good," Louis said as he helped her to stand, "it'll be nice to be a little less stressed by today."
"Good luck," Jane encouraged as she waved them out the door.
"Do you have your speech ready?" Ema asked.
"Yes, nothing too long," Lous said as he pulled his notes out. "I'm sure there are more people who knew her better who have better things to say about her. How about you?"
"I have a few things prepared," Ema said as she showed her notes inside her jacket pocket. "I hope it's not too insensitive."
"I'm sure it'll be fine," Louis said in comfort, hugging her. "Oh, and by the way, I wanted to let you know, I've made the arrangement to go to France later today or tomorrow with mother, and Sophie and her parents to meet my birth mother's family."
"Really? So soon?" Ema asked.
"It's not that long of a flight to France from Elence. Barley over an hour. You can make there and back in one day."
"Are you feeling ready for it?" Ema asked as she squeezed his hand.
"I am now," Louis assured her with a smile. "Even if I have to drive down the same road, visit the same spot it happen, I think I'm ready."
"I wish you the best of luck, Brother Louis," Ema encouraged happily.
Masaomi looked slightly disturbed as he walked and read the morning paper.
He paused temporarily as he heard King Stephon approaching with Ukyo, the two talking intently.
"Your Majesty? Grandfather?" Masaomi called out as he came up to them.
"Yes Masaomi?" King Stephon asked as he pasued to let him catch up.
"Did you read or have you been informed about what they're saying about Robert in the papers?" Masaomi asked.
"I should hope so," King Stephon said like it was nothing, "Ukyo, Erica and Hannah had to get approval of the whole thing."
"You came up with this?" Masaomi asked his brother.
"Mostly Erica's work," Ukyo explained, "Grandfather asked us to come up with a reasonable story that was easy to believe and would be hard for most not to disbelieve and shift blame to Ema and us."
"Well, is sounds effective, that's for sure," Masaomi said.
"Masaomi, relax. When you're high in power and people look to you guidance, sometimes ignorance is bliss," King Stephon explained calmly.
"I suppose," Masaomi agreed, "it's not like the article's too hurtful to most."
"There you go," King Stephon praised, "That's actually what Ukyo and I were just talking about. I was praising him for his work and the ladies. I think that article's the best we could have hoped for."
"You have yourself a nice little team there Ukyo," Masaomi also priased.
"I do," Ukyo agreed, "I like to think we'll be able to work together, along with Ema for a long time to come."
"Good, most royals that work with the house of council have their own personal little team," King Stephon mentioned as they nearly reached the front of the palace.
Down in front of the main doors, most of the Asahina family was already waiting, all dresseed in black or dark clothing.
"Is everyonen here and ready?" King Stephon asked as he descended the stairs with Masaomi and Ukyo.
"Let's see, Tsubaki, Azusa and Tsubaki's girlfriend aren't here yet," Miwa said as she looked around, "and neither are Ema and Louis."
"Oh?" King Stephon said looking around.
"Here we are," Ema called out as she and Louis suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs, just barley behind the king and their brothers.
"We're coming too," Tsubaki said as he, Bea and Azusa all came down another hallway.
"Good, we can start heading out," King Stephon declared.
"Am I riding with you Grandpa?" Wataru asked eagerly.
"No lad, I'm afraid in this case you'll have to go with your mom and stepfather," King Stephon explained kindly, "but we can sit near each other during the service."
"It'll actually be about 5 to a limo," Richard started to explain, "Well help guid you to the ones we want you in."
He walked over to Yusuke, "will you ride in the limo with Lady Beatrice and the triplets? As a sort of added protection with them?"
"Sure," Yusuke said, pushing down the unpleasant feeling of being stuck in a car with Tsubaki. He still followed his family out of the palace where a total of 4 limos were waiting.
"Here sire," Richard said as he opened the first limo door.
"Ema, Louis, come along," King Stephon called out as he motioned them to follow him.
