Chapter 16
It was great being back home and eating with everyone. Actual food. Greta clearly missed me a lot and immediately wanted to play (I wish I could give her my old barbie dolls but she seemed happy with her straw doll) and Celly mentioned the bags under my eyes. At least Günter had a few sets of shorter dresses and pants for me to wear. I took the opportunity to ask for 6ft by 7 inches strips off cloth. My one bra wasn't going to last long and I needed something to keep them from bouncing.
"Oh goodness I almost forgotten! I have finished your crest your highness," Günter said. He handed me a box that protected a handmade broach. It was red stone cut into a heart surrounded by protruding hilts.
"Caren the Caring."
"It's...beautiful!" I couldn't help but give him a hug.
"The hilts represents that you would take up arms to protect those you care about."
"Yeah I would!"
"Technically you aren't a royal but you are higher than the aristocrats-"
"She's a champion Günter, that's her position." The Great One then took a big bite of something resembling a blueberry.
"I'll do my best." I said.
"Gannbatte! Banzai!" [do your best] [1000 years (long live)] Yuuri and Murata cheered.
"Don't think you got away with it." Murata told his old friend.
"I know i didn't, I was only hoping I could postpone your lecture." The Great One sighed. The indoor waterfall filled the temporary silence with white noise.
"Why did you take a girl who isn't part demon at least and put her in a world nothing like her own without a way back."
"I brought her for you. It's time you had a special person." Murata blushed slightly.
"That's the truth. And I was not running away, I'll have you know. I was giving you two alone time. I know you fancy her so keep her close. You're welcome by the way."
"You're still not scot-free. You have responsibilities-"
"Yes, yes; don't nag me."
All I could do was fight to stay awake, sitting in the office with Günter giving us another lesson. I came excited to learn but it's been hours, how was he not tired or thirsty? Though I suppose he was that proud; he's still very much a soldier after all. At the same time Yuuri had to sign some documents. Sword trainning however was far better.
After that I accompanied Yuuri while he settled the disputes of the villagers. There wasn't a judicial system here like on earth; Yuuri had to do it or Günter or Gwendell if he wasn't here. For the first time I wasn't hidden. Most hoped I was a boy which annoyed me to no end but I handled it with grace. Or tried.
"Hey Murata! Where ya been stranger?" I called to him from down the hall.
"Having a talk with the Great One."
"He's quite the character, I actually like him."
"Mmm, I suppose it's endearing. You never did tell me what happened back in Big Simmarron."
"Oh that's right, I didn't. Well I got to know Sara but I'm hoping he hasn't got me oegged yet. I didn't like him before, I don't like him now. But, em, you reminded me of something. I want to go through with the concubine thing. I want to continue to go along with it but I want to also continue being with you. You, of course, have a choice but I hope you choose me. I mean, I don't like Yuuri at all and Wolfram doesn't wnt it to happen either. Maybe we can have a plan of our own."
"You mean lie? About being pregnant or...?"
"B-both...there's no rush anyway because he's still young and no close to dying than me and you."
"Well, this isn't a usual situation but I do choose you. So no matter what, until we get tired of each other, we can still 'hang out'."
"Cool." I said with a grin.
"Mmmm, this bath feels so good..." Yuuri moaned. I heard the water make a small blurp.
"Yeah," Muraa sighed. Wolfram was inside watching over them while I stood outside.
"Don't get too comfortable, after this you still have some reports to read and respond to." Wolfram reminded him. Yuuri continued to hum happily.
"I know I-who-looks like that'll have to wait!"
"Yuuri!"
"Caren!" I ran in just as Wolfram jumped into the bath fully clothed and all I could see was either Yuuri's or Murata's hands. Down the plumbing express.
Thanks Ali Stark for following and all of you for sticking with me, showing your support, especially you Bowtie Beats!
I love ya'll to bits like kawaii babies! You're all wonderful, stay true!
