Chapter 3: The Wedding and the Warriors
Author's note: The chapter is my response to chapter 33 of the HGC manga, to the sick writers of 'canon' AGK and HYC your work is not canon and I hope you fry in hell for what you did to Princess Rinzu you demented creeps. To my readers here is a happier story and a happier relationship for Rinzu, also feel free to bash Zuou in the comments he deserves it after all he has just done to Rinzu also props to anyone who shares my feelings on this matter so enjoy this happy chapter you may have expected this to happen later on but my anger has brought this sooner because I'm determined to give Rinzu the happy fate she deserves and to anyone that says she deserved what happened to her for any reason I've nothing to say to you other than to fuck off and that you are a horrible human being.
Island of Soukai was a peaceful place but one on watch, a kingdom that had withstood for centuries Soukai's strength came from its navy: the warships of Soukai were larger and more well-armed then those of other ships from the other nations of Wakoku and proud seafaring tradition was present amongst the people of the island who were largely fishermen but also explorers and merchants. The number of ships was something Tatsumi found interesting, though the weakness of Soukai was obvious, while they had a formidable navy their army was lacking and they seemed to focus all their strength towards their marines and sailors and this came from the fact the population was not as large as other kingdoms as the island couldn't support a large enough population to form both a powerful land army and a strong fleet, that meant one thing Tatsumi was going to have to bring the Imperial army to bear on Tenrou's military to keep the island safe.
Granted these thoughts were secondary to his current goals at the moment, that being to wed Princess Rinzu as soon as possible and without delay, he wanted to make sure she was safe and under his protection and when she was married she was fully under his protection. "I heard the Princess has a wonderful singing voice Tatsu-kitty; I wonder what we'd sound like in a duet?" Cosmina remarked. Cosmina was one of his Empresses known as the Siren Empress Cosmina was a beautiful woman with a dark past and who had lived a life of hardship, upon meeting Tatsumi and falling in love with him her life had changed for the better, a beautiful woman with purple eyes and short bob-cut purple hair Cosmina was the image of the beauty that came from those of Western descent, in the Kingdoms west of the Empire that were now part of it the people there had hair and eyes of colors not found amongst the Imperial heartlanders, Cosmina dressed in a bright purple gown and wore her silver headdress-crown which was decorated with amethysts that were as beautiful as her and just as priceless, she wore glasses and had at her side a microphone that was the Teigu Heavy Pressure, the nickname Tatsu-kitty was one she'd given him not to long after meeting him.
"If her voice is half as lovely as yours Cosmina it would be angelic, and I'd have to hear the two of you sing every morning of every day together" Tatsumi replied.
"Like I do every day already?" Cosmina replied, Tatsumi loved Cosmina's singing voice it was the most heavenly voice he'd ever heard something that made him happy and euphoric even in the darkest moments and when he was faced with death itself Cosmina's voice had the power to heal his spirits and inspire him to such feats of strength that nothing could stand against him, in fact, he loved her singing voice so much that he had her spend an hour each day singing to him in his throne room her voice had caused her much pain but since she and Tatsumi had become a couple her voice brought only joy.
"Yes, my dear Cosmina" Tatsumi replied she leaned against him, to the other side of him Aria held his arm, Tatsumi was at his happiest when she was near him and even happier when those women he loved dearly surrounded him.
To the onlookers the Imperial retinue that walked off the docks was a spectacle of the kind none had ever seen and one that would be seen often in greater and grander fashions in the months to come; Tatsumi noted Hinowa and a few others going of accompanied by Spear and a few royal guards he had explained to her to go off and recruit the Hatamoto as soon as they arrived and with instructions to recruit those that he could train himself along with their new responsibility, protecting Princess Rinzu: now Tatsumi expected that Rinzu was capable of protecting herself along with her guards, but his paranoia wanted her to be kept absolutely safe because if the King of Tenrou was willing to start a war with the Empire a war he had no business winning to get his hands on her there was no telling what Zuou would do to her if he got his hands on Rinzu. So marrying her promptly was also first on his mind because he wanted to make it all the harder for anyone wanting to make her a trophy wife to do so as she would be both lawfully married to him but also no longer a virgin and easily with child, hopefully, those factors would deter anyone in power that wasn't Zuou from starting wars.
"Tatsumi I can see your aura and you paranoid as hell over Princess Rinzu, you know I haven't seen this much focus on a woman since the Trojan War and I got Helen at the end of that one" Erasiel commented.
"What and who?" Tatsumi replied.
"The Trojan War, it's a- war from the planet Earth, different world but in my universe, crazy little planet that has an interesting history, anyway this war was started because the Trojan Prince Paris a handsome ran off with Helen a Mycenean Princess that was supposed to be married an ugly man named Menelaus who happened to be the King of a powerful city-state named Sparta, well it started a war and was all my twin sister's fault because she decided to throw her golden apples at three Phoenixes I got into a dispute settling the debate I refused so she fetched Paris and one of my broodmates promised him Helen as a prize the result of that beauty contest: the Trojan War. it was a bloody conflict and ended with Troy being razed, I barely managed to save the King's daughter Cassandra from being raped and eloped with her and Helen during the sacking, hell the aftermath destroyed the Myceneans as afterward they didn't find Helen and started fighting each other as they accused other kingdoms of having killed her in the siege. Point being Tatsumi I find relatively stupid that human beings can start wars over petty things but even more so that my twin sister Eris started the conflict as a joke; she really is a Phoenix of Chaos wars are not a laughing matter but my sister seems to take delight in it" Erasiel replied.
"Your sister sounds like a bitch" Tatsumi replied.
"Not the word I'd use to refer to her, she's more like a spoiled brat that never grew up and delights in chaos amongst others not evil just chaotic, as an Order Phoenix it's annoying to no end, well on the bright side she hasn't started any wars amongst our own race; Asha wouldn't tolerate that shit; we already had 12 Phoenix Wars we don't need a thirteenth; anyway the fact that Zuou is arrogant enough to start a war with you over a woman is mind-bogglingly stupid I've tried to understand humans for centuries yet somehow your race's tendency for stupidity is as infinite as time and reality itself" Erasiel replied. "Also mind your Ps and Qs and don't drool like an idiot when you see Rinzu" Erasiel added.
"Who do you think I am? Ieyasu? I will not drool, I'm an Emperor, not a farm boy" Tatsumi replied, Erasiel laughed.
"I was joking I know you're not a farm boy not anymore you've come fully into your Imperial role quite well, anyway Tatsumi you've got a bright future ahead, just treat Rinzu with as much love and respect as you do Aria or Esdeath or anyone else in your harem and you'll be fine" Erasiel replied Tatsumi grinned.
Meanwhile… Spear looked at the training school then at Hinowa. "Are you sure this is the place?" Spear asked.
"Yes, this school is owned by the greatest swordsman on the island I've sent my daughter here and those who study here are some of the most promising students in all Soikai" Hinowa replied.
"Alright, though I hope you aren't being biased because of your daughter" Spear replied.
"Nothing doing, in fact I'm doing this for her because she could use someone like Tatsumi in her life to teach her responsibility and to make something of herself" Hinowa replied she then walked in followed by Spear and a mix of Imperial guard and Soikai soldiers, they didn't have to go to far to find the sparring grounds were about a dozen students were training.
"Attention please!" Spear barked, the students and a old man watching them turned towards the newcomers, Hinowa stepped forward.
"Let me handle this. I've news for you all, first off Soukai is now part of the Golden Dragon Empire effective immediately as part of the marriage treaty between Golden Dragon Emperor Tatsumi VII Gildenstrom and Princess Rinzu Mori, I've been selected as the leader of the personal Hatamoto to the Golden Dragon Emperor himself as such he has given me express orders to recruit the most promising of students to join the group and serve and protect their Emperor in battle and during peace" Hinowa explained, the group didn't understand and but one of their number stepped forward.
