The Fang and the Flower
Chapter 04: Call Me By My Name
It took only one day after Kagome's accidental meeting with Sesshōmaru at Ritsushima Kōen for him to finalize the contract with Okami-san that would allow her to leave the Okiya and stay at his estate.
The next day, Kagome started packing for her trip.
"Okami-san, do you know where Lord Sesshōmaru's estate, Inumura Castle, is located?" Kagome asked when the proprietress was helping her pack her travelling trunk that morning. The early morning sun streamed through the lattice screens, illuminating the room as the two females worked on wrapping one kimono after the other in tato-shi papers and tying them neatly with strings.
"In Miyagawa valley, at the foot of Yamashiri mountain, I believe." The fox demoness paused for thought. "He's not very social, that one. So I was mightily surprised when he showed up at our door. Even more flabbergasted when he asked for a contract to have you stay at his home for a couple of weeks."
"It is for the sake of his sister, as I told you," Kagome said. "He wishes to see her settled with a suitable male. Therefore, I will be his guest only in the capacity of a matchmaker."
"In all my years, I have never laid eyes on the sister. She must not be out and about in society, although… neither does he. But— you met her at Ritsushima Kōen, you said?"
Kagome nodded as she began to pile the wrapped kimono carefully inside the trunk before slipping a lacquered box filled with her hair ornaments on the side of her luggage.
"Nē, what does she look like?"
Kagome swallowed a smile. It was no secret that Okami-san was fond of gossip. Perhaps it was a necessary trait for the proprietress of an Okiya, as she must know the ins and outs of the social scene. But Kagome would much prefer to be discreet about the matters concerning Sesshōmaru and his sister. Luckily, she had nothing to tell.
"She was veiled, of course," Kagome replied in all honesty. "I could not catch a glimpse of her visage."
"If she looks anything like her brother, your work is half done."
Kagome chuckled at the flippant comment. "Surely Okami-san knows beauty does not guarantee a happy ending?"
"True, but it certainly helps a long way." A pregnant pause prompted Kagome to look up at the proprietress.
"Especially when the Lady hails from the House of the Crescent Moon. She may need all the beauty she can get," Okami-san whispered.
A thin frown creased Kagome's forehead as she straightened. "What do you mean?"
"The House of the Crescent Moon is one of the oldest houses in the yōkai realm, and Sesshōmaru-sama is one of the most respectable lords. But—" Okami-san leaned over to whisper surreptitiously, as though the Okiya was swarming with spies who were desperate to eavesdrop. "Do you know about his father's indiscretions while he was stationed in the human realm?"
Kagome stared at Okami-san, making sure the blank mask on her face remained intact. Yes, she knew about it, but she pretended ignorance.
"I have heard rumours," she told Okami-san. "But never details. What happened to Lord Sesshōmaru's father?"
"Sesshōmaru-sama's father, the Fighting Fang Tōga, was the Lord of the Western Lands before him. Thus, he spent much time in the human realm, guarding the borders between this world and theirs. Perhaps too much time, because he started another family over there — with a human noblewoman, whom in the end bore him a bastard. All this happened while his own mate — the guardian of the Moon Palace, fought intruders coming from the sky."
"Guardian of the Moon Palace?" Kagome repeated.
"That is the title of Tsubaki-hime, Lord Sesshōmaru's mother, who guards our borders in the sky. She inherited the Moon Palace and the position of its guardian from her father."
"Oh. I did not know that."
"Her father, who had the Emperor's ears, was enraged when he learned of Lord Tōga's indiscretions. Lady Tsubaki, who was supposed to be the Lord's one and only true mate, had been grievously insulted. He beseeched the Emperor to strip Lord Tōga of his titles and properties in the yōkai realm. He was permitted to only keep his military rank: Inu no Taisho, the Great Dog General, until his term of service was completed. However, the title 'Lord of the Western Lands' reverted to the court until Sesshōmaru-sama came of age and assumed the position. But the House of the Crescent Moon's name is forever besmirched."
Of course, Kagome knew the general story of Sesshōmaru's and Inuyasha's father, though certainly not that much, and certainly nothing about the political implications of Inutaisho's relationship with Izayoi.
She wondered where his sister fit in this, and how much older — or younger — she was compared to Inuyasha. She suddenly realized Sesshōmaru had never mentioned Lady Shōri's age, only that she had reached maturity.
