((A/N: And now we arrive at the pivotal point my readers. The event that I have spent the last two years setting up is finally here. But first it is time to reveal the secret that has been in front of you every time you receive an update. And here it is: 'заговор кровавого снега' is the title of the story. Anyone who speaks Russian knows that there are several different adjectives that can be used for a color. And with a friend's help, I went though several of them until I came up with the one I felt best.
To be honest, I've been deceptive with you all. And I apologize. Though anyone who can read Cyrillic would have seen the deception but that's beside the point. In any case here's the deception. 'Conspiracy of Red Snow' is not the true translation of the title. The actual translation of the Cyrillic characters is: 'Zagovor Krovaviy Snega' or 'Conspiracy Bloody Snow'. At last my readers, you will see the 'true' nature of this tale. Thanks once again to Elder Master for betas. Let the roulette begin!))
(Winter Palace: Noble Apartments)
"Chiyo returned in the late hours, Milady." Tamao said as she walked Nagisa's breakfast to the table. Nagisa sat ensconced in a heavy robe as she awaited the meal.
"Did you question her Tamao? Of course you did." Nagisa said knowingly.
"To no avail Milady, Chiyo appeared to be disheveled and very tired. I do believe her dress was quite wrinkled as if it had sat in a pile for some time." Tamao reported as she heard Nagisa stop moving.
"Did she appear hurt? And why was I not woken?" Nagisa demanded as her stomach turned sour.
"She was not hurt Milady and I did not wake you because you were sleeping so peacefully. I did not wish to disturb you." Tamao said as the images of last night refilled her head once more. Tamao, however, expertly kept her composure as she turned to face her master.
"What do you suspect she was doing until morning!? I suppose being devoured by 'that' woman." Nagisa spat as she stood up. Her anger and concern billowed with each breath as she glowered at Tamao as her ire continued to mount.
"Chiyo visited the chapel last night for the very things she's witnessed going on. Her late return was prompted by this. She was not hurt or 'devoured' as you have said Milady. The fact of her unsatisfactory appearance resulted from this." Tamao said as the main door slowly creaked open. But Nagisa was too irate at this point to care about the door or who entered from it.
"So she went to the chapel stripped her clothing off and then put it back on!? This makes no sense Tamao! Who told you this rubbish?!" Nagisa roared.
"I did, Lady Nagisa." Tsubomi said as she entered the room. "Only that she did not strip her clothing off in the chapel. She did so in my quarters. Lady Chiyo has been experiencing some conflict. I allowed her to use my body as an outlet for this conflict."
"So you mean to tell me that a nun has done that sort of thing with my servant?!" Nagisa yelled as her focus now directed on Tsubomi.
"Milady mistakes the intention and also the result. I did urge Lady Chiyo to absolve herself of her worries and fears. But I did not mesmerize her in any way. She came to me because of her conflicted feelings. And I would not hold her in Milady's kindling wrath." Tsubomi stated as she remained in a slight bow.
For a moment Nagisa remained silent as she considered the nun's words. It was too much for her to handle as she sat back down sighing openly before refocusing on Tsubomi. "Your elder sister will hear of this. I will seek her explanation and until then begone from my sight." Nagisa ordered as Tsubomi bowed and exited nary a word.
"When Chiyo has awakened, notify her that she is to remain in these quarters doing the chores you would normally do. You will accompany me until this matter is settled. While I do not think any malice is involved, I will seek Sister Yaya's reasoning for this sort of unorthodox behavior." Nagisa stated as she began to eat slowly attempting to edge her appetite back in.
"Yes Milady, I am also at fault here and I apologize." Tamao said as she resumed her place behind Nagisa.
"For what Tamao? If anything Sister Tsubomi is at fault here, not Chiyo." Nagisa stated as her appetite ebbed back into her.
"I have known for some time that Chiyo is struggling with what she believes to be impure feelings. But this is not something that Milady should be troubled with. After all, Chiyo's weak resolve causes her to be feeble in her pursuits. It is not something that anyone should need worry about. Namely Milady" Tamao finished. The chill in Tamao's voice only slightly told of the strained relationship between herself and Chiyo. But still, it was enough.
"Very well Tamao, but I will still ask Sister Yaya about these methods." Nagisa stated as her concern was placated by very practiced words.
"It is Milady's prerogative to do as she wishes. I live only to serve those wishes." Tamao's cool sweet voice spoke this many times before. And the numbing venom in them would keep her Lady's focus away from such trivial things as the guilty rutting of a pure bred stupid bitch of a servant.
Or as Tamao could only hope.
(Winter Palace: Northwest hall)
The dawn had risen once again over the palace. And same as every day the servant staff worked in the morning hours to stoke the hearths, wash the windows and make ready for the day. The morning began to make itself known and the noble people there would soon wake from their increasingly restless nights. Even more apparent, the pair walking down the hall was showing signs of misbalance.
"I received your letter at an inconvenient time. It would serve you well to deliver your own musings to me then have your vassals approach me in your stead. But such are your ways and I suspect they will never change." Yaya said as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Yaya's alertness appeared to be compromised and she did not appear to be happy in the least.
"The early evening is an inconvenient time? I suspected you might welcome the distraction. After all to lead such a boring life as yours…ufufu… I do not think I could stand it." Chikaru stated as two figures followed her from behind. "Kizuna, did you find that you were disturbing Sister Yaya?"
"Sister Yaya was praying. I waited some time before I made my presence known." Kizuna reported in her light tone.
"I knew she was there. But that is beside the point. Do you expect me to do something about these musings? I should hope you are not expecting help from 'us'." Yaya stated flatly.
"Oh? 'Us' is it?..." Yaya paused with a knowing smile. "… I see no need to take any action. They are after all, just 'musings'." Chikaru said with a smirk as she watched Yaya's shoulders tremble.
"They why did you bring 'them' to me? Suspecting dubious activity is not warrant for me to notify the order! I cannot do it! Not just on the gut of a noble from a family that has the faintest linage of 'hunting' capabilities. Not even Her Highness can give such an order. Given the imbalance of power currently in the Holy Synod, those old codgers would be hard pressed to get a blessing from, much less anything else." Yaya informed in annoyance.
"Do you think I can bring them to Her Highness? If her ingrained convictions aren't enough to blind her then …" Chikaru paused as she heard a scream. The sound of rushed feet followed as several servant girls ran away from the northwest corner.
"What in the heavens is going on?!" Yaya demanded as the girls ran past her.
"The Matron must be summoned! There has been a murder!"