After so long, finally here goes an update. This is so far is the longest chapter. Remember Chapter 2? We are going to have mood whiplash again. Also how to properly write an angst fanfiction with proper serious political shit without self fanservice? I hate myself for being too thirsty for the pineapple and can't stop writing both erotic and tragic crap about , in this chapter you will see how he deal with Nohrian people. There's not much of savagekumi in this chapter, but it's still present at the beginning. I hope you enjoy the chapter!

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TaciticanLyra: Yeah, I know. I'll think about re-editing it later. Also you can talk to me on tumblr (draceempressa) you know. This fic also posted on Ao3 if you really wanted to go to the link.


Takumi sipped his coffee. Bitter, but that's how coffee is. He remember how Ryoma needs his coffee to stay awake for his paperworks. And Takumi does not need a cup of coffee to stay awake in the night. He is insomniac to begin with. But now, he drank it because he is still in Castle Krakenburg , the morning after Corrin's wedding and that's what Nohr serve for him during his stay this time. He is not complaining.

"Is the coffee is too bitter for your taste, King Takumi?" Camilla tried to be polite to him. But it's not Takumi if he didn't reply snarkily.

"A bit. But this bitterness is exactly Ryoma's taste. "

The dining table become silent again. It's just the morning, it's just breakfast, and Takumi already brings in the gloomy mood. Although this is Takumi we're talking about. Sakura tried to break the silence.

"U-um...B-but this "chocolate" is really good...W-when I heard it's made of beans l-like coffee , I thought it w-would be bitter... But i-it was quite sweet instead... "

"See! Sakura, I know you would like chocolate! Sweet, right?" Elise clapped her hands. Leo, however, is interested in the contrast between Takumi's familiarity with coffee and Sakura's foreignness to chocolate.

"There are coffee too in Hoshido, King Takumi?"

Takumi shook his head as he sliced the sausage on his plate.

"No, Prince Leo. Coffee is indeed Nohrian. Even after Father's death... The trade with Nohr haven't been completely closed. We royal family are still willing to trade with the Nohrian merchants who we do knew personally and trust deeply. We want to believe that not all Nohrian are evil and there are some trustworthy Nohrians too. However, when we royal family are willing to buy from Nohrian merchants, Hoshidan merchants refused to sell to Nohr.. Or rather, they refused going to Nohr after what happened to Father and several of of their colleagues...We never formally prohibit the trade with Nohr. But Mother decided to be considerate to those merchants who wished to mourn their colleagues.. Meanwhile, what could happen to the Nohrian merchants that went to Hoshido with Mother's barrier was still active? Mother's barrier still allows people to enter, and when it couldn't nullify grudge of our people, it completely annihilated any actual intents for violence. "

Surprised that we are still willing to try to trust your people? Because that's how Hoshido is. See why Nohrian merchants are still willing to go and sell stuffs to us? Because even if we hate Nohr, we will not harm any Nohrian that came to our land, thanks to Mother's barrier. And now you ruined their chance with killing her! Good job. Oh , wait, you beat us in the war anyway, so we are forced to trade with you. We never actually forbid out merchants to sell stuff to Nohr, you know? It was their own fear, that you killed father and some of their colleagues, that makes them scared of Nohr, scared of going to Nohr! That's why I ask of you to ensure the safety of our merchants who went here. I ease your job to convince them that Nohr is safe . Although it definitely is not.

Another verbal arrow shot. Camilla tried to be polite with him.

"Previously you mentioned that coffee is too bitter for your taste, King Takumi. Would you prefer to swap your cup of coffee with tea or chocolate? "

"Ah, that is very considerate of you, Lady Camilla. But I have to decline the offer. It is best if any dish isn't wasted, not to mention with the effort to grow them with Nohr's climate. So this time, I'll keep my coffee. Even so, I would appreciate it if I can have a cup of tea instead for the next meal." Takumi gracefully sipped his coffee again, and out of formality, this time Xander asked him about the overall meal.

" How about the foods, King Takumi ? I thought Nohrian cuisine does not fit your taste that you barely eat during my coronation. But last night proves my worry wrong... Still, by all means,you are not repulsed by it, right?"

"No worries, King Xander. Lacking appetite is part of my usual self. Even back at my stay in Cheve. Even so, the taste of the food itself is delicious. Unlike what was given to me at Cheve. No wonder they declared a rebellion... Please do not worry about the Nohrian cuisine or material itself. The problem lies in me."

