A/N: As some of you might have noticed, I changed the genre of this fanfic from Romance Fantasy to Fantasy Drama. According to what the staff of MasterClass quoted, "The drama genre features stories with high stakes and a lot of conflicts. They're plot-driven and demand that every character and scene move the story forward. Dramas follow a clearly defined narrative plot structure, portraying real-life scenarios or extreme situations with emotionally-driven characters." And since there is more drama in "Bloody Crown" than romance, I decided to change the genre.
Also, sorry that this chapter took so long. I was kept very busy with my new job...
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: "Bloody Crown" involves a lot of jumping back and forth behind the past and the present. So, to avoid any confusion, here are some notes:
Italics—The Past (Flashbacks)
Normal Text—The Present
Chapter 33: The Yukimi Festival
Covering her brown hair for the first time felt weird with her first uprising as a married young woman. The French hood she had purchased looked beautiful in the shop window, embellished with pearls and complete with a black veil made of velvet. However, Kanami presently couldn't help wishing she wasn't a vampire so that she could examine her reflection in the mirror. Did she look alright or not?
When she was a child, Kanami had seen many noblewomen, both married and single, attend balls at her family manor. They dressed their heads in what she thought so ridiculous a manner, having spent a fortune on such luxuries of fashion for the purpose of commanding attention. Even now, Kanami thought them weird and did not exactly relish having to wear one herself. She wanted to feel her short locks blowing through the cool wind—not have them tied tightly together and held in place. But she was no longer single, and according to custom, her hair now had to be covered daily. Never again would she go about with her hair loose. Its beauty was solely for Hiyori to behold.
Taking a side-glance at her wife, Kanami could not help marvelling at how beautiful she looked. Ever since she married Jun, Hiyori favoured tall conical hennins with long veils that draped onto the floor. Although Hiyori wasn't any less beautiful wearing the headdress she selected, the vampire always preferred seeing those lush ebony locks falling across Hiyori's shoulders.
Her brown eyes then fell to Hiyori's scarred neck and a shiver ran down her spine. Hiyori was wearing her prized silver locket as usual, but it was the string of pearls also around her throat that Kanami could not take her eyes off of. Those had been loaned by Yuzuki from the Souraku royal treasury, and according to the history books, had once belonged to an ill-fated queen who had her head cut off for treason. How had Hiyori accepted wearing pearls that had been stained with blood, and be other than cursed?
Shaking her head, Kanami struggled to not think about it as she and her wife entered the throne room together. The change to her appearance did not go unnoticed by Yuzuki.
"I see you have covered your hair, Countess Etou," she observed with an arched eyebrow.
"Just wanted to make more of an effort in my appearance for the Yukimi Festival, Your Majesty," Kanami said. Her fib was accepted without question.
The importance of the highly anticipated annual celebration was one that every citizen in the Kingdom of Ayanokouji served to emphasize. The Yukimi Festival had been observed for hundreds of years and always began on the day of Crystal City's official founding. Even the common people were given a holiday and free gifts from the palace—mostly consisting of food, and even entertainers brought in from the several foreign countries the Northern Kingdom had trade relations with. The festivities would last a week, ending on the day of the Sourakus' victory against the Origamis, which granted the Kingdom of Ayanokouji self-isolation from the rest of the empire.
Now there was even more excitement amongst the people, curious to catch a real glimpse of the "two birds" temporarily residing in Yuzuki's royal palace. Rumours and gossip alone were not enough to satisfy anyone's interest. Kanami's stomach churned at the thought of it. Unlike Hiyori, who was used to such attention during her time as a princess, the vampire did not particularly enjoy being in the spotlight. All she really wanted most was a quiet way of life in solitude back at Fujiwara Castle with Hiyori and their other four friends. Yet, this was hardly something Kanami could voice openly, especially with her wife's obsession with regaining a crown. Kanami pulled herself up short. Obsession! Was that what she now viewed Hiyori's determination as? Nothing but an unhealthy mania for an iron throne?
'No! No! No!' the vampire thought, shaking her head as a footman helped her into the royal carriage. 'Just forget about it, Kanami. What matters the most is protecting Hiyori-chan and making her happy...right?'
"Oh, just look at this, Kaoru!" Ellen cried, holding up a gown embossed with a damask pattern sewn to look like roses. "Isn't it lovely?"
