Chapter 7
"Konban wa, Attha-sama," the cloaked figure said.
The Emperor replied, "Konban wa, Kira-kun."
The said boy slowly removed the hood of his cloak. His hair cascaded down freely at the same pace.
Like the earth that tremored every now and then and voraciously shook beneath their feet, the minds of Lord Clyne, Lord Zala, Lady Eileen, Lady Lenore, Athrun Zala, and Lacus Clyne crumbled in a matter of seconds. The after effects of the rumbling was devastating. For a brief moment, their mouths could not talk, their ears could not hear, their body could not move, and their eyes could not see. The figure in front of them seemed like a ghost to them, but they knew he was real. Though recent premonitions foresaw this revelation, the nobles did not truly know. For a time, they truly did not believe. How could he be alive? Is he really that boy that saved them? Those people that he killed . . .
Their questions ended when the hood fell magnificently over his broadened shoulders.
Sure enough, it was Kira Yamato.
His hair ran longer as it cascaded past his shoulders. A neatly tied black bandana covered the top of his head, but there was no mistaking those light chesnut locks that ended below his neck. His enlarged frame that heightened to his endowment blessed him with a perfect physique. Small hints of his darkened undergarment presented itself through the thicks of his hair. Though his face and eyes were hidden from the view of the nobles, they all knew it was him. His eyes looked directly at the Emperor without the slightest bit of inferiority. How was that possible? The Emperor hugged him as if he was his family. How can that be? There was not even a threat of punishment after such a blatant. How can he not be condemned for such an action?
"Has it been that long Kira-kun?" the Emperor said with a small smile and a raised brow insisting what he had implied.
"Ah, gomen ne Uzumi-sama," Kira replied as he recalled his memory about the talk he had with the Emperor about his unneeded use of formality.
Something that was considered extremely offensive to Lord Zala while it just puzzled the others. How could he be so informal with the Imperial One? It was impossible to be so casual without having been reprimanded. So why him?
Lady Clyne looked over to her daughter and what she saw equally puzzled her. She could not tell for sure, but it had seemed . . .
"Iýe, Iýe, no need for apologies,so how was your trip?" Uzumi inquired curiously.
"It went well, I have gotten what I needed," Kira said with a light smile planted on his lips as his gaze traveled absently and landed at the cherry blossom vase.
"Ah sou desu," Attha responded with a smile playing on his lips as well, "That's very good to hear." Uzumi followed his gaze which led him to the beautiful vase the boy had given him as a gift before he pardoned for his leave. "When you had given that vase last time, I hadn't been able to thank you."
The nobles were all but confused at the moment. Just how much happened in one year?
"Iýe," Kira said absently, "You already have."
"Oh?" Uzumi said in confusion at first while Kira nodded slightly, "But thank you for making it for us, we treasure it very much." Uzumi's mind wandered off to his beloved family until Kira spoke once again. He knew Kira would be all too kind in receiving a compliment.
"A-arigatou," Kira said as he bowed respectfully while a knowing smile grew on Uzumi. Then, upon realizing something of importance, "Ah, Uzumi-sama, could you please wait a minute, I must show you something."
"Sure Kira-kun," Uzumi said with a wave of his hand.
After Kira had left, the enlarged eyes of the nobles had caught the emperor's intrigue.
"Is there anything the matter that you find troubling?" he inquired curiously.
"N-nothing . . ." Lord Clyne stumbled upon his words as the others were to shocked to speak uncharacteristic of samurai, "Where did you find that boy?"
"Oh?" Uzumi replied baffled by his question.
"T-that's not important, your Highness, that child has disrespected you!" Lord Zala said with almost too much anger standing upright with his hand poised on his short sword, "Order me and I shall rid him of his head!"
