DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM
Ukyo, Hannah, and Erica were sitting at the small table, with their food barley touched as they kept looking over the paparer work they had brought with them.
"I think we're close to a good proposal for the towns," Erica declared after a while.
"We should still look into finding a good location for the hospital in Almara so we come in fully prepared," said Hannah.
"Well, maybe not a set idea but a suggestion in case the mayor and official would have another idea they'd like the hospital to go," said Erica.
"Assuming they accept the idea," Hannah said softly.
"We got to have faith in our work, Hannah. Erica's right, we've turned out a good proposal for Ema to present to the city of Almara and the surrounding cities," Ukyo encouraged, gently patting her hand.
"Sure," Hannah said timidly. She still cast a shy smile towards Ukyo.
Erica shifted her eyes between the two.
"You know Hannah, Lord Ukyo, if this plan comes off strong,I say we celebrate at Chez Rupa," she said.
"Oh no, nothing that fancy!" Hannah.
"Chez Rupa?" Ukyo asked.
"It's one of the nicest restaurants in the capital. It was created by Prince Rupert's son-in-law, Sir Geffory," said Erica.
"Prince Rupert," Ukyo fished around to see if he could place the name.
"Kind Stephon the 1st's brother," said Erica, "a well respected and admired man through out the country. There's almost as many places named after him as their are places named actual formwr monarchs."
"Hmm," Ukyo hummed, "well if this does go through, it might be nice to try. Assuming we can get in."
"I've gotten a few connections," Erica said a little smug.
Just then there was a knock at the door and Masaomi came in.
"Hi, how's it going?" he asked, "I heard you were working on a proposal for a new state of the art hospital and wanted to see if I could offer some insight."
"You're a contractor of sorts?" Erica asked.
"No I'm a doctor," Masaomi, "sorry, I'm Ukyo's older brother Masaomi."
"Oh, yes maybe we should get the opinion of an actual doctor," Hannah said.
"Here, take a look," said Ukyo as he handed Masaomi a draft of the hospital proposal.
Masaomi started to skim through it, witha rather nice smile on his face.
"It looks good," said Masaomi, "especially if you think you can get all this stuff you're promising."
"I think we should be able to," Erica said with confidence.
"Um, was there going to be a children's wing at all?" Masaomi asked
"A children's wing?" Hannah said concern, "I knew we were forgetting something!"
"Now, now, don't threat. We can still work it out," Ukyo said as he took her hand and squeezed it. Hannah blushed at his touch.
Both Masaomi and Erica could see the interaction between the two.
"So Dr. Asahina," Erica said quickly as she stood up and walked over to Masaomi, seemingly starting to push him out of the room, "what kinds of things would we need for a children's wing? I assume you know a little about what they would want."
"Well I am children's doctor," said Masaomi, "if you want me to I can make a list of what it should include for both the medical treatment and the environment the kids will be in."
"Oh yes, please do, you can give it to your brother when you have it all worked out," Erica said as she shut the door behind her, leaving Hannah and Ukyo alone.
"Sorry," Erica said, "it's just Hannah so shy it's hard for her to meet men and well, you saw it too I'm sure."
"Yes, I saw it. I think it's safe to say Ukyo hasn't had many dates for a while," said Masaomi.
"Well that's a pity, the man seems like a good catch like many of you Asahina boys," King Stephon said as he approached with Ema and Richard.
"Oh, hello your higness," said Erica bowing.
"I've come to see how your planning for this grand hospital is going," said Stephon.
"Me too," said Ema, "I'm very anxious to do try doing some more political work for the family."
"Well, we had a draft written up that appeared to fit to present to the cities in question. But we may have to postpone it for a moment as Dr. Asahina pointed out we forgot to add a children's wing to the hospital and we're going to need to have to take children into consideration for the hospital. As well as the medical clinics in each town," said Erica.
"Oh, well, I'd still like to see what you've come up with," said Ema.
"Yes, right this way," Erica said as she opened the door to the private dining room.
"I wish she wouldn't do that," Hannah grumbled as Erica shut the door, leaving her and Ukyo alone.
"Do what?" Ukyo asked.
"Oh, uh nothing!" Hannah said quickly as she gathered up some of her materials, "it's getting late, I bet she and I will have to go home soon."
"Yes," said Ukyo, "I'll see you both tomorrow at the house of council?" Ukyo asked.
"Yes, yes, I hope to see you there," said Hannah.
Ukyo nodded, as he watched Hannah gather her things with haist. "Um, Miss Hannah?"
"Yes?" Hannah practically shouted.
"Tomorrow, it's agreed if we need to, we'll take our work to yours or Erica's place so you don't feel so uncomfortable?" Ukyo asked.
"Uh, sure, yeah that might be better," said Hannah.
"Assuming Erica doesn't decide to be sneaky and bail out leaving us alone," she muttered under her breath.
"What?" Ukyo asked right as the door opened again.
