On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

After one hell of a night, which had indeed finished with me brushing and taking care of everyone’s hair, once they’d showered and rid themselves of sweat from the day’s festivities, our lovemaking, and also the sticky scent of my semen, we’d all talked and drank together for a while longer. We then snatched a brief couple of hours of sleep to refresh ourselves, as we’d all been up for a long time, considering we’d moved from Japanese New Year through to the New Year’s Honours without much of a break.

The girls who had taken part (not everyone did, of course, my sis just watching with a mixture of amusement and amazement, for one) had sat around in their soiled dresses, amusing themselves gently at my expense, teasingly showing off, and yes, Motoko and Natsumi were right, it was hot. There had been one little incident, when Michiru and Miyu had come over, and Michiru was desperate to take part, and even proposed to wear the soiled dress for the entirety of the London trip, without washing it, but Miyu had talked her out of that idiocy. Though I still can’t forget that she whispered to me that if that was truly what I wanted, she too would participate. Miyu seems elegant on the surface, but I get the feeling she’s as bad as Michiru when she’s provoked…

Instead, they’d stayed to watch, as had Yu-mi who joined us later. Haru observed us too, drinking with my sis, and when asked why, she’d admitted she was trying acclimatisation therapy. She was going to slowly increase her comfort level, and I agreed to take it as slow as she wanted, so as not to hurt her.

In the end, after brushing Aiko’s hair, as indeed, she felt that was harmless enough, even if it ended up oddly intimate… damn Shiro and her jokes about the toothbrushing scene, I wasn’t able to get it out of my head… I’d brushed Haru’s, and her hair, while shorter than many of the others there, was still pleasing to touch, even if she was still a little hesitant. Of course, compared to the massage, she grew comfortable with it quickly. Small steps, small steps.

Now, I was up early. Many of the girls were still sleeping, as taking a rest was a rare opportunity nowadays, though this trip to Britain should change that, allowing everyone time to relax and unwind. Assuming nothing goes wrong, of course. Stifling a yawn, more from mental exhaustion than physical, though I did feel a… not pain, exactly… but a tingling feeling of numb weariness from my manhood, as I’d been milked dryer than a prized dairy cow by everyone… I headed down, Hyacinth, who was also up, following me silently, a smirk on her face, now changed into her usual maid uniform. Though in deference to being at Buckingham Palace, it was a more modest style than the usual Akiba-themed ones she wore, even if it still showed off some leg and a touch of cleavage.

“Do yooou want me to pat it better?” She glanced at my groin, amused. I’d put on a suit this morning, though it was a casual one, since while I had a number of meetings, there was no need to be too formal, but even so, Hyacinth’s violet gaze seemed to undress me, her eyes sparkling with a teasing light, and I remembered her turn, and what Shaeula had guided me to do. Yeah, both embarrassing and utterly hot… damn, I’m a lucky bastard, I should never forget that.

“You did well. Everyone was satisfied. And I hooope you were too, Akio.” she giggled, more intimate in speech since we were alone. “And today, I get to spend some time with you. I am very happy about that. Even if ooonce the Gate is safety relocated, and the caretakers if the site educated proooperly, I must return for a while to the frozen north.”

“Yeah, do what you need to, but be safe, and hurry back, as we’ll miss you. I’ll miss you.” I kissed her cheek tenderly, and she tittered again, face flushing a little.

“Have no fear, my home is here, where my heart is. I shall ooonly take in what I can safely hold, but to purify that mess is goooing to take quite some time, Hyacinth thinks.”

“No kidding. It’s galling we have to clean up the shit others left behind, but at least you’re benefitting. And me too, I guess. Tomorrow… we’ll be getting a number more Favours, so I’ll need the adherence you can provide.”

“In exchange…” Hyacinth did cheekily pat my groin then, giving me one teasing squeeze, though she was careful to make sure none of the Palace servants who were roaming the halls, even this early before the sun was up, spotted her groping. “…I, and the other mistresses need what yooou can provide. Our hearts cannot live without it, nor would we wish toooooo.”

“We’re lucky then.” I pulled her into an embrace as she walked, and while before, she’d have been uncomfortable with that in public, now she merely reciprocated, even if it embarrassed her. “Because we proved last night I don’t run dry, though it was close at points. Imagine the mockery I’d receive for being the first person to die of aether depletion by converting it all into sexual potency…”

“Maybe yooou would become Deified frooom all the belief?” Hyacinth gently mocked, still playful, and as we entered the room we were scheduled to meet Aliyah, Treyvon and the rest of Fenrir in, Aliyah greeted us sourly, though her tone held bitter humour.

