"Wolfram," Yuri suddenly sits up on the bed, sweat covering his face.
He has been taking a nap since the events of this morning really had a tiring effect on him. Gunter was convinced that some evil force was taking a toll on his psyche, so he suggested the Maoh go and take a nap before the next ceremony where the Great One would bless the royal couple's engagement.
"Had a bad dream your majesty?" Conrad appears next to Yuri who is trembling as he hugs his legs resting his head on his knees.
A couple of seconds later Yuri is able to control his breathing as he takes in his surroundings then focusing on the image of his godfather, Yuri asks, "Where is Wolfram?"
Then Yuri gets off the bed and straightens his clothes.
Conrad moves to help Yuri with the task while answering, "He is with his highness and I'm sure he is in no danger, but I'll ask Yozak to look for them if that would appease your majesty."
"Please, Conrad, do that. I want to make sure Wolfram is alright."
At this, Conrad moves towards the door and, as he opens it, Yuri's family comes inside the room. "I'll leave you and your family, your majesty."
"Hurry up, Conrad, and locate Wolfram."
"What's wrong, Yuu-chan?" Yuri's mother asks while she goes and hugs him with her loving arms.
"Mother, please, I can't breathe." Yuri finally slides out of his mother's arms just to be grabbed by Shori in a tight, arm headlock, "Did something happen to your girlfriend, little brother?"
"Stop it, Shori! And he is not my girlfriend. He is my fiancé." Yuri keeps struggling to get out of the lock even now that they are the same height and weight. Shori is still the stronger of the two when it comes to physical force. It must be due to all that training Bob puts his big brother through Yuri thinks.
"Sounds the same to me." Shori replies while enjoying the struggle his little brother is putting on.
At this time, his father and mother drop onto the royal bed and are doing goo eyes and being playful with each other.
"No, nothing happened to Wolfram. I'm just anxious, that's all." Yuri continues struggling as Shori laughs.
"Are you worried that he's cheating on you already?"
Finally, Yuri is able to get out of his brother's grip and as his gasp for air continues, "Wolfram would never cheat on me. Besides, that's not the point. I'm just troubled I thought that this engagement thing would make him happy, but it seems he is not. That's why I'm concerned about him, okay?"
"Wolfy-chan seemed very happy this morning to me, Yuu-chan." His mother adds as she sits on the bed while Yuri's father rests his head on her lap.
"I, too, saw him very happy this morning, Yuri" His father says as he pulls Miko for a quick kiss.
"Yes, Mom and Dad. He was happy with you all but, for the rest, he was very unhappy. I just know it." Yuri sighs as he moves to sit at the windowsill to look at the buzzing down on the palace grounds.
"I tell you, little brother, you know nothing about women. It is all a plot against us guys. First, they are very lovey-dovey until they become girlfriends. Then, they start pulling the 'guilty drama' on you until you agree to become engaged. But it doesn't stop there once you are engaged. They begin to plot against you to get you to marry them. I'm sure Wolfram is doing the same to you, little brother. But don't give up! You have to be strong! Don't let that conniving girl get you to marry her." Shori says in a very solemn voice as he lectures his brother.
Yuri shows anger as he says, "Wolfram is not a girl, and I'm certainly not marrying him… not now, not ever."
Then Miko let's go of her husband and completely missing the point she says giddy, "Oh! Yuu-chan, are you and Wolfy-chan getting married?"
Miko now gets up from the bed and runs towards Yuri and hugs him again while she kisses him all over. "Mom, let me go! I cannot breathe." Yuri tries to pull her off when his father comes, too, and hugs him while his mother continues babbling excitedly. "It's all so sudden, but a mother's work is never done. Good thing, Yuu-chan that I had the foresight to shop for a wedding gown for Wolfy-chan."
