Unmatched † Lovely Princess ~Maidenly Romance of Three Kingdoms~

Chapter 013: The Conqueror Obtains the Emperor

Disclaimer: I do not own Koihime Musou, or anything related to the game or anime version of it.

It was the depth of night in Chou-Ann, but even then the streets are filled with people from Raku-You, lying weakly about alongside their companions form Chou-Ann. It has barely been over a month since the Campaign against Chou-Jou ended, also nearly a month since Chou-Jou and the rest of the Ten Eunuchs disappear from world, and Chou-Ann is now in a state of despair.

Without Chou-Jou and the Ten Eunuchs guiding them, the leaderless Royal Guards began to act on their own, swiping wealth from the citizens of Chou-Ann and making life in Chou-Ann terrible. Food was greedily devoured at every given chance, leaving hardly any left to eat for the lesser folks.

Hardly anyone has the energy to spare to even walk to the next house as they groan in exhaustion and starvation. So exhausted they were, nobody noticed the palace's gate opening gently with several carriage quietly strolling out.

Inside the lead carriage, there were four people all dressed in fabulous royal clothing. One was old woman with stressful eyes and was holding the rein of the carriage with uneasiness.

The next one was also a woman, but evidently still in her prime, with long sea-green hair that split into two large strands, her left only reaching just beyond shoulder-level and the right reaching her ankle, with golden eyes and a beauty mark under the right side of her lip. She wore a cream-colored silky dress with navy-blue rimmed detached sleeves and decorated with accessory. She was embracing a plumped boy in royal gown in comfort, though the boy didn't seem afraid.

The plumped boy had squinting eyes, which makes it hard to tell if they were open or closed. He had a fade green hair that was combed down under his small Emperor Guan on his head. He was focusing on licking a lollipop that was in his hand.

The last one was a young girl, probably only beginning her early teen age, with powder-pink hair stretching down her back to her waistline, a white bow tied on the front left side of the head, and gentle but graceful lilac eyes. She was dress the most nobly among the four, with part-pink part-gold and part-purple gown with overly-long sleeves and a graduation cap with red tassels and star emblem, and sat proudly next to the old woman that was directing the carriage. She held a basket box with a sling with care.

The other carriage was filled with several royal servant and ministers that seems determine to ensure the safety of the lead carriage.

The carriages continue to wander away from the palace, as quietly as they possibly could. Suddenly, the young girl jumped down from the carriage, bringing the train of carriages to a halt.

"…! What is that foolish imp up to now!?" the Lady in the carriage snared.

"…Hold thy tongue, Ka," the Old Woman warned.

"But, Empress Dowager Tou! We are making our escape!"

"Lower thy voice!" Dowager Tou whispered, "Do thee wish for us to be caught?"

"Of course not! But she is slowing us down! We should just leave her as I have said so in the beginning-!"

"Speak another word, and we shall leave thee behind!"

"…Empress Dowager," the young girl suddenly returned, climbing back up onto the carriage, "Empress Mother Ka, please do no quarrel for our sake, mou…"

"And where have thee been, child?" Empress Ka glared.

"We went down for a moment to pass out some of the bread we have stored in my basket to those starving children on the road, Dear Royal Mother…"

"How can thou be worry about common people at a time like this!?"

"Enough!" Empress Dowager Tou hushed as she directed the carriage to continued, "Paitou-chan was merely being virtuous, Ka. Do not dare belittle her!"

Empress Ka huffed arrogantly as the boy glance worryingly between his mother and grandmother.

"As for you, Ryuu-Kyou, please refrain from doing so again for now. It shall pain you, we know, but we cannot afford to delay our escape any longer…"

"… …We understand, please forgive us, mou," Ryuu-Kyou bowed apologetically as the cart continued on.

"…Where do we plan to go from here, Empress Dowager, mou?" Ryuu-Kyou wondered a little while later. They were already a good distance away from Chou-Ann.

"Like you even need to ask such!?" Empress Ka rolled her eyes, "Anywhere is better than Chou-Ann at the moment…"

"Where would you like to go, Your Highness?" Dowager Tou replied to Ryuu-Kyou with a smile.

"… …Raku-You," Ryuu-Kyou answered after pondering silently for a moment, "The capital may have change, but forevermore it is the House of the Kan Dynasty for many Generation; our home, mou…"

"…We see," Dowager Tou smiled, "Very well, since my only relative, Tou-Taku of Hei-Shuu, has perish, we have no other place to turn to…"

"…Raku-You," the boy with Empress Ka hummed, "I wonder how it is after so long…?"

"…We can only imagine, Brother Ryuu-Ben," Ryuu-Kyou turned and smiled at her older brother.

"Do not associate with MY Royal Son, thou cursed charlatan!" Empress Ka hissed suddenly, glaring at Ryuu-Kyou with hatred and tightening her grip on Ryuu-Ben.

"…Cease thy words, Ka!" Dowager Tou warned, "Say another word of disdain to Paitou-chan, and we shall personally kick thee off the carriage!"

"Oh, but of course Dowager Mother would like to~! You were practically overjoyed when Ryuu-Kyou stole the throne from my son!"

"Do not place accusation on me, Ka. Or have thee forgotten who was it that asked for both of your well-being after Little Ben was abdicated?"

"…Please Empress Dowager," Ryuu-Kyou plead with Dowager Tou as Empress Ka grumbled bitterly to herself, "Do not put Mother Ka on the spot, mou…"

"…If Your Highness wishes it, then we shall say no more for now," Dowager Tou sighed.

The carriages continued on for a while before the sound of horses appeared behind them.

"…! Oh no! They had finally caught on!"

"Damn it all!" Empress Ka exclaimed, "Dear Dowager Mother! We must hasten our escape!"

"Agreed!" With that, the carriages hasten their pace and rush off, trying to escape from the pursuers. But no matter how fast the carriages were, they could not compare to the more mobile horses of the soldiers. "Damn it, at this rate-…!"

"…Mother Ka, Brother Ben," Ryuu-Kyou called as she made her way over to the luggage, "Please help me, mou!"

"What-?" Ryuu-Ben blinked as he watches his sister opening the luggage and began throwing out the gold, silver and other precious relics.

"…!? Thou sinful brat!" Empress Ka exclaimed in horror as she seized Ryuu-Kyou before she could throw away anymore, "What in Heaven's name are thou playing at now!?"

"…While the Royal Guards are bless with wealth from the turmoil, the lesser Imperial Soldiers are not, mou," Ryuu-Kyou explained, "They will no doubt be more interested in the valuables rather than us…between our freedom and these valuables, we must use the valuable to secured our freedom, mou!"

"What-!?"

"…Oh~! Good point!" Ryuu-Ben exclaimed as he took over and began scattering the valuables in place of Ryuu-Kyou.

"…!? Ben-chan!?"

"Royal Mother~! I do not wish to return back there!"

"…!? … … …Yes," Empress Ka finally release Ryuu-Kyou as all three began to empty their luggage of valuables, "You are right… …it is a small price to pay, we suppose…"

Just as Ryuu-Kyou predicted, the pace of the pursuers came to an immediate halt once they spotted the valuables on the ground. Between the Imperial Soldiers, scurrying about to collect the abandon wealth, and the Royal Guards, trying to reorganized the disobedient Imperial Soldiers, the Royal Family and their loyal subject managed to increase the distance between them.

Things were finally looking up until the carriage the Royal Family were on suddenly broke its wheel, bringing the escape to a sudden stop.

"Why is this happening!?" Empress Ka exclaimed, "We were so close to escaping!"

"If you have time to rant on our misfortune, please use it instead to keep moving!" Dowager Tou exclaimed as Ryuu-Kyou support her as they trudged on, since the other carriages were showing signs of falling apart as well.

"Royal Mother, we got to go!" Ryuu-Ben pleaded with his mother as he supported his mother.

"…Yes, alright," Empress Ka nodded as she trudge on.

Suddenly the sound of the pursuers could once again be heard in the distance, closing in.

"…!? T-This is not good!"

"They would not dare harm the either Ben-chan or Kyou-chan," Dowager grumbled in worry, "but as for the rest of us…"

"…Everyone," Ryuu-Kyou called as pointed down the cliff they suddenly found themselves on, "If we use the fabrics we brought along and tied them together, we can scale down to escape, mou!"

"Oh~! Yeah~!" Ryuu-Ben nodded eagerly as he began to help the loyal vassal tied the available fabrics together. Once it was done, after tying it to something secured, they let the makeshift line down. "Alright, it is done…!"

"Alright, Brother Ben, Mother Empress Ka, please go first, mou!"

"Eh-!?"

"A good idea!" Empress Ka nodded as she forced Ryuu-Ben to head down first before following.

"Your Highness," one of the vassal called, "You next!"

"No, we have no confidences in my ability to scale down this cliff fast enough," Ryuu-Kyou shook her head in denial, "All of you go first, mou!"

"N-No, we cannot-!"

"Go! That is an order, mou!"

"…! Y-Yes, Your Highness…" And with that, about half of them began to scale down the cliff.

"…! They are almost upon us!" Dowager Tou exclaimed before urging Ryuu-Kyou to go next, "You must go now, Your Highness!"

"…! No, Dearest Empress Dowager!" Ryuu-Kyou exclaimed. She knew that if she goes now, no one else could. "You must go first-!"

"No, Your Highness, you of all people must escape! Otherwise all is for not!"

"But-…!"

"Just go! We… …I will follow you!"

"…Empress Dowager…"

"Hurry!"

Left with no other option, Ryuu-Kyou began to slowly descend down the cliff. She glanced up every now and then to see if Dowager Tou would follow. But as she closed in to the bottom, the sound of soldiers and slashing told her otherwise.

"…Empress Dowager," Ryuu-Kyou managed as she finally reached the bottom, "…We will escape, mou! We shall never forget you…Grandmother…"

Meanwhile in Kyo-Shou…

"…We have successfully integrated three more provinces to our territory," Rin reported to Karin, "Fuu will be managing the political details…"

"…The Converted Yellow Scarves are diligently performing their labors," Sawa added, "There are no suspicious signs from them…"

"The Chou Sisters have also returned from visiting the various regions that we annexed earlier," Keifa noted, "…Words is that they managed to inspire more people to join our army…"

"…I see," Karin nodded in acknowledgement, "And who is taking charge of training those new recruits?"

"Shuuran-dono is doing that as we speak," Rin answered.

"We should be expecting at least an extra thousand to be ready to be added to our army soon," Fuu (speaking through Hou-Kei) added.

"Good," Karin nodded before turning to Keifa, "Is there anything left to report?"

"… …No, not really, Karin-sama," Keifa frowned.

"… …I see…"

"…Trouble easing your restless mind, Sou-Sou-sama?" a voiced called. Everyone turn to see Izumi walking in.

"Oh~! Shiba-san!" Karin brightened upon seeing her Chief Strategist, "Seeing as you came here yourself, you have something to relieve me of my boredom~?"

"…Perhaps," Izumi shrugged before handing to Karin a scroll, "This is the detail of what I wish to report, Sou-Sou-sama…"

"Hmm~? Let me see," Karin read it silently to herself before the smile on her face began to turn into a concerning frown.

"…? Karin-sama?" Keifa pondered before turning to Izumi with a glare, "Thou did not write something vulgar in that report of thy, did thee not?"

"No," Izumi replied calmly, "But it is disturbing…"

"…? What do you mean-?" Fuu began before Karin suddenly threw the scroll aside in anger.

"By Heaven's Wrath!" Karin roared, "Such atrocity!"

"…!? K-Karin-sama," Nagi managed, flinching a bit.

"What is wrong, Karin-sama?" Maou asked.

"…Keifa!" Karin huffed as she directed Keifa's attention to the scroll, "Look for yourself! What do you think?"

"…?" Keifa was confused, but nevertheless picked up the scroll and read it. Her face soon twists from confusion to shock and anger, "… …B-By the Heavens…!"

"What is it, Keifa?" Rin wondered.

"… …Shiba Izumi's report is about the recent development of Chou-Ann…"

"Chou-Ann? … …Oh! That is the city where Chou-Jou fled to after the Coalition Campaign, no?"

"Yes…"

"Did Chou-Jou abdicate the Emperor or something?" Fuu wondered, "Or is she planning something else?"

"…Neither," Keifa answered in dread, "According to Shiba Izumi's report, Chou-Jou and the rest of the Ten Eunuchs had completely disappeared from Chou-Ann. There were reports that screaming was heard within the palace about a month earlier and they were never seen again. Presumably, they are no longer part of the living…"

"Is that so? So what-?"

"The problem is the next report! According to Shiba Izumi's report, without the Ten Eunuchs, Chou-Ann has become nearly lawless and the Royal Soldiers runs rampant throughout the city, consuming resources wastefully. Rumor is that even the Royal Family hardly had anything for food; they have chosen to starve rather than to eat the rotting and maggot-infested food that the Royal Soldiers offered…"

"WHAT!?" Everyone aside Izumi and Karin exclaimed in horror.

"Things have escalated so bad, the Royal Family have decided to flee Chou-Ann. Most of members of the Royal Family are unaccounted for, but it is said that in their rashness, the soldiers have slain the Empress Dowager and a few loyal vassal of the Emperor…"

"T-That cannot be…!" Rin gasped, "They went and slay the Empress Dowager!?"

"That is right…"

"My concern is not of the dead," Karin huffed, "but of those who are living. The Emperor and the remaining Royal Family members are still unaccounted for, meaning they are alive somewhere. As a loyal vassal to the Kan Dynasty—no, as a heroine who shall reshape the world eventually—I cannot simply ignore this!"

"Agreed," Fuu nodded, "It shall further Karin-sama's reputation if we are able to rescue and secure the Royal Family of the Kan Dynasty…"

"Yeah…" Maou nodded eagerly before casting an uneasy frown, "…But…the problem is that we have no idea where the remaining Royal Family Members are…"

"That, itself, is a problem," Keifa hummed, "The fact that we do not know about their whereabouts is a good and bad thing at the same time. We are unable to locate them but consequently those Royal Soldiers, which are undoubtedly still looking for them, cannot either…"

"… …Raku-You," Izumi suddenly stated.

"… … …Huh?"

"That is where the Royal Family will be heading…"

"Eh-! R-Really!?" Sawa exclaimed in shocked.

"…It is where over hundreds of years of Kan Family have mature in. It is also the current Emperor's birth place. The Royal Family, knowing nothing of the outside world, will flock to a familiar land foolishly…"

"That is accurately possible," Fuu nodded in thought, "Familiar grounds ease a trouble mind and provide a false sense of safety…"

"…The problem is this," Izumi continued grudgingly, "the fact the Royal Soldiers are able to slay the Empress Dowager but the Emperor manage to escape anyhow meant that the remaining Royal Family currently has poor means of transportation… …No, it is likely they are traveling by foot. If we take that into account, the Royal Soldiers will be able to track them eventually to Raku-You…"

"Meaning," Rin began in dread, "Even if the Royal Family managed to reach the Capital, those savage soldiers would not be far behind!"

"That is correct. So if Sou-Sou-sama wishes to obtain the Emperor, then we must head out immediately…"

Karin nodded, before frowning. "But…even if I wanted to, there is a chance we must engage with the Royal Soldiers and their Imperial Army as well. We need to organize our army before-…"

"I have already prepared that, Sou-Sou-sama. All we need to do now is to board our steeds…"

Everyone blinked at this before Nagi spoke. "…Shiba-san. I know you were insightful, but…"

"You are scary~," Maou managed with a nervous chuckle.

