I wish to thank user Thedemonicsaint for correcting grammatical errors in this chapter prior to its release.
(Next chapter in about 7-10 days.)
Inviting a hurricane.
When Wave woke up. The animals had managed to find him yet again. Somehow.
He didn't know how they always managed to do it but they always did when he was sleeping in these halls. Or at least some of them. Nor did he understand why he seemed to attract them.
When his slumber left him, one of the large war hounds was sleeping over his stomach. Two pigs slept by his feet and a goat was standing beside his head. Slowly chewing at something.
When he woke up, Wave didn't move at first. Just looking at his new companions for a while before he sighed.
He had spent the last bit of the night sleeping in the cellar of the abandoned factory that acted as their current headquarters. The only place in the capital where their forces had a gathering that was larger than a hundred soldiers. Most of their other forces dispatched in thousands of much smaller groups.
A lot of soldiers slept in the many halls under the huge building. But the halls lacked any doors between them and it was also where they kept what little livestock and animals that their forces had brought into the city. And without doors, they were pretty much free to roam wherever they wanted. Usually, the animals stayed in their groups. But everytime Wave slept in one of these giant rooms, they gathered to him. He had no idea why.
He just lay there for some moments. Waking up more and more. Based on how hungry he was, he had to guess that it was rather late in the morning. Which made sense. Since he had spent most of the night working.
He slowly sat up in the hay bed that he had been sleeping in. Making the large dog rise up from his lap. Yawning as it did. Though the other animals stayed as they were as he slowly rose up.
"Sorry guys." he said silently as he scratched the side of his head. "some of us have work to do."
He stood up and stretched his arm over his head. Trying to get his blood flow going. Making the different animals move away a bit from him. He gave them one last look and then turned towards the stairs that led to the upper levels. A couple of big rooms away.
It was a simple spiraling stair. Made out of iron grids. Moving up through a hole in the ceiling. The old factory not really built for anything but efficiency and budget concerns.
The stair went up through the entire building. Passing through floor after floor. Wave having to scoot to the side when he met people as he ascended higher into the building. Walking towards one of the highest levels.
When he finally got to the floor he was heading for, the stairs had entered a slim corridor. Wave now being in the part of the factory where the small offices were placed. Many of them occupied by tall and slim soldiers as Wave passed by them. Makeias personal guards unmistakable no matter their surroundings. They still hadn't told any of them about what had happened to their leader, Tom-Tom. Though Wave was afraid that they would find out on their own soon enough.
The corridor ended with a door. A small wooden door with a frosted window on the upper half of it. A plate of metal placed under it. Something had once been written on it but it was completely indiscernible at this point.
He knocked on it twice. When he didn't get an answer, he opened the door and walked inside.
When the door moved into the room. It pushed away several glass bottles that were lying on the floor. The bottles clinking against each other as they rolled into the room.
The room he entered had large windows that occupied three of its four walls. Meters wide and reaching to the ceiling. Each window consisting out of several small glass squares. Separated from each other by thin wood.
Considering the height they were at, the view of the city would probably have been pretty great. But all the glass was so dirty and muddled that it was impossible to see through them. The dim light that shone through them being the only sign that they actually led out into the world outside.
Wave scanned the room but quickly found who he was searching for. Partly because the room mostly lacked furniture but also because his target was sitting alone in the middle of it.
Makeias was slouched forward on the wooden barrel he was sitting on. One of several that were spread out in the center of the room. His elbows on his knees. His hands holding each other. His face directed down at the floor.
"General." Wave said loudly. Announcing his arrival. Yet Makeias didn't move in response. He just kept staring down at the floor. His gaze not moving.
Wave waited for some moments before he spoke again. "Makeias?" he asked a little louder.
He was starting to grow genuinely worried. Makeias was so hard to read these days. He emitted no signals of life at all when he was still. No heartbeats could be detected, no warmth emanating from him, no breathing that was perceivable. For all that Wave could see, Makeias might have just died sitting on that barrel during the night.
He finally took a step towards the man but the moment he did, Makeias reacted.
He slowly turned his head towards Wave. "Ahh hello.. Wave. I hope that you have slept well."
Wave smiled at him. Feeling slight relief. "As well as one can during our circumstances. And you, general?"
"As well as I can." Makeias said. His eyes had landed on Wave but aside from the moving of his mouth, Makeias entire presence remained just as still. "How did the reconnaissance mission during the night go?"
"Well, I would be lying if I said that it went well but we weren't expecting much from it."
Makeias nodded. "We are all waiting for something to happen within the palace before we react. I suspect that Night Raid is as well."
Wave took a couple of steps towards the other man. "Are you still certain that they are in the city."
"Convinced."
"Huh." Wave nodded. "Shouldn't we try to be at least a little bit proactive then, general. If the situation is as volatile as you suspect."
"I have actually reached the same conclusion, Wave. I have decided that we might not have as much time as we originally thought. So I decided to take the first step. I have sent out some orders."
"Orders to do what?"
"Well, let's just say that we will try to stir to hornets' nest a little bit." Makeias said. "You will see. But there is one thing I actually want talk to you about before that, Wave."
"What, general?"
"We must not engage in any kind of conflict if we aren't certain that the time is right. This city is gigantic, but the longer we stay, the higher the chances grow that we might run into some of our real enemies. Just by mere happenstance" Makeias said and slowly stood up from his barrel. His eyes glued to Wave. "Can I be certain that you will order a withdrawal when that happens. No matter the enemy we encounter?"
Wave had already realized what Makeias was insinuating. "You are afraid that I will lose my cool if we have sightings of Akame."
"I am, Wave. That woman took something very precious from you. I know from experience that some wounds don't heal. But I need you to stay in control here. The fate of the empire might hang in the balance."
Wave took a deep breath. "I will do what I can, general. But I will not lie to you. I have no idea how I will react if I meet Akame again. When she killed Kurome, she killed something very deep inside me. Something that is never coming back."