Then, as she lets go of Yuri, Miko turns to order her husband, "Hurry Shoma-anata and bring the packages I brought just in case of an emergency." Shoma Shibuya never dares to go against his wife's wishes so he walks quickly out of the room to go and bring the desired packages. Meanwhile, Yuri's jaws drops to the floor as he sees, with horrifying clarity, how his mother is planning the wedding details in her head. She is worst than Gunter.
Now, Shori is moving his head from side to side as he begins to chide Yuri, "Don't tell me, little brother, that she is pregnant. Is that why you are so worried about her?"
Yuri begins to pant as he gets angry, "Wolfram is not a girl and he is not pregnant. He cannot get pregnant because he is a man, not a girl."
Shori ignores him as he begins to pace on the room while he adds, "Now, I understand. That's why you decided to renew the engagement… just in case she is actually pregnant. Then, you can do a shot-gun wedding without too many questions."
Suddenly a horrific thought crosses Shori's mind and making a sharp turn he walks dangerously towards Yuri practically spiting, "You're not thinking about making her have an abortion in exchange for the engagement party, are you? You dare to dishonor your family, your ancestors Yuri-chan?"
Yuri's eyes go out of their sockets as he tries to understand how everything went from him being concerned about Wolfram from the nightmare he just had to getting married, to getting Wolfram pregnant and, worst of all, asking him to have an abortion. Something that Yuri would never ask of any one. He loves children. He hopes to have children of his own someday to raise along his adopted daughter, Greta.
At this, the door opens again and Celi-sama enters while Yuri's father trails behind her with the packages his wife asks for. "What's going on, your majesty? Where is my beautiful Wolfy?"
"Celi-sama" Miko runs toward Celi-sama to hug her in a tight embrace. Yuri only looks at the developing scene in alarm. He finds himself in one of those horror movies were the hero is paralyzed and unable to do anything else.
"What's wrong, Miko-sama?" Celi-sama asks in surprise but delighted by the warm welcome.
"It seems that my Yuu-chan and Wolfy-chan are really getting married. Do you think I can be in charge of the wedding preparations?" Then, moving away from her, she quickly and expertly removes the wedding gown from the packages her husband has just brought back.
"Wolfy and his majesty are getting married!" Celi-sama screams delighted while a plop is hear across the room as Gunter faints.
"Yes, Yuu-chan just informed us about the decision. Good thing, I brought Wolfy-chan's wedding gown. I bought it long ago when I first learned of their engagement. But, then, I had to put it away when Yuu-chan told me the sad news about their break-up. Then again, what couple doesn't have its ups and downs? So, I just had a feeling that I should save it for later. Now, do you think that Wolfy-chan would wear this gown?" Miko asks while showing Celi-sama the garment.
"Oh! It's such a beautiful dress. I could not find anything more suitable for my Wolfy to wear. I'm certain that my Wolfy will wear your dress with pride. So, when is the date for the happy occasion?" Celi-sama asks at the same time that all eyes turn to look at Yuri.
Yuri still finds himself in shock unable to articulate a single world then Shori Shibuya grabs his brother in another arm-lock as he adds, "Today, if at all possible. My brother must marry his fiancé today for the sake of our family and our ancestors' honor."
"Oh! So sudden!" Celi-sama exhales as she puts her hands on her exuberant bosom and another plop is heard since Gunter has just gotten up from the floor where no one was paying attention to him just to faint again as he hears Shori's statement.
"Mother, what's going on?" Gwendal enters followed by Anissina and Greta.
"Gwendal! It seems that instead of an engagement blessing, we are having a marriage ceremony. Where are Conrad and his highness? Someone has to inform Ulrike." Celi-sama informs a surprise Gwendal.
"Daddy is getting married to Papa Wolfram?! How wonderful!" A delighted Greta screams in joy.
"Leave it to me Celi-sama. With my super-printer, I can have the invitations engraved in time for the wedding ceremony this afternoon." At this Anissina steps out of the room in a hurry to make the preparations.