"It was a big scandal at the time." Okami-san shook her head as she fanned herself vigorously. "A great embarrassment for the House of the Crescent Moon." She thought for a moment, then closed her fan and used it to gently tap Kagome's arm. "So you see— Lord Sesshōmaru's intention to have his sister well-matched might be more than what he led you to believe. If the sister made a respectable match, then the stain on the family name will diminish. And— if Lord Sesshōmaru himself mated with a female or high standing, then… it will improve the family's prestige even more. They might finally be able to leave this scandal behind them."
Improving one's family stature through marriage was not a new concept. Even though Kagome knew it was commonly practiced everywhere, she still felt sympathy towards anyone who had to enter a union not of their choosing and, worse, must remain in it.
"It seems rather unfair to burden the children with what the father did in the past," Kagome commented softly.
"Hn. That may be so, but these are yōkai, Oiran. We have long lives and, unfortunately, long memories. Things are not forgotten so easily here."
Okami-san now had a thoughtful look on her face as she tapped the edge of the fan on her lips. "Perhaps… Sesshōmaru-sama meant this as a test," she said. "If you found a good match for his sister, possibly afterwards, he will ask you to find a suitable match for him as well, hmm? What do you think, Oiran? Imagine yourself: a Tayū who also specializes in matching yōkai lords and ladies. This could be a roaring trade for you!"
As Okami-san chortled, a little laughter tickled Kagome's chest, but she held back. Instead, she raised her sleeve to her lips and let out a soft chuckle.
"Okami-san, you are getting too far ahead. I can hardly keep up. I have not even started with his sister, yet you are already thinking about what comes after."
"Ah, this is just for the sake of conversations, Oiran. Maybe it will happen, maybe it won't. Now—" She rose gracefully and nodded. "I will leave you to finish preparing for your journey. When will your escorts arrive?"
"They should arrive within the hour, according to his lordship's message."
After Okami-san left, Kagome placed her last belongings inside the travelling trunk and latched it closed. Even as she began to change into her travelling outfit, the proprietress' words still resounded in her ears.
Finding a suitable mate for Sesshōmaru?
Kagome shook her head and smiled as she smoothed her hands down her clothing.
That's a scary thought.
… …
Later that morning, just as he had stated in his message, Sesshōmaru sent a small convoy to escort her from the Okiya to Inumura Castle. Three armed guards, all silver-haired inuyokai, flew in and parked themselves in front of the Okiya, along with a two-headed dragon that looked wonderfully familiar for Kagome to ride on.
"Isn't this… Ah-Un?" Kagome wondered aloud as she ran her hands along the scaly flank of the dragon. Both heads turned around. Warm noses nudged her hand, prompting her to scratch its necks as it cooed with obvious enjoyment.
"No, Oiran," one of the guards said. Kagome noticed he was the same guard who had escorted Lady Shōri to Ritsushima Garden a few days prior. "This is Ah-Un's twin brother. Rin Ojō named him Gozu-Mezu. He stays with us here while Ah-Un lives in the Plains of Musashi."
Kagome laughed. Rin certainly had a penchant for naming animals — this particular one was named after the infamous guardians of the underworld. Gozu-Mezu snorted amicably against her hand as though he recognized his brother's name upon her lips.
The guard gave her a boost to climb up the dragon's back. Kagome settled herself on the supple leather saddle. Once her trunk was securely tied to Gozu-Mezu's rump, they were off.
Within half an hour of flying, the scenery transformed as they left the congested city farther and farther behind them. Gone were the multi-storied buildings, paved roads, landscaped gardens, wooden houses, and the bevy of yōkai milling about on the streets. The vista opened up to clear blue skies over lush green meadows, dotted with pine and cypress trees, clear-watered rivers rushing downstream, even lakes that sparkled under the sun.
Less than an hour later after their departure, the Inumura Castle came into view. As Kagome flew towards the complex, she had a first-row seat to admire the bird's eye view of the landscape and architecture.
Inumura Castle was not constructed as a fortress but as a residence. It had no towers or moats, though a river did run through it, and tall stone walls surrounded it on all perimeters. It was a massive complex of multiple buildings, connected by meticulously manicured gardens, ponds, and scenic bridges that provided vantage points for anyone to catch a beautiful view of the gardens from any angle.
From her position in the sky, Kagome could see Sesshōmaru standing in the central courtyard — a distant figure of silver and red, waiting together with a female — his sister. As the Lady was at home, she was not wearing a hat or a veil. She had her face fully tilted up towards the sky, like a sunflower, avidly watching in return. When Gozu-Mezu swooped down to make a descent onto the ground, Kagome caught a good look at the Lady's visage for the first time.
