Sesshoumaru met with his generals a few days later, hosting them in the library since it held such a large table. Kagome knew it was just to check in with the various factions before missives would be sent to the neighbouring lords regarding the recent trade agreements but had offered to serve tea.
At first, Sesshoumaru refused, claiming she wasn't a servant and wouldn't be viewed as such, but she'd reassured him it was more of a sign of respect. The generals had been away on their own errands until that morning, and she wanted to meet the kinds of people he had in his employ. He didn't give his trust out very often, so the fact that he had more than one serving in his interests in other villages said a lot.
Kagome couldn't hide her curiosity, putting together a tray of both youkai and human-made sweets since she was unsure of their heritage. All Jaken would tell her was they had earned their keep, making one last jab at her apparent lack of value to his illustrious lord.
She was tempted to singe his robes on purpose this time, but a swell of youki signalled the generals' arrival, and she grabbed the tray, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she brushed by him.
The village children had twisted her hair to one side today, leaving the bottom half in soft waves over one shoulder. They'd also woven some fresh blooms, most having just returned from a group picnic, and the delicate fragrance wafted past her nose every time she moved her head.
The village had been so welcoming, especially after Sesshoumaru had explained she was behind the fluctuations in reiki, and Kagome made sure to spend a little time in the citadel each day.
Sesshoumaru was worried she was being taken advantage of, as the children flocked to her, freeing up time for their parents to complete errands without compensating her in some way. She'd offered up the idea of a school, or at least group lessons for specific skills, and Sesshoumaru had agreed to plan it out with her once his meeting with the generals had finished.
Taking care not to spill any of the tea, Kagome made her way down to the library, keeping her reiki suppressed and in check on the off chance they weren't used to being around holy power. The treaties were in place, but there were still those who would twist the truth to suit their own narrative in order to start a war.
Entering the room, she inclined her head to Sesshoumaru, quietly placing a cup in front of each armoured male, then turning to serve the western lord first. She felt four sets of eyes on her, offering each a smile as she filled their cups without interrupting their conversation. There would be time for introductions later.
"As I was saying," one of them said, red plumage covering his head. "The village has requested extra food and weapons. They are a farming town, but there has been an increase in animal attacks recently, and they're worried about their livestock."
"I don't think we should be giving weapons to anyone," a moth youkai argued. "We run the risk of an uprising—"
The phoenix scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "I doubt petty farmers are thinking about anything other than their next row of vegetation." He turned to Sesshoumaru. "Azamuku is peaceful. We have nothing to worry about—"
"No." All sets of eyes turned toward her, the phoenix's feathers bristling.
"You dare speak out of term, human?" he asked, flames of youki spouting from his armour.
Kagome raised her chin defiantly, eyes narrowing as she met his gaze. "I speak on behalf of the West and the safety of the citadel."
He shoved his chair back, leaving scorch marks on the table, but Sesshoumaru intervened. "She is allowed to speak, Yakeru."
"But my lord! She is nothing but—"
"What she is," Sesshoumaru replied slowly, claws flexing, "is the Shikon Miko. She is also an ally of the West and always has our best interests at heart."
She wanted to hug him but knew it wouldn't help the situation, so instead, she stepped around to the opposite end of the table, hands clasped in front of her. "I would normally not interrupt such an important meeting, but Yakeru-san's claims about Azamuku being a peaceful town are false."
The youkai in question bared his teeth, eyes blazing. However, the moth youkai, who introduced himself as Hokori, came to her defence. "Are you worried about the weapons as well, miko-sama?"
Kagome shook her head. "Not in the way you are, Hokori-sama." She intentionally addressed him with more respect, shooting Yakeru a look that dared him to complain, then continued. "Azamuku has been rumoured to be full of youkai-haters. They have been accumulating resources and soldiers in the hopes of invading the other villages." She met Sesshoumaru's gaze. "Or worse."
The remaining two generals, a tiger and a sloth bear, shared a glance, then looked at Sesshoumaru, waiting for his input. Yakeru, however, wasn't convinced. "And how are we to know you are not the one behind such an uprising? Everyone knows the infamous Shikon Miko doesn't care about anyone's blood or power. You will save anyone. Who is to say the same cannot be said for who you will fight for?"
The tiger youkai groaned, picking up one of the biscuits and chucking it at the phoenix's head. "Do not start with your conspiracy theories, Yakeru. We don't have time for your tall tales. There have never been any attacks by the miko. And if she resides with Sesshoumaru-sama, he has clearly placed his trust in her."
"Thank you, Shima," Sesshoumaru said, reaching for his cup. "As it stands, the miko has aided This One on more than one account and will be shown the respect she is due." He turned to Shima. "You and Taiki will investigate this rumour. No resources will be given until we have confirmed its validity."
The pair nodded without argument, making plans to leave immediately. Hokori also grabbed his cup, raising it in a silent toast, and Kagome bowed in thanks. "I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my concerns." She thought she saw Sesshoumaru smirk but kept her head down, knowing that if she looked in his direction, she'd show Yakeru exactly who she was.
"You did well today."
A smile touched her lips. She'd quickly left the room after saying her piece, not trusting herself to keep her power in check with the scathing looks Yakeru was giving her and retreating to the garden to feed the wisteria tree.
It had grown another three inches in the process, its branches more blossoms than leaves, and though she hadn't been able to empty her power, it had done wonders with her mood. "Yakeru is an ass."
"You have come to that assessment after just one meeting?" he asked, sitting down beside her.
She scoffed. "Did it take you longer than that?"
Sesshoumaru smirked. "No, he has always been quick to temper, especially when it comes to someone challenging him."
"Then why is he one of your generals?"
"He is an adept warrior." He slid a hand along the grass, clearing away any lingering reiki. "And has never given me a reason to doubt him."
Kagome sighed, leaning back on her hands. "If you say so. But he's still an ass." Something about him set her teeth on edge, and it hadn't just been the fact he'd insulted her.
"You are welcome to avoid him during his time in the shiro."
"He should be the one to avoid me," she groused, sending tendrils of her power into the air, his youki wrapping around it and showering them in sparks, the light dancing along their feet. "I'm already tempted to pull out his feathers."
"As long as you leave them alone when you attend all future meetings."
"What?"
He raised an eyebrow. "You provide a different perspective, Kagome. One that youkai alone are not likely to consider, and I would be remiss in my judgment if I continued to evolve the relationship between humans and youkai without your help."
"In public?" she asked incredulously.
"Do you balk at the thought of having an audience?"
She waved her hands. "No, no, but aren't you worried about how people will perceive you for including me?"
He gave her an odd look. "You are an asset. Your lineage does not affect your experience or expertise."
The temptation to hug him again was so strong that her hands twitched, but she bumped his arm with a soft smile. "Thank you." Her presence had been a requirement when they were hunting jewel shards, but being needed by Sessshoumaru left her feeling content and appreciated, and if helping him meant dealing with Yakeru, so be it.