“Bit early in the morning to be so clingy, ain’t it? Or fuck, I suppose it’s just an extension of last night for you, ain’t it? Bet your room was stinking more than a Nevada bordello. Well, it ain’t got nothing to do with us.” Aliyah waved one hand dismissively. She was wearing tight jeans and a camouflage t-shirt, one of her usual styles, her hair beads back in, but judging by her rather more extreme figure today, she was also in the newest edition of the tactical undersuit, a leotard-style Brigandine woven into thinner yet still durable and self-healing cloth. The men had a version too, of course, though whether it was Ixitt’s or Christina’s idea, the female version was definitely a bit more… enhancing.

Still, the main thing is, it works better than ordinary bulletproof vests, as it’s also blade resistant, and disperses impacts with aether, so even the force of the blows is largely mitigated. Coupled with their full tactical gear in their storage, and against Chosen who don’t have particularly great combat powers, or many Boundary dwellers, I’d put my money on Fenrir coming out on top.

“You owe me ten bucks, Aliyah.” Treyvon snorted. He too was in casual wear, a black t-shirt and red trousers, but under the t-shirt were the telltale signs of the Brigandine. “See, he didn’t check you out.”

There was laughter at that, from the usual suspects, like Manx and Travis, but Zachary, who was here with his older sister Bethany, also chuckled. The ones who weren’t were Aliyah, Bethany, and Adelheid, who was glowering at me rather fiercely. I… uh… guess she got the gift. Couldn’t help myself.

“I don’t know about that.” Aliyah snorted. “He’s a crafty one. I’ll ask you outright, Akio, and I know you don’t lie. Were you ogling me? I ain’t going to be pissed, just asking.”

“I wouldn’t say ogle, I was just curious as to the under-armour. Is it comfortable to wear? After all, you shouldn’t take if off during the day-to-day…”

Aliyah held out her hand, and with a sigh, Treyvon forked over a crumpled bill. Satisfied, Aliyah tucked it away. “Yeah, ain’t bad at all. I guess this almost living armour has its benefits. Warm when cold, and when it’s too hot, lets the air through. The rest of the gear is top-notch too. And the modifications to our standard weapons ain’t nothing either. All-in-all, we’re good to go.”

“That’s right.” Treyvon agreed. “But I understand these two aren’t coming with us now?” He nodded in the direction of the Wright siblings.

“I guess not.” Bethany sighed. She was back in her usual clothing, heavy boots, patterned tights, velvet skirt and shirt, a fresh and admirable appearance. “Dad’s being a worrier. He says I’m not to come back to America at all until things are safer. I don’t get it. And what am I to do about college? It starts up again in under a fortnight.”

“Come on sis, is that important right now? If dad says it’s dangerous, he’d know.” Zachary, looking both smart and casual, soothed her. “Besides, can’t you take a leave of absence, or even ask for remote classes for a bit? It’ll all blow over.”

Hyacinth cracked her knuckles, drawing attention, and her expression was kind. “Do not dismiss the kindness of family, young woooman. Your father wishes to you be safe. With Akio, yooou can be. And learning is important, but you can learn much here, much ooof value. Hyacinth has also learned a great deal, trust me.”

“I… guess so.” Bethany sighed. “I… suppose it’s too much to hope for a normal life nowadays, isn’t it?”

As her brother opened his mouth to reassure her, Aliyah cut him off, her own expression sympathetic. “I’ll say, Beth.” It seemed they were closer than I expected, both being women and Americans. “Shit, I can’t say a merc like me… and don’t say it, Trey, we ain’t the Black Wolf Company anymore, so we ain’t private contractors neither…” She snorted sourly, shaking her head, the familiar ringing of her hair beads almost calming. “…ever expected to spend the night in Buckingham fucking Palace! Can’t say it was a bad experience.”

“It wouldn’t be.” I chuckled. “And this might not be the last time…”

“Shit, yeah.” She shook her head again. “I forgot you’re going to be husband to the Queen, and so own this place, boss.”

“That aside… it’s not just your father being overprotective. Director White has also informed me something strange is going on back there, and as Chosen, you’ll surely be prime targets, and… if I’m being honest, your abilities aren’t geared towards combat.” In fact, they’d be much more useful assisting us with various endeavours. In exchange, like Pilgrimage, we’ll boost and train them so they can protect themselves…

“No kidding.” Zachary agreed. “I don’t want you getting hurt again, Beth. So let’s stay here for now. Besides…” He smiled warmly at me. “…it’s a lot of fun, and sure, if you miss your friends, Beth, at least you’ll have plenty of stories to tell them. Like staying in the Palace, meeting Akio and the others…  and I think going home won’t be too much trouble soon.”

“Yeah. Don’t worry, it’s all in hand.” Treyvon agreed. “It shouldn’t screw with our plans too much, missing out on their help.” He nodded at the Wright siblings. “It’s not like they can’t still drop their Anchors, is it?”

“That is true.” Hyacinth agreed. “When the mushrooms resonate, the Gate shall ooopen, and we can come through to stabilize it. Yooou remember what to do?”

“Relax.” Treyvon nodded. “With these Eyes, we can do it. Anyway, our flight to Berlin Schönefeld is in a few hours, so we’d best think about making a move.”