"Mom?" that student stated.
Back with Tatsumi… Tatsumi had arrived before the gates of the castle the guards before the gate knelt before him once his banners were held aloft by Roxanna and Pais, the two Empresses in addition to being married to him and formidable warriors in their own right and sisters in blood were his standard bearers and in Pais's case his herald. Pais stepped forward and read off his list of titles a rather extensive and impressive list of the kind too long for writing outside of an extensive chronicle; the guards allowed them entry and one of their number escorted them to the royal wing of the castle. By comparison to Tatsumi's royal palace in Melitine the Castle of the Soukai's monarchs was a humble residence and as such Tatsumi didn't expect to be amazed by the size of the place, though the architecture was pretty amazing considering the fact that Shurenai Castle was built entirely into the mountainside, the stronghold itself was anchored by a granite peak with no means of attack from the rear as the mount itself was too steep to scale, Tatsumi noted that the towers were in prime position with each defensive position overlooking the layer beneath it with the design being to allow the defenders to fire down on the lower layers if an enemy took them; by design the towers had a number good spots for archers to fire from and Tatsumi figured that about a dozen men or women trained to rain death from above could turn them into a place from which they could get hundreds of kills in a drawn out fight. All this extra layers of defense was in a way redundant due to the city's walls but that didn't stop the defenders in fact the castle according to Wongo-Wongo was built before the city beneath it and as Soukai grew wealthier from trade and large in population a large town came into being in the valley bellow which in turn was protected by a even more defensive bastions with similar defensive measures; despite not having the best army in Wakoku, Soukai was far from defenseless against invasion by land and the smaller army could beat off larger forces.
They were lead soon led inside and the interior of the castle proved just as ornate and impressive as the exterior, though more opulent then the exterior as here the wealth of centuries of trade was displayed for all to see: tapestries of fine silk, Golden candelabras festooned with beeswax candles, statues of the various rulers and local gods, suits of the finest armor and racks of weapons those and more were there to see. "I love seeing places like this you'll never know what you'll find" Tatsumi remarked to Dorothea.
"Indeed the Royal Family of Soukai have quite the distinct tastes in finery, if its your thing and it is to me but not because of the wealth but because of the history behind everything" Dorothea replied, soon Lord Haruge stepped to the front of them.
"Your majesty I will go and inform the king; feel free to look at things, I expect you to be wed on a morrow, his majesty took the preparations in case of your acceptance and I'm glad for the sake of Soukai that you accepted in your infinite wisdom" Lord Haruge explained.
"Get to it then, the sooner he knows I'm here the better because that means we get all that closer to the business of everything" Tatsumi replied, Lord Haruge and some guards went off and returned about ten minutes later, Tatsumi and his party then followed them silently.
A large door was slid aside instead of being opened and Tatsumi along with his company took in the royal throne room which was- rather humble compared to the rest of the castle, instead of a grand throne the King sat on large silk mat cross-legged in front of him was table on which tea was set the King himself was a bearded man with graying brown hair and blue eyes but he seemed to be in pain as if he had gout and other health issues that made life hard for him. "Your Imperial Highness Golden Dragon Emperor Tatsumi I welcome you to my home, come let us take part in the most important of greeting ceremonies" King Sotetsu greeted, Tatsumi stepped forward signaling to his entourage to wait.
"Greetings" Tatsumi replied, he stepped forward and sat down at the table where the king joined him.
"Here I have for you in custom with our traditions the finest of Dragonlion tea from my own household, let us drink tea and treat with diplomacy" King Sotetsu explained, Tatsumi took the offered cup in the right hand and drank slowly, the king did likewise, both soon finished the tea and Tatsumi indicated for the treaty to be brought forward, Akame carried it to him. "Ah it is good to speak with a newfound ally I am King Sotetsu Mori of the house of Mori, you've read my treaty and it pains me to hand over my nation's independence but there is no other way, Zuou expands his navy and army with each passing day and has won many defeats before the year is over if I hadn't made this choice I fear I'd be dead, my lovely Rinzu a slave to Zuou and whatever suiter I wed her brought to a far worse fate then whatever death I'd suffer; that in mind I give my kingdom to you Emperor Tatsumi, my Daughter Rinzu will inherit she is my only child and I loved her mother so much I swore I'd never remarry, therefore by my will I name you and her my heirs but also give unto my nation and my daughter; I'm saddened it has come to this but I had no other choice, it's the nature of time that the old ways must give in and I see the future that in time the Golden Dragon Empire will rule Eden and more before I die, as such I fear for my child and to protect her I give you her to keep her safe, to love her and to cherish her, to care for her and any children you and her have: I hope that you are a noble soul" King Sotetsu explained
"I've signed the treaty, you shall not have to worry for you daughter or your nation, you will keep your throne but you will answer to the Empire, I'll treat you fair and Soikai will have a tax exempt status for five years along with formal representation in the Assembly of the Dragon along with local representation; your daughter will be safe under my protection I'll love her and care for her, in fact its for her sake and my fear for her safety I agreed to this deal, don't worry she'll be in good hands and have complete freedom to do as she wishes in my court" Tatsumi replied, the King smiled.
"Thank you, I'll just give this my seal of approval, I made preparations for such a union and a tournament along with your wedding will be held on the morrow now that you've agreed I see no reason to delay the union" King Sotetsu replied. "Lord Haruge send for my daughter; I want her to be here for this occasion, forgive me Emperor Tatsumi for my lack of preparations I have spent so much time focused on wedding preparations once I had your acceptance that I neglected to prepare for your arrival; my daughter however is prepared for any occasion and well she's half the reason I'm able to run Soukai in such an effective manner, I've got chronic gout and that prevents me from doing as much as I did when I was a younger man, don't worry though she's full of youth and energy, she's like her mother, full of life, eager to help, a fast learner and with a beautiful voice" King Sotetsu ordered and explained. The short lord left and Tatsumi continued looking over the documents with the king who used a stamp to mark each page which Tatsumi had read and reread precisely 273 times on his way to Soukai; Tatsumi was fully aware of what he was getting into and was ready to accept what fate was going to throw at him A side door opened and Tatsumi turned toward it and- well he gasped at the sight.
Into the room walked one of the most beautiful human women he'd ever seen his life a beauty rare and angelic: this was Princess Rinzu Mori. Rinzu was a beautiful young woman with the beauty of an angel, her face fair as stars, skin that was pure and unblemished by any marks, her eyes were blue and sparked like Sapphires, her body exquisite with supple and ample E-cup breasts with curves that were a mix of a warrior and a maiden's contours, and well her hair was like pink silk it was pink in color yes but long and held in two long ponytails behind her head with the rest in a bob-style, in her hair she wore a crown shaped and topped with gold like dragon fire in twisted wire that was hung with strands of pearls and yellow-golden jewels that meshed the light of moon and sun, Sunbrands they were and the crown itself was dwarven smithing a testament to trade with the Eastern Dwarves in the past. Her dress was a lovely kimono that was made of silk that was dyed red and pink, imagery of mockingbirds and parrots of all types along with depictions of a flowers and both suns in a radiant display, she also wore a cloak that was painted in many colors like a rainbow. At her side were three extremely well-crafted blades, two swords and one dagger each with hilts ornately decorated and of varying length, the longest blade being a katana with the other two being a Wakizashi and a Tanto, in her left hand she held a Gunbai Fan her right hand was open and held nothing, she took one look at him and he a look at her and- well Eros scored a shot thru both hearts at the same time and Aphrodite would be absolutely giddy on Olympus to see what just occurred in fact the Greater Phoenix Asha smiled at the results of her matchmaking from her Eternal Palace in another universe.