I wonder why you can eat these luxury when your own people is starving. Have you tried to close the disrepancy in your country than suppressing the rebellion first? If you did that, you probably doesn't have to suppress the rebellion, you know?

Takumi wiped his mouth. The food itself is delicious, but it makes him more concerned with Nohr's condition. He remember how improvished Nohr is, and the quality of the meals he consumed back in Cheve, and their small amount. Even he's a prince, he is not complaining with the food's quality. Instead, he can see why they declare rebellion. And with such condition, Cheve wasn't the only one who decided to rebel against King Garon. The Ice Clan too, and probably more regions of Nohr was on their way to start their rebellion too back in the war. Nohr is poor, yes, but was the war worth it? If Ryoma or Mikoto know how poor Nohr is, they would surely share Hoshido's prosperity without second thought. Did the Nohrian royal family never reached their hands to their people? He isn't the most social person in Castle Shirasagi. That's Mikoto. But all members of the Hoshidan royal are used to mingle with their own people in town. He is not good with people. Not he hates people. He may have problems to communicate with them personally, but as a prince, he keeps in touch in what happened in his country. Considering the Nohrian royal family forcefully suppress the rebellions all over their lands instead of talking it down, they probably are stranger to the concept of going to town and mingling with the people of the lower classes. They are can do their own when mingling with nobles in formal parties, but not with the lower class people. And those nobles certainly does not look improvished at all. Can't they, the Nohrian royals, work on the disrepancy first than the rebellion? If the disrepancy between high-ranked nobles and lower ranked peasants can decreased, surely the rebellion will be automatically supressed along with the poverty and discrepancy.


Considering that the Nohrian siblings went quiet after his last words at breakfast, Takumi decided to see the actual condition of Nohr itself. He wrapped the Fujin Yumi in a wide white cloth, and starts to put on a black hood. Just then Sakura and Elise entered the room.

"E-elder brother? Why are you dressing like that?"

"Keep this from everyone, both of you. I'm going out of this castle for a while to see Nohr's actual condition. So I can know what Hoshido can do to help Nohr."

Takumi was a bit worried when he said that. When he was sure Sakura can keep her mouth shut, he's not so sure with Elise. He was assuming the opposite with her instead. How surprised he is when she chirped.

"Well, if you're going to see THE real Nohr, I can show you the way! But on the other hand, keep it from my siblings too!"

"Would that trouble you, Lady Elise ? That you wanted to keep it a secret from your siblings? " Takumi fixed his hood. He still wear his usual kinshi knight uniform with Mikoto's cape and crown under his hood, in case come a situation where he must reveal his true identity of king of Hoshido.

""Isn't that the same to you? Look at your black hood and your bow wrapped in that cloth. So that's a no?" Elise pouted. Takumi just smiled at her.

"No, of course not. I would appreciate the guidance, Lady Elise. "

"Wait here, then! I need to prepare my guise too! " Elise sprinted back to her room. Sakura played with her fingers.

"E-elder brother... C-can I come with you?"

Takumi shook his head and put his hands on her shoulders.

"No. Nohr isn't safe, Sakura. I don't want to lose you... "

Sakura throwed herself in her brother's chest. Her only sibling left, and was the closest to her to begin with.

"B-but you allowed me to defent Fort Jinya b-back then... W-why can't you l-let me this time? Also...T-this time I 'm with you... I-i know you would protect me."

Takumi hugged her back, as he sighed.

"Okay. But never let go of my hand and sight. Is that clear?"

Sakura nodded. Takumi takes out another cloak and put it on Sakura. Then after Elise wearing her peasant guise, they walked to the secret pathway that only Elise knew .


This underground canal market sure is lively, unlike the upper part of Windmire.

"This..."

"This place is a hidden market of Nohr! Surprised? " Elise skipped happily as she guide the Hoshidan royals around the underground market. Takumi looks around him. The liveliness of this place is about the same with Hoshido, and he feels relieved that Nohr's condition isn't as worse as he thought. Still, he tightened his grip on Sakura's hand. He realized she was tugging at his cloak, and she pointed to a vendor.

"Oh, that's the candy seller! You really mean it when you likes sweets, huh?" Elise grabbed Sakura's hands to the candy vendor, and Takumi followed them after. The candy seller is young man.

