On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“So that’s what we need to do next, Miyu. Miyu.” There was a long pause, before the annoying voice spoke up again. “Miyu! Are you even listening to me?”

Holding in a biting sigh, Miyu blinked, looking at the speaker, her father, who was pacing restlessly in his expensive suit, from the famous Royal Line tailors, who only catered to the nobility and political elite of Japan and those they recommended, a treasured antique watch on his wrist that he constantly checked nervously. I know Akio has been getting his suits from there, after grandfather provided him a recommendation. To an ordinary person it hardly matters, but a discerning eye will realise it means he is accepted by the nobility.

“I heard you. Please do not address me so informally, it rather upsets me.” she replied. Beside her, Michiru, her friend, bodyguard and companion, glowered at Miyu’s father, clutching the hem of her bright crimson scarf.

“Informally, Miyu? You’re my daughter, despite what you think. Miyu, Miyu!”

She ignored him, until he gave in with a sigh. “Miyu-san. Calling my own daughter such… I get that you dislike me, but I am still your father. And my father wants this event to be a success, so I have to do my best. You respect father, at least, don’t you? You never talk to me or acknowledge me!”

“I am talking to you now, no?” Miyu responded acerbically, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. It was hardly proper for a daughter of nobility, especially of Fujiwara house, but perhaps she had been corrupted by Hinata, Akio and others. If so, I hardly mind. Akio and the others have much noble about them. They make more of a difference than father does, have saved many lives. Mine included, else I likely would have killed myself by now, and that saved Michiru, as she would have followed me into death…

“Yes, but…” Her father sighed, and Miyu felt a brief flash of satisfaction, though there was a little guilt mixed in as well. I have changed a touch, it seems.

“So, what is it you want?” Miyu asked, cutting him off. They were seated in an executive box at the Tokyo Dome, watching the charity concert. Miyu was actually interested, for while idol performances were not something daughters of nobility should have been concerned with, as a student of the Kyomai school of traditional Japanese dancing, she had a professional curiosity, and while as opposed to her elegance and worshipful calm, idol dancing was frenetic, cheerful and showy, she found it impossible to deny the charm of it.

“I was discussing our next steps. But… I’m your father, Miyu-san. Much as you’ve ignored me for almost your entire life, I’m still worried about you!”

This time Miyu couldn’t hide her disdain, and Michiru was having a hard time, knuckles white on her scarf. “It is rather late for that, father. You have had no involvement in my life. You left everything to grandfather, as always.” She glanced at his watch, her expression contemptuous. “Besides, I hate inconstant men.”

“I… nobody gainsays father.” He admitted, frustrated. “Besides, it was for the best. Father is still vigorous, despite his advanced age. Moreso now, isn’t he? Older brother Hidemasa is nearly sixty, and while I’m younger, I’m hardly young.” His tone was bitter. “Father is too stubborn to die, it seems, and older brother… he’s not exactly capable of running the behemoth that is Fujiwara house. Yes, there are plenty of capable helpers on the board, like Harada-san and Ueno-san, but… well, I know my brother. He isn’t a listener, and he’s arrogant.”

Aren’t you too, father? Still, Miyu did him the courtesy of listening to his complaints.

“But that means that it falls upon you and Honoka-san to be the heirs. Although… you are both girls. So by the rules of the nobility and Japan…”

“It would be our husbands who took over the family.” Miyu agreed. “Though Honoka-san is the daughter of Hidemasa-sama, so it will be her husband who must guide Fujiwara house when grandfather is gone. Besides…” Miyu’s lips twitched, as she held down a smile. “I cannot marry without the permission of my master.”

She enjoyed the look of bemused discomfort on her father’s face as he pondered that. “It’s all a nonsense. How could you have decided that? Why didn’t you…”

“Talk to you? Why would I?” Miyu interrupted. “It is my life, and you abdicated responsibility for it. Did you have any input in my prior engagement?”

“No, but…” her father protested. “You know I’ve left the inner echelons of Fujiwara house to make my own way as a figure in government, in the MEXT department. I’m not Hidemasa, who can only sit there pretending to be important, when father and Harada-san make all the decisions. I chose my own path, and I make it on my own merits.”