"Time enough for that AFTER we obtain the Emperor, everyone," Izumi reminded before turning to Karin. "Sou-Sou-sama, awaiting your signal…"

Karin nodded with a smirk before rising out of her seat. "We march at once!"

Meanwhile in Ki-Shuu, an edict has arrived at the house of En-Shou. It was an imperial edict, so En-Shou hosted a meeting with her noble generals and advisors.

"…Her Majesty has already escaped from Chou-Ann," En-Shou announced, "and she is urgently summoning the most prestigious regional lords to her aid. What do you all think, should I obey the summons or should I not?"

Her personal ministers began whispering among themselves until a young girl around the same age as Gan-Ryou and Bun-Shuu took the stage. She has long flowing white hair with black-and-red hair ornaments on the side of her head and bright sky-blue eyes that shine through her red-rimmed glasses. She wore a stylish long-sleeve yellow kimono (which was too short to hide the region under her belly; so yes, her panties are shown) with dark-blue sash and black stocking cover the lower part of her body.

"Princess-sama," the young-adult began, "in my opinion, not only should you obey the summons and rush to the Emperor's aid, but Princess-sama should go ahead of the others as well…"

"…? How come, Machi?" Bun-Shuu frowned in confusion.

"In these days, the world is torn by calamity. The regional lords strive for hegemony, but none can command more than a section of the realm. In such a time, whoever can take the Emperor into their own hands will become the undisputed leader of the nation…"

En-Shou nodded as she listened until a huffed of displeasure echoed through the hall. It was Ka-Yuu; she stood up to begin voicing.

"The words of Den-Hou are those of simpleton," Ka-Yuu mocked, "The current state of affairs in the realm is obvious. That Emperor of a bygone time is emperor in name only. The house of Han is tottering. If Milady really ends up inviting that brat here, Milady would only bring an extra burden on yourself. Consider this, Milady: if the Emperor does come, who will be the Master of Ki-Shuu? Will it be you, Milady, or that urchin? Furthermore, if she starts to assume the airs of an Emperor, and orders you to do this today and that tomorrow, are you going to obey her? Are you going to acknowledge a brat as your better?"

En-Shou nodded with a smile. "General Ka-Yuu has a point. That Emperor will really be a burden~! …Fine! Might as well not save her…!"

"…! P-Princess-sama!" Den-Hou Genkou suddenly intervened, "General Ka-Yuu has missed some more valid points! Although the Kan Dynasty is tottering, it has not collapsed yet! Although the Emperor is young and incapable with no real true power, she is still the Kan Emperor! And although Princess-sama is the mighty ruler of Ki-Shuu, Princess-sama is still a vassal of hers. As the saying goes: if one has not legitimacy, his speech will lack reasons; if his speech lacks reason, he is certain to fail!"

"…T-There is truth in that," Gan-Ryou admitted after much consideration.

"Princess-sama, the Emperor is no burden! She is a banner with which you can command all the lords of the realm, a standard with which you can lead the world's armies! Her usefulness is unlimited! I am worried that if Princess-sama does not take her, she will fall into the hands of another…"

"…! Oh~?" En-Shou blinked, "Who else would take her?"

"Sou-Sou of Kyo-Shou and Ryuu-Pyou of Kei-Shuu! They will certainly go take her! Especially Sou-Sou! Not only would she go to take her, but she would go take her by force!"

Ka-Yuu suddenly laughed. "That is a talk of a sensationalist! What is this talk of banners and standards? Like I said, that brat, an Emperor of a bygone time, is simply a falling leaf in a chilly autumn; a completely useless thing. If that imp Sou-Sou wants that, I say let her take it~! Milady as noble and wise should not bother herself with such nominal things, and focus on the practical. What is most practical for us now? In my opinion, it is conquering all of the north quickly! You must not be distracted by other things!"

"Oh~!" Bun-Shuu smirked in anticipation, "I like the sound of that!"

"That is only thinking in terms of military!" Den-Hou began before En-Shou raised her hands for silence.

"…I have decided," En-Shou voiced, "I will not heed the imperial orders. We will focus our military strength and prepare for war!"

"Yeah!" Bun-Shuu jumped the wagon, "Once the harvest is in and our supplies are ready, we can march forth with pride and take all of the north!"

"My thought exactly~!"

"…! Princess-!" Den-Hou began before silencing herself under the questioning glare of En-Shou and Gan-Ryou sympathetic headshaking. Everyone else sounded off in acknowledgement to their lord's words.

"…En-Shou-sama will not go after the Emperor!?" the person Gan-Ryou and Den-Hou spoke to exclaimed in shocked, "What is that new General of ours thinking!? What she said just now was as myopic as a rat's eye in the view of an ignoramus! En-Shou-sama sure is shortsighted!"

"…Oi!" Gan-Ryou hissed in worry, glancing around the restaurant they were dining at to see if anyone else is around, "Do not say that about Reiha-sama!"

"Sorry, it slipped. Still, those incapable personals are now running our state, that Ka-Yuu especially! Fighting is all she ever thing about! If even the Imperial Seal can be the focus of so much strife between the warlords, how can a whole living Emperor not be covet by anyone?"

Den-Hou sighed in agreement. "…When the ruler is fatuous, her subordinates are sycophants, as they say…"

Gan-Ryou sweat dropped. "T-That is a little harsh. Please do not say that. You two could have been left wandering the streets as possible prostitutes had it not been for Reiha-sama's kindness…"

"I am aware," Den-Hou sighed, "I will never forget that debt I have to En-Shou-sama for allowing me to serve her as a strategist…"

"And I am grateful to her for that too," The other person admitted before sighing, "but I am stuck as a dancer…"

"…? I thought you like dancing…"

"I do! But I could do so much more…"

Den-Hou chuckled. "I know how you feel; I was only lucky that I already had a scholar certificate when I met my benefactor…"

The person grumbled before looking off into the distance. "Well, I can only hope that this event will not damage En-Shou-sama too badly~!"

Gan-Ryou nodded sadly. "I hope so too…"

Perhaps it was due to the recent drought, but the Royal Family and their Loyalists now brave a heavy and hot dust storm that seems to have no ends. So bad was visibility that Ryuu-Kyou could not even see her own feet underneath her. Still, they venture on and used their own sleeves to lessen the burden on their eyes which was caused by the battering dust storm.

They have journey far and hard. Their expensive gowns and what little heirloom still in their possession attest to the harshness they endured to this point. They were consumed with fatigue and hunger; yet they trudge onward, yearning to see the city that had produce Four Hundred Years of Kan Ruler.

"Royal Mother," Ryou-Ben managed for the eighteenth time since the sun completely rose above the horizon, "I am hungry~!"

"I know my Royal Child," Empress Ka nodded before shout back at the group, "Does anyone possess anything for My Royal Son!?"

The reply from each of the Loyal Ministers came all the same, "We have none!"

"…So is it that My Royal Son must starve to the bone!?"

"Mother Empress Ka," Ryuu-Kyou came up and pulled out a small leather sack from her basket, "Here are a few beans we have managed to fetch before leaving, mou. Please have Brother Ben eat these for the time being…"

"You expect My Royal Son to consume such nearly inedible trash!?"

"No, Mother Empress Ka, we just wish to-…"

"Keep your beans! I shall not have My Royal Son ingest something a commoner would be able to pick up from the streets-!"

"Thanks Little Sister," Ryuu-Ben glee as he took the beans and began carefully eating them one by one.

"What-!? Ben-chan!" Empress Ka exclaimed, "What are you-!?"

"But I am hungry, Royal Mother~…"

"… … …Oh, very well. As long as you are happy…"

"…! Your Excellences!" One of the Royal Ministers suddenly exclaimed, "I believe I see the city walls of Raku-You up ahead!"

"Oh! At last!" Empress Ka exclaimed in joy, once her eyes manage to penetrate the dust storm enough to see the city wall of Raku-You, "Come everyone! Salvation awaits us!"

But the travelling assembly is in for a shock. Despite reaching the city of Raku-You, their hopeful resolution fell short after seeing what was left of the city.

What was once a glamour capital, with streets crowded with merchants and shoppers, is now a ghost town filled with crumbling buildings and unclean streets. The Royal Palace even from a distant looks nearly uninviting and stilled scarred with the flames set by Chou-Jou. The only living creatures that seem to be living here all this time were crows and the small animals they prey on.

"…What… …is this!?" Empress Ka gasped in horror, "How can the Capital of Four-Hundred Years of Kan Glory become like this!?"

"Royal Mother," Ryuu-Ben glanced around, "Was this really our home?"

"It is and always will be, Royal Brother," Ryuu-Kyou managed before her eyes caught sight of a campfire, strangely enough emitting from within the Royal Palace, "Mother Empress Ka, there are signs of life within the Royal Palace, mou…"

"What!?" Empress Ka exclaimed before catching sight of the campfire smoke, "…Indeed…!"

Wondering who it was taking refuge in the walls of the Imperial Palace, the assembly worked their way to the palace. Once inside, it didn't take long for them to pinpoint the location of the campfire.

It was there where they discover an armored girl small in stature, light-purple gentle eyes, and aside from her face she is cover completely in thick heavy dark-blue and silver armor. Adding to the warrior look, her weapon of choice is a Spiked Shield.

Obviously, any refugee on the run would be cautious if not frighten upon the discovery of an armor warrior in what they had thought to be a safe haven. Upon seeing the armor girl, the Royal Family and their followers began to try to evacuate quietly. Sadly, it only took one misstep from a panicking minister…

"…! Who is there!?" the girl called after hearing the presence of intrudes.

…To alert the warrior of their presences.

The refugees yelp inwardly as some collapse to the ground in fear. By now, most are too tired to run and obviously unable to defend themselves. Realizing this, Ryuu-Kyou stepped forward as a representative.

"…Stand down, armor warrior!" Ryuu-Kyou commanded with all the grace and dignity taught to her by the decease Empress Dowager, "Thou art in the presence of the Royal Family of the Imperial Kan, mou!"

The warrior froze for a moment from stern and absolute authoritative person, but it wasn't long before she regains her senses and respectively bowed.

"I, a loyal warrior to the Imperial Kan, beseech forgive for my ignorance to the presence of the Royal Family. Your subject assure the Royal Family that this one mean no harm. Please do not falter at my appearance…"

"…Identify thyself before the Royal Family: The Royal Empress Ka, Ryuu-Ben and Ryuu-Kyou, mou," Ryuu-Kyou ordered as Ryuu-Ben and Empress Ka cautiously stepped forward.

"My name is Sou-Jin Shikou. A wandering warrior who has just return from countries beyond," the female replied as she removed her headgear, revealing blond hair which, due to a skull-ribbon ornament forms a single-side ringlet that disappeared into her armor, "My plan was to merely resting myself here in these ruins before moving on…"

"…R-Ruins!?" Empress Ka exasperated, "Thou dare claim the House of the Imperial Kan to be mere ruins, thou insolent peasant!?"

"… …An uninhabitable area where human has once colonized reduces to smothering hunks of unpolished structure where birds and mice make their homes in. Is that not what ruins are, Empress Ka?"

Though full of dignity, Empress Ka could find no way to refute the reasoning and went into a defying silent.

"…Wandering warrior," Ryuu-Kyou suddenly voiced, "As of now, the Royal Family is in need of protection against traitors, mou! We hereby command thee to be our sword and shield! Serve us well, and thy rewards shall be great, mou!"

Sou-Jin blinked at this before counting the number in the group with her eyes. After a moment, Sou-Jin bowed accepting her task given to her by the Royal Family.

Just then, one of the ministers that had stood guard outside came rushing towards the group in panic.

"Your Excellency!" he began to Ryuu-Kyou, "From the distance, I see the approaching cavalry bearing the flag of the Royal Guards! They are upon us!"

The whispers of panic soon spread among the refugees.

"W-What do we do now!?" Ryuu-Ben managed, looking towards his Little Sister.

Ryuu-Kyou, in responds, turned to Sou-Jin.

"Thy first task is at hand," Ryuu-Kyou informed, "Prove thy loyalty and prevent those traitors, the Royal Guards, from capturing us, mou!"

"…Understood," Sou-Jin nodded, donning her headgear.

Meanwhile, the Army of Kyo-Shou Fifty-Thousand Soldier strong marched resiliently only a few Li away from reaching Raku-You. In the lead of course was Karin, followed by her Four Top Strategist and her Two Bodyguards. Everyone else has remained behind to defend the territory.

"Fifty-Thousand in total," Fuu mumbled, "One must be wondering why we must take along so many to secure the Emperor…"

"Indeed," Rin nodded, "This is practically half of our army…"

"We have to show this amount of power," Keifa informed, "Otherwise, negotiation with the Emperor would prove difficult…as much as I hate to admit…"

"…Keifa, are you ever going to stop being so unreasonably antagonistic towards Shiba-san?"

"Shut up…"

Overhearing this, Karin sighed in amusement and turned to Izumi. "I knew Keifa was stubborn, but this is the first time Keifa has been so openly hostile towards anyone for so long…"

"There is a first for everything, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi replied calmly until her eyes and ears detect activity ahead of them, "…Sou-Sou-sama! It appears that the battle has already begun up ahead!"

"What!?" Karin perked her hearing and caught the sounds of horses and soldiers' battle cry, "Damn it! All forces quicken your pace! We must rescue the Emperor at all cost!"

With a roar of approval, the entire Kyo-Shou Force hastened towards the battle that lies ahead.

It took them another three minutes to reach the site; everyone feared the worse has unfolded. Upon reaching the outskirts of Raku-You, though, they were greeted with a bizarre sight.

A cavalry of several Thousands was kicking up dust outside the only open gate of Raku-You, but they weren't entering the city itself. The reason was that at the very gate a lone warrior in armor stood defiantly against the army on horses.

"… …What is this…?" Keifa managed.

No one answer as they watch a unit of ten horsemen galloped violently towards the armored warrior. The said warrior remained firm as they approach. Then, just as they descend upon the warrior, the warrior swatted them aside with incredible force, as if they were mere flies.

Everyone gasped in shock. In warfare (not modern day warfare, mind you) there are three key advantages to using horsemen. The first is high-speed movement; this is to move from one battlefield to another in very little time. The second is mobility; this is the ability to launch an attack on the enemy's weak spot before they can react; should there be any weakness in the enemy's formation, a capable commander can detect and make use of it. The third most frightening point is the horsemen's penetrative power.

Most horsemen's attack isn't very strong because they normally cannot use a two-handed weapon. Despite that, the reason horsemen can exercise that much strength on the battlefield is partly due to the power of the horse itself. There is also a social-class divide; those capable of learning how to ride a horse are usually very well off and get plenty of military training. Finally, they can swing down their weapon from a higher position to increase its attack ability; by adding the horse's power to it, a horseman can make up for his lack of power and become an extremely potent penetrator.

For all the above reasons, a cavalry charge is extremely difficult to handle using strength alone. Of course, with proper strategy, it is possible to outwit the cavalry charge and even used their power against themselves. But the said warrior, who currently faces the cavalry units head-on, lacks that concept. Relying only on brute strength, the warrior stood up to the cavalry and beat it head on which normally would be impossible.

