I'm in a limbo on whether to extend this chapter series or end it soon. I am thinking of ways on how to extend it, because I will be venturing into unknown territory. The reason why I started this piece is to explore more on what-ifs around Izana's POVs on the scenarios happening in the manga. But as I progressed, I began to exert more creative license, and this is where it gets a little tricky - I can only guess on what Izana will do if I throw him into a different scenario, and I am a little afraid of going overboard with him.
As for whether chapters will get longer. No, they will not. I am truly sorry, but writing each chapter takes a great amount of time for me. Snippets are easier to manage with my hectic schedule and attention to detail.
Thank you for the reviews.
Title: The Proud Junior Minister
Inspired by: Chapter 48 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by RyuuNoOkaasan. Please check out her profile and support her works
"Lord Yuuha. What brings you to this side of the castle?"
He tensed a little, still bowing low, taking his time to answer. The young man before me is the nephew of one of the chief advisers of the palace. A junior minister, he has been training within the palace walls to take over his uncle's position in the future. Lord Ruthgen, Yuuha's uncle, has professed to retire soon to enjoy his twilight years at home and be with his family. Yuuha has been chosen by the family as his uncle's replacement due to his drive and ambition. Although not the smartest man in his group, he works hard to attain the position he is enjoying now.
Personally though, I have come to see that Yuuha still has a long way to go; he is a little arrogant about his achievements, and needs to improve his diplomacy. And, if I recall Maruko's reports, Yuuha is one of the persons who has expressed a great dislike for Shirayuki - for being very close to Zen and his aides. Something which a lot of people rightly still feel. It is not easy to work in the palace. A person who has risen to attract a high regard by someone like Prince Zen is bound to have critics and enemies - people that remain hidden in the shadows.
I saw him sneak a glance at the sleeping figure beside me, swallowing nervously. The feeling of threat faded. It is not Lord Yuuha. I thought to myself, observing the hidden corners behind him.
My hand hovering above the sword handle relaxed a little. There would be another time to investigate whoever dared to observe a little too closely on my person. Perhaps my shadow guards have some information to share.
"Isn't it a little late to be wandering around, Lord Yuuha?" I asked, gesturing at him to stand.
He straightened from his abject obeisance, though his shoulders hunched a little, as if afraid. "I... I wanted to talk to the Royal Pharmacist, Your Highness. I owe... I owe Mistress Shirayuki an apology."
"Oh? And why is that?" I leaned against the pillar, a mechanism I have long employed whenever I am interested in finding out about a person I am talking to. It tricks them into relaxing a little, therefore, making them confide more than they intended.
"Because…," he hesitated, glanced again at the prone figure.
"Because, I was wrong about her. And I wanted to apologize."
I studied Lord Yuuha's face, my expression never betraying the fact that I feel loathing and anger towards him. Never show any emotion, I cautioned myself.
I tilted my head, "Why do you say you are wrong about her?" I gestured towards the person in question. Oblivious to the ongoing conversation, I watched the rise and fall of her chest. "Are you not angry she is under Prince Zen's protection? A foreigner who has become so ambitious that she managed to ensnare my brother's attention?"
Lord Yuuha pursed his lips, eyes widening, mesmerized by my deliberate insinuation.
"Don't you think the rumors might be true? That she only need to lie in bed and wait for the young prince to come?" I emphasized my words ruthlessly, watching with satisfaction as red color bloomed onto Yuuha's cheeks. The more my voice becomes quiet and steady, the angrier I get. I do not understand why I care so much about Shirayuki's well-being. I should leave her alone to handle this on her own. The political arena is a viper's nest. She would need to toughen herself to be able to withstand all the trials and tribulations that come with serving, and eventually, marrying a prince like Zen.
"Don't you feel betrayed that a lowly commoner like her, let alone a woman could potentially hold so much power and sway? How one day, she can wield much influence and maybe even topple a kingdom as grand as Clarines?"
He gazed back at me with huge eyes, lost in thought. Behind my person, the moon continued it's slow journey across the deep blue, inky sky - a silent witness to our exchange.
Lord Yuuha took his time, carefully weighing his answers. I watched quietly as he blinked, diverted his gaze to Shirayuki, his pupils dark with shame.
"I do not think Mistress is capable of such." he finally replied in a whisper.
"Is she not?"
"Yes. I've been watching her. Judging her. Mentally compiling the list of things that she can and cannot do. She is weak. She would be swallowed whole, spit out and ridiculed. But..."
"What made you change your mind?" My eyes gleamed.
"Her simplicity." He swallowed in painful remembrance. "Her refusal to stoop to petty bullying. Her grace." He took one step closer towards Shirayuki, glancing down at her sleeping face.
"She greeted me with respect even when I was vulgar with her. I did not deserve such treatment from someone like her. If she were like any other person, he or she would have knocked me down. It took me a while to regain my senses. And I think it is only right and proper to treat her with the same courtesy. Here I am ready to offer my apologies."
"I see." With lightning speed, I stood before Lord Yuuha, blocking his view of Shirayuki with a jealousy that surprises even me.
Lord Yuuha bowed his head, trembling before my sudden action.
"Perhaps, you can look for her tomorrow. As much as I would have liked to permit you to apologize profusely, as you can see, the lady needs her rest."
He seemed to snap out of a trance, and his face colored in embarrassment. "My deepest apologies, Your Highness! I didn't mean to be rude!"
"I accept your apologies. But alas, I cannot accept your other apology on her behalf. It would be prudent if you look for her again and make a good show tomorrow and announce a fresh start. Don't you agree?"
"Y-yes!" Lord Yuuha stood rigid.
"Off you go then, Lord Yuuha."