A/N: This chapter… is a bit different. It's sort of a two-in-one. Part 1 will be dealing with Yasei's trip to the library, and the related lore that comes with it. Part 2 is… this is actually Yasei's/Kaze's, well not exactly their 'C' Support, but they do gain quite a bit of 'points' with each other… maybe a pre-war Support level? 'D'?
Consort: Yes, yes… it would be beneficial to know who all sides with Yasei in her ideals. Well, there's just one problem with that approach right now… it has been less than a week since Mikoto's sacrifice and that ambush within Shirasagi's Town Square. I think that will make people less receptive to Yasei's pursuit for a peaceful meeting.
Oh? That's wonderful to hear!
Antex: Will do! ;)
Guest (Ch. 4, 3/23/20 4:43 PM EST): I'm willing to expand what I've already done, and doing something new for the beastfolk sounds pretty neat!
Guest (Ch. 5, 3/23/20 5:12 PM EST): Hrm, I do think that the siblings are genuine, but… well, at least for Xander that feeling is squashed by his pure devotion to Nohr, to the point where yes, it does blind him. A shame, considering how much detail he observes when what his family prefers *ahem* Support with Camilla *erm*.
Agreed, given Xander's dedication to Nohr, he's bound to know at least something, if not all, about what Corrin was about to go through.
I stand corrected, Shirasagi has a less confusing layout than Krakenburg, far less confusing. The main benefit being is that there doesn't seem to be over five different floors. Sure, there are more twists and turns, but at least I won't be at the right 'area' and the wrong 'floor'. In fact, the overall room count seems to be lower. I've managed to see the training grounds, infirmary, and even saw the inviting steam of a hot spring! Though, seeing all of those varied places reminded me of something… "Kaze? Where is my room?"
"It's to the opposite of where we are now, milady. You were shown when you arrived… do you not remember?" Another swift reply, almost as if he knew I was going to ask it, and I wouldn't be surprised if he did.
"I'm afraid my memory is still a bit hazy." I start, followed by, "A lot of stress can really hurt someone, you know?"
"Understood, milady. I will show you the location of your room, after the Royal Library, should you desire it."
I smile, then nod, "Of course! I would… wait. Royal Library?"
Kaze, being as dutiful as he has been since I remember, guided me to the library's entrance, which strangely had a well-carved design into it, alongside two guards. Is this simply due to this being the Royal Library? Were… there thefts? Or maybe they're just concerned that there might be a break-in? The design is of a dragon, and if I really push my memories, I can remember that it's similar to the dragon statue that loomed over the Town Square… before an explosion took it and most of the people down with it. Gods, I'm really having a hard time remembering anything before my first Dragon transformation...
However, that assault is solely King Garon's fault, probably also Iago's, but none of that was due to the ones I call brothers and sisters!
"Princess Corrin wishes to enter the Royal Library, sirs." Kaze informs them, after a somewhat lengthy silence from me, primarily due to thinking in the past.
"You may enter, Princess Corrin." The guard on the right responds.
"Kaze… I thought we were going to the same library you went to?" I ask.
"I've thoroughly looked over the public one, milady… if you seek more information, then you'll need to use this one, with that said… I'm afraid that since I'm not your retainer, then I'm not permitted to enter." He answers a question I wasn't going to ask, I wish he would stop doing that kind of stuff. "This Library is specifically for the Royals, their retainers, and those harboring the current Ruler's permission, such as Yukimaru or Reina."
Well, I was going to ask him about the two different libraries, but there's something else that needs attention. "Kaze will be going in with me." I firmly state.
"We cannot oblige, Lady Corrin. We follow the rules established." Left guard replies.
"Milady? I can wait…" Kaze starts.
"No! I want you in there with me!" I quickly exclaim to my soon-to-be retainer. "Now listen here, you." I turn my attention back to the guards. "He may not be my retainer right now, but I have every intention of appointing him my retainer once I get a few more days with him." I feel the growling resurface and I can feel another change, though I'm not too sure what it is, "I only haven't asked him yet, because I literally don't remember anyone here! Had I had my memories, I would've undoubtedly requested for him to be my retainer as soon as I was able to be coherent!"
The two guards fidget under my sudden aggression, and the one on the right even feels the need to adjust his armor. The two then share a look, before nodding, "Very well, Lady Corrin. I suppose… if you will anoint him within a few days, then… he can enter."
I relax, if only a bit. "Thank. You." That comes sounding anything but truly thankful. "Alright, let's go in, Kaze!" I smile at him, before entering the 'Royal' Library.
"I'm… truly grateful you'll have me as your retainer, Lady Corrin." Kaze admits after we enter, and the door is closed. "I am… beyond words." He then kneels.
I raise an eyebrow at him, "Oh, don't go doing that right now, Kaze. C'mon, up! I got a few books in mind and some extra help would be appreciated." I offer him a hand, and he looks happy. He accepts the offer and rises up.
A small smile forms, which is probably the most emotion I've seen him put on in a single move, "I am at your beck and call, my liege… now, what kind of books are you looking for?"