The cavalry army persist, however as they sent one unit of penetration after another, aiming to break through and surge pass the gate the warrior guard. But it was futile; the warrior was like an immovable fortress as the cavalry continue to be swatted away one after another.

"…Well," Izumi finally voiced, "As much as I would not mind Sou-Sou-sama continuing to watch this spectacle, do we not have business here?"

"…! A-Ah!" Rin nodded before calling to the troops, "All forces into formation! We are attacking their rear while they are distracted! Let us take them out in one swoop~!"

The Kyo-Shou Army expertly reorganized into formation and charged at the Cavalry Army. Caught unaware, the Royal Guards try to salvage their victory but was soon eliminated or forced to flee. The battle lasted for only Ten Minutes, with only a few minor scratches.

"Pathetic," Karin shook her head in dismay, "It is as if they were a fail attempt to reorganize the Yellow Scarves Sect…"

"…Even the Yellow Scarves were more challenging," Ruru sighed.

"Officially," Izumi began, "the members of the Royal Guards and the Imperial Troops under them never had any real combat. Add to the lack of leadership, they are more of a mindless mob than the Yellow Scarves…"

"Well put, Shiba Izumi," Karin smirked before turning her attention to the armored warrior, who was currently showing thanks to Keifa and Fuu. "Splendid valor there, warrior! I must admit, I had never seen such a straightforward method used so confidently against such incredible odds…"

Upon hearing Karin, the warrior turned and began to bow in acknowledgement before halting midway.

"…! Karin!?" The armored warrior exclaimed in surprise.

"…!? H-How dare thee, speaking to Karin-sama in such a way!" Keifa shouted in hostile but the warrior paid no heed as she jogged up to Karin.

"It has been a long time, Karin!"

"Hey~!"

Izumi blinked as she glanced between the armored warrior, who was now obviously a girl, and her Lord, who had a look of stupefy on her face.

"… … …Uh," Karin slowly began to the slightly taller warrior, "I am sorry, warrior… …do I know you?"

Upon hearing those words, unexpectedly the warrior gave a comical shock face. Staggering back a bit, Izumi thought she was going to faint any second.

"K-Karin!? Surely you jest, no? It is I! Do you not-?"

"I apologized," Karin began again in confusion, "I do not recall ever meeting one such as yourself…"

The warrior preformed another comical shock. After about five seconds of doing nothing, she suddenly remove her headgear, revealing her surprisingly frail-like face, which was currently wet with comically tears.

"How cruel~~~!" the warrior wailed, "Karin is so cruel~~~!"

"…? … … … …! Karon-chan!?" Karin exclaimed in realization, once she got a good look at the armored girl's face, which was not so dissimilar to her own.

"Karin is a dummy~! Dummy, dummy, dummy~~!" The girl, Karon, turned away tearfully and began to stomp off, "I do not know Karin anymore~~~!"

"No, wait!" Karin practically leapt for Karon, catching her around the waist. She comically hanged on as Karon began to unknowingly drag her along. "I am sorry! It is my fault! I am an idiot! I am a fool! Forgive me, Karon-chan~~!"

Izumi could not help but stare dumbfounded at what could be Karin's most pathetic moment. The others were just as stupefied as Izumi was.

"Ahem!" Izumi coughed, catching the duo's attention, "Sou-Sou-sama, are you acquainted with this fellow? I believe everyone wishes to know Sou-Sou-sama's relationship with this warrior…"

The others comically nodded rapidly in affirmation.

"… … …A-Ah~! Yes," Karin managed, returning to her dignifying statue, "Everyone, this is Sou-Jin Shikou… …My cousin…"

"… … … … …EH~~~!?" was the response everyone around the eye-widening Izumi gave.

"…Reporting~!" a voluntary scout, one of the Loyalist, "Reporting~! Joyous news~! Relief troops! Relief troops has come, Your Majesty~! They had aided General Sou-Jin in repelling the Royal Guards~!"

Everyone began to cheer on the spot as soon as the reports settled in.

"Brother!" Ryuu-Kyou exclaimed with a smile, "The Ancestors answered our prayers once more, mou! Relief troops have come, mou!"

"They have come, Royal Mother!" Ryuu-Ben cheered to his mother, "We are saved!"

"…But, who could it be, mou?"

"Is it not obvious!?" Empress Ka huffed, "It must be En-Shou of Ki-Shuu, responding to the summons to aid! She is closest to Raku-You and once friend of my sister, Ka-Shin!"

"Yeah~!" Ryuu-Ben cheered.

"…Is it true?" Ryuu-Kyou questioned the scout…but was shock to see that he shook his head.

"I am sorry, Your Majesty," He acknowledged, "It is not! The relief troops are not from En-Shou of Ki-Shuu! They are from Kyo-Shou! They are of Sou-Sou!"

Everyone gasped in shock at the revelation, mumbling stuff like "How can it be Sou-Sou?" or "How can it be her?"

"…Inconceivable!" Empress Ka exclaimed, "Who could imagine that Sou-Sou would come? En-Shou is closest to Raku-You, and yet it would seem she is sitting idly by! Whereas Sou-Sou rushed to our aid from a thousand miles away!"

Ryuu-Kyou thought about it for a while before turning to her brother. "Brother! A filial son is known when the family is poor, and in times of need a loyal subject is found, mou!"

"Indeed," Empress Ka intervened, shooing Ryuu-Kyou away, "When Sou-Sou arrives, My Royal Son, you should give her some good words of praise!"

"…? Royal Mother," Ryuu-Ben turned to his sister, "Should not it be Sister who-?"

"No! It should be you, My Royal Son! As the true Emperor of the Kan Dynasty, you must be the one to address the loyal subject! The time is now! You can finally reclaim your rightful destiny that your thieving sister stole from you!"

"…Our Royal Mother is correct, Brother," Ryuu-Kyou suddenly voiced, "The throne is yours to sit on! We—I was merely use as a figurehead, mou. It is no place for me…"

Empress Ka nodded her head in approval. "Now, My Royal Son, rise to the throne once again! You are the Emperor once again!"

Ryuu-Ben looked between his proud mother and his accepting sister before nodding. "W-We know! We shall p-praise her abundantly!"

Empress Ka nodded before turning to the stunted loyalist. "What are you all waiting for!? Hurry and bring Your Emperor a fresh set of robes!"

Though hesitant, a nod from Ryuu-Kyou sent them to obey the selfish Empress.

"…It sure has been a long time, has it not, Karon-chan?" Karin reminisced.

"It most certainly has," Karon nodded with a small smile.

"When did you return here to this realm?"

"Just a few weeks ago, actually…"

"And what of Uncle and Aunt?"

"They are not here; they say they have no plans to return…"

"And what of Ryuurin? Is she not with you?"

"No, she went off on her own many seasons before I did; I do not know of her current whereabouts, but she should be fine…"

"Is that so? Pity, but I had dreamt the day that I could see you all again…"

"…But Karin forgot me," Karon pouted.

"Ugh-! Well, I could not recognize you under all that armor…"

"Even after I had removed the headgear, it took Karin another two seconds to remember me, still…"

"Ugh-! You were keeping count!?"

"Such a lively conversation," Izumi noted. After everyone overcame the shock of meeting Karin's cousin, Karon led the way insisting that she escort them to the Royal Family that she was recently hired to safeguard them. From the conversation Izumi overheard between the two, she concluded that Karon also knows Kakou Sisters and the four were childhood friends, even earlier than when En-Shou and Karin knew each other. Then at some point, Karon's family migrated out of the land of Ming (China) to lands beyond. During that time, Karon obtained the armor she was currently donning and had focus intensively on defensive power since before becoming old enough to leave her family and journey back.

Izumi wasn't really surprise to see other relative of Sou-Sou Moutoku. In history, Sou-Sou had several members of his family serving him. Historically, Sou-Jin Shikou was a mediocre General at best with only one notable accomplishment: guarding Fan City from Kan-U during the battle of Fan Castle. It was due to one of the mediocre General's few outlandish abilities to keep a castle impregnable while on the defense that ultimately causes Kan-U to fail at securing Fan Castle.

"…Still," Karon turned to the rest of Karin's follower with a smile, "I see that you have grown to be a very powerful warlord now, Karin…"

"…This is not everyone, you know," Karin affirmed.

"I know. The one's here are mostly strategist and bodyguards, yes? That means you have a number of Generals as well…"

"…Shunran and Shuuran included…"

Karon laughed. "Somehow, I am not surprise…"

"Ahem," Izumi coughed again and gazed at Karin.

When she saw this, Karin now fully remember what they were here for. Straightening herself out, she turn back to Karon.

"Karon-chan," She began professionally, "We shall reminisce more later. We must return to the business at hand…"

"Oh, okay," Karon nodded in understanding.

"So, what is the situation?"

"The Royal Family came here about an hour or so earlier. With them are several dozen loyalists. They are completely exhausted, battered and famish…"

"… …Famish, huh," Izumi pondered quietly to herself with a knowing smile.

"They are currently, as I last check, residing in what is left of Imperial Throne Hall…"

"I see," Karin nodded before frowning, "Ugh, in my haste to get here, now that I think about, I forgot to bring a tribute. It is by protocol that when an external vassal has an audience with the Emperor, the vassal must bring a tribute…"

"Ugh," Keifa frowned as well, "I must admit that I too overlooked that tradition as well…"

"…That is not concern," Izumi spoke up, catching everyone's attention, "We have something in our army that is suited for such a case…"

"Oh?" Karin smirked, "And what would that be?"

"At this moment, the Royal Family and the Loyalists must be tormented by cold and hunger. So I ask this, what do they need the most right now? Ten-I-dono?"

"Eh!?" Ruru jumped a bit at being suddenly called on before falling deep into thought, "Hmm~… … … …! Ah! Food!"

"Exactly. Just a gulp of meat broth and two pieces of bread, that alone could be a small tribute but a tribute nonetheless. In times like these, a drink of broth is more valuable than ten thousand catty of gold…"

"I agree," Karin huffed with a smile, "Back when we escape the ambush set by Chou-Jou, I crave meat broth like nothing else during my recovery…"

"… …! Oh~!" Kii suddenly exclaimed, "So that is why Shiba-san told Ruru-chan to prepare some meat broth ingredients! And also why you told her make the broth right after the battle!"

"…! You have prepared beforehand, Shiba Izumi?"

"The job of the strategist is to think several steps ahead of their Lord in order to ensure that their Lord journeys safely…"

Keifa grumbled a bit, but had to admit that Izumi was right.

"Also, Sou-Sou-sama, please pay attention to one other thing…"

"Speak," Karin granted Izumi to continue.

"When Sou-Sou-sama comes into the presence of the Emperor, Sou-Sou-sama must follow court protocol to the letter, so as to put the Royal Family and Loyalists' heart at ease…"

"But of course," Karin huffed with a smile, "It would not do for the Emperor to see me as a potential traitor now, would it? Anything else?"

"Just one more thing," Izumi stated before looking at her surrounding, causing the others to do the same. By now they have reached the interior of the Imperial Palace; the palace is as dirty and uninhabitable for human as they had left it a little over a month ago. "Raku-You has been reduced to rubble. It would no longer be safe to guard the Royal Family here…"

"…Hmm. You are right. Keifa, what do you suggest?"

"We should obviously move the Royal Family to Kyo-Shou," Keifa answered curtly, "It is in the center of our territory and it is best to keep them close at hand…"

"I concur with Keifa's suggestion," Rin and Fuu noted.

"…Very well," Karin nodded, "I shall find some way to have that happen…"

By the time they arrived in the Imperial Throne Hall, the loyalists were lined up on either side of the pathway to the throne. Seated on the throne was a plumped boy with squinting eyes and dressed in fresh royal gown of white and gold. Standing to the side of the throne was woman, still in her prime, also in fresh royal gown and had various jewels on her.

Both of them appeared dignifying, but aside from their outlook Izumi became suspicious of everything else. Something about the two didn't seem to give the presence of the one truly "in charge". Rather, according to the loyalists' faces, they merely place themselves on top and had force the others to follow.

The older woman didn't seem conscious about it, but the boy showed plenty. He kept glancing off to the side (how Izumi could tell with his squinted eyes, one can only guess). Following the boy's glance, Izumi's eyes fell upon a single figure. It was a girl who was dressed in a beat-up royal gown, but a royal gown nevertheless. She had powder-pink hair stretching down half her back, a white bow tied on the front left side of the head, and gentle but graceful lilac eyes. She held a basket box in her arms and had a neutral expression.

In comparison to the one seated on the throne, she gave off an aura that need not require a throne to be identify as the true Emperor. But if that was the case, why is she off to the side as if a mere attendant instead of being seated on the throne?

"…Your servant Sou Moutoku, Warlord of Kyo-Shou, does homage to her liege," Karin greeted with three respectful bows. She does so two more times, one as she was half way to the steps that lead to the throne and again when she reached the steps.

"A loyal subject!" The lady smiled professionally, "In times of need a loyal subject is found for my Royal Son, Ryuu-Ben!"

"…Ryuu-Ben," Izumi noted in surprise. Ryuu-Ben was indeed the name of one of the successors of Emperor Rei-Tei, but historically should have died along with his birth mother Empress Ka (presumably the lady that stood beside the throne) around the time Tou-Taku "tyranny" began. "This means that…"

Izumi glance over to the girl that caught her attention before.

"…That person is Ryuu-Kyou, the crowned Emperor during the majority of the time during the formation of the Three Kingdoms…"

"What are you mumbling about, Shiba Izumi?" Keifa hissed quietly to her, "Be silent! Can you not see that Sou-Sou-sama is addressing to the Emperor?"

"…Jun-Iku-dono," Izumi whispered back, "The one on the throne isn't the Emperor…"

"…?"

"Towards the side, I believe that person is the one. The one seated was placed there on the throne out of egotism not by rights…"

"…!?" Keifa peeked to the person that I mention, before silently nodding, "It would appears that your eyes are good for something…"

"…My Royal Son," Empress Ka addressed to her son, "Should you not give this loyal subject a chance to gaze at your royal presence?"

"U-Uh, yes!" Ryuu-Ben clumsy nodded and addressed the kneeing Karin, "Arise…"

"Blessings of Longevity, my liege, long live," Karin exalted before rising. Once she did, she clapped her hands and Ruru came forward as instructed beforehand, handing a cover tray to Karin before backing off. Karin then ascended the steps before kneeing directly in front of Ryuu-Ben, presenting the covered tray. "Your Majesty, please go ahead…"

"…? What is this object you present to my Royal Son?" Empress Ka inquired.

"Please make a guess, Your Majesty," Karin smirked, as if Ryuu-Ben himself had asked.

"…T-The Imperial Seal?" Ryuu-Ben wondered.

Karin shook her head.

"Agate?" Empress Ka tried.

Once again, Karin shook her head.

"A-Amber?" Ryuu-Ben tried again. When Karin shook her head once more, Ryuu-Ben's face frowned in confusion. "…W-We do not know then…"

Karin gave a smirk. "Please uncover it, Your Majesty…"

Doing as Karin suggested, Empress Ka removed the cloth cover to reveal a covered bowl. When Ryuu-Ben removed the lid, steam from the hot soup inside streamed out. It didn't take long for the smell to engulf the throne hall.