“No rush. Have breakfast first. Might as well get the royal treatment.” I chuckled. “It’s like you said, Aliyah, you don’t get to do this every day. Then Arisu-san can drop you to the airport, I think she said she was picking up some visitors from there today to bring here anyway.”

“I’m pretty damn hungry, I’ll admit it.” Aliyah stretched, grimacing. “Bet you’re famished too, after last night. First the horizontal dances, and I bet you ain’t had much sleep from all the vertical ones afterwards.”

Hyacinth reddened, cackling, but nodded, and Bethany looked away.

“I managed a couple of hours.” I yawned theatrically for effect. “Jealous?”

“Fuck me, yeah I am. But such is life. I ain’t going to lose my beauty sleep over it. Anyway, come on, I’m starving. Oy, Adelheid, stop pouting. It’s no big deal, is it?”

“Oh?” Adelheid grumbled, and I had to hold in a grin, as with the final gear delivery was her combat suit, and I knew she’d taken a look. “You say that, Frau Aliyah, but do you wish me to make an ape of myself? In fact…” She glowered at me fiercely, and I chuckled. I’d really grown quite fond of Adelheid in this short time we’d known each other, she was like another fiery little sister, always arguing, but she definitely looked pretty, like a young lady, when all dressed up, but what would suit her more… yep, definitely a Tanya…

“…it is prejudice, anti-German sentiment!” Purple sparks flashed, and out of her spatial storage which I’d gifted her, since she’d be much more involved in our battles going forwards, she produced her new top-of-the-line Brigandine, which indeed was fashioned into a sharply cut green military uniform, with a definite… Germanic… flair.

“It’s not. That’s just the look I think suits you best. I’ve no problems with Germans, hell, we’re going to revitalise the poorer parts of Berlin and offer employment and good living, aren’t we?” I soothed. “But… please do send me a photo when you’re all dressed up.”

“Bah.” She narrowed her blue eyes at me, scowling, before turning away. “You are impossible! I must have a bird to have followed you here. Verdammt, scheiße…” She began swearing under her breath, and Aliyah, Treyvon and the other members of Fenrir couldn’t help but laugh. We exchanged some final words of advice, and said our farewells for now, as they’d be dining with the guests who weren’t direct family, and then would be departing, other than Bethany and Zachary, who were now staying behind. Though if all goes well, we’ll be seeing them all again in the Boundary shortly…

“All right then. Shall we go?” I offered my arm to Hyacinth, who took it with a smile, and with that we left them to their preparations…

***

“I felt it would be more relaxing if it was just me here this fine morning.” the Queen, or rather, Liz, suggested, a smile on her face. “Young Henry especially wanted to come, but you know how Melissa is. She… struggles… with your rambunctious and salacious lifestyle, young man.” Her wrinkled face was kind as she let out a dry chuckle. “I imagine last night was quite rowdy too.”

“Indeed it was-was.” Shaeula agreed, today in casual clothing, a winter dress in blue, an unusual but charming contrast for her. Everyone else was in street clothes too, as there were errands to run, and also London to explore. I’d promised a number of entertainments to everyone, and while I had many demands on my time while here, for once I could be flexible, now that the Pilgrimage was over, and the Quest wasn’t due to begin for another eight days.

“Yes, we had a great deal of fun, we thank you for the rather-rather splendid lodgings.” Shaeula paused, knife and fork elegantly in hand. “And of course, this breakfast.”

“I know they say we have awful food here in Britain, but I beg to differ. Wouldn’t you say, Emily?” She addressed my mom, who was sitting near us along the massive rectangular table which could seat up to sixty people ordinarily, but was still overspilling, a second one having been brought to the dining room by the Palace servants.

“Yes, though I’ve grown used to Japanese breakfasts as well.” Emily nodded slowly. “I… still can’t believe all this. Oh, and… thank you for showing us the Crown Jewels. I’m… glad Aki could help you with them. Though I still don’t get it…” She glanced at Tsurugi, who had stayed with her sisters last night, I wasn’t going to make the mistake I nearly made when she was present during Miyu’s Dance and the aftermath again.  Now the trio were eating happily on the second table, Tsurugi especially enjoying the sweet fruits and juices that accompanied the heavier, fried fare.

“…there’s a lot I don’t get, I’m afraid.” Mom’s usual enthusiasm was much diminished, and I felt bad for her, but even so, if the reason was my sis, I couldn’t back down.

Thanks, bro. Yeah, I feel bad about it too, but it’s my life to lead, our lives to lead. I want our parents to be happy for us, respect our choices. I know it’ll take time, though. I was too heated yesterday. Even if dad was being an ass, picking on you! Oh, and it’s like, super-awesome being able to communicate in secret like this, yeah? Wow, just like super spies…

Hardly secret. Eri’s thoughts were amused. Anyway, I do feel a bit bad for father-in-law and mother-in-law too, but they’ll have to decide whether their disapproval is worth losing us over. My parents haven’t been helpful either. I’ll talk to them…

Please be gentle… I warned, and Eri returned a mental snort, while my sis tittered, half embarrassed, half eager.

