Chapter 15: Politics

"Forty five civilians were reported as being injured during the attack, as well as one hundred and eighteen soldiers. No civilians are known to have died as a result of the attack, but at least fifty two Hoshidan bodies were found, as well as twenty that have died from sustained injuries. None of these reports include Princess Corrin, who regrettably became exhausted due to overexertion in her... Unique circumstances."

Queen Mikoto inclined her head to Yukimura in solemn thanks. He bowed, and took his seat. Nobody spoke up as Mikoto rose, but once she stood, the man next to Kahua slammed a fist onto the table.

"This is outrageous!"

Yukimura's mouth twitched, as though he wished to respond, but Mikoto looked to the man. "Lord Ch'ayna?"

Daimyo Ch'ayna, Mokushujin Ambassador in Hoshido. He was assigned to the role shortly after his arrival in Shirasagi, which was only a few days after the mysterious death of his predecessor. In the few years he had been part of the council, he had been one of the most outspoken opponents to Queen Mikoto's reign, and any of her policies.

But then, none of that was truly surprising for the ninjas of Mokushu.

He rose to speak. Mikoto, however, did not sit. He glared at her, and spat bile as he spoke. "You assured each of our countries that you had made the Eastern Continent a safe place! Your 'Barrier' magic has not prevented deaths from this Nohrian attack."

Yukimura snorted. "Deaths by falling rubble can hardly be blamed on the prevention of murder caused by Her Majesty's powerful magic. Indeed, there are ways to truly circumvent all magic. A loop hole to every contract. As a politician, I'm sure you see that."

Ch'ayna did not take the bait. Indeed, he seemed to ignore Yukimura altogether, "Furthermore we have received reports that Hoshidan forces are actively engaged in Nohrian conflicts. Hoshidan forces have been observed in the sub-territories of Cheve, Glacia and Cyrkensia, undermining Nohrian rule." He turned his face towards me, hatred upon his face. "And indeed, it would seem the servant has become your chief military advisor."

I wavered under his glare, and turned to Yukimura and Mikoto. The tactician seemed angry too, though his source seemed to be Ch'ayna. Mikoto, still standing, spoke, her voice guarded.

"Lord Ch'ayna, are you suggesting political espionage upon your allies?"

Ch'ayna turned to her, and gave a small bow. His withering smile alone seemed to patronise the queen, years his younger. "Of course not, Your Majesty. But you must know that the walls have ears. It is hardly espionage for a drunken guard to spill secrets amongst friends, even if such an act is deserving of discipline."

"I see," Mikoto smiled. "So your accusation is based upon hearsay."

"I was not accusing. My Lord Kotaro merely expressed concern upon hearing of this conversation, and suggested I mention it. After all, it does seem rather odd that a mere servant would be present for this meeting!"

"You are correct, Lord Ch'ayna," Mikoto acknowledged with a small nod of his head. "However, after my private conversation with Derek, I determined he had wisdom which would prove useful to ensuring the safety of Hoshido. I have, of course, been considering his advice very carefully. Yukimura was by my side for every decision to ensure that there would be little to no negative consequences from Derek's advice. Of course, we must also acknowledge that Captain Omozu reported that Derek's advice was sound with regards to the incident at the Bottomless Canyon."

"This would be the same incident which saw ten Hoshidans lose their lives within the Bottomless Canyon?"

"Such an incident," Mikoto said, her voice taking on a slight hint of regret, "Was not Derek's fault. None could predict that the bridge would break as it did, and we are told that Derek's decisions prevented a battle over the fort, which would certainly have cost us far more lives."

Ch'ayna snorted, "You mean he lost the fort for you without a fight!"

"He traded the fort in exchange for the safe return of my sister," it was Prince Ryoma who spoke up, looking harshly at the Mokushujin.

Ch'ayna looked to the prince and bowed. "I did not mean to suggest that the safe return of Lady Corrin was not worth the cost, of course. Although I assume her change to that... Other form... Is a trick she acquired with dark Nohrian magics."

"Careful," replied the eldest prince with a growl. "You have not seen what becomes of the rest of our dragon blooded lineage when we become riled enough."

It was a bluff, of course. Neither he nor his other siblings could transform into a dragon like Princess Corrin could. In a way, it was odd how easily they seemed to accept and ignore her bizarre trait. Still, Ch'ayna's sneer dropped from his face. It seemed Ryoma's threat had at least had an effect.