Gunter gets up and makes haste to inform Ulrike about the change. Then, Gwendal orders as he sees Yozak walking down the hall, "Yozak, go and find Conrad and his highness. Inform them about his majesty's wishes."
He turns to face the remaining group. Gwendal addresses his mother, "I'll take his majesty to the reclusion cell so he can purify his mind until the wedding ceremony."
"Thank you Gwendal!" Celi-sama kisses her son as he directs Shori and Yuri to follow him towards the reclusion cell. Shori drags the paralyzed body of his little brother behind Gwendal.
Then Celi-sama turns to look at Miko and Greta as she adds smiling, "Well, all is left to do is for us to finish the preparations and wait for my lovely son to show up so we can get him ready for his wedding, Miko-sama."
Just a few minutes later, the screaming voice of Wolfram is heard across the castle's hallway, "Yuri! You wimp, where are you?"
Wolfram stands panting at the doorway looking inside the royal bedchamber as his mother, Miko Shibuya, and Greta turn to look at him. "Mother, where is that wimp?" Wolfram asks trying to catch his breath while his whole body emanates a reddish light. He looks like he is ready to explode. He scans the room with quick glances while a small fire ball is forming on the palm of his right hand when he fails to locate Yuri inside the room.
"Oh! My beautiful baby! I'm so happy for you!" Celi-sama now runs to sweep her son into her arms while burying in top of her exuberant bosom.
The fire ball in his hand disappears quickly as he gasps for air, Wolfram struggles to get away as he keeps yelling, "Mother, I cannot breathe."
"Of course you cannot, it's only natural you are so overwhelmed by his majesty's rashness. Just like I always say, he is such a passionate young man. He is just the perfect match for another passionate soul like yours, my beautiful Wolfy."
Wolfram finally is able to get away from his mother's clutches only to be swept again by Miko-sama's tight embrace, "Wolfy-chan, I'm so excited now that you and Yuu-chan are getting married. I hope you make me happy by wearing the wedding gown I brought for you." Miko-sama finishes as she cups Wolfram's face on her hands and pulls it up to rest on her forehead.
"What are you saying, Mama Shibuya?" Wolfram is not sure if he hears her right. "Did she just say getting married? When? Why? Yuri."
"It's true, Papa Wolfram. Daddy has just ordered that instead of celebrating the blessing of your engagement, we will be celebrating your wedding. Isn't it wonderful? Finally, we're going to be a real family!" Greta joins Miko-sama in hugging Wolfram while Celi-sama comes along to do the same. Now, Wolfram is buried under the excited females who start tearing Wolfram's clothes off in order to dress him with Miko-sama's wedding gown.
Wolfram is speechless and paralyzed. His mind is working thousand miles a second—trying to process all that is happening around him. "Yuri! Could it be true? Are we getting married? Or is this a cruel joke? Another way to break my spirit, no! If it was only my mother, I would say is one of her countless schemes. What about Miko-sama? Would she be like my mother? What about Greta? She has never done anything like this before.
Meanwhile, all around the castle, everyone is running like headless chickens trying to make sure today's unplanned wedding ceremony goes without a problem.
"I guess Shibuya is really marrying Wolfram, today Conrad." The Great Sage points out while observing the energetic buzzing that is taking the castle like a storm.
Conrad talks to the Great Sage while both of them stand at one of the castle's balconies observing the actions down below. "I'm afraid it is so. Yozak told me that Gwendal was the one who gave him the news. If it had been anyone else, I would have doubt it, your highness. However, seeing that it came straight from my brother's mouth, I have no reason to doubt it but to rejoice on my little brother's happiest day and make sure his majesty's wishes come true."
"Where is Shibuya?" The Great Sage asks while looking straight at Conrad.
Conrad turns to face the Great Sage while answering, "Gwendal took him to the reclusion cell already."
"I see. So, even if it was a misunderstanding, there is no turning back." The Great Sage places his right hand over his chin while resting his elbow on his left hand.
