Uploaded On: 30th September 2023.
Woe is Me
Unknown Horizons
"There is one condition I'll make." Natsuki briefs the awaiting Grandmeister who forebodingly awaits her response. "If I'm to become the Headmeister." A pause commences as Natsuki recollects her thoughts, attempting to brace herself. "I… I want mom to live here and be able to move her operation to Garderobe."
"Natsuki, are you su—" Saeko tries to interject, but is swiftly silenced by a mere look from her daughter.
"We already discussed this when we were in Aries." The Trias Representative reinforces her plan to the statue, listing through the facts. "As I said before, Kruger Industries is being harassed by corporations and governments. If it's based here, no one can touch it except us. This means any product or technological advancement belongs solely to Garderobe. It's a neutral state that uses similar tech for peacekeeping, not profit."
As Fumi processes this information, Miss Maria, who is beside Natsuki, warrants her concern. "Are you certain? The Grandmeister's word is always final. This contract will not be reversed." Her tone is level with a high degree of clarity. "Think through your next response carefully."
This is the only feasible route Natsuki can realistically take. Saeko—her only remaining family—has cancer and without her intervening, would be taken advantage of. Natsuki will not allow that to happen. "I am sure." She nods to the Epitome of Grace before lifting her gaze to Fumi Himeno.
Within the dimness, the Grandmeister's eyes click as they focus back onto the Trias Representative. "Natsuki Kruger, under Garderobe's jurisdiction, you will be disallowed access to future projects undertaken by your family company. Due to the Columns' strict duties, they are forbidden from practising in external matters."
That makes sense, but what would she do if something happens to her mother? "What will happen to the company if mom—" She is unable to finish her question. She swallows, the subtle tension within her chest rising until it reaches her mind. Nerves fraying, she smooths her fingertips along her brow.
"Exceptions will be made. A log relating to this information will be found in the Underground Facility's database after this conversation has ended." The Grandmeister states, before including: "I propose an agreement to your condition."
Huh? Natsuki's gaze returns to the Grandmeister.
"By failing to make up your differences with the Archmeister, I shall nullify Kruger Industries involvement with this institution. The Headmeister and Archmeister's relationship must prevail for Garderobe's continued functioning."
By the time Natsuki has the time to sit and think, time has passed by within a moment. In the space of a few months, Kruger Industries has been integrated into Garderobe. What's more, it's also the eve of the Trias Duels.
Traditionally the Trias duel their original mentors as an end of year celebration. But seeing as her relationship hasn't progressed with Shizuru at all…
Sitting within the gardens, Natsuki feels embraced by the autumn air. Skywards, the horizon is clear from any blemishes of cloud cover. However, it's another story entirely within Natsuki's mind.
Her mother's treatment is going well and Garderobe has been preventing the media from harassing them both. Still though? Leaning her forearms against her thighs, Natsuki leans forward against the stone bench she sits upon.
The Grandmeister's words are still etched within her mind.
Shizuru has been absent for weeks, so how can she improve things? Actually, due to her overseas mission, they aren't sure whether the Trias Duels can take place. After all, Shizuru was Natsuki's mentor.
It's a shame, really.
It would be the first time in decades that an Archmeister has participated in the Trias Duels.
After everything, things have been strengthening recently, so why does she feel lonelier than ever?
Natsuki's on the cusp of graduating, partaking in the Trias Duels, and revealing she is the next Headmeister. Surely she should be excited, no?
Any amount of excuses she makes fails to hide the truth. Natsuki knows it—as does everybody else. She desperately misses Shizuru.
"Natsuki?" Mai shows herself, appearing from the corner of the gardens.
'I had wanted to be alone, yet I'm lonely without her.' Natsuki thinks, gaze fleeting from Mai.
As Mai sits herself down, the two Columns fall into silence.
It is excessive—so much that Mai has to break it.
"Haruka arrived a few minutes ago."
"That's nice."
A brittle muteness follows once more.
Confliction rises within Natsuki while within Mai's presence. Mai is going to be a Column as well. "...About that role—are you going to take it?" She watches Mai from out of the corner of her eye.
Discomfort is conveying from Mai. It's one Natsuki has grown familiar with. Whenever Mai feels uneasy, she detaches from reality. Her arms are crossed as well—a clear sign of confusion.
"I still don't know."
"Why?"
Mai throws her a strained smile, her brow marring as she peers downwards. "I ran away from home, Natsuki. Sure I am an estranged daughter to them, but they're still my family."
"They disowned you."
"Yeah, bu—"
"Stop making excuses. Didn't you tell me last week that you love helping others? In Zipang you'll just be another Princess hidden from society unable to do anything." Natsuki snaps. "Your brother will be the Emperor because he's from the male line. Even if you became the Empress, you would be replaced the moment the male line gets an heir."
"...You remember that?"
"Of course I do!" Natsuki stares at her dumbfounded. "Mai, you—" Rubbing her brow, Natsuki sighs, attempting to calm herself down. It's hopeless, isn't it? "You're my friend, Mai. For two years you've vented at me about your family. They're stuck in the past and afraid of their own people. They'd rather disown one of their own who is different than adapt to reality."
"You—" Mai's mind wanders back to the video feed starring Natsuki and the Grandmeister. She truly is wise. As angry as Natsuki can be, she wants change.
Deafening seclusion once again lifts its grim head.
"...You're right."
She will make an excellent Headmeister. Mai realises this, and it will be with or without her.
Today, the horizon is clear.
A/N: For now this story will remain on hiatus as I am mainly focusing on oneshots.