“Oh, trust me, Emily…” Liz was amazing at getting people to befriend her and let down their guards, which surprised me a little, as Ellie was rather prickly and standoffish. I supposed maybe she followed her dead husband, Richard too, perhaps, while Henry was more like Liz, a cheerful, likable guy.

“…even with the legacy of our long history in my hands, there’s still endless amounts I don’t grasp. Even with my dear Eleanor a Gods’ Chosen, I still can only listen to her tales and offer sympathy and brandy. Everything goes better with brandy. At least you’ve seen this other world, the Boundary, what our old tales call Avalon. After the mythic Isle of Avalon within a mystical lake, said to be part of the Otherland, where the Fae dwell. Not that it’s entirely accurate, I see.”

“I have not-not heard of this isle…” Shaeula shrugged, and Asha and Hyacinth nodded. “But… we do know of such a lake. The Lady of the Lake, Nimuë, does indeed exist, and we have-have met her.”

“Yes, Eleanor did say. Now that, Emily, Taichi, is truly unbelievable. How much of the myths about the Fae, and Arthurian times, are actually based on truth? So yes, forgive me for envying you a little. I am eager and raring to check out such a place myself, but alas, everyone forbids me.”

“I understand that.” Hinata’s grandfather, Kenji-kun, who was also dining with us alongside his family, barring Hiroto-san, who was being punished, so missed the events of yesterday, though he would be allowed to visit soon, spoke up. “As the Queen and reigning Monarch, of course they would have to be wary of unknown dangers. And we are no spring chickens, I’m afraid, as you say here in Britain. We should feel flattered they worry. Though getting a grounding in what goes on there is extremely valuable. Perhaps now you are abdicating, your Majesty…”

“Please. Your Majesty is so stuffy, especially since I am standing down soon. Just call me Liz. We’re all family here. One rather enormous one.” She chuckled, her gaze, still clear and observant, taking everyone in. “And every family has their problems…” Her smile was now gently self-mocking, as she gazed at my parents, father still eating stiffly, despite it being an informal breakfast, if such a thing could exist with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

“…I’ll not bore you about my foolish son. Even so, despite his mistakes, and they are many, it’s a mother’s job to be accepting of their children’s decisions. And while we can offer advice, we can hardly run their lives for them. But this brings me back to my earlier point… Eleanor, Akio, just when can I get to see this magical world? I would dearly love to take tea atop Asha’s mighty Tree, look out over Tokyo Bay, see Bermondsey Isle, the Tower of London, Mount Fuji, walk some of your Pilgrimage route… it is quite infuriating being left out!” She puffed out her cheeks in a pout, seeming a lot younger.

“I think it should be fine. Assuming you can behave.” I teased. My father was horrified at my attitude, but instead of getting defensive, I simply explained honestly. “Ellie’s Territory should be secure, and I know for a fact mine is, Haru’s too, but even so, there’s never a perfectly safe world, here or there. So you’d need to acclimatise yourself safely first, Liz. And father… she said it herself. She’s not Queen Elizabeth here, she’s just Liz, the same as Kenji-san, or Jack, or any of our other grandparents. I know it’s a lot to get used to, but… it’s the world we chose. There are both good and bad parts, but… I hope that you’ll make the effort to understand it.”

There was silence, before my father nodded stiffly. “It… comes hard to me. And Akio, I know… yesterday…”

“We were rather heated. Honestly, if we’d have talked as calmly as we did with Yu-mi’s mother…” I glanced at her family, who were also at the table with us. “…maybe we’d have walked away less angry. But… it won’t be the first time, and probably not the last. At least you and father-in-law Junpei didn’t try and punch me this time…”

“I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t like needing healing for my fist…” Junpei murmured, while Hana was sitting back in her chair, sporting a Cheshire Cat-like grin, though it faltered when Eri simply stared at her silently for a moment.

“This is not the place for it, not at all…” father sighed. “…but your mother and I are only thinking of you both. It is a matter of perception. I dare say… Liz…” Father struggled to be so informal. “…understands that better than anyone. Akio, you are a high-profile figure, any weakness can be used against you. and Aiko… you are in the public eye now too.”

“It’s not just that…” mom added. “…we’re thinking of your happiness. I mean, last night, Ai, where were you?”

“You know where, mom. With all my friends. I didn’t do anything wrong. Haru-chan was there too…” She nodded at her. “…and I just had a bit to drink, played around, had fun… sure, my bro was having a different sort of fun, but I didn’t do anything you can get pissy about, mom, dad.”

