Sorry if these chapters have been a little short!

When I woke up the next morning my mind was set on my next task for my two suitors; they had to spend time with the villagers.

I knew this task would be hard for both of them; Matsu never spent time with his own villagers so spending time with people he didn't even know would be extremely difficult. Sesshoumaru on the other hand detests half demons and humans… I didn't know how that one was going to work out at all… But my mind was set and we were going to do it.

Like Mai said 'If Sesshoumaru really wants to be with me he'll try…'

So I pulled on a pain cotton nagajugan then a plain wool kimono and headed to the meeting room while I pulled my hair back with a ribbon I felt very peasant-like and I smiled to myself.

Seiji turned his head as he heard my approaching and sighed, shaking his head as he watched.

"What?" I asked as I put my hands on my hips. "It's a legitimate way of testing my suitors."

"Yeah and so that you can avoid them both while 'pretending' it's because you're playing with the children." He answered. "Give it up Kaori-dono you're doing this one out of pure selfishness."

I stuck my tongue out at him and walked up quietly behind the partition on the elevated floor. I waited, making sure they were in there, and then stepped through while plastering a smile on my face.

"Good morning Lord Matsu and Lord Sesshoumaru." I greeted them as I sat down on the pillow before then, still smiling of course.

Recognition flashed in Sesshoumaru's eyes as he took in my choice of clothing; he took a deep quiet breath as he tried to calm himself and not alert Matsu.

"Lady Kaori…" Matsu started slowly. "Good morning to you as well… Interesting ah… clothing choice…"

I beamed at him. "I know I must look silly to you Lord Matsu but this is part of your next test."

"Another test…?" He eyed me skeptically.

"Yes." I said, my smile never wavering. "I am sure that this test will determine which is better suited for this village."

"So…" Sesshoumaru started, trying hard to keep the fact that he had already guessed the task from his voice. "What is this new test…?"

I beamed at both of them. "We will be going to the village where all of us will spend time with the people."

Sesshoumaru sighed. "What's the catch…?"

Matsu gaped at him. "Don't speak to Lady Kaori in such a manner!"

I blinked. "It's quite alright. Lord Sesshoumaru is correct in thinking there is more then what I have mentioned seeing as that is what happened with the first test." I sighed then smiled again. "The catch is that we all will be living in the village while this test continues… Which means you will eat, sleep, and live down in the village…" I looked from Matsu to Sesshoumaru and back, when I realized that they weren't going to ask anything I continued. "The reason I'm doing this test is to see if you can interact with the people of this village like my father did… like I do…"

Since neither man was speaking I stood up. "If either of you do not wish to do this task tell me so now…" again they didn't speak. "Very well… I shall see you both at the stairs to either go down with me to the village or to leave…" With that I left.

Seiji caught up to me, leaving some of his men for Sesshoumaru and Matsu. "I can't believe you're pulling this stupid stunt."

I turned on him. "Oh bite me Seiji-san! The villagers deserve to get to know their rulers and I can't not spend time with the children… this is my home and this is how I run it." And that was the end of our conversation.

Ten minutes had gone by since I made it to the stairs and neither man had come to join me.

"I told you so…" Seiji muttered.

"Drop it." I scowled in reply

Finally I saw one of the men approaching; it was Sesshoumaru.

I smiled at him, fighting with myself to keep from running into his arms. "So are you the only one that is coming down to the village with me…?" I asked trying to sound professional.

"I am coming as well." A voice from behind Sesshoumaru answered.

I smiled at Matsu, probably not as bright as at Sesshoumaru, but I tried nonetheless. "Shall we go…?" I asked as I gestured with my hand to the stairs.

"I believe we are both ready to go down to the village with you Lady Kaori." Matsu answered quickly.

I tried hard not to laugh as we headed down the stairs finally; this was going to be one interesting task…