Chapter 28.
Reuniting with Harlock had done wonders for Natsuki's confidence, and later that day, she was once more riding around the village on Ducati. Harlock was amazed to see her riding the stallion without saddle or bridle at a full gallop.
"That girl was always impressive," Harlock smiled to Shizuru, "Even when she was a wee child. And her Father was a good friend. I'm both sorry to hear about the hardships she's endured, and unsurprised to hear that she actually managed to endure them.
"Also, I've heard rumors that she found someone here who truly cares for her," Harlock cast an amused and knowing smile at Shizuru, "And it's none of my business who it is, of course. I just need to know that they're treating her well and with kindness and affection."
"I think I can assure you, good Captain, that Natsuki's lover is gentle with her feelings, and considerate of her needs. Also, I think that seeing you has done wonders."
"Well, Hello, Captain Harlock," Alyssa came up to him, curtsying as she approached, "It's been awhile."
"Little Alyssa. I hear that Natsuki's adopted you."
"Well, of course she did. She needed a guardian, after all. And a chaperone, from time to time," Alyssa cast a meaningful gaze at Shizuru.
Harlock chuckled, "Is this a case of you deciding that no one is good enough for your big sister?"
"Oh, there are people who are good enough. I just have to make sure they maintain their standards."
Harlock laughed, patting Alyssa on the head, "I'd ease up, for your sister's sake. It wouldn't do you much good to antagonize someone she cares for. Anyway, I've seen a sail on the horizon, and I have to deliver a very stern warning to Captain Kanzaki."
Harlock walked off.
Natsuki was stabling Ducati when the tall, willowy Emeraldas came up alongside her.
"It's been many a year, Natsuki. I still remember the wild girl who once pulled my hair in a fit of pique," Emeraldas smiled gently, "The Countess told me about what happened to you, recently. I'm happy to see that you haven't let it rule you."
Natsuki smiled at her, "You have much more hair, now. But I suspect that no one dares try to pull it."
Emeraldas gave her a chuckle, and patted the sword at her hip, "A few have actually been bold enough to try…once. No one tries twice.
"So, I hear, dear Natsuki, that you're in love."
Natsuki blushed slightly, "I…Yes."
"You don't have to tell me who," Emeraldas said, stroking Ducati's flank, "But tell me about this person."
"You know who," Natsuki said flatly, "And she is…She worries about me. Often. But she never tries to hold me back. She understands my need to be free. And in turn, I understand her. She…I have much in the way of money…but she is more impressed with small gifts that I give her. A hat I made from the skin of a rabbit. A nautilus shell I found while diving near my cabin. These things make her happy. Just small tokens."
"It's because anyone can buy things with money," Emeraldas smiled, "But you give her gifts that could only come from you. And it sounds like she is very taken with you, too. I'm told she threatened to make an enemy of every crowned head of Europe for your sake.
"Understand when I tell you this, Natsuki. There is no one in this world whom I fear. But there are a few people whom I would prefer as allies to enemies. Countess Shizuru Viola de Fujino is someone I would rather fight alongside than against."
Natsuki laughed.
"What's so funny?" Emeraldas asked gently, suspecting she already knew the answer.
"She said the same of you this morning. You and Harlock. What of you, Emeraldas? When I last saw you, you were sixteen years old, and telling your Mother you would not marry anyone save for love. Have you found someone to love?"
Emeraldas smiled, "I have. You met him this morning. Tochiro Ooyama."
Natsuki nodded, "He fools people with how he looks. They think, 'this man is short and ugly. He is no danger.' But they are wrong. I can sense it. He is strong. But he is strong enough to be gentle."
Emeraldas blinked, then laughed, "Yes, that's Tochiro. Strong enough to be gentle. He does a lot of work with his hands. He's a craftsman without equal. There are stories that survive generations and become legends. Tochiro is such a man."
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Nagi rowed to shore from the Fuuka once it pulled in to the area outside of Windbloom. He was accompanied by Mashiro and three sailors.
"You have a good deal to answer for," Shizuru drew her stiletto dagger on him.
"Whatever you think I've done," Nagi sighed, "I haven't. Captain Kanzaki just informed me that he sent those saboteurs back to you after taking them aboard ship last summer. I think you can guess why."
"Because Kanzaki is the head of the First District, and he manipulated you into a marriage pact with his sister so that when you came up with this ridiculous idea of founding a new Kingdom, he could profit from it," Shizuru said, "And he let you come here to tell me this?"
