According to the reports from Yozak, when the Svelera official's and royals had discovered the empty quarries, they had attempted to force the native women and female children to mine the stones instead. But with the Box absent from the land and sealed within a Voltaire/Wincott purifying barrier, the mines dried quickly and the Svelera royals were left with a revolt on their hands and no funding; with no stones left to trade with and nothing else to offer, the other human nations refused to support them; they hadn't exactly been cordial to their surrounding human nations.
Thorough testing during that month with Yuri's aid and knowledge led then to discover the Esoteric stones were the result of crystallised impure elemental energy, while the demon stones were the result of crystallised pure elemental magic.
0-0-0
Two months after the rescue of their people from the Svelera mines, Anissina had been summoned to the King's office. Anissina was curious, wondering if the King needed her to invent something. Knocking on his office door, she was soon called in and motioned to sit in the chair across from his desk.
She found it odd none of the others were in the room.
"I was informed you write a book series with a female heroine?" inquired Yuri bluntly, too stressed with paperwork for anything else.
"Yes sire" this is about her books?
"I would like to condition a series of works designed to empower women passed the housekeeper role." Yuri admitted as he leafed through the three reviews he'd received on her books as well as others "I was informed your work was well written and well known" Yuri commented as he looked at his summary notes.
"Thank you sire!" Finally! Some acknowledgment from the male species!
"But it's unrealistic for the average women." Yuri deadpanned finally, before raising his hand to stem her coming rant when he saw her open her mouth to do so, "For you perhaps not. But the little house wife down the street isn't likely to have the magical power, let alone education, required to create and power a new invention with each new obstacle she faces. Nor is she likely to go looking for said dangerous obstacles described in your book." Anissina closed her mouth at that, seeing his point.
"These are the story outline ideas for each series I want in the first round." Yuri handed the documents over. He wanted each series to encompass three or five books with inspirational and empowering quotes mixed in. his mother had showed him when he was younger using the internet and books how before the more louder women's rights movement had started, there was a more silent one going on behind the scenes.
He would treat this as if he was boiling a toad.
"They're so…boring." Anissina monotoned as she read the suggested title and story outline for each series, "These titles are so…" subservient? bland? There was no fire to the titles like her own amazing works held.
His highness nodded, before his next words shocked her.
"The bland titles were chosen purposely. The unassuming title is a play on the perception that women are unassuming or weak." It would also disarm anyone in their life who was inclined to violence or extreme control issues. A partner was less likely to feel threatened by a less…bold…title and allow their spouse to read.
"The humble maid who worked to master a sword -as a hobby- and ends up saving her family during a bandit raid because of her skill, earning a place on the Kings guard when he hears of her skill.
The girl who learned to cook for her farther when her mother died and how she eventually found work in a kitchen as a chief in an upper-class restaurant. Working to open her own in the future.
They're all humble little stories meant to inspire women and men to better themselves in simple ways; learning a weapon so they'll not feel helpless, a craft skill to support themselves if needed or relieve stress. Confidence, pride, humility and strength are what I want the readers to learn from each book Ms Anissina." Yuri informed the writer before him. while she was the most well-known author close to him, but if she gave him trouble he'd easily find another lead author.
"I want pages in the back of each book dedicated to teaching the basics of the skill emphasized in the book. The first book may teach the reader about the common equipment used and why, the next how to use them, and the rest to teach a basic technique or skill." He still remembered when his mother had caught the girl next door coming home trashed one night, he remembered listening from his bedroom window as his mother's speech about how 'Men won't respect women if they won't respect themselves first' drifted in. The next day she had dragged the girl shopping to buy respectable modest clothing. It was amazing what changing a girl's fashion style could do. The trampy girl next door ended up going back to school and became a laboratory technician, rather than 16 and pregnant like he was expecting at the time.
When he'd asked his mother about it later, she explained that for women, they were bombarded with sexist propaganda so much in the media and everyday life that they were literally programmed not to try.
He wished to try do the opposite it this case.
Looking to his notes, specifically the skills he wished to encourage, Yuri sighed. He wasn't the best at making lists; he was more of an action person.
"Why not just order the men to change sire" demanded Anissina; the solution seemed simple enough to her.
