Corpse March

Chapter 20

“Too many Papilio are still being kept in temporary shelters. We promised them that we would build their permanent residences a whole year ago and already I hear that discontent is on the rise. Plus, on the practical side, approximately twenty more individuals have fallen ill due to poor hygiene in the last month alone. I propose that we devote more workers to the expansion of the new residential areas on the borders of inner Takakumo and these temporary residences–”

Tomoe’s speech is cut short by Jessica.

“I move to veto the proposition. Our budget this year is already stretched thin between maintaining the stealth field and maintenance of the already existing non-slum area.”

“Then I propose we reduce our military budget for this year and put it towards more important matters–”

“I second the veto.”

Kuroko’s voice is ice-cold as it breaks through Tomoe’s. She flips through the pile of papers in her hand. 

“Forgive me, Lady Kuroihoshi. But Gleam’s stance on the matter is very clear. She views any reduction in the military budget as synonymous to disarming Takakumo itself.”

“But the military budget is bloated to begin with. We spend too much on expeditions towards gathering firearms and for what purpose? Our standing armies are already armed to the teeth.”

“If all-out war were to break out between Takakumo and an external threat, the majority of our population would be completely unarmed. As of the moment, the only reason Takakumo still exists is because of the anti-satellite stealth field that protected the original Magical Academy. When it inevitably fails, as we are now, we would be crushed completely.”

“The stealth field will not fail. It has not in thirty years, nor will it fail ever. I would sooner respond to an active problem that is hurting the community over a problem that may never come to pass.”

“And still, twenty ill people against the absolute destruction of Takakumo City and everything we stand for, I would prefer the former.”

“I repeat. The stealth field will not fail. I helped build it, I helped move it, and I installed it at the heart of Takakumo City. It kept the original Magical Academy safe, and it will keep Takakumo safe as well.”

“The original Magical Academy was compromised and destroyed.”

“On our terms, might I add.”

“Machines fail. Especially old machines.”

“Your machines do. Ours did not.”

“There’s a simple solution to this that you both aren’t seeing.”

Jessica stops smoking for a moment to intrude on Tomoe and Nui’s little debate. 

“The stealth field has been getting more and more taxing to maintain, true. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before Takakumo is discovered. That’s why the most efficient move is to replace the stealth field.”

“Never!”

Tomoe stands up, the sheer speed of which sends her plate and utensils clattering onto the table. 

“Have you already forgotten?! The last time my kind allowed humans to uncover the secrets of magic, you all destroyed yourselves and forced us to destroy our home!”

“Too many Papilio are still being kept in temporary shelters. We promised them that we would build their permanent residences a whole year ago and already I hear that discontent is on the rise. Plus, on the practical side, approximately twenty more individuals have fallen ill due to poor hygiene in the last month alone. I propose that we devote more workers to the expansion of the new residential areas on the borders of inner Takakumo and these temporary residences–”

Tomoe’s speech is cut short by Jessica.

“I move to veto the proposition. Our budget this year is already stretched thin between maintaining the stealth field and maintenance of the already existing non-slum area.”

“Then I propose we reduce our military budget for this year and put it towards more important matters–”

“I second the veto.”

Kuroko’s voice is ice-cold as it breaks through Tomoe’s. She flips through the pile of papers in her hand. 

“Forgive me, Lady Kuroihoshi. But Gleam’s stance on the matter is very clear. She views any reduction in the military budget as synonymous to disarming Takakumo itself.”

“But the military budget is bloated to begin with. We spend too much on expeditions towards gathering firearms and for what purpose? Our standing armies are already armed to the teeth.”

“If all-out war were to break out between Takakumo and an external threat, the majority of our population would be completely unarmed. As of the moment, the only reason Takakumo still exists is because of the anti-satellite stealth field that protected the original Magical Academy. When it inevitably fails, as we are now, we would be crushed completely.”

“The stealth field will not fail. It has not in thirty years, nor will it fail ever. I would sooner respond to an active problem that is hurting the community over a problem that may never come to pass.”

“And still, twenty ill people against the absolute destruction of Takakumo City and everything we stand for, I would prefer the former.”