"Your words, however, come as something of a relief to me, Lord Ch'ayna," Queen Mikoto smiled. He looked at her serene smile as she continued. I struggled to hide my smirk under his confused expression. "In your reports from, as you call them, drunken guards, you have not mentioned a vital piece of Hoshido's activities thus far."

"And... What is that?" he asked, leaning forward, resting his hands on the table.

"We have sent a small group to meet with King Kotaro. Of course, we planned this meeting as a surprise, and sent word off just today that they could proceed, as they had told us they were in position."

Ch'ayna blanched. "Are you suggesting that you are planning to assassinate your ally?!"

Lord Sumaizhi, the ambassador for Izumo, rose with a creak from his chair. A hand grasped at his large chest. He stroked at the plaited hairs beneath his chin. His voice a deep rumble, made muffled through his thick beard.

"Lady Mikoto, I must protest. To attack King Kotaro like this is both treacherous and foolhardy by measures unprecedented. This political assassination will be seen as an act of war."

Mikoto raised a hand, "I did not say anything about an assassination. It is merely an arrest so that he may stand trial for these accusations."

"You have no right!" demanded Ch'ayna. His voice rose, and he stood straight, reaching for his belt. Of course, he realised his actions would be in vain, but it had not gone unnoticed.

The gathering thundered to their feet immediately. The room suddenly felt very small, or rather that I had been placed into a tiny box.

Queen Mikoto raised her hand again, and the shouting around her faded slowly down.

"Nineteen years ago," Mikoto began, her voice calm. She sat, her eyes still fixed on Ch'ayna, "During the Autumn Wars, Nohrian forces invaded the Eastern Continent. I'm sure you remember, Lord Ch'ayna, that Mokushu was captured by a Nohrian army that had chosen to take Hoshido from the south, while the majority of our troops were fighting to the west."

Ch'ayna nodded, slowly, "Of course. After the recent droughts and famine, much of the Eastern Continent was still recovering. Mokushu did not, at that time, have the strength to repel the Nohrians. They retreated, however, when news of Hoshido's victories on the Esperanta Plains arrived."

"Indeed," Mikoto nodded. "Shortly after that, the new King Kotaro seized many opportunities to rebuild Mokushu, with such a large growth." The queen looked to Yukimura, who produced several scrolls and parchments from within his robes. He read aloud. One of them, a map of the Hoshidan alliance, was laid out on the table. It was an outdated one from a few decades back, and one I recognised from some of the history books I had read in the library.

"Shortly after Nohr's retreat from Mokushu, Hoshido received reports that their neighbouring country of Kohga had been ransacked. Its capital, Déqui, had been attacked and Castle Tambonuco had been destroyed by fire. The few survivors died shortly after, and the area was left abandoned. King Kotaro claimed the lands of Kohga for Mokushu."

Ch'ayna sighed, his glare unwavering from Mikoto. "What is the point to all this, Lady Mikoto?"

"The point," Mikoto said, her voice dripping with venom, "Is that we believe Mokushu aided Nohr. King Kotaro is accused of conspiracy against Hoshido, war crimes against the people of Kohga, and the assassination of Lord Saizo IV of Igasato."

Ch'ayna gripped the table heavily, his brow heavy with sweat. His mouth, I observed, was almost frothing with his bile and fury. He looked from Mikoto, to Kahua and Sumaizhi, to the guard at the door, then glared back at Mikoto.

"What business have you to make such accusations?" he snarled. "Even were you to claim proof, you have made a grave insult against Mokushu. Our nation shall neither forgive nor forget this day!"

Mikoto raised a hand, "Word of these claims comes from multiple sources, though I do admit that much of it amounts to hearsay. Lord Saizo V, for example, claims to have born witness to his father's murder. In addition, we came into contact with Prince Shura Gauner, surviving heir to Kohga."

Ch'ayna's surprise and confusion was matched by many of the nobles around the table. Takumi let out a cough, perhaps involuntarily, though when I glanced at him, he seemed to be frowning in my direction.

Prince Ryoma stirred, his hand moving from the hilt of his legendary sword, as though he no longer felt the heavy tension still stifling the room. Its sharpened edges may have even proved able to slice the air, but the prince's lack of need for the blade was proven by his voice and presence, which all turned towards.

"Due to Lord Saizo V's position as my royal retainer, I stand in his defence. I trust him with my life, and the lives of all my family. I have faith that his story is true."

"B-but..." Ch'ayna spluttered, turning back from the prince towards the queen. "Regarding this Shura of yours... What proof do you have that this is truly the Prince Gauner of Kohga? This could be a mere con!"