Her sibling lover could hardly find an interest in clothes, but for Ellen's sake, Kaoru replied, "It'd probably look even lovelier once you are wearing it."
Yesterday, clothes from the royal wardrobe had arrived at Rui's mansion; jewels from the royal treasury were loaned; precious stones were given—all courtesy of Yuzuki. Never had the eight young girls seen fabrics of such magnificence as these: great bolts of velvet and silk; cloth of gold and silver; large pearls; jewelled girdle belts... Everything any female fashionista in the empire could ever wish for. Certainly, the cold-hearted ice queen had been exceptionally generous, providing more than enough gowns and jewellery than were needed for the entire week.
Gushing over a French hood encrusted with thirteen table diamonds, Ellen said, "I feel like I am in Amaterasu's Holy Land..."
"No, you are not, and it is heresy to say so," Mirja sharply reproved, then turning her disapproval to Kofuki, "There is no excuse for gluttony either. Stand up straight."
"Oh Mirja, I'm sure there's no harm in having just a little bit of fun," Kiyoka said, half-giggling.
"She's just being a wet blanket," Kofuki said.
"Fukki..."
A shiver running down her spine at the mischievous tone in Mihono's voice, Kofuki slowly turned around with perspiration dripping down her forehead to see the dragon rider holding out a frilly gown of cobalt blue brocade, embroidered with sapphires and pearls. Her eyes widening, the assassin said, "Oh no, you are not making me wear that."
Sharing a sly look with Kiyoka, Mihono cried, "Grab her!"
"H-Hey! Hang on! Wait—"
Rui had just poked her head in through the door to witness the comical sight of the surly Kofuki being wrangled into the swathes of rich fabric. Suppressing a burst of laughter, the older noblewoman informed, "Ten more minutes until we all leave. Don't be late!"
"I'm going to kill you for this..." Kofuki growled with a pointed look at Mihono.
"Hey! Why are you only pinning the blame on me?!"
"Kofuki, you look so cute!" Kiyoka squealed.
"I'm taking it off once it's my turn on the tiltyard!" was the reply back.
Watching the spectacle with her usual blank look, Sayaka then blushed at the sight of Mai, a picture of breathtaking perfection in her figure-hugging gown and gable hood. Compared to the mature and graceful girl, Sayaka just felt plain childish in her own dress. Those worries were put at ease when Mai straightened the albino-haired girl's sapphire necklace, before kissing her a kiss on the cheek.
"You look beautiful, Sayaka-chan."
"N-No, y-you look even more beautiful."
"Enough with the sappiness. I swear you both are as bad as Kanami and Cutting-Board," Kaoru rudely interjected. Getting behind and pushing them forward, she said, "Come on! Let's just go already before we turn all go insane from Ellen and Mihono's antics of dressing us like dolls."
In a cloud of colourful flounces and frilly lace, they made their way with Rui to the Royal Quartz Coliseum, the large amphitheatre in the heart of the city, where performances and sports took place. From theatrical dramas to tournaments, the Royal Quartz Coliseum was the entertainment hotspot for every Crystal City citizen, its massive glittering walls dwarfing those eager to get inside. At present, a painted tiltyard had been set up for jousts down below in the centre of the arena.
Every seat was jampacked; latecomers were directed to any other free space that was available. Those with prestigious positions had spots reserved specifically for them, commanding the best views of the arena. Almost everyone, from nobles to commoners, was able to get a ticket to watch the spectacles, dressed in their best clothes. As a realm that had been free of war for centuries, the multicultural and unbiased Kingdom of Ayanokouji had flourished in wealth due to trade with many countries across the sea—ones that prejudiced Origami Yukari never attempted to make any connections with. In the Northern Kingdom, poverty was almost non-existent.
The space was getting more claustrophobic as time ticked by that it was a mercy the girls were able to find seats. People had to shout to be heard amongst the noisy chatter of those taking bets on their favourite contestants. Everyone, who had so much as a knighthood, had registered to compete and would be bestowed with the honour of going to the great dinner at the castle that the royal cooks prepared days in advance. There would be dozens of courses; the fountain in the central courtyard would flow with wine; hundreds would sit down to dinner in their finery and eat scores of dishes; thousands would watch them or enjoy the entertainment. Yet, the one thing everyone was anticipating was the two people who would be the centre of attention.