"Your behaviour is tolerated because of your status as a noble and your brother's reputation, but if a common woman tried to even talk as you do, she'd be beaten severely in punishment at best or killed at worst." Yuri deadpanned seriously, startling the Noblewomen.
Sipping his hot chocolate, Yuri sighed. While he wasn't a fan of mint tea, he could handle a bit in his hot chocolate. For some reason his stomach had been really unsettled lately, so he'd had to watch his food more closely than normal.
Eyeing a ranting Anissina, Yuri sighed again.
Maybe he should have thought this through more? Find someone who could listen to more than one opinion…
"Highness?"
"Hmm?"
"What are you thinking about?" inquired Conrart, having entered when he heard the loud noises coming from the Kings office.
"That perhaps asking Anissina for help in this matter was a mistake." Admitted Yuri calmly as he eyed the women. If nothing else, he could put his ideas on the web back on Earth and have a hobby writer write the stories for him.
"May I inquire why sire?"
"She can't put her own feelings and opinions aside in order to discuss the project sensibly, let alone work on it." Stated Yuri bluntly, causing Anissina to turn a shade of red Yuri had yet to see before on a grown woman.
In the end, Yuri hired a number of writers to write each book; the more popular and accurate version would be the one used by the crown. At the moment, Gunter and a number of the soldiers and maids were having their brains picked apart by said writers.
He wanted the books to give an accurate portrayal of each occupation and their average skill sets.
0-
Smoothing down his jacket as he prepared to head down to the town and observe the grand unveiling of the first books for 'A Mothers Will' and 'Daughter' Will', he was startled when a pair of strong hands reached over and looped something around his neck. Looking down, Yuri spotted the necklace Conrart had given him a while ago. He couldn't help but smile back at Yozak as the man started playing with his –now rust coloured- hair.
"You're getting quite long now." Commented Yozak as he tried to pull the loose strands into two pigtails. Yuri's lips twitched in amusement at Yozak's antics. Yozak was no doubt already plotting putting him in a dress.
"Perhaps I should cut it?"
"Leave it."
Knock, Knock
"Come in."
Dacascos stood there in the opening, arms straight down at his sides. "An announcement, Sir!"
"Yes, what is it?" Yuri regarded the soldier in the doorway with a steady look, happy smile still in place as Yozak continued to fiddle with his hair.
"Sir! It concerns his Royal Majesty..." Dacascos almost looked like he would faint from the strain that was showing on his face, his eyes staring at the once black haired King with worry as he glanced at Yozak and Conrart.
"You have no need to be so formal or secretive about whatever it is." Yuri hadn't hidden any of his more pressing plans from either man and was well aware Ry wouldn't tattle on him, so he wasn't worried. "Please, just tell me the message."
"Sir... actually, there is a person at the castle gates who wishes to be seen by your Majesty."
Yuri blinked, that was not following procedure. "Affairs of that nature must first go through Gunter, Dacascos."
The soldier looked extremely uncomfortable, his pallid face beginning to turn an odd shade of pink, the man actually clearing his throat roughly. "Yes, you see... however... Sir... This affair is of an extremely personal nature... so if I could just tell his Majesty in private..."
"Dacascos, please, just say whatever it is."
"Very well, there is a young person who has just arrived at the castle, claiming to be the ill-begotten offspring of his Majesty."
Yuri's raven brows immediately raised in complete befuddlement and surprise at that. "Pardon?"
"A young person has arrived claiming to be the child of his Highness!" Dacascos looked beyond ready to pass out when he laid eyes on Yozak's murderous smile.
"Where is this so called ill-begotten offspring?" Conrart inquired, his own trust in Yuri had him questioning the authenticity of Dacascos's statement.
"Actually just inside the front door. The child brought an emblem of the Great Demon Kingdom that they say could only have been inherited by generations of Demon Kings and their kin." He looked nervous then, his glance flickering sideways towards the doorway behind him. "So I could not deny the child entry..."
"That is most peculiar; his Majesty's emblem has not yet been designed." Yozak's Azul eyes stared down into the guard's and narrowed; he had to be well aware of these little things due to his line of work, "So without a doubt this child does not belong to his Majesty."