For the first time since he had entered the room, Wave could see some feelings in Makeias' eyes. Something close to sadness. Something akin to pity. And a hint of something else that he couldn't decipher.
"I will trust you about this, Wave. And I will not hold you any grudge, should you fail." he said. He was about to open his mouth again but then he suddenly bent over. A hand grabbing the middle of his chest.
"Are you okay, general?" Wave said and walked up to him in two quick steps. He was about to put his hand on the other man's back when Makeias took a step away from him. Gesturing to him to step away with a hand. Slowly straightening up again.
"Don't worry about me, Wave."
"Morbus?" Wave asked after some moments of silence. Makeias simply nodded in response. "How bad is it, sir?"
"Not too bad yet." Makeias lied. "And as you can see," he said and gestured with a hand at all the bottles that were strewn out over the floor around them. "precautions are being taken."
"Not to sound petty, sir, but hasn't Morbus become more of a burden by now. Maybe you should discard it. So that you can focus more on Esdese and the empire."
If you only knew, little Wave, Makeias thought. "That is not necessary yet."
Wave gave him a skeptic look. Making Makeias go on. "Don't worry. I am actually more intent on seeing Morbus destroyed than seeing Esdese defeated. Even if both these things must come to pass."
That caused Wave to raise his eyebrows. "Do you think Morbus is more dangerous to the world than Esdese."
Makeias looked at Wave for a while before he spoke. "Esdese is human, Wave. Even if it might not seem like it at times. But she is driven by passion and joy. A search for thrills. Bound to her own sense of duty and loyalty. Her soul infected with love. She is searching for the happiness, love and joy that everyone craves. Even her most vicious cruelties are driven by her lust. In that sense, she is so very.. very.. human."
"And that makes her less evil than Morbus?"
Makeias nodded. "Morbus doesn't know love. Or any other feelings. And while it might act in schemes and plans, it doesn't have a will of its own. It just does what it does. Like a chemical reaction. Just like how a fire doesn't spread because it wants to. It just does. It has no will of its own. It is not a slave to its own design. It is nothing but its design. Morbus is the same."
"But it does have an end goal."
"Yeah. It does have something it strives for. Something that it is trying to do. To spread decay to every single living thing. That is what it was designed to do. Corrupt as much as possible. If it is let free it would infect and spread until there was nothing left to corrupt."
"It strives to kill all life?"
"No. Not at all. It doesn't want anything to end or die. Then nothing would decay anymore. It just wants everything to decay and suffer. Forever."
"And fire is the only thing that kills it?"
"No. Freezing it will stop it as well." Makeias said and smiled his usual smile."So in the end, we might have to rely on Esdese to do us a favor. And even if Morbus has a much more sinister goal than her, Esdese is still far more powerful than the teigu. For now."
Wave looked quite troubled by all of this. "Things seem really grim, sir. How will we even defeat Esdese when the time comes. We still don't have a clear plan for that."
"With our wits. We will simply have to outsmart her and her underlings. It is as simple as that. Probably by improvising."
"General, many times you have said that Esdese is more akin to a natural disaster than anything."
"Yeah. Like a snowstorm or a hurricane. It is a fitting description. Though I was not the one who came up with it."
"Sir, you can't outsmart a hurricane. No matter how much you try, you can't stop it from having its course. You can't outwit such powers."
"Ohh but you can, Wave." Makeias said and smiled. "You can bunker down. You can barricade. Though the smartest thing would be to simply move out of its way. Even the strongest hurricane will grow weak over time. And then it is easier to weather."
"We can not wait this one out, general." Wave said. A bit of sternness in his voice.
"No. We can not." Makeias agreed. "So we will have to think of something else."
"Such as?"
"You already know the outline of it, Wave. Many hurricanes have a still and calm center. An area that it doesn't hurt any more than its passing has already done. A single spot that moves with the hurricane."
"Tatsumi." Wave said.
Makeias nodded. Smiling. "The eye of the storm. And we will use it to position the storm where we want it. Cause it will have to move along, in order to not hurt its own center."
"No, I will not." Tatsumi protested.
"Ohh don't be such a spoilsport. It looks great on you." Esdese said and put the extravagant jacket over his shoulder. Looking at him through the mirror they were both standing in front of.
"Not everyone likes to show off as much as you do, Esdese."
They were in Esdese's old quarters. The giant rooms empty and deserted except for the two of them. Normally, Tatsumi would not be allowed to enter these parts of the palace. Due to the emperor's prohibition. But today was an exception since he had gotten an invitation to the emperor's ball.
Originally he had only been given permission to head directly towards the ball. Not allowed to divert anywhere from that straight path. But Esdese had insisted that they took a detour past her currently unused chambers. In order to dress him up for the occasion. And her insistence had been hard to oppose. For both him and the imperial guard.
So now they were in her large bedchamber. Standing in front of a giant mirror. He had brought all the clothes that he thought he owned into their current, much sparser, living place down in the dungeons.
But Esdese apparently owned some clothes that were meant for him as well. Things she had gotten but hadn't really had a chance to show him or make him wear. Since he usually didn't like to attend the kind of scenarios where they were appropriate. But now he was forced to attend the ball and Esdese wouldn't miss this rare chance.
"Its shoulders are way too big for me." Tatsumi said. His voice far devoid of anything resembling interest.
"Nonsense." Esdese said in a gleeful tone. "It is just a matter of posture."
To demonstrate her point, she grabbed his shoulders with her hands. Pressing her thumbs into his shoulder blades. Forcefully bending them inwards. Forcing Tatsumi's arms back a bit. Making him push out his chest to an excessive degree.
"See. It fits perfect on you." she said. Holding his shoulder in the place for some moments before she let go. In order to make him keep the posture.
Tatsumi looked at himself in the mirror. She was not wrong. She rarely was when it came to style. Her taste rather refined in these areas. But that didn't mean that her preferences aligned with his own.