"Yo, Elza! More bonbons for your sister? Or pralines? Nougats? Toffee? "

"No, Amaimon, I'm here for these friends of mine! They're tourists from outside of Nohr, and they're quite sweet tooth, so I want to show them Nohrian sweets!" Elise introduced him to Takumi and Sakura. The young vendor then rummaged his merchandise.

"Tourist, eh? I got the right stuff for them. Here, they might like it. A bag for 30 gold coins, please."

Takumi paid him and he opened the bag. There is more small candies in wrappings in the bag. He offered one of the wrapping to Sakura and unwrap a candy for himself, and slide it to his mouth. It melted in his mouth, and it is very sweet.

"T-this tastes like chocolate..." Sakura is still in awe because of the sweet. Amaimon grinned.

"Because it is chocolate! Young lady, it is called a chocolate truffle. Chocolate mixed with more cream so it become more solid than the chocolate drink... But still soft enough to melt in your mouth? Right?"

Sakura shyly nodded, and Takumi admits he too likes this truffle. He would consider to import this to Hoshido. A boy, just 2 years younger than Elise, bumped to him from his side.

"Popsicles, sir, popsicles! A stick for 2 coins! Or do you want some ice creams instead?"

Takumi's eyes scanned the boy's goods box, which seems to have some cold aura, but no charm to be seen. So does the boy's mother. What is more important in Takumi's mind.

"Where is your mother, child?"

"Mom is at the upper part of Windmire, freezing goods.. Previously, we can only sell cold sweets like this . But with Hoshido reopened the trade, Mom becomes busy freezing goods. Mom can freeze many stuff at once, but I can only freeze this much at once. But Mom said it's okay, since I'm still growing." The boy innocently answered him. Freezing powers... Could this be, this boy...

"You're from the Ice Tribe?"

"Oh, yes, sir, Mom and I are from the Ice Tribe! It's not like our tribe prohibit their people to live in the capital and leave their clan. But back then... For no reason, Dad went missing 5 years ago, we return to the our tribe's place for a while just for Mom going out of Lord Kilma's house crying, and we continue to live here. And now, Mom have considered to move to Hoshido." The boy nodded. This boy's father... From the Ice Tribe... Very likely to be a rebel, have been executed for his attempt, and his mom crying out of the clan leader's house... Asking for permission to revenge or another rebel, and the request was denied... Is this woman still hates the royal family of Nohr, for taking her husband away from her, and wants to leave her homeland for that reason?

"Sir? So will you buy the popsicles or not?" The boy tugged Takumi's cloak, forcing him back to reality.

"O-oh! Sorry, boy. What is this popsicle again? I'm tourist, so I don't know what it is. " Takumi tried to find his words, and he really don't know much about this popsicle except it's, well, frozen.

"No problem! They're sir, frozen sweetened liquid on a stick! Can be juice, can be smoothies, can be milk... So you can eat it as you walk.. Similar with ice cream, but ice cream is more creamy when popsicles are more solid. So which one do you want, sir?" The boy showed Takumi his box again. There are many variants of the popsicles . Takumi takes the blue one and the another red one and gives the red one to Sakura, and paid the boy. Takumi pat the boy's head.

"Tell your mother.. That the king and princess of Hoshido have great interest in sweets. They would be willing to buy a lot of your goods."

"The king and princess of Hoshido are sweet teeth? Now that's goldmine! I need to prepare my best stuff ! " Amaimon seems jumpy by the information Takumi purposefully leaked about himself.

"More or less so , among the gossip I heard when I was in Hoshido. Don't be surprised when you saw the king, though."

Takumi then licked the tip of the popsicle, and slowly let his tongue travel down the popsicle, before finally putting the entirety of the frozen liquid in his mouth, takes it out when his mouth can't handle its coldness, with his tongue still around the silindrical snack. So many eyes in that market are focused on him and his sister now, especially men's eyes. Bless the silindrical shaped popsicles, and the perverted mind of humans. Takumi and Sakura still have their cloak on, yes, but that cloak doesn't cover their mouth and what their skilled tongues do to the popsicles. Their flushed cheeks doesn't help. And the way Sakura consumed her popsicle isn't any less sensual than the way her brother did it. The Hoshidan royal siblings isn't aware on how suggestive the way they enjoyed their cold sweet until Amaimon points it out.

"Man, you guys sure enjoyed yourself. Pretty sure it wasn't a popsicle that is in your mind ."

