DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM
King Stephon sighed as he sat in his bed.
'I wonder if I was too forward with reveling Louis' true lineage to him,' he thought.
"Sir," he suddenly heard Chrissy call out, "I have your tea and Lord Masaomi wishes to come in to see how you are. Also the youngest brother, Wataru, has some get well cards for you."
"Oh, yes of course, let them in," said Stephon. He adjusted himself on his bed as Chrissy, Masaomi and Wataru came in. Wataru had his arms full of different hand made cards.
"Oh Wataru, did you make all those yourself?" Stephon asked.
"Yep, each a work of art!" Wataru bragged as he came and plopped the pile down on the bed, next to the king.
"Wataru, you probably shouldn't have dumped all those onto the king's bed like that," said Masaomi.
"It's alright, I doubt they are dangerous," said Stephon as he picked up a card and looked at it. "How lovely, these are so thoughtful! Thank you Wataru!"
"You like all of them?" Wataru asked.
"Yes, in fact I want to see these hung up somewhere so everyone can see your talents and kind nature. Uh Chrissy?"
"I'll have one of the higher up maids find a proper place to hang them on display sire," said Chrissy, as she pulled out a small radio.
"How are you feeling your majesty?" asked Masaomi walking over to Stephon.
"I'm fine, as I stated when you examined me last night. My private medical staff gave me the same diagnosis you did. I swear I'm going to hit Richard upside the head for this!" Stephon snapped.
"Now now your majesty," said Chrissy, "who else would you have to help batter with Robert?"
"Hmm, well, a lot of Ema's brothers seem to have a skill for it," said Stephon as he reached for his cane and managed to boost himself up. "Speaking of which, have all of them settled in? Especially with the ones who needed work spaces?"
"As far as I can tell, especially the one brother, Natsume," said Chrissy.
"He's the um, the uh," Stephon tried to recall what Natsume's occupation was.
"He designs video games," said Wataru.
"Oh is that. You know I've never seen that done," said Stephon, "do you supposed your brother would mind if I were to peek in?"
"No, not really," said Masaomi, "though, he doesn't really design the games himself. More like he owns the company that does."
"Oh, still it would be kind of interesting to see," said Stephon.
"Right this way," said Chrissy.
"Your majesty," Wataru said as he followed the king with Masaomi and Chrissy, "is there anything super fun we can do after you see Natsume's office?"
"Oh I don't know how much fun it is to hang around an old man like me," said Stephon, "but we do have the pool, the game room, the royal stables...,"
"Stables, like horses?!" Wataru asked.
"Oh yes," said Stephon, "which reminds me, I know Ema wants to help with the council meetings but there are some things she has to worry about in regards to acting like a royal. One of them being, able to ride a horse properly. We should arrange for some lessons for her at some point."
"I want to learn too!" Wataru insisted eagerly.
"Oh of course, I'm sure we can help you learn," said Stephon kindly, "your family is welcome to almost anything you wish as long as you here."
"The king's not abusing her power with his generosity is he?" Masaomi asked Chrissy.
"Hardly," said Chrissy, "if anything it would be more insulting if he wasn't being generous."
"Hmm," Masaomi said, still a little unsure.
Natsume was feeling like he was in a whole new world with all the equipment and tools around him in his so called makeshift office. It seemed more advanced than the one he had at home.
"Sir?" he suddenly heard one of his employees ask over his speaker phone.
"Uh yes?" he asked.
"Were you able to get the latest test sample of the new Guns-n-Love game?"
"Yes, I'm getting it perfectly through the computer clearly. Looks like the graphics are coming through perfectly," said Natsume.
"Good, are we free to push through to the next level?"
"Yes, go right ahead," said Natsume. He was amazed at how well he could get the images of the new game were coming through.
'I may not want to leave this stuff all behind,' he thought.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Natsume said. The door opened and Chrissy walked in.
"His majesty, King Stephon, would like your permission to come and see you working," she said.
"Oh, sure let him in," said Natsume. Chrissy moved aside and let the king walk in. Masaomi and Wataru were right behind him. Natsume was quick to stand up.
"Hello your highness," he said.
