(16 years and 7 months after reincarnation)
[Takina's POV]
We arrived at Kyoto not long after talking with the Train Man, Fujiwara Satou-san.
The station in Kyoto is very odd.... Unlike the stations, this one exists inside the city rather than in the outskirts (Edo) or directly out of the city in the wilderness (Niigata), which saves us the trouble of getting to the city by foot.
Not just that, it's built right next to the Imperial Palace.... My best guess for why this is the case is that it's meant for the Emperor to use, and as such is built right next to his home for ease of movement.
"Uwah! Kyoto is so much more bigger than Edo and Niigata!" Screamed the boy upon running off the train station....
"Sora-sama, don't just run off of your own! I can't take care of you while guarding Genji-sama!"
"Ahaha, you can't catch me, I won't listen!"
"Sigh...."
"Fujiwara-dono...." Genji gave me a voice of pity.
Such is the troubles of taking care of a literal child I guess.... But Marie was way easier to take care of than this brat.... well, I guess she's not exactly a kid but still.
"I'll get someone to take care of him.... For the sake of this negotiation mission of course."
"Wait, you will...?" I asked to Genji.
"Is that too unreasonable...? Well, I should've known better than to seperate you two-"
"You'll free me from Matsumae during my time in Kyoto?"
"...Huh?" (Genji)
"...Huh?" (Sora)
"...Huh?" (The entire Uesugi Clan)
I've been sick of this kid! Finally, someone can take this liability off my arms.
"That look must mean that I'm right, yes!"
"I-I se, it can't be helped then. Now, let's figure out who will take the kid...."
Genji looks to the crowd of soldiers and nobles alike. "....." No one answered.
"....I see, it seems that everyone hates you, including your own big sister, boy."
"Wha-?!"
"You, the samurai lady in the Blue Kimono."
"M-me?"
"Yes you, take care of Matsumae Sora for the time being. This is an order, understand?"
"Y-yes sir...."
"Good. Now, let us discuss our course of action as we head for the Imperial Palace's Main Gate-"
"This is so unfair! Why are you all treating me like I'm a great burden?! Hey don't just ignore me all of you-"
_______________
With a short walk we soon arrived at the Imperial Palace, a big area in the middle of the flatland Kyoto that houses the emperor's castle and countless other lodgings meant for diplomatic uses.
Rather than a palace, it was more akin to a walled-off district due to it having most of it's facilities scattered inside the walls, around the empty areas full of gardens and fields of flowers.
When we arrived at the main gate, there were also countless people from the other two Clans - Oda and Takeda Clan. Many officials and samurais in charge of the palace are directing the people into the palace, but there were also countless being turned away.
"-I walked all the way over here from Yamaguchi! You can't just turn me away from-"
"Listen here, nameless landlord, no matter how you complain we can't make enough space for everyone to stay inside the palace! Only the samurais and nobles of the Daimyo families are allowed inside, don't make us resort to violence to make this point across!"
"Tsk...! We'll remember this, low ranked warrior!"
"Hmm.... This is troublesome." Said Genji, next to me.
As there isn't enough space for everyone, Genji asked of the caravan to be seperated.
Out of 60 people that arrived in this caravan, only 20 will enter the palace and stay - being the few important nobles and people that work for Genji, like myself.
The remaining will find lodgings at the nearby inns, treating this entire event like a work vacation.
This is how I got seperated with Sora-sama.... Not that I have any complaints, because I've been looking for this opportunity for a long time now.
Well, the boy wasn't happy about that though.
"Takina-san, I hate you!"
Genji went and talked with one of the officials, and as this happened I arranged the other nobles in our clan.
"We are provided with 5 room. Genji and I will share a room because he is the Lord and I am his bodyguard.... So it seems that the rest of you 18 people will have to decide who'll have the remains 4 rooms."
"I see I see.... Sharing a room with a handsome man by yourself...." One of the noble said out.
"Sigh.... We are nothing like that, idiot."
