Has anyone ever seen the latest chapter where Kiki just confessed to Mitsuhide? That chapter was crazy. Here I am squealing like an idiot as I read it, and then when Mitsuhide (SPOILERS!) turned her down because of his vocation to ensure Zen marries his love one? Man, it made me die a slow death. I wanted to throw my phone away and skulk at the corner. It took me awhile to calm down and think things thoroughly. I mean, this is something Mitsuhide will do.

It had me wondering whether my works will do justice on how I see Izana, Zen and Shirayuki in this work. Am I just reading into it too much?

Anywho, interesting tidbit. I finished reading a translated copy of Lady Snowblood by Kazuo Koike. Brilliant work- though there's a lot of depiction of gore and violence (against women in general). I was surprised to find out that Lady Snowblood or Shurayukihime sounds quite similar to Shirayukihime, don't you think?

Title: The Visitors from Lyrias

Inspired by: Chapter 41 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Suzu, Yuzuri, Ryuu

Word Count: 1003

Rating: General

Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works

I lowered the paper I was holding to find Maruko with hands extended. He was holding a very thick package of papers-reports, most likely. I can see the Alullion seal on top of the flap.

"Visitors from Lyrias arrived this morning and will stay in the guest lodgings for a week, Your Highness."

I took the papers and dismissed Maruko. The wax made a satisfying crackling sound under my fingers and I withdrew some parchments and a folded paper that has Lord Makiri's atrocious, crabby writing.

It was short and brief. Lord Makiri reports that they have started cutting portions of the Dagomir mountain, and the foundation of retaining walls are being built. The prepping of the area will occupy the small villages near Lyrias city with a bustling construction activity for the next few years. Once a portion of the land has been cleared, buildings will be erected in the spring and summer to make way for more scholars that wished to stay in Lyrias.

The reports behind are from the head scholars wishing to extend their theses for my review. Some looked like it was meant for Garack Gazelt.

I should pass it to Maruko. I do not wish to see her again and be reminded of things I am strongly yearning for. I could be doing other things-prepare for more meetings, plan a visit to other parts of Clarines, etc. the prospect of seeing Shirayuki again proved to be a much potent excuse.

Once more, my feet found its way to the familiar hallways leading to the Pharmacy and Healing ward. Maybe I will be lucky and I might not see Shirayuki at all. The guests from Lyrias would be wanting a tour and there's a huge chance that she would be showing them around the palace. All I need to do is to avoid the interesting parts of the castle and I should be able to avoid bumping into her.

But I felt elation rise up from within the moment I entered Garack's private sanctuary. Her sitting room (more like the extension of her laboratory and library) was filled with chatter and activity. I saw the familiar child, Kirito (no longer looking like a child judging from a sudden growth spurt), hovering over a basket of dried herbs, while Yuzuri, whose lithe figure would no doubt cause a stir among the knights and palace guards, stood beside him, boiling something in a portable stove with Ryuu, murmuring instructions; Yuzu stood beside Shirayuki as they pore over a thick tome. He was leaning far too close to her, causing my eyelids to narrow.

They looked like an unlikely group of modern-day witches and wizards with a cauldron bubbling in their midst.

For a time, I watched the small group experimenting over the tea. The stress I felt earlier eased away, just by observing them; mostly my gaze wandering over to Shirayuki's animated face as they finally succeeded with their endeavors (teamaking to temper Garack's mood, though I am tempted to point out that a beverage with a high alcohol content would suffice).

I felt a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth after I saw her pronounce their latest experiment to be a success. I must agree, for I could smell the sweetness of the flowers they used to concoct the tea.

Still holding the parchment with one hand, I tugged at the bell pull to announce my presence. My eyes quickly met hers and held it.

"It's been a while since I made a trip to the pharmacy." Her eyes continue to mesmerize me.

"Luen!"

I broke eye contact and my gaze slid over to the guests. Ah, I almost forgot that they still know me as Luen.

Lifting my hand, I gave them a jaunty salute.

"Welcome to Wistal." I smiled warmly at them. I crossed the space between the group.

"You know"—Suzu slowly placed his cup of tea down—"you looked like a powerful knight at Lyrias. And even now at the castle, you still exude the same aura."

The group went silent.

I grinned. "Is that so?"

Suzu nodded. "Would you like some tea? Or maybe join us for a cup?" He gestured in genuine camaraderie. Despite his slightly weird comments and deadpan expression, Suzu seems like a dependable man.

"I'm afraid I have lots to do as soon as I give these to Garack." I extended the papers and Shirayuki took them. The green stones wrapped around her wrist made a faint jangle.

Our fingers touched briefly, and I felt a jolt of electricity from our contact. My eyes gave a gleam as I studied her up close.

She had pulled her hair into a neat ponytail, exposing a slim and lightly tanned column of neck and skin; it made me wonder how it would taste like if I took a nibble or two.

"While I might not be able to join… How about bringing some of the tea to my office later, Shirayuki?"

Her green eyes flickered, irises turning a deep shade of green. I can sense some tension hovering in the air, making the small hairs from my skin react with anticipation. My chest heaved when I smelled her perfume mingling with the soothing aroma of tea.

"Of… course..." She finally answered, her throat swallowing.

Turning, I sidled a little closer to Suzu and Yuzuri. "My deepest apologies for not properly introducing myself in Lyrias. Luen was just an alias. My true name is Izana Wistalia. I hope to work with you again in the future."

Yuzuri's eyes widened in recognition. Suzu's deadpan expression remained the same. Kirito was frowning, darting his eyes over to me before looking at Shirayuki, whose back was facing him. Ryuu seemed comfortable with this, barely reacting.

Spying the green bracelet on Shirayuki's wrist, I felt a sense of possessiveness overtake me. I reached down, touched her bracelet with a satisfied smile.

"It suits you."