"I look like I'm pretending to be a general. Or some sort of cult leader." Tatsumi said and looked at the wide form the jacket gave him.
"You look imposing. That is all, Tatsumi." Esdese said. A hint of satisfaction in her voice. "It will make those around you notice that you aren't someone they can ignore."
Her every word went against Tatsumi's well-trained instincts as an assassin. Preferring to go unnoticed until battle was joined. Almost by nature.
"But that is not how you see me, is it?" he said and looked at her through the mirror. Her amused eyes meeting his from a bit above his head. Tatsumi well aware of how her mind worked. "You don't find me imposing at all, do you?"
"Not at all." Esdese's cheeks grew slightly redder as she grabbed a hold of the sides of his arms. "Though you do look absolutely adorable in it."
Tatsumi looked at her with a skeptic expression. "I could understand dignified or imposing. But who the hell thinks that a military uniform looks cute?"
"Ohh but you do, Tatsumi." she said and started to turn him slightly back and forth. "You look like a kitten that has managed to just catch his first mouse. Strolling and strutting around while holding it's cute little head high. Trying to look as majestic at it can with its small body and insignificant existence."
"As imposing as a kitten..." Tatsumi said slowly and looked at himself. Not at all seeing what Esdese was referring to.
"Prideful and adorable." she said as she continued to swing him slightly back and forth.
"I don't think that we are looking at the same reflection here. And I didn't know that you found my existence insignificant."
Esdese ignored him as her hands moved up and grabbed his head. Squeezing down on the sides of his face. "You are irresistible." she said and pulled at his cheeks roughly. Making him do a weird face. "I feel like I could just eat you up."
One of her hands moved down his neck. Lightly tapping his skin with its nails as it moved from his chin to his neck. Moving down towards the lining of his shirt. When it was there it slinked its finger in under his clothes. Starting to pull the fabric away. Revealing the skin of his shoulder a bit.
Tatsumi could feel that she was going to bite him. Recognizing her movements. And how her eyes were staring at where his neck and shoulder connected. "You are enjoying this a bit too much." he said and put his hand over his exposed skin. Blocking her attack point.
Esdese's head moved to the other side of his neck. "Let me have my fun. This night will be a tiresome ordeal after this."
That surprised Tatsumi a little. "It will? I thought you liked these kinds of events. A chance to show off and flaunt your power."
"Normally you would be right." Esdese said. Her nose moving in behind his ear, sniffing him. Making him unsure if he was going to feel her teeth soon. "I enjoy a good party. A chance to demonstrate my beauty and influence. Making people gawk and kiss my boots."
"Metaphorically?" Tatsumi asked. Watchful eyes at her as her nose moved a bit down from his ear.
"Yes, Tatsumi. Metaphorically." Esdese said as if he had asked an incredibly stupid question. "A ball like this is a chance to show off your superiority in other ways than just brute strength. Dominance takes many forms."
"So why will tonight be any different?"
"I am there as the great general. I will be there to fulfill my duty. Not to indulge in my own interests. My role will be to ensure order and security."
"Ohhhhh." Tatsumi said and grinned slightly at her. "So no extravagant and beautiful clothes for the ice queen tonight."
"No. Tonight is a uniform night." she said with a sigh. "I will be there as the head of the military. Not as a guest."
Tatsumi couldn't help wishing to tease her a little. The shoe was so rarely on the other foot in their relationship. "So that is why you wanted to go here and play dress-up doll with me then. To act out your wish for glamour through me."
'"Yeah. Something like that." Esdese said and looked at his jacket with a somewhat distracted expression. Lifting up one of its arms to look at it. Not yet perceiving his gleeful tone.
"So the ice demon is feeling a bit sad that she couldn't dress up and be pretty and feminine tonight." Tatsumi said and grinned at her through the mirror. Esdese's head moved up a bit and looked at him. Looking a little bit surprised at first as she noticed the gloating in his tone. But then she smiled slightly at him. Straightening up a bit since she had been slightly hunched over his shoulders.
"Do I not seem feminine enough for you in my usual attire?" she said. Trailing an ice cold finger down his neck. But Tatsumi had seen it coming and braced himself. A very slight shiver being the only reaction he gave her.
"Well, you know. Your fixation towards strength and brutality aren't really feminine traits."
Esdese's hands slowly but firmly grabbed him. Pulling him back into her. Pushing his neck into her cleavage. Using her upper arms to press her breasts against him. "I have a rather large gathering of pets down in the dungeons. Who have flocked to me simply because of my femininity and power."
"Smaller men." Tatsumi said and waved a hand in the air.
"Some of them are a lot bigger than you, my sweet little Tatsumi."
"And none of them as powerful." he said with the same exaggerated tone. "Lesser creature might be lured to you. But people like me can see your lack of delicacy."
"When the lure doesn't work, you have to catch the prey through other means."
"Maybe the ice queen actually wishes that she was a princess on nights such as these," he said. "For all your talk about strength and resilience, at these moments, it is easy to see that what you really craAAAH!"
His voice ascending to a yell as she bit down on the unprotected side of his neck. Bending down over him. Her smile teethed and vicious as she bit down. Her eyes filled with vengeful and playful glee.
She forced him downwards with her bite. Tatsumi having no choice but to move down with her, since her bite would actually tear at him if he would offer up any resistance to her pulling movement. And her teeth were already a good bit into him.
Esdese pushed him down to the floor where she continued to playfully "punish" him for his cockiness. Straddling him as her hands caused both laugh and yelp.
Yet during this moment, Tatsumi realized that he had made this happen because he wanted it to happen. Because on some subconscious level he wanted to cheer her up. And thus he had invited this scenario without thinking much about his reason for doing so.
He had done it without thought or hesitation. Simply because he didn't like to see her sad. And that thought made him realize just how lost he was.
