-So Montecchio, which two nobles will be part of your team? asked the king.
-Your highness I replied I choose the Oliveira and regularly I would choose the Capuleto, but as he isn t among us any longer; I choose the Andrade.
-I accept and approve said the king with a nod you shall have access to all material our investigation had and royal entry to any place you wish to enter; take the documents with my personal representative. Anyone else have any question?
-Not a single one your highness replied all nobles together.
-So I declare this meeting over, Montecchio; you are free to act, just keep us informed ok? asked the king.
All stood up and began leaving with the place; both Oliveira and Andrade came to my direction and as soon as they were near I said:
-Well, we need to set some details on our operation, would you two like to come to my place today to decide how we are going to act?
-Sorry Montecchio Andrade said but I left suddenly a very important meeting at my family business, so at the moment I can t go; could we set up something for tomorrow?
-Of course, alright with me! And you Oliveira, agreed? I asked her.
-Alright by me, which time shall we meet? she asked us.
-Nine o clock in the morning sounds good with you? I proposed.
-Yeah replied Andrade so we meet at your residence tomorrow ok? Will we have those wonderful cookies we used to when we had meetings at your noble residence?
-Yes! Of course we will have them! I will ask for a very fresh batch of it for tomorrow morning! I began thinking it has been some time since I last ate Kikuri cookies.
-Well, then I need to run or I won t make it on time! said Andrade and, turning to the exit direction, ran.
-Richard - said Oliveira blushing slightly can I arrive a little bit earlier? Around eight AM? I would like to deal with a more private subject, is it alright with you?
-Sure, not a problem, would you like to have breakfast with me? I invited her after seeing Andrade running through the exit.
-No, I would like having time to just talk to you, ok? Do you know what we will deal about right? she asked me.
-Yes I indeed know, about our promise yeah I know - replied without a single drop of motivation on my voice.
-That settles it then, we shall speak about that tomorrow, see you soon Richard - said as she headed to the exit, wagging her tail slightly Kyou get our stuff and lets go.
-Right away, my master said Kyou, Oliveira s personal caretaker as she diligently headed to do what she was told.
The noble Oliveira was an average sized nekomimi, with her 5 7 feet (174 cm) high, red colored hair and black fur; she had green eyes and graceful walking, exactly as expected of a noble of this caliber; she was practically perfect for her 25 years, with the exception of her right paw, which was always inside a luxurious pair of gloves that paw had a X shaped scar on it.
How did I know that if she always used gloves you ask me? Simple! The promise had to do with that scar. A while back I was on the royal playground park, where L via Oliveira and Leandro Capuleto and other noble kids were playing; used widely on urgent noble meetings. Both Leandro and I were eight years old and L via was five, it was just a few days until the earthquake that killed both my parents and siblings.
I used to be an isolated kid, being the 6th son of the family I was always kept aside; that led me to become very attached to Nina and very distant from all other people. Leandro was always trying to get to be my friend at these moments and talked to the Weird Montecchio boy seeing as all my older brothers were popular and were always in the spotlight.
Although I never gave him a chance for his friendship, he never gave up; I believed he would stop trying sooner or later, as all of them would do however time passed and he kept trying, coming to my house for visits, talking to me at that park, staying at my side; typical case of instant affinity on his behalf, something that happened on that day though, changed my vision of life.
Silva, ten years old at that time, was pestering and making mean comments to a nekomimi girl; if I wasn t wrong, that red hair could only belong to the Oliveira s daughter, Leandro ran at their direction and something in me followed suit, upon arriving at the place we noticed that Silva wanted the five years old nekomimi girl s candy; threatening her with a pocket knife
Stop it I shouted, without even knowing why I did that, If you lay one finger at her you shall have to deal with me Silva then looked at me and said: Oh! Well, isn t it the nutty Montecchio trying to play hero here? Get out of here as this doesn t concern you, otherwise you will get hurt brat! I still can really point out why I did that, however I was still weak and a coward, I hated violence and in the end, the one being saved was I, when I was attacked by the pocket knife and Oliveira positioned herself in front of me and had her paw hurt twice in an X pattern.
After all that commotion, Oliveira became really good friends with both me and Leandro, always hanging around when we had palace meetings. Days after the big earthquake, that left me an orphan, we became great friends, with both of them trying to defend me from the mean noble kids that insisted on being mean to me five years later, already practicing the Cat-fu diligently I protected her from a rape attempt and Leandro from almost being killed trying to save her. On that very day she made me a promise:
-Richard! I want to marry you!
-But - I replied totally speechless with this revelation.
-Don t you like me Richard? Won t I be a good person to you? she asked with tears already forming on her eyes.
-It is not that it is just that I wouldn t be a good husband to you L via - we called ourselves by our first names when we were not on meetings.