And she was breathtaking.
Gozu-Mezu made a smooth landing upon the stone surface of the spacious courtyard, a distance away from the Master of the castle. One of the guards helped Kagome dismount, and soon she found herself approaching the place where the brother and sister were waiting for her.
Looking up close, Kagome realized Lady Shōri did not merely resemble Sesshōmaru a little. She looked exactly like her brother, though with much more feminine features. She even wore her soft, white pelt in a similar fashion.
Her markings were delicate wings, as though a god had taken the time to paint them upon her cheekbones with a finely-tipped brush. The butter yellow and amber ensemble she wore highlighted the bright golden hue of her eyes, and they sparkled with warmth. However, unlike her brother, she wore her long silver hair in a simple braid over one shoulder.
She was fresh-faced. Youthful energy exuded from every pore, which made Kagome think Lady Shōri might be younger than Inuyasha — though the fact that she was a full-blooded yōkai, and therefore most likely age slower than a hanyō, could be the cause for her youthful appearance.
"Oiran, we welcome you to Inumura Castle," Sesshōmaru said when Kagome was close enough. "I trust your journey was not too taxing."
"It was pleasant, my Lord," she said. "Thank you for your warm welcome."
"Oiran, I present my sister: Shōritomohime." Next, he turned to his sister. "Shōri, make your greeting to Higurashi Oiran."
"It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Higurashi Oiran," Lady Shōri said as she executed a beautiful half bow. The apple of her cheeks blushed becomingly when she smiled. "I hope we can be friends."
Though the siblings looked alike, she was quite a few degrees warmer than her brother, Kagome noted with relief.
"The pleasure is mine, my Lady," Kagome replied, inclining her head and making her own bow. "I am delighted to have met you at last."
Sesshōmaru had only enough time to introduce Kagome to the most important members of the staff before he had to make his departure for the human realm.
"These are her servants: Anafune and Kazuhiko. They are to accompany Shōri everywhere she goes," Sesshōmaru explained. He gave Kagome a warning look. "Everywhere, Oiran. Especially Kazuhiko."
Kagome observed the two personnel Sesshōmaru singled out. Anafune was a young, mild-mannered inuyōkai. She was Lady Shōri's handmaiden; the female assigned to assist her with bathing, preparing her meals, selecting her clothes and accessories, dressing, grooming, and other daily tasks.
Kazuhiko was the guard from earlier who spoke to her about Gozu-Mezu. He looked a little younger than Sesshōmaru, if the length of his hair was anything to judge by. He was a handsome inuyōkai with piercing golden eyes. A magenta swirl marked each of his high cheekbones. The purple crescent moon crescent was absent, which Kagome assumed meant he was not of noble blood.
"Will you be going now?" Kagome asked Sesshōmaru. It seemed a pity that he must leave when she had just arrived.
"The Emperor has called upon the lords and ladies of the court to attend a meeting this morning. Therefore, I will head to the imperial palace first before I depart for the human realm."
"Then, your sister and I will walk with you to the gate so we can send you off properly."
Sesshōmaru nodded and began to stroll.
"I will attempt to return in a fortnight," Sesshōmaru said as Kagome walked with him. Shōri followed them a distance away, as though to give them privacy. "I hope to see a list of possible suitors upon my return."
Kagome nodded. "I have some plans already, my Lord. First, with your permission, I would like to take Lady Shōri on a light stroll in town this afternoon."
Sesshōmaru tilted his head as he thought for a moment. "You may, as long as you take Kazuhiko along for protection."
She would take both Kazuhiko and Anafune as Sesshōmaru instructed. Their group would still be small enough for them to move around easily. She wanted to draw attention to Lady Shōri without creating too much distraction to take away from her beauty and charm.
"I am rather shocked, my Lord," Kagome said teasingly, keeping her voice low so Lady Shōri would not hear. "With her face and her figure, I do not understand how you have been exempted this far from beating suitors away with a stick. Have you been keeping her under lock and key in this estate?"
From his silence, she gathered he probably had been keeping Lady Shōri within the walls of their ancestral home all these years.
"I had meant to bring her out into society myself," Sesshōmaru said quietly. "But, each time, my resolve wavers, hesitation set in, and I delay. I cannot fathom what kind of male would be suitable. A misstep is simply not acceptable. Not for her."
Kagome wondered if his hesitation had anything to do with their mother's betrayal by their father. If his caution and delay were done deliberately so that his sister did not suffer the same pain their mother must have gone through at one point.
