“ Going to the same place and different times of the day will allow you to meet different characters” 

- Romance Fantasy ++ loading screen

 Name: Yuki (Yuta)

The castle itself was quite a walk from the main entrance, however, we were still dismounted at the door. I was guessing it was an old-fashioned security measure to make sure that an intruder could not make a quick getaway. This itself was the least of my worries, bad heart and all however.

Gripping on to mothers arm I see rows and rows of soldiers. All standing to each side of the path way leading up to the castle entrance. Intricate markings were etched into the floor in a style that seems reminiscent of brush strokes from a calligrapher, each sign and symbol glowed with a faint light.  With each step we took something unexpected happened.

Each soldier struck down the butt end of their spears. As they hit the ground in perfect unison it sounded like the marching of giants. 

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

Like a slow heartbeat the soldiers spears kept up with us. My erratic heart trying to match the pace caused me to feel unstable. I gripped on mothers dress to steady myself while she smiled an unfathomable smile. She used her other hand to gently cover her mouth, with the long sleeves on her dress, she looked like the epitome of old style beauty.  

“ Don’t worry Yu Yu the guards don’t bite, it worried me the first time I saw it too. However it’s actually a gift of respect that the soldier and his majesty are showing us. This is called the march of swords. 

Each soldier gives thanks to us as we walk, they do it with their spears as a way to remind themselves of Grandfather’s hard work to keep us safe. Since we are his kin we get the same respect. Only on formal occasions however.” mother's voice is almost drowned out by the thumping but my heart seems to calm a little.  

[ Here I was thinking the evil crown prince did it to show his might.]

As we got closer to the door the thumping sped up. Followed by a crescendo that was a massive ear-splitting war cry. Finally, each of the soldiers thumped their heart guard with their right hand before standing back at attention silently. It was truly an amazing sight. 

[ Grandfather must be really amazing! ]

There was a strange man standing to the side of the castle door, many other people were rushing left and right as what would be expected of a castle. The man approached us. He was older in years and was wearing a vest, black pants and a pink bow tie. His hair cute short and slicked back with what I can only assume is black wax.

[ Eastern and Western fashion in this world truly collide ] 

“ Madam Aikyo, Young Master Aikyo, Her Majesty has sent me to collect you for lunch, please follow me into the Yin Courtyard.” The gentleman stated before bowing respectfully.

“ Oh, Butler Yeez? you're looking as young as ever! Still wearing the bowtie the princess got you I see.” Mother’s voice exudes elegance. I could see many years of training in her posture and voice. She was like a whole new person. 

“ I wouldn’t wear any other!” Yeez responded smiling. 

[ I remember why I hate formal occasions, conversations for pleasantries sake make me cringe ]

Mr Yeez led us into the Yin building, apparently, females would live in the yin courtyards and men would live in the yang courtyards. However, both males and females worked in both.  I almost expected to hear about concubines and the like but I remembered Riku telling me there was no such thing.

Apparently in Tama unless there is a reason, like the emperor and empress cannot have heirs, the king and queen are expected to be a pair that signifies piety, love and adoration. Being only with each other through thick and thin. They also signify the union of the upper class and the lower/middle classes being that the queen can only be selected from the lower class or middle classes and raised since young to be empress. 

As you can expect the competition to be empress is fierce and training is very strict. When I had heard the lecture I was quite impressed. But also felt rather sad for the king and queen. I’d never been fond of arranged marriages. 

That being said, princess’s can also become the ruler. I was arranged to be the princess’s husband because of my weak heart. Since I could not be in a position to follow in my grandfather's footsteps I met the cadency requirements. Though Rosli has two brothers older than her, so her ascension to being in charge in the future is slim. 

[ Seems walking is paying off ] 

A warm feeling rushes into my body just before we make it to the section the empress is staying at. We are met with a big open garden covered in flowers and herbs I had never seen before. There is also a wooden table with vines caved in legs and wooden chairs made out of elegantly carved tree stumps with pillows laid upon them. The table is covered by a pergola roof. The roof is covered in vines with a few of the strange dragon poms perching on it. 

[ It looks like a tiny kingdom for elves! ] 

Mother immediately gets on one knee and pulls me along with her. She signals me to follow her as she puts her right hand over her heart and looks downwards. I follow suit. After a few breaths time we hear a noble woman's voice from in front of us.

The lady I saw before me was had none of the charms you would expect an empress to have. Square plain face, square styled hair and little square eyebrows, even her dress had squares on it. I had to hold back a flash of laughter as I thought of what her room must look like. Her posture and voice were very dignified. 

[ What the hell? ] 

“ Lady Aikyo and son, please stand we are all friends here!” the voice says.

“ Empress Hei, thank you for seeing us at such short notice. You are truly benevolent.”  Replies my mother she signals me to stand with her. 

[ Don’t you mean Heihō mother? ] 

The empress, my mother and myself all walk to the table and sit after some pleasantries and formalities. The two of them chat for a while about the weather and other such menial topics before snacks and tea are called. I had never seen half of them before but they all tasted delicious.

[ As expected of royalty their food is better than mine.. Not that that is hard ]

Suddenly the Empress turned to me and spoke “ Young man, I had heard the other day you and my daughter had gotten into a bit of a misunderstanding am I correct? I also heard you speak now. So be sure to respond.”

I tried not to swallow my tongue as I said “ Mm that is correct, I had no intention of hurting her, however, empress” 

“ Then why did my dear sweet girl come back in tears, she had barely eaten that night and I heard she slept terribly” the Empress responded fanning herself with her hand. 

I looked at mother and she nodded. So I turn back to the empress, let go of the breath I didn’t know I was holding and spoke “ Your Highness, your daughter is a beautiful girl, strong-willed, kind and sweet. I just do not wish to see her hurt in the future should something happen to me” I responded meekly my throat feeling like it was about to cease. 

[ Was that enough boot licking? ]

“ Hmph hmph she truly is all of the things you have said. I thought that you did not understand her greatness. It seems like you have shed a new light on the situation. However, the princess’ mood is terrible so you will take responsibility” She said emphasizing the important words. 

“ What does empress mean?” my mother responded.

“ Exactly what I said. You and your son will stay here tonight and your son shall cheer up my daughter.You and I, Madam Aikyo, must also discuss the engagement in detail. So it is a fitting suggestion.” The Empress firmly replied. 

{ Abrupt Mission: Survive the palace one night Reward 30 DD } 

“ As you wish Empress” Mother replies as I almost fainted.