Conrad now turns away and starts to walk away while adding, "No, unless Yuri is prepared to face a civil uprising."
The Great Sage now starts to walk behind Conrad. "What were you thinking, Shibuya? I understand the engagement, but this sudden turn of events. Everything seems… somehow fishy. Unless…" Then the Great Sage begins to run, overtaking Conrad.
"Your highness, where are you going?" Conrad yells after the Great Sage who is almost out of sight.
"Don't worry, Conrad. I'll be at the Temple. I just need to check on something."
The Great Sage is now questioning Ulrike, "So, are you saying that Shinou had nothing to do with this?"
The high-priestess turns a few shades of pink while answering, "Your highness, how do you dare to blame it on The Great One?"
"Because it looks like a prank he would be pulling off. I haven't forgotten about that time he forced Wolfram and Yuri into that evil magical device, the Love Machine." The Great Sage looks dangerously into Ulrike's baby-eyes.
"The Great One and I were discussing how to best handle the intrusion of humans into our sacred place." Ulrike bows ashamed while explaining herself to the Great Sage. "For today's blessing ceremony… since it was a request… from the Maoh. Then, Gunter came to inform me about the change of plans. That, instead of performing a blessing ceremony that the Great One was to perform, the royal marriage between the Maoh and Lord Wolfram von Bielefeld... And as far as I know, the Great One has not left the Temple's ground in all day." She finishes with a sharp tone; she hates to be doubtful. It is not like she is a child; she is over eight hundred years old.
"Where is Shinou now?" The Great Sage asks not convinced.
Ulrike now straightens herself up and looks annoy at the Great Sage, "The Great One is at the mediation room, but don't bother looking for him. He has sealed himself magically to purify his mind until is time for the ceremony."
"Has he?" The Great Sage now turns towards the meditation room.
"What new mess have you gotten yourself into, Yuri Shibuya? How in the world did you end up from getting engaged to getting married this soon?"
Yuri sits down on the stone bench that is the only furniture found on this secluded room. More than a room, it actually looks like a jail cell.
"It's all Shori's fault. The idiot! Why can he just leave me alone? I don't need him to look after me. I can take care of myself." Yuri stands up and begins to pace again. Since he was dragged to this place by his brother, all Yuri has done is to sit or pace every so often—trying to see a way out of this situation.
Then, the cheerful face of his mother pops into his mind, "Yuu-chan, listen to your mama. When lemons rain from Heaven, make lemonade. And don't forget to do it with love because everything that is made with love is sure to turn out great."
"Easy for you to say," Yuri sighs as he begins to evaluate the prospects ahead of him.
"If I don't marry Wolfram, I'm a dead man. Not only will Wolfram kill me personally, but the ten aristocrats will make sure not a single cell in my body stays alive." Yuri stops his pacing then brings his right hand over his chin while his elbow rest on his left.
After a few more seconds, he sits down continuing with his internal dialogue, "However, I'm the Maoh. Maybe they won't kill me after all. Then, all I have to do is avoid Wolfram." Yuri's face begins to brighten at the prospect of not marrying Wolfram.
"But, then, Gwendal will kill me for sure." Yuri now shudders at the image of Gwendal looking at him dangerously with his sword drawn and ready to strike at him.
Then Yuri stands up suddenly, "What about Conrad? Will he want to kill me, too? After all, Wolfram is his little brother and Conrad loves him very much. I wonder if he loves Wolfram more than the Maoh."
Yuri now brings his right hand again to rest on his chin while his elbow stays on his left hand. "What would I do if I were in Conrad's shoes?"
Yuri again begins to pace, "What if it was Greta, the one being jilted at the altar?" Then the image of a heartbroken Greta in her wedding dress pops into his mind. Yuri begins to tremble as a bluish light emanates from his entire body, "I'd kill the bastard who dares to break my little angel's heart."
"Right!" Yuri yelps while he breathes slowly to calm down his raising pulse before he turns into the Maoh. "So, there is no turning back. I must marry Wolfram."