"Hi Ukyo, hi Miss Hannah," Ema said kindly as she came in with the king.
"Oh hello your highness," Hannah said as she jumped up and bowed. Ukyo alos bowed his head.
"Are you here to see how the planning for the hospital is coming?" he asked as he handed Ema one of the drafts.
"Thank you," said Ema as she started to read it. "This looks good. It looks like you've been working hard on it. Are you okay with me still presenting it?"
"We wrote it out with you in mind Princess," said Erica, "and it'll make a bigger impact if it's presented by a royal family memeber."
"Well make sure you put your names in there at some point so I don't forget to acknowledge you three and your hard work," said Ema.
"Oh, of course Princess," said Hannah.
"Very thoughtful of you Ema my dear," Stephon said as he took the paper work and read it himself, "I like it but I also agree with Masaomi. You can't forget about the children. A children's wing will be a great addition to have."
"Yes your highness," said Erica, Hannah and Ukyo.
"Looks like I'm going to be a part of this team then huh?" said Masaomi, "that'll be fun."
"You don't mind do you Masa?" Ema asked.
"As long as Ukyo and the ladies don't mind, I'm fine," said Masaomi.
"Of course we want you on our team," said Ukyo, "having a real doctor on our team in genral wouldn't hurt in the slightest."
"Then I'll go with you tomorrow to help with the project," said Masaomi.
"And looks like we'll have to find something for Wataru to do," said Stephon with a grin, "I do enjoy spending time with that boy."
"I'll see if there's something he can do outside of the palace tomorrow," Richard called out from outside in the hallway.
"Actually, your majesty, I've been meaning to talk to you about that," said Masaomi as the majority of the group filed out of the private dining room.
"We should get going," Erica said Hannah as she too began to gather her things.
"Yes, let's," said Hannah. Shs and Erica bowed to Ukyo.
"Thank you for your help and hard work today," said Erica, "I have more and more hope this plan will succeed."
"Me too," said Ukyo. He nodded to Hannah as well, making sure he got one last look at her before she left.
"I'm just concern about Wataru's schooling is all. Mostly since we don't know how long we're actually going to stay here," Masaomi explained to the king as they walked.
"I understand," said King Stephon. "I tell you what. Lord Markus is supposed to bring his grand-neice tomorrow. She's studying to be a teacher. Pherhaps I can arrange for her to be a tutor for Wataru while he's here. Would that make you feel more at ease?"
"Yes very," Masaomi said happily.
"Good," said Stephon. He looked towards Ema, "I suppose we should look into making sure you, Yusuke and Futo aren't falling behind either on your school work huh?"
"Shouldn't the princess at some point visit the university to see if she wishes to attend someday?" Richard asked.
"That wouldn't be a bad idea," said Ema, "maybe I can see if there's some classes me and my brothers can take there for a while so we stay current in our studies."
"Wasn't Subaru going tomorrow with Iori to see the university tomorrow?" Stephon asked.
"I think so," said Masaomi.
"You should go with him along with the other two brothers," said Stephon, "tell Yusuke and Futo I insist they at least go look at it. And if not, they need to figure out how else they plan to not fall behind."
"Especially Yusuke," said Masaomi.
Suddenly Ema heard a tap at the window. She looked over and saw Juli outside.
"Juli!" she said in surprise as she opened the window, "I haven't seen you all day. Where have you been?"
"No time for that right now Chi!" Juli said impatient, "we have a real emergency on our hands! Aunt Marion's been hurt!"
"Marion's been hurt?!" Stephon said as he came to the window with concern.
"Yes and extremely bad too!" said Juli.
"Call out the palace vet immediately!" Stephon ordered, "Juli, take me to Marion now! I've got to know she's going to make it!"
"She's down by the golden Maebe tree, sire," said Juli.
Stephon immediately took off.
"Grandfather wait!" Ema called out as she followed after him. Richard and Masaomi also hurried after him.
Juli jumped down from his perch at the window and raced back to the Maebe tree where a crowd of squirrels were gathered around Marion as she laid on the grown still hurt.
"You're going to be okay Marion," Emily, Juli's mother, was telling her.
"Yes especially after Juli gets the king," said Al, Juli's father.
"Yes, of course," Marion said weakly.
"He's coming, the king's coming and he's summoned the vet," Juli shouted as he joined the group.
"I hope Chay's not too worried about me," said Marion.
"Marion! Marion! Where are you? I'm here!" Stephon called out as he hurried into the garden as fast as he could.
"Over here sire!" Juli called out.
Stephon hurried over to the group of squirrels. "Out of my way! Hurry!" he ordered as the squirrels all scatterd to show Marion on the ground moaning in pain.
"Oh my god Marion!" Stephon cried.
"Easy there," Ema said softly as she bent down and helped scoop Marion up in her hands. She gently handed Marion over to her grandfather.
"Oh Marion!" Stephon said sadly as he cradled his friend in his hands, "speak to me! Tell me, where does it hurt?"