"There they are," Mihono said, pointing to the Grand Tier Box where the royal family sat.
In one of the five chairs was Yuzuki, wearing the veil she always covered her face with whenever in public. She had replaced her usual blue elven gown for a white off-the-shoulder dress, encrusted with ice crystals. Decorating her translucent floor-sweeping cape were embroidered designs of light-blue rosemaling. Definitely, this woman was a true snow queen, ignorant and unbothered by the freezing winter temperature. Next to her sat Yume and Wataru, both in their royal military uniforms: blue tunics with black pants; and white sashes across their shoulders, from which dangled their various medals (of which Yume had far more). Of course, however, it was Kanami and Hiyori that everyone had been waiting to see. Thunderous applause erupted through the Royal Quartz Coliseum as the two young girls took their seats.
"Interesting how Countess Etou has covered her hair," Mirja muttered.
"I think she looks nice wearing a French hood," Mihono said, not as disturbed as her fellow Akabane Sword Team members. "It makes her appear rather...mature."
As an individual who preferred pants, it was also unexpected to see the vampire wearing a dress as well. Heavy red brocade with a gold damask pattern and long flared sleeves, lined entirely underneath with ermine. It seemed Kanami was dressing as a queen should, befitted of her future royal status.
Hiyori, on the other hand, had chosen a Burgundian gown made entirely of black velvet and trimmed with fur of the same colour. In comparison to the other noblewomen in the audience, the ebony-haired girl had opted to refrain from decorating herself with too many jewels. However, what was seen as elegant in a modest style was resonating in an entirely different way to the Akabane Sword Team. To them, this was a deliberate show of strength, authority...and evil. Dressed like the crow of her noble family, Hiyori was ready to play the political game for power.
'She is like a vain peacock, hidden in black,' Kofuki internally thought.
Despite the show of homage from her fellow Akabane Sword Team members a few days earlier, Mihono had no ambition whatsoever for the throne. In spite of that, even she could not help feeling disgruntled at how proudly Hiyori was holding her chin up, as though she believed she was the main reason people had gathered here. It was not so much that Mihono thought she herself should be queen—she would never want to displace Akane—but a small part of her did want to be the pious queen's heir. The dragon rider could not be happy at the thought of Hiyori being queen, even with Kanami by her side; Mihono could not imagine Kagari's daughter in Akane's place; nobody could. Hiyori was so unworthy! In every way, from her appearance due to anemia (now no longer the fair maiden she once was) to the arrogance and cruelty that ran in her family, she was unfit to be the ruler of the Kamakura Empire, using her "concern for the people" as a reason towards her path of glory.
A fanfare of trumpets resounded throughout the large amphitheatre, signalling that the tournament was about to begin soon, much to the enthusiasm of the spectators.
"Okay, Kaoru and I are taking these ridiculous frocks off. We need to get changed for the tournament," Kofuki said. "We'll be on in a few minutes."
"Good luck, you two," Mai said.
"Make sure to compete safely," Mirja added.
However, just as she was about to squeeze past, Kaoru felt something being secretly pressed into her hand. Turning around, the pink-haired girl saw her elder sister give an encouraging smile. Glancing at the golden sash now in her palm, Kaoru got the message: this was her lady's favour.
"Wear it for me," Ellen mouthed.
Their procession through the city had been even richer than Kanami ever expected or imagined. Throughout the entire ride to the Royal Quartz Museum, the vampire nervously tried to avoid being seen through the windows, grateful for the curtains as if they were shielding her from the sight of Amaterasu herself. For Hiyori, in comparison, it was her triumph as she waved to the thousands of people cheering on the streets at the sight of the carriage with soldiers following on horseback, carrying the royal standards. For Yume, a girl so full of herself who cared only about sparring and philandering, Kanami could tell she thought the whole effort to be like a ship full of fools, wishing herself far away; and for Wataru, it was a vivid statement of his future as the king. Yuzuki, however...
'She conducts herself as a queen should with dignity,' Kanami observed, '...but she doesn't seem to like wearing a crown. She always looks as though she is heavily burdened, which would be no surprise.'