Mikoto bowed her head. "Of course, we cannot verify the truth of the matter as to whether this individual is who he claims to be. Yet he has proven in the past to have been a faithful ally to our family and country, even before this revelation came to light."

Her head did not move, but I noticed her eyes twitch to the side. Azura was looking down at the table, her face hidden.

Ch'ayna was silent, but his mouth flapped openly. However much he wished to say, he could not. Finally, he fell back to his chair. "Fine then. Hoshido has invaded Mokushu for its supposed crimes, and I suppose I am now a prisoner of war." His smug sneer returned.

"Actually," Yukimura smiled at him. He reached into the sleeves of his robes, and removed several small bottles. "During our recent assessment of the damage done to the castle, these illegal poisons were discovered in your quarters. Perhaps coincidentally, their effects match the description of symptoms experienced by your predecessor. As you recall, his death came as quite a surprise, particularly given the timing of your arrival."

Ch'ayna blanched, his gaze focused on the bottles. "Those are not mine! I swear it! I have never seen them before." He looked, frantically, to Mikoto, then to Ryoma, then Lord Sumaizhi and Kahua. "I give you my word, they are not mine."

Lord Sumaizhi glared back at him. "What worth is your word anymore?"

"Ch'ayna Arotinco-Chamba," a pair of guards approached Ch'ayna from behind as Mikoto spoke. "You are under arrest for possession of illegal substances, collaboration with the enemy nation of Mokushu, and murder of individuals under Hoshidan protection. You shall be tried and, if found guilty of any of these crimes, shall be punished accordingly."

Ch'ayna went limp. The guards dragged him from his chair, and consequently, he was removed.

Mikoto stared at the empty seat, not even stirring when Yukimura clapped his hands together. "Well, this has been an eventful meeting. I believe we should end it there. We will meet again shortly to discuss the future of our nations' alliance, the conflict with Nohr, and any other issues that must be addressed."

Prince Ryoma nodded his assent, and then moved to the door. He allowed Lord Sumaizhi and Kahua to leave, and I moved to follow them. Outside, they dispersed.

I began back to the library.

"Wait!"

If the war was to begin in earnest, then I had much to study. Historical battlefield tactics, military strategies, foreign geographies and politics, weapons and armours... And... I'd have to make sure this world was headed for a Revelation storyline, rather than Birthright or Conquest. If presented with a choice, Corrin would have to refuse to side with either Hoshido or Nohr.

It began to dawn on me how much I still had to learn and do. And... There was another desire. At some point, when I'd set this world on the right trajectory, I'd have to find a way home. The Dragon's Gate on the Nohrian side of the Canyon was still my best bet, I thought. I could, of course, have attempted to sneak off at any point, and yet...

My conscience would not allow it. I had only been in this world a matter of months, yet I already had at least one friend – Eldegai. I wouldn't abandon him. Especially not to the Birthright or Conquest arcs. The game's DLC had proven both scenarios to be equally disastrous in the end. No, I had to be sure of the trajectory towards Revelation before I left.

"Hey, stop!"

I paused, and glanced back. Prince Takumi stood, frowning in my direction.

"Pay attention when I'm talking to you, will you?" he scolded.

I grimaced, "Sorry. I didn't know you were talking to me..." he relaxed his stance, taking a few short steps forwards. "C-can I help you, milord?"

Prince Takumi glanced from me to the door, then back. "What is your name?"

"Oh. It's... Derek."

The archer prince's brow furrowed further. "Yeah, I suppose so. When mother mentioned that she had been in contact with the missing Lord Shura, I wondered if that was who you truly are. It would have explained some things."

I waited for a few moments, but he did not continue. "What things?" I finally asked, more from a sense of courtesy than curiosity.

"Mother decided to place her trust in you, for one. If you had been Shura in disguise, that would certainly have made more sense. Especially as I couldn't find any information about where you come from."

Prince Takumi had been looking into me. I frowned. He probably wasn't the only one, either. Saizo, for instance, had been suspicious of me since my first meeting with the Hoshidan royal family. And my unnatural self-regenerative abilities did me no favour in the eyes of anyone else.

"I'm not a Nohrian, if that's what you're worried about," I said, my lips twisting into a grimace against my cheeks. Prince Takumi's distrust of Nohr was well-known.

He shrugged. His hand, I noticed, tightened around the grip of his quiver. "You are an outsider. Not Hoshidan."