The nobles had been stunned by Lord Zala's words. They're eyes giving him a warning he had not noticed. They did not want such a thing to happen. Athrun had felt shamed by his father for saying such things. They were all bewildered by Lord Zala's insistence as if Kira had not done enough. Was Patrick not happy in finding the boy alive once again after such a long time? Was he ungrateful for the boy's interventions that changed their fates for only the better? Had he forgotten the fact that he had saved them from tragedy in the same day that was today? They were all shamed by his harsh words but unable to utter their feelings publicly.
"You will not do such a thing," a beautiful voice behind the middle shoji at the far back of the room articulated. The door had slid open to the side revealing a beautiful woman who seemed to be quite young though an air of wisdom and experience contradicted her apparent youth. Her magnificent light chocolate brown hair sank below her shoulders with her bangs neatly placed over the sides of her alluring eyes. Her long brown brows accentuated her perfect nose while two stalks of her brown hair streamed down the sides of her face, barely covering her ears and reaching the top of her bosom. Her average tanned skin perpetuated her feminine features while her form was still lavishly youthful.
"The Imperial Majesty Empress Attha of Nihon!" Lord Zala, forgetting the rebuttal of his own words, instinctively bowed with extreme formality which the other nobles followed suit, "We are not worthy."
As was custom, they were indeed not worthy to even have gazed into the illustrious eyes of the Empress. But only Lord Zala was blinded by the fact that Empress Attha was a kind, gentle, and loving woman who had befriended the Noble Ladies a long time ago. She had already broken down the barriers to such a custom she had never once enjoyed. She always loved people with the same genuineness that could only be found in a tennyo such as her. She smiled warmly at the guests beckoning them to rise.
"Now, now, there is no need for formalities here," she said genuinely with a small smile, "It is rather a pleasant surprise seeing friends of mine."
The nobles had risen up from the extravagant tatamis to look at the kind woman. Just as they had seen the graceful smile that adorned her lips, the young brunette before had walked in with quite some trouble. He was walking in with another person in his hand, though the smaller hand slipped from his grasp as he understood the shyness.
A playful smile danced across his lips as he was still oblivious to the nobles who were once again silenced. He had noticed the Empress and curtsied with casual respect while his smile grew even more and likewise the empress.
"Konban wa, Lady Attha-sama," he said, "I am glad that you are here as well."
"Konban wa, Kira-kun," Empress Attha replied while her smile grew considerably as she doused the young boy with an earnest hug of affection--once again shocking the already disbelieving noble families. "It is nice to see you once again," she said kindly.
"Arigatou Lady Attha-sama," Kira responded shyly with a slight blush from her affections. He heard a small feminine giggle from behind the doorway which he knew who the voice belonged to. A small smirk grew on his lips.
"Now, may I present to you, Mayu Asuka-chan," he said formally with an air of triumphant jest tinged with a bit of seriousness as he dramatically bowed and showed his hands towards the hallway in which he came. The said girl mirrored Kira's blush as she had refused to come out. Kira's hands lingered in the air dumbly as he waited for the aforementioned child to stride in. An amused smile graced his lips as well as that of the Imperial Family. He cleared his throat playfully, "I said . . ." adding in a little more firm vocals, "May I present to you, the beautiful and elegant and charming, Mayu Asuka-chan . . . who will come out before I drag her out." He said with a smile and bowed formally with his hands sticking out in the same fashion as before.
A small figure emerged from the corner of the door still very much hidden save for a bashful brown eye and a part of her attire. The frame of her white and pastel coloured dress shined brilliantly from the shadowy sunlight that penetrated through from the open slits in the audience room. Her tiny fingers lined the inside of the wall while her brown eyes gazed upon the encouraging violet eyes that she had come to love dearly. She emerged from the wall completely and shyly stepped inside, showing the whole of her kimono. Her bashfully bitten bottom lip made her insanely cute. Two stems of her hair were tied neatly near the ends. Her flowing kimono snugly fit her as if it was made just for her. And indeed it was. She gazed up to see encouraging smiles from the Imperial Family that made her heart double over and jump for joy. Newfound confidence beckoned her to politely twirl about to show the beautiful dress of hers. Small scarlet and white flowers were sewn in perfect harmony with the large whitish red flowers that were strategically placed about in a perfectly flowing curvature. Her pastel coloured small geta sandals matched her gown perfectly while the large obi that ran across her waist was a heavenly shade of whitish blue. The dress seemed to have been made for an Imperial daughter.