"Hello, Natsume," Stephon said as he looked around the room, "is the room to your satisfaction? Everything working to proper function?"
"Yes, wonderfully. It works almost better than the equipment at my home office," said Natsume.
"Good, good, I know you were worried about such a thing," said Stephon. He walked over to desk and looked at the computer screen. It was still showing images of the game activities.
"What's this?"
"These are some of our newest graphics for one of the games my company makes," said Natsume.
"Oh," said Stephon, "kind of violent, isn't it?"
"Uh, well, it's not meant for little children. It's more meant for older people," said Natsume.
"I guess, of course I don't know about much about video games. Never got into them myself, even though my daughter and my granddaughter seem to have knack for them."
"Big sister's mother also liked videogames?" asked Wataru.
"Oh she was into them big time!" said Stephon, "she's the reason we have the game room set up as it is. Say, Natsume?"
"Yes sir?" Natsume asked.
"Do you think anyone in your company could come up with a game based on Elence? Either it's history or some of its folklore?" Stephon asked.
"Uh, I'm not sure. It would require some research," said Natsume.
"Any resources you need are at your disposal," said Stephon, "I kind of want to have game available for Ema she can enjoy that'll remind her of her Elence roots whenever she plays it. That and I think it would be a nice tribute to Yolanda."
"I will definitely look into it, your majesty," Natsume promised, "for Ema and her mother."
"Thank you very much," said Stephon, "no rush though. I realize you have projects in the works you have to focus on as is. But please, try to do this for me and for my girls."
"I will your majesty," said Natsume.
"Good," said the king, "I should go see how the other brothers are doing. Wasn't there one that had a stong knowledge of flowers?"
"Iori, yes," said Masaomi.
"Huh, should see how he's doing," said Stephon as he moved to the door. However, before he could make it there, it opened and Tsubaki and Azusa walked in.
"Hey, Natsume, how's the office?" Tsubaki asked before he and Azusa realized the king was standing in the room.
"Oh, hello your majesty," said Azusa.
"Hello, Azusa, and," Stephon had to fish around a little bit before he could finally speak again, "Tsubaki? Correct? Did I say it right?"
"Yes, perfectly your majesty," said Tsubaki.
"Oh good," said Stephon, "how's your stay here at the palace so far? Everything going well?"
"Yes, we are enjoying ourselves greatly," said Azusa.
"Do you gentelmen have any plans for the day?" asked Stephon.
"Not yet, But we are eager to see what Elence has to offer," said Azusa, "or the palace itself."
"Oh there's lots to see in the palace," said Stephon.
"I know I want to see all of it! Especially the stables!" said Wataru.
"Oh, that would be kind of cool to see," said Tsubaki, "let's go there."
"Yes, lets, you can help me find some good candidates for Ema's horse," Stephon.
"Ema gets a horse?" Azusa asked as the king walked to the door.
"It's tradition that royalty know good horsemanship," said Stephon. He turned and looked back at Natsume, "sorry if we disturbed you too much, but thanks for letting me take a glimps of what you do."
"You're welcome, your majesty, you're welcome anytime. Thank you very much for everything," said Natsume.
"Don't forget to enjoy yourself a little while you stay here though," said Stephon, "I want to know all of Ema's brothers have a good time here."
"Oh, well, luckily Natsume's idea of a good time is being boring," said Tsubaki.
"Tsubaki!" Azusa snapped.
Natsume moaned, rolling his eyes. However, when the group was gone, he got back on his phone.
"Hey, Eishi, you still there?" he asked.
"Right here sir,"
"Can you find me someone who's available to take on a new gaming assignment?" Natsume, "I have a personal request from the king of Elence for one based on his kingdom."
"It says here, Elence University is the best place in the world to study agriculture," Iori read outloud as he looked at a book about Elence's top university.
"Is that so?" Hikaru asked as he walked with him.
"It says many people come here merely to learn about gardening and environmental care," Iori kept reading.
"Sounds interesting," said Hikaru, "you should ask someone if they can take you to visit the campus. Me personally, I want to visit here." He held up a book of his own of an old small looking castle with white pilars all around, "I heard it's a popular place for couples to pronounce their love and even propose. Sounds romantic, and I bet I can get some good inspiration from it."