"Esdese, Great general of the imperial military." The announcer of the guests shouted out as they entered the room. "With her adherent, Tatsumi, Head administrator."
Tatsumi gave the announcer a look as he and Esdese both walked into the large room. Descending down the short stair that led down from the huge doors they had entered through.
The giant hall they entered was positioned in one of the higher levels of the palace. Its floor marble and its ceiling so high that no normal ladder could reach it. One side of the room was filled with large windows and doors that led out to different balconies that overlooked the entire capital. The other side of the hall had several open doors that led into the hall next to the one they were entering. Where people were dancing in pairs in front of a small orchestra.
The room they had entered was filled with people. Most rich or of noble birth. Adorned with expensive ornaments and clothes. Ranging from stylish and elegant to exaggerated and vain.
They were all standing around tables filled with extraordinary dishes. Many meant as more art than food. Waitresses and butlers walking around with trays of snacks and drinks. The room crowded.
Quite a lot of heads turned at the announcement of Esdese. And the few who hadn't, turned when they heard Tatsumi's name. Some subtly, other not so. The volume in the room went down slightly. Making it easier to hear the music. But it returned almost immediately. Tatsumi was certain that he would have heard a lot of whispering if it weren't for the music.
Esdese was dressed in her normal uniform. The great general's long coat flowing behind her as she descended the stairs. Looking out over the hall. Unsmiling.
Tatsumi walked beside her. It seemed like Esdese had gotten half of her wish, back in their old chambers. Since Tatsumi was a bit dressed up. Not wearing his usual brown coat but rather an outfit more fitting for the occasion. A sort of dress suit. Black and white. To match her military outfit.
He also had a white scarf wrapped around his neck. Which, in his opinion, made him look absolutely ridiculous. But it was either that or let everyone see the bite mark he now had on the side of his neck. A wound that had just recently stopped bleeding.
One thing he did lack was Incursio. It made him feel a bit naked but he didn't find it unreasonable that he couldn't wield it tonight. Esdese herself had actually been more annoyed at that. Being a bit more sensitive about these issues at the moment. Yet she understood the situation. Accepting the requirement since she could keep an eye on him through the night either way. Now Incursio was locked away somewhere in one of the many barracks of Esdese's legions in the capital.
They walked down to the floor of the hall without a word as the room returned to normal volume. Tatsumi was about to say something to her but as soon as they had walked down the stairs, Esdese was swarmed by the guests of the party.
Gathering to her in moments. A ring of people forming around her immediately. People moving up to her as fast as they could while keeping a dignified manner. Tatsumi couldn't recognize a single one of them. He reckoned that most of them where new politicians and ministers that had gotten their positions during the western incursion. Those nominated by Kotaro and probably put forth by general Faye. People new to their positions of power. Eager for a chance to get on the great general's good side. Wishing to take the first steps to becoming her ally.
Not that Esdese seemed particularly interested. But she played along with them. Thanking them for their compliments and asking the proper questions back when they introduced themselves. But her calm smile never reached her eyes.
Tatsumi was completely walled off from her. He looked at the ring of people for a little while and then decided that it was probably for the better. He scanned the room for the only person he was really there to talk to. But he couldn't see the emperor anywhere close.
After some moments he decided to go for a drink. Just as an excuse to move around a bit. Instead of waiting for Esdese to get free. Which could probably take some time. He walked up to one of the large tables that were filled with champagne glasses. Noticing that quite a lot of eyes were following him. He could tell that a lot of the guests were surprised to see him there. Some of them moving away from the table when it became clear that he was heading for it.
Not that he cared. He was however bothered by the only person who remained at the table as he approached. Someone who's company he didn't appreciate in the slightest. But he had now come too close to change his course.
"Greetings, general Gallus." he said with a nod. Forcing forth a smile.
"Ahh.. head administrator. How nice it is to see you." Gallus said in his deep, calming voice. He was wearing white robes without a trace of black in them. Giving the impression that he was a bit dressed up as well. Though Tatsumi couldn't help but notice that he still had his warhammer strapped over his back. Not that he had expected otherwise. "I do not wish to be rude, head administrator, but I must admit that I am quite surprised to see you here today. I would have never guessed that you would attend this party."
"A reasonable assumption. It is actually the emperor himself who invited me."
"How gracious of our emperor. Hopefully, he will find the wisdom to mend the rifts within the imperial leadership before anything drastic happens." Gallus said in a hopeful voice.
Tatsumi looked at him for some moments as he grabbed a champagne glass of the table. Every now and then, Gallus seemed like such an obvious ally to him. One of the few imperial leaders who kept trying to proactively lessen the suffering in the nation. Becoming a beacon of purity and good for the people. Just by the enormous contrast between him and all the other leaders of the empire.
However, Tatsumi was very clear on his decision that he would never ally with the man. The reasoning simple. Tatsumi already had one monster that he had to turn a blind eye to as much as he could, he didn't need another one. And as far as he was concerned, Gallus was a monster. Even if he at times had the noblest of intentions.
"And who is your little aide?" Tatsumi said in a considerably colder tone. Looking down at the boy.
Gallus had brought a small attendant with him. Dressed in white, just as Gallus. He couldn't be more than fourteen years old. The kid seemed to be quite stressed. Staying rather close to Gallus. Trusting the warrior priest. Though the sight of it just sickened Tatsumi.
"Ahh." Gallus said and took a step to the side. Presenting the child to Tatsumi with the wave of an arm. "This young boy is named Colin. He is my personal assistant for this evening."
"Hmm. Has Colin been in your service for long, general Gallus? Is he accustomed to the palace?"
"No, not at all. Little Colin here was living in the streets until yesterday when some clergymen close to me ran into him. They directly saw the purity of this child and decided that he was destined to be something more than just a beggar."
Tatsumi looked at the Colin for some moments. Taking a sip of champagne from his glass before he spoke. "Is this the truth, boy?"