The Emperor and Empress were very happy in seeing the young girl so happy with a kimono of her own. They had often offered her a kimono but she had always politely refused. As was the same for Kira. They had never asked to be showered with gifts or adorned with heirlooms. That was just the type of people they were. And that was just one of the many reasons the Imperial Couple had come to love the two as if they were their own children. The Imperial Ones were so delighted that they had forgotten about their own guests and gathered around the young girl, admiring the hem of her dress. The soft feel of the silk was enticing to the fingers. Mayu had smiled gleefully, feeling beautiful for the first time in such an extravagant dress that she never once had in her entire life. Her huge grin threatened to stretch her face into a position she could not return.
Kira remained silently happy as he stood by watching with an encouraging smile. Mayu hugged the Imperial Couple and proceeded to dash into Kira's arms. Uzumi and Lady Attha could only smile happily at the overwhelming amount of happiness. Then, curiosity struck like the blinding lights from the heavens.
"Where did you get that beautiful dress from Mayu-chan?" Empress Attha inquired.
"Kira made it for me," Mayu replied jovially.
All the jaws dropped in the room. The ones that were already dropped sunk even lower. They were all utterly shocked with the little girl's words. All eyes turned to Kira at once and he blushed shyly from the attention. A small smile graced his lips as he looked at Mayu with eyes that said 'you traitor!' while Mayu just swatted her eyes innocently effectively shuddering the look away from the brunette. Kira sighed deeply as he knew he was beat, but he had a trump card up his sleeve.
"Attha-sama and Lady Attha-sama, if its not too much a burden on you," Kira started with a jestful mischievous glint in his eyes discomforting the young girl, "could you please watch over Mayu-chan here, I have some other business to attend to."
Mayu's had been taken aback like earlier that day when Kira had given her the beautiful dress as a gift. Instinctively she smacked Kira on his chest playfully while pouting angrily at the brunette. The Imperial Couple laughed heartily at the scene with an easy answer in mind, "Of course Kira-kun," Uzumi said.
Kira grinned joyously in mock victory and hugged Mayu and the Imperial Couple jovially. A few moments had passed until the dialogue was added onto by a beautiful voice.
"Oh Kira-kun," Empress Attha started as she nudged her husband aiding him to remember.
"Hai Lady Attha-sama?"
"Oh yes of course dear," Uzumi said as he remembered and smiled fondly, "the Crown Princess should be arriving from her trip soon as well."
"Ah sou desu. It will be good to see her again." A small smile graced his lips remembering the fondness he had for the Princess. He found himself happier than usual as of late. He could not put his finger on exactly why nor did he argue since he felt much more relaxed and at ease. His mind shook the thoughts off as he figured that it must have been from seeing the people he truly cared about since a long time. He was still a bit weary from his travels. He needed to clear his head once again.
He never saw the nobles that sat there stunned and bewildered and shocked and just about speechless about the recent events.
A faint smile could be seen on the pink-haired songstress luscious lips. She had wanted to see her close friend for a while, but she had wanted to see the boy before them even more. She had not known what she would have done if she had the chance to see him again. Even now, she did not know.
As he turned to leave, he had finally caught their gazes while the nobles had finally caught his.
His eyes grew in surprise, but calmly settled down afterwards. The front of his long brown hair cascaded until the tips of his broadened chest. His ungloved hands showed the callous around his palms probably from wielding the sword. The rest of his body save for his head was covered with the brown mantle with only the evident bodily figures protruding from his concealed form. An ominous black undergarment clung tightly onto his neck with streams of white, red, and blue cutting across the top portion. His face was the most intriguing of his entire form. Not a single trace of childish boyishness remained. His face hardened considerably during the year's time. Those amethyst eyes once filled with weakness was now abundant with a reservoir of strength, ferocity and an indomitable will of duty. His eyes were still kind, warm, and gentle as he was seemingly happy. Another emotion was embedded deep within those warm violet pools. But only one person noticed, or could notice.