Tatsumi sat up and Rinzu approached him she did so without fear or arrogance but with confidence, King Sotetsu stood up and walked over to Rinzu a process that pained him due to his gout. "Ah my beloved daughter graces the room for her heavenly presence; none save her mother holds a greater place of happiness in my heart, but I'll let her speak for herself" Sotetsu explained and let the two close the distance, Rinzu lowered her fan to the side and looked at Tatsumi while he did the same and both studied each other than blushed.
"So-"Tatsumi began Rinzu smiled. "I'm Emperor Tatsumi Gildenstrom VII and your betrothed, what do you think of me?" Tatsumi asked.
"You're everything I hoped for, everything the stories say you are, handsome, strong and well by the looks of things polite and well-mannered and you're the savior of Eden; speaking of manners I'm Princess Rinzu Mori the first of my name and Princess of Soukai and heiress to the nation of Soukai; and of the past year and a half underwater with suitors, oh the fact that so many men are willing to do anything to earn my favor is- humbling but also annoying and I hated it, especially when it led to a war and goodness knows how many people dead; recently my father started to worry that we'd lose the war and to avoid that scenario I prayed hoping for a way to deliver our nation, then in a dream a goddess appeared to me and told me that if I wanted Soukai and myself not to be enslaved by the Wolves of Tenrou I would have to wed the mightiest of rulers and give up Soukai's independence to another power lest I be confined to torment and my father- taken from me in front of my eyes; the Goddess showed me many futures but only in one the one it which was to marry the Golden Dragon and sacrifice the independence of nation to save the people and myself from slavery; I knew then I'd have to marry you and told my father about the dream, we argued about it for a fortnight before I managed to get him to agree, it's what the goddess has willed and if I have to wed a stranger from a distant land a Nanban or outsider as you Imperials say if I had to do so I would for the sake of everyone that lives in Soukai, I can't speak the same for Saryuu but I'm certain their king will want to entreat with you; I ask only that you treat me and my people with love and respect and to protect them from the wolves that seek to feast on our lands and ravage our people if you do that I'll marry you" Rinzu replied.
"Princess Rinzu Mori, I will protect and care for both you and your people, I'm a hunter of monsters that pray on the innocent it's what I live for, I live to protect those I love from evil and bear the scars of my work proudly, I will defeat Tenrou and anyone else that seeks to harm you or anyone of the Empire; welcome to the Empire milady and I will by the Goddess Asha herself protect you and everyone here; if I have to I will sacrifice my life to keep you and everyone else in your kingdom safe: evil will not be allowed to triumph I've stopped it before and I'll continue to face it until the day I die and then on that day my children and grandchildren along with their children and so forth will continue that tradition I will wipe the monsters from the face of Eden and I will protect the innocent with all my very being" Tatsumi replied, the both took the measure of other looking into each other's eyes.
"I believe you; we will wed on the morrow as planned, I will fight by your side and we will be strong, we will be brave and we will be free, our love will burn strong with the intensity of both suns and all of Eden will be better for it" Rinzu replied, they embraced, hugged and then separated.
"I've heard tells of your voice Princess Rinzu could you sing a song for me?" Tatsumi asked.
"Oh the songs I could sing, very well you may here my voice and I'll sing for you a song I heard from the Elves of Amannar, they sung many songs but this one always resonated with me because it reminds me of my mother" Rinzu replied and took a deep breath before beginning to sing a song. "When Spring unfolds the beechen leaf and sap is in the bow. When light is on the wild wood stream and wind is on the brow, when stride is long, and breath is deep and keen the mountain air. Come back to me, come back to me, and say my land is fair. When Spring is come to garth and field and corn is in the blade, when blossom like a shining snow is in on the orchard laid when shower and suns upon the earth with fragrance fill the air I'll linger here and will not come because my land is fair. When Summer lies upon the world and in a noon of gold beneath the roof of sleeping leaves the dreams of trees unfold, when woodland halls are green and cool, and wind is in the west. Come back to me, come back to me, and say my land is best. When Summer warms the hanging fruit and burns the berry brown. When straw is gold and ear is white, and harvest comes to town when honey spills and apples swells though wind be in the west I will linger here beneath the suns because my land is best. When Winter comes, the Winter wild that hill and wood shall slay when trees shall fall, and starless night devour the sunless day when wind is in the deadly east then in the bitter rain. I will look for thee and call to thee I will come to thee again. When Winter comes and singing ends when darkness falls at last when broken is the barren bough and light and labor past. I will look for thee and wait for thee until we meet again. Together we will take the road beneath the bitter rain. Together we will take the road that leads into the west and far away we will find a land where both our hearts may rest" she sung, her voice was heavenly and like that of angelic being even Cosmina felt humbled by the voice of this princess.
Tatsumi by contrast felt the song cut deep, it told to him at least the story of two lovers that could not agree over where to live but in the end they decided to find a place where they could live and both their hearts could rest; Erasiel knew a different meaning of the song though considered the fact that many universes had different origins for the same song but still Erasiel knew full well the song's significance, Erasiel looked at Rinzu's aura and noted that he hadn't seen a pure hearted person in centuries she exemplified good unto itself and purity too, Erasiel understood why Tatsumi was so smitten with her, because she was to him the very type of person he has sworn to himself to protect.
"That was beautiful I've- not heard such a fair voice apart from one other my dear Cosmina, Rinzu will you marry me? I know we've already agreed to it but I want to know will you do so willingly?" Tatsumi replied.
"Yes Tatsumi, most definitely" Rinzu replied and hugged him affectionately, both kissed each other, King Sotetsu smiled, Erasiel smirked and there was happiness around.
From there a welcoming banquet was held something which was enjoyed by everyone involved, the food was exotic though largely composed of fish including notably shark, apparently shark fishing was something the locals engaged in, also the dishes were seasoned with spices that were native to the islands and only grew there and in the lands of Amannar and Cathnequay, the beverage of choice was Saki and the alternatives were water and a specialized fruit mix drink: Tatsumi and those with him Leone chiefly downed more Saki then the locals, granted however Tatsumi drank the least and swapped over to the fruit mix which was in his opinion superior in taste and had been made from fruits that were native specifically to Soukai and the rest of Wakoku's southern isles. Rinzu to Tatsumi's surprise was quite a ferocious eater and had to eat about five courses before she was full.
Meanwhile aboard the Golden Dragon…
Air Grundel looked out from the deck of the Golden Dragon on the city, the young woman who was about 15 and nearing her 16th birthday was one of three adopted daughters to Angela and Constantine Grundel taken in during the war and she along with her sisters had fallen in love with and betrothed to then Emperor and now Prince Makoto Gildenstrom the love of their life and the cousin of Emperor Tatsumi who had played matchmaker though not intentionally he had simply introduced them to him in hopes of providing a friendship which had been a success, the friendship just escalated into love between them; one that was strengthened further by the ordeals they suffered not to long afterwards. Air herself had blossomed from the snarky smart pre-teen girl into a beautiful young woman, her hair was long lavender in color and her eyes were the same shade of purple, her body had developed to her breasts had grown into ample e-cups, her figure had become curvy but still brawny as Air was not a pampered princess but a soldier and assassin thru and thru and had subjected herself to the extreme training regime that her mentor Tatsumi had been thru and had endured even more missions and feats in the time since then; her attire at the moment was that of her combat uniform as Air was ready for battle on a moment's notice, she held in her hand the spear Incursio a Teigu spear that had been given to her after the war by her surrogate mentor and former bodyguard Bulat after he had nothing left to teach her and had decided never to take up arms again. the Teigu spear allowed her to dawn one of the most powerful suits of armor and the weapon itself since the war had been tempered by the Dwarves to fix all flaws in the Teigu process and allow full access to the powers of the Tyrant trapped within. Incursio had been forged with the soul of one of Eden's top predators inside it, a Tyrant was Eden's top predator nothing save dragons could hope to slay one with the exception of Teigu wielders using the most powerful Teigus in existence, Tatsumi had during his journeys faced the last known Tyrant on the face of Eden and killed it after a hard-fought battle. Air herself had no ambitions to seek out another Tyrant for her own glory even if such creatures still lived and they didn't, no. her goals were simply to make herself the best warrior possible and ensure a future for her children that she hoped to have but also to better understand the power within herself.
