Miyako remained silent as she listened to the final dialogues of the lords, finalizing and reviewing their agreements. Amidst all that, she also confirmed her agreements with everyone. That said, she was still feeling incredibly disappointed that things hadn’t gone as she had wished. But it was not over yet. She may have failed here, but she would still keep going for her goal, one way or another.

  There would still be another day to try again. As long as she had an ally here, there were still many opportunities. But she doubted Yoshio would accept the same deal in the future if his mindset didn’t change. But how would one go about changing someone who was determined? It would be quite difficult.

  Disappointing things may be, she should still be proud that she produced some good results in this assembly.

  Sometime later, the discussions had finally come to an end.

  Yoshio stood up, and everyone else rose from their seats.

  “Now that all our discussions are done, I hereby declare this year’s Assembly of Lords concluded. We are to have a banquet tonight, so I’m inviting you all to join in, to celebrate the end of the event.”

  A banquet where all the lords could feast and converse. As all important personnel would be coming, it might as well be a mandatory event to join in. Missing it might affect the trust the other party had in your agreements. It was a rude act to refuse an invitation from the host for a banquet, and miss having a formal dining with the other lords. Now, not showing up was basically saying you had no interest in meeting the other lords in a non-business setting. That wasn’t really showing some small degree of trust. Besides, there was nothing good in missing it anyway.

  All the lords started leaving. Miyako stood up and glanced at Yuki, indirectly requesting to meet again, as usual. Miyako left the meeting chamber and walked down the corridor a little further away and stopped to wait.

  “At least we have plenty of good news to tell back home,” Satomi said with a small smile, as if trying to make Miyako look at the positives.

  Miyako smiled back. “Yes, I’m sure Father would be proud of what I achieved here. Additionally, we might even have a friend here even after we leave. That is valuable.”

  If Yuki still wanted to cooperate after this, then they would have an ally amidst Hokunoa, and the son of its lord no less. An ally who had views aligning with Miyako.

  “But, milady, I can’t imagine what your father might think of your other actions.”

  “I’m sure he’ll understand.”

  “Understanding and concern are two different things.”

  Miyako frowned, feeling baffled. “What are you trying to say?”

  “His concern for you because of your decisions today, the burden you chose to carry.”

  “Some burdens are not bad to have.”

  “... I guess what I’m suggesting is that when you tell your father, give it slow. Don’t… shock him.”

  Miyako slowly nodded. “Alright…”

  It was then that Yuki arrived. He had a regretful expression on his face. “Miyako, I’m sorry. My father has already made up his mind.”

  Miyako gave him a soft smile. “That’s okay, we did what we could.”

  Miyako couldn’t see any reason for Yuki to apologize and be regretful for failing to convince his father. In the end, Miyako requested this, and she was trying to push for something that was nigh impossible in the situation. Even she knew this was a possibility.

  “Still, I can’t give up. Are you still with me on this?”

  “Of course.”

  Miyako sighed in relief. “Thanks.”

  “I already told you I’d help you, didn’t I? Just because we failed once doesn’t mean I’d just go up and leave.”

  Miyako briefly chuckled. “You’re right.”

  “Heh. Anyway, guess you’re leaving tomorrow, huh?”

  “Yes.”

  “Want to go to the usual place? One last time?”

  “Sure.”

  “Then I guess you’d still want to go and grab your weapons.”

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Miyako chuckled, it had become such a routine. But she had grown to trust him, and he was essentially a friend and ally now. This time, there was no need to worry. “You know, I won’t this time.”

  “Really?”

  “I’ll let Satomi grab the weapons.” She turned to Satomi. “You can catch up with us.”

  Satomi frowned, disliking the idea. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, it’s an order.”

  “...”

  “Now then, let’s go.”

  Miyako and Yuki started walking away, heading for the greenhouse. Satomi only stared as they went, in disbelief that her lady had become so comfortable being alone with that man. The warrior let out a sigh and turned around.

  Miyako and Yuki conversed as they walked.

  “So, what are your plans for leaving tomorrow?”

  “... Our ship was destroyed, and my men were killed, so I was intending to ask your father for assistance.”

  “Well, it is our responsibility to take care of the important guests, and it’s just proper courtesy. Providing you a ship will be a breeze.”

  “Otherwise, we’d be stuck here.” Miyako chuckled.

  “Indeed, your people might start searching for you here, and that might be troubling politically speaking.”

  If Miyako took too long to go back home, tension might again rise between the islands. Nishinoa might believe that Hokunoa did something to Miyako.

  “Yes, and it wouldn’t be Satomi and me alone. There are a few friends I have to pick up first.”

  “Friends? I thought it was only the two of you.”

  “I met the two of them on the road, they actually saved me.”

  “Saved?”

  “Remember my ambush?”

  Yuki nodded. “Yeah. You haven’t figured out who did it, right?”

