Here we are at Chapter 24. Time for another test of Yuki and Hiei's betrothal. I do not own Code Vein. They belong to Bandai Namco. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 24. Enjoy.
Chapter 24: Betrothal Battle
Most in the room remain in stunned silence. Yuki is the first to finally find her words.
"Your Majesty... you want to... end my engagement to Hiei?" Yuki can barely believe it.
"I do. It is nothing against you, Yukitsuki. However, the truth of the matter is this: I do not believe Hiei is worthy of being your fiance. You are a princess of the Dragon Alliance, while Hiei comes from a family of much lower status. More importantly, Hiei was given the mission of protecting you and failed, not once, but twice," Emperor Kagero explains, the last part hitting Hiei hard.
"But she still rescued me when I was kidnapped along with everyone else. We want to be together, Uncle Kagero," Yukitsuki pleads.
"Your Majesty, forgive me for speaking out, but this is wrong. We have already received approval for our engagement from both of our families. And Her Highness, Princess Yukari, married Ser Fuyumi when she was only a knight, not yet the wife of Duchess Emilia. It's basically the same thing here with myself and Yuki," Hiei also argues.
"There was nothing I could do about Yukari. I have little control over her, even now that I'm emperor. And Fuyumi helped us deal with the coup before the war with the empire. She earned her place in our family. You, however, have not. I will not entrust my niece, a princess of our family, to someone who fails to protect her. However, if you are that adamant about it, I can at least make one compromise," Emperor Kagero says.
"And what would that be?" Yuki asks, wary.
"Before you came, I went through a list of the noble and high-ranking families within the Dragon Alliance. I am aware of your preferences Yuki and focused on families with daughters old enough to marry and who come from a suitable family. I then checked to see which among them would be willing to marry another woman, for which several have agreed to the idea. If you were to choose one of them to marry, I would be willing to allow Hiei to become your mistress. It's not uncommon in noble circles. Even Ser Fuyumi has a few, including Lady Yukio," Emperor Kagero explains.
Yuki and Hiei glance at each other. While technically, they could still be together, it was not the same. Yuki wouldn't be able to proudly claim that she is Hiei's wife, nor would they be able to have a wedding or stand together on special occasions. Hiei would only be seen by society as a side piece for Yuki, not her equal. That wasn't good enough for either of them, especially Yuki.
"Apologies, Your Majesty, but that is a ridiculous offer," Yuki shoots it down.
Fuyumi and Hikaru show small smirks at Yuki's courage.
"And why exactly would that be a ridiculous offer?" Kagero's eyebrow twitches.
"Because I don't want Hiei to be my mistress. I want to become her wife. To stand beside her as we have a family of our own together. What's more, I know Hiei loves me for me and not my family status or power. How do I know the candidates you chose as my potential fiance aren't just interested in me for my position as an imperial princess. Or even for my status as the daughter of a duchess of Anatolia. I am not about to entrust my life to someone I cannot trust. I trust and love Hiei, and I know she feels the same for me. That is more than enough for me," Yuki explains.
Kagero sighs and rubs his head, "While I can understand your reasoning, I cannot agree with it. You must consider your position here, Yukitsuki,"
"Man, what a farce this is," Veronica suddenly blurts out.
Kagero slowly turns his eyes towards her, "And what do you mean by that... demon?" he says, the word making the tension in the room increase.
"Exactly what I said. This is nothing but a farce. You claim to look out for her wellbeing and believe you know what is best for her, but you forget a few very important facts. One, you're not her parents, so you don't have any say in who she marries. Two, while she is technically a princess of the Dragon Alliance, she is more a noble daughter of Anatolia than a princess. What's more, you're not even attempting to consider her opinion; what she thinks is best. You're barely any better than the nobles you claim would only use her," Veronica does not hold back.
Kagero narrows his eyes, "You would be wise to know your place, demon girl. Unless you want to go and join the rest of your kin in the afterlife," he warns, prompting the guards in the room to lay hands on the handles of their swords.