“Mind your language, Aiko.” Father sighed. “As I said, this is not the place, but… what if the newspapers were to get wind of that? You give a… certain impression… at the moment, Aiko. And your brother…”

“Leave him out of this. You’re right, we’re not doing this now. I’m sorry I said I hated you, dad, but in that moment, I did hate the way you always jump on him. I know you love him, and are proud of him, so why not stop always focussing on the mistakes you think he’s making? You catch more flies with honey than vinegar, don’t you? Mom has said that before.”

“It is just… a word of praise does not help, whereas a word of advice, or constructive criticism can…” Father seemed oddly small in my eyes then, and I sighed.

“Aiko.” As I called her by name, she knew I was serious and sat straighter. “I know. I get it. But calm down. We’ll… all calm down.” I smiled at my father, fatigue evident, the stress of this situation mentally taxing. “I understand you too, father. You want what’s best for me, for Aiko. The problem is… like Liz, you don’t have the grounding to know just what is best, what’s changed, what’s important. So… we’re in Britain for a while. We’ll talk, and… try not to kill each other.”

Shaeula and some of the others chuckled at that. Mom’s gaze seemed troubled, tense, but mother-in-law Hana, perhaps chastened after Eri’s stern staredown, leapt to the rescue. “Emi, Taichi, relax. Especially you, Emi. You’re worried about the wrong things. Little Aki and little Ai are good, close siblings, just as they are with my little Eri. They care for each other deeply and would never hurt one another. Besides, shouldn’t you be more overjoyed about the situation? It’s official, your son is marrying the soon-to-be Queen of Britain! And look around, there are more girlfriends each time we meet him. As little Eri’s mother, I feel regretful, but…” She glanced at Eri, who waved one hand dismissively.

“…so long as I’m happy and loved, which I am, why worry? I told you, mother, mother-in-law, I did dream of a life with Akio from a young age, even if I didn’t quite grasp the shape of what I wanted. But even then, there was room for Aiko. A friendship that deep, a shared sisterhood…”

Her smile was mysterious to others, but we who knew Eri well understood the point she was making. “…is special and doesn’t have to be in opposition to my love for Akio, or he for me. Now… now that sisterhood has expanded. We appreciate parental advice, most of us are young, and those who aren’t rather lack experience…” Tsukiko nodded at that, her smile gentle.  “…but you need to remember that your advice is geared towards a different world, one that’s gone and isn’t ever coming back. Sure, a lot of lessons will always be the same, but… you need to listen to us, too. But not today.” Eri finished off the last of the bacon on her plate. “Today is for fun and sightseeing. I kept missing London before. Oh, but what are your plans today, Akio?”

Changing the subject deliberately… thanks Eri. I exchanged a glance with our father, Aiko with our mom, and we all silently agreed this wasn’t over, but we’d set it aside for now. “Yeah, I’ve got a few things to do today, but I should be free for the evening. So we’ll go out and play then. First though…” I checked my watch, hastily finishing my breakfast tea and the remains of my breakfast. “…I’ve got to meet Arisu-san and her guests. I don’t want to keep her waiting. She and Haru are both as busy as I am…”

As Haru snorted at that, her father Akimitsu-san watching her warmly, I stood. “Nobody else has to rush, oh, Hinata, Hyacinth, Ellie, we’ll go look at the site shortly, okay? Kana, you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

As they agreed, and Kana shook her head, I hurried off, expanding my vision to cast one last glance at the packed room. Our expanding sisterhood, huh? I guess when it comes from you, Eri, it’s pretty damn convincing…

***

“It’s a pleasure to meet you…” a burly black-haired man shook my hand, seeming both awed and excited, as he looked around in amazement. “I’m Francesco, lead vocals. It’s really an honour…”

The drummer, another quite large, black-haired man, with a suitably impressive bushy beard, whistled softly. “I can’t believe it…” His English had an accent, Italian, I supposed. “…we were just at the airport a few minutes ago, then we entered through a strange door into a weird room, then… here we are. Where is here?”

I pointed to the window with my now-free hand, to where the Shard and other London landmarks were visible. “Buckingham Palace.”

The men swore and laughed at each other in Italian, before Francesco apologised. “Sorry, that was rude of me. We were just amazed. Anyway, when Signora Arisugawa approached us, we at first thought it a joke, you see. The charity concert impressed us, of course…” Nods from his bandmates added their own agreement. “…but it was very… Asian. Your idol culture, yes?”

I nodded. “Yeah, though Japan does have other types of music, it just so happens idols have some… relevance… to our aims.”

“Oh, I understand that.” Francesca chuckled heartily. “Even so, to be contacted by someone so famous due to her special powers, it seemed a prank. But it turns out it was not. No, it was most certainly not.”

Claudio, the guitarist, was introduced next, and he added his own thoughts. “Documentaries… not really our speciality. And… we do Dwarves, not Kobolds, nor Goblins. And to be frank, we didn’t think them real…” His English was also pretty good, which made sense for a band who sang in English a lot.