"The Royal Library…" Hrm, so there should be more 'confidential' stuff in here, right? "Well, when I was reading through the Hoshidan Legends book you got me, I noticed that… my mother was only briefly mentioned, like a side note. Surely there's something more, right? So, I'd like to find some more books that deal with my family's history, preferably on my mother."
He chuckles, "I do believe that you'll enjoy Yukimaru's company, were this the topic." Finally, Kaze seems relaxed. "I will begin searching." And without vanishing, Kaze moves to sort through the shelves. The many, many shelves. Hm.
I decide to also look around. Though, I leave Kaze to search the section I asked for, so… I go into the Fiction section, which is something I usually reserve for when I want something, ironically 'normal'. The Royal Library is far more decorated than the previous hallways. The carpet is really plush, every chair has some sort of cushion on the bottom and back. Every shelf has a sort of blanket under the books, there's a small quilt divider between every book. I randomly reach out for a book, '12 Nights in Ice'... huh. The book's cover actually has some sort of clear film over it, further protecting it. Well, I pulled it out, might as well read some of it. I look at the front artwork, it's of a silhouette of a man, standing amongst a seemingly endless tundra, he's holding a staff as a cane, and is looking skyward, towards a moon that is… covered in a sheet of ice? Ooo, this sounds interesting.
… And it manages to shatter any chances of me actually reading through it, because, well.
It has my written bane. Poems. Out of all the forms of literature, poems are my least favorite. I gently close the book and place it back on the shelf. I'm sure it's well written and thoughtful, and I love the artwork of it, but I'd rather stick to my usual 'fantasy' tales.
Onto the next aisle!
Going down this section, I can see a lot of titles with words that I don't immediately understand. I do recognize very few of them, 'Hoshido', 'Dawn Dragon'... and then it hits me. I don't understand written Hoshidan very well.
Oh, that's embarrassing. Still, I stick to this aisle, maybe there's something worth looking at? I continue to scan through the titles, until I find something that does immediately grab my attention. There are runes etched into the spine, and the runes seem to ebb and flow, like… water. I reach and grab this book. I then eagerly read the title. My heart beats a bit faster. I… I recognize that word! Not the whole title, but that one word. '...Mizu...'
"She stole my book!" A sharp pain enters my head from that roar of a 'voice'.
"Ngh." I drop the book out of sheer pain from the sudden and unexpected headache. 'Ow…' I mentally whine.
Following that, I can hear him letting out a controlled sigh, like someone trying to hold off a rage. "Do not let that out of your possession, Yasei." This is far from the praising voice I've already grown used to. He sounds incredibly pissed off.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes and I pick the book back up, the sharp head pain is already gone. 'That hurt, you know? The way you yelled.' I wipe under my eyes… did I actually cry a bit from that? Yes, the slight glint now on my hand proves just that.
"I… apologies." I felt the tone shift, the amount of pure sorrow… followed by that 'connection' being cut.
'No! I didn't mean stop talking!' I sigh. 'I just wasn't expecting that roar.' Nope, nothing.
"Milady?" Kaze asks, "Are you okay? I heard you gasp. Is your side bothering you?" He pops around the corner, a few books on his person… and his eyes lock on the book I have, for a moment, before returning back to me.
Should I tell him? I feel like I can trust him. I tap this book with my fingers. "No… I mean yes! I'm alright, I just… had a small headache." I hold the book closer. "Did you find anything?" I quickly change the topic.
He looks over me once more, specifically my side, before nodding, "I have. A detailed record of rulers, and one for royalty in other lands." He presents the two books. "I see you've also found one, milady." He says that with some hesitation.
I nod, "I have. So… let's see what all we have!" I smile, and take the lead to one of the many chairs. Large and plush, more than enough room for a comfy read. "Here, take this seat, Kaze." I pat the one next to me.
He hesitates, then shakes his head. "I… should stand on guard, and…"
"Kaze. There are two guards posted outside, we'll be fine. Come on, sit down next to me." I insist.
"...As you order, milady." He attempts to relax… and then proceeds to slightly stiffen when I yank his chair closer, so that the arms of each chair are touching each other.
"You know… Jakob wouldn't have a problem taking a seat so close." Well, that's a partial lie, but I would like for someone dedicated to guarding me, to also be able to sit close to me!
Thankfully, he didn't pick up on my little lie, and he actually seems to take that as a challenge. "I will do whatever my liege asks of me."
I smile and nod, "Good, now the first thing is… when we're alone like this, call me Corrin."
"I…"
"Relax, Kaze. We're alone." I offer a gentle smile, "Alright, just one time… Corrin."
"If you so command… Corrin." There, close enough. "Which one shall you read first, milady?"
Ugh.
Fine, fine… he got it down once. "Thank you for calling me Corrin. That means a lot to me." I praise him, "Now, let's start with… the detailed record." It sounds dull, but I'm only really searching for my mother, so I shouldn't have to spend too long in it.
He hands me the mentioned book, and… "Shall I hold on to the one you picked out?"