"He allowed me to come to ascertain what you already knew, and to determine if the Forest Princess was still among the living."
"She is. His agents are not. Also, Natsuki now knows that it was Kanzaki who orchestrated the death of her Father."
"Well, yes. But not just Kanzaki. He is part of a Triad. Three disparate organizations, each vying for power in the New World. Each realized quickly that they would stymie one another's plans and prevent any meaningful acquisition of wealth, because any money they did earn would be spent fighting each other for superiority. And so, First District, Schwarz, and the Foundation decided to form a group council, one member of each group together.
"Though you are right, that I was their pawn. But they forgot that when a pawn reaches the end of the board, it can become a much more powerful piece," Nagi grinned.
"Your petty machinations mean nothing to me, Nagi. Do you know what they tried to do? Do you understand the humiliation and degradation they put her through, even if those men didn't succeed in their attempt? I couldn't care any less about your groups and your power struggles. All I care about is making sure that there is a peaceful life for my dearest Natsuki. Who, Nagi? Who are the heads of those groups?"
"You know Kanzaki is the head of the First District. His opposites in Schwarz and the Foundation are John Smith and Father Greer.
"Though, for the last year, Greer has been working for me. He gave me all the evidence I need against Smith and Kanzaki, evidence which I will now turn over to the Captain of that privateer vessel, there. Smith and Kanzaki will be arrested, or killed, and I will assume my reign as the Sovereign of Windbloom, alongside my wife, Mashiro."
"And you?" Shizuru looked at Mashiro, "What is your stake in all of this?"
"I am the Queen of Windbloom, and wife of Nagi de Artai. I want only to devise a Kingdom that is prosperous and beautiful," she smiled sweetly, "Whatever power you may have, it doesn't exist in this village."
Shizuru turned cold eyes on her, "Interesting. Then you remember this, Majesty; That hill there is the end of your Kingdom, and the world to the north is the home of a Princess who is more powerful, regal, and just than you can ever hope to be. And I serve at her side, gladly and with pride."
As if on cue, Natsuki appeared before them, and she walked calmly and with purpose to them.
"I know you did not kill my Father," she said to Nagi, "And so, I will only ask, are you the one who had those men kill Sokanon?"
"I am not," Nagi said simply, still smiling.
"Then today, I will let you live. Don't give me a reason to seek you, tomorrow."
Mashiro sneered, "And who are you, native whelp?"
Nagi tried to silence her, but it was too late. Natsuki smiled at her.
"I am Baroness Natsuki Kuga of the colony of Garderobe. I am the Princess of the Forest," She whistled, and Duran was at her side, "I command the wolves, and I weather the storm. That is who I am."
8888888
The Arcadia and the Fuuka were only a few yards apart, Harlock and Kanzaki staring at each other.
"Care to go ashore?" Harlock asked him, "The Baroness is waiting for you. She'd like to discuss what you did to her Father."
"I will have to decline your gracious offer, Harlock," Reito sipped from a cup, "I'm guessing that since you're flying Herzog's flag, you're here to bestow titles and land grants to the young lady. If I kill her now, I make an enemy of Herzog and his allies. Whereas, right now, flying under the flag of Rome, I have to protections of that nation, and a treaty staying your hand, too. Because, at the end of the day, Harlock, you are a man of honor, and you won't do anything that will make trouble for that girl."
"Of course not," Harlock said evenly, "But the oceans are a vast, empty place with its own sense of justice. And you may not be allowed to cross these waters unscathed forever, Kanzaki."
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Natsuki and Shizuru laid together that night, and had a conversation without words.
Shizuru felt Natsuki cling to her tightly, anxiety and fear evident in her grip.
Shizuru responded by gently stroking her fingers through Natsuki's hair, humming softly a lullaby that Natsuki knew.
Natsuki's grip loosened, and she leaned up a bit, kissing Shizuru on the cheek, and snuggling into her side.
Shizuru cradled Natsuki's head, leaned down, kissing the top of her head, and then closed her eyes.
Later that night, Alyssa poked her head out of her room. She saw Natsuki and Shizuru laying on their bed, a tangle of limbs. They had twisted around so that Shizuru was now spooning Natsuki, who had a gentle, peaceful smile on her face. Alyssa smiled, shaking her head, then picked up a blanket from the floor and gently draped it over them. She turned to go back to her room.
"Alyssa," Shizuru's voice came from the darkness in a soft whisper.
"Countess?"
"Thank you."
Alyssa nodded, "Anytime."