For a brief moment, Kanami wished she could spar with Yuzuki. To the vampire, sparring was like having a conversation and getting to truly know someone. Her tactic as a skilled swordswoman had always been about defence and observation, not fighting to overpower. An individual's technique with a weapon could truly reveal their character.
In Hiyori's case, Kanami noted that she always tried to finish things quickly with a fatal blow. Her mind was sharp and prepared for the said attack, but if it didn't go through as expected, she would lack concentration and become frustrated when she didn't get the results she wanted. Hiyori was someone who'd hate the idea of an opponent being a better match against her.
Kanami was sure that if Yuzuki held an okatana, she'd be a good sport whether she'd win or lose. The snow queen was a master tactician; she would not be quick to react like Hiyori, who was prone to getting offended really easily. She would first think, before acting to assess her situation and decide on the best outcome.
'Maybe I should ask her to spar with me after the Yukimi Festival when all the busyness has died down. I'm sure as a royal, she would be an expert or at least have basic knowledge on how to wield a weapon.'
Falling back to reality at an abrupt sound, Kanami blinked to see that Hiyori had snapped her fingers in front of her face. "Kanami, come on! We're here."
Staggering under the weight of her dress and jewels, Kanami had been grateful to the footman who helped her out. She honestly felt she would have fallen out of the carriage in her increasing anxiety. No one, not even Hiyori, knew the lonely stage fright she was feeling, being out in public. She could only take her fears to Amaterasu and wrestle with them.
Walking beside Hiyori, they both followed behind Yuzuki, Yume, and Wataru into the Royal Quartz Coliseum, their feet sinking into the soft brocade carpet rolled out before them. It was strange having everyone bow and curtsey before her, sinking into deference just by her presence alone. She and Hiyori had not even seized the crown yet and already these people were paying homage to them.
They were greeted by people dressed in angel costumes made from peacock feathers, their dazzling wings like a thousand eyes of blue and turquoise and indigo. A harlequin in his pointed hat did somersaults to much applause. Foreign actors made a tableau of Amaterasu and the saints; she and Hiyori were exhorted to be virtuous young women of dignity. The people saw them indicated as the choice of their blessed Holy Mother to be the queens of the Kamakura Empire, in accordance with the prophecy. Choirs sang as they entered the large amphitheatre with rose petals showered above their heads.
'But I am only myself, my own tableau: Countess Etou Kanami from the House of Fujiwara come to be the queen consort of Hiyori-chan. I am an object of peace and unity.'
Kanami did not know whether to be proud at the thought or shrink away from it. Steeling herself, the vampire sat upon her reserved seat in the Grand Tier Box.
Down below in the arena, the tournament competitors were entering the lists in full armour with poetry being bellowed by their squires. One could tell who were the most popular, judging by the spectators' reactions alone. The flags, the glamour, and the crowds...such was the enormity of the first great joust Kanami had ever seen.
"Look, there's Kaoru-chan!" Kanami said, pointing with her finger.
Even though Kaoru had never before stepped foot in the Kingdom of Ayanokouji, the crowd was going mad over this mysterious petite stranger. She sat a horse with such grace, her pink ponytails flowing in the wind. With Ellen's favour tied around her right arm, Kaoru gave a quick glance at her elder sister before blowing a kiss. About twenty maidens in that direction squealed or fainted, thinking themselves the object of her affection.
From her seat, Ellen had her hands clasped to her chest, her eyes misty with tears. Kaoru looked just the same as she did on that fateful day when she rescued her. No one could match the poetry of her knight in shining armour either. Touched that her sarcastic and lazy lover would put in so much effort for her, Ellen blushed as the squire read Kaoru's composition. She had written in the romantic style of the foreign country Ellen's ancestors came from, she told of joy with hidden sadness, a girl smiling at tragedy. Love that could never be fulfilled; hopes that summoned a knight across a desert of sand, a fair maiden across a sea of water... Ellen knew those passionate words were meant for her.
Memories could not keep from returning to the blonde-haired girl, as she watched her younger sister break lance after lance of at least fifty knights. She had never relished watching jousts, but these she could watch without looking away. Ellen actually had to hold Nene back by the tail to keep him from running up to his mistress to lick all over her face in excitement. She knew Kaoru could defeat them all—and defeat them she did. No wonder every lady within was falling head over heels with her (a fact Ellen tried not to go green with envy over).