"I would certainly hope not." Yuri wanted to roll his eyes at Yozak, but was aware of Yozak's insecurities. "However, that begs the question of whose emblem it is." Sighing, Yuri pulled lightly at one bang. "Please have her escorted to a guest room after being searched for weapons, with guards. Please also inform Gunter and Gwendal I require their presence in my office Dacascos." Ordered Yuri pleasantly, Dacascos rushed to comply.
"You don't seem bothered sire." Commented Conrart, curious about Yuri's calm.
Yuri blinked once at Conrart. "I have been here for less than a year. It is physically impossible for this child to be mine." Replied Yuri logically, calming Yozak with this logic.
"Why were we summoned?" inquired Gwendal grumpily after an hour, singed hair giving away just why his mood was so sour.
"Apparently a child bearing a Noble Demon Tribe emblem has appeared claiming to be mine." Yuri informed them bluntly, wanting to ignore this oddness until after the trip to town.
"WHAT!"
My, those two sure can be loud. Thought Yuri amusedly, his ears used to his brothers loud voice already. "A child bearing a Demon Tribe emblem has appeared claiming to be mine." He repeated calmly. "I have had them searched and placed in a guest suite for the time being. I simply wished for you two to lead the investigation until I return." Yuri informed them
0-0
Wandering among the townsfolk, Yuri listened as they crowded close to the book store. While he knew the real numbers wouldn't appear until the second book, he was still excited and nervous about this venture, but he also knew it was a good first step for another idea he held.
"You're quite happy Yuri." Observed Conrart happily, finally getting used to saying Yuri's name out loud.
When they returned to the castle, Gunter and Gwendal were in foul moods. Surprising the returning party.
"What's wrong?" inquired Yuri, not used to seeing Gunter being seriously angry before.
"A dagger was discovered one her person." Gunter informed them angrily. Upset anyone would even contemplate harming the King!
Yuri sighed; he'd had her searched out of habit, for them to have found something meant nothing good.
"Is she still were I originally had her placed?"
"Yes. I knew you would not take kindly to other more reasonable suggestions such as her being placed in the dungeon."
"Thank you. What of her motives?" Yuri inquired, wondering what could have drawn her to attempt this.
"She hasn't said a word since the dagger was discovered." they were all reluctant to torture a child. Yuri seemed to be able to pick up on this.
"What are your plans for her, Gwendal?" Even though the final decision ultimately rested in Yuri's hands, he knew just how protective a lot of the people around him were of him.
"Remember that child attempted to assassinate you." Gwendal's eyes narrowed slightly, both fists clenching by his sides, thinking that the King himself could have been injured on their watch. "One cannot get off lightly with that sort of crime."
"A crime is a crime." Gwendal gritted out, seeing Yuri's expression grow defensive. He didn't like how lacks the King was on this matter. "No matter how young the perpetrator."
"I'd like to see her." commented/ordered Yuri, knowing a trick from his own family's interrogators that could help if she was trained to be tight lipped that couldn't harm her.
With that they traversed the corridors to her assigned room.
Looking into the guarded guest room, Yuri saw the small human child. Looking at her body more closely, he noticed the little signs of neglect and more recent signs of malnutrition. Entering the room, Yuri motioned for the others to stay outside for the moment.
"Hello," Yuri kneeled before the child on the bed, "What's your name?" when no answer was forthcoming, Yuri channelled his magic to his eyes, causing them to slit, before brushing her mind with his magic; making a word appear in his mind's eye when he repeated the question.
Greta.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Greta" greeted Yuri happily, startling the child and shocking the others present outside the door. "Who gave you that medallion?"
Hube.
"Did this Hube put you up to this?" inquire Yuri, it sounded like a nickname for Huber, but this situation didn't fit with what he knew about the man. He was supposedly very loyal to the demon kingdom.
"No! It's not Hube's fault!" cried Greta, distraught. Not knowing how the man in front of her was finding this out.
"Then tell me why" pleaded Yuri sadly, assassins weren't treated kindly by any; it was only her status as a child that had stayed their hand so far. Without a good reason he knew his options were still limited in dealing with her.
0-
"Call Gisela Gunter, I wish for a though check-up on our little assassin." Commanded Yuri as he left her room, he thought he noticed something odd about her.
"Why sire?"