You see Air had under extreme duress discovered she had special powers inside her, the kind capable of as she found out on their first use capable of disintegrating fully grown human beings without much issue and power, she still had trouble understanding. As such after the war Air and her husband to be along with her sisters had sought out anyone who had similar powers and who could educate her in the use of said abilities. The search had found a few people that could educate her but their knowledge was limited and based mostly on what they themselves had taught themselves, those that did have some tradition of learning it were hesitant to teach her as they were largely religious orders that wanted her to adopt their teachings which Air had no intention or ability to do as both personal ambitions and standing within the Empire prevented any such moves, however her rank did persuade some to teach her what they could teach to outsiders, during these educational experiences Air learned to control her powers to an extent along with some uses she didn't know about: she also learned that emotions had serious effects on the powers themselves, making them more volatile in the case of negative emotions and more helpful with positive ones she also discovered that her powers weren't limited to shooting lightning out of her hands or throwing stuff, there were abilities that allowed her to strengthen herself and others as well as heal injuries though not her scars. Erasiel Darkar had explained that this was due to a rare trait among Eden's people tied to a powerful Force beyond her simple knowledge, Erasiel had that power too and had given her some instruction but her lessons on that front took a back seat to her missions, those being to purge monsters that gave scars to the innocent.
Air had no shortage of scars both mental and physical, the scars on her back were the worst, two brands by monsters who had viewed her as cattle to be sold to monsters one depicting a scroll with glasses and the other a seven-pointed star were the marks of slavery along with the scars where whips had torn her flesh, the worst though were mental one of those monsters had touched her in ways no girl should be touched against her will and she, the monster, had been enthusiastic in doing so to her and her sisters, that monster had done worst to her beloved Makoto, she had destroyed his innocence and stolen something meant for Air and her sisters, something that could never be reclaimed, that monster suffered a fate worse than death for that crime, she along with her equally guilty sister, was broken and lobotomized, the monster inside her purged leaving behind a happy kind harmless soul, she'd never do anything that evil again her ability to do evil was gone taken away from her by Tatsumi whom kept both sisters out of pity and as a reminder that for some people death is a mercy, breaking them making them never able to do harm again while at the same time keeping them alive was a far worse fate then death.
Air sighed looked out and yawned, Tatsumi had given orders that the rest of the crew were to remain on ship until they had been given diplomatic approval to disembark, something that couldn't come fast enough, Air hated being in one place for too long that wasn't home even though the ship was a great place to be and she had all the comforts of home but she had insisted on coming here to see what the isles had to offer and in case of war which she longed for as a warrior. "I thought I'd find you here" a voice said, Air turned and looked, there standing in front of her was a young man the same age as her, he had matured since they'd first met but he was still the person she loved most, her beloved Makoto.
Makoto Gildenstrom had grown too since they'd met his body had developed into that of a stalwart young man to a point where he resembled Tatsumi in build, though with notable focus on mobility as Makoto favored the fast moving fighting style of the rapier, a sword which had belonged to his father and Makoto had named Avenger, the weapon had been used by Volgoth to murder Makoto's father and Makoto had in turn driven that blade thru Volgoth's heart destroying the body he had inhabited for 20 years but inadvertently allowed the demon to ascend to a monstrous form larger than the Primus Imperator and with all the raw power of an ascendent Arch-Demon however with a shattered mind and nothing but a drive to destroy without thinking about how to do it, it was due to the demon's lack of thinking that lead to Tatsumi's hard fought victory and Eden's salvation. Makoto's build aside he was a handsome young man with blue-green hair and peridot green eyes, the eyes were a dominant and shared trait of all those of the direct royal line and a trait shared with his cousin Tatsumi and both his sisters but also with a few of his nieces and nephews most notably Angelica whom Makoto adored and took care of when Tatsumi and her mother Aria were busy with other matters.
"You were right to assume so, oh my dear Makoto what do you think of being couped up here while Tatsumi hands diplomacy" Air replied.
"I like not having to handle politics that's why I gave up being Emperor being a prince is so much more fun" Makoto replied, Air laughed.
"I figured you'd say that I myself am looking forward to seeing the sights of the islands and clashing blades with Tenrou's warriors; it was a damn shame to miss out on that fight this morning" Air replied.
"I personally am just looking forward to seeing the places here I've always wanted to explore and what happened to me as a kid won't change that desire to see the world" Makoto replied.
"Hey, we're still children as far as the law is concerned" Air replied.
"Yeah, but you and I both know the law doesn't refer to our state of mind we are way older in mind then we are in body besides we'll be of age in a couple weeks our birthday is the same" Makoto replied.
"You're right on that, and goodness knows how old in mind Tatsumi is, speaking of I've heard all the chatter about the Princess he's going to marry what do you think of the chatter?" Air replied.
"Personally I don't think any woman could be more beautiful then you and your sisters, Air you, Fal, and Luna are all truthfully I need to be happy, and if this princess makes Tatsumi happy I'm all for them marrying, besides from what I've heard I can't blame him from wanting to marry her to keep her safe if nothing else though I'm willing to bet Tatsumi has bigger things in mind: you know part of me can't help but thinking he accepted the offer thinking to add Wakoku to the Empire" Makoto replied.
"If anything, Makoto it will be a bonus to having her, the Golden Dragon Empire is honestly the best hope for humanity, it along with Tatsumi and you saved the world from Volgoth; Wakoku will be better off under the Empire just like every nation that has joined it since" Air replied.
"Hey don't forget your own efforts in that war or those of our allies those brave Dwarves, the Giants, the Tsuwangdani, the Centaurs, the Atlanteans and everyone else that fought on our side against that evil monster and the forces of hell itself, anyway you're right; especially since Wakoku has been a land of warlords and kings fighting each other for centuries it could use a single leader and who better than my cousin to unify them" Makoto replied.
Back with Hinowa… Hinowa had taken her time going thru and explaining the new events that Soukai was experiencing and had taken her time selecting the members of the Hatamoto, young men and women who had just come age like her Daughter Hinowa and her daughter's friend Tobimori were foremost among the group along with an ambitious youth named Tobari, the old man who taught this class was eager but surprised that his students had been selected for a Hatamoto guard and not just any but for the Golden Dragon Emperor the savior of Eden and the greatest warrior the world had ever produced with that in mind any of the youths who had heard of his deeds never expected the chance to serve in the personal guard of said hero; with that in mind they were eager to join after Hinowa and Spear explained that no it wasn't a dream and no it wasn't a scam. With all that in mind the training would begin immediately as Spear took up a practice staff and called all the students to the center of the dojo.
"Welcome to the Royal Guard recruits, the Hatamoto of Emperor Tatsumi is a respected rank but also now is part of the Imperial Royal Guard, the most elite and disciplined unit of soldiers on Eden, with that in mind you are in for the hardest training regimen ever conceived of, this will be hard and any of you who thinks they can't take it are advised to step out now, you may not survive the process; with that in mind I will be testing the combat abilities of everyone here but in addition to that your performance and ability to work as a unit, teamwork is essential in the guard as any soldiers has to be as good or better than the man or woman standing next to them, so with that in mind all of you are to attack me at the same time no holding back any technique" Spear explained. "Starting NOW!" Spear declared and the students all twenty of them attacked her at the same time, what followed was a lopsided beatdown... Of the students. Spear fluidly dodged and countered each of the students with ease, countering every strike with Imperial fist Catas applied to her preferred weapon that being the polearm of any kind which made her a menace, Spear easily and effortless knocked down every single student all who now were knocked flat on the floor groaning in pain.