Ignoring all the flowers being tossed her way, Kaoru got off her horse, patting Kofuki's shoulder on her way out. "Don't beat them too hard out there."
"You don't have to tell me," was the gruff reply.
"Something been eating at ya?"
"If there was, it would be none of your damn business anyway."
Raising both hands in the air defensively, Kaoru muttered, "Fine, sorry for caring."
With a jerk of her head, indicating the golden sash around Kaoru's arm, Kofuki asked, "Is that your lady's favour?"
"Of a sort."
"Who gave it to you?"
Vaguely, Kaoru said, "You saw them all literally drooling at the sight of me. The real question would be: who wouldn't want to give one to me?"
And before she could be interrogated any further, the Mashiko heiress sauntered out as vainly as she could, flashing a superior smile at Kofuki for better effect. Satisfaction never before felt so good at the sight of a vein popping upon the assassin's forehead. Her play-acting having done the trick, Kaoru allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief when the grey-haired girl took her position, ready for the duelling contest. It had been uplifting seeing Ellen cheering her on. Nobody else mattered; it was as though they all disappeared, leaving her lover the only one in the stands. That excitement, along with the fear Kofuki triggered, had made Kaoru forget how tired she was.
She honestly did not know why she even entered the damn competition. Was she seriously just trying to live up to Ellen's dreams of her as a heroic knight? Taking off her helmet to wipe off the sweat from her brow and neck, Kaoru sullenly told herself to forget about it. What she really needed now was a good long nap. Untying Ellen's favour from her arm, Kaoru smiled a little before pressing it to her lips, unaware of the cloaked figure watching her from the shadows...
Ignorant of Kaoru's warning from the start, it having gone in one ear and out the other, Kofuki bloodied up three men so bad that she was eventually disqualified. To the peace-loving Kingdom of Ayanokouji, one would think she had actually murdered her opponents just from the looks she got from the entire amphitheatre. Mirja was quick to take Kofuki aside afterwards to box her ears.
They were guests here in the Northern Kingdom and everything they did reflected upon them and the Mokusa Republic. What kind of visitors in Amaterasu's name behaved as she fucking did just now?! At this rate, Akane would have their heads for being obligated to untie her purse strings for compensation.
The two Akabane Sword Team members had returned to their seats just as the herald shouted, "And now for the final duel—between Her Royal Highness, Princess Tsubakuro Yume, and Countess Etou Kanami!"
The latter looked as though she hadn't heard. She was staring into the distance toward Crystal Castle which sparkled in the distance underneath the aurora. What? It couldn't be possible! She had not registered her name among the list of participants. Judging by the looks of Yuzuki, Wataru, and Hiyori, she was sure they were just as dumbfounded. And most certainly wherever they were in this massive crowd, her other friends were too. But the crowd was oblivious to her bewilderment, only cheering louder than ever before. A match between their princess and one of the "two birds"!
"There must be some mistake..." Yuzuki began.
"No, there wasn't. Countess Etou asked me to put her name in."
Everyone in the Grand Tier Box stared at Yume, her face so like that of a cat's. At once, they all knew whose doing this was. The immature brat never seemed to know the word "restraint" and believed everyone existed for the sole purpose of her entertainment. As though they were objects, she treated them like things that could be replaced when destroyed by her hands. Nothing and nobody could satisfy her inner mania for violence and recognition.
'And now she has once again set her sights on me!' Kanami internally raged.
This registered in all the minds of those now glaring at Yume. It did not surprise any of them, especially Yuzuki and Wataru who knew the she-devil her entire life. For there was no sense in how she treated people, including her own family. Yume was driven by her ambitious desire for greatness, and she took sudden unpredictable decisions whether anyone agreed with them or not. A poor loser, she had never accepted defeat and would use whatever deceitful methods to be victorious. To her, everything was a game she always needed to win. Constantly, Yuzuki and Wataru tried in vain to play their part as a kind and supportive family, reassuring Yume she did not have to live up to any imagined expectations for them to love her. They did not see as Kanami and Hiyori could that it was just plain spite that drove her. It was rivalry, not pettiness that persuaded her.
Kanami could read exactly what was in those calculating grey eyes. They whispered, "Will you accept defeat so easily by refusing me? Will you humiliate yourself in front of an entire kingdom? Will you show everyone how weak you really are? Will you let your 'Crow Queen' see you as a disgrace, unable to protect her from any sort of fight?"