"My foot, I think it's broken," said Marion.
"Don't worry, you'll be fine. The vet will take care of you, you'll see. You'll be just fine!" Stephon insisted as he walked out of the garden, still holding Marion as carefas he could. "I'll have your private space in my room set up just right for you." He stoped and looked at Ema and Juli, "Juli, you tell Ema what happened and if punishments need to be issued."
"Yes sire," said Juli.
"Richard, you stay and wait for Ema to tell if anyone certain, human or squirrel needs to be punished for hurting Marion! No should be allowed to get away with that!" Stephon declared mad as he walked on.
"Yes your highness," said Richard.
"Masaomi, will come with me just in case the vet needs help tending to Marion?" Stephon asked.
"Uh, if you wish me to," said Masaomi as he followed the king out.
"So, Juli," Ema said turning to her pet, "how did...,"
"It was Bernard! He pushed Aunt Marion out of the tree!" Juli immediately said.
"Bernard?" Ema replied.
"Did you say Bernard, Princess?" Richard asked.
"Juli said the squirrel called Bernard pushed Marion out of the tree. Isn't Bernard Robert's pet?" Ema asked.
"He acts like he is," said Richard as he walked over to the tree and shook it a little, "hey Bernard, if you're up there, you better come down! By order of the king!"
An acorn suddenly fell and struck Richard's nose.
Richard moaned in pain. "Stupid vermin!"
"Bernard, if you're up there please come down so we can resolve this peacefully. I don't want to see you get in trouble. I'd rather hear your side of the story before we jump to any conclusions," Ema called out. A few leaves the tree shoom as Bernard suddenly appeared on a lower branch.
"Princess," he said bowing.
Juli and few other squirrels on the ground hissed at him.
"Juli," Ema said, patting Juli's head, "everyone calm down. If we act hostile towards him" he won't cooperate with us." She looked at Bernard.
"Now Bernard, I just want to know one thing, did you push off the branch on purpose or was it an accident? And please just tell me the truth. I won't jump do anything rash if it was on purpose, I swear."
Bernard stared at her for a moment before he replied, "I will admit, I did push her internationally. However it was not my intent to see her fall from the tree and get hurt like she did."
"I see, I understand," said Ema, "are you sorry you got her hurt?"
"Of course he's not!" Juli immediately snapped.
"Juli, calm down and let him answer," said Ema as she petted him some more.
As Bernard watch Ema calm Juli down by petting him gently, it made him feel a little jealous since Robert never petted him in such a manner.
"Yes, I am sorry she got hurt, even if it wasn't intentional," he answered calmly.
Ema nodded, "thank you. That's good to know. However, I believe Grandfather will still want you to be punished for what you did. I can at least try to put in a good word for you. Maybe just have you banned from the golden Maebe tree for a while?"
"Where would I go?" Bernard asked sternly.
"I could make sure you have a little home you could stay in for the time being. It may come to that Grandfather will place you in a sort of house arrest but it could be worse right?"
Bernard kept studying Ema, "do you promise to get me a home I can be comfortable in while I'm banned from the tree and possibly put under house arrest?"
"I will try my hardest, just so no more are hurt and no one hurts you," said Ema.
Bernard twitched his nose.
"Alright, I'll let you try to get me off with house arrest, but that doesn't mean I won't still support my master, Robert," he finally agreed.
"That's fine. I couldn't ask you to. I just don't want a war to break out among you squirrels. It's bad enough us humans are fighting like we are," said Ema.
Hmm," Bernard said before jumping down from the tree and running away.
"I say we go after him! Make him know the meaning of pain!" Hailey shouted.
"Yeah!" a lot of the other squirrels shouted in agreement.
"No!" Ema ordered, "I promise Bernard we'd try to be rational. I don't want to go back on my word."
She could hear the squirrels moaning in disappointment.
"Chi, he can't be trusted. He's too much like his phoney companion," said Juli.
"I realize that," said Ema, "however, if I can't keep the peace with us humans, I'd like to think that I help you guys keep peace."
"Hmm," muttered Juli. He looked at his scurry, "okay everyone, you heard the princess. Let's set an example for the humans and maintain peace among us."
"Do we really have to Juli?" Hailey asked.
"For now, for the princess' sake," said Juli.
"If that's what the princess comands," said Emily, "then so be it."
"Thank you," said Ema, "let's go Juli, we'll go see how your aunt is doing."
Juli nodded, "I will admit Chi, you seem to have a knack for handling that situation like that. Like you were dealing with a foreign diplomat or something."
"Really, you think?" Ema asked, "right as Richard cought up to her.
"You know your highness," he said, "I couldn't really understand what all was happening back there with you and the squirrels, but I will say. They way you seemed to be handling it made me feel like you were dealing with a foreign diplomat or something. It looks like you have a little skill for such a thing."
"Oh really?" said Ema. She cast a glance towards Juli.
"See?" Juli whispered with pride.