Disclaimer: I don't own Saiunkoku Monogatari

a/n---yes...let's update the story nobody likes! Some people are so heartless when it comes to reviews...no flamers or anything! Don't post flamers, though. That wouldn't be nice, and then I'd need to go spend a week in the Bahamas and there would be no updates for a while! Anyway, I'm not ranting, so here's the story none of you like.

Part Two:

I've wandered back up to my employers rooms, to give him a piece of my mind, and guess what the old man does? He starts going on and on about how useful I am! How on earth do you say 'I quit' to that? I hold back a sigh as he starts on my intelligence.

"My dear, if you were anymore intelligent, I would think you were a boy."

And I'd get the god-blasted training I want! "You're not the only one who says that." I say quietly, looking behind myself at the gardens.

"Yes, yes, I know! Rikoteki Ran was an idiot to let you go. Care to join me in the meeting that is going on in a few minutes and show him what he's missing?"

"I guess..."

"Excellent! In my wardrobe there's a blue kimono you can wear."

"But I-"

"You won't be able to carry that...sword around with you, so leave it in here."

"Lord Chan Sa-"

"I'll be waiting for you in the throne room."

Then he disappeared into the gardens. I gaped after him for a moment before sighing. Might as well go get that kimono on and join him, but I'm not leaving Ira behind. I'll just have to hide it just outside the doors to the gardens somewhere.

I go into the wardrobe and see the kiomono with a sudden wave of relief. It is, indeed, blue, but in a more tollerable fashion than Ritoteki had me wear. A dark layer on top, then a pale blue, then a white silk layer, with water lilies on the front. Much better than pink.

I start to pull the kimono on while debating on my hair. It takes forever to put it up, so all I'll need from that hair product tray is the clip with a waterfall of blue flowers coming down in five rows. I adjust the kimono before sliding in the slip over my right ear, making it half-way veil my eye. I leave the rest of my hair down and I go bare foot. I've always been a rebel, so why stop now? It'll keep Chan happy.

I start towards the throne room, sword in hand, when a thought suddenly interrupts my sword overview.

He's doing the same as Ritoteki was but paying less for it. My face blanks for a second, then I frown. That bastard! Why do men think only they can fight? I could probably take down any of them just because I can move faster than them!!!!

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I'm not going to get worked up over this. I'll just do what I did with Ritoteki. Go up to him and say I've got better things to do than play princess.

But first I need to get out of this kimono.

I turn and nearly fall back because I find myself face to face with a tall, advisory looking man. He looks down at me with a smile and I back up a step.

"So you no longer work for Ritoteki?" the man said quietly. I nod slowly, wondering what this guy could possibly want. Then I remeber what I'm wearing. "You appear to be doing the same thing, Kaiya."

"You...you know my name?"

"Ritoteki speaks highly of you still."

"Oh..."

He laughs. "Yes, 'oh', now come along, Chan is probably waiting for you." He turns me by my shoulders and urges me forward.

"Wha-But I was just-"

"Changing your mind about the whole situation?"

"Yes, acctually." He stops trying to get me to move forward and I turn to face him. "And who are you exactly?"

"Shuuei Ran, Ritoteki's cousin."

I stare for a moment before shaking my head. "Never said anything about cousins..." I murmur. Of all the people not to warn me about...

"What do you say to really bugging the old man before you leave him, and go to the meeting with me?"

"I guess...but I want to hide this outside first, incase of the need to run." I show him my sword.

"Ah yes, Ira. The womans sword that Seiran likes to obsess over." Shuuei says, taking it from me, sheath and all, with gentle fingers.

"You know Seiran too?" I say with exagerated irritation.

"Yes, of course. We've been close ever since lady Shuurei left and they got married. He's our only link to her at the moment."

"Ineresting...can we go?"

He hands my sword back and offers me his arm. "Yes, my dear."

a/n---talk about boring! oh well...but know I want to write the next chapter, since it's going to be fun!

R&R!!!!