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Title: Tactical Disposition
Inspired by: Chapter 11 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Characters: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia
Wordcount: 548
Rating: General
"Zen!"
My brother turned to me, one hand carrying a thick sheaf of paper, the other automatically catching the dull, thin, square piece hanging on a long strand of silvery-colored chain necklace.
Having just finished our hour-long session discussing the updates on the Castle's upkeep, I decided to stall my brother a little longer by personally giving him the identification tag he requested from the military logistics department a week ago.
As soon as he caught the thing that I tossed to him, his mouth dropped open and he glanced back at me with an astonished expression on his face.
"I do not just authorise personnel serving under you," I replied ignoring his look, "but I figured you would be needing that for your new aide."
His eyes narrowed a little.
"How did you know?" he asked evenly.
I leafed through another page, my forefinger underlining the important context of the reports as I committed them into memory. "Nothing, however minute it is, escapes my notice."
"So you approve?"
I frowned a little at the written conclusion of the report indicated at the bottom. The auditors made a tiny mistake on their calculations. I glanced up to meet my brother's blue eyes- so very like my own.
"Of course."
"As my personal messenger?"
"Why not? It is as you indicated in the forms. You need an identification tag for your personal messenger, there you go."
He chewed the bottom of his lip. "You know very well that he has other duties aside from delivering my instructions and messages all over the country."
"Obi serving Shirayuki while he is not fulfilling your requirements, yes," I answered matter-of-factly.
"And you have no objections?" He asked, incredulous.
I gave my brother a smirk. "No."
I committed to memory the sight of my brother's jaw meeting the floor. Another side of him that I would love to bully.
"Why?!" he spluttered.
I shrugged. "Well, I have yet to observe how your messenger performs his duties around you, as well as your Shirayuki. We might as well maximize his usefulness. So I gave approval for his dog tags."
Zen picked up his jaw from the floor, suspicious now. "I see."
I gave him my most innocent and winsome smile. "Your aides and the people you choose to keep beside you will eventually be serving me. What better way to train them by putting them under your care?"
"Even Shirayuki?" He couldn't help but ask.
My nostrils flared. If I said yes, then it meant that I finally agreed with Zen that the apprentice pharmacist may have her use yet. But I need to make things clear with my brother. My eventual ascent to the throne will have me utilizing every able bodied person under his command to rule this country in the most efficient manner. I hold their very own lives in my palm.
Even Shirayuki.
"Even Shirayuki," I replied firmly, my mind recalling the determination in that young woman's voice when I accidentally eavesdropped on her conversation with the messenger in question.
Zen backed out of my office, struggling to keep his emotions in check. He looked conflicted at my confirmation of my intention to use the girl.
Of how she will be of use to me, I have yet to determine.