"Your Majesty, this is chicken broth, freshly cooked…"

Ryuu-Ben practically dropped the lid he had removed, slowly grabbed the spoon that was already available in the dish, and took his first sip of it. Upon entering his mouth, Ryuu-Ben wept soundless.

"My Royal Son had not tasted meat for over a month!" Empress Ka informed in relief.

Karin nodded before fully handing over the tray to the eager Ryuu-Ben. "Please enjoy, Your Majesty…"

Ryuu-Ben wasted little time in accepting the tray and began to greedily gulp down the soup, sometime giving his Mother a spoonful or two.

As this was happening, Karin clapped her hand again and several soldiers led by Fuu and Rin came in with baskets of bread buns, a large pot of chicken broths, and several utensil necessity.

"Loyalists of the Royal Family," Karin addressed, "please enjoy your meals!"

Almost immediately, the loyalists consist of Ministers and Officials gather around the soldiers, receiving a bowl of chicken broth with spoon to scoop and bread buns on a plate for each. They hungrily gobbled them down, every now and then commenting on their blessing.

But as this was going on, the girl dressed in worn royal gown did not move an inch nor did she even glance at the food that was being distributed. Upon seeing that, Izumi and Keifa stepped forward to Karin.

"Karin-sama," Keifa whispered, "As much as I hate to damper on your mood, I am afraid the one seated on the throne-…"

"Is not the Emperor, I know," Karin spoke back, "The boy is too weak-will. Chou-Jou would have declared herself Emperor on the spot had the Emperor been this easy to unnerve…"

Izumi sighed knowingly. "Then is Sou-Sou-sama perhaps interested in meeting the true Emperor?"

"I would," Karin nodded before following Izumi's gaze to the lone girl, "It is her, is it?"

"Indeed," Izumi sighed, "Apparently, Empress Ka had set her aside in favor for her direct offspring…"

"It would not be easy to approach her though," Keifa noted, "Not without drawing attention from Empress Ka. Rumor about her before Chou-Jou began to take over is that she is beautiful as she is cunning; like a rose. Though not a threat to Karin-sama, it could prove an unnecessary nuisance…"

"Indeed," Karin rolled her eyes, before smirking mischievously and turning to Izumi, "Shiba Izumi, why not you bring her something to eat?"

"… … … … … … … … … …Eh?" That was the longest time it took Izumi to realize what the task was she has been entrusted with. "… …Understood…"

Seeing that disobeying or any attempts to be relieve of the task as pointless, Izumi made her way over where the food was being distributed, grabbing a full bowl of chicken broth and a plate of two bread buns, and made her way over to the girl.

"…Your Majesty," Izumi bowed once she was close enough, "please, have some…"

The girl blinked at being addressed to before smiling and shaking her head.

"Do not mind me, mou," she replied, "I am not hungry…"

"Forgive your subject for being blunt," Izumi noted, "but, Your Majesty, such a groundless excuse does not come close to fooling anyone…"

"Be that may be so, you need not concern yourself with one such as I…"

"That is not how an Emperor should present herself, Your Majesty…"

"… …I am no Emperor, mou…"

"Your subject begs to differ…"

"…I am dressed in worn out robes, mou…"

"But a Royal Robe, nevertheless…"

"His Highness dress much more appropriately, mou…"

"The radiance of an Emperor is not governed by appearance alone, Your Majesty…"

"…His Highness is seated on the throne, while I am not…"

"Anyone can sit on the throne, but the one who governs the person to seat rightfully on the throne are others…"

"… … …And they would be, mou?"

"The wish of the Royal Predecessor, the will of the people, the support of the Loyalists, and the Mandate of Heaven…"

The girl fell into silence for a while before speaking again, "…And what of the wish of the said person, mou?"

"Is Your Majesty inquiring the reason as to why you let your incompetent Brother seat himself on top?"

"…By succession rights, my Brother should indeed be the Emperor…"

"By age alone, but what of the other your subject has mention?"

"…Empress Dowager…stated that it was My Late Majesty's wish for me to ascend the throne…"

"And your Loyalists?"

"… …They urge me to be in place of my Brother, but my Royal Mother opposed…"

"And who has been seated on the Imperial Throne the longest, with many edicts issues under their name…"

"… …That of my name, Ryuu-Kyou…"

"So now Your Majesty admits her ties to the Royal Family…"

When Izumi suddenly stated that, Ryuu-Kyou stiffened and began to fluster trying to think of an excuse.

"Bear in mind, Your Majesty, if you wish to recover from the situation you should have done so right when your subject was referring to your 'Incompetent Brother'…"

"…! … …Ugh…"

"…Well, food for thought. Speaking of food, Your Majesty," Izumi present the food to her, "Please help yourself…"

Staring at the food Izumi offered Ryuu-Kyou slowly nodded before carefully setting the basket box down before accepting the food.

But before she even taken a bite, Ryuu-Kyou addressed Izumi again, "What is your name?"

"…Shiba Izumi," Izumi introduces herself, "Currently the Chief Strategist of Kyo-Shou Army lead by Sou-Sou-sama…"

"…I see," Ryuu-Kyou smiled before relinquishing herself to eating.

After everyone had their stomachs filled, Karin-sama lead everyone outside to what is left of the Palace Royal Courtyard. Waiting for them there was an assembly of Fifty-Thousand Soldiers, armed and waiting in attention.

"Your servant respectfully invites Your Majesty to inspect the troops of Kyo-Shou," Karin declared to Ryuu-Ben and Empress Ka.

"…G-General," Ryuu-Ben managed as he inspect the Kyo-Shou Army, "Are these men all yours?"

"No," Karin smirked, "They are the troops of the Son of Heaven…"

"How many do you have?" Empress Ka expressed.

"…Here, currently at the moment, Your Majesty, are Fifty-Thousand elite soldiers, half the whole of the Elite Division…"

"…E-Elite? Then what of regular soldiers?"

"Whilst in the midst of training, One Million in total. By the end of third month from today, there shall be zero…"

"Zero!?"

"They shall join the Elites by then…"

"In but three months? Remarkable! You are by far ten—no, a hundred times the person Chou-Jou and her ilk were…"

Karin smirked at this, but that smirk was devoid of any true humility. She knows that they were not words of compliment that she should deserve. Both Ryuu-Ben and Empress Ka were not the one she wishes to hear from; they were not the one she is wishing to serve as a loyal vassal.

Suddenly pulling out her Shi-Chi-Sei-Ken, Karin thrust the sword into the air. Immediately, the soldiers began to chant a beat rhythm, stomping the bottom of their spears (if they carrying any) into the ground repeatedly after rising them high into the air. The drums beat loudly in unison with the chanting of the soldiers; the ground and air around the courtyard seem to quake as an effect.

Caught off-guard, the Loyalist jolted in fright. Ryuu-Ben instinctively hugged his Royal Mother in fright while Empress Ka glanced around nervously in surprise. Only Ryuu-Kyou stood tall and remain composed, unfazed by the rise in spirit.

After about ten seconds of this, Karin lower her sword and it all end as abruptly as it began.

"… …T-This," Empress Ka began before recovering immediately, "General Sou, your presence is good fortune for the court and a blessing to the dynasty! The insurgents will be destroyed, and an era of greatness is at hand!" Turning down to her child, Empress Ka continued. "Your Majesty now is the time to reward Sou-Sou!"

"…Y-Yes," Ryuu-Ben nodded before addressing Karin, "W-We hereby confer upon you the rank of Regent-Marshal. F-From today on you shall be the central pillar holding up our realm…"

"…Your Servant thanks his liege for this benevolence," Karin bowed.

"Congratulation, Regent-Marshal!" the rest of the Loyalist proclaimed.

"…Your Majesty, I would like to make a petition," Karin suddenly called.

"Please speak," Empress Ka nodded.

"The Eastern Capital, Raku-You, is already ruined beyond repair. The palace and temples have all been destroyed by the rebels. Furthermore, the 'Royal Guards' and what remains of their forces can make a comeback at any time; Raku-You is close to them. For the sake of Your Majesty's safety, and for the sake of revival of the dynasty, I beseech Your Majesty to move the capital to the heart of Kyo-Shou, rebuild the Imperial Court, and restore order to the dynasty…"

Finishing her proposal, Karin and Izumi watch as the Loyalists began to gossip among themselves in alarm. They all realized that if they did as Karin suggest, then it shall be plainly clear that it will be no different to how it was with Chou-Jou.

"…Surely you jest, Sou-Sou," Empress Ka managed, "Raku-You have been the House of the Kan for Four-Hundred years! Yet you wish to-…"

Karin suddenly turned back to her army and thrust Shi-Chi-Sei-Ken high in the sky again. Again, the soldier's chanting and weapon stomping shook the earth and air as the drum beat loudly. They all died down immediately as Karin lower her sword, sheathing it this time.

"Behold Your Majesty," Karin began, "Your Majesty do take a good long look! Only in the Heart of Kyo-Shou will you be able to obtain the protection of so many elite troops, and will the court be able to rest in safety…"

Both Empress Ka and Ryuu-Ben were stunned by this display. Neither had anything to say to resist Karin's offer.

"… …General Sou-Sou," a voice suddenly rose from behind, "Art thou threatening His Majesty, mou?"

Everyone turn to Ryuu-Kyou, who then made her way in in-between Karin and her brother.

"Art thou implying that if His Majesty does not move, thou shall abandon His Majesty? Is this how a Loyal Vassal should show devotion, mou?"

"No," Karin shook her head, "it is not my intention to-…"

"Saying it is not thy intention, means thee wish to say that thou art not at fault, mou? Art thou now implying that the Royal Family has wrong thee?"

"No, not at all-…"

"It is His Majesty who decides where she would rebuild the Imperial Court, mou! It is not the will of a Vassal to state where the court should be rebuilt! No!?"

Stunned by the authority behind her shout, even Karin had jolted back with a bit of sweat forming. "…! … …Yes…"

Ryuu-Kyou sighed before continuing. "What General Sou-Sou mentioned is partially true, mou. Raku-You is in no state to live in…at the moment, mou! Until a considerable effort to rebuild it is complete, the Royal Family shall temporary move to the heart of your territory, mou. Would that suffice, General Sou-Sou?"

"…Yes," Karin bowed in acknowledgement.

Ryuu-Kyou nodded before turning to her brother. "Your Majesty, will you grant this modify form of petition of General Sou-Sou?"

"… … …Y-Yeah," Ryuu-Ben nodded, "We grant this petition. We shall move to the Heart of Kyo-Shou for now…"

Ryuu-Kyou smiled before turning to Karin with a nod. "Regent-Marshal Sou-Sou, if you would please?"

At this Karin smiled before unsheathing her sword again and thrust it into the air. This time, the army chant "Long Live!" as the air and ground quake.

"…Ryuu-Kyou," Karin huffed a chuckle, "Such assertiveness for someone who self-abdicate from the throne. I myself find no words to counter; the first time in my life to be worded into silence. What a frightening Emperor…"

"Certainly," Keifa nodded, "I assume she would be content with remaining in the shadows. To think she would suddenly lecture Karin-sama into submission like that…"

"An Emperor should have that quality, I suppose," Rin frowned, "Pity the 'Emperor' right now is spineless in comparison…"

"He only knows how to cower in the shadow of his own mother and little sister," Fuu sighed, "He even let his Mother do the talking for him~!" "And the only advantage his Mother has is her Royal Status…" "With people like that in charge, the Dynasty is going to get more trashy…"

"… …I don't blame you all for belittling them," Ruru sweat dropped, "But do you not think we should lower our voice a bit?"

"Well~," Kii grinned, "It is not as if they can hear us with all this hooves and carriage noises…"

Long since leaving the ruins of Raku-You, the Army of Kyo-Shou steadily journey back towards home. With the Royal Family as a fine treasure and the rejoining of Karin's cousin Karon, the army marched home with zeal.

"Shunran and Shuuran," Karon grinned thoughtfully, "It has been so long, I wonder how they are doing…"

"Kakou-Ton-dono is now General equivalent to the Sword of Sou-Sou-sama's forces," Izumi informed, "While Kakou-En-dono is a peerless arrow that rips through the battle when called upon. They are both irreplaceable vassals of Sou-Sou-sama…"

"Is that so?" Karon giggled, "That sounds just like them…"

"But of course!" Karin huffed proudly, "If they were any less, they would not be serving under me…"

"Speaking of 'serving'," Rin noted, "Karin-sama, what should we do about the current Emperor?"

"…? What do you mean?"

"…Karin-sama, if I were to be frank, once we succeed in uniting the land, the reign of Ryuu-Ben may destroy everything we have worked so hard to gain!"

"I would agree," Fuu nodded, "Did this whole mess truly not begin when the supposed loyal vassal abused their imperial privilege and the Emperor's lack of authority in their own court? Should Ryuu-Ben remain on the throne after Karin-sama's conquest, will history not repeat itself?"

"That is true," Keifa hummed, "On the other hand, Ryuu-Kyou is decisive, charismatic, and strong will. Leaving the realm of Kan under her rule is most advised if we truly wish to save the Imperial Kan…"

Karin nodded. "My thought exactly…"

"If Karin-sama believes so as well, then we should-…"

"No! Absolutely not!" Izumi suddenly voiced, catching everyone's startled attention.

"Shiba Izumi! What is it now!?"

"Keifa!" Karin held up a hand, silencing her before turning back to Izumi, "Now, Shiba Izumi, what is it you wish to say? Why can we not dispose Ryuu-Ben in favor of Ryuu-Kyou?"

"Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi began, "recall back please to the struggle that transpired in the Imperial Court after the death of Emperor Rei-Tei! The relative of Empress Ka, General Ka-Shin, used the Emperor's death as a mean to bring Ryuu-Ben who is the General's nephew onto the throne! Soon afterwards, the Ten Eunuchs under the guise of following the will of the Late Emperor assassinate Ka-Shin and appointed Ryuu-Kyou as Emperor in a way as to suggest to the whole realm that Tou-Taku, a relative of the Late Empress Dowager, favor her for being her niece! Now, the struggle for the throne has Ryuu-Ben on top again due to the influence of Empress Ka! Sou-Sou-sama, do you not see? This power struggle for the throne, both Ryuu Siblings have seen and witness with their own eyes and ears. All but the last one ending with both being used! What would they think if we were to do the same? Would they not believe that they would be used as all other accounts before? And what of the Loyalists that follows them? In their eyes, they shall see Sou-Sou-sama as nothing more than, at worse, another Chou-Jou…No?"

Karin blinked at this before humming thoughtfully to herself. "… …There is…truth in those words…"

"After everything Sou-Sou-sama has done to relieve the Royal Family and their Loyalists' worry about the rebels, does Sou-Sou-sama wish to be seen as despot no different from Chou-Jou?"

"No…absolutely not!"

"B-But," Keifa began, "If that is the case, then how are we to preserve the realm of Kan then!?"

"…What Sou-Sou-sama wish to accomplish here is not 'vassal urging the Lord' but the 'Lord urging the vassal', in other words, not a 'coup d'état' but an 'internal strife'…"

"… … …Huh?" Kii frowned, as many others around her, "Y-You lost me, Shiba-san…"

"We, as vassal, should not be the one suggesting the disposal of Ryuu-Ben-sama from the throne. Rather Ryuu-Kyou-sama herself must suggest it, or at least begin considering it…"

"How is that any different, Shiba-san?" Karon wondered.

