I didn't like how I ended the last chapter, so I've redone the ending. Sorry about the wait, but the next chapter will be along quicker!
"Are you ready to begin, milady?" asked Jakob. We were sitting in my quarters, along with Sakura and Hana, all four of us with squares of cloth on our laps and needles with threads in our hands. Azura had revealed that she had no clue on how to do anything like that, directing us to the man who maintained our armour, my faithful Butler. When I had gone to ask him for help, I had been followed by my sister and her friend.
"S-sister… Would it be alright for us to learn some Nohrian arts from you? Hana is interested too…" asked my younger sister. Her samurai retainer was standing behind her, blushing yet scowling. Jakob gave a bored glance at the pair of them then looked at me to decide.
"Of course, Sakura. We'll all be learning most of the basics, anyway" I answer her. It couldn't hurt anyway. A bit strange Hana was here, however. She's not usually that shy, anyway. Maybe she's embarrassed of wanting to be feminine?
Cut forward to the present and I'm glad there's someone less feminine than me in the room. Hana seems to be either stabbing herself in the hand or cursing as she undoes a stitch. Jakob tuts every time he has to go over to fix her work, turning her redder and her glower more intense.
I'm just glad that I'm not the only complete mess in this army. Watching a ferocious warrior fumble over a needle was really the confidence booster I needed. Inspiration for my art, too. My hands flow, creating a small, simple stitching of Lillith.
"Exemplary work, milady" beamed Jakob, inspecting my work. His face dropped when he looked at Sakura and Hana's. "And everyone must start somewhere, I suppose." Whilst Sakura's attempt at a peach certainly looked like a peach, in that it was a pink circle, Hana's attempt at a flower was anything but a flower. The poor girl was practically steaming as she and her liege left my room.
"She's practically the image of you" laughed the butler as he picked up scraps of cloth left behind. "At least, I think I was more receptive than Oboro is."
"Aren't you going to make a move? You'd look cute with her."
"Not at all. I am married to my duty with you." I almost groan from the cliché.
"I don't believe that you have no desires. Hell, I'm sure you've got multiple women in multiple countries that'd throw themselves down for you." Flora was one for certain. Now there was Hana and Lillith. The dragon in our shrine didn't talk to many people, but she always spoke of how she looked forward to Jakob bringing the food.
Women just love a man in uniform. Especially when the uniform is a waistcoat. If only Oboro dressed like this…
"Milady, surely it'd be more prudent for you to pursue your own romance before worrying about mine?" he asked. That was shorthand for 'This conversation is over'. "As for your little plan, with a little more practice, you should be able to handle a little cross-stitch."
"How much practise?" When it comes to me, he's been known to be softer than he is with others. I could have probably have spilt tea on my embroidery and he'd still praise it. I don't want to embarrass myself in front of her.
"Well… We have that boat ride coming up. By then, you should have something presentable." Right. The boat ride. Naturally, I had already put myself and Oboro together on one boat, with Azura for if the plan goes south. Jakob was with me, but I could pull a few strings here.
I'm not going to let another girl get herself in a state as bad as mine! What kind of commander would I be if I let that happen? A quick edit of the plans, and Hana and Jakob are to spend a day together on an exclusive cruise. Unfortunately, money was short and Gunter was only able to confirm we'd have to go cheap on the transport.
It couldn't be that bad though, could it?
It was that bad. We had arrived at the dock and after meeting with the captain, we was showed to our four boats. How they were still afloat was beyond me, but apparently this is how three princesses were due to travel.
"I have been assured they are all of high integrity, Lady Kamui. There is a value to the humble warship" said Gunter as he paid the large captain, his eyes gleaming at our coin purse. "Luxuries will only make us inattentive and as we'll be all split, we will need to be on top performance."
Despite my position as leader and his liege, Gunter pulled the 'listen to your damn elders' card and threatened me with a lecture on the history of the cavalry charge. As the boats were being prepped for purpose, I found myself entering a port bar trying to escape my history lesson. A first for me, having only tasted the occasional glass of wine that had been snuck my way. Several of our number had made it there, most prominently Reina, who had seemingly taken Mozu under a metaphorical wing.