Impressed upon his lips, Kira smiled the faintest of smiles as his violet eyes momentarily locked onto baby blues. His face emanating a vision of serenity. He bowed respectfully acknowledging the nobles as their eyes looked over the entire of his being from his geta up to his bandana. With the agility of a kitsune, he exited the room.
Baby blue eyes began to tear. They had noticed something that no one else knew. The other pairs of eyes were all drowned within the midst of their own confusion.
A sudden hush drew over the room just as quickly as Kira exited.
The uncomfortable silence halted after an unsettled girl squirmed a bit at the palpable tension. Mayu tugged the hem of the elegant kimono of the Empress. Her confused brown eyes pleaded to the woman to take her to the place she had always loved going to. Empress Attha smiled in response and pardoned from her company warmly. Her imperial hand gently took the small hand of the girl and led the way to the door on the far left of the back wall. The shoji slid open revealing a lengthy straight stairway that led to something that the nobles had never seen. They were unable to keep their minds on a trivial matter as the cedar wood abruptly closed and a voice spoke up immediately.
"Your Highness, why did you let that boy go unpunished?" Lord Zala said shocking the already dumbfounded nobles once again.
"Have you not heard the wishes of my wife?" Uzumi said with a hint of uncharacteristic irritation. Uzumi understood that Lord Zala were one of the few daimyos that strictly believed in the old tradition. He couldn't blame him though because he understood him in that aspect.
"Your Highness, with all due respect to the Empress, but you lay your danger in risk by being so friendly with a servant boy no less."
The nobles downcast their head in obvious shame. A twitch of visible agitation caught on the face of the usually calm and serene Emperor.
"Lord Zala, I am aware of the dangers in my life and Kira has never been one of them, " Uzumi said as he almost trailed off and wandered to his memories of the boy that changed him and his family for the better, "He has done nothing wrong. Why are you so interested in punishing the boy?"
"Emperor, I am only interested in your well being! He can kill you if he so desires," Lord Zala declared, "I have seen with my own eyes, that boy is a murderer!"
"Enough!" the Emperor roared quieting the impudent daimyo while frightening everyone else. The elder nobles had never been accustomed to Uzumi being so visibly upset. "Your eyes have seen nothing! You are blind!"
"But Sire--"
"You do not know that child," the Emperor said regaining his normal tone, "There was a time when he would not harm a single life . . ." he said absently at a barely audible voice. His fierce eyes gazing out of open slits towards the dying sun. He turned back to the attention of the nobles and with an audible sigh, "Excuse me for my tone Honorable Ladies. Would you like to join my wife? I am sure she will enjoy your company."
The nobles were a bit speechless at the sudden change of topic, but nonetheless Lady Clyne, Lady Zala, and Lady Lacus courteously took up the offer. They had matters to attend to as well and they would get everything they needed to know with the Empress as much as the Emperor. Orb Castle had changed remarkably and they needed to find out exactly why. Other things troubled them equally, but one of the Ladies in particular was interested in something else. The shoji opened and closed gracefully as a serious tone infiltrated the room.
The Emperor was the first to speak, "The child is not of importance to you all right now, please continue, you were here saying?"
The daimyos were relieved to finally be able to have a proper audience with the Emperor concerning their troubles. They began to worry as it dawned on them that Zaft was still in danger.
"Emperor Attha," Lord Clyne started reluctantly, but he knew he had to break the unsettling silence, "We need your immediate assistance. The EA have invaded the lands of Plant in this previous year and they have not let up. They even went as far as chasing us to the lands of Zaft. They have constantly attacked us while we had not made any provocations."