"What's so special about it?" asked Ioru.
"It's said a young prince of Elence would go to the hill by himself for alone time. Then one day, a beautiful woman appeared out of nowhere and the prince immediately fell in love with her. He wanted her for his wife, but he only ever found her on the hill. So he built the castle and when she came back in, he took her into the castle and made it her home and asked her to marry him. She yes and lived in the little palace that only she and the prince could share."
"That doesn't seem all that romantic of a story," said Iori.
"It is when you hear the story is full detail," Stephon said as he approached the brothers. Both made sure to bow their heads in respect.
"You know I actually took my wife Wilma there a few times when we were younger, before we were married. It's was a nice place for privacy," said Stephon.
"Oh, how romantic," said Hikaru.
"You know, I always have to remind myself you're a man. You look too nice as a woman," said Stephon.
"Why thank you, your majesty!" said Hikaru.
"It's actually a little pitty you're not a real woman," said Stephon.
Hikaru gave a small giggle.
"Oh, looking up our universities, Iori?" asked Stephon looking at Iori's nook.
"Yes, I'm very fascinated," Iori said, "I was wondering if there's a way I can visit."
"Absolutely," said Stephon, "in fact, if I remember right, the new terms are going to start soon. If you like the university and want to study there, I'm sure we can help arrange for you to study there."
"Oh, that would be wonderful!" said Iori.
"Good, Chrissy" Stephon motioned at her.
"I'll have a car ready and waiting in 10 minutes, but you can leave whenever you're ready," Chrissy said as she pulled out her phone. "Do you need a car too Lord Hikaru?"
"Sure, they can take me to that palace," said Hikaru eagerly.
"Sure thing," said Chrissy.
"Can we please go to the stables now? Huh? Can we?" Wataru asked eagerly.
"Oh yes of course, let's get going," said Stephon.
"Hooray! Horsey! Horsey!" Wataru cheered.
"What's all this about a horse?" the group heard Subaru ask as he came down a flight of stairs, a basketball in his hands.
"We're going to look at the horses here at the palace! Want to come?!" Wataru asked.
"Well I was going to ask where the basketball court was. They did say there was one here on the grounds, right?" Subaru asked.
"Yes, it's actually not too far from the sables. I can show you where it is from there," said Chrissy.
"Yes, please come with us Subaru," said Stephon.
"If your majesty request," said Subaru, joining his other brothers.
"Oh now, don't worry about that my boy. If I were to give a direct order, you'd know it," said Stephon.
The brothers and King Stephon soon arraived outside towards the back of the castle towards a big white barn.
"Master Subaru," Chrissy spoke up, "if you look to your right, you'll notice a yellow dormitory. That's the royal sports wing where the basketball courts are. They have an indoor and outdoor one."
"Thank you," said Subaru, "I'll just be there if anyone needs me."
"Save your strength," said Chrissy, "I know Richard wanted to try his luck against you."
"He any good?" Azusa asked.
"Holds the country's record for slam dunks and free throws," Chrissy told him.
"Wow, so I guess he does have a little talent," said Tsubaki.
"Oh, is Subaru not going to help pick out a horse for Ema?" Wataru asked as he watched his big brother walk away.
"I don't think you'll need much help from me," Subaru called back.
"Yeah, we should call in someone like Yusuke to help. He probably knows her best being alone here with her for so long," said Tsubaki.
At that Subaru turned around and came walking back.
"Okay, we'll make this quick," he grumbled.
"Hello your highness," a stable worker said as the king walked into the barn.
"Hello Miss Rose, is Mr. Derrick around?" asked Stephon.
"I'll get him for you," said another stable worker.
"Thank you Natasha," said Rose.
"Wasn't that Natasha chick on Richard's no trust list?" Azusa whispered.
"I think she was," Masaomi whispered back.
"Are you here to visit Storm, your highness?" Rose asked as she walked over to one of the grander stalls.
"Yes of course," Stephon said as he walked over to the stall with her. The minute Rose opened the top door, a beautiful brown stallion's face appeared.
"Ah, Storm, you're looking as amazing as ever," Stephon said as he reached up and petted him, "my loyal steed. Have you been taking good care of him Rose?"