"NOW GET BACK UP!" Spear ordered, most did, those that didn't had to be helped up. "Alright all of you are lacking cohesion for starters, none of you seemed to stop to plan nor did you leverage your numbers against me, that aside your combat skills with your swords are horribly wanting; but you've made it thru the initial test which means you're in to begin training; I will be supervising and your instructors will be professional Imperial Guard soldiers, the elite of the elite, you will be educated in everything that it takes to be a guardian, armor training, tactics, unit formations, weapons training in every weapon used in the Imperial Army, Imperial history both from Imperial records and those of the conquered peoples, you will be expected to live by all guard rules and regulations, punishments for breaking rules are severe and I'll warn you I may be an Empress but I'm also the highest ranking General in the Imperial Army outside the Grand Marshal and the Regent, I've also trained and commanded the most elite soldiers in the Imperial Army I know how to train boys into men and girls into women I know how to turn a mob of farmers into disciplined professional soldiers; I will use all my knowledge to make you the best and then some: my husband must have the best at his side and you will all be the best or you will be thrown out: am I clear?!" Spear explained.
"YES EMPRESS!" All of them replied.
"Good I'll be overseeing your training, go to your homes and collect only the essentials you can't live without and that you can carry with you, the more you bring with you the more you have to carry yourself; there aren't any pack animals in the guard wait there are and they have TWO LEGS! Yes maggots you are mules so get to it and follow orders! 1,2,3! GO!" Spear barked and they immediately rushed out, all except two specifically that just stood there, two young women about the same age as Spear herself when she first joined the Imperial army. "I said everyone!" Spear replied.
"Your highness I've already got all I need with me; the clothes on my back and my sword what more does a soldier need?" the girl replied, she was the spitting image of Hinowa though much younger and but of similar build in both mind and body with a busty but athletic she wore a blue hairband and her attire consisted of a blue tank top and black shorts with sandals on her feet.
"What is your name?" Spear asked.
"Hinata your highness" She replied.
"Ah, nice name, no your clothes and sword aren't the only things you need to be a soldier, you need armor for starters the Guard fights wearing the best, you'll also need blankets, camping supplies and most importantly a canteen or three for water, also you'll need a poncho for rain and cold, and a midst of other gear; this isn't a militia where you can just bring what weapon or tool you have and defend a set town no this is a real army unit and one that is always at the heart of the battle where the Emperor himself is, you are in the center of the line there is only one way you can go in battle towards the enemy and then its you or them: understand this I don't want any of you to get killed because you didn't make muster now Hinata go and get the equipment if you don't have any armor it will be provided and you will be expected to wear it at all hours save when you either need to take a bath or take a shit, any other time you have to wear the armor and when you're not wearing it I want it nice and clean; you'll be trained to fight with any weapon but you may choose a specialization once you do you've decided your role in battle. Got that all? You better have because I'm not repeating myself go and get your gear NOW!" Spear replied and Hinata left, the other girl looked at Spear snarkilly.
"Now for you? Were my orders not clear?! Why are you standing there?" Spear asked.
"Because I want a rematch; One vs one! The others were in the way" The girl replied, Spear glared at her, she had blonde hair in a long ponytail and blue eyes her attire was similar to Hinata's but her body wasn't as developed.
"Your name?" Spear asked.
"Tobari: by the way I wasn't at my best I usually use two swords not one so that factored into the fight; let me at you again with my full potential you said hold nothing back" Tobari replied.
"Fine, but it won't change the outcome, afterwards you are to do as ordered got that? Following orders is another thing here" Spear explained.
"Yes Ma'am" Tobari replied and returned with two practice blades and took up a familiar stance to Spear. This fight the two had was a bit more interesting as Tobari actually put up a decent fight and lasted about five minutes against Spear before Spear disarmed her, by comparison to the other students Tobari was easily the best among the group though her disagreements with others disqualified her from being the team leader though her fighting skills were the best and given Tobari held her own against her Spear thought she'd be more then capable with the right training of handling the average enemy in a fight.
"Good try, you still lost but you did like you said put up a better effort, however you'll need to work on your team skills in the guard there are no one person armies there are armies with large groups of professionals and as such you don't work alone, learn to fight alongside others and you'll do well but at the moment you've a lot to learn, now go and get your stuff and report back" Spear replied, Tobari nodded and left, Spear then turned to Hinowa.
"They are an interesting bunch aren't they" Hinowa replied.
"Yes, they'll do you'll be in charge of them, also I don't want any favoritism with your daughter, give her as a hard a time as you'll give anyone else in this unit if you baby her, she'll get herself killed" Spear replied.
"I don't baby her; don't worry she'll be the best she can be: anyway, what will be my duties with regard to this?" Hinowa asked.
"They're your Hatamoto squad you're their leader and the person in charge of them any success or failure they have is your responsibility; treat as you would any other army unit and you'll do well: I'll supervise your training as well; I saw the fight with Yomihime this morning and I don't want any more fights like that nor does Tatsumi" Spear explained.
"My life just got harder, didn't it?" Hinowa commented.
"Hey, you choose to make it harder by joining the harem, though it will be worth it Tatsumi only insists on becoming as strong as you can be so that he doesn't have to worry about defending you too" Spear replied.
Meanwhile in Tenrou… the Suns set on islands of Wakoku but not all retired for the evening, one person that slept late was King Zuou Ashikaga, the ruler of Tenrou and self-proclaimed Grand Shogun of Wakoku and he was furious, a messenger had arrived not however from his fleet, he'd sent Yomihime and the fleet to intercept the newly arrived Emperor however the messenger came from the Empire rather than his fleet, apparently his fleet had been largely sunk in a great battle and Yomihime had been captured and the Empire had formerly declared war; that wasn't supposed to happen Zuou had expected the force to sink the Emperor and send his ship to the bottom of the ocean; things were worsened when surviving ships reported stories of ships being destroyed by fire and explosions, Zuou has seen the Imperial fleet before but that had been years ago he hadn't known about the new warships as they were a closely guarded secret. Then to make things the worst they could be his spies in Soukai sent him a messenger bird that informed him that Emperor Tatsumi had not only arrived safely but had met and fallen in love with Princess Rinzu and she had been smitten with him in turn also both of them had signed the marriage treaty and the wedding would be on the morrow. "Damn it!" Zuou cursed he was in his planning room and looking over a map of the islands.
"My lord what will be done about the matter" a young man in the armor of a bodyguard asked, he was General Muzachi Ouchi the commander of Zuou's Hatamoto and one of the Ten Stars in fact the most senior in terms of rank, he was also to Zuou's best friend and most loyal warrior.
"At the moment nothing more than to prepare for war with the Empire, Muzachi send for my scribe I've new orders for General Kyoukotsu he is to attack Soukai immediately and to head towards their capital, he is to bring Princess Rinzu to me alive and unspoiled; if he so much as considers trying to make her one of his pieces of art I will have his entrails ripped out and have him thrown into the wolf pit alive and still screaming" Zuou replied.
"What if he fails?" Muzachi asked.
"If he does, I'll send Moegi Takada to deal with the upstarts she is the best and should be able to deal with the pretenders, send Nahashu to inform her of that if things go bad" Zuou explained.
"What if she fails?" Muzachi asked.
"If she fails I have other options for now we'll operate on the assumption that either Plan A or Plan B work before I start adapting my plans for the rest of alphabet; Muzachi other than that I want you to ready my equipment make sure its all in good shape as my arms bearer, then I want you to take the rest of night off, you've spent enough time this week at my side and deserve some rest I must see to my harem I'm under stress and I need relief" Zuou explained.
"Yes milord; any thing you ask of me shall be done your word is law" Muzachi replied and nodded.