"We are vassal of the Imperial Kan, loyal ones for that matter. We must display that loyalty to whomever may be in charge, no matter how incompetent that person may be. Should a vassal suddenly advocate to a much worthier person to take charge, it shall show our disloyalty to realm and the person themselves. Should that be the case, the person may think, 'this vassal wishes for my dominance over the realm, but only out self-interest; will they do the same again should they find me no longer appealing?' Once the person start thinking that, then it is all over…"

"Ah~!"

"Oh~!" Fuu awed, "Yes that is a very definite outcome…"

"A true Lord, such as Ryuu-Kyou-sama," Izumi continued, "would only seek dominance only if there is good reason to. From there she must seek out others that are willing to follow her cause; she will only gather those she will find loyal to the cause. That is the outcome we must seek for…"

"I see," Karin nodded with a smile before frowning, "but…Ryuu-Kyou does not seem interested; in fact, she seems tired of it. There is no way she would come to us, or anybody, to perform a power struggle…"

"Ryuu-Kyou-sama has a weakness that can be exploit, Sou-Sou-sama. I discover it as I was speaking with her…"

"Oh~?" Keifa huffed, "And what would that be? Please tell!"

"The hearts of the people…"

"… …Huh?"

"She is in many ways similar to Ryuu-Bi-dono of Yuu-Shu; she has a kind heart that aches at the sight of suffering from the people, be they be nobles or common people…"

"How are we supposed to use that!?"

"We simply show Ryuu-Kyou-sama how life is under such an incompetent ruler. We shall let her hear words of those that are affected by the regulation. The list goes on…"

"And how are we supposed to do that without it backfiring?"

"…? Backfiring?" Ruru tilted her head in confusion.

"True, it is possible to make Ryuu-Kyou see that the people are suffering, but it is also possible that Ryuu-Ben could see it himself. Ryuu-Ben may be incompetent, but that does not mean he is blind. It is possible that when he sees his wrongdoing he will try to correct it! Or worse, Ryuu-Kyou could suggest the change for Ryuu-Ben…"

"That is not possible either," Izumi shook her head, "Not with Ryuu-Ben-sama's handicap always close to him…"

"…? … …What handicap?"

"His Royal Mother, Empress Ka. Recall back please to when Sou-Sou-sama paid her respect to the Emperor. From there, most of the conversation has been held by Empress Ka; Ryuu-Ben-sama himself did not make one decision on his own. Empress Ka is a member of the Royal Family but is narrow-minded and possesses a groundless ego; she shall believe that her decision is right no matter who says or show otherwise, evident in how she place her son on the throne by force. What's more is that she seems overprotective of her son; therefore she will shield her son from his own wrongdoing…"

"…Heh, that is true," Karin chuckled, "She may be beautiful but not wise…"

"Sou-Sou-sama, she is wise… …just foolishly blinded by her ego…"

Karin chuckled again. "Right~! I shall stand corrected then…"

"But even so," Fuu noted, "How are we to show Ryuu-Kyou how life is then? In order to show her, we must get through Ryuu-Ben and Empress Ka…"

"Not necessarily," Izumi informed, "I have strategy that, if Sou-Sou-sama permits it, wish to use…"

"And that will be?" Karin wondered. Izumi didn't reply immediately; instead she usher Karin to get closer and whisper her idea directly into her ears. Upon hearing, Karin's face strain a bit in worry. "…Will this really work?"

"I can guarantee it!"

Karin hummed in thought for a while before nodding with a smile. "It does sound interesting~! Very well, permission granted…"

"…? Karin-sama? What did Shiba Izumi suggest?" Keifa inquired.

"Sorry Keifa. I shall have to keep it a secret from you…"

"…!" Keifa startled before glaring at Izumi.

Upon returning to Kyo-Shou, a grand organized party was there to greet the Royal Family. Karin would later find out that Izumi had instructed Shuuran to prepare this just before they had left. The party eased the minds of the Loyalist and the Royal Family even further as they enter the castle of Kyo-Shou.

For days afterwards, Karin worked to further displace the worries of the Emperor and the loyalists. Mountains of gifts and housing arrangements for the loyalist were taken care of almost immediately. And Kyo-Shou Castle was outfitted with decorations suited for the Kan Emperor's residency.

Now it had been weeks since then and Izumi now find herself standing with Karin and Keifa as they attended another Royal Assembly. The assembly is basically the Emperor gathering his loyal minsters together to discuss what is to be done about the realm. Unfortunately, as Izumi recalled, there hasn't been a proper assembly called forth by the Emperor for many generations already. Perhaps because of that, Ryuu-Ben sat there nervously even after numerous secessions; with his mother Empress Ka standing next to him. Ryuu-Kyou was also nowhere to be seen, but after several Royal Assembly questions about her whereabouts no longer rose.

"Blessing of Longevity, my liege, long live!" Everyone announced and bowed curtly in front of the Emperor.

"A-Arise!" Ryuu-Ben tries to address expertly, but had started off slow.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Nevertheless, everyone announced before getting up. Everyone began to part ways towards the side as done traditionally…everyone aside Karin with Izumi and Keifa right behind her.

"Your Majesty," Karin began, "Ever since you temporarily move here to Kyo-Shou, civilians and soldiers have been dancing with joy, praising this piece of good fortune. The seas are calm and the rivers clear, and the rain and wind have been propitious…"

"Y-Yes," Ryuu-Ben nodded after looking at his mother, "This is all due to your efforts. We are greatly delighted…"

"Your Majesty," Karin continued onward, as if the comment had flew over her head, "in your benevolence, confer upon En-Shou of Ki-Shuu the rank of Commander-in-Chief, confer upon En-Jutsu of Ju-Shun the rank of General of the Elite Cavalry, confer Ryuu-Pyou of Kei-Shuu the rank of General of the Front, confer Kouson-San of Ryou-Sei the rank of General of the Rear…"

Karin then handed to one of the attendant a written form of her petition, which was then pass to Ryuu-Ben to examine.

"…Sou-Sou," Empress Ka suddenly called, "His Majesty has just moved to Kyo-Shou, and has a myriad of affairs to put in order. Why hurry to bestow ranks upon the regional lords?"

"Because the capital was just moved temporarily, magnanimity and majesty need to be shown to the world," Karin replied smoothly, "This is a one-time opportunity that must be seized…"

"I see, but in this petition of yours, you gave En-Shou, Ryuu-Pyou, Kouson-San…dear me, all those regional lords are to receive promotions. Some were even promoted two or three steps up. But you alone are missing. Back then Chou-Jou, using Tou-Taku as a front, promoted herself to, what was that, chancellor? So, why are you not petitioning for yourself?"

"Therein lays the arrogance and foolishness of Chou-Jou," Karin smirked at the question, "I am not Chou-Jou; I am Sou-Sou…" Karin bowed curtly to Ryuu-Ben. "Your servant has received the bounty of the dynasty; she is grateful and seeks to repay her liege. I only wish to do my loyal duty to Your Majesty; I do not covet meaningless titles…"

"…I see," Empress Ka nodded in approval, failing to recognize the hint of venom in Karin's words, "you are a practical woman with no use for the meaningless. I like that…"

Empress Ka nodded to her son and Ryuu-Ben addressed Karin again. "Everything that Sou Moutoku petitions shall receive our approval…"

"Your servant is grateful for your honor!" Karin bowed curtly before standing aside along with the other ministers.

"…WAH~~~! Shunran and Shuuran are both dummies~! Dummies, dummies, dummies, dummies~~! I do not know you two anymore~~~!"

A cry of despair and bitter resentment rang out in the courtyard. With everything that has been going on, Karon didn't have time to meet up with her two other childhood friends. Evidently after finally meeting up, the Kakou Sisters did not immediately recognize her. With tears in her eyes, Karon can now be seen stomping off still fully armored. Shunran and Shuuran, meanwhile, are hanging from her waist desperately and apologetically as they try to cease Karon's departure to no avail (thus being comically dragged along).

"No!" Shunran managed, "Karon-chan, Karon-dono, Karon-sama~! Please wait!"

"We apologize for our arrogance~!" Shuuran cried out desperately, "A thousand death to us for forgetting you! Please don't leave!"

"…I never thought I'll see the day," Maou managed, dumbstruck as she and everyone else who were not participating in the assembly watch on, "Both Shunran and Shuuran begging someone, other than Karin-sama, for forgiveness…"

"… …And in such a pathetic way," Sawa managed in the same manner.

"We had the privilege to witness the same from Karin-sama," Fuu spoke through Hou-Kei, "Hey now Hou-Kei; do not reveal such an embarrassing fact about Karin-sama…" "Sorry, it slipped out…"

"Karin-sama as well," Nagi sweat dropped, "… …I cannot fathom such a concept…"

"Even Shiba-san was left speechless for quite some time," Rin added with a sigh, "but was the quickest to recover…as usual…"

"Really~!?" The Chou Sister exclaimed in shocked.

"Really…"

"That is even more shocking than hearing that Karin-sama acted like that," Tenhou awed.

"Yeah," Chiihou frowned, "I thought for certain nothing could faze someone who claims to be a strategist yet fights like a whirlwind of death…"

"It just goes to shows Shiba Izumi is still human," Renhou sighed.

"Who is still human?" A voice called from behind, startling everyone.

Everyone turned to see Karin approach with Keifa and Izumi in toll.

"…Or rather," Karin continued, "Who was seen as anything more than human?"

"K-Karin-sama~!" The Chou Sister exclaimed before each giving an incredibly low bow, "W-We humbly greet our benevolent benefactor!"

"…Uh, yeah~," Karin sweat dropped at the overly courteous greeting, "You three can stop doing that now…"

"It can't be helped, Karin-sama," Keifa noted, "They were spared enemies given a second chance…"

Izumi, meanwhile, glance over at comedy being performed by Karon and the Kakou Sister with a sweat drop. "Am I to presume Sou-Jin-dono was denied familiarity here as well?"

"…Unfortunately, yes…" Nagi replied in the same manner.

"Ah! Karin!" Karon greeted, coming over, "…Ah-! No, it should be Karin-sama now…"

"Eh?" Karin blinked before the meaning of her words got through, "Ah, yes! We are not children anymore, so you have to address me accordingly…"

"Yes, your highness!" Karon saluted professionally…a little too professionally.

"From casual to professional," Keifa sweat dropped, "…well, whatever. Sou-Jin-san, I presume you shall be joining Karin-sama's cause from now on?"

"Affirmative! … … …Though this one is also under direct orders from the Emperor!"

"…? The Emperor!? You mean you take orders from that boy!?"

"Negative! This one's orders come from the Emperor…"

"…Ah~!" Izumi nodded in understanding, "You mean from Ryuu-Kyou-sama…"

"Affirmative!"

"…Then this makes things easier," Izumi turn to Karin, "Sou-Sou-sama. Allow me to borrow General Sou-Jin…"

"For that plan of yours?" Karin inquired, to which Izumi nodded, "Very well…don't keep her too long now…"

"Understood!"

Ryuu-Kyou sat in a veranda situated in the center of the Kyo-Shou castle's garden, with only two attendants waiting for her orders. Sometimes she would gaze at the trees where the sparrows chirped pleasantly among each other; sometimes her gaze fall towards the pond where colorful carps swam serenely just below the surface; sometime she would glance upward and watch the clouds move slowly. But no matter which direction she stare in her face remain neutral, with a hint of sadness.

She would have remained so had it not been for the sound of heavy armor and footsteps echoing suddenly.

Ryuu-Kyou turns to see Sou-Jin, still fully armor, approaching the veranda with a robed person. She blinked at the second person, confused as if she had never met the person, until she realized that the person was one of the strategists of Sou-Sou she had met back in Raku-You.

"…Your loyal servant, Sou-Jin and Shiba Izumi, pay respect to Her Majesty!" the two bowed curtly before the veranda.

Ryuu-Kyou stared indifferently before sighing. "…I told you I am not the Emperor, mou…"

Izumi and Karon remained silent as they remain bowing curtly to her.

"…Arise…"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" With that, the two stood up.

Ryuu-Kyou sighed. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, mou?"

"Your Majesty," Izumi began, "How is your stay here in Kyo-Shou?"

"…Most relaxing, mou," Ryuu-Kyou admitted, "There are three meals a day, servants to tend to every needs, the royal gardens are blooming with beautiful flowers, and city echoes with liveliness. In comparison, Chou-Ann seems like a bad dream, mou…"

"Your subject concur with Your Majesty. But your subject believe Your Majesty has made an error in one of your observation…"

"…? Oh? What may that be?"

"The liveliness of the city…"

Ryuu-Kyou blinked confusingly at Izumi's words. "I do not understand. Even I receive reports that the city is bursting with excitements…"

"The words of a report are but a second-hand source. If anything, the reports Your Majesty overheard are ones that your brother, or rather what Empress Ka, wishes to hear…"

"…Are you saying what is reported is false?"

"No, Your Majesty, it is not false but not completely true…"

Ryuu-Kyou hummed in thought before sighing. "Then how am I to know the complete truth, mou?"

"A simple task, Your Majesty…"

"How so?"

"…Your Majesty, are you interested in exploring the city?"

Ryuu-Kyou nearly fell off of her chair before staring incredibly at Izumi. "E-Explore the city!? W-What careless words! I cannot simply set foot outside the Palace, mou!"

"Perhaps if Your Majesty is the Emperor, but as Princess Ryuu-Kyou—no, as simply Ryuu-Kyou-sama, it is possible…"

"…As simply Ryuu-Kyou, mou? I do not understand…"

"Simply speaking," At this Izumi closed in and whispered into her ears, "Ryuu-Kyou-sama can dress up in disguise as a commoner and visit the city…"

"…As a commoner, mou?" Ryuu-Kyou hummed in thought, "True, it is possible, but I must inform Empress Mother Ka about-…"

"Empress Ka does not need to be informed," Izumi suddenly intervened and continued on before Ryuu-Kyou could say anything more, "Empress Ka would most definitely not wish to be disturbed for such a trivial thing…"

"…I suppose you are correct, but…can it really be accomplish, mou? Disguising is one thing, but sneaking out is-…"

"Your Majesty's worries are unnecessary," Izumi turned to Karon, "I am correct to say that Sou-Jou-dono is under Your Majesty's direct order, yes?"

"Affirmative!" Karon saluted.

"…So this is the city of Kyo-Shou?" Ryuu-Kyou awed as her head swung left to right, taking everything she saw in, "I seldom go out; as far as memory serve, I had only venture far from the palace structure whenever the Royal Family are fleeing, mou. The city truly is bubbling full of liveliness and vigor…"

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Karon nodded at the words of Ryuu-Kyou.

In order to sneak Ryuu-Kyou pass the security, Izumi had hid her within Karon's armor. Though skeptical at first that such a simple method would work, the two had to admit that in the end Izumi had chosen the right course of action. Karon's armor was large and spacy, with enough room to hide a single small person inside. It was also unthinkable that any royal guards to try searching Karon's body, partly due to Karon being a rather intimidating general if necessary and partly due to the fact that it was no secret that she is now one of the members of Karin's inner circle.

"Ryuu-Kyou-sama," Izumi began, after watching the said person gaze about excitedly, "Is there any place you wish to attend to first?"