There were things she wanted to ask him about his mother and father, and how he came to be the Lord of the Western Lands, but they were out of time, having nearly reached the gate already. Perhaps a proper conversation would be possible when he returned, Kagome thought.
"I will be stopping by the village to visit Rin," Sesshōmaru told her. A heavy pause followed. "That means I may see Inuyasha as well. Is there any message you would like me to pass on?"
Kagome nearly broke into perverse laughter. What message could she possibly want Sesshōmaru to relay to Inuyasha? Yes, please tell Inuyasha his former wife has become one of the most sought-after courtesans in the yōkai realm.
But she held her tongue.
"I have not spoken to Inuyasha for twenty-five years," Kagome said instead. "There is nothing I want to say to him now that has not been said back then." She looked at Sesshōmaru. "But thank you, my Lord, for your offer."
He gave her a brisk nod and said no more on the matter.
They were at the gate now. The entirety of his household was there too, lined up in military precision, to wish him farewell. Kagome made a courtly bow.
"I wish you a fruitful journey and a safe return, my Lord."
Shōri stepped forward. "Ani-ue. Please be safe."
"Shōri. I am placing Higurashi Oiran in your care, and you in hers," Sesshōmaru said. "Listen to her guidance, and always behave in a manner befitting for a daughter of this house."
Kagome watched in fascination as Sesshōmaru touched his sister's chin gently with a knuckle. A light, meaningless gesture for anyone else, perhaps. But coming from him, it appeared remarkably affectionate, and the effect was more than heart-warming.
Lady Shōri smiled at her brother. She seemed generous with her smiles, Kagome observed. Not a common trait amongst yōkai, but a smile on such a beautiful face was nothing less than ravishing.
Once Sesshōmaru departed, the massive gate was closed once more. Unlike most gates, it was not made of wood but of white stone, sanded smooth and magnificently carved with traditional motifs and a giant crescent moon crest in the centre. It took three able-bodied male yōkai to open and close, though Kagome reckoned Sesshōmaru could probably operate it on his own.
The household staff dispersed, and Kagome found herself standing together with her temporary charge. She began to address her:
"Lady Shōri—"
"Please, Oiran." The female reached out to squeeze Kagome's hand. "Call me by my name the way my brother does. It is Shōri."
Kagome wondered if Sesshōmaru had informed his sister that she used to be married to Inuyasha, which would have made them sisters by marriage — once upon a time.
She brushed off the pain that afflicted her chest and focused on the female in front of her.
"Only if you insist," Kagome said, squeezing Shōri's hand in return. "And— only if you call me by my name also. It is Kagome."
"What should we do now, Kagome—" For a moment, Shōri looked like she was about to say "Kagome onee-san", a familiar way to refer to a big sister, but she stopped herself in time.
Kagome decided the story of her and Inuyasha should be saved for another time. She smiled.
"What about a walk?"
It was not to be an ordinary walk.
That afternoon, as they prepared to go for their stroll, Kagome asked Anafune to make a slit on the front of Shōri's veil so that others might catch a glimpse of her face. Not quite so much that her visage was revealed entirely, but just enough that an eligible Lord or two might steal a taste of her alluring beauty and would be hungry to know her more.
A palanquin bearing the crescent moon crest had been attached to Gozu-Mezu to take them on their outing.
From the look of it, as Kagome had initially thought, Shōri was not permitted to go outside of the estate walls much. Throughout the ride, she spied the scenery outside, her elegantly tapered fingers pulling back the curtain away from the palanquin window while a slight smile of excitement played about her lips.
Kagome had asked Kazuhiko to drive them to Shōgyō-dōri, the main street of the mercantile district where the Lords of the realm often conducted business. Lined on both sides with shops and merchant houses, it ran parallel to a famous square where the lords often met. It was a masculine place, and the pedestrians were predominantly males. Though most of them were merchants and middle-class yōkai, there were always a few gems she could count on.
Kagome donned very plain clothing for this occasion: a heather grey kimono with silver obi. Both had a simple hemp design. She wanted to look the farthest from her usual flowery-self, to blend in with the males and their muted attire.
But for Shōri, Kagome had chosen an exquisite confection of frothy rose silk skirt embroidered with gold threads in blossoming peonies, and a dove grey top that moulded to her physique beautifully. Not so much that she appeared vulgar, but just enough to show she was a mature and nubile young lady. The wide-brimmed hat was lined with black silk and edged with rose ribbons, hand-painted with the same rose peonies. A sheer black veil covered her face, mostly, and made those eyes staring up from beneath the curtain appear even more golden.