-Why? Don t you like me?
-It is not that, I do like you but I don t love you actually I don t believe I will ever love someone someday I will be alone most probably said believing I would never love someone like that, still oblivious to my own feelings to Yumi.
-Then it is decided! Make this promise with me! Please! she begged.
-And which promise it would be? I asked, without much interest in the subject.
-I SHALL BE YOUR WIFE! L via shouted.
-What? I asked again totally caught by surprise by her again you know that I will never love anyone most probably -So if you think that you won t be able to love anyone someday then make this promise! I shall be your fianc e until the day you complete thirty years, if by them if hadn t found out the person the you will love, I will marry you! Even if it is just to take care of you!
-Well, it is settled then - I replied faintly, thinking she would give up soon.
Of course that now, 20 years later, it is noticeable it didn t happen and every time we met she would ask if I remembered our promise or if I had found someone that I loved and that shared the same feelings for me that is, as I loved Yumi but knew it would never work out, so I wouldn t take that into consideration this time Oliveira must want to talk about their plans I hadn t got even the slightest will to talk about that tomorrow but I was a noble and my word was worth much more than one thousand signed papers
-Akira-chan I called her, seeing she was hypnotized by a metal armor that was being displayed on the corner of the room let s go, we need to go, we are going to have a busy day and in the afternoon we shall buy an engagement ring for Kikuri to give it as a present to Kikuri at the dinner.
-Yes! replied a smiling Akira, when suddenly she froze and small tears began forming on her little eyes w we won t go by by car, right?
-Yes we will - she said smiling, while hugging a uncontrollably shaking Akira now that we don t have an emergency, I promise not to run, do you trust me?
-Y Yes - replied nodding and whipping the tears with her paws.
I took Akira by her little paw and took her to the, we went to our office and tried our very best to settle our schedule that day; it wasn t easy, although we managed somehow. About five o clock in the afternoon I called home and it was Yumi that answered it; after a big uncomfortable moment I said:
-Yumi, ask Enmie to come to the city please? The driver shall take her alright? Tell her I will explain the motive of this once we meet.
-Y Yes Richard - replied Yumi, in a way that sounded really bad for me.
-T Thanks Yumi I answered, hanging up afterwards.
That hurt quite a lot, my heart bled from something that simple Yumi didn t use to call me by my name since the second week we have known each other, which means that for long 20 years I was used to her affectionate way of calling me that touched the sore spot and made me think if it was right to try something with Kikuri with that wound on my heart? I quickly discarded those thoughts imagining it was even better to have her together with me, it may be that one day I can love someone and leave L via follow her own path, not that I didn t see enough qualities in Oliveira it was just that if it was going to be without love, I would rather be alone.
Brushing uncomfortable sensation aside, I arrived at the city followed by Akira, Enmie was fixing her head ornament however her ears kept staying on the way, making it virtually impossible to do so without a mirror; upon seeing us she smiled, and as soon as we were near I promptly explained her this urgency:
-I ask you to forgive all this sudden rush Enmie, but I do have something important I needed to buy today, for a certain someone; I require, however a little touch and advice from a woman to figure what is best to buy.
-Oh! Sure I understand perfectly, although I believe that there are plenty of your workers that could help you! I surely don t mind being here, mind sharing why you preferred to choose me over them?
-Because I believe you are the one that is most sensible for this kind of stuff, even if you have a humble origin, opposing all my other works and I also trust you will be really discrete until dinner time.
-Alright then! If you place on my so much trust, I am afraid I cannot let you down! replied Enmie and smiled again.
We spent almost two hours looking for a pair of adequate rings for Kikuri and myself, specially knowing that it needed to be an adapted kind for nekomimis; I decided for a silver one with my family s insignia on the one that would stay with hers, and the opposite on the one staying with me, I believed that the one receiving this gift would love the affection show.
Akira s eyes shone when she saw a sign with the following message, which she read with a bit of difficulty: We write your name and one more sentence on your shirt! She then looked at me with those pleading eyes that even without a single word, told me they wanted that badly. Upon asked if she wanted one, nodded frenetically, but left on my behalf to decide how and what sentence would be printed there.
I choose a pink one, and thinking on what would be more appropriated to Akira and putting her name in highlight and, by her own plea, insisted that I wrote there whatever came to my mind, and what came was: To the cutest, the one I like most don t ask me why those words were chosen, at the time it seemed the truer little did I know how prophetic those words were going to be
I asked Enmie to carry the rings herself, I didn t want Kikuri to suspect what was about to happen, with a smile she took them in her paws, but as soon as it touched her she had a sudden dizzy spell which made her need to hold onto the counter, which didn t stop the need of hers to knee, an abundant sweat broke on her forehead which promptly triggered Akira s worry, who began cleaning her face with a handkerchief given by me.