That gave her motivation enough. Practically leaping from her chair, her brown eyes flashing fire, Kanami growled, "Let me get changed."
Hiyori protested, "Kanami, you can't—"
"No, it's okay, Hiyori-chan. I did ask Her Highness to put my name in," Kanami said, sarcastically droning out the last sentence.
"Countess Etou, if this is indeed another of my foolish niece's tricks, then there is no need—"
"I sincerely thank Your Majesty for your concern," Kanami interrupted with a curtsey, "but I do wish to compete."
After a few minutes, Kanami emerged with her hair tied in its usual side ponytail. She had changed from her extravagant red dress into a borrowed spare military uniform, similar to Yume and Wataru's. If Kaoru made the hearts of the females flutter, then Kanami almost made their hearts explode. Quite a number, both commoners and nobles, got bleeding noses. Kanami was sexy all the way, to the jealousy and humiliation of many handsome men.
Both competitors ignored their thrilled audience, keeping their eyes only on each other. The air between them was as frosty as the outside. As if sensing the tension, the spectators hushed one another, a silence falling over them all. Simultaneously, the two girls took their stances—Yume's being an aggressive one versus Kanami's being defensive. Their gazes locked together, silently daring the other to strike first, they sized each other up all the way until the trumpet blew, signalling the start of the match. With the speed of lightning, Yume dashed forward with her okatana, Nikkari Ao'e, catching Kanami by surprise.
'She's faster than I thought!' the brown-haired girl panicked.
Though she managed to block the princess's attack, Kanami felt like the entire force of a carriage had been propelled against her. Her feet sliding against the ground, leaving dragging marks across it, she gritted her teeth and tightened her grip on Chidori. She was barely able to dodge Yume's onslaught of attacks, as the princess swung blow after blow.
'So strong...'
"Come on, Countess Etou! Is this seriously your best?" Yume taunted.
Regaining her breath, Kanami lunged forth to then widen her eyes when Yume easily deflected her attack, sending her towards the ground. Her fangs showing in a maddened grin, the princess then swung Nikkari Ao'e. Kanami managed to twist herself mid-air through her fall to avoid getting her arm sliced off, but even her fast reflexes could not save her from getting nicked a little.
"Augh!"
Drops of blood fell, showing very clearly upon the snowy ground of the arena. Chuckling with mirth, Yume said, "That was for twisting my arm the other night," before attacking once again. Kanami just got out of the way at the critical moment to avoid having her body speared into the ground. Everyone watched, some covering their mouths in horror at how dark things were getting.
Horrified, Hiyori's heart dropped, eventually springing from her seat, and crying out, "Kanami!"
Though there was noise enough for Hiyori's voice to get drowned out, somehow Kanami could hear her wife's anguish loud and clear. Perked up by this new fuel, Kanami let out a growl and jumped back. She couldn't do things like this. She had to fully concentrate in order to discover her opponent's weakness.
"Retreating, are you? Too scared and frightened? Ready to give up?" Yume cackled.
Kanami did not fall for the bait, instead taking a few deep breaths. She paid no attention to the smug grin she found so aggravating before.
'I can't attack first or else she will pull off something similar to what she did before. No, what I need to do is simply dodge. If I do it enough times, she'll either lose her stamina or concentration from frustration—whichever comes first.'
"Fine! If you won't strike, I will!" Yume said, raising Nikkari Ao'e.
She was taken aback when Kanami simply just moved quickly aside without even attempting to lift up Chidori. The princess continued to swing blow after blow to no avail, as Kanami would dodge left or right. Her frustration mounting with each second dragging on, Yume retreated back a little to analyze her opponent's stance once more.
'Tch. I knew I was right in thinking this match would be loads of fun with you, Countess Etou. The fact that you are able to hold through will make victory all the more enjoyable once I defeat you,' Yume internally thought.
Despite how pleased the idea made her, the pink-haired princess was also half-annoyed at how Kanami did not appear the least bit afraid nor showed any sign of exhaustion. In fact, the expression on the brown-haired vampire's face displayed nothing at all. For a brief second of irritation, Yume wondered if the elder girl was bored. Well, she'd show her! She'd make Countess Etou know that she was patronizing the wrong person! With a roar, Yume swung forward, her sharp fangs bared and gleaming.