“No, that we did not.” Francesca agreed again. “But our curiosity was aroused. To perform songs and talk in a real magical mine, to see mithril and magical jewels, and to watch Dwarves at work… that was hard to pass up.”

“It shall not be just on Dwarves.” Arisu-san agreed. “It is as you say, gentlemen, the Kobolds are actually the main focus here, though with the Goblins and Dwarves too, of course. We have to play to your themes. Call a specialist to deal with a problem…”

“I can hardly believe we count as specialists…” the bassist, Christiano, laughed. “I’m fired up though. And working with the now-famous idols…”

“I would tell you not to get carried away and mistake their friendliness for invitation…” Arisu-san’s eyes weren’t laughing, black and cold as obsidian. “…yet they can look after themselves. And I introduced you to Akio-san not merely for Chirurgery, which is both necessity and part of your payment, but to understand all those you will be performing with are his people, and he takes any harm to them extremely poorly.”

“Don’t you worry, Signora Arisugawa.” Francesco reassured us. “We’re here for the wonder, and to hopefully find a few new fans worldwide, and to spread the gospel of Dwarves. And I suppose, since we’re paid, Kobolds.”

“Hey, Kobolds are just Germanic Dwarves, yeah?” the drummer chortled, and they all nodded.

“Quite so. Well, the remuneration is adequate. Akio-san shall perform the Chirurgery. It does hurt, and there is some lingering discomfort, but it should not affect your performances, you being professionals.” The way Arisu-san worded that, it was more an order than a suggestion. “Oh, and as always, the safety lectures and proper conduct we will teach you when you arrive is for your own safety. If you foolishly choose to use your abilities to enter the Boundary elsewhere and suffer harm or die, that is no fault of ours.”

“Yes, we understand. We signed the contracts, and it would trigger the compensatory damages clause for reputational harm.” Francesco agreed. “Anyway…” he paused for a moment, wondering how to word his question, before just giving up and asking directly. “…you said we are not flying to Japan. And you still have our instruments in that space of yours. Are you taking us there?”

“No.” Arisu-san shook her head. “It would be a chore, even for me. Instead, I expect Akio-san will soon be resolving transportation issues. And you can return here to London after you are done. It is a much shorter flight back to Italy from here.”

Understanding what Arisu-san meant, I nodded. “Yeah, if you saw the broadcast yesterday, it’ll be via those mushrooms. It’s quite painless, and isn’t teleportation, but spatial transfer, so no need to be squeamish. And speaking of…” I grinned. “…like Arisu-san says, this isn’t comfortable, but I am rather more skilled now, so it hurts less. Anyway…” Soon the groaning and muffled cries began, though honestly, they took it well. Not really my scene, but I guess metal musicians can be as tough as they look…

***

“I can’t believe you are actually doing this.” Ellie chuckled, as we stood outside the famous London hotel, the Goring. “There has to be an easier and above all cheaper way to do this. I mean, when I reach Rank Four, won’t this be obsolete, and you’ll have wasted literally tens of millions of pounds. It doesn’t help me sleep easily.”

“Oh, don’t worry so.” Hinata giggled. She was in a sharp business skirt suit, looking adorable, but with her Pot Of Faerie Gold and Claíomh Solais belted at her waist ostentatiously, rather than in her storage, it was as if she was ready for war. Ellie had put on casual attire too, jeans and a rather pretty blouse with ruffles and ribbons, both in different shades of her favourite blue, of course, but on her, it looked classy, so fit for such a meeting, as I was in my casual suit.

So with Hyacinth behind us, her maidly attire lending us an air of sophistication and class, and the flatbed truck which had transported the Ring Gate parked up, waiting for the outcome, we were ready.

“Besides…” she chuckled. “…the location is excellent for our future plans, and it’s one of the few spots of decent earth elemental energy you’ve found, Eleanor. Kana can create a suitable tunnel to the Thames easily enough, opening up many options, and quite frankly… we need a suitable Embassy of our own, in a way.”

Approaching the entrance, where impeccably dressed doormen were standing, Hinata showed them our letter of appointment, and we were quickly ushered in. The outer garden of the Goring was massive for the premium land in central London it occupied, yet barely enough for our needs here, yet it was liable to expand sharply, once our task was done. Still, Kana didn’t want to come to the meeting, she says it was too scary for her, handling such sums of money. She’s sightseeing with her family and friends, so we’ll give her a call when the deal is done.

“I still think you can wait. After all, we’re… getting married.” Ellie was still shy saying that but had accepted it readily enough. As we walked through the magnificent atrium, some of the guests, all wealthy tourists or the well-to-do of London, here for breakfast, were glancing at us, recognising us from TV, or simply because we were with Princess Eleanor, of course.

“Yes, but don’t worry, this investment won’t be a waste. I don’t make losing trades.” Hinata promised. “Yes, it wasn’t for sale until I enquired, but anything has a price, it’s just a question of what they want and if we can pay it. Oh, except for our love, of course, that’s priceless, and can’t be bought by anyone but you, Akio.” She winked at me. “So yes, we have paid a steep premium, but not as much as you’d imagine, Eleanor. And besides… we’ll earn it back in a few years, trust me.”