Takumi stopped licking his popsicle when he heard that, and realized all the eyes focused on him and Sakura. He poked a t her gently, and then he violently takes a bite from it and people who watched him fell with their hands in front of their crotch. Sakura did the same with him and more people fell. Elise, being Elise, asked the question every innocent child would ask.

"If it wasn't popsicle... What is it, then?"

Amaimon just giggled and Takumi blushed even harder.

"P..Please don't ask, Elza. It's indecent. It's... Uhm... "

"I-i am not badmouthing her, b-but let's just say it was things that your e-elder sister would do intentionally. W-we did it unintentionally, though." Sakura hides her face in her brother's cloak. Who did the equally sensual thing and is equally ashamed of himself.

They decided to travel the market a bit more, until they heard a scream. A young girl was hold hostage by a young man, a knife was on her throat. He seems to be a thief, and he also carried what seems to be the money he stole.

"Everyone stay back! I have hostages here!"

Many people surround the thief and the shop he raid on, but nobody actually tried to save the girl. Sakura clutched Takumi's cloak tight, so does Elise, but the archer stepped forward instead.

"You put that girl down, now, or you'll going to regret it. "

Takumi certainly isn't wearing his Mikoto facade. This Takumi is closer to the real him. Because he can't stay calm when someone's life is in danger. Particularly if that's a child.

"Who are you ?! D-dont come closer! Or I'll kill this girl!" The thief moved his dagger to the girl's throat closer. Takumi removed the hood of his cloak , unwraps his Fujin Yumi, spin it like he usually does, creates the bowstring and arrow and takes his aim to the thief.

'Well, I don't have to. I'll repeat myself. Put that girl down or you'll regret it. State your reason... I might be able to spare you."

The thief trembled when he realized Takumi can easily shot him down in his range. But then, after a bit scanning on the bits of Takumi's clothes as well his crown, the thief ranted.

"Someone like you will never understand! I... I need money so bad! My own daughter is sick, and the only medicine for her is the expensive ones from Hoshido! "

Takumi winced. Thank god he did ask Leo to recreate those rare herbs. But still, he have to save the little girl. He takes a breath, shot the thief's knee, causing him to fell, the little girl are released from his hand and she ran to his mother. Elise expected Takumi to approached the thief with menacing walk like he did in Cheve, but instead he walk elegantly like during his coronation. When he got close, he kneeled to the fallen thief instead, and Takumi put his hand on the thief's.

"Lay down your weapon. Violence can't properly solve any problem...Also, why did you take that little girl as a hostage? You're a father too... Surely you would understand what is this girl's mother feeling?Not to mention, why would you resort to crime ? What will your daughter do without you? "

The thief sobbed.

"I.. I was desperate... My daughter... I just wanted to save her... I don't care if I got arrested after this.. Or if she hates me later...If my daughter can live... And she still have her mother with her... "

"But that wasn't the only possible problem your daughter may overcome. It is possible that she would be ashamed of herself, nothing but a burden that forced her beloved father to commit crime for her sake. Is it proper, for a father, to give such burden to his precious daughter? Crime is wrong, no matter what the reason is. There has to be a better way." Takumi spoke gently, but his words are firm.

"I... I am ready to be punished whatever my sentence is. But please.. My daughter..." The thief sobbed harder. Takumi would be lying if he doesn't feel bad for him. However, laws must be enforced as it is created to protect people.

"Crime is wrong, yes, I previously said that. But punishment is more requisited if the reason for the crime was malice to begin with. But no, your motif was your desperation and love for your daughter. So it is more important to solve the problem that was your motif to begin with... Nohr's poverty. If your royal family can keep a blind eye towards it... I can't see why can't I keep blind eye to your crimes. Also, I can help you to obtain that medicine, although... I am sorry for saying this, it will still not for fr-"

The thief cut him off. He was so desperate, for his daughter.

"I'll do anything! Please! Let me get that medicine!"

Takumi calmed the man down, with his hands on his shoulders.

"I will not ask inhumane request of you. You see... The previous war destroyed the lands where the herbs that is that medicine' ingredients are supposed to grow and they went extinct. I managed to make Prince Leo recreate them... Alas, in very limited number. Such is the reason why that medicine's inflated. But what I will ask is... Would you be willing to work unpaid for those lands? So in the future, those herbs can repopulate and can be mass-produced so its price can be 6 month . How about that?"

The thief widened his eyes at Takumi's offer. It can't be made unless this man is of a high social standing, yet he shows genuine sympathy to him.