I blinked at him. His distaste for Nohrians could at least be excused by their king's abduction of his sister, or by the countless attacks their forces had attempted against Hoshido. But all outsiders? He'd just been in a room full of them, including...

I smiled. "Prince Takumi... You trust your mother?"

He narrowed his eyes, and raised a hand, "Stop. I know Mikoto is not my birth mother, but yes, I trust her."

My smile did not fade. I didn't mind that he knew. I still had my ammunition. "But do you know where she comes from? Her name and face may pass for Hoshidan, but..."

"I told you to stop!" Takumi snapped, his face flushed. A blur passed before my eyes as he struck at my face. I recoiled, my face stinging from the blow. "You will not insult my mother, or any member of my family."

I stared at him, and he spat, before walking off, leaving me staring at the wall.

What had I done? Where had that come from? I doubted I had ever before felt such a rush of anger like that before. I almost never let my temper get the better of me, in particular since I didn't have much anger within me. Or I'd thought not, anyway. Anger was tied to confidence, wasn't it? That was something I definitely lacked.

Now that the anger had disappeared though, as quickly as it had come, I felt... Empty. It didn't last long, of course, for my inner musings had stirred fear within me and I had to...

I stared after Takumi. There was no way I could let the events of Conquest play out.

...

Mikoto surveyed the wreckages left of the private quarters. Her arm was around Princess Sakura, who seemed to be shaking. The Samurai brunette Hana stood nearby, with the red haired Subaki beside her. The two gazed forward, silently, though both kept glancing to Sakura for the slightest note that they were needed. Hana looked at me distrustfully as I stepped forward.

"Derek," Mikoto greeted. Princess Sakura turned. Her face was clear of moisture, though her wide eyed stare suggested she was on the verge of either crying or bolting.

"I... I was told to report to you?" I said. I could feel a piece of brick or stone under my left foot, and absently rolled it under my heel.

"Yes. I would rather have received your counsel in a private session, but it seems I shall be kept too busy for the next several days." She turned to the rubble, watching her other children pick their way through the rubble. Corrin seemed to be regretting her decision to not wear shoes for this task, much to the amusement of Hinoka.

I watched them shift some concrete about, then turned back to the queen.

"A messenger arrived. During the battle, actually, so he was rather confused." A wry smile played on Mikoto's lips. "Prince Xander and his half-siblings have decided to take up residence at Fort Shadowgift."

"Ah," I intoned.

"Doubtless, they'll be surprised that the Barrier has remained intact. After our emergency council meeting, we shall march directly to the Canyon in order to meet with them. That will be in three days."

I nodded, but Princess Sakura spoke up.

"W-we're meeting the Nohrians?!"

Her surprise was understandable. Queen Mikoto had tried to arrange private meetings with Prince Xander, or any of the other Nohrian family members for years. It had been her hope that any of them might prove more reasonable than their father. Prince Xander's loyalty to his country, however, was unwavering, and when he gave a command, his siblings listened. Usually.

"You don't need to come..." Mikoto said, soothing Princess Sakura's concerns. It was still our hope that she would come, however. Her presence would be another anchor to Hoshido for Corrin, and if things went as well as they could, then a friendship between Princess Sakura and Nohr's own youngest Princess Elise could blossom.

"B-but... Everyone else is going..." she sighed, before taking a deep breath. "No. I-I want to come. I want to be there for you, and Corrin, and everyone."

Mikoto smiled at her, and pulled her closer. Not for the first time, I wondered at the closeness of the two – Mikoto was not the biological mother of Ryoma, Hinoka, Takumi or Sakura, but they all loved her as though they didn't know it. To be fair, the late Queen Ikona had passed away while Princess Sakura was still a baby, so it was doubtful she had truly gotten a chance to know her. How long did a child need to develop that maternal bond? I had heard it often developed in the womb, but...

"Derek." Mikoto said, and I snapped back from my musings. She looked at me oddly for a moment, and I wondered how long my thoughts had taken me. Still, she went on, "We have yet to receive word from Chief Kaden of the Kitsune. I shall send another messenger for him to meet us at the Canyon. However, it may be that we must proceed without their aid."

"What about the Fire Tribe? And the Western Continent?"

Mikoto shook her head. "Lord Bulkkoch is unwilling to negotiate any further. As Rinkah's claim to the chieftaincy was revoked, she has declared her loyalty to Hoshido. As for potential allies in the west... I am afraid progress there has been much slower."