“I do hope so. You know, grandmother loves this hotel. It’s the only hotel in the world she gave her Royal Warrant to, as proof of her satisfaction. Mother was here the night before she married father too…”

“And those memories will remain, and of course, they’ll be welcome guests any time.” Hinata giggled. “Trust me, it may seem we don’t need this, but it’ll benefit you, London and Britain long-term. We have big plans, my dear Princess, big plans! And don’t forget what’s within a kilometre of this site as well…”

We then fell silent as we entered the lift, and were quickly ferried to a room, where we met with the head of the Goring family and his lawyers. We exchanged greetings, and Hinata got straight down to business, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

“I trust that since you’ve agreed in principle, there are no last-minute objections?” Hinata asked, and Mr Goring shook his head.

“No, though I was most shocked at your proposal. We weren’t planning to sell at all, obviously, as this is our family’s flagship, and… it is beloved by your family, Princess.” He nodded at Eleanor politely.

“That it is. Though I suppose grandmother will still enjoy visiting, so long as the ambience and service remains.”

“Have no fear of that.” Hinata chuckled. “I’m a businesswoman, but I’m also from Takatsukasa house. We know the value of maintaining traditional assets. It’s no Tengokusentou, but its value is still in the history. We’ll simply add to it, improve the services, and also… make it a place where guests from both worlds can feel at home, with easy access to the heart of Tokyo, London and much, much more…”

Yes, Hinata has huge plans. I do too. If all goes well, in a few hours, Berlin should come online. Kana has work to do there too, but… we’ll let her fellow construction crew buddies handle the preliminaries, she’s on holiday!

“It’s a bold proposal. I saw the broadcast, who didn’t…” Mr Goring sighed, his lawyers nodding. “…the world has changed so much, I can hardly keep up. Anyway, let’s not drag this out. If I’m selling, then I might as well get the pain over with.” He signed his name on the contract. Hinata did likewise, then passed the pen to me, and I added my own name.

“Excellent. Are your family waiting?” Hinata asked, and Mr Goring nodded.

“Everyone is here. Oh… I took a small liberty…” He smiled apologetically. “…an old friend of mine, but not family, had a heart attack just last month. His recovery is going to be slow, painful and partial. I know it’s a grave imposition, but I don’t suppose…?” He left it hanging, and Hinata chuckled.

“Why not? I’m in a good mood today. So… one hundred and twenty million pounds, paid in full. And Chirurgery and Healing for your entire family, and this friend, I suppose. Though do bear in mind the safety briefings. Especially with the younger generation. It’s not a joke.”

“No, I suppose it wouldn’t be.” As Hinata called her bank to make the transfer of funds, which was a not-insignificant slice of our operating budget, though Hinata expected the factories and recycling centre to start replenishing our coffers in short order, I did my second round of Chirurgery of the day, along with some added Ether Healing.

Just like with Theodosia’s family, part of the deal was that if the Goring family ran into trouble such as accident or disease, they would be Healed, which kept the price down to actually only around a ten percent premium on the expected value of the historic hotel, which in the business world, for an asset which wasn’t strictly for sale, was nigh unheard of. Once we were done, and I’d taken selfies with the youngest members of the family, since they were my fans, apparently, I returned to find the deal concluded.

“I’ve messaged Kana.” Ellie added. “She’ll be here soon.”

“Great. Now then… can you relinquish the site?” Hinata asked, and Ellie nodded.

“It’s done. So, go ahead, Akio.”

Right then. I dropped my Satellite Anchor in the Boundary, though Kana would be moving it shortly, to deep underground, as the survey data that the British government had provided showed that there was no bar to us digging down here a bit, not with Kana’s talents. As I did so, the air around us changed, and a brief ripple of blazing aurorae flared through the skies above us before rapidly dissipating, though in the cloudy, blustery British winter weather, it wasn’t particularly visible, though no doubt there would be more news reports on this subject and posts on the internet soon.

“So this is what it’s like to be at ground zero?” Ellie observed. Indeed, purple sparks were visible everywhere, and as we glanced out of the window, as expected, the grounds of the hotel, including the massive garden, had expanded in size while still occupying the same space within the roads which bounded it. The garden was oozing earth element from a deep vein in the Boundary, and now here too a faint red curtain was rising, as the ownership was officially transferred to me along with the hotel, and Ellie had ceded this part of her Territory.

“I don’t know about you, but I think at around fifteen thousand pounds per square metre for land here, we’ve already made a decent amount of our money back.” Hinata winked at Ellie. “I’m not one for losing out. Though of course, we’ll preserve and enhance the nature of the hotel. I can tell Hyacinth is itching to assess the staff and train the maids we’ll be bringing in.”