Should I? 'I don't know if you can hear me right now, but… trust Kaze, alright? I trust him.' I then nod, and hand him the 'Water' book. Now then! I open up the Records… wow. I was wrong.
It's even more dull than I thought possible!
But, at least it's organized. So, I start flipping through the pages with only as much care as to not harm them. Mikoto, Mikoto, Mikoto… M-I-K-O-T-O. I keep flipping, I keep flipping, and when I finally reach the M-I's… nothing. "Kaze? Mikoto's name isn't here…"
"That's… strange. Maybe she was accidently labeled under another section?" He suggests.
I would think as Hoshidan Royalty, even by marriage, then she would be labeled under the Hoshidan section, but… "Maybe?" So, I flip over to… Izumo, taking her peacefulness into consideration. Nothing. Alright, how about one of the Tribes? The information here is more scarce, as there is a note that the Tribes don't have to have rec… nope. There's a Nohrian section, for those who moved in and… Nope. "Mother has lived here for almost, what… two decades? Why isn't she in here?!"
"I… wish I had an answer for that, milady."
"Other one, please." I close the Records book a bit too rough, and we swap books. Royalty in other lands. M-I-K-O-T-O. Well, I can see Xander, Camilla, Leo, Elise, as well as a few 'lesser' Princes and Princesses that aren't 'important' enough to be labeled with the main four. The Ice Tribe chieftain is here, as his twin daughters. There's also, strangely, the leader of Crynkensia.
Mother. Isn't. In. Here!
Why?!
I close this book and give it to Kaze, to which he returns the Water book to me. "This is aggravating." I plainly state. "Did nobody seriously record my mother, the Queen for over sixteen years?!" Kaze remains silent for a moment… I decide to open up the Water book. Now, unlike the books written in Hoshidan, I can… actually understand a fair amount of words. Far beyond 'Mizu' and 'Tanken'.
"Vallite." His voice is gentle once more.
'Is that what I… what of mother?' I can feel rage on the other side, once I think 'Mother'.
"She's nothing." My blood runs a bit cold, I… I wasn't expecting an answer such devoid of emotion. No, there wasn't even anger in that response, just pure emptiness… akin to the statement itself. Now, trying to push that aside, I resume attempting to read 'Vallite'. While I can seem to understand the basics of it, most of it is going over my head. Unfortunately, I only seem to have a total of two references for it… the voice in my head, and maybe my mother, were she still alive.
Unfortunately, as much as I try to read it, I can't force myself to understand more. I end up closing the book. "Milady?" Kaze asks.
However, keeping his words with me. "I need to bring this with me, Kaze."
"Milady, the books within here are to remain here." Great, another rule.
"That is my book!" The voice exclaims again, thankfully while it did become loud for that, it wasn't bad enough to cause a near migraine, this time it felt more like a… rough push?
"This is written in a language that nobody else here can even comprehend!" I counter. "But, I can."
He bows his head for a moment, he's troubled. "Milady." He finally starts, "You need to understand that while retainers swear oaths to do anything that keeps their liege safe, that does not extend to this. Unless stealing this book ensures your very health, then I cannot abide by this choice in action."
"Yasei…" A more warning tone, but I can't just… no! I've already pushed my authority by getting Kaze in here.
'I… can't. Surely it'll stay safe here, right?' I mentally reply, before adding, "I… understand, Kaze. I'll return it." With that, I rise and go back to the spot where I got it, then reluctantly shelving it once more. With that done, I return to Kaze, who has already managed to put both of his books up, and is sitting in the same spot. Well, maybe a few more minutes wouldn't hurt? I move to sit back down.
"Is there any other book you wished to read, milady?" He smoothly asks.
"No, not right now." I gently decline, but before he could say anything else. "How about you? I mean, since we're here…"
"I… couldn't. This library is reserved for the Royals."
I offer him a straight face and, "Kaze. Are there any books you are interested in?" I 'ask' it in such a way that it sounds more like a command.
Which is something he picks up on, "I… if you insist, then yes. I do have a few I would be interested in reading."
I then smile, "Good. So, what would you like to read?"
"There is a matter which I had wanted clarified for a while… the subject of my father's death." He admits. "I'm aware when a truth is being hidden from me, and Saizo doesn't speak of it."
Oh, well… that was a bit more serious subject than I had anticipated, but still I nod, "Okay, then let's look around!"
Kaze smiles, "This means a lot to me, Lady Corrin… I'm very grateful for this."
"It's no problem!" I cheerfully respond, we both rise up from the chairs and begin scouring through this library once more.
I think I'll ask him to be my retainer tomorrow.
A/N: On the topic of Supports… I have many plans. Some of those plans are affecting certain characters (Not just the Vallites) in large ways, so… some Support Conversations from canon will have to change. I think… that I will include these Support Conversations into the main fic, but I will separate them into their specially labeled chapters. If Yasei is one of the Support characters, then it will remain in 1st person. If Yasei isn't, then that Support Chapter will be 3rd person. I will try to include these chapters as the ranks are gained.
Again though, only the Support conversations that need huge changes are being included.