"The rest of you can divide the yourselves up among the other 3," Chrissy instructed as she and a few other gaurds helped open some of the doors.
"Surprise you're not riding in the limo with Ema, Yusuke," Azusa said as everyone got situated in their personal limo.
"I think it as something to do with appearance or something like that," Yusuke muttered.
"Oh the king's embarrassed he may get you as a grandson-in-law?" Tsubaki asked.
"Shut-up!" Yusuke snapped.
"Yeah, shut-up, Tsubaki," Natsume added, "I'm sure if Yusuke and Ema," he paused for a second with a flintch, " officially get together, he'll be expected to be seen with her at such things like. I'm guessing the king doesn't want to start spreading rumors on a day that's supposed to be about mourning and paying respect."
"Sure that's it," Bea said giving Tsubaki a smirk.
"Anyway," Azusa spoke up, "Are you still going through with the idea of joining the military academy Yusuke?"
"I am," Yusuke said.
"It'll be interesting to see you following orders abd trying to walk in a straight line," Tsubaki teased, "see if you can tell your right from your left."
"Tsubaki, knock it off," Natsume scolded, "I think it's very admirable of you doing this Yusuke. It shows strength and growth in my opinion."
"Thanks, I guess," Yusuke said.
"Hey Yusuke, in all honesty, are you really sure with this? Like if protecting Ema wasn't an issue, would this be something that you'd want to do?" Azusa asked.
"Yeah, I guess," Yusuke admitted, "getting trained here at the palace in the way of protecting and serving, gave me kind of a thrill. Plus, it always bugs when injustice happens."
"That's true," Natsume seemed to agree, "you always seemed bug by that. I bet that's one of the reasons you started acting like such a delinquent. So you wouldn't let it bother you so much."
"Hmm, maybe," Yusuke muttered shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, anyway, I still think this is a great, Yusuke. I'm sure it'll be a good experience and opportunity for you," Natsume encouraged his little brother.
"Me too," Azusa said.
"Thanks," Yusuke said nodding.
"And I do too, Yusuke," Tsubaki insisted, "it's just so easy to make fun of you about it."
Yusuke groaned, glaring at his brother.
"You don't stop this, there's going to be another funeral here soon!" Azusa warned. Natsume nodded with a scowl.
"Everybody's picking on me," Tsubaki whined, even though he was still smirking.
"Looks like we're just about there," King Stephon mentioned as limo tuned down a road, "Greenwand Cathedral."
Both Louis and Ema moved towards the window to get a look at the Cathedral. It looked impressive to say the least. It stood tall church with a high steeple and green rooftop
"We're not having the funeral at at Vinlany Abby, Grandfather?" Ema asked.
"No, the abby's usually not used for funerals. And besides Lady Lilac wouldn't have wanted such a place for her memorial service. She wasn't one usually to get involved with the royal propaganda. Greenwand Cathedral is the perfect place for her service," King Stephon explained.
As the limo came to a stop, all three waited until Richard himself opened the door and everyone piled out.
As they emerged, Ema and Louis could hear the snapping sound of camera and the clattering of voices. Off in the distance they could see many different news reporters taking into their microphones and recording devices, commenting on the day's event. Among them were also several cameramen, both filiming and snapping pictures of everyone arriving at the cathedral.
"This is turning into quite the event," Louis whispered, "Makes me wish I had known Lady Lilac longer."
"She liked you lad," King Stephon whispered, "be happy with that."
Louis nodded in understanding.
He kept following the king and Ema up into the cathedral, and down the marble floor towards the front. Behind him, he could feel the presence of the rest of his family walking in as well.
They all walked till the reach the front where King Stephon helped lead them to a set of pews, the king himself sitting at the edge.
Ema looked around at some of the guests that had come. Many she regonized either from the ball or from when they had gone to say goodbye to Lady Lilac. She also noticed that Prime minister Cook and her entire family, including Heather were also in attendance.
Ema then looked upwards and suddenly realized there were squirrels all along the rafters, watching down below, holding their heads in respect. Juli, Hailey, Marion and even Bruce were among them.