Hyacinth chuckled at that, and as we looked out of the window at the continued expansion, a number of the hotel’s rooms also now bigger, some of which we’d turn into multiple rooms, increasing the capacity, and others we’d simply refurbish, making into palatial suites, we spotted Kana arriving. She looked up at the hotel, her potent Eyes easily spotting us, and swallowed nervously. Even from up here, with a window in the way, my ears could pick up her words.

“You bought this? I really did fulfil my selfish youthful dreams of marrying into money…”

“Oh, Kana. Always so amusing.” Hinata shook her head, after having stored the legal documents away. “The land her family owns through you, as it houses Asha’s Tree, is priceless. But I suppose it’s part of her charm.”

With that, we went down and met her, and she, dressed in extremely fashionable red jumper dress and black leggings, waved her hand at the hotel, trying to ignore the other guests who were being calmed and reassured by the staff, as this morning Hinata had advised the staff here in advance to inform all the patrons of the potential strange effects of the ownership change. Yes, some lucky people will find they have a much larger room, not that I suppose it matters much…

“I’m shocked. So, this is our London base then?” Kana asked. “I don’t see why we can’t use the Palace.”

“For a number of reasons.” Hinata giggled. “Anyway, once Eleanor reaches Rank Four, we can always retrieve the Satellite Anchor, but this will still be usable. And a revenue generating asset. The current turnover is around fifteen million pounds a year, though not so much is profit, of course, but we can easily triple that, with much higher margins. We have exclusive Fae products, after all. And with your help, we can connect up the Thames and run an underground tunnel to the Ring Gate, transporting waste materials for recycling directly to our factory site, once we’ve scaled up the throughput. We make Britain greener and get filthy rich doing it. Speaking of…”

“Yeah, I’ve memorised the plans. I’ll do it…” Hyacinth raised her hands as guests, and an accumulating number of passers-by, watched on in awe, filming with their phones as she generated great ropey vines to pull the mushrooms which made up the materialised Ring Gate onto the site.

They began to drink in the earth element, but Kana, clapping her hands, outshone the glow like the sun to a candle, and the expanded section of garden collapsed, drawing the mushrooms down into the pit. The earth formed a circular series of solid, stony steps around the pit, which was smooth, and also transformed into a solid, impermeable rock which prevented London’s high water table, especially near the Thames, like we were, from flooding the site.

A few moments later, Kana was done, wiping imaginary sweat from her brow, admiring her handiwork. Hyacinth then unleashed her wood element, and the Ring Gate reconnected to the main Hub, now secured in this new location. “It is dooone.” she declared. “Now that you have begun the merging of the Material and the Boundary here, the Ring Gate can mooove beings between both.”

“So I can pop to London whenever I want. I can’t believe it. I’d never been abroad before, and now this…” Kana laughed, rather shrilly, incredulous, despite everything we’d experienced together. “Of course, it’s more fun with all of you. Speaking of, what’s your next plan, Akio?”

Hyacinth was planning to stay here a while, as was Hinata, to organise the craftsmen to turn the pit which housed the Ring Gate, for both security and later practicality, into an attractive scenic point of interest, fitting to add value to such an iconic hotel, while Ellie and me…

“Next up is…” I frowned.

“Yes, Mary-Jane and her family invited us over.” Ellie was extremely nervous, so didn’t resist as I took her hand, squeezing her gently. “And after that, we’ll be visiting the site of the Princess Eleanor Free Hospital and meeting my brother and his recruits, as well as the recipients of Honours from the medical fields we met last evening. Oh, it’s under a kilometre from here indeed.” she realised, and Hinata smirked.

“Yes, you get it, Eleanor. That site will also benefit, making it much more efficient to perform Ether Healing and recover the new Chirurgeons swiftly. Anyway, Kana, your work is done, unless you fancy doing the tunnel here now?” Hinata teased her, and Kana stuck out her tongue in playful retaliation.

“No way. I’m on holiday! I’ll do it another day. Not like it’ll be that difficult now we have a Ring Gate. No, today I’m going to go play, and do more sightseeing. I’d say we’ll go shopping, but…” She gazed at me expectantly, and I chuckled knowingly.

“Of course, we’ll all go shopping together and I’ll let my wallet burn, as promised. And we’ll most certainly be having a proper date, just the two of us, Kana.”

“Great. Glad to hear it. Well then…” She glanced up at the Goring, one final time, before shaking her head. “…no, not going to think about it. Having a rich boyfriend sure has its perks…”

So yeah, people were sad when I said I’d FTB some lewds... Do not worry, I love lewds lol, it’s just I’m not kidding, there’ll be a LOT over the next eight days, so to keep all our sanity, I’ll only fully include the most awesome and relevant ones in full. That will be plenty, trust me lol.

Oh, and as you can see from this chapter’s start, last night was wild, and you WILL see more of what happened there, as an extra chappy, or a fanbook one, so lewd purveyors, do not despair lol.../author]