"W..Who are you? Managed to get that expensive medicine... Able to personally ask a request to the royal family... "

Takumi inhaled a deep breath. That's it. He already used the Fujin Yumi, he still wore his crown, there is no use hiding it anymore. Although he does know this would happen.

"I am the current king of Hoshido, Takumi. I am sorry... Hoshido have been closing its eyes from the famine of Nohrian people because of the damage Nohrian royal family did to us. Even now, that we have been willing to help, we cannot interfere too much with Nohr's internal affair. What I can do... Is to reopen trade and migration with Nohr. With allowing migration to Hoshido, I can help without interfering Nohr's internal affair. Also... That wound.. It have to be hurt, right? Forgave me. I have to do it to stop you , to save that girl. As a form of my apology, would you let my sister heal you?"

The thief still can't believe his ears. The king of Hoshido, personally kneeling in front of him, willingly help a Nohrian peasant like him...

"Is... Is the Hoshidan royal family have always been this kind? Are they used to personally talk to their people in town like this? This doesn't seem to be your first experience talking to a peasant..."

Takumi shook his head. The original him won't speak this gently, although if Ryoma or Mikoto is still alive, this would be the solution he would suggest to them.

"No... Even I am not the most merciful and generous member of the Hoshidan royal family. That honor goes to my late mother , and now, to my sister. Mother would be willing to help without expecting anything back... But I can't do that. I am willing to help, but not for free, to keep the balance of the scales. I am cold and calculating compared to my mother and sister..But yes. We Hoshidan royal family are used to personally see our people's condition in town and villages."

"T-thats not true! E-elder brother is calculating, yes, b-but definitely is not cold. E-even before the war... I k-know you actually is kind despite of your mannerism." Sakura walked forward, and raised her festal.

"U-um, can I start healing you now?" Sakura looked into the thief's eyes. With watery eyes he nodded. Sakura healed him, and after she's done, Takumi gave him a stamped paper.

"When you reached Hoshido... Show this to the guard. Say the king personally give this to you. And I will arrange things for your work. "

The thief can't stop crying and showing gratitude to Takumi. People also starts to gossip.

Royalty are used to mingling among their people in Hoshido? They sounds so much better than our royal family...

The prosperity of the country itself, and the generous, wise king. All the reason to move there.

Unlike our royal family. They only care about themselves, and their glory. We say no to them, and our head are on poles next day.

I bet they don't even know about our condition, let alone care. They're always in Castle Krakenburg,obedient to their tyrannical father.

He said it himself that the previous queen was even kinder than him. I wonder how kind she is?

And King Garon killed that kind woman. For his thirst of conquest. Truly despicable, our royal family is.

Elise feels a pang in her chest. She knows Nohr have always been like this. They lack trust to their own royal family, which is justified. Like they said, none of her siblings know about the real condition of Nohr. Only her is the Nohrian royal who know about this place. The fact that Takumi chastises her for this on their way back to Castle Krakenburg doesn't help.

"Why you never told your siblings about this place , Lady Elise?"

"B-because... That place is the last stand of the people of Nohr from Father's tyranny! If I told any of siblings... They..." Elise tried to state her reason to keep that place hidden from the Nohrian royal family. Well, considering how the Nohrian royal family operated back before and during the war, it is acceptable reason, no mention with their monstrous father who is actually really a monster who is faking as him is still around. But now?

"I see you try to hide this place from your father, considering how monstrous he is... Correction, that really is a monster imposing as him. But now that monster is gone. Why can't you told your siblings about that place? Prince Leo seems to be aware of the strangeness of that impostor, can't you tell him instead? "

Elise played with her fingers.

"We... we are not yet accustomed with Father's absence...And even Leo... Is not the most social Nohrian royal..."

"So does we Hoshidan royals are not yet accustomed with our mother's absence. But action of the rulers must be taken, like it or not. Someone have to ascend to the throne, ready or not. The country will fell without proper leader. In fact, none of us Hoshidan royal family are exactly social butterfly, but we have to go to town and see with our own eyes how do our people fare. That is our duty as royal family. The royal family is not only the head of the country, Lady Elise, we royal family also serve as faces to our country. That is why when our father was killed , the entirety of Hoshido despises the entirety of Nohr, unaware of Nohrian people's suffering under their own king. Nohrian people is not the same with its royal family, yes, but like I said before people are the body when royal family is the head and face. Normally people would see the face first then the body. Who would see the body first, the face later? And the fact that they are indeed connected is undeniable."

