NOTE: A lot of readers might find Au Fuji creepy because now his age physically is 7 and for Zephyra only 3. Please understand Au Fuji is more than meets the eye. Do not mind his thoughts now, I will write further for you to understand where I am coming from.
Thank you for understanding.
*
He could not help but to also stare.
So what if she looked nothing like her true self! He still wanted, adored and secretly ached for her.
He can wait for her to grow up, he can nurture her and guide her to live him as much as he did-
Au Fuji froze, love?
When?
He felt puzzled by this, when did he actually fall for her?
Dazed he allowed his eyes to flutter closed while he tried to understand the meaning of his thoughts and emotions.
It took a while, during that time his little breeze just sat there silently.
When next he opened his eyes Au Fuji could not help but ask softly, "What are you thinking, a little breeze?"
He saw her tilt her head but did not face him, still, he watched her.
A face that would seem more and more beautiful the longer you stare, simply a calamity.
What of her original?
One look and you would sell your soul, give your heart and dedicate every breath just to her.
Which is worse?
Au Fuji blinked, then looked away when she spoke, "This lake is quite beautiful, it keeps me cool, the fish within also taste good."
"Yes, the roasted fish is quite tasty, especially when you do it."
Au Fuji replied, he to stared at the lake, she seemed to think it best just to dismiss the servants nearby and stay by his side.
She was so close that he could see every strand on her head, the pale hands, he subtly inhaled wishing to tug her closer but held himself back instead.
"Brother, you will be leaving tomorrow."
"En, this time I will be absent longer," Au Fuji informed her, watching her face for the tiniest bit of her reaction.
He saw her purse her lips before she spoke softly in a reluctant tone.
"Mm, well, I will have my introduction ceremony when I turn four."
Au Fuji nodded, mm, he knew this already. How could he even miss such a special occasion.
"I will be present but only for two days," she beamed replying in a more cheerful tone,
"As long as brother is present during such an important occasion."
He reached out a hand and petted her smiling at the small girl. "Big brother will not miss this, so little sister can rest assured."
"En,"
She smiled and stared up at him, he felt his heart skip a beat before accelerating.
The servants not too far away thought this scene was beautiful except one.
A while later Au Fuji temporarily left his little wind's side and walked to his grandmother's courtyard.
Unhindered Au Fuji entered the outer rooms and took a seat.
"Have you concluded fully?"
"En, I have no problem with her becoming my wife."
"Because of benefits or something else?" Au Fuji watched the cup of tea being placed in front of him by Quai Victoria watching as she stepped back. The small girl by the side of his little wind is related to this female. The two women standing a few steps away are also related to her.
One must know that those with the Quai surname are loyal servants to the masters of the Kai family. Does it mean that they are truly loyal willing to only serve and not have deeper thoughts? Quai Victoria he felt that must keep a closer eye on her, least she have thoughts unfit for one who should only serve.
"Something else. Grandmother let us discuss this further later."
"En, I also see that you have ranked up once more."
"Thanks to little wind."
"She is amazing just like that." Au Fuji smiled shallowly, old madam Kai looked at this grandson admiringly.
He became more than she thought making her exceptionally content, now, about the words of her relative. "Her general instructor as you know is related to the concubine branch of my family and had never been officially entered into the clan's genealogy. He has a son, who he mentioned." old madam Kai paused to allow her grandson to speak if he so wished.
After waiting and he did not, she continued. "that son will spend time with Zephyra and if she finds him interested have him become her concubine husband." Au Fuji stiffened, he felt as though he was struck by thunder suddenly. Become a concubine husband? A secondary husband?
To share her with someone else?
" Zephyra is only three... "
He said allowing his words to trail off, he spoke with meaning. Three is extremely young but Zephyra is a small child who has the potential to raise ranks, she is also extremely possible as a mere three-year-old.
The population is low, it is much faster for a male to have many wives and impregnate each of them around the same time than a female having several males and only birthing once.
For the overall population, this did not help but regardless a child from her alone would be worth ten so it did not matter but even so, he had no desire-
"He can become her concubine or a guard. Either way, if the imperials take notice do you think she will have only one husband?"
Au Fuji pursed his lips, if he chooses now then it will be fine but later when he could not.
"Has the new system been used?"
"En," Au Fuji replied softly, reaching for the tea he inhaled the nutty aroma but decided not to drink it and instead placed the cup down.
The old madam Kai saw then, she dipped her head concealing her gaze which flashed dangerously. It is a pity, that servant had been promising but now, sigh well now she will use the wait and see approach.
"Then she should be exceptionally presentable specifically for her official acknowledgement into the family."
"For outsiders it is,"
Old madam Kai smiled happily.
The two spoke some more before Au Fuji left to return to the little breeze who is probably preparing for bed.
Returning, Au Fuji washed up and slipped into the bed beside his little breeze.
Sleeping her long hair was braided and wrapped in a crown style around her head and covered with a silken cloth.
That night, the siblings slept together.
Au Fuji felt extremely nervous holding the slightly warm little girl in his arms but he slept extremely well.
The next day he packed all the necessary items and departed after saying goodbye.
Reluctantly he left.