"Of course your higness," said Rose.
"Dear Rose's family is one of the finest equestrian in all of Elence. For decades peope in her family have helped take care of royal horses. And when I started getting too old to really ride poor Storm here, I knew the only one I could trust to really look after him, even ride him on occasion was Rose," Stephon explained as he patted his horse some more.
"Can I pet him?" Wataru asked.
"Of course, just be gentel and calm. You don't want to spook him," said Rose.
Masaomi scooped his brother up, giving Wataru a good look at the steed.
"Wow, he's beautiful," Wataru said as he petted the horse, "I'd want a horse just like him!"
"Well, he does have a brother here in the sables too," said Rose.
"Does he now?" Stephon said.
"Well, half-brother technically," said Rose.
"Ah, his father's stillatge stud huh?"Stephon said with a chuckle.
"Where is he?! Where is he?! I want to see him!" Wataru inisted.
"He's right over here," Rose said, pointing to a simpler stall where another brown horse was poking his head out.
"Oh, oh, I want that one!" Wataru asked eagerly.
"Aren't we looking for one for Ema?" Subaru asked looking out of the barn towards the sports wing.
"Hello, everyone, sorry I'm late," a middle aged man said walking up to the group, "sorry to keep you waiting your majesty."
"That's alright," said Stephon, "though I am here on important business. I need to find a potential horse for my granddaughter."
"Oh right the princess," said Mr. Derrick, "you know her mother's horse has a daughter here now. Would you like to see her?"
"Yes please," Stephon said, "show us please."
"Miss Shadow will make a good horse for Princess Ema I think," Subaru heard Rose say. He looked over at her and noticed she talking more to the king's horse than anyone else.
"Is it right to be calling her a princess, given Lord Robert is still the king's rightful heir and the real future ruler?" Natasha asked somewhat snarky.
"Well, she is the king's granddaughter, it only makes sense to call her that out of respect," said Rose.
"Whatever," Natasha said as she started walk away. However, as she did, Subaru noticed her kick the door to another horse's stall. This caused the horse inside to rearup in fear so loudly, it started scaring other horses that caused Rose to start falling over. Subaru quickly rushed over and catch her just in time.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," Rose tried to assure him. She walked over to the horse Natasha had scared, "Easy, Emperor, easy!" she said trying to calm the horse down. "Damn this thing!"
"Who's horse is this?" Subaru asked.
"Who else's? Lord Robert's," said Rose, "he's as hot headed and quick to anger as his owner."
"Hmm," said Subaru.
"So do you play basketball professionally?" Rose asked.
"No, just my college team," said Subaru.
"Oh me too," said Rose, "I ride for my school. I practically live for horses."
"I know how that feels," said Subaru.
"Subaru! Come and look at the horse Ema!" Wataru called out.
"Okay, then can I go practice?"Subaru asked. He did managed to cast a small glance back at Rose.
Tsubaki and Azusa happened to notice.
"Oh, so Subaru has a cute farm girl, and Futo has a himsel a cute maid. Is everyone getting hooked up here?" Tsubaki mocked.
"What's that about Futo and a maid?" Azusa asked.
"Oh, I've seen him act a little curious towards that cute maid with the ponytail," said Tsubaki.
"I guess," said Azusa, "what's your point?"
"Hmm less competition for a princess of course," said Tsubaki.
"Mmmhmm," said Azusa.
"What are your brothers talking about back there?" Stephon asked Masaomi.
"Who knows," said Masaomi.
"All your brothers seem very interesting to say the least,' said Stephon, "I've quite enjoyed their company so far. I'd almost want to make you all stay here forever."
"I wouldn't mind," said Wataru.
"That's very kind of you Wataru, but I know I can't do that to you. You have your own lives to live and being royal isn't all it's cracked up to be," said Stephon.
"It's not?" said Wataru.
"No, but I can make sure you and your brothers enjoy the good side of being a royal for a while," said Stephon.
"You're very kind your highness," said Masaomi, "and who knows, maybe we can still stay close after this is all resolved."
"It's like I've suddenly gained 13 grandsons in addition to my granddaughter," Stephon said softly with a smile.