'Wow, such a grand turn out,' Ema thought.
Soon Lord Howard appeared in front of everyone, dressed in his robes and came to the podium.
"Welcome, brothers and sisters in Christ. We are here today to mourn the loss of Princess Lilac Kramer, daughter of King Harrold the 8th and sister to King Stephon the 1st. A woman who dedicated her life to good doing, kindness and seeking justice in the world. She was a good woman, a carrying woman, a courageous woman. She was dedicated to her family, as a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and several other relatives to many. Elence has truly lost a a grand resident of its fair land."
Revern Howard continued for a short while, listing off many great accomplishments and services Lady Lilac had done throughout her life. And also reciting different passages from the bible, and leading the congregation in some hymns.
"And now dear friends, before I stand aside and allow more to come and pay their respects to this amazing woman, this maybe a little unorthodox, but I would like to ask my new friend, and fellow man of faith, Brother Kaname Asahina, a Buddhist monk and stepbrother to Princess Ema, to come up and offer up his own prayer of passing in honor of Lady Lilac."
Kaname stood up, looking confident and making his way to thr alter where he began to chant.
"Thank you Brother Kaname," Lord Howard when Kaname finished.
"May the woman know peace in the next life," Kaname said before he went and took his seat.
"And now, may we hear the tributes for Lady Lilac," Howard said, "starting of course with the good King Stephon the 2nd."
King Stephon immediately stood and walked to the front of the church and looked out with a powerful stare at all in attendance.
"My dear great-great-aunt Lilac was one of a kind. She knew and understood things in life many of us could never fully understand no matter. She lived life to the fullest, not wanting to be tied down
Either by her status in the royal family, her. gender, her age would deter het from achieving her goals once she set her mind to it. When the call was given, she answered with a vengeance. Dear Lady Lilac was woman to be respected and admired. May her legend live on in all of us."
"That was wonderful Grandfather," Ema whispered as the king returned to his seat.
"Thank you my dear," Stephon whispered back.
More people were soon called forward to give their speeches of respect and encounters with Lady Lilac.
Even Prime minister Cook came up to speek about her.
"Lady Lilac was the kind of woman who inspired women like me. Even before her great-nephew King Albert made way for women to do things like run for prime minister, Lady Lilac showed us what we can accomplish and what we should be striding for. Not just housewives and mothers, but doctors lawyers, law enforcement, historians, scientists, you name it. I owe her a lot for what I am today, as well my daughters. Thank you Lady Lilac, for all you've done."
Ema cast a glance at the Prime minister's daughters who were looking down in respect and remorse.
"Your turn dear," King Stephon whispered as the prime minister finished her speech.
"Oh, right!" Ema said as she said as she walked up to the front. She looked out a little nervous among the audience all looking her way.
'Be brave Ema, be brave, you got this,' she thought as she started to speak, pulling out her note card.
"I only got to know Lady Lilac for a short while. But that short while was an amazing time. She saw in me similar attributes of my my Great-great-grandmother Queen Katherine whom I have been told many times was an amazing woman in and of herself. To be compared to such a woman by someone who knew her personally, is truly a grand compliment ro received. I truly feel honoured that Lady Lilac was proud of me being a member of the royal family. A family she no doubt has watched over the years and seen many ups and downs. I am glad and proud to be a relatives of hers and I hope she can watch from heaven as many of her other relatives grow and flurish in a world she helped mold and thrive. Rest in peace Lady Lilac."
As Ema came back to her seat, she saw a few faces of satisfaction looking her way, including her parents and her grandfather.
Louis also gave her a grand smile before he too stood and went forward.
"I too was only blessed with a short time knowing the amazing Lady Lilac. But I am grateful to for the encounter. For she help introduce me to anothet member of my family, my great-grandfather Prince Scott. She confused me for him. I had not known much of the man before that, but she had. She knew him and thought I was him. That to me made me feel well connected to my roots. If she saw in me another member of her family that she knew well, than that meant she saw me as a member of her family and accepted me as I am. Thank you Lady Lilac, for accepting me in your own unique way."