As Kagome expected, amongst those clothed in black, beige, brown, and grey, Shōri stood out like a blooming rose in a sea of mud. Even hidden behind the veil, anyone could see her beauty was breathtaking. A few stopped and stared, some rather unabashedly, jaws dropping with amazement.
Kazuhiko sidled up beside Kagome.
"Has Sesshōmaru-sama pre-approved this excursion?" He asked. "It seems rather—" The inuyōkai narrowed his eyes at the crowd with distaste. "— gaudy to parade Shōri-hime in a place like this."
"Being conspicuous is the goal, Kazuhiko-san. Lady Shōri has been sequestered in Inumura Castle all her life. Not many are aware that the Lord of the Western Lands has a sister of suitable age for mating," Kagome explained. "It is time to show the yōkai realm that such beauty exists."
Kazuhiko's brows creased. "Surely, Oiran understands that Sesshōmaru-sama keeps Shōri-hime at Inumura Castle for her own protection."
"Of course," Kagome replied archly. "But it does not change the fact no one knows she exists. Worry not. Lady Shōri will make no contact today. She will speak to no one. We are merely taking a stroll, perhaps a turn about the square, and then we will return to the castle."
"I see," Kazuhiko said, somewhat skeptically. "Well. Sesshōmaru-sama trusts you with Shōri-hime's future. We will abide by your guidance, Oiran."
Kagome inclined her head in a display of gratitude before she hurried to walk beside Shōri.
"How are you doing, dear?"
"Everyone is staring," Shōri whispered. Her uneasiness weighing every syllable.
Truth be told, they were all ogling, not just staring. Perhaps some were practically salivating. Kagome understood how unnerving it could be, especially when one was unaccustomed to the attention. It reminded her of the early days of her career as a courtesan. Nevertheless, she smiled reassuringly and touched the Shōri's chin, urging her to lift her head high.
"Only because you are so beautiful, my dear," she told the female yōkai. Shōri's cheeks blushed underneath the veil, adding to her charm.
Just then, a male yōkai burst into their path, drawn by her mystery and the slightest hint of her beauty. Breath reeking of saké, he slurred:
"Aren't you a pretty one—"
Gasping, Kagome nearly yelled in outrage as the stranger grabbed Shōri by the wrist and pulled her forcibly forward. Kagome lifted her hand to slap the offensive hand away with her fan when Kazuhiko stepped in. The scrape of the sword being drawn out of its sheath was like a whisper in the wind. The swish of the blade was like the rustle of silk. The next second, the male's arm was detached from the hand just above the wrist bone.
It took another few seconds before the yōkai realized what had been done to him. He fell back on his rump with a deafening shriek, lifting an arm that ended not in a hand but in a bloodied stump. Gently, Kazuhiko pried the fingers away from Shori's wrist and tossed the disjoined hand at the male's feet before he ushered their party to move away from the grisly scene.
"Uhh… Kazuhiko— should someone take that yōkai to a physician?" Shōri asked, still looking back at the male rolling on the ground; blood still spilling onto the dirt and dust. "To have his hand reattached, perhaps?"
Kazuhiko scoffed and continued to usher them away from the gathering crowd. "Any yōkai worth his salt should be able to reattach a severed hand himself. Leave him be, my Lady. He will live."
"Was that— necessary?" Shōri asked. "Oiran was going to chase him away with her fan."
"If he did not wish to lose his hand, he should not have touched Shōri-hime without permission," Kazuhiko replied, deadpan.
"He would not be making so much noise if he was on the verge of death, Shōri," Kagome said soothingly. "Like Kazuhiko said, he will be fine."
The crowd parted, giving them a wide berth. Perhaps too wide for Kagome's liking. Any potential suitors were bound to be driven away by Kazuhiko's ability to nonchalantly dismember anyone who dared to come near. Kagome had wanted an exciting excursion for Shōri, though what had happened perhaps proved it to be too much of an excitement.
Just when she questioned her judgment for not choosing to go to the gardens instead, another male yōkai stepped onto their path.
He was not a rude commoner like the previous one. It was evident he was of noble birth. His magnificent armour glistened like iridescent dragon scales. Kagome's eyes widened slightly with recognition.
"Oh— Lord Ryūji." She inclined her head in greeting. "What a pleasant coincidence."
The Lord lowered his head in return. When he straightened, his piercing aquamarine eyes swept over their little group.
"Oiran, I did not expect to see you out and about. And in daylight, no less."