Veronica remains unfazed, "I live my life however I desire. I take orders from no one... though I wouldn't mind taking orders from Yukitsuki. Since I'll be her mistress of course,"
She really isn't helping the situation right now.
Just as Kagero is about to say something, the empress speaks up, "Perhaps we should put this discussion on hold for the time being. No need for anyone to lose themselves to emotion now," Empress Yuka suggests.
"Her Majesty is correct. We will call this meeting adjourned for the time being and allow cooler heads to prevail. Come, I will escort you all back to your rooms for something to eat," Suijin adds before taking Yuki and her group out of the audience chamber.
Before she leaves, Hikaru glances back at Kagero, "I told you this would happen, brother. You really screwed it up this time," she then leaves the room.
...
Back in their guest room, Yuki sighs as she rests her head on Hiei's shoulder. The pair have kept their hands intertwined, unwilling to separate from each other after the day they've had.
"Why does this keep happening? So many people keep getting in the way of us being together. To deny us life's simple pleasures," Yuki says melancholy.
"I don't know. But, I do know that I won't let them stand in our way. You are to become my wife. That will never change," Hiei says.
"Man, I almost feel like I should leave the room right now," Veronica says.
"Not now, it's getting to the good part," Hana says, munching on some snacks.
Hiei growls, "Will you two go somewhere else?! We're trying to have a moment here!"
"Hey, I go wherever I please, remember," Veronica seems unconcerned.
Hana can see that this whole thing is really beating up Yuki and Hiei. She feels for them both, deeply. All they want is to be together, and yet so many people are either forcing them to prove themselves or trying to end their engagement. Sometimes she wonders why some people can't just be allowed to be happy. Honestly, this whole situation is making her sick, and she decides to do something about it.
"You guys wait here. I have something to take care of," Hana says as she gets up and walks to the door.
"What could you possibly have to do right now?" Hiei asks.
"Just trust me on this one. Besides, this may help both of you with your little problem," Hana leaves them with a smile before heading out the door. She walks through the halls of the palace, but despite the large and complex structure, she knows exactly where she's going. Heading to one wing of the palace, she opens the door. Inside, she finds two individuals waiting for her. One is an arachne who practically looks like an older version of her and the other is a male arachne with black hair and fur in contrast to Hana's purple.
"It's been a while, Father, Mother," Hana bows her head to her parents.
"Hanazuki, you've come home. Though, not under the circumstances I was expecting," her father, Ren Kawakaze, says.
"I was hoping you'd pay us a visit, Hana," her mother, Aiko Kawakaze, greets her.
"I know. Sorry I couldn't come by for a visit sooner. Had something to take care of, and I'm still dealing with it, actually," Hana replies.
"We heard. Your friend and charge, Princess Yukitsuki Crystalglove, and her fiance Hiei are in danger of having their engagement annulled at the behest of the emperor. At the very least, I can see where he's coming from. Though, I personally believe his approach could use a little more tact," Aiko notes.
"Yes, and I wished to talk to you about that. I want Yuki and Hiei to be able to get married and have a life together. But His Majesty wants Yuki to marry someone of a suitable noble rank and whom he believes can protect his niece. He also said that Hiei could be Yuki's mistress, but that's going to fly with either of them. However, I may have a solution to that problem. If things are left as they stand, the situation will only get worse. With Yuki being a princess of the Dragon Alliance and the daughter of a duchess of Anatolia, it may well end up becoming a bigger problem later down the road," Hana explains.
"And you want us to help you fix this problem? I'm not sure we would even be able to help, or even considering going against His Majesty's wishes. Yukitsuki is a princess of our nation. She has responsibilities, customs she must abide by. As do you, Hanazuki. Duties you've shirked for quite some time," Ren notes.
"And I have explained my reasoning for that. I know what I must do, and I will do it. But, that doesn't mean I can't multitask multiple objectives and complete them all. I intend to go through with my plan, with or without your support. However, it would be easier for me if you would give me your support. Besides, if this works, our family's station and security will improve immensely. Despite our current position, there are still those in the imperial court that look down upon us. Whether because of our species, or even because they simply see us as simple 'dress makers' for the imperial family. They wouldn't be able to do that anymore if my plan were to work," Hana says.