Sitting down again, Yuri continues his mental monologue, "How bad could it be? We have been sleeping together for over two years, and it hasn't been that bad. Sure, he kicks a lot and he snores but last night we have a pleasant sleep."
Then the image of Wolfram trying to kiss him to activate the Love Machine pops into Yuri's mind, Yuri shudders again while making a disgusted face. "What if he wants to have sex? What would I do then?"
Again the image of Miko-sama pops, "When Mama doesn't want to play with Papa, she feigns a headache and takes Tylenol." Yuri covers his face with his hands while adding, "I didn't need to know that."
"Well I can always send Wolfram on a tour throughout the country on the pretense to be more aware of the affairs of Shin Mazuko. And when that is over, he can take care of going abroad to strengthen our relationship with our neighboring nations and allies. The sky is the limit when it comes to finding excuses so we don't have to have sex." Yuri is now more relaxed as he begins to see ways around the subject of having sex with Wolfram. His face is illuminated with a grin as he continues, "Then, I only have to wait for Wolfram to die of natural causes and I'll be a free man. I don't have to worry about age Ulrike is eight hundred years old and still looks like she is about ten or twelve. Wolfram is already eighty years old and old man compared to me. What am I saying?"
Yuri stands up again to begin to pace while adding, "I don't have to wait for Wolfram to be dead. Celi-sama divorced Conrad's dad and married Wolfram's."
Yuri stops while a grin forms in his face, "I just have to be married for a couple of years to save face and then…"
"Turn this way, Wolfy-chan!" Miko-sama yells over the chatter that fills the room while snapping pictures with her digital camera.
Wolfram is enjoying himself with all the attention he is getting despite his initial reluctance to wear the wedding dress. The room is filled with people admiring Wolfram on his wedding gown. Everyone wants to see what an Earth wedding gown looks like and then they are excited when all those wonderful "earthly" products are shown to them like the digital cameras, the video cameras, the cell phones, and all the electronics Bob and his crew brought into Shin Mazuko for the wedding.
"Isn't my Wolfy such a dream?" Celi-sama keeps saying while she allows Bob to take pictures of her and her voluptuous body. She is wearing her Maoh's standard gown, black long dress with a knee high slit and spaghetti straps that barely contain her exuberant bosom.
"Yuri-chan is a lucky bastard, Celi-sama. However, Wolfram's beauty cannot compare with your passionate spirit." Bob replies as he continues snapping pictures of the sexy ex-Maoh.
"So, you think I can keep one of those things. How do you call them? D-i-g-i-t-a-l c- a…" Anissina stutters as she cannot pronounce the names of the wonderful objects that are before her.
"Digital camera and I'll make sure you get one of each." Shori says while explaining her how to use them.
Doctor Rodriguez finds himself fascinating talking to Gisela about how they perform their medical examinations. And Bob's personal assistant talks with Gwendal about security issues. While Greta, Miko-sama, and Shoma Shibuya continue showering Wolfram with attention taking turns at taking pictures with him and his gown. The atmosphere at Covenant Castle is full of excitement and happiness.
"So, how much longer do I have to wait, Murata?" Yuri asks impatiently as he stands beside his best friend at the edge of the Temple's sacred water fall.
"Aren't we anxious today? I had no idea you were so desperate to marry Wolfram." The Great One replies mischievously.
"Don't remind me. It was all a stupid misunderstanding. No, let me rephrase that. It's Shori's fault." Yuri whispers to Murata while glaring at his older brother.
Shori, on the other hand, glares at the Great Sage while mumbling, "Why does my little brother's friend stand next to him in this occasion? It should be me standing next to Yuri. This place's customs suck."
Shori, along with the rest of the family, stand on the side lines formed along the Temple's corridor together with the rest of the guests. They all stand according to rank and relation to the royal couple. Only at the edge of the fountain stand Ulrike, in the middle, and to her left is the Great Sage next to the Maoh. Finally, the wedding fanfares echo on the distant as the wedding procession approaches.