After some moments Enmie recovered herself, for my relief and the happiness of my little nekomimi, as she looked very worried with the usagimimi state; I reached out with my hand to her so I could help her stand up, after a long sight and a deep inhalation, I asked:
-Anything wrong Enmie? Are you unwell?
-I am sorry Richard, it happens sometimes but when it indeed happens it is just like that it is normal can we talk tonight? There is something more serious I need to deal with you -Sure I replied still a little worried if you are well I have no objections, look for me in the meeting room before dinner, deal?
-Yeah, let s go.
-Enmie, are you better? asked a scared Akira.
Enmie kneed and gave Akira a long and big hug, which began purring, whispering to her on her little cat ear: I am alright little one, thanks for worrying about me . Right afterwards we headed home; there I had my usual bath with Akira and as soon as I arrived at the meeting room I ordered my personal caretaker to go call Kikuri, moments later she was before me, together with Akira:
-Kitty, I called you for two reasons!
-Which motives would those be me sweetie? asked Kikuri.
-At first I want you to do something for me, I am going to have an important meeting on this room tomorrow I said while showing the room and one of the guests asked me if we were going to have the famous cookies I always brought to social reunions, of course this time we are having a work one but I am sure to snack on something; that is why I gently ask you to make a new and fresh batch right in the morning, for me please?
-O O Of course! Said blushing violently all for my sweetie! What else can I help you with?
-A female nekomimi noble will come one hour before the scheduled, I have certain business to deal with her that is why I ask you to trust me alright? Promise me you won t have a jealousy fit, seeing it is something that used to happen before we even met.
-Alright sweetie, I shall do exactly as you ask me said with a hint of jealousy on her voice.
-Akira, bring Enmie here please? I asked and petted her on the head.
-Sure! smiled and went to fulfill her mission.
-Kitty, check with Dawn if we have enough ingredients for the cookies right?
I stood up and gave Kikuri a long hug followed by a light kiss on her warm and sweet lips, with a small cough coming from Enmie we came back to reality, I then asked my dear nekomimi to leave me and Enmie alone so we could deal with what was under way. It was also asked that Akira stood outside, as soon as we were alone, she said:
-Richard, I know you have plans for today, however today I was sure I needed to accept your offer, after what happened.
-That is great Enmie! I am very happy that you have accepted my proposal; there is no one that I would trust more this task other than you! Don t ask me why, I just feel like that. I ensure you shall receive a really big salary for that!
-Oh! Do not worry about that, I am not after money! I just want to help those poor souls that lost the chance of having the motherly warmth and the security of a home! Just give me a roof to sleep under and some food, and I shall have everything I need!
-Of course! That is more than possible! Do you have an idea where do you want to live? Just tell me where and I shall buy it for you!
-Richard, would it be much abuse to ask to live here with you?- asked Enmie with her ears lowered.
-Of course not Enmie, it would be even more practical to us, I was even going to offer that to you! Although now I really am curious as the motive that made you want to stay with us?
-Well Richard, to be able to explain you that, I would need to be sure you know how to respect other people s differences, as what motivated me to make this decision is something hard to believe.
-Enmie, if it is something that obscure, don t feel forced to reply, I do ensure you though that even if I do not believe what you tell me, I will respect your beliefs and opinions.
-Well, what made me decide staying here was a very strong premonition telling me that my presence here was going to be needed - said Enmie, wondering what my reaction would be.
-Enmie, I cannot say I believe in these kind of subjects, however life has taught me that there are things that are way beyond the comprehension of our vain conscience. Would you mind telling me exactly that premonition was about? More importantly, when you had it?
-Well, right when I got the rings on my paws, I felt something was wrong, I saw a scene with shouting, disappointment, a cut, blood Richard did you love someone before Kikuri you aren t trying to use her as a replacement?
Bull s eye it was incredible if Enmie hadn t got some kind of special or supernatural power it would be difficult explaining how she scored so perfectly what had happened, my shouting against Yumi disappointment with what happened a cut on my face and the blood that ran through my face it was incredible just Akira, Yumi and I knew that my personal caretaker was all the time with me, Yumi never used to tell anything ANYONE what happened between us, actually she never had any word out that meant Enmie simple knew it was a shame misinterpreted that so badly at that time
-Enmie it s amazing that with so little age you have this much power and wisdom even if you were older, you would need to have a very fine tuned sense of perception to notice such sublimities and piece then together so easily which leads me to believe there are things that have no explanation.
-Then you do not doubt it Richard? asked Enmie still with a little doubt.