"I am aware of these matters Lord Clyne," the Emperor said calmly.
"Then you should know about the dire consequences of such actions," Lord Zala placed his two koku.
"I am sure you have all noticed the changes in Orb after we ascended into power. There is something you all need to know . . ."
The noble ladies had descended down the long walkway that seemed to lead directly to the first level of the donjon. Their feet had led them to another shoji blocking out what seemed to be the remaining sunlight. They slid open the door to the end of the steps and were greeted pleasantly by an empyreal site. A completely secluded area of the castle that was covered by the towering Fuji-san at the back. Concealing the sides were a thick woodlot of grown trees soaring into the sky.
In front of their eyes was the most beautiful garden ever. Everything was meticulously laid out and perfectly arranged. The enchanting smell of every different flower lured in every nose. Every colour imaginable was visible and attracting to the eye. Lilac, pink, yellow, gold, white, red--all of which had intricate designs and varying richness in colour. Not a single flower was alike. Each one having their own sense of beauty. All the while having a harmonious amity and sense of kinship. The lush green leaves seemed impeccable to the touch while intensifying the magnificence of the oasis. Like every garden, there were a few thorns on every vine but instead of ruining its perfection, it seemed to beautify its elegance even more by displaying a sense of protection of the immense beauty of its blossoms.
The captivated ladies walked gingerly on the small pathway that led around the garden, making sure to soak up the entire serenity of the place. A little ways over was a patch of blue flowers harmonized with thickly green scenery. It was coupled with the branches of trees sticking their hands out while hundreds of tiny purplish blue blossoms cascaded down from them elegantly. The pathway led the noblewomen to a small pass that was made by the concentration of flowers flowing down freely. It formed a beautiful flowered doorway that drew in the ladies. Lady Lacus delicately moved the bundle of flowers aside and was the first to step into even more inconceivable beauty.
The elder noblewomen followed likewise. They stopped immediately after being enveloped by the full scenic visage. A large clear blue pond was mounted in the middle of the sequestered area. It was filled with lively carp ranging in sizes along with their colours. Another line of trees were planted in front of the thick woods that covered the sides. They were sakura trees. The flowers on each were varying shades of pink creating a wave like appearance that seemed to flow from one sakura to the next. A gorgeous waterfall meshed into the pond harmonically. An undergrowth of green lined the stone magnificently. The flow of the water covered an alcove planted in the rock behind the waterfall big enough for a person or two. There were a few rocks with carved engravings embedded in them. The surrounding ephemeral beauty had averted the attention of the noble ladies that they had not noticed two familiar figures, one playing happily in the clean water with her kimono tied up high while the other was picking flowers off a well tended bush. After recovering from the remarkable site, the ladies had been spoken warmly to.
"Do you like this place?" came the gentle voice.
"Hai, it's beautiful," Lady Clyne spoke on behalf of the other speechless ladies.
The Empress smiled back briefly turning her attention to the child playing in the water. She beckoned the noblewomen to a small clearing in the garden equipped with comfortable cushions. She had sensed an urge to talk and to talk they would.
"I am sure you all have questions about Orb right now," the Empress started.
The noblewomen only nodded.
"Orb has become the symbol of peace . . ." She started in a similar manner to her husband.
"Nani? You will not help us?" Lord Zala asked almost too loud.
"Orb is of peace. It's warriors are protectors," the Emperor said flatly, "I know it is rather dire situation, but we cannot go against our beliefs."
"But we are at war your Highness! Our lands have been invaded, our people have been lost," Lord Clyne pleaded.
Lord Zala continued, "The EA will become more powerful and soon they will set their filthy eyes on you,"
"We cannot intervene," the Emperor said.
Lord Clyne resulted into his last argument, "Sire, the lands of Plant have been ravaged by war due to the EA. We were a peaceful land just like Orb is and look what happened to us."
"Lord Clyne, you claim Plant a peaceful nation?" the Emperor inquired as Siegel nodded, "Then were you not planning to unite with Zaft . . . and continue its attacks on the lands of EA?"