"Sure sure, that's what you ladies always says. 'We are not dating!' and 'We are just friends!', but then when next year spring comes, you'll be pregnant before you know it."
"What?!"
"Hahaha, that was a nice reaction!"
"I'll have to give you a beating, you damned old freak-"
"Fujiwara-dono, I have something to ask of you."
"Ah, Genji-sama! How goes the planning?"
"We are allowed into the palace now. But I need to discuss something with you..... It's about your name."
"Oh? What of it?"
"Many of the people who serve the Emperor are from the Fujiwara Family. You see what I mean?"
"Ah.... You mean that calling me 'Fujiwara' is disrespectful to these nobles in Kyoto? Then just call me Takina like Kenshin-sama does."
"Is that fine for you? Calling a lady by her given name is.... well, you know."
"I don't mind. Besides, it's not meant THAT way right? It'd be hard to distinguish me from the others when all of us are called Fujiwaras."
"I see. Then from now on I'll be calling you 'Takina-san', is that good for you?"
"Mm Hm."
"Great. Now then, let us move into our lodgings. Time is of the utmost importance, as the first meeting will be held in roughly one hour from now."
"That quickly? Then we must move now!"
"Right!" (?x)
"By the way, Takina-san...."
"Yes?"
"You'd better behave yourself when in the palace.... If you disrespect the Emperor in any way, it'll be difficult to keep your head on your shoulder. (A way to say that you'll be beheaded)"
"I-I see...."
No pressure, Genji, it's not like you are just casually dropping a bomb on me or anything!
___________________
Without pause, once we had set up our lodgings it was time for the three clan's first meeting to be held.
The meeting is held at the main meeting place of the palace, the Seiryo-den - a big indoor hall with a chrysanthemum throne in the end of the hall, meant for the emperor to sit in.
Before we enter the hall, all of us have to hand over our weapons to the guards. All of us are unarmed in here as we have to hand over our swords and daggers before we even enters the hall.
While the emperor is the only one with a place to sit, there are countless floor-level tables set up in rows along with cushions to sit on, meant for the guests to use.
That being said.... because of the Patriarchy Culture of Japan, women are not allowed to take seats there.
Instead, all women are meant to sit along the walls, where there aren't even tables for tea and snacks. Luckily, there are will cushions for our sad knees....
As such, I was seperated from Genji. He sat at the middle of the hall where he has a place at, while I say along the other women at the wall of this place.
"Attention, honored guests! This meeting will begin at once. Pay attention, for the emperor is about to speak!"
Said the steward of the emperor, the Right-Hand Minister of Kyoto.
The entire hall suddenly grew quiet, without anyone daring to make any noise in respect of the Emperor. With the silence, the man sitting on the small throne opened his mouth.
"Welcome to my palace, honored guests. It is with great pleasure for me to hold this meeting here. For you to have showed yourselves at the palace, this means that you have all received and accepted the personal invitation of myself. As the Emperor, I shall give my thanks for this.
Now, I trust most people here must be wondering about the reason for this meeting to be held, but that is of little concern to us today. For this day, I will announce the celebration of the 10 years of peace that was achieved after the Sengoku Period. For now, let us have the names of the representatives of each clans - you may all introduce yourselves."
Oda Nobukatsu, retainer of the Oda Clan and younger brother of Oda Nobunaga himself, the Daimyo of the Oda clan who died long ago.
Takeda Katsuyori, also a retainer of the Takeda Clan. The Daimyo Takeda Shingen is this guy's old man.
And finally....
"I am Uesugi Genji, representative of the Uesugi Clan. I hereby represent my grandfather - Uesugi Kenshin, a former Sword Pioneer of Japan, as the leader of the Uesugi Clan."
Genji deliberately made up his family name in order to fake having blood relations with Kenshin.... Wise choice, I must say.