"Perhaps, but why are you so determined with this so-called 'idea' of yours? One which you still have not explained to us as of yet. Why go to such lengths? For the sake of your friends?" Aiko wonders.
"Yes, and no. Yes, I want to help my friends. But, I also want to help myself. I'm a selfish person after all. What's the point of living if we can't be true to our nature. To be who we really are," Hana replies, resolutely.
"You do realize that he may not like this when he finds out," Ren says.
"I'm aware, and I'll deal with that bridge when I cross it. Until then, this is what I must do," Hana says.
Ren sighs then nods, "Very well. I know better than to try and control on this. It would only be a repeat of what happened last time. However, should you fail in this endeavor, you will go along with the arrangement we previously discussed without any resistance. Is that understood?"
Hana nods, "Yes, I understand, Father. However, I will not fail. Because it's not just my future that's on the line this time,"
...
Meanwhile, Yuki's parents are having their own discussion.
"So, how likely is it that we can convince your brother to rethink this stupid idea of his?" Fuyumi asks Hikaru.
"Not likely. I was tempted to beat the Hell out of him when I first heard of this stupid idea of his. But, it's as simple as a spat between two siblings, not when he's the emperor now. My brother is not an evil person... unlike my late brother Homura. He's always been focused on protecting our family and our nation. Sometimes, he's just so focused on achieving those goals that he forgets about everything and everyone else around him. He couldn't stop me from marrying Fuyumi because, one, he's weaker than me in a fight, and two, our marriage benefitted the Dragon Alliance. Yuki's marriage to Hiei would do the same thing, but he believes he can get a better outcome with someone else," Hikaru explains.
"Okay, so what do we do now?" Emilia asks.
"My brother is planning on introducing the marriage candidates he picked out to Yuki tomorrow. He thinks that if Yuki were to meet them and spend a little time with them that she might have a change of heart," Hikaru says.
"From a logical standpoint, I can see his reasoning. Better to marry someone you know than to marry someone without ever meeting them until the day of the wedding ceremony. But, he's still forcing them on her. And how do we know they only want to marry Yukitsuki because of her position?" Iris asks.
Elane sighs, "This is why I'm not big on marriage. There's too much politics and scheming involved. I think only commoners marry for love, at least for the most part,"
"Okay, so what can we do? Maybe get the former emperor involved?" Anelia suggests.
"That won't work. I already spoke with my father on the matter and he's chosen to essentially stay out of the drama. He seems to see where Kagero is going with this. Always the politician," Hikaru shakes her head.
"Then what can we do?" Iris asks.
"For now, I suggest we keep an eye on whoever the emperor chose as Yukitsuki's potential marriage partners. I'm not saying I agree with all this crap. But, I just want to know exactly who were dealing with before we try anything else," Fuyumi says.
"I agree with Fuyumi. The more we now the better prepared we'll be. I'll speak with the former empress to see if there is another way we might solve this problem of ours," Emilia says.
"Alright. Iris, go with her. We need stealth in this mission, and not's exactly your strong suit. Plus, I want her to have some protection here. Anelia, you go with them. Elane, Hikaru, and I will shadow Yukitsuki. With my stealth gifts, no one will notice us. And even if they do, they won't speak out against Hikaru," Fuyumi goes over the plan.
"Works for me. This way if they try anything, I can burn them all to ashes," Hikaru smirks like a predator.
"Um, try and keep the body burning to a minimum, okay," Anelia doesn't feel like going to jail.
"I can be stealthy when I want to be," Iris grumbles, apparently embarrassed by Fuyumi's comment.
"I'm in!" Veronica suddenly appears. "I want to see the action and the drama. I'm bored here!"
The woman groan. Veronica is not helping with the situation right now.
...
