Chapter 17: The State Visit P1
These royal fanatics were insane. Gazing out one of the many Hexagon windows, Natsuki watched the crowd. Since the early hours, their numbers had steadily increased. Did they even know who these royals were? Maybe they were arriving for the sake of the occasion? Natsuki hadn't a clue. "How popular is the Wind royal family, anyway?"
"Very popular indeed." Shizuru stood beside her, also observing the crowd which picked up in volume. "You are in for a treat today. Windbloom knows no bounds for its parades and ceremonies."
"Really?" But in any case... "If this crowd gets any louder I think I'll get a migraine on top of my headache." Natsuki grumbled. She already couldn't hear herself think as it is. Spinning her wheelchair around, she wheeled herself away from the window. "Do we need to prepare anything before they arrive?"
"I believe not, no. The staff shall deal with the rest." This was out of their hands now. "Do you remember the royal etiquette I taught you?"
"Never touch a royal. Curtsy—not that I can do that and use their title."
"Those titles being?"
"Ugh."
Shizuru watched her struggle in amusement. "There are only three titles you must remember for the state visit: When introduced to King Yuuichi, you must say Your Majesty. For simplicity's sake, rather than continuing to use this title, you can move onto calling him Sir. For Queen Mai—…" Noticing Natsuki's increasing confusion, a smile crossed Shizuru's lips. "I can write it down for you."
"Yeah, that's probably for the better." Natsuki sighed. What even is with Windbloom and their ancient customs? Windbloom and Zipang were the only two nations who had brought their Earth traditions with them. For whatever reason, Aries had erased most of their historic past. Well, it doesn't matter. "His Majesty, not His Highness." She mumbled to herself. "Her Majesty…" Glancing up to Shizuru, she asked: "What do I call the Queen after Her Majesty?"
"Ma'am. Only military officers and the Queen herself are called Ma'am." Honestly, it was jarring how the Ariesians called every woman alive ma'am.
"You're making my head spin." Natsuki groaned, clasping a hand to her temple. How on Earl do the Winds deal with these terminologies?! "This is as confusing as your currency!" Don't even get her started with the system they use only there. It wasn't even decimal! The more she looked at those coins, the less sense it made!
A genuine laugh released from the Meister's lips. "It is confusing, yes. Though I am sure you will learn with time. Though the blan sterling?" Shizuru shrugged faintly. "Who knows?" Receiving a call through her intercom abruptly, she brushed her fingers to her ear. "Yes?"
Had the royals arrived? Natsuki glanced towards the window but could only see the monumental crowd. Flags flew above the gates, some even half Ariesian and Windbloom.
"Alright, thank you. We shall head to the entrance immediately." Ending the call, Shizuru eased behind Natsuki's wheelchair. "The Suzushiro has docked. They will be arriving shortly."
That had been rather fast. "Oh right, could you write me that note with the terminologies on?"
She had almost forgotten. "Of course."
Several minutes later, they were waiting by the entrance with Saeko. Staring at the note with Shizuru's neat handwriting, Natsuki suddenly felt anxious. Not only was she meeting the Wind royal family, but the King had undergone nanomachine surgery. There was finally hope for Natsuki—she kind of felt excited to meet them. "So what are we supposed to do when they come in?" She asked up at Saeko who she suddenly noticed was reading her note. Quirking a brow, she handed it over.
"I'll be taking over, don't worry." Reading the handwriting, Saeko tilted her head. "Their titles?" Oh, now she understood. "Shizuru, the etiquette for Meister is the same for royalty, isn't it?"
"A curtsey is not included. However, as she's a royal Otome, her title is: The Meister Royal."
Again, why were these titles so complicated? Natsuki stared at Shizuru, somewhat perturbed. Her train of thought was broken however as cheers exploded outside the Hexagon. Well, it's happening. Releasing a breath, Natsuki attempted to steel herself.
"His Majesty, King Yuuichi I, and Her Majesty, Queen Mai!" The announcer suddenly stood from his perch beside the doorway. Outside, the roar of cheers deafened the Hexagon as the royal fanfares blew their trumpets. "The Meister Royal: Mahya Blythe!"
In strode the royals followed by their Otome.
The Queen wore a ruffled cream dress shirt and blue slacks. Natsuki hadn't honestly expected them to dress so casually. The King was dressed more formally, but was still casual. He wore a long collared white undershirt beneath his noble jacket. It was knee-length, white with green-shouldered ensigns. Typical of Wind fashion, he also wore a scarf messily underneath this jacket. He was a Windbloom royal, alright.