"Now this is a vodka shot, Mozu, it's from the northern parts of Nohr. Down in one!" she said, pouring another glass for the young archer. Both of them were swaying, with Mozu yelling before necking something from the short glass, prompting the veteran to laugh and pat her on the back as Mozu spluttered.
"She's 14, Reina, don't you think this is a little irresponsible?" I ask, trying to exude my greatest 'Strict Commander' aura. Doesn't help I'm like a foot shorter than her. The Kinshi Knight laughs and pours me one too.
"Don't think anyone gets to complain about age for drinking when they've had their first kill already. Now, you drink up too, Cap, you need to loosen up too."
"Drink up, Kaaaamui" drawled Mozu. She was barely on her seat. At least she was laughing now, which is more than usual. "If yer can't do this shooot… Yer a big cluckin chicken…"
"What did you call me, Mozu?" Like hell am I a chicken! I grab that shot and swallow it, slamming the glass down on the bar. It burns all the way down my throat, until it sits hard in my stomach. Gods, people drink this for pleasure? The hell was wrong with Reina? She immediately erupted into laughter.
"The look on your face, Kamui! You look like you've just licked a pegasus!" Urgh… "But you know what the cure for that is… Another shot! Stick some lemon in this one, boss!" Reina had got the landlord over, pouring a mixture of drinks into that damned glass. "And you're not getting out of this! You've been looking stressed for a long time and you need to relax!"
She's right, of course. I've been feeling slightly more floaty and light since that first drink. One more wouldn't hurt. I throw the drink back and swallow hard. The sweet fruit in it didn't help the burning as it went down. I can't help but cough loudly, whilst Mozu throws another down perfectly. How was she doing this so well?
"So, Chief. What's the gossip?" asked Reina. A big smile had stretched over her face. A distinct Orochi-like smile. "Orochi told me you're sweet on someone."
"Damn that wench! I'll never spill my lipsh!" I yell. I'm nowhere near drunk enough yet for that!
"If you can do this special sake, I'll drag Orochi on my Kinshi for a joyride when we set sail" she said, signalling to the landlord to bring over an ornate bottle. "And the drinks will be on me tonight."
Sucker. And I get to watch Orochi on that awful bird too! "You're on, Reina!" I say, throwing the drink down. Gods, this one was even worse! But, I felt even floatier and fuzzier than before… This was a great feeling! "Anotherrr" I slur out.
"Ohohoho, don't get ahead of yourself now, princess" laughed Reina. Mozu also had a mischievous grin on her face. "Now, shall we mix it up with a bit of Notre Sagesse Whiskey?"
"What 'bout some Shirasagi Special Reserve?" leered Mozu, with a big bottle in her hands. Both of them poured me multiple glasses. "You still ain't chicken, are ya captain?" What happened to my poor sweet Mozu? With both those glasses down, everything dims…
Urgh… Everything tastes of… something horrific. And my head's splitting. And the room is swirling around. And I'm so dry…
"Oh, you're awake. Good morning, Kamui" said Azura. She had a smirk on her face. "Your first experience with alcohol, I presume" she said, bringing me a cup of water. The drink helps marginally, but not enough.
"I barely got a decent meal in the tower, let alone wine… What happened? I remember being with Reina and Mozu, then… Here. Where are we?"
"We're at the high seas, and do I have a story for you" Heavens no. Good heavens what have I done? "Well, I'll leave some of the tedium like you throwing up all down Hinata out"
No.
"Or the bit where you started singing the Nohrian national anthem in a Hoshidan port bar. Incredibly out of tune, from what I've heard."
No no no no no no.
"Or when you got chased out of the bar, you threw up again on a guard and then got in a fight with some prostitutes"
No no no no no no no no no no no.
"Or even when you got the madame of that brothel in a headlock and had to have Subaki break it up."
No no no n- Wait, why was Subaki in the brothel?
"Or, most importantly, the bit where you found Oboro, threw your top off and grabbed her, claiming that 'every inch of you was hers to ravage'" finished Azura with her smirk even wider. I can never show my face to anyone again. "Unluckily for you, you passed out soon after so we got you tucked into bed before any ravaging could take place"
I want to cry, but my head hurts too much to do it. "I-is everyone mad at me?"