Really? I suppose this is why I have no respect for you, father. You see less clearly than I do, and I was blind too. “Your own merits? Hardly.” Miyu scoffed. “Yes, you have made your way up the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, but on your own merits? There is a limit to being a fool, father. I too was sheltered, but I somehow know more than you. You think that your status as the son of Fujiwara Shige does not influence others? How many times have your ideas been accepted simply because of your ancestry, or your fellows smoothed out problems for you, because not to do so might be seen as a slight against Fujiwara house, a mistake?”

“And how are you any different?” her father snapped back, before a trace of guilt flashed across his face. “I’m sorry, Miyu-san, that was uncalled for…”

“No, it was not.” Miyu shook her head sadly. “I much prefer your real feelings, than trying to pretend to be a parent at this late stage. I have seen real families now. Fujiwara house is worthy, and wealthy, and powerful… but… a family it is not. Perhaps it cannot be, for the weight of what we carry through these hundreds and hundreds of years is too much, too precious… but… while I am a daughter of Fujiwara still, and that cannot and will not change… I am also not free to simply be that.” Gathering her thoughts, Miyu smiled, and she didn’t notice her father taken aback by her genuine, unusual expression, Michiru looking on approvingly.

“Of course I was simply Fujiwara Miyu, I was respected and praised simply for being her, rather than being me. Yes, my dancing, my piano, they are talents that are my own, but without the opportunities afforded to me which were none of my doing, I could never have realised them. Unlike Hinata, who, despite the same bloodline as me, one of the Three Great Houses, was treated with disdain. I was rather pathetic. And woefully selfish. When I was visited by Ame-no-Uzume and given… perhaps forced… to take these powers, I despaired. Perhaps if I was a different woman, I would have spoken to you, father. Or grandfather. Though that would have been futile. He would simply have used me, as he uses us all. I hardly hate him for that, I respect grandfather… but I cannot sacrifice myself for others. No, instead I demanded others aid me. I was pathetic.” she repeated bitterly.

“No, Miyu-sama!” Michiru protested, heartbroken. “It was I who was so disrespectful to Akio-sama and Hinata-sama, nearly injuring Hinata-sama! We… went about matters wrongly. Though with father’s advice, that men are not to be trusted…”

“It seems we think the same of father, and the pair of you are very similar.” He nodded at Michiru. “Yes, father will set aside his own needs and those of others for Fujiwara house and Japan. It is praiseworthy, perhaps… but… I leave that to Hidemasa-san. As for you…”

“Yes, as for me… I was fortunate. Akio answered my wishes, but not in the foolish way I envisaged. Now… now I am Miyu, and I have my own worth. It is hard, and often frightening, but… never lonely.”

“Of course not!” Michiru insisted, and Miyu felt warm at her care. “I am always with you. Now… more than ever. With your Throne empowering me I am better able to protect you!” she insisted stoutly.

“Yes, though… it is sadly a waste. Five Levels, even fifteen… while admirable and meaningful, compared to what Hinata enjoys… but that is for another time.”

“I notice that you call Oshiro-san and Takatsukasa-san without honorifics, Miyu-san. That… surprises me. After all, you loathe men, and are not close to others…” her father pointed out, and Miyu once more struggled not to roll her eyes or grimace and tut irritably.

“Of course I do. And whose fault is that? We are taught that men are wolves, and never meet any outside our family, and even at parties where they are, they are kept away from us. We are to be sold for the benefit of our families, and yes, we benefit, I have had opportunities many, even Hinata, have not had, but the price we pay… besides, grandfather has had a hand in Honoka-san’s education, and mine… and he has biased us.”

“You think Oshiro-san wouldn’t use you for his own gain?” her father insisted, and Miyu laughed scornfully.

“Nobody in the world does not think of profit and loss. And the world, especially now, is hardly kind enough to allow me to receive while not giving. This is the lesson I learned with some difficulty. Yes, he works me to the bone, making me dance endlessly, all to save an hour here or there. But in doing so, I found a measure of happiness and self-worth. If you mean, because he holds the rights over me due to my Vassalage, he can sell me as he wills… in theory, were he to go against grandfather, or persuade him, which is possible, if enough if offered, but…”

Michiru spoke up. “Akio-sama is not one to sell another’s happiness. Especially not those he has sworn to protect. When you swore to be his Vassal, ever since, he has cherished and supported you, Miyu-sama.”

“Indeed. He would rather fail and face defeat than sell another for his victory, and fortunately, Hinata and the others he surrounds himself with agree. Not that I feel he will fail to triumph. Hinata has discerning eyes. As for why I call them so familiarly… it seemed foolish not to, for to them, I am not Fujiwara Miyu, but simply Miyu. I do not despise him for being a man. For it seems not all men are created equal.”