Wolfram comes in the royal carriage accompanied by his mother and brothers. The carriage finally stops at the entrance of the Temple. Gwendal gets out first and holds his right hand up to help his mother out of the carriage. Then, Conrad goes next and both brothers stand in attention at each side while Wolfram gets out of the carriage himself. Celi-sama now snakes her left arm around Wolfram's right arm and they begin to walk towards the shrine. Gwendal and Conrad follow, marching side by side. Finally, they reach the entrance and they stop while Celi-sama gets ready to pull Wolfram's veil down. "Why do I have to wear this thing down? It covers my face. I'm afraid I won't be able to see where I'm going and I'll stumble."
"Wolfy my love, Miko-sama says is bad luck for Yuri to see your face before the Great One orders him to kiss you. She says is something to do from preventing people from giving you the evil eye. So, be a love and do your best not to fall." Celi-sama now pulls the veil down as Conrad and Gwendal open the door for Wolfram to walk in.
Wolfram sighs as the image of the Maoh pops into his head, "Yuri!" Then he starts to walk. He is surprise that the veil actually allows him to see without any obstruction. So, with every step he takes, his stride becomes more confident. His mother walks behind him carefully making sure she does not step on the long train. Conrad and Gwendal each take their mother by one arm walking solemnly behind Wolfram.
Everyone's heads turn towards the doors that have just been opened and admire the beautiful sight of Wolfram walking on his wedding gown. Yuri, too, is mesmerized by the regal figure walking down the aisle. Yuri does not see a woman or a man wearing a dress, but a beautiful person bathe in a golden light walking towards him. "Wolfram! You're a sight." Then all his earlier worries are forgotten as he focuses on the person coming towards him. The shinny light floats on the air like an angel with his white wings extended and bathing on golden rays. Without Yuri noticing, a grin forms in his face.
Wolfram feels his heart rate rising, pumping blood so fast that he is almost dizzy when he sees the big grin on Yuri's face because all this time he has been afraid that everything is a joke, a dream he would have to wake-up soon from. "Yuri!" All his fears vanishing in an instant as soon as he catches sight of Yuri's smiling face then remembering the Great Sage's words, Wolfram whispers, "You do love me. I just have to be patient with you."
Finally, Wolfram stands in front of Ulrike while his mother and brothers take their places next to Yuri's family. Then a horrible and piteous cry is heard echoing on the shrine and as everyone turns to look where it is coming from. Gunter is kneeling on the floor, wailing, while rivers of tears fall to the ground. "Your majesty! Why? Why, are you marrying that loafer? It's supposed to be me… the one to be by your majesty's side."
"Gunter! Behave yourself. We have guests." Gwendal chides while trying to cover the embarrassment.
Then a gentle breeze blows and everyone turns to look at the royal couple. Yuri now stands next to Wolfram facing Ulrike. And the Great One appears floating on the air and the crowd gasps in awe of the Great One's beauty.
"Show off!" The Great Sage whispers while glaring at the Great One who only winks at him then turns his attention to the royal couple standing before him.
"Who stands before me in this solemn occasion?" The Great One asks in a loud and clear voice.
Yuri gulps as he struggles to speak and Wolfram elbows him on the ribs with a strong blow. Yuri only jumps at the force of the hit, "I, the 27th Maoh, Yuri Shibuya and my betrothed Wolfram von Bielefeld."
"What is the reason you stand before me in this solemn occasion?" The Great One continues bringing the pitch of his voice higher as if to scare everyone in the place.
Yuri begins to sweat while his body seems to shake. Wolfram then says between his teeth, "Answer him, you wimp!"
"What am I supposed to say?" Yuri asks in a whisper.
"Just say 'marriage.' You better not blow this one up or I'll kill you, wimp." Wolfram chides.