"Varies really. Gunter is not pleased in the slightest, but I think Hinata saw the funny side at least. You might need to apologise to the town at a later date. For the bad singing, the guard vomiting and prostitute assault. In that order. Honestly, Kamui, I'm disappointed I only heard most of this second hand. Invite me next time you wish to go out and party."
Gods… I've ruined everything! Why am I so stupid! Oboro won't want to see my face, let alone do some embroidery with me… I wish I could just hide in here forever.
"Anyway, you should go get some breakfast. From what I've heard, it's a great cure for your hangover. Come on, let's get going" she said, passing me a folded dress. I slowly drag it over my head and stumble to my feet.
With Azura giving me a hand through the halls of the boat, I made it to the small area we had converted to a mess hall. A round of applause awaited me from Hinata, Rinkah and a few of the sailors of the boat, as Hayato poured me a bowl of porridge. Looking across the room, I see Saizo and Takumi giving me a cold look, whilst Oboro looked down into her breakfast. Not looking at me.
That stung more than my head.
"The biggest party animal in Hoshido is awake!" roared Hinata, with laughter. "Invite us next time you raise hell!"
At least she's not the enemy of all of the ladies of the night in one port. I hope. I sit down at the only table with a free space for me and Azura. Across from me was the smirking Orochi, who was sitting with Kagero. No-one was saying anything.
"So, I heard you had fun last night" said the Diviner, her smile widening even further. I really don't need this now. She sees my grimace and laughs. "Don't worry, we were all young and crazy once. Have you heard about when both me and Kagero were once new to Mikoto's detail and we had a night off?" The ninja next to her suddenly turned red and began to protest.
"O-orochi! We promised not to speak of this again!" she said, grabbing her friends arm.
"Of course. I'll just say that you aren't the first person on this boat to beat up a prostitute" said Orochi, as Kagero buried her head in her arms. Heh. I guess she's not as perfect as she tries to be. "See, you're smiling already."
"At my expense. Lady Kamui, I must insist that I thought she was an assassin!" pleaded Kagero. How long has she been hung up on this?
"I believe you, Kagero. Still, this is going to hang over me as long as that's hung over you, isn't it?" I ask.
"Yes" answers Orochi and Azura in unison. Of course both of those accursed women would. I look to Kagero for some sympathy.
"Sorry, milady. Everything has to go in our reports." What reports? Wait, she was retainer for Ryoma, wasn't she?
"Oh, please don't tell my brother about this…" I can hear it now, a lecture on honour or whatever it is Hoshidans have in place of 'chivalry' that Xander drilled into me.
"He will know every detail" said Saizo, suddenly appearing behind me. Still not used to him doing that, god damn it. "Kagero. I need to talk to you. In private." The female ninja nods and stands up.
"I'll see you later, Orochi. Oh yeah, Reina said she was looking for you earlier. She's on recon duty at the moment, but she said to wait on deck for her."
The diviner frowned at the news. "Didn't think she was into the whole divination thing. Anyway, I'll give you some good advice. Make sure you talk to her sooner rather than later, alright?" Orochi stood to leave as well. Looking across the room, I see Oboro had left the table as well, probably as far from me as she possibly can.
"No point frowning about it, Kamui" said Azura. "Besides, I'm sure she'll laugh about it in the future, just like you will."
"I'd rather if she'd just laugh it off now" I groaned. Urgh… My head is still killing me, even after breakfast. Wait… Kagero said Reina wanted to see Orochi? "Azura, let's head up to deck. There's something you'll want to see" I say, grabbing her by the hand. Of course, she's more guiding me than I am her, but we pick up the pace.
Getting on top deck, I see one of the most beautiful sights of my life. A Kinshi diving and soaring at high speeds, with a sobbing Diviner clutching onto the back of its scarred pilot. Reina gives a little wave to me, as both me and Azura wave back, laughing.
I can't help but feel vindicated. No wonder Orochi likes this so much.