“I see.” her father muttered after a long, uncomfortable silence. Outside, her fellow Vassal, Suzu-san, had just finished her set. I must congratulate her later. It is only proper.

“So, where did I go wrong?” he asked, rather down, and despite having had nothing to do with her father for a long time, barely ever even conversing with him, always routing any requests or responses through Michiru or her mother, she felt a twinge of pity for him. Not all men are created equal indeed. Grandfather’s sons both disappoint in their own ways. I would say that having a father so domineering and powerful can make men weak, but… Akio’s father is seemingly a harsh man, and he turned out well enough. Although Hinata does wish he would be greedier…

“Your thoughts of wishing to be your own man, not merely relying on the Fujiwara name and power, are not wrong. But you wrongly believed you were free, despite us never being fully able to escape our chains. As for your personal behaviour… I know you have mistresses. I have always known.”

“Grandfather, huh?” he snorted bitterly. “Yes, he doesn’t much like us, his sons. I know why, but… well, my role at MEXT is not merely a wish of mine, but a shield. I… worry for you, I do, Miyu-san. Though perhaps I have shown it poorly.”

“The world has no shortage of woeful parents. I am aware of worse. At least you left me alone, as requested.” Miyu allowed.

“Even so, I… perhaps it is too late, eighteen years of neglect isn’t easy to undo, but…” His expression was sullen now. “…how is it you judge me, when you don’t apply the same to Oshiro-san? I’ve had fewer other women than he has!”

“It is because, despite his infidelity, which I do admit I find a little hard to bear, it is because he genuinely loves them and wishes for their happiness, not purely his own pleasure. And he would die for any one of them…”

“No, actually, Miyu-sama, he says he will live for them, no matter the odds, so they do not grieve, which is as us warriors, we ninjas know, a harder task, but a bolder one.” Michiru disagreed.

“I see. Yes, that makes sense.” Miyu agreed. “Honestly, father, you can hardly understand what I go through as a Chosen. But… despite it being hard, with Akio, Hinata and the others, I feel as safe as is possible. He… I do not despise him for his habits, because he is nothing like the nobility. No…” Her smile was now genuine, and her father was surprised to see it, such a rare occurrence it was, usually only after dancing or piano. “…if Hinata has her way, then it is the nobility that will change to be more like him. Mayumi-san… she is changing too, and Sakura-san… well, perhaps in time. As for Honoka-san… she attends the training school when she is able, and we are closer than before. Not close, but far from strangers.”

“I see.” he said at last, after yet another uncomfortable long pause. “It’s a bit late for me to tell you how to live your life, Miyu-san, but… I can see I need to spend some time getting to know Oshiro-san better. After all, it looks like he will be taking care of you for a long time.”

“Hundreds of years, perhaps.” Miyu giggled, suddenly amused. “But you should get to know him anyway, since those that do not will find their government careers stymied. After all… grandfather is grooming him for leadership. Fujiwara house will not be disadvantaged. Akio trusts grandfather, and… I am a tie to him. So it seems even without marriage I serve the traditional purpose of a noble daughter. Life is full of ironies. Now… you asked for my aid, an unusual request indeed. So I am here. Speak.”

“So domineering.” Her father was smiling now too, rather ruefully. “But yes, you said it yourself. I don’t understand enough about Chosen. I’m working with Morita-san from the Ministry for Spiritual Matters, but I’m still struggling to tie everything together.” Glancing out through the window of the private box down at the stage, he frowned. “Entertainment comes under the purview of culture, so our Ministry naturally has involvement in this, and… well, I had thought my ability was the reason I was chosen to spearhead this, but I suppose that it is simply my family.”

“I am not saying you have no ability, father.” Miyu shook her head. “I am merely saying to see things as they are, not that you wish to be. Now… my understanding is that this is not about the money. Compensation and succour for the victims of Kyoto and the Nasu eruptions is easily achievable otherwise. No, it is clear to me that it is about two things. A sense of national unity, as well as a greater understanding of Chosen matters. Not the secrets, of course, but… just like I did, we fear what we do not understand.” 

“Yes, I’m aware of that. And father certainly wishes it too.” Miyu’s father agreed. “But… some of the requests have been strange. This ‘idol gacha’ for one.”