"You meanie, I showed you how Nohr is and this is how you reply to me?" Elise sulked. Takumi paused and kneeled beside her.

"No, Lady Elise. I appreciate your concern for your people, that you personally see them with your own eyes. You wouldn't do so if you feel nothing to your people. What I did not appreciate is that you keep this place from your siblings and your identity from your people as secret. You see it just now how your people distrust the royal family. That must be changed. You must talk about this to your siblings, you must reveal your true identity to your people. Trust between royal family and their people must be built, by personally keeping in touch with people. And that is what your brother is doing now in Hoshido, personally building trust between Nohr and Hoshido. Not only for Hoshidan people to Nohrian people, but also to Nohrian royal family. "

Elise saw an image of a black-haired woman in Takumi. The image of his mother who Takumi himself intentionally projected into himself. The woman who is so kind to make her a kimono despite never knowing her, despite what her family did to hers... But in the end, he is not her, just a boy desperately imitating his mother to be accepted as the new king. He never will be her.

"Even so you still refused to help me explain it..."

Takumi sighed. He really didn't mean any malice to Elise, unlike when he talked to her siblings.

"Because that's the way it is. A political figure from a foreign country barely have power outside his country. I cannot interfere with the way your eldest brother with the way he rule Nohr, neither can your other brother interfere with the way I rule Hoshido despite being stationed as an ambassador there. He can connect the two kings, but he cannot force me to do what Nohr wanted me to. I do concerned with Nohr's current situation, yes, but foreign king am I, I shouldn't interfere too much with Nohr's internall affair. With my own country, however, is a different matter entirely. I can reopen the trade, I can allow migration, and those people who moved to Hoshido will be under my care and rule, not under Nohr's . I can only help that much. Really, Lady Elise... If you truly concerned with your people... Speak about that place with your siblings, and reveal your true identity."

Elise fidgeted. Takumi honestly really wanted her to speak about it with her siblings so Nohrian people can get the attention they deserve from their royal family. But that's not supposed to be his business as king of Hoshido. His role is to push her to talk about it with her siblings, the rulers of Nohr, and not talk about it directly to Leo or Xander. That's not his job. His job is to rule his own country.


When he returned to his room, how surprised he is, when he saw his wife , clutching the bedsheet as she sit on the side of the bed, and she is even more panicked when she saw blood on his cloak.

"Takumi! Where you have been ... And what is this blood stain!? Are you hurt somewhere!?"

Takumi removed his cloak, and kissed her forehead.

"Shh... I am all right. That wasn't my blood. "

Oboro paused, scanning his clothes. Her next line surprised the silverette.

"Strip."

"Huh!?"

"I don't believe you when you say you're okay, but your cloak got some blood in it. You often lied to make me less worry... So.. Strip. So I can see if your body is really okay." The bluenette strarts to undress her husband. Takumi tried to defend himself, but his clothes are made by his wife and she knows where the buttons are. Few seconds later, the king of Hoshido is wearing nothing but his loincloth and hair accessories.

"T.. There. I'm almost naked now. You can see all of me... See, there is nothing on me... "

Oboro scanned Takumi's body carefully, and after confirming there is no wound on her king's body, she glomped him.

"Thank god you really are okay... It doesn't matter where you went just now. All that matters is that you're fine now. "

"I'm sorry that I made you worried. But now I am here.." Takumi hugged his wife back.

"Now that I already know you really are okay, let me help you with your still, where did you went just now?" The bluenette released the silverette and help him redress himself .

"I went into the underground market of Nohr, Oboro. You wouldn't believe it. It's so lively there, like back in Hoshido. Pity they can't trust their own royal, but who can blame them? What have they done for their own people?" Takumi sat on the of the bed.

"You're always been so kind, Takumi. Even for those Nohrian..." Oboro made her usual scowl. Takumi patted his own thigh. Understanding the gesture , the bluenette sat on the silverette's lap.

"I just did and feel what I have to, as a royal, but more importantly, as a human. Royals existed to serve their people, assuring their happiness and prosperity, regulating rules for people, as it is royalty who are bound to their country, not the people. Their people can freely migrate. But if a royalty change side, it would be seen as a controversy. " Takumi rested his chin on Oboro's shoulder, and his arms around her waist.

"Like that traitor." Oboro played with Takumi's hair.