"And thus concludes the introduction of the three clans.... Now, what I am about to announce is a grand dinner party tonight. This is made in celebration of the 10 Years of Peace that Japan has achieved. By sun down tonight, the palace's dining hall will be prepared and ready to house all the guests that may show up at the party.
My invitation extends to all guests here, as well as the unfortunate people who were turned away from the palace because of a lack of lodgings. Do assist me in transfering my words to your friends and allies."
'(Applause).' (?x)
"Thus, this concludes the meeting we have today. Fujiwara Minister, you may take it from here."
"Yes, Tenno-sama."
With 2 guards at his sides, the emperor got up from his seat and headed for the exit of the hall.... His path is directly in front of the wall that all the women were seated at.
As he passes by, he looks down on all his subjects.... Women to his left, and men to his right.
"...Lady, I saw that you were accompanying young Nobukatsu along despite not wielding a sword of your own. You must be his wife, right?" Said the emperor to one of the woman.
"Yes, Tenno-sama.... I am Suwa Hazuki, the bride of Lord Oda Nobukatsu."
"Haha, I see! When I ascended the throne twenty years ago I had no idea that the young Nobukatsu would have a wife as beautiful as you! Boy, you are gifted!"
"You praise me too much, Tenno-sama." The man whom the emperor was speaking to replied to him with a surprised voice.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Hazuki. Do your best to treat Nobukatsu well, will you?"
"I will, Tenno-sama."
"Good."
He continued walking after talking to that woman.... without much problems, he continued past me.
"...." Phew... I was getting kind of nervous that the emperor would talk to me as well.
"....You, the foreigner lady with the red hair.... Who are you, what are you doing in my castle?"
Well, fuck.
"Yes, T-Tenno-sama.... My name is Fujiwara Takina, and I am accompanying my Lord - Uesugi Genji as a personal bodyguard."
"Body guard huh...? You must have many connections Kenshin-dono, seeing as how you are able to recruit someone from the far west."
"Thank you, Tenno-sama." Replied Genji.
"Lady Fujiwara, you must be born elsewhere from this land right? Tell me your true name, I am curious about it."
When the emperor asked me that, I can suddenly feel the intense stare of basically everyone in the hall....
"Yes, Tenno-sama.... My name is Kirieru Buffe, a name that originated from a country at the far west called the Holy Kingdom of Ataraxia."
"Ah, the largest human kingdom of the Centralia Continent is it? I have connections with the monarch there, and we do exchange some letters occasionally. It was...."
"It's Queen Annisia, Tenno-sama."
"That's right, Queen Annisia of Light, a woman blessed by countless gods who ruled over the largest kingdom with a kindred spirit.... Well, I am getting a bit side tracked here. What I meant to say is that I am impressed, Lady Fujiwara. It is my pleasure to meet you."
"I feel the same way, Tenno-sama." I said as I lowered my head down.
"Very well." Hearing my reply, the emperor continued on his way.
After hearing my words, the emperor left without saying anything else.
"Phew...." With this, I was brought out from the spotlight and I can rest easy knowing I didn't offend the emperor and have to fight off all the guards who wants to cut my head off....
Well, that part about fighting the guards is a bit unnecessary.
________________
When the meeting ended, most of the personnels in our clan went out of the palace for sight seeing. Meanwhile, Genji stayed in his room and scribbled down on a piece of paper.....
As my duty is to protect him and serve as a proud bodyguard, I decided to stay with him and idle around while he did his work.
"...What are you writing?" I said, as I wiped my sword clean, doing my daily sword maintenance.
"I'm writing a report on what happened.... For Kenshin-sama to read."
"I see...."
"....You did well just now, you didn't even falter when questioned by the emperor. No one at the Hall was asked so many questions by him, you were the star of the show."
"No way! Besides, your introduction was far more impressive than me. Calling your grandpa the former Sword Pioneer? Now that's impressive!"
"I merely stated what was the truth. Well, maybe I lied about my family name but that's not important."