  “Yes, but it doesn’t matter.” What benefit would it be in learning who did it? It might even be impossible to learn who it was. Even if they learned who it was, what would Miyako do? Be antagonistic? Jeopardize the assembly? Declare war? Whoever it was behind it, they were trying to escalate things. But Miyako would rather not make another escalation today.

  “Anyway, one of them took out the group pursuing us.”

  “Oh? She must be strong then.”

  “Yeah. And they were heading to my island too. So I suggested we go together. Of course she also has her friends, which they should have reunited by now.”

  “It’s going to be quite a crowded boat then.” He chuckled.

  “It would seem so,” she said with a giggle. “I am quite looking forward to meeting her friends.”

  “Maybe I can also meet them when preparing ?your convoy to the shoreline.”

  It was a nice thing. However, Miyako had a realization, which caused her hesitation. Just a little. It was a worry. The reason for that was Estelia.

  Estelia is incredibly beautiful.

  She glanced at Yuki.

  What happens if Yuki sees her? Everyone falls for her charm, then what if Yuki also…

  She shook her head.

  No, I can’t be thinking that way. I’m overthinking things.

  Indeed, it was a baseless worry.

  “Something wrong, Miyako?”

  “N-Nothing…”

  ***

  Satomi was frowning as she made her way back to their room to retrieve their weapons. She was a bit frustrated about the situation, it was difficult to deal with a stubborn person. It was making her job more difficult, which caused her frustration.

  It’s just hard to handle a girl in love.

  A part of youth, which would also be a cause of one becoming more indulgent, stubborn, incautious. Basically too comfortable. Satomi understood that, not like she had never fallen in love. But still, it was a bit frustrating.

  Still, it was wholesome to see her lady acting like a normal girl. And inside, Satomi was feeling quite proud that her lady was experiencing something as wonderful as love. However, why did it have to be towards someone from another island?

  What a headache.

  She arrived at their room. She unlocked the door with her key and entered. She walked over to the corner of the room, where their swords were supposed to be. However, when she saw them, she paused in place, frowning in puzzlement. She picked up her pair of swords. But strangely, it was only those two.

  Her lady’s sword should have been with them.

  I swear, milady placed it here with them.

  She looked around before checking the area where she put her swords. She looked under the table, behind the furniture.

  “Where is it…?”

  She was so certain her lady’s sword should be along with hers. Just in case, she looked and searched around the room. But she just couldn’t find it.

  Where would it go?

  She narrowed her eyes.

  Dammit, don’t tell me there are thieves here.

  That was the only explanation, that someone stole her lady’s sword. Her sword was indeed incredibly finely made, as the lord’s daughter, she should have the best that she could use to her full potential. It wouldn’t be strange if someone were interested in stealing it.

  Still, it was surprising that someone would be willing to steal inside this place. Satomi let out a tired sigh. Now, she had another thing to worry about. Feeling a bit annoyed, she left the room.

  I should tell the lady about this…

  She walked towards the greenhouse.

  ***

  Miyako and Yuki were almost at their destination.

  “Yuki, I’ve been thinking about how we should communicate. You know, to coordinate our actions. But is it safe to talk here?” This was something they should be secretive about. They couldn’t let anyone intercept their messages.

  “I’ve instructed the ninjas to clear the area around the greenhouse. It would be tiring to always tell them to get lost. So, it should be safe to talk about anything now.” He chuckled.

  “That’s good…” She also couldn’t sense anyone nearby, so the ninjas likely followed his orders. “Well, any ideas?”

  They conversed as they continued walking.

  “Hm, obviously we can’t just send messages directly to the castle.”

  “It’s okay with me. I’ll be telling my father about our plan, anyway.”

  Yuki was surprised. “Really? Wow, okay. Hm. I have a bartender friend in the city. Maybe you can send your messages there.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yup. He can be trusted. I’ll tell you where later.”

  “Okay!”

  The greenhouse was in sight.

  “Miyako, I’ve been thinking of giving you a gift for your departure.”

  “A gift?” Miyako was feeling quite embarrassed to hear that.

  “What about a pot of plant?”

  Miyako’s eyes widened in shock. “A-Are you sure? That’s… I don’t know if I can even take care of it on the way.”

  “Just pour it some water.” He chuckled. “But don’t use saltwater, okay? It will die.”

  “O-Okay… But are you sure? You’ll lose a plant.”

  “We have plenty of seeds, don’t worry. So, are you taking it?”

  Miyako smiled and lowered her head, a blush forming on her cheeks. “Okay, I’ll take it—” Blood suddenly spattered in the air. “Huh?” Everything seemed to slow down, and Miyako stared at a familiar blade.

  My sword…?

  It was her sword. It was drenched in blood… The blood was from…

  “Yuki…?”

  The sword pierced Yuki’s chest from behind. Right in the heart.