"My Lord, I have been requested to spend the next two weeks as a companion to a well-born young lady, which is why you are seeing me outside the Okiya and the tea houses. A rare sight, I know." She let out a demure laugh. "We are merely out for an afternoon walk."
"It is not a very pretty place to take a walk," the Lord observed.
Kagome smiled. "I agree. I led our group down the wrong path after coming out of a nearby garden, and suddenly we found ourselves in the middle of the merchant district. How clumsy of me."
Next, Lord Ryūji addressed Kazuhiko directly.
"That was a wonderful display of swordsmanship. A magnificently clean cut. You even calculated the angle of the blade so that no blood from the severed vessels would spray back to hit the Lady's face or attire. Very well done."
Kazuhiko bowed in acknowledgement.
"Ah, but you see— our Lady is tender-hearted," Kagome said as she fanned herself gently, drawing Lord Ryūji's eyes to Shōri. "She was concerned that her guard was being a bit too harsh. So what do you think, my Lord? What is a suitable punishment for such transgression?"
"Every sensible yōkai knows it is frowned upon to lay a hand upon anyone who does not belong to him," Lord Ryūji said. "The punishment was just, my Lady, and rightly delivered. Do not let it trouble you any further."
As the conversation ground to a halt, Kagome was worried Lord Ryūji was going to bring up how she had missed their appointment at the tea house the other night, but she was glad to see he was much too interested in Shōri to bring up the past.
Her veil was still in place, but the slight breeze had lifted and swayed the light fabric just a little, giving the Lord the tiniest glimpse of her face, and the luminous gold of her eyes peering shyly from beneath the curtain. Kagome could not orchestrate the whole thing better if she fanned the veil herself. The effect was brilliant. Enough to raise his curiosity. Enough to prompt him to ask:
"Oiran, may I have an introduction?"
Kagome tutted. She shook her head and playfully tapped his gauntlet with her fan. "My Lord, since I am neither her mother nor her guardian, surely you know you need to visit her residence and request a formal introduction from her brother. Anything less would be improper."
"I see," he replied with the slightest hint of humour. "And— which of the lords do I need to beg for an introduction?"
"He would be Sesshōmaru — the Lord of the Western Lands."
There was a vague, indecipherable smirk on the Lord's face that flashed an alarm in Kagome's head, though it was gone in a blink of an eye.
"Well-played, Oiran," he said. "If that is the way, then I will consult my advisors for an auspicious day to visit. Until then—"
The Lord bowed low, most likely in the hopes of being able to steal a glance at Shōri's face beneath the veil. And before he left, he did a little double-take.
After the Lord was out of earshot, Shōri asked: "Who is that person?"
"That is Ryūji-sama, Lord of the Western Seas," Kazuhiko replied. "Like Sesshōmaru-sama and your honoured mother, he guards the borders between the two realms, but from the ocean side."
Kagome watched Shōri lifting her veil a little, her golden gaze following the retreating figure, nearly lost in the crowd. The Oiran chuckled inwardly. She could understand Shōri's interest, for he was as handsome as the young inuyōkai was beautiful.
Pensively, Kagome tapped the edge of her fan against her lips as she watched the daiyōkai strolling away amidst the crowd. Lord Ryūji and Lady Shōri. She was almost giddy with excitement. It had the makings of a match made in heaven. Surely, he hit all the boxes: young, handsome, noble, rich, powerful, that even Sesshōmaru himself could not possibly have any complaints. He was the perfect foil for her natural beauty. They would make beautiful silver-haired children with golden, or aquamarine eyes.
Oh, it was much easier than she could ever hope for.
However— that indecipherable smile bugged her a bit. Was that a sign, as Okami-san had warned her, that the House of the Crescent Moon was considered besmirched by the other members of the yōkai nobles? Was Lord Ryūji already looking down on Shōri even before he got to know her?
Certainly, it would not do, Kagome thought. A little sprout of indignation emerged inside her. If she could manage more accidental encounters, perhaps she could persuade the Lord Ryūji to see Shōri in the proper light.
Though, how could she manage anything effectively without an official introduction?
He needed a genuine interaction with her to properly experience her charms, which Kagome was certain would abundantly captivate the Lord. But— how could Shōri show her true self when she was forbidden to do anything more than standing erect and mute?
Kagome sighed inwardly. Suddenly Sesshōmaru's plan to return in a fortnight seemed too long of a wait. What to do? What to—
Inspiration struck, she whirled around and asked: "Kazuhiko-san, tell me— How can I send a message to Sesshōmaru-sama?"