The next day, Yukitsuki is escorted by a few servants to a small gathering room where she is to meet the prospective grooms that kagero set up for her. Luckily, he was aware of her preferring those of the same sex, so all the grooms are women around Yuki's age. Still, that doesn't exactly make this any better. Even more so since Hiei couldn't come along with her. The emperor believed Hiei would cause trouble and had several guards watch her to prevent her from joining Yuki. She walks towards her destination, full of worry.
"What kind of people will they be like? Even if I could get along with them, that doesn't mean I'm going to marry them. I have no interests in forced marriages," Yuki wonders.
They approach a set of doors and the servants beckon her inside. Yuki walks inside to find a few young women waiting around a round table. One of them is a human girl with long orange hair, part of it tied back, and light blue eyes. She's wearing a green kimono with floral designs on it. The second appears to be a dragonewt girl with short, dark blue hair, light blue horns on the sides of her head, and matching wings and a tail on her back. She's wearing a blue and grey hakama with a sword strapped to her left hip. Adjacent to her is a cat beastmen girl with short black hair and matching ears. A long tail sprouts from her back. She's wearing a yukata of white with a mix of red and black. Her eyes match her hair. The last one is an elf girl with long blonde hair like Elane's, dark orange eyes, and wearing a green and white dress that seems more western than traditional of the Dragon Alliance attire.
"We will prepare food and drinks for you and your guests, Your Highness. Please relax and enjoy yourself," one of the servants says before they bow and take their leave.
Yuki was kind of hoping they'd stay. She didn't want to be left alone with these people, but now she has no choice.
"Um, hello... I am Yukitsuki Crystalglove, daughter of the Duchess of Crystalglove in Anatolia and princess of the Dragon Alliance. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Yuki greets them with a bow.
"The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness," the dragonewt is the first to speak, rising from her seat and walking up to stand before Yuki. "I am Minato Kazuma. Daughter of the captain of the imperial guard. It is an honor to be in your presence,"
"The honor is mine, Lady Minato," Yuki replies.
She can at least be polite when speaking with these people.
The elf steps up next, "Greetings, Your Highness. I am Mary Gonvile. My family have lived her for a long time, so we don't use the traditional naming methods of my people. My family has a position in the imperial court. It's a pleasure to finally meet you,"
"Likewise, Lady Mary," Yuki returns the greeting.
The human comes next, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Chinatsu Sumeragi. Like Lady Minato and Lady Mary, I too come from noble lineage. I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you," Chinatsu says.
"As am I, Lady Chinatsu," Yuki bows her head.
Finally, the cat girl, "And I'm Izumi Hoshino. My dad works directly for the emperor. It's so cool that I get to meet you, Princess. I'm sure we'll have so much fun together!" Izumi greets her with mor energy and less decorum than the others.
"I-I see. A pleasure," Yuki wasn't expecting that kind of greeting, considering how the previous three were.
After taking their seats and exchanging a few more pleasantries, the servants return with food and drinks for the women.
"I believe it's safe to assume you all know why you're here?" Yuki asks.
"Yes. The emperor wants you to choose one of us to marry," Mary says.
"Did he tell you everything?" Yuki digs deeper.
"More or less. But, we can hardly disobey a direct command from the emperor. We hope you can forgive us on that," Chinatsu says.
"If I may, Your Highness, each of us here would be honored to become your bride. Despite the others' appearances, they have been trained in combat. We are all prepared to fight and die for your sake. I am always at your disposal," Minato says, bowing her head again.
Yuki sighs. These girls truly don't understand Yuki's woes right now. Before the conversation can continue, however, a knock at the door gathers their attention. They look as the doors open to reveal Hanazuki in a stunning white and purple oriental dress top with detached sleeves. A few silver ornaments adorn her hair and she has a fair amount of makeup on her face.
"Um, excuse me, but who are you and why are you interrupting our fun with the princess?" Izumi asks, mildly annoyed.
"A pleasure to meet you all. I'm Hanazuki Kawakaze... and I'm here to compete for Yuki's hand in marriage," Hana smiles.
And that's the chapter. Yuki meets the emperor's choices for her marriage partner, but Hana has other plans? How will this war for love go? Until then, please Read and Review.