“I hardly understand that myself.” Miyu giggled softly. “I am still a very sheltered girl. But I do know, it again comes down to understanding. Life is hardly fair. Just as we were born into a family of great power and influence, some of us have been Chosen. And many hate and envy the rich, how much more will fear and resentment bubble up when they see what powers we have, what lives we can live? But… this is a chance to show how many can benefit, how the citizens of Japan and indeed the world can take part.”

“That’s dangerous though. Such power, unchecked…” her father began, but Miyu shook her head.

“Unchecked? That is the role of the Ministry to police, and of course Akio. He has rather a lot to take care of. I almost feel sorry, until I remember dancing until my feet were raw.”

“I see. In that case…” Her father smiled warmly, yet uncomfortably. “…Miyu-san, I have the prepared speeches that Arisugawa-san is to deliver during the intermission. If you can make any suggestions…”

Miyu clicked her tongue. How frustrating. I did not wish to change, but I have… “You can drop the honorific. Much as it pains me, you are my father. Even if not my guardian anymore. Give them here, I will take a look, although you should have sought council from Haru-san, or someone else suitably versed in both Chosen and governmental matters. Though she is one of the busiest of us all, besides Akio, so…”

As Miyu studied the speech, she nodded, holding her hand out to Michiru, who pulled out a pen from one of her many hidden weapon pouches. Ah yes, this fountain pen also doubles as a dagger and has a poison reservoir. Rather impractical, especially now, but… it is her way.

“In that case, Miyu… I apologise for the imposition.” Her father nodded shallowly.

“It is of no moment.” Miyu waved that away. “Instead, let me send a few messages. Not everyone should be enjoying themselves, and I have no wish to compromise any goals they might have here…” Indeed. I know Akio’s broad aims, and Hinata’s. Acceptance, readying the world for new technologies, while emphasising the danger and need to pull together. In fact, I am aware they intend to drop a bombshell during the intermission…

Busying herself making corrections, the nib of her pen scratching the paper, Miyu missed the look Michiru and her father exchanged behind her back, eyes warm…

***

“Honoka, it’s been too long.” Honoka looked up from her reading to see her father had entered her room, an unusual occurrence. He is not overly confident in grandfather’s home. Beside her, Kozue, her bodyguard, glanced over warily, hand in the sleeve of her oversized Hanafubuki uniform, likely searching for a hidden weapon, but Honoka waved a hand consolingly. I have no need to protect myself from father.

“Yes, it has, father.” Closing her book she arranged herself in seiza, knees tucked together demurely, looking up at him. He had lost a little weight recently, and his hair was thinner than ever, though he still wore an expensive suit, though to Honoka’s eyes, the colour was a little too bold for this time in the day, and the treasured antique watch, one of three, seemingly, that was his prized possession was still prominent on his wrist.

Ignoring Kozue, he sat down, his expression rather tense. Honoka merely waited politely for her father to speak, and after a while he did so. “Honoka, my daughter. How… how are your studies going?”

“I have no issues. My grades are excellent, as befits a daughter of Fujiwara house, and my traditional dance teacher praises me, though I am far from conceited. Nowadays Miyu-san far surpasses me in terms of skill, and teacher says it is not merely due to her newfound strengths, but that her changed emotions shine through, making her dance richer.”

Her father frowned. “I see. Well, I suppose Miyu is older than you, despite Kazuhito being younger than I. A shame…”

It is quite impolite to address Miyu-san so casually, even if she is not here, father. “Age is not an excuse. Before this I have always surpassed her. I must, after all, for I carry your hopes, father, and grandfather’s hopes too.”

“Yes. You do.” He agreed. “Being the oldest son, since that… being the heir, I should have been trusted with more authority, but… matters are complicated. Despite that…” He glanced at his watch, an expression Honoka couldn’t decipher on her face. “…Harada Koji is trusted by grandfather to oversee everything, despite being an outsider. Oh, sure, the Harada family has long been a supporter of Fujiwara house, but… it’s frustrating. And Fujiwara Security, despite being one of the largest earners in our business empire, only answers to that cold cypher Junichiro.”

Honoka merely listened, as it would be improper to interrupt her father, but privately she had to admit she didn’t see the issue. Whatever grandfather decides is fine. Is that not the way it has always been?

“Of course, honoured father is getting old, but remains robust. More so now, it seems, after this Chirurgery. I’ve asked you about this before, Honoka. How is your progress there? Compared to Miyu?”