The kid just looked up at Tatsumi with an empty expression for a second before he nodded energetically.
So the clergymen decided that you didn't deserve something as good as living as a beggar, Tatsumi thought. He could do little more than just hold his calm expression. All the intel he had read about all the children that Gallus had raped to death re-emerging in his head. The reports of children that had disappeared from the streets. To later be found in a ditch or in a lake outside of the capital. With most of their cavities usually ruined in one way or another.
"I only met him earlier today." Gallus said and patted the small child on the shoulder with a giant hand. "But I think my men were correct. He seems like a great kid. I can see him going places."
I know what places you are referring to, Tatsumi thought.
"I don't know how long this child's stay with me will be." Gallus continued. "But I will try to fill him with as much wisdom as possible during his time with me."
Tatsumi stared Gallus in the eyes for some long seconds. His expression unfriendly. Then he simply turned around without a word and walked away. Heading for the other room. Not able to stand the presence of the other man any longer.
He couldn't create a ruckus by trying to find a way to save that kid. This evening was too important. He couldn't risk something like that. Everything needed to work out smoothly tonight. It might be his last chance to prevent a civil war. He needed a good, calm and undisturbed talk with the emperor. But no matter how much he rationalized it, there was a voice in the back of his head that said that he wouldn't have stood for this some years ago.
He emptied his champagne glass in a single swig and placed it on a tray of a passing waiter. Immediately being handed a new one as he walked over to the other room.
Some twenty meters away, Esdese watched Tatsumi walk towards the other room. She didn't know why but she felt quite uneasy at the moment. The most obvious annoyance was that her perception was a bit muted at the moment.
There were too many things to take in around her. The room was filled with strong smells. Coming from the warm food, heated beverages, perfumes and the different smells of maybe three hundred people. And the room was filled with sounds. The orchestra playing loudly in the other room, people raising their voices to be heard over said music. Along with glasses clinking, cheers and people just scuffling around.
Yet this was not any more chaotic or noisy than most battles she had participated in. And her instincts were always quick to single out what mattered in those scenarios. So she was still unsure of what her uneasiness stemmed from. After some moments she was forced to turn her eyes away from Tatsumi as the minister in front of her asked her a question.
Tatsumi located his target the second he entered through one of the big doors that lead into the other room.
The emperor was currently on the dancefloor. The center of it being occupied by him and his dance partner. It took Tatsumi some moments to realize that he was dancing with general Faye.
He could feel his mood turning a bit sourer at the sight of it. He had a good mind to go and ask Esdese if this wasn't a lack of diligence on the general's part. But he didn't. Not wanting to start a situation.
He looked at the two of them dancing as he stood there in the doorway and sipped on his second glass of champagne.
They were looking rather dazzling, he had to admit to himself, if nothing else. Faye was clearly leading. Moving around elegantly. She was wearing a white dress that swirled around her as she moved. But Kotaro was not without grace either. He moved along with her. Matching her movements and not slowing her down the slightest. Wearing some slightly less bombastic clothes than the emperor usual had. Clothes that sat more tightly around his form. Showing how thin his teenage body was.
When did he have time to train for dancing, Tatsumi wondered as he stood there.
They were looking a bit too much into each other's eyes for his taste. Just how deep into him had Faye gotten her claws? Clearly enough to not care if others knew about it. Them occupying the center of the dance floor with all the eyes in the room on them was way too blatant as it was. The flirtatious manner of the situation was too palpable.
"Just how far has the corruption spread?" he mumbled to himself as he drank some more of his champagne.
"You shouldn't mumble to yourself too much. It will drive people away."
Tatsumi looked to the side to find a young woman walking up towards him. About as tall as him with blonde hair and blue eyes. Wearing a black dress that accentuated her bosom. A glass in her hand. She beamed at him as she approached. Her teeth perfectly white.
"We haven't met." she said in a light and cheerful voice.
Tatsumi had never seen this woman before. He didn't think that she was a politician but he wasn't sure. "No. I don't believe we have." he said and turned towards her. Smiling faintly.
"I am Lillie." the woman declared. Clinking her glass into his own. "And you are the head administrator."
"I am not sure how accurate that title is anymore though," Tatsumi said but nodded either way. "I have been removed from all my duties."
"So I have heard." she answered. Her smile suggesting that she was rather well versed in his current situation. "Would you care for a dance?"
"Most people would think it dangerous to get too close to a man charged with high treason." Tatsumi said and studied the woman. Trying to figure out what this was all about
The girl took the final step between them and moved up to his side. Bumping into him slightly as she hooked her arm around one of his. "Some girls like danger, you know?"
Tatsumi cast a quick glance in Esdese's direction. He could see her still standing in the other room. Her side turned towards him. Some sort of military leader was bowing down deeply in front of her. In order to kiss her hand. She was smiling slightly at the man but Tatsumi could see the condescending tones in her expression.
But since she was so close, he had to assume that she was aware of this interaction. Which meant that she didn't find it objectable. Which in turn meant that she either didn't find the girl "threatening" in any way or that she was confident in him.
Lillie started to pull at him a bit. Taking a step towards the dancefloor. "Come on. I have heard that you are quite confident in your coordination and agility."
However, Tatsumi did not move. "I'm sorry." he said with a smile. "If you are only trying to cheer me up, then thank you. Truly. But either way, my dancing days are behind me."
"Ooohhh." Lillie said. Not letting go of his arm Sounding more amused than anything else. "And why is that? Too cool to enjoy yourself a bit?"
"The days of caring if others perceive me as cool is another thing that is also behind me." Tatsumi chuckled. "No. It is just not something that brings me any joy anymore. Besides, I am not too fond of the limelight." he said and smiled at her again.
"Could have fooled me." Lillie said with a giggle and took a step closer to him. Standing by his side once more.
Tatsumi was about to reply but his attention was forced back to the dancefloor as people started applauding. The song had just ended and the emperor was leaving the dancefloor. Holding general Faye's hand. She had clearly been the one leading their dance but now he was leading the way. Faye following on his sides.