Lord Clyne was taken aback by the Emperor's words. A small trickle of sweat dropped on the head of Lord Zala. The ever silent Athrun had become bewildered by the Emperor's words. He looked around from each man's face as if trying to find answers to some incessant questions plaguing his mind.
"What attacks? Plant is a--" Lord Clyne started until the Emperor motioned to Lord Zala. "Patrick, what's going on?"
Lord Zala remained conspicuously silent. The questioning eyes of Siegel and Athrun were enough to make him shudder on the inside, but he could not let up. He planned his life out too long for him to abandon them now. The silence was almost unbearable.
"In any case, we will not join your forces. Even if you must revolt against us, even if you are not our enemies, even if you are our friends."
"We see. It is a shame to see you like this Your Highness," Lord Zala almost spat bitterly, "Where is the fearless samurai that was once on the fields of battle alongside with his faithful daimyos? You go back on your own words. You yourself have taken the lives of many and have conquered the lands of others and now you say you are a peaceful people?"
The Emperor sighed a bit at his words. They were right. But still.
"It is true that I have known and committed to such acts. But there in this world of neverending battles, there must be a time when it all ceases. There must be a future that will be safe from constant wars. This is an ideal we now believe in," the Emperor said as his gaze trailed off once more.
"That can never happen as long as their is the troublesome EA. Their evil ways will consume you. I beg forgiveness for saying this my Lord, but you have grown weak," Lord Zala said as he bowed low, "Perhaps it is because of that boy's influence that you have become so sentimental. This period of 'peace' you say will not last long."
The Emperor just looked at ever dimming sky blandly.
"Weak you say?" the Emperor started, "See with your eyes Lord Zala."
"I do see your Highness," Lord Zala said, "The disrespect you have been shown by that boy. You have shown me clearly--"
"Lord Zala. It is true that we have changed. Have you seen that all people here are no longer burdened with duty so that their hearts are oppressed to the point that they cannot live? That boy you speak of so lowly. He has enlightened us on the error of our ways."
"But you contradict your own ways. You are samurai and a Holy Being. Yet you do not realize--"
"There will come a time when these lands will need the protection of a being with pure intentions yet one who knows of evil," Emperor Attha said with an enigmatic look in his eyes, "We are not blind to rules of war and the conflicts of the world. That is why we need the eyes of who has known evil, yet is good within. For what is good without knowing evil? If one were to remain blind to evil, then he will inevitably remain blind to good. Neh?" the Emperor said.
"We will be leaving now your Highness," Lord Zala declared boldly, "Zaft is in danger. It was a mistake to come here. Pardon us for interrupting your times of peace."
"Very well Lord Zala," the Emperor calmly replied, "Please stay here Lord Clyne. You and your family are welcome to stay here. You all must be tired from your journey. There is a matter in which I need to speak to you with as well."
"Yes Sire," Lord Clyne replied.
"I will sign some Imperial Letters to grant you safe passage on Orb roads. Take it as a small favor old friend," the Emperor offered.
"Then it's settled. We will be taking our leave," Lord Zala said as he stood up. Athrun and Lord Clyne followed suit.
Back at the garden, the ladies were being caught up with the changes made to Orb. The peaceful setting. They were told about the changes within the society. There were no longer eta. Everyone who lived in the city were all samurai or faithful vassals. They were all treated as equals to a certain extent. The Divine City as it was called, deemed worthy of its name. But even it had its flaws. There were recent attacks made on the lives of the Imperial Ones. There were even assassination attempts in the past as well as several enormous clashes. All of which were covered so that the attackers could not be traced back. The Empress did not speak of the brunette as she was occupied with answering the questions of the elder noblewomen. Lady Lacus had brought up the subject she wanted to know the most about, but was abruptly cutoff with the arrival of the Emperor and the rest of the nobles. The serious look in their eyes had not diverged into gawking at the delicate scenery. It seemed they were too preoccupied with troublesome information. The Emperor was the only one who seemed serene at the arrival of the majestic area.