Honoka titled her head in an expression of puzzlement. “To Miyu-san? I obviously cannot be compared, father. Miyu-san has the blessing of the Goddess Ame-no-Uzume. Her abilities surpass mine many times over. I am not overly talented. Though I have of course tried hard to please you and grandfather. I understand that comprehending these new matters is important for the nobility.”

“Lacking compared to Miyu. Of course. Of course.” He seemed a little restless, which was strange. “Though… Miyu’s marriage was cancelled. Yours was put on hold as well, as you know, but… honoured father says she is to follow another path. You are the heir, after me. Yes, of course, your husband will steady Fujiwara house. Although…” He leaned in close, only for Kozue to glare at him. He made a flat face, before moving back and finishing his words.

“You never were close to Miyu, were you?”

“No. We kept to ourselves. It is hard, only Sakura-sama, Mayumi-sama and Miyu-san were of a level I could approach, and being youngest, I felt rather out of place. Perhaps some of the higher Fifty-Eight, such as Motoko-san would have been sufficient as friends, but… it was problematic. If we show favouritism, it causes chaos. At least, it did…” Honoka smiled. “Now matters at Hanafubuki are quite different. Miyu-san has changed, and Hinata-sama has taken over Takatsukasa’s heir spot, displacing Sakura-sama…”

“Yes, I know. I know it well. Takatsukasa house…” her father frowned. “So, Miyu… has she given you any indication of her intentions? If she was… for example, to marry Oshiro Akio…”

Really? I cannot see that, though Miyu-san likes him well enough. She is very distrustful of men. “If so ordered she would, I have no doubt, but who would order her? Grandfather has conceded authority to Akio-sama, and I doubt he would do such a thing.”

“Naïve.” Her father sighed, a long, slow exhalation of breath. “If you are complacent, Miyu will become more important to Fujiwara house than you, daughter. I have my suspicions about this Oshiro Akio. From appearances he seems perfect, but I know that shadows conceal hidden flaws. They always do. He’s currently abroad with Mayumi-san from Ichijou house. Hinata, Mayumi-san, Miyu… don’t you see? Honoured father is blinded. Whether it’s greed at the possible power, or the thought of good health and long life…” he grimaced, clearly troubled. “…honoured father, and the heads of the other houses are sleepwalking into handing everything to the lowbrow upstart who didn’t even have any wealth or lineage before this year!”

“I do not think you should be criticising grandfather that way, father.” Honoka chided him, only to be surprised as he glared at her, something he hadn’t done before. Gaping, open-mouthed, she was shocked for a moment, before correcting her unladylike pose. “Grandfather is Fujiwara house, and we uphold it. Miyu-san does no less. Besides, grandfather would be ill-pleased if you speak behind his back. He appreciates forthrightness.”

“Maybe from you, daughter.” He disagreed. “But he seldom brooks any disrespect or argument from us. He never listens to me. If Kazuhito hadn’t of entered government service… no, you’re right.” He visibly restrained himself. “I am out of sorts. These last few months have been difficult for us all. But…” He smiled warmly. “…I do worry for you. From when you could walk you’ve lived in the main estate with grandfather, sometimes I feel he is more your father than me. And then you shall be married, and another man will take charge of you.”

Kozue was frowning beside her, but Honoka paid her no mind, merely smiling sweetly. “It is the honour of a woman to marry for her family. I have hardly neglected my training. I will marry as ordered, but… I am aware the world has changed. The candidates for any union are likely very different now. I only hope you can bless it, father.”

“My suggestions have been… dismissed.” he admitted, frustrated again. “Sons of good families, well prepared to marry in and manage Fujiwara house, giving grandfather leisure to enjoy his golden years. I have been preparing too… but out of nowhere, this mess.”

“But in change comes opportunity.” Honoka disagreed. I do not like questioning father, but… he seems restless, more so than usual. “Besides, if Miyu-san and her husband proves better able to run Fujiwara house…”

“No. You are missing the point. No matter. I’ve been listening to your stories of how everything works on the occasions I have been free, but… you need to excel, and learn more. It’s simply imperative. You… there must be those you can ask that will aid you? The favour of Fujiwara Honoka is no small matter.”

Honoka nodded. “It is a place where status is disregarded, but… that is merely words. The other nobility there, they of course defer to me, to Miyu-san, Hinata-sama…” I was rather rude to Hinata-sama when I first met Akio-sama. While my status far surpassed theirs then, so it was justified, it was… short-sighted. Now, even by our own rules, Hinata-sama is my equal, or perhaps more.