-It would be hypocrisy of mine if I said I believe in supernatural powers , however you do know something that just other people have knowledge one was not available to tell you it, as she was always with me the other is the person that was involved in it Yumi the golden furred blonde nekomimi so I can only understand that comes from a source that is unknown to me -I understand replied Enmie thoughtful so by that analysis you concluded something beyond? Your mind is more analytic than I wondered however that helps me a lot, on that same premonition it was told me that it would be good to stay here to cure. Both bodies and minds OH! Of course I am not having those megalomaniacs dreams Richard I just have this mission of helping everyone that ask me, even if I don t like them, you at first, was one of these cases for instance -You have to help everyone that asks you in exchange to having a power like this? Looks to me that you were supposed to be quite rich then - I replied with a bit of doubts on my mind.
-Oh! About that, I do not have that power, it was just entrusted to me and only when it happens I do not have full control the coming and going from that, I just know that when it does happen, I need to do something the only kind of gift I control more at will is to boost the ill or hurt healing, as long as those really want it that is why a wound at the level of yours was able to heal that fast. You yourself know that such a severe burnt won t be good in so little time; the most important aspect of this is: You shall give for free what you have received for free -Are you telling me you can t receive ANYTHING for what you do? And from where, however, you get your income? I asked totally astonished.
-From the sweat of my hard work she said or when I produced my own harvest. That is what I used to do on those remote places I was living in, where I found the wrecks of your car, I produced my own food and helped on the village at each week -I understand Enmie I said while pondering what would happen if you began accepting payments for the use of your gift?
-Well, at first they would disappear followed by attraction of friends that wouldn t be the best one and in case I kept pretending having this power the worse end possible -If it is that bad, why one accepts such weight? Doesn t seem to me to be so beneficial to me! I asked intrigued.
-You do not accept the gift the gift accepts you if the gift is bestowed to you, the gift you need use there are a lot of motives I cannot forward to you yet dear Richard this person that talks to you have secrets that cannot be revealed all in due time understood?
Something weird happened to me Enmie s voice had changed completely a nostalgic and emotional mixture began racing through me that was not the same person that was speaking to me just a little ago that reminded me of something else and that feeling made me feel as if I had tried to swallow a tennis ball and the same would be stuck on my throat when I was about to ask something I heard light knocking on the door it was Dawn coming to warn us that dinner was ready.
-Oh, thanks Dawn, tell everyone there I want everyone to wait for us as I have a very important announcement to make.
-Alright Rick!- replied Dawn with a smile and left wagging her tail.
-Whoops! said Enmie out of the blue, as if taken by surprise sorry Richard I think I snoozed in the middle of our important talk forgive me
I was going to comment, however she just gave me the box with the rings and left the room for the dinner one she had a distant and rather stunned look what was that all about? I would ask it better once I had the chance for now I decided it was better if I just went and had my meal and follow my mind s plan that is why I headed to my seat.
Upon arriving to the dining table, something seemed really out of place; I would sit on the northern part of the table, the first place at my right, which now was empty, was ALWAYS occupied by Yumi however she was on the left side, right beside the most southern side of the table which coincidentally was always occupied by Kikuri talk about luck I thought, when she entered my girlfriend was a bit confused with the sudden change of places, that is why she sat on the only available place, at my right.
I coughed to attract everyone s attention; they looked at my direction with expecting eyes seeing that this would only happen when something important needs to be said; after some moments I said:
-Thanks for everyone being here at this very moment, I am here to share with all of you, my dedicated workers and friends, that thanks to the events that happened on my life in the last days I decided to choose some things that were always being kept aside, specially by the fact I believed they were unnecessary and superfluous so soon
Not even a needles falling to the ground could be heard, all had their attention one hundred percent on me, with eyes full of anticipation judging it to be the correct timing I continued:
-After much pondering about that, I decided to give a chance to this subject of the heart feelings however I needed someone that liked me, and also loved me and wanted me for what I am.
I discretely looked at Yumi s direction, at each word it seemed that she didn t care at all about what was being said, carelessly looking at her still empty plate of food, she seemed distant if Yumi, always aware of what I said, wasn t going to pay attention so be it!
-For that, I got to know about a person; that is very special to me now, said she liked me, and upon telling me her life story I noticed she is INDEED the kind of person I wanted to have in my life, be at my side and share my happiness, meals and time that is why today I decided to make it official my relationship with her. Stand up and come here my sweet Kikuri!
I went to meet her and took her by the paw and as soon as she stood up I looked at her pretty face; it was clearly visible that she was emotional, tried to talk, but her voice was totally blocked and she couldn t talk at all and tears of happiness rolled down her gentle face and right afterwards I placed her engagement ring on her paw all that moment s magic was broken be the sound of something being slammed on the table I was already expecting this to happen however when I looked over Kikuri s shoulder I was shocked when I saw who was responsible for the protest