"Yes, like her. Did she regret her choice now? I bet she did. She is a controversy for both Nohr and Hoshido. But if she sided with Hoshido, Mother would quash all those rumors for her, and with her barrier people will come to accept is remembered as the princess who was taken from us, and her returning is a big turnback for Hoshido. But if she chose Nohr? She is nobody here. She was raised not in the royal castle. Nobody knows her. So people are anxious when a mysterious woman suddenly is their queen, after she was announced as their adoptive sister. But is that any worse? Nohrian people have long lost their trust in their royal family even before that woman becomes queen. " Takumi sniffed Oboro's neck. Surprisingly, she is willing to use Nohrian perfume.

"They suffered so much that they are wiling to side with us... Even if people try to convince me not all Nohrian are evil... Yeah, I know that. But I'm still pretty sure their royal family is indeed problematic. And I'll still have to find the assassin who killed my parents." Oboro pushed herself back, rubbing her back to Takumi's chest.

"And they never learn, just silencing their own people with force. Now their father is gone, they don't know how to properly deal with their people without violence. Oh wait, they did learn just now. So late for it, but better than never. But... What if that assassin already died ? "Takumi hold Oboro's chin, turning her face so she gazed into him.

"I.. I never thought about it... So, will you show them how a royal talk to their people? " Oboro removed herself from Takumi's lap, and the silverette stands.

"Well, there's a lot of time to think for it. Don't rush it. And yeah... Probably I will."


Elise finally talked about people's opinion and that underground market to her siblings. As a result, they started to personally visited their town and villages, and out of curiousity, Takumi stayed longer than he had planned. Observing how the Nohrian siblings would interact with their subjects. Elise have no problem with them... Well, Takumi saw how did she acted back in the underground market. Leo... Not too bad. His stay as Nohr's ambassador sure have hone his social and negotiation skill. Camilla... No surprise either. And then there is Xander. Just plain awkward. How ironic, the eldest one, the one on the thone, is the one with the least social skill. But Xander's lack of social skill is not Takumi's obligation to cure, it's his siblings's.

It goes like that for few days, and one day suddenly the pace village they visit was pillaged by a band of bandits, and many people are slaughtered. Their screams filled the air. The Nohrian royal family and their retainers tried to fight them . Memories of Hans' massacre are returned to the Hoshidan royal siblings. For Takumi it was back in Cheve, for Sakura it was back at Fort Jinya. The shrine maiden trembled behind her brother, meanwhile said brother tried to form the bowstring and arrow of his divine bow, yet he is completely incapable of it by the moment. He is equally traumatized as his sister.


Takumi is scared. He is equally as traumatized as Sakura is. But he must protect her,his last sibling. But his body, let alone the Fujin Yumi refused to listen to him. His body can't stop trembling. He almost dropped the Fujin Yumi. And then Sakura fainted because of her fear, her trauma. Takumi immediately caught her, trying to wake her up, and when he look at the ravaged village again, he too fainted because of his intense trauma and fear. Corrin saw the fainted Hoshidan royal siblings, transform into her dragon form and flew back to Castle Krakenburg with the siblings who once saw her as their older sister on her back.

Takumi woke up in Castle Krakenburg's infirmary, and he desperately looking for his sister, only to find her laid on the bed beside him. He immediately get out of his bed and kneel beside her, holding her hand, hoping for her to wake up soon. The albino entered the infirmary, and Takumi's new draconic sense recognized her footsteps. He only ask one word to her.

"Satisfied? "

"W-what do you mean by that, King Takumi? I... Satisfied by what? The albino is startled. The queenly facade the silverette wore break because of his emotional instability, and he snapped, returned to the original raging teenager he is, and Takumi look at Corrin with watery eyes full of hate.

"I am asking if you're satisfied to see Sakura and I utterly broken and helpless like that! Right, you must be satisfied. Because we are never your younger siblings to begin with. Same reason why you're happy Ryoma and Hinoka are dead! "

Corrin shook her head, trying to get closer to the Hoshidan royal sibling.

"Takumi... I..."

"Don't get closer to my sister and me, you traitorous wench! We might survive the war, but it has left us utterly broken and traumatized! Heh! Our body do make it out of the war in one piece, but not our mentality!"

Corrin is still surprised to see Takumi unmask himself in front of her after these months, but he answered her question without her actually asked it of him.