"Lenore we are going now," Lord Zala said briskly.
"Hai, wakarimasu," Lady Lenore replied obediently.
"So soon?" Empress Attha asked innocently.
"Gomen nasai Empress," Lady Lenore said.
"What about us dear?" Lady Clyne asked her husband.
"You are allowed to stay if you want, all of you are," Emperor Attha chimed in. The rest of the people nodded agreement.
"Arigatou gozaimasu," Lady Clyne replied.
"Does she have to go so soon Lord Zala?" Empress Attha asked almost pleading for her to stay.
"Iýe, if you wish Empress, she can stay here," Lord Zala offered, "Come to think of it. It seems better if we were to leave her in your hands. She will be safe here in Orb I presume."
"Yes of course," Emperor Attha said.
The overpowering scenery won over the tension and problems of the world as it relieved everyone. They enjoyed the peaceful silence for a drawn out moment. Staring at the pond, full of life. The little girl picking up the flowers that were dropped by the sakura trees. The running of the water dribbled on and on. Birds were chirping overhead. The darkened sky became illuminated by the lit paper lanterns lining the pathway and brightened the garden. They were interrupted in their momentary reverie by the rustling of the flowered doorway. The bluish purple blossoms moved out of the way gracefully with a hand guiding them aside gently. The nobles were once again silenced as a familiar figure emerged.
His violet eyes were concentrated on the girl playing with the fish. His face adorned with a small smile.
"Mayu-chan," Kira called softly.
"Kira-kun!"
"You forgot this," he said drawing out something from the innards of his cloak.
She gasped awaiting her surprise. Kira brought out a small bundle of white petal sakura and placed it in her awaiting hands. She smiled happily while placing the flowers away and hugging the older boy.
"You be good okay?" Kira asked kindly receiving a nod in compliance.
The Empress had walked over to the boy and smiled warmly as she grasped the small hand of the girl. "She is always good, Kira-kun," she smiled noting the time of day.
"Oyasumi nasai Mayu-chan," Kira said warmly.
"Oyasumi nasai Kira-kun," Mayu said before being being led back into the donjon.
Kira turned to the nobles and walked up considerately towards the Emperor.
"Sumimasen for interrupting Uzumi-sama. I forgot to tell you that the samurai you requested are ready to leave by dawn. Goodnight," he said turning to leave. While he was turning to leave, the scabbard of his sword had freely flown out of his garment. The familiar saya had the same coloured mix of vibrant blue and scarlet red. It was unmistakable that it was the same sword he used to save them before. But something was missing. A rush of silent gasps enveloped the nobles. Was he armed with the long sword all this time? They all asked themselves.
The Emperor smiled at his retreating form. Once he was out of view, Lord Zala spoke up once again.
"Emperor, the boy was armed!" Lord Zala declared, "That is an unmistakable sign of disrespect. Did I not warn you that he could take your life if he so wishes?"
"He does not wish to take my life, nor will he ever,"
"You cannot guarantee that Your Highness, please have him commit seppuku at once Sire."
The nobles just blankly looked on. They were almost tired of having their emotions twisted on this day on more than one occasion. But they would soon learn that the day was yet to end.
"I have told you once before Lord Zala. He will not kill me, and I will not have him commit suicide."
"Sire, he is not even samurai! Why do you protect him?"
"You are still blind Lord Zala. But you are right in a way. Even so, I cannot detain him from his sword. I will not tell you the reason why, you will have to find out yourself. However, if I ever were to want him to commit suicide, I do not have that power vested in me to do so."
All were bewildered.
There was nothing out of reach of the power of the Imperial One.
They all looked at him confused.
"Kira is not a true samurai--he is ronin," the Emperor started, "He was deemed one ever since you have denounced him cordially Lord Clyne. And now, the only Lord he has sworn allegiance to . . .
is his heart."