But they were holding hands. Tatsumi didn't like that. He really didn't like that.
They both bowed down gracefully once to all the applauding watchers before starting to leave the dancefloor. The crowd parting way for them. Everyone bowing and moving aside as soon as the emperor got close. They were moving in Tatsumi's general direction. He considered trying to move away but it pretty quickly became clear that Kotaro had seen him. He seemed to be heading directly for him.
Tatsumi sighed lightly. The only reason he was there was to talk to emperor Kotaro. To try and avert the trial. But he had no chance to do that with so many onlookers. Even less so when Faye was standing right beside them. He had to postpone that discussion to later in the evening.
Yet he couldn't escape this encounter. So he just smiled at Kotaro as he approached. The younger boy waving at him as he got close.
"Tatsumi! Glad to see you made it." he said in a surprisingly happy tone. "I was a bit afraid that you wouldn't show up."
Tatsumi bowed. Lillie, who was still holding his arms, followed him down in the motion. "I'm sorry, emperor, we ran a bit late. I was forced to take a small detour on the way here."
"Well, now you are here. That is all that matters."
Tatsumi looked at Faye as he straightened up again. "General Faye." he said and nodded towards her. "You look splendid tonight."
"Thank you, head administrator. You are too kind." she said in her usual sugary sweet tone. Smiling at him. It bothered Tatsumi that he really couldn't see through her facade. He was almost certain that this woman now held nothing but hate for him now. Yet he couldn't find a trace of it in any part of her presence. She was dangerously good at playing this game.
"And who might this be," Kotaro said and looked at Lillie, who was leaning into Tatsumi's side.
"I am Lillie" she said and made a curtsy. Looking down at Kotaro's feet. "Just a happy guest at your ball, my emperor."
"Tatsumi, is Esdese aware that you are attending the party with another woman?" Kotaro said with a smile. Clearly meant to be in a joking tone. Yet Tatsumi could feel that there was interest hidden underneath it.
"Well, this was not the company I had expected, I have to admit." Tatsumi said and shot Lillie a crooked smile
"Ohhh, so you are not here as Esdese's companion then?" Kotaro pressed on in that same cheerful voice.
"I am afraid that Esdese is not attending this ball as a partygoer, but as a military official, your grace. And the great general does not need a companion to do her duty."
"Is that so," Kotaro said and looked over Tatsumi's shoulder. Still smiling.
Only now did Tatsumi realize that Kotaro's cheeks were slightly red. Suddenly he started to think that the young emperor's voice was giddier than he had ever heard it.
"Yeah." he said and looked over his own shoulder at Esdese as well.
She was still in the other large hall. Walking over towards one of the tables. Seemingly drawn to its smells. Followed by a small retinue of politicians and nobles that still were trying to talk to her. "It might be hard to tell though. She does seem quite relaxed."
Kotaro nodded. "Of course. Why wouldn't she be? Some of the strongest warriors of the empire are attending this ball. There is little to be afraid of."
"Well, you know how she can be. She holds herself to many strange standards."
"So she does. But that is what makes her so beautiful." Kotaro said and looked at Esdese. "I think that I will go talk to her. Driving away all those that are following her might give her a chance to enjoy the party a bit more."
There was a certain boldness in the way he said it. A certain absence of his usual shame over his own feelings that convinced Tatsumi of his previous suspicion. The emperor had been drinking. He was almost certain of it. Even if he hadn't seen it happen.
He was unsure of how he should interpret that. He didn't seem that bad off now but maybe he would get worse the longer the party went on. And Tatsumi had a very important discussion he wanted to have with him. He might be on the clock because of this.
He looked at Faye but she only smiled back at him with her usual sweet expression.
"I will need to go and speak with the great general." Kotaro said. "It would be impolite to not welcome her. Even if she mainly is her because of her duty."
"Do so, your grace. And if you find time later, then I had that important issue that I wanted to talk to you about."
Kotaro looked at him. His eyebrows raising as if he only now remembered why he had invited Tatsumi in the first place. "Ahh. Of course, head administrator. We will talk about it a bit later in the evening. When there aren't quite as many guests."
"That sounds great." Tatsumi bowed ever so slightly. "Thank you, emperor."
Kotaro smiled at him in what Tatsumi sincerely hoped was a genuine gesture. He then nodded and walked off through the crowd. Faye following by his side. People parting way before them.
Tatsumi looked at them as they walked away towards the some of the tables. Presumably to get a drink before moving to Esdese.
"Wow, it is amazing how young he is." Lillie said as soon as it was safe to assume that the emperor was out of earshot. "His age is rarely talked about so I was a bit surprised that he is still in his teens."
"Yeah." Tatsumi said in a distracted tone. Looking at the emperor for some moments. "He is a bit too inexperienced. In more ways than one."
"Ohh. Does he lack your kind of experience and knowledge?" Lillie said. Her tone mocking him in a playful manner.
"He certainly hasn't seen the things I have seen." Tatsumi said in the same empty voice. His concentration elsewhere as he looked at the emperor's back. "Though that might be for the better."
"Ohh. If you are so experienced, why don't you take me to the dancefloor and show it."
Finally, Tatsumi turned his eyes to her again. "I'm sorry." he said with the same smile apologetic smile. "But as I said, I do not dance anymore."
"Ohh come on, big guy" she said and pulled a little bit at his arm. "Don't be scared. I am sure that you will do just fine." she goaded him. Teasing him slightly.
Tatsumi just looked at her slightly mischievous eyes. Once again wondering who she even was.
His first guess had been that someone had sent her here. Probably one of his enemies. To mess with him or get information out of him. But now he started to wonder if she was just there on her own will. As a part of some kind of dare or maybe just to show-off to her friends.
"Who are you, Lillie? Why are you here at this party?"