When he came back to his seat, Louis noticed a nod from the king.
"Very nice son," Stephon whispered.
After a few more eulogies, including one from Rintaro and a special song performed by Futo himself, Howard took over again with the service.
"And now, may we lay Lady Lilac to rest in peace. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Thus says the lord. Go in peace."
"Amen,' echoed throughout the church.
The procession then started out, with King Stephon at the front and Ema near his side. As the exit, King Stephon paused to offer personal condolences to some of Lady Lilac's family as they came out. The rest of the Asahina family made their way towards their waiting limos.
"Nice performance, Futo. Moved me to tears," Miwa said to her son.
"Naturally, I'm that great," Futo bragged.
"Hmm," His mother moaned.
"Oh, Mrs. Asahina," Chrissy called out, "we have a car on standby to take you to the airport, if you're ready to leave."
"Only if Louis and the Arku family are," Miwa said.
She looked towards the church entrance where Louis was standing with Ema and King Stephon as they spoke to a few more attendance as they came out.
Louis merely stood respect silence until Sophie came out with her parents.
"Hello Sophie," Louis said as he reached over and hugged her.
"Hello Louis," Sophie said back, returning the hug, "fine speech you made."
"Thank you, I meant every word," Louis said.
"Were you feeling ready for France then, or should we wait a day?" Mr. Arku asked.
"No, I feel ready. If I wait, I may hesitant a little more," Louis insisted.
"Go ahead Lad," King Stephon encouraged, "I may sure there would be a car ready for you in case you were ready."
"Thank you Grandfather," Louis said, "hopefully we'll be back soon."
"Take your time lad," King Stephon insisted, "and give my best to your birth mother's family."
"Thank you," Louis said, taking Sophie's hand and leading her and her parents down to where his mom was.
"Good luck Louis," Wataru said as Louis walked past most of his brothers.
"Thank you Wataru," Louis said pausing to pat his head.
"I wish I could go," Wataru whined.
"Maybe next time, Wataru, I don't know what's going to happen this time around," Louis told him, "but maybe another time."
"You behave for your stepfather and grandfather while we're gone," his mother instructed as she got into the limo for the airport.
"I will," Wataru muttered annoyed.
"Good luck Louis,"
"Take care Louis,"
"It'll be ok Louis," some of the other brothers called out as Louis came up to the limo too.
Louis stopped and looked out among his brothers one last time.
"Thank you brothers, I know I'll be feeling your support during the whole thing," he said as he waved good bye and got into the limo.
There, inside he saw another passenger already in there waiting.
"Hailey, you're here too?" Louis asked as he held his hand out for the squirrel.
"Of course Chay, you think I'd leave you high and dry at a moment like this do you!" Haily declared as she climbed up and got herself comfortable on his shoulder.
"Thank you Hailey," Louis said, "I know this will be hard for you given that this where your sister died too."
"I'll be okay, don't worry about me," Hailey assured him.
"Thank you Hailey," Louis said, rubbing her head.
The car was soon on it's way to the airport where a private jet was waiting.
"At least we get to travel in comfort," Miwa said as they group boarded.
"Would you expect less from the king?" Chrissy asked as she helped usher everyone on and then boarding herself.
"You're our head gaurd for the trip?" Wendy asked
"Yes ma'am," Chrissy said with a smirk.
"It's not a long flight as it is," Wendy insisted as everyone took the seat.
"Yes, but, given what we're doing, it may feel long and uncomfortable as it is," Miwa muttered.
Louis sat close to his mother and squeezed her hand.
"I think the only member you'll have to worry about a little will be his grandmother," Luke mentioned, "she'll probably be acting like they're the only family Louis has and that you don't and shouldn't matter."
"Yes, I sort of got that impression from her the first time I spoke to her and the rest of my mother's family," Louis agreed.