There was a pause. I had, of course, told her all I knew of potential allies in other countries. Most of the countries to the west were largely subjugated by King Garon of Nohr.

The Ice Tribe and Cheve were perhaps the best examples of this, in particular due to their rebellions. The Ice Tribe, for example, were led by Chief Kilma, whose two daughters had agreed to service in Nohr. They had been assigned to serve as Corrin's retainers, though she had no idea as to the twins' dislike for Nohr. Cheve, meanwhile, had a sizeable guerrilla force leading multiple rebellions against their occupiers. Both countries would likely be eager to join our cause if we assisted them in their freedom endeavours.

Nestra, the southernmost country on the western continent, had no real problems with Nohr as far as I had remembered. King Garon allowed them greater freedom, particularly as he enjoyed visiting the opera houses of its capital cities.

Then there were the Wolfskin – shapeshifters who lived secluded from all atop a mountain. They were as likely to join us as they were to join Nohr. But their isolation meant that, if not interfered with, they would stay out of the war.

"Mother," Prince Ryoma greeted. He had come from the direction of the castle it seemed, and his face was serious, like he was heading into a formal meeting.

Nonetheless, Mikoto smiled warmly at him, "Ryoma! How went your training?"

The prince shook his head. "I could hardly concentrate on my swordplay knowing the rest of my family was here, helping with the clean up."

"Does that mean you've come to help?" Princess Sakura asked, a smile dancing at her lips.

Prince Ryoma's stoic mask slipped as he smiled warmly back at his youngest sister. "That's right. I'm sure at the very least I shall be able to shift some bricks and mortar."

I surveyed the pile of rubble. It still looked more like a demolition zone than anything else, but it was obvious that the Hoshidans were making progress. Takumi and his retainers had taken to competing for who could lift the heaviest brick, it seemed.

"We'll be riding west in a week's time," Mikoto said.

"No," Prince Ryoma replied. His stern mask returned, and he directed it to his adopted mother. "I will not be going."

Princess Sakura opened her mouth, as though to protest, but I looked down to his hand. It seemed Mikoto had noticed it too.

"Who is it from?"

"Lord Fuga, of the Wind Tribe," Ryoma lifted the letter, and handed it to Mikoto. Without so much as a glance in my direction, he continued; mostly for Sakura's benefit, I suspected. "As a condition of his joining the war, he has suggested that I visit Notre Sagesse. It makes sense. Nohr's own Prince Xander received a blessing from the Rainbow Sage in his youth."

Mikoto had finished reading, "Fuga says any of our forces should go, not necessarily yourself."

"Yet it makes the most sense, does it not?" Ryoma replied. His hand went to the hilt of his legendary weapon.

Mikoto sighed, and handed the letter to the curious Sakura.

I paused. Legendary weapons... The Rainbow Sage...

Corrin was supposed to have the Yato blessed by the Rainbow Sage, which would be his final blessing before his death. But... Corrin didn't even have the Yato. It hadn't found her worthy.

"Is something bothering you, Derek?"

I turned to Mikoto, and grimaced. "I... Yes. I don't think Raijinto should be blessed."

Her face made an inscrutable expression. "I see."

"What do you suggest instead?" Ryoma asked. I turned to him, and realised this was the first time he had actually acknowledged my presence.

"The Yato," I replied.

Mikoto closed her eyes. "The Yato remains sheathed."

That was true. I hadn't even realised until now. The attack at the plaza had not triggered the Yato to choose Corrin as its owner. In the game, the sword had flown to her hand after Mikoto's death. But it still remained locked in the stone pillar that formed the centre of the plaza's fountain.

It was a... Familiar story, now that I thought about it.

"Has anybody tried to remove it?"

Mikoto shrugged, turning towards the castle gates. "Many have tried, yes. It's said only its destined chosen one could remove it from the stone."

"Yukimura doesn't like that story," Ryoma smiled, "He believes it's simply bolted in there or some such."

"If that is true, it is a cruel prank." Mikoto gave a half-smile, "Still, the old records are assured of the legend's accuracy."

Princess Sakura spoke up, "B-but... Why is the Yato so important?"

Prince Ryoma looked at me, himself unsure of the answer. "A good point. It is supposed to be a good sword, but its legendary function was as a tool to save the world from the brink of destruction. If it comes to a war with Nohr, I have no doubt it would be useful, but it is hardly an end of the world situation."