"Beauty and harmony, governed by one eternal law, all that begins must end: the Age of the Empire is OVER!" Zuou replied and drew his tanto and drove it into the isle of Soukai on the map. "Starting with their newest 'province' the Empire needs to end it should have ended with their civil war yet somehow a single person rises up to restore it, I know he saved the world that is a good and noble deed but he will not rule it not while those still stand to oppose him" Zuou stated, Muzachi left him and a white-haired man with an eyepatch walked in. "Nahashu" Zuou greeted.
"You summoned me my lord" Nahashu replied.
"Not yet, do you bring good news from the East?" Zuou asked.
Nahashu grinned. "The Kings of Sega and Sado now bow to you Grand Shogun, they send you each two princesses to wife in exchange for peace and keeping their ancestral castles, their armies are now yours" Nahashu explained.
"Excellent, Nahashu I need you for an important task, the Empire has come to Wakoku my loyal vassal" Zuou explained, Nahashu frowned.
"The Empire? How? Why?" Nahashu replied.
"The Empire you knew is no more it has been replaced by a new Empire one that is larger and stronger and lead by the savior of Eden, it has tripled in size since you left and has absorbed all lands on Adonai into it from the West to East and North to South, even the Dwarves pay homage to it and are allied to it the new Emperor has somehow managed to restore that ancient alliance, he's even made pacts with Nova Atlantea and Amannar, the writing is on the wall Wakoku is now the new target of the Empire: the Emperor has been betrothed to Princess Rinzu of Soukai, worse still they are in love and will marry on the morrow, that pact and treaty will brink Soukai into the Empire the first of many islands to fall; as such we much stop this from happening; I've already declared war and they've returned their declaration" Zuou explained, Nahashu glared at him.
"You did what?" Nahashu replied aghast.
"Declared war on the Empire, I know it may come as a shock but I have no other option if I were to stand by and let this annexation happen the rest of the kingdoms will either join the Empire or attack me; also many whom we've already defeated may rise up against us, we've no option; it was either war or be gradually taken over like the Eastern Kingdoms have been; I'm not going to kneel to an Emperor even if he saved the world and even then I'm not sure if he did so" Zuou replied.
"My Shogun are you sure it isn't about Rinzu everyone knows of her, I hope this isn't a war of jealousy" Nahashu replied, Zuou glared at him.
"Not at all, Rinzu is but one piece of a puzzle that puzzle being the unification of Wakoku, my personal desire to have her is one shared by many in the islands but that she choose to marry a man not of the isles and not just any foreigner but the monarch of the greatest military threat to Wakoku that cannot be allowed to stand: the Empire though is at risk kill the new Emperor and it will fall asunder and the world changes" Zuou replied.
"You're asking me to kill him?" Nahashu replied.
"No, not at this moment what I want of you Nahashu is to prepare your armies for war and devise a stratagem to fight the Empire, until then you are on standby for further orders and free to do as you wish; I'm send Kyoukotsu to deal with the emperor should he fail I've a contingency plan should that fail well that's where your plans come in" Zuou explained.
"Yes my Shogun it will be done" Nahashu replied and bowed, Zuou looked over the spot where he had driven his blade and took out the dagger, ironically he had stabbed right where the invasion of Soukai was due to strike; at Kalakori Castle.
Soukai the following day… Tatsumi only had to sigh as he looked at himself and his attendants concern that they hadn't done a good job with choice of attire for the wedding day. "I look great; now do me a favor and leave me be to think" Tatsumi replied to the concerned attendant, the attendant and the others left the room and Tatsumi looked in a mirror, he hadn't really changed much in two years since he became ruler of the Empire well at least with regards to his physical looks he looked much the same as he did when he set out on that adventure when it came to his appearance, however the way he was dressed had changed significantly and ever since becoming the ruler of the Empire he had to pinch himself several times each morning to make sure he wasn't dreaming. That said for a wedding his attire had been the most fluid before becoming the Emperor it usually was whatever he could get his hands on that was formal but at the same time didn't make him look like a monkey dressed in a business suit at least that was what he viewed complex fashion but since becoming Emperor his attire for any day was subject to change except for two pieces of jewelry worn every day and at all times outside of bed and the bath, those being the Bracelet of Kings and the Dragon Crown.
The Bracelet of Kings was an ancient treasure of the royal family the Gildenstroms, it had been given to the first Emperor Tatsumi I who was known as the Golden Emperor or First Emperor and who had founded the Old Empire itself by the High King of the Dwarves Durin III Goldenbeard after saving his life the purpose served twofold to recognize those of the line and to remind the Emperor that sat the throne of the eternal friendship between Men and Dwarves, the pact of Gold as it was called something that another Emperor broke and thus caused one of the deadliest wars in Eden's history and decimated the two greatest powers on it. However that was in the past, Tatsumi had reforged that friendship but still had the bracelet as it was both his birthright and had been the proof of who he was in addition to having been given to his mother by his father as a token of their love and given by her in turn to him to remind him of her but also deep inside a hope he'd take his rightful place.
With the reforged friendship the Dwarves forged another artifact to both mark the restoration of that friendship and to save the world. That artifact was the Teigu Glaurang: The Dragon Crown, also known as the Golden Dragon crown, an Teigu crowned helmet forged in the shape of a dragon's head, made from Orichalcum, the alloy that was at the heart of all true Teigus, Brightsteel, Aetherium, Star metal, Oath-Gold and the scales of the three headed Dragon Glauradrost this helmet was decorated with spikes of gold and studded with Rubies, Emeralds, Firestones, and all sorts of valuable gems and reinforced with Mithril and Gromril, the crown offered to Tatsumi the might and power of the Dragon he had slain and was meant to solidify his title as the Golden Dragon Emperor but also to remind him and those that would follow after him of the everlasting friendship between Dwarves and Men Tatsumi was of the opinion the best way for a ruler to remember that friendship was wear that reminder and responsibility on their head. The Crown had other abilities and was not for show it was a fairly serviceable helmet and it covered most of Tatsumi's head the only place left bare was his face and some of the hair above his brow. That solved for Tatsumi one of the things he thought most embarrassing about his appearance though everyone else who knew him had no issues with that detail, the crown covered his hair and most importantly a cowlick that annoyed him to no end, even though it was signature to his looks he still couldn't stand it as it really just annoyed him. Granted the vanity complaints were secondary to the function of this Teigu crown , it gave him the strongest armor in the world in addition to light magic along with an immunity to fire and the ability to project barriers to defend against extremely powerful blows including other Teigu weapons, the real strength came from the fact it would project an aura of energy around him that would inspire his allies and cause the weaker demons he faced in the war to disintegrate and caused even pain for the greater ones, it also boosted his endurance and healed minor injuries and possessed the trump cards of every Teigu made before it including the ability of the timestop Mahāpadma.
The Crown itself was one of four Teigus made from the Dragon Glauradrost, the other three were his sword Michael, his Shield Enoch and his Halberd Amoran these were meant to act in roles, the Halberd was meant to be the main weapon against the tides of enemies but when he faced the most formidable of demons the sword would slay any of them ignore any defense and strike true, the shield would hold true and block any strike, the shield had even withstood a strike from the vorpal sword of a Pit Lord, a weapon that would have killed anyone else in one hit, these weapons were what brought him victory in the final battle, and Tatsumi didn't travel anywhere without them.
Except to a wedding. Tatsumi's attire for this wedding consisted of his ceremonial armored robes, a thick cloak made of Dragon scales from the same dragon he had slain that was held in place with golden wire color shaped in the form of Dragon wings, silk padded plate boots and his two royal heirlooms, underneath the armor was a silk shirt of the finest silk and silk pants so Tatsumi was by all means comfortable with his choice of attire and ready to go.