"Her state of health can tell us a lot Gunter." Yuri stretched "I need a vacation!"
Wondering down the corridor back to his office, Yuri contemplated the current situation.
0-0
Staring at the ocean once more, Yuri sighed.
They were taking this chance for a holiday at the hot springs. Yuri's lips pressed together as his eyes narrowed in thought, knowing that as much as he really did wish to rest, he couldn't fully do so; not when he was finally getting closer to finding Lord Griesela Geigen Huber and also the birth of the man and Nicola's first child.
"You think this will work Yozak?" inquired Yuri, prompting Yozak to come out of his hiding place. Yozak nodded, even if he wasn't too happy about this as he approached Yuri from behind. Pun intended. Yuri enjoyed the warmth of his lover's arms sliding around him.
"If Lord Griesela's hiding here, word on his wife and child should ferret him out."
"Was he certain?" Yuri's head tipped to the large metal medallion resting against his palm, his thumb brushing over its surface tracing the raised design.
"Very certain." Yozak leaned against the railing of the ship, his long orange hair whipping against his cheeks lightly in the sea breeze. "It is Geigen Huber's, there is no doubt in Sir Plum's mind." they'd taken the medallion to the royal metal smith to have the identity of the owner confirmed. They all used the same man because of the possibility for situations such as this
Yuri shifted a little closer to Yozak, their elbows touching lightly together. "There are so many questions she might just be able to answer..." Yuri sighed, "We are so close to finding him, I can feel it."
"We will find him."
"What's going to happen when we do? Twenty years of exile is punishment enough." Yuri felt an odd shifting in his chest, "He has found the Demon Flute... its time he came home." he felt like he could almost breathe normally again. His eyes swept over the tense lines of his beloved spy's face, knowing that the thought of Huber returning to the Great Demon Kingdom angered him, yet Yozak was still willing to help him despite his own feelings, sending his own men out to search for the man. Shifting in closer, his hand reached out to stroke along the side of Yozak's cheek.
"We bring him back." Yozak sighed, he knew the tantrum he threw before they had left port was eating Yuri up…and not in a good way. "I understand why you're doing this even if I'm not happy with the situation" The fingers of one hand lightly tapped against the wood of the railing, clearly searching for the words that seemed to elude him. "I hate him for the deaths of my friends he caused, for almost getting me and Conrart killed with his bigotry…Do you think he truly has changed, Yuri?" Yozak offered Yuri a tight smile. Still not comfortable talking truthfully about his feelings of all things.
"The evidence presented to us now with Nicola and the others in Svelera suggests he has changed from the xenophobic idiot he was during the war."
Yozak laughed at that, mood lightening.
0-0
As he sat beside her bed, Yuri was pushing a slow gentle flow of healing magic into Greta's body, easing the raging heat of her fever; which had started soon after they had come aboard the ship. It was almost like Greta was having withdrawal symptoms from the Boxes absence; though he couldn't tell if it was from addiction or if her body was attempting to flush out the poison that was the boxes influence.
He soon felt her heartbeat slowly rise; alerting Yuri to the fact she was waking. It wasn't long before Rich brown eyes drifted open, blinking slowly to stare at the ceiling overhead. Likely still in a daze due to the fever.
"How are you feeling?"
She jerked, her body tensing beneath the sheets at the sound of his question; most likely only just noticing that there were others within the room.
She remained silent.
"I'm Yuri Shibuya Weller." He offered his own name, before smiling as he glanced towards Conrart, who looked quite like a lazy cat at that moment. "And the man over there is my godfather, Conrart."
"Hello, Greta." Conrart offered with his own smile when the girl's eyes glanced towards him. Though his hands didn't drift far from his sword regardless, though only Yuri and Conrart seemed to notice this.
"Greta." Yuri's voice was gentle as he gave her a gentle look. "You still have a fever. Would it be alright if I continued to treat you?" A finger lightly touched the back of the hand he had been holding earlier. She flinched away at the touch, but her gaze quickly lifted to watch Yuri's face. "If you want me to stop at any time, just tell me. I won't be angry and I'm certain we can find some medicine if you would prefer that method of treatment."
Her fingers brushed against his palm, he carefully closed his much larger hand around her smaller one. The warmth of healing magic began to tickle softly against her skin, but immediately easing the pain she was feeling.