"Ohh my backstory would bore you, head administrator. It is not nearly as spectacular as you own."
"Indulge me. I have absolutely no idea of who you are otherwise."
"Ohh I am just some nobleman's daughter. Trying to swing my days away with these balls and parties. Trying to find my call in life."
"Uh huh. Finding a greater purpose seems to be a struggle for a lot of the nobles." Tatsumi said as he studied her. While the rest of the country is literally dying. "But I must say, you seemed very relaxed in front of the military leadership. You didn't even feel the need to greet general Faye."
"I just didn't realize that she was a general until it was too late for my greeting to not be awkward. She fooled me with that pretty dress of hers. I thought she was just some mistress that the emperor had for the night."
"An understandable mistake to make." Tatsumi said and smiled. Wondering if he should assign it any more meaning than that. If Lillie was one of general Faye's agents, then that seemed like quite the rookie mistake.
"So did you come here alone, Lillie? Or are you here with some relatives or friends?" he asked.
But Lillie didn't answer. For the first time since she had walked up to him, she let go of his arm. Taking a step away from him and turning towards the other room. Tatsumi could already tell why as he turned in the same direction.
Esdese was walking towards them with fast steps. Eyes determinedly locked on Tatsumi. Quickly crossing the distance between them. Tatsumi could see the emperor standing where she was coming from. Looking at her back sheepishly.
As soon as she got close, Lillie bowed down deeply. "It is an honor to finally meet you, great general. I have been trying to keep your boyfriend company in your-"
"Yeah yeah, sweetcheeks." Esdese interrupted without looking at her as she walked up to them. Grabbing Tatsumi's hand. "Sorry, but I am having this dance." she said and walked past them. Hastily dragging him with her to the dancefloor. Forcing Tatsumi to shove his glass into the hands of a passing waiter. Leaving Lillie standing there. Looking at them.
When Esdese got close to the center of the dancefloor, she spun around and pulled at his arm. Making him stumble into her as she wrapped an arm around his lower back.
Without a word, she started to lead him through the dancefloor in a simple yet elegant dance. Esdese had never been good at understanding the finer points of music but she had no problems following a simple rhythm.
"I thought you weren't here as a partygoer." Tatsumi said after he had recovered a bit and started to match her moves. Looking up at her. The hints of a mocking smile on his face.
"I am not. But I will use any excuse I can get in order to get away from all the endless fools that are nagging me about dancing with them, giving me dinner invitations, or any other pathetic requests for friendship."
"Must be hard to be popular." Tatsumi mocked on.
"Oohh shut up. I can keep a good surveillance of the scene from here as well. And now I will at least buy some time."
"Can you just not scare them away?"
"I usually do. But you have to be subtle about it. I am here to keep order so I can't just threaten people openly. And some of these dolts are too thick to understand the signals."
"Maybe they are just brave."
"Some of them are. Most don't realize the situation or know what I am. And almost all have had some alcohol to help them with their confidence."
"Sounds like you could use a drink yourself."
"I would have downed a bottle already if I wasn't working. Then again, if I wasn't working, I wouldn't have had to listen to their yapping in the first place." she said and looked down at him. "How is your discussion with the emperor going?"
"Not too well. I think the emperor himself is having his first real bout with alcohol this evening. And Faye is sticking to him like glue."
"Yeah, I noticed. I came to you because I was growing tired of his clumsy attempts at flirting with me. Even when Faye was holding on to one of his arms. I am considering if I should warn her to not take the situation so lightly. But to be honest, I don't care enough. She isn't drinking so she is still in full control. The current situation doesn't really warner more from her."
"You don't find it bothersome that Faye is basically here as his partner?" Tatsumi said and gave her a skeptic look.
"Can't say that I care. For Faye, this party is basically her free time. She might do as she wishes. Besides, throughout history, many kings and emperors have taken one of their subordinates as partners. Stranger things have happened."
It was hard for Tatsumi to not feel a slight bit of exhaustion over how indifferent Esdese was about escalation. Not at all caring if Faye managed to control the emperor. Reasoning that she would simply take care of them both if they decided to turn against her.
"By the way, you didn't seem too bothered by the woman putting the moves on me back there."
"No reason for me to be. She was clearly sent by someone to mark and guard you. Who it was is harder to guess."
"You sure of that?"
"Quite. If you haven't noticed, she is still waiting for you on the sideline."
Tatsumi hadn't indeed noticed but when he looked he saw it to be true. Lillie was standing beside the dance floor with her drink. Her arms crossed over her chest. Looking sullen.
"Most girls would have given up by now." Esdese said.
"Huh.." Tatsumi said. "I had assumed that this was the case but I guess that this settles it."
Esdese simply nodded as she led them on. Turning them both around every now and then. Perfectly mimicking what she had seen professional dancers do despite it being her first attempt at doing it. Making the last graceful moves as the music finally came to a halt. The song ending.
The music had barely stopped when Tatsumi heard the young emperor's call.
"Lady Esdese! That was beautiful!" he almost shouted as he walked towards them. Crossing the dance floor in quick strides. Raising his voice to the point when he was almost shouting. More than enough to overpower the buzz of the crowded hall. "We shall have a toast in your honor." he proclaimed loudly and held up the goblet he was holding in his right hand.
"Eeehhhh... " Esdese sighed silently as the boy emperor approached. As she let go of Tatsumi. And he could see why.
Kotaro was very drunk. Considerably more so than he had been when they spoke a little while ago. Or maybe he had been pretty drunk then as well but had since then passed the point where he couldn't cover it up. Tatsumi wasn't sure.
Esdese took a step away from Tatsumi and turned sideways. Facing the emperor.
"A toast!" he shouted when he had stopped in front of her in the middle of the dancefloor. Raising his own drink high above his head. Though, due to him standing on the dancefloor and his announcement being so sudden. No one really had time to follow his gesture. The few people on the sides of the room were scuffling to get a drink in their hands.
