Chapter 103 - The Princess Diaries I
I woke up to the sunlight disturbing my sleep. I yawned and stretched as the blanket moved and opened Hina up to the light. Making her scrunch her brows. I smiled as she woke up. She too stretched. Then she looked at me and smiled.
"Is this a dream?"
"What makes you think that?"
"It feels like one."
I chuckled. I should get up, but I didn't want to. Besides, her sun-kissed skin looked too delicious to be ignored. I chose to lift her leg again instead.
It was almost afternoon when Emiko knocked on the door. Yeah, keeping this a secret in a house of Shinobis was a pipe dream. "Coming!"
When I opened the door and stepped outside. I was greeted with smug smiles and waggling eyebrows. Yeah, they know. I felt embarrassed. But I was the head. And there was a princess coming.
The convoy had first gone to the Hokage tower as per protocol. We were waiting at our gates to receive the princess here when Haruto and Reina sidled up to me.
"What do you think he wants?"
"What he wanted the last time. But we were pawns then. We are a power now. A Power that he is desperately trying to consolidate on his side."
"Didn't he have that agreement with the Hokage?"
"He did."
"So, why go back?"
"He is not going back. He did give up his influence in Konoha. Doesn't mean he can't try to reestablish it. Especially with the Hatake where they are. Besides, a clan like ours now merits a proper apology and smoothing over."
"That is true."
The procession rounded the bend and came into view.
"When the princess proposes a marriage, she will. What do you plan on saying? You can't just say no. We are politically unstable for now."
"I kind of have to. I did not just play Hina."
"Well, you won't hear objections from me on that front," he smiled.
"But be open to ideas of seconds and thirds with branches. Or to wed a few of us off. I have compiled a list of people who are willing to be matched."
He gave me a literal file.
"I don't see your name here. Shouldn't leaders set an example?"
I gazed back when he didn't reply immediately. He was sheepish and shy. "Actually, I asked Reina," then he broke into a smile. "And she said yes."
What?
But I had no time to think. The princess just stepped off her carriage.
Princess Enomoto Akari was two years younger than me. And boy was she beautiful. I wondered why I had never heard of an ugly princess outside of Disney. And those, too, were usually made pretty by the end. Maybe it is the upbringing that makes the difference. As we completed the formal military salute, the royals descended.
"Lord Kaito. Long time no see."
"Yes, it has been a long time. I trust that you have been well?"
"Yes, I have been. Thank you for asking."
I gave Hana a nod.
"I see you have brought a friend along from the capital."
Hana smiled.
"Yes, Lord Kurosawa, let me introduce you both. This is the first Princess Enomoto Akari of the Royal House of Fire. And this milady is the famous Lord Kurosawa Ren. The Founder of the Kurosawa and the creator of the Yami no Reigan."
"It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Princess Akari."
"The honor's all mine, Lord Ren. After all, it's not every day that one gets to meet the founder of one of the major clans of Konoha. Especially since almost all of them have been dead for decades or even centuries now."
A praise and a rebuke. Her words praised me for what I had done. Her tone reminded me of the Heritage and legacy that I did not have.
This will be fun.
The meeting room was silent and tense. Hana and I exchanged awkward glances while Hina and Haruto talked weather with Kaito.
"So, Lord Kaito, now that the capital is settled and peaceful again. Has the Daimyo any thoughts on the matters gaining traction in Konoha?"
It was a double question. Asking for his policy towards me and the Hatake. They were under heavy fire nowadays. And the Daimyo had missed his window of interference in exchange for strength. If he supported the guy he condemned a few days ago. He'll look weak and foolish.
"I wish I could tell you, Lord Kurosawa."
"Oh, please, we have spent enough meals together, Lord Kaito, call me Ren."
He returned my smile. This was a simple action to convey that I did not hold the engagement break against them.
"Only if you address me as Kaito, Ren."
"Sure, Kaito. So, what were you saying?"
"Ah, yes. As I was saying. I wish I could tell you what the Daimyo is thinking, Ren, but I believe that the Princess here can provide a clearer view into her father's attention than anyone else."
Translation - She's in charge, mate. I'm just here for the view, the popcorn, and occasional remarks to keep the conversation flowing.
"Of course, who better to tell us about the man than his daughter?" I smiled. So did the table.
"Sure, Lord Kurosawa, but from what I know of you. I know that you know what the Daimyo wants to a large extent. But if you want it officially. Here goes.
The Hatake are powerful, but the Daimyo has learnt his lesson. He will not be opposing the Hokage substantially any time soon. At least not until he has at least three of the major clans on his side. He can not come to their aid for now. If you want aid for them. He will need reassurances."
"What makes you think I want to aid the Hatake or give out assurances to anybody?"
"You spoke for the Hatake before. The Hatake voted for you. I was under the impression that you had an understanding with them."
"That was when I was engaged to the Royal House of Fire. We were allies who were supposed to protect and aid each other. I am no longer engaged."
"You could be. I was told that you quite like my cousin Hana here."
She nodded towards Hana as Hana lowered her eyes.
"She is a wonderful woman. But I am afraid that since our separation, I have already gained a Fiancée."