Brown eyes widened at the magic she was witnessing, but didn't pull away.
"We won't hurt you, Sweetheart. I only want to see you well again."
0-0
"This is a colossal waste of esoteric stones. All this flim-flam wasn't here before." Conrart's expression was a touch disgusted as he took in the scene. Having brought Yuri here because it had been a very relaxing place the last time he was here, but it had changed dramatically since then.
"I would have to agree." Yuri sighed, his gaze swept along the vast tracks of street that were illuminated like those in Tokyo, the colours so bright that it almost dazzled him. but His lips turned upwards into a small smile when he felt a tug on the edge of his jacket, eyes flicking down and realising that Greta was close to his side, Greta's face was lit up, eyes wide in her small face, observing everything that was going on around them. It was clear the entertainments and distractions that this city was becoming famous for besides its hot springs was unusual in this world. On Earth the people wouldn't even bat an eye to see something so gaudy on display.
"Hey, Mister." A blonde woman sidled up to Conrart, her revealing black dress barely hiding anything as she gazed up at the powerful warrior who stood beside Yuri. Another woman, who's air was tied back into two twists at the back of her head, offered them a weak smile too as she stood beside the 'perkier' blonde.
"Hey, do you guys what to come with us and have a real good time?" The blonde beamed up at Conrart, flashing white teeth in a little grin. "We work in the place over there, nice and close." Her hand had reached out to lightly brush over the front of his white shirt, tracing the line of buttons in a slow caress. "Your friend there is more than welcome to..."
"Forgive us, Ladies." The Conrart offered them a charming smile. "I am sorry, but we are not interested in an amusement centre, none of my party gamble. Besides, we wish to go settle into our accommodations before it gets any later."
The girls just smiled at the men, the blonde clearly not offended by the fact that she had been declined.
0-0
"What do you want?" demanded a rat of a man as he counted his stolen deeds once more. He didn't know what a soldier would want with him at this hour; it was far too early for him to have been swindled already.
"His Majesty, King Yuri Shibuya of Shin Makoku requests that should Lord Griesela Geigen Huber be in your employment, that he be informed his wife Nicola is safe and well and awaiting the arrival of their first child." taking a deep breath, the soldier continued, "His Majesty also wishes for him to be informed that as he successfully completed his mission, he is ordered to appear before his majesty for reassignment." He finished, before saluting and departing; happy to be out of the vile man's company as he made his way to the next establishment, missing the stormy teal eyes following his retreat.
0-0
Hearing someone knocking on the door, Yuri recognised the man on the other side as the one they had seen during their first night in the city.
"Hello?"
"Nicola, is she truly safe?" demanded the man bluntly, Yuri could feel the desperation rolling off of him in waves.
Yuri blinked, before smiling as he realised who this could be.
"Hube I'm assuming?" the man inclined his head "Please come in." moving aside, Yuri led the man further into the hotel room.
"Nicola is doing well physically. Gwendal got her in touch with you parents shortly after we returned from Svelera." Yuri informed him as he set to work making some tea for them. his mother's teachings kicking in.
"Physically?"
"Hmm, mentally is another story." Admitted Yuri as he set the loaded tray down before seating himself, "she puts up a brave front, but she's worried sick for you and your child; she doesn't want your child to grow up without ever knowing their father."
"A child?"
"Mine?"
"100% yours" confirmed Yuri patiently, The utter devastation and anguish that had torn the man's soul apart thinking that Nicola had been taken from him was obvious to Yuri. And he knew the idea of him being a father may be a bit shocking right now for Lord Huber; the man actually looked like he was in LaLa land at the moment. "We wish for you to return to Shin Makoku."
"My crimes-"
"Are not forgiven or forgotten." Stated Yuri bluntly, Yozak was really rubbing off on him, "But you completed your assigned task for the crime and therefore will not be perused further on that matter." Added Yuri, he only felt something on this matter because he saw how badly Yozak and Conrart were affected by the event. But he didn't think it was solely Hube's fault. It was the Queen's as well for allowing all of it to happen in the first place.
"I want to go home."
Yuri nodded. That was all he needed to know.
"Come home Hube. To the woman who loves you and the child you have yet to hold."