CHAPTER 3

The next morning Misoka rose early trying to be quiet not to wake Nozomu who he shared the room with. He opened the closet to see that the servants had hung up their clothes last night while they were out. He pulled out his best black slacks, white button down, black cardigan and placed it all on the back of the chair pulled up to the small pub table set. The table had several sake bottles lined up on it from last night.

"Was it my imagination last night or were they some weird vibes coming off you and that woman last night?" Nozomu asked turning over to face Misoka.

"It was your imagination that was my first time meeting neither of those women since I was a child." Misoka stated as he began to get changed.

"Where are you going this early in the morning? It just seems like we got to bed." Nozomu yawned trying to prop himself up on to his elbow.

"Oboro and I have a meeting today. We figured if it was best if it was just us. No need to drag everyone out of bed this early." Misoka fibbed as he went back to the closet for his dress shoes. Misoka turned around to face his friend.

"I don't know how you can be so normal after all that sake last night." Nozomu muttered as he turned to face the wall again leaving the feeling of uneasiness in the air.

"Please let the other know we'll be back for lunch." Misoka whispered as inspected himself in the mirror beside the door. He didn't wait for a reply as he left the room.

Oboro met him in the hall dressed in a very dapper suit and they silently walked to meeting room near the front of palace. "I requested the most private meeting room that she would be allowed accessed to." Oboro said stopping at the door to the room.

Misoka only nodded in response as opened the door to see Masumi sitting at the table with a tea set already waiting for them.

"Masumi this is a surprise." Oboro said as they entered the room and slide the door closed behind them.

"Do we have the wrong room?" He asked not moving any further into the room.

"No this is the right room. I plan on sitting in the meeting." She stated calmly barely looking up from her tea.

"Masumi, Misoka has been my ward since Mayumi passed away. Why the sudden interest?" Oboro asked taking a seat at the table.

"After recent events I believe I was too harsh in the past in would like to make for it now. Is forgiveness to much ask?" She retorted as she began to serve him tea.

Oboro looked up at Misoka waiting for him to reply to her question. "No Aunt it's not please join us for this meeting." Misoka answered as he finally sat down. 'It's not going to make a difference.' Misoka thought as he took the third cup and served himself.

The trio didn't have to wait long for the last guest of honor. She slid the door open and bowed before entering the room. She was the same kimono as last night but the pearly pink seemed softer this early light. She sat across the table from the trio by herself. Despite her best efforts the dark circles were still visible but her blonde hair had been done in an elegant half up, half down hair-do. She was still the beautiful actress Aruna.

"Are you by yourself?" Oboro asked slowly, eying the door waiting for it to open again.

"Yes sir I am by myself." She answered meekly down casting her green eyes.

Before Oboro could ask another question Masumi jumped in. "Where is your guardian? You can't do this alone."

"Both my parents died of the sickness over the last few years. I'm by myself." Aruna whispered knowing there were probably ears near the door eavesdropping, servants could be so nosy.

"So you're an orphan?" Misoka asked before anyone else.

"Yes that is a term for it but can that really be used on twenty year adult?" She replied finally looking up at them.

"This in unacceptable! We need to get a hold of one your relatives quickly!" Masumi fumed standing up.

"Is the meeting over?" Aruna asked remaining seated.

Masumi didn't reply as she left the room from another door. She could be heard giving orders to nearby servants.

"Aruna you must have representation of a guardian for this meeting or the results could be found illegitimate." Oboro explained calmly to the confused woman. "I don't know what you know of the situation," Oboro began until Aruna cut him off.

"I'm aware of the entire situation my mother left nothing out about my engagement to Misoka, except that rule. She probably thought her or my father would live to see this day. I know what's on the line. I was not sheltered from any truth which is why I don't wish to alter the proposal in any way."

Misoka and Oboro stared at the now red faced Aruna. "Oh well that makes the situation easier for all of us involved and a relief but a guardian will need to consent. Do you know who that might be?" Oboro asked as he pour her a cup of tea.

"That will most likely be my Uncle Ren." Aruna said taking the cup as it was handed to her. "Misoka you're being awfully quiet for someone who just had their twenty year engagement confirmed." She said blowing on her tea.

"Well that complicates things a bit. I never told Misoka that name, thinking it was insignificant but Aruna do you know why this make things harder?" Oboro asked.

"Yes, it one of the reasons I came here alone. I didn't realize it wasn't allowed." Aruna replied slowly sipping her tea.

Misoka was trying to piece together the puzzle of who Ren was. "What haven't you told me?" He finally asked.

"Misoka, Ren Minamino was your mother's original finance, the one she left to marry your father." Oboro gently informed him.

Before he could process this titbit of information Aruna added "My mother Tsukiko was his sister and your mother's best friend. They were the same age and back then it was common for finances' families to socialize with each other."

"So they were close?" Misoka asked wanting more information about his mother.

"I would say that. I can bring you pictures of them later in the day if you want." She replied placing her finished cup on the table.

"First things first, how long will it take Masumi to contact your uncle and for him to arrive?" Oboro asked pouring himself a second cup.

"Not long, he is probably here like the rest of the kingdom it's just a matter of tracking him down. I believe by the end of tomorrow we have the answer to our questions. Are we done here then?" Aruna asked folding her hands into her lap.

"I do believe we're at a stand still until he can join us. I'm glad you've agreed to the contract." Oboro said reaching across the table to shake her hand. She shook his hand then turned to Misoka.

"Oh good then I can go get those photos then. Misoka would you please join me for lunch today then at the festival? We can meet at the lake." Aruna asked blind siding the men.

Oboro surpassed a laugh as Misoka quickly agreed to the date. "Oh yes, of course." He answered awkwardly.

"Wonderful! I'll see you at noon then." She smiled as she got up from the table. She bowed again as she left the room.

"What was that?" Misoka asked dumbly staring at the door she just left through.

"You've agreed to a date Romeo. It's not a bad thing, you can get to know the woman who is going to be your wife." Oboro replied with a grin on his face.

Misoka just sighed as he got up from the table and headed for the door but Oboro stopped him.

"Misoka, you might want to tell the others about this soon. I'll cover for you today but

I don't think this can stay under wraps much longer."

"I know sir. Thank you for all you've done." Misoka replied as he exited the room. Misoka went back to his room where Nozomu had returned to sleep. 'I knew this wasn't going to be easy but this whole situation is harder than I thought it would be. These old ancient rules and laws need to done away with.' Misoka thought as he laid down on his bed.