"But I'm sure she'll still be respectful and understanding of you taking care of and raising Louis," Wendy quickly added.
"That and her husband will keep her in check I'm sure," said Luke.
Miwa nodded, "I'll just play it by ear and be as respectable as I can muster," she declared. She squeezed her son's hand back.
Soon the plane landed at the airport in France. There on the tarmac waiting for them was another limo waiting for them.
"Bonjour, Bonjour!" the driver called out, "I am from the Dubois family here to take you to the main estate."
"Thank you kindly," Louis said as he led the way to the limo and everyone piled in.
"Rest assured Monsieur Louis, your family is eagerly awaiting your arrival," the driver said as he shut the door.
Louis nodded in response, though he looked a little melancholy as the limo started up and drove away.
"You know I'm pretty sure your aunt and uncle are both married, so there's a good chance you'll also get to meet several different cousins as well," Luke mentioned, trying to help ease the tension.
"That will be nice," Louis kindly mentioned.
He smiled politely at the man. "Thank you for coming along."
"Of course, we're here for you now, and forever," said Wendy, "it's what your father and mother would have wanted. Both your mothers."
"Yes, I am happy knowing Louis has such great support," Miwa said.
Louis leaned over and hugged his mother, followed by a kiss to her forehead.
"You know this may sound weird, but when I see you smile at your son Mrs. Asahina, I see a similar spark in your eye that Georgette had when she looked at her son too," Wendy whispered.
"Really?" Miwa said sounding truly touched.
Suddenly the limo turned and everyone looked out and realized they had arraived at the mansion.
It almost looked like a castle in and of itself.
"Wow, I knew the Dubois family was well off, but I didn't think it was to this scale!" Miwa said.
"Oh oui-oui Madam, Both Monsieur and Madam Dubois lineage can be traced back to the last royal family of France!" said the driver.
"Yes, I think I remember hearing that," Louis mentioned.
He took a few deep breaths and squeezed both Sophie and his mother's hands. He also nodded to Hailey on his shoulder.
"Are you ready Monsieur Louis?" the driver asked as he opened the door.
"Yes, I'm coming," Louis said as he climbed out. His supporters were right behind him.
"You can do this Louis," Sophie encouraged as she gave him a small push forward.
"Yes," Louis said as he walked up the grand stairs to the front doors. They were both opened by two butlers.
"Welcome home Monsieur Louis," they both said in unison.
Louis nodded as he walked further in where he saw a maid waiting in a long stretched hallway.
"Follow me please Monsieur Louis," she instructed as she motioned them to follow her. The group did as they were told walked behind down the hallway, past the many fine works of art and framed images.
Louis looked at the different pieces out of the corner of his eye. He paused when he saw a family portrait that showed him as a baby with his parents along with the other members of his birth mother's immediately family. He and the rest of the family all looked happy at least.
"Wow, what a beautiful family," Miwa said as she also paused to look at the portrait.
"This was put up in honor of Monsieur Louis' birth, since he was Monsieur and Madam Dubois' first grandchild," the maid explained, "please do come along."
Louis looked at the portrait for a short while before he finally continued with his mother and the Arku family.
Soon the maid came across to big white doors that she opened and walked inward.
As Louis followed her, he quickly saw 4 people sitting room, his grandparents and his aunt and uncle.
"Announcing Monsieur Louis Asahina, Madam Miwa Asahina, Monsieur Luke Arku, and Madams Wendy and Sophie Arku," The maid proclaimed.
The fous sitting occupants quickly turned their gaze at Louis.
"Oh, oh at last!" his grandmother Clemence shouted in delight as she jumped and practically leaped across the room and gathered Louis in her arms. Louis could both hear and feel the old woman sobbing her eyes out.
"You've returned! You've returned to us!"
Lous was about to reach up to return the embrace when he saw his grandfather joining in on the hug, also crying. Though not as hard as his grandmother.
"It's good to see you again boy, even after all these years!" Elias added softly.