"Why are you so surprised, you. You look like you have seen a ghost. For your information, this is the real me all along. I might dress and act like Mother these months... Because of you! Reminding you that she is dead because of you isn't my only reason for it. I don't want to be king... I can't ... But I have to! Logically speaking, who would entrust their future to be ruled, to a whiny brat? No one! That's why I have to project Mother's image to myself! To be accepted as the new king of Hoshido! If Mother or Ryoma is still alive, I don't have do this! I 'm not raised to be king like Ryoma... I don't know what to do after I took the throne! If killing you would make Mother, Ryoma, and Hinoka returned, I'd do it! Problem is, it can't! And look what this useless brat have done. He can't protect himself, let alone his sister! Who would want this pathetic brat for ruler!? "

Corrin was left in silence, the only sound there is Takumi's sob. Soon after, a groan from behind Takumi follows after, a sign that Sakura starting to wake up. Takumi turned his back so he can face his sister again.

"Mmm... ng.. E-elder brother?"

"Sakura! Oh, thank goodness... You're safe.." Takumi hold Sakura's hand again. The healer tried to sit on her bed.

"J-just now... We..."

"Sakura, I'm so sorry. I'm such an useless brother. I have to protect you... Yet I can't even protect myself... I..." Takumi's grip tightened. Sakura gently caressed the archer's silver crown.

"I-it's okay, e-elder brother. I-i know you're scared and traumatized too.."

Corrin can't divert her eyes away from the siblings.

A pair of siblings who once wanted to be her younger siblings.

A pair of utterly saddened and traumatized siblings who managed to survive the war with broken mentality.

A boy who was forced to wear the queenly mask because he is forced to be the king when he is not raised for it.

A girl who was forced to stand on her ground as the commander despite is a healer because her country was on its last stand.

A pair of siblings who was broken by her, and she can never cure their grudge and trauma.

She remembered how traumatized the siblings are in that village, and their condition was her fault.

But what is done was done. All she can do for her was to return them to castle to be healed by the maids, nothing else. She is not part of them anymore.

If there is anything that can make Corrin feel better regarding the situation, is that Takumi didn't turn into a dragon yet. Because if he did, Azura is gone, and none can calm him down. Then she remembered he flat-out states that he rejects his dragon powers because of her. He didn' turn into a dragon yet not because he is not shaken enough, it's because the seal is still active. If one day he did turn into a dragon, Corrin can only hope the trigger was less painful than this one, and Shigure somehow makes it to find Takumi.


Uhm, yea. In Ghostly Gold DLC Ryoma did mention that he DID NOT (y know, the suspicious denial/blatant lie trope) need his coffee every morning to stay awake. But Subaki is completely estranged of it from his support with Nyx, and confirm that coffee is indeed Nohrian. And Subaki is a high-ranked noble back in Hoshido, mind you. And there is Oboro's parents' assassination. So we headcanon that the royal family never formally prohibit trade with Nohr, it is the Hoshidan merchants that is traumatized with their colleagues murdered . And the royal family of Hoshido still do the trade with few merchants that they personally trust.

And Takumi's way to deal with the thief. He have both calculating brain and heart with proper empathy. Stop making him only have one , guys. He have both. Don't compare him to a loanshark here, think of a friend who is not willing to GIVE you money but is willing to LEND because himself still needs money. More or less it's like that. While yes, he still hates the ROYAL FAMILY, I do think he feels genuine empathy to the Nohrian PEOPLE itself. He also make it clear to Xander in chapter 5 that he reopened trade because of that, and not because of respect to the royal family of Nohr. More antipathy to the royal family, more empathy to the people... He will roll like that in this fic for Nohr.

Also, we have headcanon that the Nohr family save Elise, barely have actual social experience with people of the lower class in town/village. Sure, Beruka and Niles originally are assassins, but when they first met their lords, it was in the castle, not when Camilla or Leo was actually in town. They are completely busy with missions from Garon, alienating the royal family from their people, barely actually interacting with their own people. Such is reason why Elise, the only Nohrian royal that is not a warrior, can have the time to mingle with her people in that underground market. As opposed with the Hoshidan royal family who is often go to town and see how their people fare.

Yeah, Takumi's facade in this chapter is broken because he snapped because of his trauma. But don't worry, next chapter he will wear it again and he is up for some savagery against Corrin again. And he didn't turn into a dragon yet? No Shigure yet? Well, in chapter 1 part 2 of this series (Birthright and Bloodline of the Dragons From the Three Kingdoms) he did. Both dragon Takumi and Shigure are present there. And I can't really say his trigger is less painful than here.