"I see.... But still, you were so calm when it's your turn to speak. Did you practised beforehand?"
"I did, on the train."
"Hoh.... If you need a practise partner, I can be of help."
"It's fine. You are too.... Umm.... Small and Feminine to intimidate me like the emperor does, so thanks but no thanks."
(AN :
Genji's Height : 175ish cm
Kyrielle's Height : 154 cm
This means that Genji is about two heads taller than Takina, and will have to actually look down in order to meet with her eyes.)
"Don't think I did not notice your little jab about my height there.... Are there any plans for you during the dinner party that is coming up?"
"Nothing in particular. It is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, there's no need to fret so much about it."
"I see.... Well, I'll be going along your plans to help you, no matter what it is. Just voice your thoughts, and I'll compel."
"Thanks but.... Even if it's unreasonable?"
"Well maybe not sexual favors as those are more Kunochis kind of work. I've heard of female ninjas seducing men for their kills.... So long as it's within my abilities, I'll do it."
"I see. Regardless, I'm glad to have you on my side helping me out, it definitely makes my job easier."
"Naturally. I'll be expecting you to cover me as well should trouble rises, that makes us even!"
"Hahaha, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours huh? I like it."
"....." (2x) A period of silence hits us as we continued doing what we were doing in the first place.
"If you are bored, you can go out and explore the palace or the city. There's still time before the dinner party."
"It's fine, I'll be sticking with you. I don't like walking around by myself, keeping you company is the least I can do as well."
"I see.... Thanks, I mean it."
"Eh, it's nothing."
Genji worked in silence while I waited quietly in the room.
_______________
Soon, it was the evening and it's time for us to attend the dinner party held at one of the buildings inside the palace.
It was held at the grand diner of the entire Japan, a dining hall inside the palace that is meant for diplomatic uses such as now. It's size is incredible, almost as large as a school, and can serve food to hundreds of people at once.
The hall was nicely decorated and it has a second floor balcony that can look down onto the first floor. The reason for this is that on the first floor there is a big stage in the far end, meant to be used for entertaining performances.
Genji, me and a few important people in the Uesugi Clan got a seat at the first floor of dining hall....
"Cheers!" (?x)
I haven't drank like this in a big group of people for a long time now. This is nice!
"Takina-san!"
It seems that even people on the outside are invited to attend the party. This means that Sora-sama is allowed to enter the palace in the first place.
"My Lord! It's good to see that you're safe."
"Mmm! The samurai lady took good care of me!"
"Hi.... Fujiwara-san...."
"I see. Take a seat then You two, food'll come at any moment."
As the people in our table chatted happily, food arrived at our table. The cook of the dining hall had prepared food for basically everyone in the grand hall right in time for a performance on stage....
The problem is, it seems that there is no performances.
"Excuse us for the inconvenience caused, but our main performers are suddenly caught with something.... She isn't able to keep up with the performance."
A woman dressed in what appears to be shrine maiden clothes walked onto the stage and spoke of that.
"Boo!" (?x)
After bowing her head, she left the stage.
However, she look somewhat familiar.... Ah that's right, we shared a dance on Niigata back then! It was a collaboration that we had last time.
"Hey, Takina-san...." Said Genji, who is sitting right besides me on the opposite end from Sora.
"Hmm?"
"You know that woman right?"
"Indeed.... Please tell me that you aren't going to-"
"What if I told you to go impress the emperor by joining their dance as a guest?"
"Urgh..... Genji-sama, you always asks for the most unreasonable thing!"
"But it isn't impossible, right? You're a dancer as well who worked with them before, I don't see why you don't want to-"
"Fine fine I'll go... Just take care of Sora-sama for me."
"Sure."
"Good luck Takina-san! I'll make sure to eat your portion of the food as well, to help you lose weight!"
"Matsumae...!" You little brat, did you just called me fat?!
______________
And so, under the orders of Genji, I made my way to the backstage and talked with the dancers there.