“…Mayumi-sama as well, obviously. The shrines have a similar response, as they know of the nobility. Though the common folk, the Fae… their attitudes are equal parts refreshing and perplexing. But yes… many are eager to help me.”

“Great, great.” her father brightened up. “Then work hard and don’t disappoint me. I know honoured father holds high hopes for you too.”

“Is that all you wanted, father?” Honoka asked politely.

“Oh, not exactly. Can I not come and see you, Honoka?”

You have visited me more recently of late, even if the visits are still fleeting, mere chats about my studies and experiences. “Of course you can, father. I am at your disposal.”

“Good. Good.” He nodded, seeming tired, or perhaps stressed, but there was a light in his eyes she had seldom seen. “I have a lot going on. You know, I don’t trust… oh, we’ve been over this. But honoured father likes bold successes. So, if I am to upstage that fox Koji, I need to achieve something. I know…” He glanced down at his watch. “…honoured father thinks little of my drive, but I have achieved before, oh, how I have.” His lips curled into an odd smile. “…and I can again. I know honoured father, as well as Ichijou-san and Takatsukasa-san, the other heads of the nobility, they are all furious and grief-stricken at the Shiraishi disaster with the Tengokusentou.”

Honoka nodded. “Indeed. Poor Nozomi-san and Arisa-san are quite devastated, their house essentially collapsed. Fortunately, Hinata-sama has taken them in, and you are surely aware that she is confident of reclaiming it from the foreign investors…” She trailed off at the look of satisfaction on her father’s face.

“Maybe so, but I have hardly been idle. I have my people working on it. Honoured father thinks I lack the instincts to get things done, am content just to waste away, growing older day by day. But your father isn’t so weak, Honoka. I expect a breakthrough soon, perhaps even today.”

“I see.” Honoka was impressed. “I am sure grandfather will be delighted. I still remember celebrating Shichi-Go-San all those years ago there. My kimono was beautiful. Miyu-san looked stunning as well. And the weddings, and funerals…”

“Yes, I have fond memories myself.” Her father agreed. “And it will be even more satisfying when we are there in the future, as everyone will know it was thanks to me! Yes, it’ll all be worth it…”

Honoka merely smiled and listened, in impeccable seiza, until her father excused himself. As he left, Kozue, who had remained silent the whole time like the professional bodyguard she was, finally spoke up. “Your father… he seemed… rather preoccupied.”

Honoka nodded. “Yes. Of course, everyone is working hard. I dare say father is no exception. We must as well. After all, you do not wish to fall behind Michiru, do you?”

Kozue ground her teeth, her beautiful, doll-like face blank. “My sister is an idiot, she takes after father. All flashy showmanship with no substance. That is not ninjutsu. Nor is it bodyguarding. It is simply vanity, the need to show off. But…”

“I am sorry.” Honoka apologised. “I cannot give you the advantages Miyu-san can give Michiru.”

Kozue was horrified, bowing low, head touching the floor. “No, I have no wish to make you feel guilty. It is surely my fault for my lack of skill. But… no matter what my useless older sister gains, I shall always be superior, because I am not an idiot!”

“I believe in you. But Michiru deeply cares for Miyu-san, you should respect that.”

“I do, I stand corrected.” Kozue sighed. “Though… I have my suspicions their relationship is… not proper. I would never be so bold, Honoka-sama!”

I do not quite understand. But I suppose I do not need to. “So, there is no training today, due to the concert, most of the training school is in attendance. What should we do?”

“I shall do whatever you wish.” Kozue promised, and Honoka nodded, relaxing her legs now father had gone.

“What do I want to do? I think… perhaps I should speak to grandfather. For some reason…” I feel a nervous chill. Perhaps I am coming down with a cold, or… perhaps it is a foreboding. Grandfather always taught me to be logical, to assess the known facts carefully, but also… never disregard a feeling. It may be, it probably is, nothing, yet… our brains make decisions based on information that we may not be aware we have… but I am still young and naïve.

“I find that a wise idea. Besides, Fujiwara-sama always enjoys seeing you, Honoka-sama. Who would not?”

Honoka stifled an unbecoming giggle. I feel you are not an unbiased judge, Kozue. But… yes, I miss grandfather too. I spend so much less time with him recently, what with my training. It will do me good to see him looking healthier and happier… and perhaps he can untangle my misgivings…