DISCLAIMER: Fortunately Shuumatsu no Izetta doesn't belong to me. So all rights are reserved to Ajia-do Animation Works.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I felt that it was time to play the card that Izetta had up her sleeve. Not only because it was probably already suspect but because there's still an element of surprise to be had towards the end of the story.

The Cat's Meow

(Present: Izetta's Cottage)

[Why are we back here Lotte?] Izetta jotted as she sat in her wheelchair as Lotte opened the door.

"Because you should think about this a bit Lady Izetta." Lotte stated as she stepped inside. Izetta followed determined to get her answer.

"Rushing back to the capital on a whim, is it really the right thing to do?" Lotte asked as she moved about in the kitchen.

[I think I'm ready.] Izetta flashed her pad.

"But did you consider if Lady Finé is ready?" Lotte asked as she reached into the refrigerator and pulled out some previously prepared dinner. Lotte had figured out the sudden rush but wondered of Izetta had taken enough time to think it though.

[Lotte. Finé would be happy to see me walk again.] Izetta quickly scrawled and then realized that after months of successfully keeping the secret she had rather nonchalantly let the cat out of the bag.

"So now that you've dropped the pretense I have a confession to make." Lotte said as she looked over towards the box she had brought in. "I looked in the box so I know your leg braces are in there. Can you walk without holding onto things yet?"

Izetta sat aghast for a few moments before her pen once again met paper. [No. I still need someone to help me.]

"Don't you think that Lady Finé would be even more surprised to see you walk on your own power, without help?" Lotte asked.

Izetta seemed to think for a moment before she replied with a smile. [Yes.]

"So I think we should wait to take you to the capital. We have a few weeks before the celebration. I think we should focus that on your physical therapy which I have noticed your legs seem to be looking better. Can you feel anything?" Lotte further queried

[It started as a tingle around this time last year. I kept it to myself because the doctor had told me that I might get false sensations every now and again. But then I started to try to move my toes again and that's when I discovered it. I'm sorry for keeping it from everyone. This too. But I had to be sure. I didn't want to break Finé's heart again.] Izetta's writing slowed with the last part.

"While I am a bit irritated that you were being secretive, I think that you are making up for it now. Izetta, if we want this to be a surprise then we need to work hard to get you to the point you can walk on your own." Lotte said with a small smile.

(Landsbrück: Palace: Finé's Apartments)

"What do you mean they only gave half of what was required?" Finé queried looking rather upset.

"They claim that the flow of funds has been 'held up' by some unknown reason." The financial minister reported.

"And they expect me to let this slide. Give us 'half the cake and we'll be happy'? This is utter nonsense. Those men must really take me for a fool!" Finé railed on before regaining her composure if only barely.

"Send the forensic accountants with warrants in hand to the headquarters of each business. I don't care what circus they attempt to give you. Also it would be unfortunate if word were to get out that someone or a group of people defrauded the government." Finé stated as she coolly sipped some cold tea before shuddering and placing the cup back on the saucer.

"Understood Your Highness." The minister stated as he bowed and then departed.

Once he was out of earshot Finé quickly undid her blazer and dropped it into the chair behind her. Soon after her maids entered and switched the cold tea with fresh. Floating down into her chair Finé kicked off her shoes and pulled her shirt loose in an attempt to get somewhat comfortable.

"Those old men still giving you the run around?" Bianca said as she entered the room. With her jacket missing and her sleeves rolled up she looked just as worn down as Finé did in the moment.

"Unfortunately. Any more of this … this … run around and I'll seize their businesses since I still own a good portion of each. Kick over my hornet's nest will they." Finé rambled for a moment before sipping her tea.

Bianca's giggling unexpectedly snapped her out of her sour mood.

"Am I really that funny when I'm mad?" Finé asked.

"Just when people try to take advantage of you. Though there are still 'shades of the princess' when it comes to domestic issues. Which is probably why those businessmen have issue with taking you seriously." Bianca reported as she helped herself to the tea.

"The rest of the world respects me but my own country still sees me as a maturing flower. It's been ten years since the end of the war. Ten years since Father died and I'm still regarded as somewhat of a rebellious princess" Finé stated.

"I think things are on the change though." Bianca stated.

"On the change? What sort of phrase is that?" Finé responded trying to stifle out a giggle.

"Just something I thought sounded distinguished." Bianca said with a pout.

"Some things just never change do they?" Finé stated.

"I suppose not. Though I was trying to sound wise." Bianca responded.

"You don't have to try Bianca. Even though you'd rather see yourself as my protector your also one of my closest advisers. There's only one other person closer and … I don't bother her with political affairs." Finé said wistfully.

"I think that Lady Izetta would like the extra time. Perhaps it is time." Bianca stated.

"No, I don't want to rush things. Izetta is doing so well. I don't want to sabotage it. Though I fully intend to ask her to come to the palace to live with me." Finé stated.

"'Intended'?" Bianca asked.

"Though she is progressing well at whatever it is she's doing with the doctor. I can't help but think she's trying to keep bad news from me. It's almost like she doesn't want me to know what's going on out of fear of hurting or upsetting me." Finé explained.

"Truth is stranger then fiction Your Highness." Bianca stated as she attempted to remain neutral.

"Perhaps I'm just worrying about too much. I hope Izetta isn't keeping things from me." Finé stated as she openly sighed.