"Are you ready my lucky friend?" Erasiel asked walking into the room, he was dressed in an orange and purple robe of the kind Tatsumi had seen him wear before but the Phoenix's choice of attire changed depending on his mood and Tatsumi never figured out where he stored his clothes.
"Ready as possible I'm absolutely euphoric for this" Tatsumi replied.
"Which the wedding or the honeymoon" Erasiel joked.
"Very funny, both if you had to ask, also I'd add if you had been anyone else and I one of my more savage ancestors that remark would have cost you your tongue" Tatsumi replied, Erasiel laughed.
"Still as witty as ever my friend; good now let's get out there the groom always has to be at the alter first it's in bad taste for the bride to wait for the groom" Erasiel replied.
"I've done this before; I'm assuming it's time for me to leave right, if so, no use standing around here let's head to the alter" Tatsumi replied and head to the alter they did.
Shortly… As far as wedding alters went this was the first where Tatsumi found himself outside for the ceremony as that was a rare practice in the Empire which did indoor ceremonies to avoid weather problems however today was a nice day in spring, the cherry blossom trees in the groove were in bloom and Tatsumi noted that it was a sea of pink that he wished Mine could see with him. Mine was one of Tatsumi's wives and one who had been left behind in charge of the Empire at large in his absence, it wasn't due to trust alone it was the fact that Mine had no desire to go on anymore adventures she wanted to stay in the Empire proper and had taken an interest in the politics of governing as opposed to those of war despite being the self-proclaimed Goddess Sniper her gentle heart inside had tired of excitement and liked the calm peace had brought also she was deeply focused on raising the children she and Tatsumi had produced, with focus on their daughters Sheele and Chelsea consuming most of her attention that wasn't on him.
In a way Rinzu reminded him of Mine at least when it came to her hair, though Rinzu's hair was more of a pink-red that the cherry blossoms had instead of the hot pink hair Mine had. Speaking of Rinzu, Tatsumi had no trouble spotting her when she arrived at the alter alongside her handmaidens that were going to be given to him as concubines as customary with Imperial law; each of those women was a beauty in their own right but compared to Rinzu they looked plain.
Rinzu was a goddess of beauty and her dress reflected that, her dress shared its appearance with a rainbow, her kimono was bedazzled with all colors arrayed in splendid patterns with pearls having been woven into the fabric gems to that sparkled in the light of the suns too were woven into the dress, she wore a cape of similar appearance to the dress though it was followed behind her like her shadow her crowned headdress shined proud in the light of the suns and more bright then light of diamonds was the fire of her necklace of pearl and citrine worn along her supple neck, her wrists had bracelets of the fairest silver and pearl, her face was without cosmetics of any kind as she needed them not, and on her feet were clothbound sandals her hands soft and awaiting the wedding ring.
Rinzu looked at Tatsumi and saw him in his garb and walked slowly smiling, her cape billowed as she moved her handmaids tried their best to keep it from dragging and did their job extremely well. Eventually after many a bated breath Rinzu arrived at the alter and the ceremony began in earnest Tatsumi and Rinzu exchanged rings and the priest commenced speaking. The actual words of the ceremony aren't worth putting into print as they were long and lasted for about 20 minutes before the bride and groom insisted the priest proceed to actual ceremony as no one wanted to spend all day listening to a sermon and had come to watch the marriage, it was after this insistence the priest agreed and there I shall resume. "By the powers invest by the gods I pronounce thee bound for eternity in bounds of matrimony Emperor Tatsumi and Princess Rinzu as husband and wife you may kiss the bride" the Priest said, both captured each other's lips to cheers from a crowd and a pain of loss to all the men who had failed to earn her hand. This kiss and this wedding were what would be the start of a deadly war, this was why Tenrou had gone to war with the Empire, to prevent this union, that it would be impossible to stop was far from the mind at the time and Tatsumi and Rinzu cared not for the coming war but instead were focus on the union.
With this kiss also ended the independence of Soukai as with the contract now finalized and the marriage sealed by both parties Soukai was now part of the Golden Dragon Empire; this fact was lost by the people of the kingdom whom saw only the marriage of their beloved Princess to her chosen spouse with that they had paid no heed to the specifics of the deal and they wouldn't notice either as life really hadn't changed nor would it change at all really other than that the suitors that had hoped to earn the Princess's hand would have to seek elsewhere for a wife and that people would be having to fight for a new flag the Golden Dragon banner, though there were would be those like Zuou who weren't inclined to let the marriage stand in their way of having her.
All troubles however were something Tatsumi didn't have to worry about because for the next 24 hours only good things would happen, and happiness would rule in his Empire. Rinzu too was untroubled and unworried here she was married to her husband and ready to embrace the future as a faithful and stalwart wife albeit one of many but still lovingly married. Tatsumi picked Rinzu up and kissed her again before carrying her down the alter to thunderous cheers and applause, he soon set her down and two walked off being lead to the chambers set apart for Tatsumi to stay in unlike in the Empire where a traditional feast would be held after the marriage the feast came after the more important aspect and that was the consummation of the union better known as the bedding. The newlyweds were followed by the revelers and handmaids of the Princess who as soon as they reach the quarters let the two go inside though the handmaids accompanied them.
Once inside the handmaids relieved both bride and groom of their clothes before doing the same with each other, however they'd wait their turn and let Tatsumi and Rinzu have each other to themselves. "I'm- worried I've- never done this before" Rinzu told Tatsumi.
"I have many times, don't worry I'll be gentle, let me take care of you Rinzu; I'll treat you to one of the best experiences of your life and if you any issues I'll assess to them; I always let my partner make decisions" Tatsumi explained.
"In that case please be gentle and take it slowly don't rush to the main thing right away" Rinzu replied, Tatsumi smiled kissed her chastely and examined her now that she wore no article of clothing, she studied him in turn. "Wait, you're- scarred how did that happen?" Rinzu asked.
"Volgoth happened, don't worry those wounds healed years ago I don't feel any pain from them anymore; besides you are unscarred without blemish; Rinzu you are unspoiled by the cruel world we live in and that unto itself is a rare thing; you'll remain unspoiled by evil and I will protect you and care for you; I've suffered the worst our world had to offer so you and others like you rare though they are don't have to; now lay back, relax and enjoy an experience like no other" Tatsumi explained he kissed her cheek and planted kisses down her body Rinzu gasped as he came to her breasts planting kiss on both nipples before descending further; the kiss on her lower lips marked his halt but then he began in earnest.
Rinzu moaned as Tatsumi began to lick her labia, his tongue caressed the outer folds of her vagina caressing the skin, Tatsumi noted her moans but teased and took it slowly, his tongue and lips caressing the folds before he enter inside, his tongue probed looking for the sweet spots with skills refined over years in fact this was something Tatsumi possessed a natural talent for to a point that even Merraid Oarburgh his wife and a staunch lesbian that only consider him the only man allowed her loving touch considered him to be the best even more so than herself which was saying a lot as Merraid was a prideful when it came to that particular subject. That being said for Rinzu who had never experienced this kind of thing being chaste and a virgin was completely taken aback by this and moaned loudly as Tatsumi probed to her core. Tatsumi noted her barrier and noted how soon it would not be there. "I'll try to be gentle, but I think it will still hurt" Tatsumi thought.
The tender licks and caresses soon became too much for Rinzu to bare and she had her first orgasm, Tatsumi lapped up the juices then laid flat. "Now its your turn Rinzu do what I just did to me" Tatsumi explained, Rinzu blushed noticing for the first time his large 10-inch-long 4-inch-wide royal phallus.