Just behind them, Louis could see his Aunt Nina and Uncle Hugo standing, with their cheeks wet from tears and Nina clenching her hands together tightly.
Hugo looked around his mother at the other four waiting guests.
"Sorry," he quickly said as he dried his tears and walked over to them. "Welcome to our humble estate. We thank you for bringing Louis back to us!" He paused as he studied the group.
"I know you, I met a few times before Georgette's death, Luke and Wendy correct?"
"Yes, that's us," said Luke.
"And then this must be little Sophie!" Nina said as she came and joined her brother. "Well not so little anymore anyway! The way Georgette talked about you, it made it sound like she'd kidnap you for her own daughter someday!"
"I'm sure there were times she felts tempted to!" Wendy joked.
"And you," Hugo said as he looked to Miwa. Miwa looked back at him.
Hugo seemed to be studying her face before he continued.
"You no doubt must Louis' loving mother that took care of and raised him all these years."
"Yes, I am Miwa Asahina," Miwa said bowing her head in respect.
Nina walked over to her and took her hands.
"Thank you! Thank you so much for taking so good care of Louis! I can tell you loved like he was your own!"
"Oh no doubt, I love my son no matter what," Miwa assured her.
"Son?!" Clemence spoke up as she suddenly pulled away from Louis and looked over at her daughter and Miwa, "Who's son?!"
"I was just thanking Louis' mother here for taking such good care of Louis as he grew," Nina tried to explain.
"Nina, Louis is Georgette's son! Your sister's child!" Clemence said a little stern.
"But I," Nina tried to explain.
"My dear, we discussed this! And you promised you'd behave through it!" her husband snapped before he led Louis over to his mother. He shook Miwa's hand.
"I concur with my daughter. Thank you for taking in and raising our grandson when he needed someone for the job."
"There were people for the job!" Clemence muttered.
Elias ignored her and instead studied Miwa's face similarly to how Hugo had.
"You know Madam, this may sound odd, but your eyes, and they way you look towards Louis, almost reminds me of the same look my daughter Georgette had anytime she looked towards Louis as well."
"Really?" Miwa asked surprised. She shifted her eyes a little back to Wendy.
"I was thinking the same thing myself!" Hugo declared, "there's that little twinkle she has that Georgette had as well."
"Really? Let me see!" Clenence demanded as she hurried over to Miwa and got up close and personal.
"Hmm," she muttered as she examined the other woman, "I guess there could be a little similarly there."
"Thank you," Miwa said a little sternly.
"Anyway, let your Aunt Nina get in there and give you a hug!" Nina suddenly said as she hurried over and flung her arms around her nephew.
"Oh!" she said, "you almost have the same built as your father!"
"Oh, thank you," Louis replied.
"Not to mention how much he looks like his mother," Hugo added as he came and stood next to his sister. "I swear, It's almost like she's back here with us!"
"But we are so happy for you to be here!" Clemence said. She grabbed Louis by his arm and pulled him over to the couch.
"Come, tell us what has happened since you were away!"
"Yes, we what to hear about your time with your family growing uo," Elias agreed.
"Foster family!" his wife snapped, "we're his real family!"
"Yes my dear, but Family is also what you make," Elias said nodding towards Luke and Wendy.
His wife grunted and sat on the sofa with her arms crossed mad.
"Well, I suppose when I was adopted by my mom," Louis began. He heard his grandmother make a noise as though she intended to speak up again, only to have Hugo grab her arm and shake his head no.
"She took me to live in the beautiful residential home with 7 of my brothers at the time. Then as time went on, Mother had 5 more sons, and thus I had 5 more brothers. I suppose in an odd way, I did feel a little ostracized by the fact I was adopted, but as mother kindly pointed out anytime I felt that; It's not blood but love that makes a family. And believe me, I did feel love growing up."
"But blood is important when it comes to family," Clemence mentioned.
Her other family members shot her a dirty look.