Then with a wide grin, Yuri answers loud and clear, "Marriage!"
The Great One now spills some water over Wolfram as he says, "You may kiss your betrothed 27th Maoh, Yuri Shibuya."
Yuri is frozen in place unable to move while a lump is stuck on the middle of his throat. "I forgot about the kiss."
"What are you waiting for? Kiss me already." Wolfram continues hissing through his teeth.
Yuri now takes a big breath as he prepares himself to kiss Wolfram. He turns to face him and picks the veil up. And he is struck once again by the glistering beauty of Wolfram's emerald eyes, the brightness of his blond hair that looks more like strands of polished gold and then the tempting ruby-red lips that look more like a ripe juicy cherry. Yuri sighs as he leans to go for the kiss. Wolfram is horrified by Yuri's actions and, as he tries to evade the half open mouth, he falls to the floor pulling Yuri along. The crowd all gasp in horror at the actions of the Maoh. Yuri is confused. "Why are you fighting me, Wolfram? It's only a kiss. We have kissed once before. Remember the Love Machine?"
Wolfram continues to evade Yuri's parted lips while asking, "What are you doing, Yuri?"
"The ceremony requires that I kiss you. You say to kiss you." Yuri answers confused.
"You're supposed to kiss me on the right cheek. You wimp! You proposed by slapping on the left cheek and get married by kissing the right cheek." Wolfram instructs Yuri while panting. His face is redder than a ripe tomato and hotter than the sun during the summer solstice.
Yuri now looks up and sees the horrified faces of everyone. Then, he grins wider if at all possible, as he gets up from the floor helping Wolfram do the same. Once they both are standing again in front of the Great One who only smiles mischievously, Yuri plants a wet and sound kiss on Wolfram's right cheek. At this, everyone erupts in applauses and the couple is soon separated by the swarm of people wanting to congratulate the newlyweds.
"You just couldn't leave them alone." Murata looks straight at the Great One while Wolfram and Yuri are carried away from the shrine by the elated guests.
The Great One watches the last person leave. The two of them are now alone in the shrine. Murata turns to face the Great Sage who says, "I didn't do anything that wasn't supposed to happen, but, then again, all I did was just speed up the events." He now moves away from the sacred waterfall as he readies to go to the meditation room, his favorite hangout.
"People aren't your play toys, Shinou. You need to grow up and stop playing pranks." The Great Sage chides the Great One.
At this, the Great One looks straight at Murata, "Only my strategist can get away with statements like that."
"Someone has to keep watch on your mischievous ways," The Great Sage retorts playfully.
"Who keeps watch over you?" The Great One asks solemnly.
Murata is surprised by the question. Then, his lips curl into a smile, "I'm the Great Sage. No one needs to keep watch over me."
"Mmm!" The Great One floats mid-air while Murata stands below him. "Am I to understand that over four thousand years no one has risen to the job?"
Murata gazes into the azure pools that grace the Great One's face before answering, "One did, but I guess I was too much of a burden."
The Great One now leaves Murata's side while adding, "Never say that. You are no body's burden but my pillar of strength."
TBC
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of Kyo Kara Maoh! That totally and unashamedly appears on this fan fiction. They are the product of Tomo Takabayashi and Temari Matsumoto's wonderful imagination and art. However, the plot is totally my selfish desire to get some romantic thrills, which are only alluded to or implied, in their creative work.
Author's Notes: I want to give a profuse thanks to HARPGO who offer to beta Yuri's Treasure for me. I like to add that she was a goddess send since I'm aware what a poor editor I am. So, I'm totally convinced that one of the nine Muses send her for Kyo Kara Maoh! Sakes since she saw my proofreading skills and almost faint horrify of them. After all, HARPGO and I share the same first name. Just a quick note, the part where Celi-sama tells Wolfram about the usage of the veil superstitions was provided by HARPGO, thanks for your insights. Also any more grammatical errors are my entire fault since I change some stuff around base on some other suggestions.