"Good morning." Yuuichi's arm was hooked around the Queen's as they introduced themselves. "I am Yuuichi Banning de Windbloom, and this is my lovely wife."
"Tokiha Mai." The Queen smiled. "We're impressed with the Suzushiro. When did you have it built?"
"Your Majesties." Saeko curtsied to the monarchs individually. "Meister Royal." She nodded to Mahya afterwards before introducing herself.
"Good afternoon, President Kruger." The Meister bowed her head. She wore white Chaldean trousers alongside a pink Garderobe uniform. A shayla-esque headscarf wrapped her shoulders and only revealed her blonde fringe.
"I am President Kruger; though you already know this." Gesturing a hand beside her, she addressed Natsuki and Shizuru. "This is my daughter Natsuki and her Meister, Shizuru Viola."
"It's good to meet you." Yuuichi said. "I heard about your recent ceremony." He turned his attention to Natsuki and Shizuru. "Congratulations."
"Thanks." Natsuki forced a smile, feeling rather apprehensive before the two royals. Even if the Krugers were rich, their livelihoods couldn't be further apart. Glancing Shizuru's way, she wondered how she felt about this. Garderobe frequented Princesses and Duchesses, so probably? As Mahya stepped forward, Natsuki suddenly noticed she looked right at Shizuru who stared back. Somehow the atmosphere around them was like ice. ...Why? She eyed her Meister hesitantly, forcing her attention back to the Monarchs swiftly. She honestly had no idea what to say or whether she'd be allowed to.
"Please, if you would follow me." Saeko motioned for them to head further into the Hexagon.
"This chicken marengo is absolutely divine." Mai sighed happily as she dug into the Florentine dish. The chicken had been cooked flawlessly and the broth added the perfect flavouring…!
"Our Windbloom Ambassador reported your love for Florentine cuisine, Maj-"
"Oh, please." Mai wafted her hand towards Saeko dismissively. "Call me Mai. We're in private and I honestly hate that title."
"I can't say I blame you." The President smiled over her own chicken marengo. "I virtually went from Saeko to Mrs President overnight." Removing her glasses, Saeko blindly rummaged inside of her pocket. "...Cloth."
"That said, I am impressed by your eye for detail." Yuuichi remarked. "You even had my knife and fork swapped around!" Ever since the accident, he had started using a fork with his right hand. His brow furrowed abruptly, realising his choice of words. "No pun intended."
What? The President's gaze pulled up in brief confusion before understanding. A snort released softly from her nostrils in amusement. "I can't hear well without my glasses, what did you say?" She joked, earning a chuckle from the King. "Aries and Windbloom has a special relationship. It'd do no good if we failed with the small details."
"True. Aries hospitality holds no bounds." Not even Zipang could outdo Aries' generosity, and he was married to their eldest Princess! "Even though Aries is a republic, it never fails to surprise me just how much they seem to adore us."
"The welcome was surprising." Mai nodded. "I've been outside Zipang for two years now, but the volume of public love still takes me off guard."
"Were things… different in Zipang?" Saeko asked curiously.
"Hm, well." Mai shrugged. "Royal life is very different in Zipang. At a young age I wasn't ever allowed outside the royal grounds. Even when I was older, it was forbidden for the public to see me."
"But… why?" Natsuki finally piped up, having remained silent this whole time.
"It's forbidden for the lower classes to view those chosen by the Gods'. Things like that." The Queen shook her head. "I don't agree with it personally."
Was this why all the Queen's "official portraits" were in front of blinds? What's the point of the portrait if they couldn't see her in the first place? "Sounds like a pain." Natsuki muttered. "Though, er. I don't mean to be rude."
"What? Oh no, no." Mai understood completely where she was coming from. "I get it. It is indeed a pain. Being totally invisible to my people, I couldn't do a thing. Even my brother, the Emperor: he finds it increasingly difficult boosting public morale and popularity." Though, she was certain Takumi would reform the Zipang imperial system. "But enough of me." She smiled. "What about you, Natsuki?"
A/N: Happy Christmas!
Reviews
Iphigeniaaulide: ¡Gracias! Espero desarrollar lentamente la salud mental de Natsuki una vez que estemos más en la historia. La llegada de Shizuru es definitivamente el punto de inflexión en su vida.
Tom: I hope to keep the story interesting. Ironically even though this is one of my simplistic stories, I find it increasingly difficult to write. Next few chapters should be fine though.
2020 Shizuru: I always felt Searrs had a lot of potential but it fell flat. We see them only briefly and they just kind of exist? They definitely should've been way more dangerous. Schwartz during Sifr is what Searrs should've been.