"Anyway, tell us more about you and what you've done with your life," Elias encouraged.
"Well, up until I discovered my connections to the Elence royal family, I was a professional hairstylist. It was an enjoyable passion of mine. I even started doing it with the staff at the palace. I've enjoyed doing that!"
"A definite trait you picked up from your mother," Nina said as she pulled out her phone, "that is how she made her own fortune as well. With her haircare brand and accessories." She handed her phone to Louis where on the screen was a webpage for a haircare company called Vally of Lillies.
"After she died, I along with your uncle Hugo's wife and the wife of my own husband's brother took over and ran the company in your mother's honor. And I like to think we'd made it just as successful as she would have."
"That's wonderful, thank you for doing that for her," said Louis as she scrolled through the website, examing the various products available through the Valley of Lillies company.
"Did you also expand into other feilds or something?"
"Oh yes, both my sister-in-laws formed their own company within to produce products of different nature that they found appealing, such as clothes and makeup."
"I'll say, I love buying those products. I remember ordering some new cosmetics and hair care for my wedding, and Ema's dress from the company!" Miwa quickly mentioned.
"You mean Princess Ema?" Nina asked.
"Yes, my sister Chi, Princess Yolanda's daughter," said Louis.
"Oh, you call her Chi, just like her father called your mother and me?" Nina said happily.
"My father called you Chi as well?" Louis asked. Nina nodded with a blush.
"I think he did it because he knew I had a little crush on him," she admitted embarrassed.
"Anyway," Hugo spoke up, "now that you're here and know about your other side if heritage, I'm sure you're welcome to get into the family business so to speak."
"Oh yes definitely! We can help work on and with you getting involved with Vally of Lillies, even to the point if you taking over in honor of your mother.".
"I'll have to think about that," Louis said, "Though it looks like you and your sister-in-laws are doing quite well in my mother's honor. And besides I was more thinking of maybe trying my hand at diplomatic work like my father did."
"Oh your father was well suited for that kind of work. Even the toughest of leaders seem to soften up around him," Elias said with pride.
"Thank you," Louis said.
"Well, there's still the inheritance your mother had set aside for you," Nina mentioned, "it's probably accumulated over the years."
"We weren't sure what to do with it for the longest time. It just felt like it shouldn't be touched," Hugo explained.
"Not to mention the inheritance you were supposed to get from us through your mother," Elias added.
"Does that include the villa where my parents died?" Louis asked softly. The family all suddenly got real quiet.
"Yes dear, there's that too," said his grandmother at last.
"No ones been out there in years though," said his grandfather.
"I, would like to se it if that's alright," said Louis a little timid.
"Louis, are you sure?" Miwa asked alarmed.
"I just want to do it now and I figure do it now while I'm feeling courageous," Louis explained.
"Alright, let's get a car ready, and we'll take you there," Elias said as he snapped his fingers.
He then motioned for everyone ro stand and follow him.
Miwa felt a small tug on her arm and lookrd back to see Clemence behind. She looked a little annoyed at the younger woman.
"I just wanted to say that, even though Louis is with his real family now, I do hope you'll not forget about him."
"Why would I forget my son?" Miwa replied with a stern voice.
"Well now that he's with his real family, he's has all he needs," Clemence said with her nose in the air.
"He had all he need with his family already. He didn't have just one real family, he had one big family made up of both blood and love. And do love my son very much!" Miwa snapped.
"He is not your son...," Clemence started to say.
"He is my son! I may not have birthed him, but I still took him to my heart and loved him like no other woman could. I have no doubt you and your late daughter love Louis. However, I love him too and will hurt anyone who tries to force him away from me!"
Clemence looked a little stunned for words and quickly hurried to her husband as though she needed protection.
Miwa meanwhile went over to Louis and took his hand. Louis smiled at her.
"I love you mom," he whispered.
"I love you too. I'm so happy your birth mother's family is so loving to you as well," Miwa whispered back, "you truly do have a big family of love."
"Yes, I do," Louis agreed.