"Lots of reasons," I told him. "For a start, the Yato wielded would be a morale booster, like how soldiers are reassured to have your powerful Raijinto. And, like Raijinto, it would be an unbreakable weapon, and... It could further legitimise Co- Princess Corrin's identity. Finally... The blade is supposed to be powerful against dragons."

"Dragons?" Ryoma considered briefly. "Ah. You mean Nohr's wyverns." He frowned, "Your reasons are fair, though I take issue with one. Namely, that if Corrin fails to remove the Yato, that could turn the people against her."

He was right. That could happen. But Corrin was supposed to wield the Yato. It was, by the game's logic, the only way Anankos could be defeated.

"That's true..." I hesitantly conceded. "What if she were attempt to wield it in secret? If she succeeds, we can reveal that it happened."

Prince Ryoma shook his head. "We shall not deceive our people."

Mikoto remained silent, though she bowed her head to him. It was clear she thought the same.

I sighed, and he seemed to take that as my acceptance of the matter. But I wasn't finished. Things still had to be set into motion. "Fine. But I don't think you should go to Notre Sagesse."

At this, the prince scowled. "Then who should claim Izana's support? And should it come to it, would I be able to truly lock blades with Prince Xander's blessed weapon?"

My knowledge of the game came in useful again. Both Princes had been fairly evenly matched in the game. He didn't need the blessing.

"Yes," I said immediately, ready. A smile of assurance played on my lips. "Prince Xander has devoted his studies into overall military strategy, politics and horse riding. You have the edge over him when it comes to sheer swordplay. You have been able to devote much more of your own studies into your own strength and skill than him."

"You speak as though you have met Xander," Ryoma's scowl remained unchanged, but he said nothing more.

"I-I wouldn't say that, but..." my smile slipped briefly, but I forced it back.

Thankfully, Mikoto took over for me. "I'm sure what Derek means is that King Garon's stern teachings and hands-off approach to taking care of his country will have given his children much more experience in those matters. I have perhaps taken too much of a monopoly on the ruling, and have not allowed you opportunity to those teachings. Perhaps I have not been the wisest mother..."

"Don't say that!" Princess Sakura stomped her feet. "I-I may not know how to rule a country, but I have a wonderful mother! Th-that's why... I feel sorry for the Nohrians..."

Sakura ended her outburst by staring at the floor, her quivering frame a result of conflicting emotions. Mikoto smiled, and pulled her into another hug.

"Sakura is right," Ryoma smiled. I suddenly felt as though I were intruding on a private family moment. "We are fortunate to have had a loving father, and two mothers to have loved us. By contrast, we all know the stories of Garon's many wives."

I looked away. Blue caught my eye, and I watched as Azura approached the others by the fallen rooms. She handed something to Corrin, and the two exchanged some words. I had a good guess what that was, and I felt relieved that at least something was going a similar way to the games.

Still, I had to turn from that scene too. I suddenly felt sick. I knew too many secrets that I could not share. How was I supposed to reveal to Corrin, who stood surrounded by a loving family, that none of these were truly her brothers or sisters either. She'd already lost one set of siblings. Truthfully, the only real sister she had was...

"You have not answered my question." I looked back to Ryoma. He looked at me expectantly, and gestured to the letter in his hand. "Who should visit Notre Sagesse, if your counsel suggests that I should not be the one?"

I hesitated, "I... The Yato must be blessed."

Ryoma closed his eyes, and his eyebrows narrowed. "We've been over this."

"Peace, Ryoma," Mikoto clasped her stepson's shoulder gently. She turned to me, serious. "Regarding the Yato, the only thing I can think to suggest is to restart the tradition of the Dawn Festival."

"The Dawn Festival?" I asked.

"Indeed. You arrived in the city shortly after the end of this year's festivities, but it is a celebration held in spring to celebrate the ending of winter. There was a tradition which fell out of favour a hundred years ago over some diplomatic incident. People would line up to take turns attempting to remove the Yato and prove themselves the legendary hero."

Ryoma hummed to himself, "I suppose Mokushu never did forgive us for that."

"But... The next Dawn Festival won't be for another year! Or... Eight months at least..."

Sakura's eldest brother nodded to her, then turned to me, "In addition, if you are correct in your assuredness that Corrin will wield this Yato, questions would be raised. How convenient for us to revive this tradition only for the Yato to be immediately removed. People would wonder if we had known it would happen and how we came by this foresight. Which is something I'm curious about myself."

"There is no time," Mikoto concluded. "We must make do without the Yato."

Her hand went to her heart, and I understood. This would be a discussion I would not win.