"Suzuki-chan, it's me." I tapped on the shoulder of the woman who went up the stage just now. She was talking with the other dancers, so I had to get her attention.
"Takina-chan?! Why are you here, what a coincidence!"
And after a bit of elaborating....
"You'll help us out?! Thank the gods, luckily you have experience as the lead dancer or else we are really screwed!"
"It seems that things are a bit out of hand compared to the front that you put up on the stage...."
"Yeah! Our lead Fan Dancer just went missing! She's supposed to perform as the face of the group, but now that she's gone....."
"I see. Well, no crying over spilled milk now. Do you all still remember the choreography that we had back then?"
"Yep."
"Like the back of my hand."
"Never forgot about that one!"
"Good.... I can be the lead dancer in this case. Since I'm the only sword dancer, we'll have to improvise on the team performances-"
"You can just do solo, it's fine!"
"..." Like I said, Genji and Suzuki, no pressure! It's not like I'm performing solo in front of hundreds of people AND the emperor or anything like that!
_______________
Without a proper sword to use, I took my real sword from the guards..... I also changed into the costume borrowed from these Fan Dancers, and got ready.
Once everything was set, Suzuki went onto the stage.
"-Because of the help of an unknown guest, we were able to get someone as the lead dancer!"
"Hoo.... Hah...."
"Takina-chan, are you nervous?"
"Well, I've never performed in front of so much people after all...."
"It's not a problem, since we are in the same boat. Even if you mess up, we'll be here to take the heat with you!"
"I guess you're right-"
From the main stage, Suzuki's voice calls out.
"As such, we welcome our team onto the stage!"
"...Let's get this show on the road!" I said to the other fan dancers while making my way up to the stage.
With that announcement, 4 women made their way onto the stage of the grand hall.... Normally, this performance that we are about to do is done with 10 people, 5 Fan Dancers and 5 Sword Dancers.
This time around there's only 5 of us, it seems that I'll have to do the entire other half of the Sword Dancer's by myself.
Finally on top of the stage, with a glance at the dining hall I noticed countless people watching us with intent. Some were eating, others were talking, and many were interested in this unusual performance that we haven't done once before - not here anyway.
Sitting right under the stage is the Emperor himself, with 5 women sitting besides him in a row. They must be his wives and mistresses....
"The performance is about to begin!" Said Suzuki into the mic.
"...!" There's no time for doubts or thoughts.... I know what I need to do!
'Applause!' (?x)
The entire hall erupted into a thunderous cheer when the music started, played by the band of musicians at the back stage, using telepathy magic to blast out the music to the speakers scattered around the hall.
With elegant steps and choreography, each of us moved according to the tempo of the music....
Surprisingly, none of us made any single mistakes. It's like we had planned this from the start, almost as if we had just practised this dance minutes ago.
Well, not that it's far from the truth.... About 2 months ago, roughly right after I started taking care of Sora, these group of dancers arrived at Niigata from Kyoto. They were interested in our style of dance, and wanted to learn from us.
This resulted in us making a collaboration dance, mixing the different moves of our own styles. It took us days of practise to nail this choreography down, but it's one of the best work we've had to date.
Sadly, the one that we are doing now is an improvised version that lacked 4 other support dancers during the section of Sword Dancers.... And that is the ending part of the dance as well.
And thus before I had realized it, I was performing a solo in front of the four other dancers, and being right under the spotlight of the stage with everyone's attention on me.
With a simple step to the right, I kneeled down as I brought the sword in my hand down.... Thus ends the performance.
"Hah.... Hah.... Phew...."
"(Applause)!"
Somehow I did it.... Without a mistake....
It was then, all the windows to the Grand Hall bursts open like explosions. 'Plank!' (?x)
"What in the...?!"
From the windows, rope slid down and came countless men dressed in black, riding down the ropes and into the dining hall.
"Assassins!!!" Yelled one of the guards near the emperor.
Shit, it's an attack!
(Chapter End)