But before they could, the young emperor had already brought his cup down and drank deeply from it. Lifting its bottom towards the ceiling. Seemingly oblivious that Esdese herself didn't even have a glass.
He had barely moved the cup away from his mouth before he spoke. Wiping his chin with the back of his hand as he did. "You always told me that you had a hard time understanding the finer points of music."
"Hello again, young emperor." Esdese said in a tone that was in no way trying to hide how tired she already was of this interaction. "You are right. I find it hard to find the beauty in many of the higher arts."
"Nonsense. I can clearly see that you have already mastered it, my fair lady."
Whoa, Tatsumi thought, this guy is right out of a fairy tale right now.
"You are too kind, emperor." Esdese said. Her tone bordering on insulting. Considering that it was the emperor she was speaking to.
Yet all those signals of Esdese's disinterest seemed to fly directly over Kotaro's head. Not at all slowed down by her cold demeanor. "You simply must let me have the next dance, lady Esdese. You simply must."
"The great general is here to overwatch the security of the palace and this feast. As her duty demands." Faye said and came up at the emperor's side. I don't think that she can accept your offer." she continued and tucked at his arm.
"Ohh don't be so strict, Faye. Brighten up." Kotaro said with a smile. "Esdese is clearly here to enjoy herself. She just shared a dance with Tatsumi."
Tatsumi could see how Esdese's expression darkened slightly as she might have a hard time escaping this now.
Tatsumi smiled at the emperor. Happy for a chance to keep him away from drinking for a little while. "I am sure that the great general would be happy to dance with you." he said. Giving Esdese a hard pat on her butt. "Try to enjoy yourselves."
Esdese turned her eyes towards him with a look that could kill but Tatsumi had already turned around and started to walk off the dancefloor.
Sinking into quick reasoning as the music began anew. Casting a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure that Esdese hadn't rejected the emperor.
He had to somehow get the emperor a bit soberer. Some physical activity might be the right way to do it. If he could get his mood up by having him be near Esdese, then that was just for the better.
He was certain that Esdese wouldn't do anything too drastic in this situation. Though he was quite certain that she would make him pay for this later. But that was a small problem for a later day.
He tried to look at it from a different angle as he walked off the dance floor. Maybe this was an opportunity. Maybe he could get the emperor to agree or say something in this state that he wouldn't normally do. But it would be hard with Faye always being around him.
Tatsumi stayed at that thought. Might all of this be Faye's doing? Was she egging the emperor on in order to get closer to him? Trying to get him drunk enough so that she could then seduce him into bed without a risk of failure.
Tatsumi didn't put it past her. Though right now, it was nothing more than a suspicion on his part.
He walked over towards one of the tables in the other room. Leaving the dancing hall. Looking to get something to drink for himself. He could feel that someone was following him. Trying to catch up to him. He assumed that it was just Lillie.
He cast a quick glance around the room.
Noticing that Gallus was slowly walking towards the same table as him from another direction. He started to change his course so that they wouldn't meet again. He didn't know if he could stomach that.
He was about to turn his head away from the general when he noticed it.
He didn't know what it was but something about one of the waiters that were standing a bit to the side of Gallus caught his attention. Making Tatsumi stop in his tracks.
The waiter was short of stature. Maybe two-thirds of Tatsumi's own height. He was standing with his back towards Tatsumi. Holding a tray out to some guests, serving them drinks. He was wearing a formal butlers suit but he had some sort of wig on his head. Tatsumi being able to tell that the hair wasn't real. Even from this distance.
Tatsumi stared at the waiters back. He wondered what it was that had caught his attention when the waiter turned ever so slightly to the side. In order to get past the guest in front of him as he moved away from Tatsumi's direction.
But as he turned to the side, ever so slightly, Tatsumi could see the side of his face. Not enough for Tatsumi to make out his profile but enough for him to recognize the boy. The realization making his breathing halt as his heart jumped.
It was Jack. Jack the wielder of Spectator. Jack the agent of Makeias, Jack the assumed leaker to Faye.
Tatsumi's entire being froze in place as his thoughts started to race. His thoughts spinning away. Trying to consider his options.
He immediately looked over at Esdese. Hoping that she would have noticed this as well. Despite being fully aware that Esdese had never seen or met the boy. Not having the slightest idea of why he would be worth any attention.
Tatsumi immediately realized that he would not get her attention without calling out to her right now. Kotaro was currently trying to steal a kiss from her. Having been robbed of any tact or awareness by the alcohol. Trying to stand up on his toes in order to reach her during the crescendo of the dance.
Esdese just looked at Kotaro with a tired expression. Not moving to meet him at all. When it was clear that he wasn't going to realize that it wasn't going to happen, she moved her hand up and placed over his eyes. Covering half his face with it. Stopping his advance before his lips could reach her. Slowly but firmly pressing him down on his heels again. More annoyed than bothered by the younger man's courageous advances. But it did take some of her focus.
So when Tatsumi searched for eye contact with her, he didn't get it. He didn't want to shout to her since that would alert Jack.
It took him two seconds to realize that Jack was probably reading his thoughts right now. He knew that he had been spotted. And right now he was aware that Tatsumi was aware of his surveillance of his mind.
Tatsumi's thoughts raced. Uncertain of how he should handle this.
If Jack was caught, then Makeias would fall. If Jack was caught then Faye would lose all her intelligence power. Tatsumi felt how adrenaline started to fill his veins as he realized that the fate of the empire might be decided in the coming minute.
Author's note:
You had to wait for a long while for this one. Sorry about that. I know it ends in kind of a strange place but this chapter was growing way too long. The next one should not be that bad. And will probably not take so long for me to write. Since I will have some more free time on my hands in the coming weeks.
I am hopeful that I will get the next chapter out in November. Really! Though I guess we will see.
Thanks for all the comments/reviews. Keeps me going!
Until next time,
Take care of each other.