"Eh!?" Ryuu-Kyou backtracked a bit before humming in thought, "…Well, I always wish to try out the food stands, mou…"

"Then so be it. I believe the closest food stand is located in the next two streets…"

"Very well, let us make our way, mou~!"

"… … …Her Highness is acting like a country girl who just visited the palace interior," Karon managed, straining her words.

"It is to be expected," Izumi smirked as they follow Ryuu-Kyou closely from behind, "Aside from being on the run, Her Majesty had yet to experience any form of normal life. She is at the age where she should be acting in such a way, being curious and excited at discovering a new world around her…"

"…Shiba-san sounds like a doting mother…"

"Perhaps; I had dealings of such in the past…"

"…?"

"Think nothing of it, Sou-Jin-dono. Come now; let's keep our Princess safe…"

"…Okay…"

The three spent the next hours or so going hither and thither throughout city. Izumi didn't even need to guess to see that Ryuu-Kyou is enjoying herself as time pass. She already befriended many of the children that Izumi worked with back when she came to Kyo-Shou the first time. She also became rather familiar with many of the shop-owners that she recommended as well. Of course none of them were aware that she was the Royal Princess of Kan; Izumi was prepared for this and had passed her off as one of Karon's cousins (much to shock of the said pretend cousin).

The three now find themselves dining at a restaurant, sipping tea. Although it was nerve-wracking for many people, Karon had insisted in remaining fully armor even on suggestion by Ryuu-Kyou. Izumi, of course, has also insisted Karon to remove a little armor but after the first attempt failed she no longer pursue the topic.

Izumi could easily guess the simple reason why Karon is so heavily insistence in keeping her armor on: she was deeply afraid of everything around her. The reason may sound lowbrow but, just like with Karin, Izumi could tell that Karon was practical in dealing with her fear; fear of the unknown, fear of others, fear of pain. Karon is simply trying to defend her frail confidence with her armor.

"Shiba Izumi," Ryuu-Kyou suddenly called as she set aside the cup of tea she had been sipping, "General Sou-Jin, I thank you two for allowing me such a chance to mingle with the citizen of the Kan Empire, mou…"

"Your thanks are unnecessary, Ryuu-Kyou-sama," Izumi gave a small curt bow, "Fulfilling the wish of your is a must for any loyal subject of the Kan…"

"Yes," Karon added, trying extremely hard to not sound or look too profession, "Your wish is my command…"

"I shall remember your words, mou," Ryuu-Kyou nodded in approval.

"So, Ryuu-Kyou-sama," Izumi addressed, "what do you think? About the city? About the people? About the reports?"

Startled at first, Ryuu-Kyou considered her next words before speaking. "The reports are indeed true. The city is prospering and the citizens are in a joyful state…"

"…But?"

At that, Ryuu-Kyou frowned a bit. "…But, amiss the joyous atmosphere, there lay many dark pockets, mou…"

"Indeed. Perhaps Your Majesty has seen the dark alleys?"

"…Few in number for each, but there were rather scrawny people jumbled in there…"

"The sick and the unfortunate. And outside several restaurants?"

"…There were plenty of people dressed in tainted and ripped clothing, asking for even one coin or a scrap of food…"

"Beggars and homeless. And of in front of Court Houses?"

"…Many distress people banging on the doors asking for food… …Was it always like this, mou?"

"I do not think there is a city or a country in this world or in any worlds that does not have beggars, suffering or unfortunates. The City of Kyo-Shou is no different, though for the past weeks it has become more numerous…"

"Only recently, mou?"

"It is a problem that Sou-Sou-sama and I realized early on and had worked to lessen it. Up until a few weeks ago, at the very least every single person in the city, if not the region we govern, had at least a chance to obtain one good supper…"

"What has change then?"

"Politics perhaps," Izumi shrugged.

At this, Ryuu-Kyou became confused. Up to as far as she has known Shiba Izumi, she had always given certain answers to any of her question, even if it had sound preposterous once Izumi went into depth with her explanation even she has no words to counter.

Just then the people sitting at the table behind Ryuu-Kyou suddenly sighed, loud enough to catch hers, Sou-Jin, and Izumi's attention.

"I can't believe the tax has raised this high!" one of them complained, "Just weeks ago, with my current salary, I could meets end's need and still have enough to spare. Now, it takes three jobs to meets ends meet…"

"I know what you mean," Another nodded, "Just the other day I went to buy my usual amount of rice; it was just about 10 catty worth enough to last me a week. But get this: it now cost 50 coins to buy that much when 10 coins would have been enough before!"

"I know! 50 coins!? We are only getting paid say 80 coins a week at best and then there is tax at the end of the month too; 240 coins is the tax now! Can you believe that!?"

"But that is not the worse part, as I was arguing with the rice merchant, he managed to sell some bags to some government official from the court. They bought a degrade variety at 40 coins each. When I try to get one of those kinds, the rice merchant suddenly told it is now 50 coins again!"

"Seriously!?"

"Yeah and when I complain, he told me that it might even be more profitable for him if he did not sell anymore. In the end I had to buy one at that price…"

"…50 coins for a 10 catty of rice!?" Ryuu-Kyou managed in horror, "And 240 coins for tax collecting!? Those kinds of prices are unreasonable!"

"It's call inflation, Your Majesty," Izumi informed, taking a sip of tea.

"…? Inflation, mou?"

"In a nutshell, it's a 'rise in price of goods'. When the quantity of goods goes down, price goes up in order to ensure an escape from shortage…"

"Huh?" Karon blinked in confusion.

"To put it even more simply, the less you have the more you are worry about people sucking you dry…"

"Oh…"

"But why should be any reason for that!?" Ryuu-Kyou wondered, "According to reports, the yield of rice this year is extremely plentiful, mou!"

"Indeed," Izumi nodded solemnly, "But not a month ago, the Emperor had decree to fill up the granaries with the newly yielded crops. Though it is unnecessary, the Emperor has been insisted by Empress Ka to do so. Because of that, there are few grains of rice available to the public…

Ryuu-Kyou grumbled a bit; it was true, the royal granaries are now packed with enough rice to last for two years…assuming they don't rot too fast.

"Normally, with this surplus amount of rice, Sou-Sou-sama would have spared some to the public, but the Emperor has made it 'Royal Exclusive'…"

"But I do not understand," Ryuu-Kyou frowned, "why is it this bad, mou? Could it be because the salaries are so low?"

"That's not correct either, Your Majesty…"

"…I beg your pardon?"

"Merchant works on a delicate system of supply and demand, Your Majesty. To gain profit, they must find the common point where the demand for goods and the price of goods are acceptable. With that profit, some of it goes to paying their workers. With price high but demand low, merchants and business owners cannot obtain the economical profit required to efficiently pay their workers. In other words, it is not that the salary is low, but because the worth of the coins has decreased…"

"…? T-The worth of coins?" Karon managed in confusion.

"…Take this cup for example Sou-Jin-dono," Izumi raised her tea cup, "with its simplicity one could argue that 1 coin is enough to buy it. But then suddenly, the market dictates that one needs 2 coins, then 3. As you can see, what you could buy with one coin suddenly it not as much…"

"Oh~!"

"Then it must be because of the taxes, mou," Ryuu-Kyou noted, "If the taxes are not so great, people didn't need to worry about meeting end's need. Why is the tax so high, mou?"

"…Because not over three weeks ago," Izumi began, "somebody passed a law setting the tax at its current price…"

Ryuu-Kyou opened her mouth to speak, but she quickly shut it. She didn't need to ask; she knows who pass that law. It was decree under her brother Ryuu-Ben's name.

"Of course, Sou-Sou-sama had tried persuading otherwise, but Empress Ka had made certain that the Emperor has ignored our pleas…"

Ryuu-Kyou could not believe her ears. Once she got down to it, the common people are suffering because of the decision made by the Emperor…her brother. But she cannot stand for that, she cannot believe that even their Royal Mother, Empress Ka, could convince him to do this. But before she could voice her opinion, the family on the table next to them suddenly gave some sighs.

"Dear mother," The Daughter of the family suddenly voiced, "Are we really not going to do anything about the assault carried out on Brother?"

The Mother sighed. "I'm afraid so…"

"Maybe we should try again, going to the court house to plead a case…"

"Do not be foolish my daughter," The Father sighed, "Perhaps if it had been three weeks before we could get our case solve but now it is impossible…"

"Your father is right," The Mother sighed, "The court drums had been taken down and those Court Guards have once again start demanding fees to have the 'very busy' Court Officials deal with it…"

"It happens the last time we went there, remember my Daughter?"

The Daughter sighed. "It is not fair; if we had the money in the first place Brother would not be so wrongfully beaten so badly! I wish Sou-Sou-sama would reinstall our previous Court Official again…"

Ryuu-Kyou heard all of this; she could not believe that the family could not have their case handled by the Court Official, when it is their job to do so.

"…That family is but one of many that cannot plead their case," Izumi suddenly clarify, taking another calm sip from her tea cup.

"There are many more!?" Ryuu-Kyou managed in horror, "How come, mou? I have heard reports saying that there are not many cases that the Court Officials had to deal with!"

"Just because that is what is reported to the Royal Court, it doesn't mean it is true, Your Majesty. Likewise, just because the Court Officials didn't receive a lot of cases, it doesn't mean there aren't a lot…"

"How come, mou!?"

"Three reasons, Your Majesty," Izumi held up three fingers before putting down two of them, "Firstly, the traditional method to call a case has been reinstalled…"

"…I beg your pardon?"

"Sou-Sou-sama and I have seen this kind of problem before and had gone to correct it. We had install Court Drums outside the Court House; by Sou-Sou-sama's decree, anyone can beat the drum to alert the Court Official inside that a case is being issue and that anyone, including the Court Guards, interfere shall be punish under law. This system ensures that the Court Guards cannot deny or become difficult with civilians pleading a case…"

"Ah~! How ingenious," Ryuu-Kyou nodded in admiration.

"Secondly, the ability of the Court Official has differed as well. Sou-Sou-sama and I have chosen people from the population not for their standing but for their ability. There is no point in using a writing brush in battle or a war sword to write. If they have the skill to do so, Sou-Sou-sama and I would place them in a position worthy of their skills…"

"Reasonable, mou…"

"And finally, the Court Official can now choose which case to handle. To Sou-Sou-sama and I, no case is too small for the Court Official; all cases are solve and report regardlessly with our system. In turn, they were waged appropriately according to their enthusiasm. Humans are greedy at heart, but it can be control and used; as long as it benefits their needs they will get the job done as efficiently as possible…"

"I see, mou," Ryuu-Kyou nodded.

"…But then." Karon suddenly frowned, "What is causing the problem?"

"It is just as I'd said," Izumi sighed, "The logical system that Sou-Sou-sama and I set up has been torn down. The traditional method for calling a case has been reinstalled; citizen must once again go through the Court Guards in order to plead the case. But with recent low wages and high taxes, Court Guards are taking advantage of this to profit themselves to meet end's need. The ability of the current Court Officials is also lacking; many lacks the up-to-date insight and fairness judgment require which the complex and ever changing life of Kyo-Shou so readily provide. Concretely, wages are now evenly distributed, neither rising or falling due to their enthusiasm; therefore a Court Official need not to be careful or truthful about their works…"

"H-How could that be!?" Ryuu-Kyou managed in shock, "How could anyone let that happen, mou!?"

At that, Izumi took another sip before answering. "The Loyal Ministers that had travelled with Your Majesty were rewarded with new position by the Emperor, were they not?"

"Yes, but what-?" Ryuu-Kyou began before finally connecting the dots, "A-Are you saying the current Court Officials are-?"

"The Loyal Ministers. The majority of them, however, had been more adept in royal desk job than public civil services. Although it unanimous that they should be rewarded for their loyalty, they were place in areas outside their expertise. The Emperor installed these jobs upon them and because they are unfamiliar with the system Kyo-Shou had they plead to have the traditional system reinstall for convenience sake instead of efficiency sake…"

"T-That can't be," Ryuu-Kyou managed in shock…until another table nearby sighed.

"What is happening to this world?" One of them asked, "Has the Heaven really abandon us this time…"

"I concur," another one moaned, "When it was just Sou-Sou-sama, I thought it was a sign that the Heaven still smile on us…"

"You would think with the Emperor here things would get even better, but no~! The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer! Taxes are high, most of court officials are lazy, and the people we once trust are being replaced!"

"Yeah~! The rich are happy, but what about us!? What about those who of lower social classes? Since the royal families return, it's like we do not matter anymore!"

"And Sou-Sou-sama is force to go along with this inanity! Sure the rules she put up before were strict, but at least we understood why they were place and it did not harm us in the long run…"

"It is no wonder the Ten Eunuchs could had gotten away with so much injustice! The Royal Family is so short-sighted!"

"Maybe it would have been better if they had remained in Chou-Ann!"

"My thought exactly! I had once cheered at the thought Sou-Sou-sama had remained loyal to the Imperial Kan, but now I wish Sou-Sou-sama could have ignore them and left her at Raku-You…"

"…No way," Ryuu-Kyou managed; tears of pain were already forming in her eyes as she used her hands to cover her mouth, silencing any cry of painful horror that she could have unconsciously make, "…is this really what the people are saying, mou!?"

"Your Majesty," Karon voiced in concern.

"Shiba Izumi! Are their words the voice of so many others!?"

"Perhaps," Izumi admitted, "Though not all of them feel exactly the same and would not quite put it in such a way, there should be many thinking the same…"

"No way! I-I admit that my Royal Mother may seem a little cruel and my Royal Brother may not be thinking beyond two steps, but I am sure that deep down they wish to work for and concerned about the people, mou! They would never intentionally cause people to suffer! Are you saying that nothing they worked towards has reached them, mou!?"

"…The people don't know the Emperor's personality, nor that of the Empress…or Ryuu-Kyou-sama," Izumi suddenly voice, "There is no way for them to correctly judge them…or Your Majesty…"

"…!"

"For people, who cannot fathom those who they never met or see, they judge the action and the result of the action of the said people; they would judge those work for them and look towards their living condition to get an idea what kind of person they are being led by. They merely looked upon the evidences and made a conclusion…"

Ryuu-Kyou sat there listening intently as Izumi wrapped up her opinion.

"…However, the puzzling thing is," Izumi suddenly chuckled, "even though this isn't the reaction of people in a good government, this is a sensible reaction after a mistake. With Your Majesty now aware, at the very least Sou-Sou-sama and I can be at ease…"

"…?"

"…Ryuu-Kyou-sama," Izumi suddenly stood up, "We have several more hours before we must return. Are there any other places Your Majesty wish to attend to?"

"…Did it go well?" Karin asked as soon as Izumi and Karon returned.

"Rather than saying it is going well," Izumi informed, "I would say we are progressing in a good direction, Sou-Sou-sama…"

"Progressing?"

"In other words," Keifa grunted, "you are not confident if your stratagem will work or not, right?"

"It is not question of whether my simple stratagem will work or not, Jun-Iku-dono, but when…"

"Huh!?"

"So that's what you mean," Karin chuckled before sighing, "It appears that this shall be a long operation…"

"Slow and steady wins the race, Sou-Sou-sama…especially in the race we are performing in…"

"I suppose so…"

It has been an hour since Izumi, Karon and Ryuu-Kyou return to the palace. Ryuu-Kyou has excused herself back into the inner chambers of the palace, while Izumi and Karon reported in to Karin.