Her face still impassive, Kanami repeatedly dodged the girl's aggravated attacks, not even bothering to use her okatana to block them. 'Right. Right again. Now, left.'
"Stop moving!" Yume shrieked, now starting to huff and puff.
Too blinded by anger, the princess failed to realize how, in her rage, her next moves were easy to guess by Kanami. 'She is like a petulant child.'
Agape with shock, Yume's eyes widened when out of nowhere, right when she swung her okatana towards the neck of Kanami, the latter ducked underneath. Just as rapidly, Kanami thrust Chidori's sharp tip upwards—stopping mere centimetres from Yume's throat. The duel was over.
'S-She beat me?!' Yume gawked in horror.
The herald's lips were moving, most likely exultantly proclaiming Kanami the winner, but nobody could hear him over the blare of trumpets and the roaring crowd. Flowers were showered in all directions, covering the white snow with a rainbow of colours. Unable to fully take in the surreal event, Kanami's eyes searched out the one person who was her entire reality—the one person who grounded her. Blowing a kiss to her waving wife, the vampire ignored Yume, who was having a childish tantrum, throwing her okatana onto the ground, and tearing her hair out. If she knew Yume's anger wasn't directed at Kanami, Hiyori would have thought the sight comical and laughed at it.
Somewhere in the back of the audience, three hooded figures also took note of the scene playing before them. The tallest of them remarked, "Her Highness is rather pathetic when she rages, eh, Mako-chan?"
Her comment was ignored. "We are done here, Akira-chan. We have seen what we needed to see."
Turning to the other individual of their trio, she added, "Yuuki-chan, have you scouted out and managed to locate Asakura Mihono?"
"Yes, Sister Makoto. She is sitting over there with the rest of her allies," the one called Yuuki said, pointing with her finger.
"And?"
"I managed to overhear them without getting noticed. They will be going to the ball at Crystal Castle this evening."
"I see. Then, we are done here. Let us depart," Makoto said.
"What shall we do now, Sister Makoto?" Yuuki asked as they made their way out of the Royal Quartz Coliseum.
"Tonight shall be our moment to strike as they will all be at the ball. There will be more than enough guests to act as our witnesses, once we provide the proof needed to show Asakura Mihono's real claim to the Kamakura Throne. Even if some are skeptical, simply putting the thought in their minds is what counts," Makoto said. "Akira-chan, have you and the others managed to copy all the manuscript documents we need?"
"Yes, Mako-chan. Everything is ready," Akira replied before a sinister chuckle escaped her. "I wonder what Lady Juujou's reaction would be, once her face is smacked with the papers of our discoveries."
"We are not to engage directly with Lady Juujou," Makoto firmly warned. "She is a threat against Her Majesty, Queen Akane, and Asakura Mihono, the true heiress. We simply provide the evidence of the House of Atago family records and then leave the ball at once."
Then with a dark giggle of her own, she added, "After we also speak with our ally mole..."
A/N: Hm…who could Makoto, Akira, and Yuuki's ally mole be? What will happen next? Leave your thoughts in the reviews! :D
Some additional information in case you missed/didn't understand it...
1) In medieval times, it was the custom for married women to cover their hair with some sort of headdress. In my story, it's the same—but in this case, some single women still cover their hair for fashion statements—hence why Kanami wearing a French hood wouldn't be too suspicious. In Hiyori's case, since she was a widow after Jun passed away, she would keep her hair down or up whenever she felt like it. Mostly though, she'd leave it down when she'd go on vampire hunting missions. Wearing a hennin wouldn't be very convenient or comfortable if she did so. Lol.
2) The Yukimi Festival is an annual holiday week celebrated only in the Kingdom of Ayanokouji. It starts on the day of Crystal City's official founding and ends on the day of the House of Souraku's victory against the House of Origami.
3) The Royal Quartz Coliseum is based on the Roman Colosseum.
4) As for Makoto, Akira, and Yuuki, you'll learn about them in the next chapter...hehe... (I meant to put their backstory in this chapter, but because I've been putting off updates for so long, I decided to just wait until the next chapter. And also cause I have writer's block and am lazy.)
5) Also, as I explained in the last chapter, Yukimi means "snow viewing".