"I'll try; its big though" Rinzu replied, she did know something about it from books that her father gave her to read the previous day to prepare her for the things she'd be expected to do, the illustrations however couldn't prepare her for actually doing what was depicted though the printed words gave her some advice. Doing what Tatsumi had done before she first kissed him then continued the trail of kisses down his body to his length and licked the tip, Tatsumi moaned audibly so she went a bit further and licked downward caressing both sides of it with her tongue before bringing herself back to the tip, she then took it into her mouth and began to suck slowly on it, she felt Tatsumi put his hand on her head before hearing him moan again. Rinzu adjusted to the tip and took more of the length in about a third of it and began sucking ever so slightly harder she also added her tongue and began to caress it with her tongue. She then began to ease it further in, more moans from Tatsumi, and further half-way, it was now reaching the back of her mouth she then sucked eagerly then pulled it out and began doing so more eagerly and faster.
Rinzu didn't count the seconds or keep track of how long she was doing this Tatsumi interrupted her midway and touched her breasts. "Wrap them around it" Tatsumi requested, Rinzu did so, the feel of it inside the warm valley of her breasts was mutually enjoyable, both enjoyed the warmth of the action. "Now move them slowly up and down" Tatsumi explained, Rinzu did so and soon she was used to it. As Rinzu got used to it she moved ever so faster and licked the tip of his length, Tatsumi moaned loudly the faster she went and she smiled knowing she was apparently doing good at it, that made her happy and eager to do more: so she upped the pace.
Eventually Rinzu had upped the pace to a point where Tatsumi had reached his limit. "Cumming!" Tatsumi gasped, the warning didn't come fast enough, and he released, the white fluids half on her breasts and half inside her mouth, Rinzu coughed.
"Sorry" Rinzu apologized.
"No need that was great" Tatsumi replied, Rinzu cleaned herself up with the top sheet and laid back.
"I'm ready for you now, please take me, make me yours and make me your Empress" Rinzu replied.
"Not just yet Rinzu, there is something else I'd like to take your rosebud" Tatsumi replied.
"Rosebud?" Rinzu questioned, Tatsumi explained that it was Chelsea's nickname for the rectum, Rinzu frowned thought it was- well kinky, Tatsumi explained that if he were to take her there first it would make the main performance more comfortable, so Rinzu assented to it and turned over laying on her chest; Tatsumi took went inside gently, Rinzu felt discomfort so Tatsumi took it slowly, he soon popped her back cherry and Rinzu moaned loudly, Tatsumi moved gently, waiting for her to adjust then began to thrust gently.
This was different from his tongue and in a different location, Rinzu smiled though as it quickly became quite enjoyable, pleasure instead of pain and moaned joyfully Tatsumi then moved quicker, laid back and pulled her against him; he placed his head on her shoulder kissed the nape of her neck; Rinzu turned and they kissed each other's lips, Tatsumi hands fondled her ample breasts and Rinzu experienced a more- lustful kiss as Tatsumi's tongue slipped inside her mouth with this Rinzu couldn't help but blush, her face turning as pink as her hair. Speaking of her hair she felt Tatsumi move a hand to it running his soft but callused hands thru it before taking on and rubbing her labia.
"You've got such soft hair Rinzu, it's like silk" Tatsumi complimented as his length thrusted into her rosebud. Eventually Tatsumi stopped and then laid her flat lifting up her legs to either side and onto his shoulders. "Now for the main act, I've delayed long enough; this may hurt I'll be gentle though" Tatsumi explained.
"Please do be, also when you reach your- limit- release inside me, I want to be a mother" Rinzu explained, Tatsumi nodded, he entered her slowly leaning forward he held her to him her breasts pressed against him as he kissed her once more as his phallus went inside; he encounter her hymen kissed her deeply and broke it with one swift motion, Rinzu had been braced for it and instead of gasping in pain moaned. From there Tatsumi thrusted and took tender care of her he moved his lips down to her right breast, noted her nipples were already tense and began to drink Rinzu moaned loudly at this and noted her handmaids who had been playing with each other move closer to the bed, Rinzu noted they wanted to take a closer look, while outside the revelers let out shouts of "The Princess is a woman now!" and "There they go finally!" to which Rinzu couldn't help but shrug at mentally. "I've been a woman for three years now I'm 19 for pity's sake now they'll shut up" she thought, then thoughts left her and soon there was only pleasure as Tatsumi tended to her for what seemed like days but was really only minutes and about a half-hour in all before he reached his limit though not before drinking his share of her milk and planting many kisses and receiving many more as the lipstick from Rinzu's kisses attested to, she noted though he was making an expression of stress. "Don't hold it in, just let it go inside me I'm ready to be a mother" Rinzu replied and Tatsumi let go, both moaned loudly at this, Tatsumi then rolled onto her back and pushed her up, even though he had released and struck home he was eager to take it further and keep going, the handmaids were invited over by a hand gesture from Rinzu and everything from there escalated, about an hour later Tatsumi had given seven women his seed and found himself laying back with Rinzu laying across his chest they kissed again, their stomachs grumbled.
"I'm hungry" Rinzu told him, and he chuckled.
"So am I, let's get redressed and head to that banquet; I'll show you more things I know tonight; my knowledge in this matter is quite extensive" Tatsumi replied and the two redressed and were led by the revelers to the grand hall where others were waiting on them.
Meanwhile on the Eastern coast of Soukai… General Kyoukotsu looked out on the beach and at the nearby forests that would cover his advance, he had landed his army on a uncontested beach after slipping by the naval patrols of Soukai's fleet which was mainly in port to celebrate the royal wedding. Kyoukotsu was a man in his early forties and his hair had begun graying and wrinkles were developing, that however did not dampen his skills or his desire for war. The General looked at his soldiers that were bringing ashore supplies and transports that were bringing abord what would be classified as A-Class Danger beasts Giant War Spiders that Erasiel would refer to as Arachnorok Spiders, these beasts had been somewhat tamed by Kyoukotsu using some clever tactics and the only proven way to convince them to fight as war beasts, by feeding them grunts. Most generals in the isles wouldn't conceive of doing such an act not even the Ten Stars, but Kyoukotsu wasn't most Generals he believed in winning and using any advantage to do so, he viewed anyone that could be a liability to his army as expandable in a way to be used to make a strategy work as he believed that idiots were if nothing else dependable and useful to make a point. He was fond of art too, primarily the kind he made himself and mainly out of other human beings; to which no one was safe from unless they happened to be stronger and better in the art of war then Kyoukotsu which meant he'd sooner turn one of his soldiers into a piece of human furniture or bad modern art just as much as he would an enemy. He also was a person who selected partners to satisfy his sexual appetites and gender wasn't an issue neither was age, as long as he thought someone attractive to his tastes they'd be his even if they didn't want to be; the only thing that allowed a partner to avoid being taken by him were three things, being on his side and of a higher rank, being an opponent he couldn't beat or just being better then him in the art of war.
"Ah Soukai what a delightful place, I've heard stories of the Princess and Zuou wants her which is a damn shame as I'd like her as a partner as well as to turn her into art" Kyoukotsu remarked, one of his soldiers looked at him.
"Your orders general? The supplies and rest of our forces will be fully ashore soon what will be our first target" The soldier remarked.
"Kalakori Castle will be our first stop on the conquest, it is rather important to the defense of the eastern part of the island; bring up the scouting detachment and have them check the defenses when they give me a full report we attack under cover of night; also make sure the War Spiders are well feed and that the men are informed of my orders; also send the ships back I want to make clear that there will be no retreats we take Soukai or we die; its that simple" Kyoukotsu explained.
"Yes General" the Soldier replied, Kyoukotsu looked at Mount Kageboshi in the distance and the mist and smirked.
"All this will be mine soon enough and I will be the Eleventh Star" Kyoukotsu remarked, he was unaware all of these moves were being watched from the skies above and was unaware too that a massive Imperial Invasion fleet had just received orders to move toward Wakoku at full steam and that was only the beginning of the Empire's might as it had yet to begin mobilizing but when it finished nothing would be able to stop it