"Nevertheless, it means Empress Ka and Ryuu-Ben shall remain in power for much longer. They're going to tear up everything I had made right…"

"There is no need to worry, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi reassured, "even if they remain in power for the next two years, the damages can be minimized so that by the time the operation comes to fruition hardly anything would be different…"

"You expect to have Karin-sama wait for two years!?" Keifa exclaimed, "What nonsense is this!? We can't have Karin-sama worry over this issue for two years!"

"She's just saying if they remain in power for that long," Karin chuckled, "Do not overreact, Keifa…"

"But Karin-sama~!"

"Do you have anything else to report, Shiba Izumi?"

"I have finished my report," Izumi acknowledged.

"Then you are excused…"

Izumi gave a courteous bow before leaving.

"…K-Karin-sama," Keifa suddenly voiced in confusion, "It may just be me, but it would have seem you had rush your conversation with that woman…"

"I did," Karin admitted, "And it only worked because Shiba Izumi herself has wished to end our little chitchat…On that note…"

Karin then turns to Karon, who had remain quietly on standby on the side.

"Karon, now that she is gone, there are certain things I need to ask you about Shiba Izumi…"

"As you wish, Karin-sama!"

"…! Karin-sama~!" Keifa gasped in awe. She had feared that the time spent with Izumi had made Karin trust her completely. But this inquiry proved to her that Karin had yet to trust her; Karin is being cautious of Shiba Izumi, finally seeing her as a threat.

"Tell me, Karon," Karin began, "What is your impression of Shiba Izumi?"

Karon thought about the question for a moment. "To be honest, Karin-sama, my impression of Shiba-san can be described as wonders…"

"Wonders, you say?"

"A complicated person. She is willing to let one enter her head but one would leave with more questions than answers. Shiba-san's way of thinking is…perplexing. One would not think that it is as though she knows more about the situation better than the people in the situation themselves…"

"You don't say…"

"She is highly intelligent as well. It is as if every step she takes is full of consideration and is well-planned. How she manages to integrate logic into an emotional conversation is frighten, if not astonishing. She also seems very popular with the common people, without regards to age or gender, but she always seems to put up an air of a professional no matter who she talks to…"

"The air of a professional?"

"She is all about business…"

Karin hummed in thought at this before speaking again. "…Do you see her as a threat?"

"…? A threat, Karin-sama?"

"As in, if she wants to, she could overthrow both the Royal Family and me?"

Karon blinked at that before giving the scenario a thought. "…Truthfully, yes. She seems to be capable of that much now that Karin-sama mentions it…"

Keifa couldn't help give a smirk upon hearing this. Not only did Karin consider this, but Karon has expressed it out loud. With this, she thought, Karin would no longer place full trust into Izumi.

"…But at the same time," Karon continued, "I get the feeling she is not interested…"

"…Eh?"

"So you thought so as well, Karon," Karin huffed.

"As well, Karin-sama?" Karon wondered.

"Shiba Izumi…is incredibly gifted. As I have mention to others before, she could easily dispose of me and conquer the land in my place. But she did not do that; that has always puzzled me. The only conclusion that I can arrive to is that she is simply uninterested or perhaps even she has yet spot the opportunity to do so. The later became out of the question after she save me so passionately during my fail attempt to pursue Chou-Jou, so it had to be the first but I was not sure if it was. So I decided to ask you, who have spent a far lesser time with Shiba Izumi so far, for your opinion to confirm that I was not being influence by my personal opinions…"

"I see. You are as careful as always, Karin-sama. Just like that time with the scroll thief…"

"The scroll thief? How is it that you remember something as trivial as that after all this time?"

"EH!? Trivial!? Karin! I was framed for that and you saved me from that shame!"

"… …I did?"

"WAH~~~! Karin, you dummy! Dummy, dummy, dummy, dummy~~! I do not know you anymore~~~!"

"Ah-! No! Wait! I'm sorry~! Stop! Do not leave~~!"

Watching this gag scene between Karon trying to stomp off in tears and Karin hanging from her waist, desperately trying to stop her thus getting comically drag, Keifa let out a sigh.

She had guessed wrong. It is not that her beloved Karin is beginning to doubt Izumi, but rather Karin is beginning to doubt her own judgment and needed an third party opinion on the matter. That opinion had only seemed to solidify Karin's confident in judging Izumi, therefore strengthening her trust.

"Shiba Izumi," Keifa grumbled under her breath, "I will not allow you to corrupt Karin-sama to your own unannounced end…"

Meanwhile, Izumi was making her way back to her household that she obtained when she obtain the rank of Chief Strategist. It wasn't big in comparison to the other grand household in the Kan Era, but it is still relatively large capable of fitting ten common folk houses inside.

Normally, someone of her status would have taken a carriage with several escorts back to her home, but Izumi had insisted that she is fine walking home by herself. It is not that she was confident that no one would attack her; in truth she has absolute confident that she may one day be attack.

It's just that she was used to such situation; back in her world, there were time when she would spend hours after dark away from home and had made her way back home on foot. On a few occasions, she was approached by people of ill-intent but she has always apprehended them without much difficulty and hand them over to the authority. In short, it is one of her hobby as a 'night-patrol'; the thrill of turning the hunters into the hunted is one of the few enjoyment she occasionally allow herself to do. In fact, she had used that excuse to rescue Kazuto when he, predictably, fail to heed her warning about the strange male student.

This night is one such night. Ever since she left the palace, Izumi's keen senses easily picked up a stalker following her…or at least someone keeping an eye on her as she made her way home. Whoever it was is incredibly skill, no one under Izumi's capability would have detected the person.

Nevertheless, Izumi had confident that she can deal with this stalker. So she continued onward until she came across an alley way that suits her needs and rushed in.

The stalker, perhaps startled by the action that clearly seems to indicate Izumi was aware of their presence, rushed from her hiding place and into the alleyway to follow. But as soon as the stalker enters, they could find no trance of Izumi. It was a long alleyway and judging from Izumi's speed upon entering she could've exited already.

The stalker was so perplex that they didn't notice a shadow descending from above. By the time the stalker realized it, he or she was already pinned to the ground in a submission hold.

"People never expect an attack from above," the shadow announce with confident; it is none other than Shiba Izumi, "I'm only going to ask this once: who sent you?"

"I meant you no harm, Shiba-dono," the stalker voiced in a soft female tone, "I have merely wish to convey an invitation to you…"

Though startled by the fact it was a girl, Izumi glared at the cloaked figure under her. "If it is an invitation, I would much prefer a more honest approach. Tell your master that, assuming I would let you go…"

"I shall take note of that in the future, but it is urgent that this invitation is to be delivered discretely. I apologize for inconveniences…"

"… …So the organizer of this invitation came herself, I see," Izumi released the cloak girl and allow her to stand up, "It would appear that you are more thorough about discretion than I thought you are. Impressive…"

"So you realized," the cloak girl noted in surprise, "Then will you accept my invitation?"

"You came all this way to invite me yourself. I suppose in respect I can do that much…"

"Then please follow me…" And with that, the cloak girl leads Izumi onward.

"I am surprise, admittedly, that we are to arrive here of all places," Izumi acknowledge after arriving at the front gate of a Court House, "If I recall correctly, this is the residence of-…"

"Inside, quickly please," the Cloaked Girl ushered once she open the door.

"Affirmative," Izumi chuckled; she couldn't help but think if there really is a need for secrecy, they should have at least entered through the back door instead of the front.

Once inside the Court House, the Cloaked Girl led Izumi towards the Guest Room. Bear in mind that a standard Court House composed of a Court Room, a dungeon to house criminals for trials, and a Living Quarter where the Guest Room, Study Room, and Sleeping Rooms are located.

In the Guest Room, there already two distinguish-looking people waiting.

One had long light-brown hair flow down her back stretching pass her knees, a soft hair ornament in the shape of turtle shell held some of her that are braided in place, and gentle green eyes behind red rim rectangle glasses. She wore a black traditional qipao that uselessly hid the curves her optimal breast, which had various golden chains decorating certain parts of the dress. Long scroll-like lacings connect the golden chain near her neck with the golden chains around her wrists.

The second person has long thick curly gray hair flow down her back, with her official hat sitting loosely on the side of her head, as if ready to fall off any time soon. She possessed bright, kind and considering green eyes and wore faded-pink rim oval glasses. She dress similarly to a ballet dancer, with her pea-green romantic tutu gather up on her right waist held in place by a yellow star clip, a mostly tan-color tutu waistcoat that did little to cover most of her large bust, and a cape that hangs from the bicep golden armbands accompany by a fold-up paper scroll. She also wore white beads around her wrists and blue ones around her neck, white garter belt socks and stage shoes, and held a manuscript in her hands.

"Welcome, Shiba Izumi-dono," the first person greeted respectively, "I am honored to meet you here in my Court House…"

"I'm sure you are," Izumi greeted in the same manner, "Kouhou-Suu-dono…"

Kouhou-Suu Ginshin smiled at this. Izumi is aware of who she is. She was one of the Loyalists that had traveled with the Royal Family on their way back Raku-You. Historically, her counterpart was also appointed as Grand Commandant of the Kan Imperial Court for his contribution in suppressing Yellow Scarves Rebellion.

"But I would have preferred a more subtle approach to this meeting. Perhaps one that would not look so obviously inconspicuous. The situation could have easily been interpreted as an excellent [scandal] material…"

"Perhaps, Shiba Izumi-dono," Kouhou-Suu admitted, "but this method is the only method that will not reach the ears of the Empress…"

"… …Oh~? So you know what [scandal] means?"

"I have a vague idea…"

Izumi couldn't help but smirk at this; this person Kouhou-Suu is good. Izumi admittedly let that one English word slip on impulse, but Kouhou-Suu managed to gather the core of her sentence and make an educated guess of the unfamiliar word.

"Now then, allow me to introduce to you the other members here," Kouhou-Suu directed Izumi's attention the second person, "This person here is a close friend of mine, Ro-Shoku Komiki…"

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Shiba Izumi-dono," the person bowed in greeting. Izumi is aware of her name as well. Historically, the name belonged to the teacher of both Kouson-San and Ryuu-Bi who was wrongfully accused for a crime and was spared only by the interference of Kouhou-Suu. Though history mentions little of Ro-Shoku after that account, his son was to become the Consultant Foreman Clerk in the Department of Legal Administration in Sou-Gi.

"As for the person who brought you here," Kouhou-Suu continued, addressing the Cloak Girl, "She is the organizer of this meeting: Chou-Chuu Yogen…a eunuch…"

That earned Izumi's astonishment as she turn to see the Cloak Girl removing her cloak to reveal her long curly turquoise hair that flow passes her shoulders, sad light-purple eyes expresses a traumatic upbringing, and her palace attendant clothing worn like an erotic dancing shrine maiden, with her servant attendant hat attached to her purple headband.

"Now this is a shock," Izumi admitted, "I thought for certain all members of the Ten Eunuch are unaccounted for…"

"…They are," Chou-Chuu Yogen announced sadly, "I had remove myself from the main Eunuch Faction when they assassinated General Ka-Shin…"

"I see…so you didn't participate in the assassination, so what is it you-…no, what do you three want from me?"

"As would be expected from one such as yourself," Ro-Shoku giggled, "You catch on pretty quickly and get straight to the point…"

"While not asking unnecessary questions at that," Kouhou-Suu chuckled, "Then let us get down to business then, please have a seat…"

Taking the offer, Izumi sat herself down on the nearest chair as the other three took their seats as well.

"I shall get straight to the point: Shiba-dono please urged Princess Ryuu-Kyou to return to the throne…"

"So it is about this," Izumi huffed, "You do realize that I have yet to declare my allegiance. By your declaration alone, I can label you traitors of the Imperial Court…"

"Perhaps, but you will not do that…"

"And what makes you think so?"

"Foolish as it may sound, but we trust the judgment made by Chou-Chuu…"

"…Then what is your reason," Izumi glance at Chou-Chuu.

"…Because you follow Sou-Sou-dono," Chou-Chuu simply reply.

"Now that's an interesting reason," Izumi chuckled, "But I suppose you have judge Sou-Sou-sama well…"

"So will you do it?" Ro-Shoku inquired, "You are by far the only person that has managed to remain close to Her Highness' side without suspicion; you are the only one who can influence Her Majesty…"

"(So their knowledge extend to the fact that they know I have snuck Ryuu-Kyou-sama out, huh?)" Izumi thought, "(They are also aware of Sou-Sou-sama's loyalty…)"

"It is His Highness wish for Princess Ryuu-Kyou to take the throne while he is gone. Ka-Shin and her family merely used His Highness' absence to further their family's standing in the Court…"

"…? Hold a minute," Izumi interrupted; it may have just been a miscommunication, but if her ears are not defected then she had just stumble upon shocking and presidential information, "Are you saying…Emperor Rei-Tei…is ALIVE?"

The three looked at each other, as if they had just slipped something unintentionally, before they hesitantly nodded.

"This is confidential information," Kouhou-Suu began, "We want you to trust us, so we shall trust you…"

"Several months ago," Chou-Chuu began, "His Highness fell into a strange disease. In retrospect, it was probably more than just a disease. His Highness, Emperor Rei-Tei, was changing; no one knew why, but it horrified everyone who knew…"

"Aside from the three of us," Ro-Shoku admitted, "The Ten Eunuchs, Ka-Shin-san, Empress Dowager Tou and Empress Ka were aware of it. The Emperor was so traumatize by the change, he confide to the Ten Eunuchs of the succession and in secret left. To save face-…"

"Let me guess," Izumi suddenly intervene, "you all spread the rumor that His Highness passed away…"

"… …That is correct…"

"Then correct me if I am wrong then…"

"…?"

"Months after Emperor Rei-Tei were pronounced dead, Ka-Shin determined that it would be safe to appoint her own relative as the next Emperor instead of following His Majesty's order. Chou-Jou, being a political opponent to Ka-Shin for many years, could not stand the idea of letting Ka-Shin get her way gather the eunuchs to assassinate her. But not in a usual way, no; going by my information about Chou-Jou she likely sentence Ka-Shin in a method worse than death, something so shameful she refuse to reveal herself thus create the illusion that she is dead. With Ka-Shin gone, Chou-Jou appointed Ryuu-Kyou as the Emperor and would have likely gotten rid of Empress Ka and Ryuu-Ben had it not been insisted by both Empress Dowager Tou and Ryuu-Kyou-sama to keep them alive. After several more months, for whatever the cause Chou-Jou began to go wrong and plot a takeover. The rest result is the Tranny of Tou-Taku and Coalition against it. Am I correct?"

The three stared in amazement at Izumi before Chou-Chuu spoke. "It is exactly as you surmised…"

"To deduce as far as realizing that General Ka-Shin is alive yet in hiding," Ro-Shoku awed, "Impressive~!"

"I can now see why you are Sou-Sou-dono's Chief Strategist," Kouhou-Suu added, "Frighten, both you and Sou-Sou-dono…"

"Your praises are unneeded," Izumi waved off their awe, "Anyway, from what I gather, Chou-Chuu here saw what was happening and decided to preserve the Empire in her own way. She aided Ka-Shin-dono's escape from Raku-You, enlisted help from you two and remained undercover waiting for the opportunity…"

"…! H-How-?" Ro-Shoku began before sighing, "No, never mind! Yes, it is as you said…"

"So the real purpose of this meeting is not only to convince me to suggest to Ryuu-Kyou-sama to take back the throne, but also to receive my cooperation in finding both His Majesty and Ka-Shin-dono, am I right?"

"Again yes…"

Izumi huffed. "A dangerous game you are all playing. One slip-off and all of you can be sentence to death…"

"We are all aware," Chou-Chuu admitted, "But, my family had served the House of Kan for many generations. Unlike the other eunuchs, I am proud of it! I will not let it collapse…"

"For the Imperial Kan," Kouhou-Suu declared, "Staking our lives for it nothing short of what we should be doing…"

"Please, Shiba-dono," Ro-Shoku bowed in a pleading way, "Help us return the Imperial Kan back to its former glory!"

Izumi watches as the three bowed deeply to her. After a moment, she sighed. "I can see that all three of you are deeply loyal to the Imperial Kan, you have my admiration and respect…"

"Then-!?"

"However, I must decline on suggesting Ryuu-Kyou-sama to take the throne as of yet…"

"Eh!? But-!"

"I ask all three of you this: has ever in history did the vassals abdicate the Emperor for another not done it for their own selfish gain? Kouhou-Suu-dono and Ro-Shoku-dono?"

Despite being called on, the two remained silent as if registering something that should have been obvious yet they missed it completely. Chou-Chuu must have just understood as well, because she slipped a shock "Ah-!" before she could cover her mouth with her sleeves.

"Ka-Shin-dono and Chou-Jou are prime example of the worry that this question presence. I have made certain already that Sou-Sou-sama had not fallen prey to this hidden trap, and I must insist the same to you three… … …But I am sure that one day, Princess Ryuu-Kyou will be looking for assistances soon…"

The three of them gave Izumi a puzzling look as she got up to leave.

"When that happens, I shall suggest you three as well when I am asked. Until then, refrain from taking any more suspicious actions and perform your current duties well…"

Izumi than started towards the door before turn back to them with a final note. "Among the current Court Officials that has been appointed, Sou-Sou-sama and I are glad that you two have the most to report. It may not set well for the Emperor or his Mother, but the Emperor would be please…"

With that, Izumi left and made her way her way home…starting from the back door.

Days later in Ki-Shuu, En-Shou has host yet another Assembly in her palace. Ministers and Military Officers are there as En-Shou has host the Assemble on the pretense of a banquet, with plenty of food and a score of dancers. It was in the middle of this banquet that En-Shou voiced for attention.

"…The court issued a decree bestowing upon me the rank of Commander-in-Chief," En-Shou declared to her vassal, "In addition to Ki-Shuu, Ryou-Sei and even To-Shuu, two province which I have wanted for a long time but have not managed to obtain, are all assigned to me as fief!"

The vassals of En-Shou gossiped amidst themselves at the news their lord has given.

"So tell me, should I accept this decree, or should I not?"

Ka-Yuu suddenly stood up and bow curtly to En-Shou. "Congratulations, En-Shou-sama, on your promotion! To gain land without so much as wasting a single sweat; En-Shou-sama should accept the decree!"

Another vassal stood up and began to curtly addressed En-Shou. "The court has just move to Kyo-Shou. The Emperor could barely manage his own affairs. The decree is simply an empty favor that costs them nothing!"

At each comment, En-Shou nodded before noticing the distress look on Gan-Ryou. "Toshi, what's wrong with you? You don't look all that merry as the party should be…"

"…En-Shou-sama," Gan-Ryou began with a sigh, "this decree…isn't as simple as we think…"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"…I am not quite sure myself…"

"Ah, you are probably just thinking too much, Toshi," Bun-Shuu laughed, "As far as I can see, whether we accept this decree or not, it holds no drawback for us…"

"It looks that way, but it still bothers me somehow…"

En-Shou gave Gan-Ryou a puzzling look before noticing a sigh from the leading dancing girls, "Dancer~! Did you have something to say?"

Everyone turn to the lead dancer. She was a tall dancer with cheerful dark-blue eyes, rosy-color cheek, knee-long black hair tied in a ponytail, and was wearing an exotic dancer clothing.

"…Uh, yes I do," the dancer paused her dancing to addressed, "I know why the decree sounds a bit off…"

Everyone blinked at the girl for a moment before nearly everyone burst out laughing.

"What does an uneducated clown like you know about the meaning of an Imperial Decree?" Ka-Yuu taunted.

"…Everyone," Den-Hou, who had remained silent, suddenly voiced, "Let us here what she has to say…"

"Oh~? Is the sentimentalist resorting to aiding one of the same lowbred now?" Another choir of laughter erupted as a result of the mockery given by Ka-Yuu; she has become rather favorable by En-Shou since her arrival, so everyone had wanted to get on her good side.

Despite the laughter presented by everyone, Den-Hou ignored them and gave the dancer a nod to continue.

The dancer simply frowned at the laughter all around her before accepting approval from Den-Hou to continue. "Princess-sama, from what I see, this decree only appears to be an empty favor; in fact, it conceals a wicked purpose…"

At that point, everyone stopped laughing as the dancer continued.

"Princess-sama, you must understand that, while this Imperial Decree was issued in the name of the Emperor, it is not hard to read between the lines and see that each word in the decree was dictated by Sou-Sou Moutoku…"

Everyone traded worrying glances at each other. In Ki-Shuu, whenever Sou-Sou Moutoku was mention, it is never a good thing.

"Princess-sama, once you accept the decree, you must submit a memorial of gratitude. That way, it will mean that you acknowledge that Sou-Sou controlling the Emperor to command the lords of the realm is legitimate! But if Princess-sama rejects the decree, Princess-sama would violate the code of a vassal! Then Sou-Sou will say that Princess-sama, despite being a vassal of the Kan, is in defiance of the court! Besides, if Princess-sama accepts this decree of grace today, what if tomorrow they send us one that is undesirable?"

The dancer paused for a moment to let her words sink in.

"…What if they order Princess-sama to pay tribute in grains, or withdraw the troops, or even cede territory? Princess-sama, will you accept the decree then or not? Therefore, this decree poses a quandary, and the villain Sou-Sou has already accomplished her malicious purpose…"

Everyone was silent. She was right; like it or not, it was still the Kan Dynasty as long as the Emperor still exists. En-Shou must show loyalty to the Emperor. But the Emperor is now being used by Sou-Sou to corner En-Shou. She doesn't want to submit to Sou-Sou, but she doesn't want to be branded a traitor either!

En-Shou must by now realize this and sank deep into her chair with a sigh before banging her fist onto the table in rage. "I regret not having accepted Machi's proposal! I really ought to have taken the Emperor into my own hands! Then, the one controlling the Emperor and commanding the lords would not be the midget, but me!"

"Damn it!" Bun-Shuu hissed as she punched her palm, "Princess-sama's troops and horses outnumber Sou-Sou by Two-Hundred Thousand! And the cities and land holdings are twice hers as well!"

"…I could have placed the court right here!" En-Shou growled, "…Sigh, because we were careless that the Midget managed to seize the initiative! And now I am obliged to obey her false decree and random order! How frustrating!"

The Dancer smirked before chuckling in the direction of Ka-Yuu, who was grumbling a bit on the spot.

"What a pity~!" She began, "The proposal made by Den-Hou-dono was declared by some myopic general to be words of simpleton~! And had to point out by an uneducated clown such as myself~…"

Ka-Yuu glared at the dancer, but could not say anything since it was her proposal that cause En-Shou to lose the initiative.

Seeing this, En-Shou suddenly rose to her feet. "W-Whatever! We missed this partly because I got careless! It has nothing to do with any advice given to me by one of my noble vassal! It is not your place, dancer, to start badmouthing a general…though I thank you for your opinion…"

Ka-Yuu threw En-Shou a relieved sigh before smirking rudely at the dancer, who had bowed apologetically to En-Shou for going out of line.

"…And as for Den-Hou-san," En-Shou then turn to Den-Hou, "I shall present to you an apology of high degree for not considering your proposal…"

"Your words are too kind, Princess-sama," Den-Hou gave En-Shou a grateful bow.

"Anyhow, Toshi, what do you suppose we should do now?"

"Well," Gan-Ryou began, "I think we should get ready…"

"Get ready?"

At this, Gan-Ryou turn to Den-Hou, telling her to take over.

Den-Hou smirked in amusement before standing up, catching everyone's attention. "Sou-Sou is obviously going to get significantly stronger now that the Emperor is in her hands. For now, she doesn't match us in terms of strength or sizes, but surely if Princess-sama ignores her long enough, she try to fight us for dominancy…"

"…That little midget dare wish to challenge me~!?" En-Shou laughed, "Now that's a joke…"

"Princess-sama, if I may be blunt," the dancer suddenly began again, "Not only is Sou-Sou fighting you for the realm…if she is allow time to build up strength, it is still not clear who will emerge the victor…"

Upon hearing that, En-Shou slammed her fist onto the table. "I will NOT sit idly by as that Midget afflict the people! I will not sit and wait until Sou-Sou has enough power to challenge me to an all-out battle! Here are my orders!"

Everyone stood in attention.

"Immediately after the autumn harvest, we will mobilize One Hundred and Fifty Thousand troops to conquer the province of Ryou-Sei and To-Shuu! After that, we shall sharpen our weapons, feed the horses, and go exterminate Sou-Sou~!"

"Yes, En-Shou-sama!" Everyone acknowledged.

"Princess-sama, if you can do this," Den-Hou bowed curtly, "it will be good fortune to Princess-sama and the realm…"

"Oi~!" Den-Hou called out later after the party, following a group of retreating dancers, "Mai~! A moment please~!"

The Dancer that spoke out before paused in her retreat and nodded to the others, signaling them to go on ahead.

"Is there something wrong, Machi?"

"No," Den-Hou shook her head, "Not at all. I just wish to convey my gratitude for what you did back there…"

"…Whatever do you mean, Machi?"

"You purposely anger En-Shou-sama in order for her to start acting against Sou-Sou, correct? You have also reclaimed a bit of my honor by correctly interpreting the venom behind the Imperial decree, yes?"

The dancer laughed. "…If you are right, Machi, then I have been completely seen through by you…"

Den-Hou huffed. "It must have taken a lot to see through you, Chou-Kou Sungai…"

"You think so~?" Chou-Kou the dancer replied with a sweet smile.

"Yeah. And with this, I can suggest to En-Shou-sama to make you a General, as you wanted…"

"…! Really~!?"

Den-Hou nodded. "I have enough now to convince even someone as shortsighted as En-Shou-sama of how capable you are…"

"Ah~! Machi-chan~~!" Chou-Kou hugged Den-Hou affectionately, "I am in your debt again~~!"

"…I do not recall ever putting you in my debt…"

"Sure you have. To begin with, had it not been for Machi-chan for suggesting me, En-Shou would have never even considered me even as a dancer. I repaid my debt today by restoring a bit of your honor, but now Machi-chan is going to increase my status even further~! So I am back in your debt…"

"…I see…Then the next time we meet it will not be as 'strategist to dancer' but 'strategist to general', Chou-Kou…"

Chou-Kou nodded eagerly as she release Den-Hou. "And I shall be working hard again to pay Den-Hou back…"

The two nodded to each other in acknowledgement before splitting off.

"Ki~~~!" En-Shou screeched in her Study Room, "I can't believe I let that midget steal the initiative on me—the most distinguish warlord in Ming! Ki~~~! How vexing~~~!"

En-Shou grabbed the nearest object in reached and threw it in frustration.

"Not only that, but now she has reason to label me as a traitor as she please, and I must bow my head just to stay in her grace! Me, bowing my head to that child of a eunuch!? Unacceptable~~~!"

"Indeed~, that is very unacceptable for someone of your prestige standing~…"

"I know, right? It should have been the other way around! That midget merely used some cheap trick to get ahead!"

"I must agree~, someone of your standing even being an Emperor is no less than what you rightfully deserve…"

"Indeed-! Wait, what!? Who said that!? Reveal yourself!"

From the shadow, a man in Taoist clothing stepped out.

"It is an honor to meet you, Warlord of Ki-Shuu. I am U-Kitsu; a friend…"

En-Shou twisted her face in confusion. "Friend? I do not recall ever meeting one such as yourself before to even form a pact of comradeship…"

U-Kitsu chuckled. "There is truth in that~, please forgive~. I merely said that so that you would understand that I am here to help you~, oh fair Lady~…"

"…I see, but what help can you possibly give me? Or rather, why would I need your help at all?"

"Are you not frustrated that Sou Moutoku is ahead of the game to conquer the realm~? Do you not want to hurry yourself up and deal her a crushing blow to humiliate her~? As we speak~, it is with no doubt that she is laughing at you just because she got a little ahead~!"

"…!? S-She dare~!?"

"Yes~! She can only do a little for now~, but with the Emperor in her hands~, the more she think about just how much she can humiliate you without lifting a finger the more times she will find herself laughing at how foolish you are to her~!"

"…! Ki~~~! I would not put it pass her to do that! But I cannot make a move on her until I conquer all of the Northern Provinces!"

"Conquering those province is easy~, En-Shou-dono~. So easily~, that even Sou-Sou will fall off her seat at how she could not fathom that you could be so amazing~…"

"Really!?"

"Yes~! Would you like to know~?"

"Of course! Anything to make that midget sweat in fear or awe by me!"

U-Kitsu smiled as this as he began to tell En-Shou how to unite all of the Northern Provinces.

So ends another chapter in a LONG~~~ while! Sorry if there wasn't much excitement, but it's not always going to be bloodshed and violence in this story~!

There are some characters new to the Koihime Musou series added. Two are OC that did exist but didn't make it into the franchises: Ryuu-Ben and Chou-Kou. Ryuu-Ben is Liu Bian, the short-lived Emperor Shao of Han before being disposed by Dong Zhou and Chou-Kou Sungai is Zhang He, one of Cao Cao's Elite Generals.

There are seven that had just recently been added officially to the franchises' role-call: Ryuu-Kyou, Empress Ka, Den-Hou, Sou-Jin, Kouhou-Suu, Ro-Shoku and Chou-Chuu. Ryuu-Kyou, or as the franchise named Kei-Tei, is Emperor Xian and the last Emperor of Han before self-abdicating to Cao-Pi. Empress Ka, or as the franchise named Ka-Taigou, is Empress He direct mother of Liu Bian who was disposed with her son when Dong Zhou seize power. Den-Hou is Tian Feng, a tragic strategist that tries to prevent Yuan Shao from making fatal mistake against Cao Cao and commited suicide when he not only fail but was also dishonor. Sou-Jin is Cao Ren, a cousin general of Cao Cao. Kouhou-Suu Ginshin is Huangfu Song Yizhen, a general in charge of eliminating the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Ro-Shoku Komiki is Lu Zhi Zigan, the famous teacher of Liu Bei and Gongsun Zan. Chou-Chuu is Zhao Zong, one of the Ten Eunuchs.

Only one new common name in this chapter, which goes to Chou-Chuu. The common name "Yogen" translate into "Prophecy". Normally I would tell you why I chose it, but it will have a significant later on; I can only tell you that she is much different than her historical counterpart and that her common name hints at her capability.

The next chapter will shift focus to the Kou-Tou Force in the south. Son-Saku finally makes her move to conquer all of the Southernland. And four new characters enter the scene, all new official characters no OC yet.