“I repeat. The stealth field will not fail. I helped build it, I helped move it, and I installed it at the heart of Takakumo City. It kept the original Magical Academy safe, and it will keep Takakumo safe as well.”

“The original Magical Academy was compromised and destroyed.”

“On our terms, might I add.”

“Machines fail. Especially old machines.”

“Your machines do. Ours did not.”

“There’s a simple solution to this that you both aren’t seeing.”

Jessica stops smoking for a moment to intrude on Tomoe and Nui’s little debate. 

“The stealth field has been getting more and more taxing to maintain, true. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before Takakumo is discovered. That’s why the most efficient move is to replace the stealth field.”

“Never!”

Tomoe stands up, the sheer speed of which sends her plate and utensils clattering onto the table. 

“Have you already forgotten?! The last time my kind allowed humans to uncover the secrets of magic, you all destroyed yourselves and forced us to destroy our home!”

Both Jessica and Tomoe are rendered speechless. Whether it’s out of shock or disdain, Haru can’t tell. 

“I was actually going to suggest Tomoe.”

“I don’t mean to brag, but I agree with Jessica. I feel as though I’m currently the best for the job. Though, I am curious to hear your reasoning.”

“She has a lot of sway with the people. I feel that that’d be important going forward.”

“You do have a point. Though the issue is that it’d be hard to leverage solely public appeal into political control. Though, I do see your point, it would be nice to have a candidate that’s popular. Maybe if Tsumugi were to endorse me publicly, it could make for–”

“No, that’s not what I meant at all.”

Tsuki steps closer to Tomoe. Haru hears something rev underneath Tsuki’s cloak, like an engine of some kind. 

“I said that Tsumugi’s the best candidate. I don’t recall mentioning any of you other bitches.”

“My stance is clear, Tsuki. Mine and Jessica’s both.”

“Well, then.”

Tsuki presses her index finger to her cheek.

“If, say, something horrible were to happen to you, Tsumugi would be the best option then, wouldn’t she? ”

“Are you threatening me?”

Tomoe’s eyes begin to glow violet. It’s barely visible in the light, but it’s tremendously brilliant in the dark. 

“...no, not at all. Just wanted to see the stones on our new candidate.”

Tsuki has a smirk on her face as she steps down. Little by little, the revving sound falters and quivers before finally dying out. 

“I believe that’s all of us in agreement. Now all we need is…”

Tsuki turns to Haru. As she does, so too does Tomoe and Jessica. All of their stares feel itchy on her skin. 

“What does Tsumugi’s stand-in have to say on the matter?”

“Uhhhh, are we sure that Tsumugi isn’t the best choice?”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

“Alright, fair enough.”

Why? When she thinks about it, she’s already married to a princess, imagine what it’d be like to be married to a queen. Imagine the perks, the acclaim, the prestige. It’s not like she can avail of any of it now that Tomoe’s going to be president but oh well, it was worth a shot.

“Very well. That’s the most pressing issue resolved.”

Tomoe makes a big show of comically wiping her forehead and makes a ‘whew’ sound effect with her mouth. 

“Is there anything else we need to discuss or are we finished?”

“I have nothing more to add.”

“Actually, if you don’t mind, I have something to discuss with Hamamoto here.”

Tsuki playfully elbows Haru. Tsuki laughs and Haru almost does, but she senses something. Something off. The same way a rabbit raises its head the moment before its neck is snapped by a wolf. 

“Hm? What about?”

Tomoe’s voice is light and airy, but she steps between Haru and Tsuki. Protectively. A chill travels up Haru’s spine. As though Tomoe is the only thing standing between Tsuki’s fangs and her sweet flesh. 

“It’s nothing. I’m just curious about something.”

“Hm…”

“It’s also very private. But don’t you worry, I don’t have anything violent in mind or anything like that.”

Tomoe stares at Tsuki, eyebrows furrowed and the corner of her mouth twisted. 

“It’s alright, Lady Kuroihoshi.”

Haru places her hand on Tomoe’s shoulder. All this talking about candidacy, residential areas, stealth fields, and consolidation have bored her out of her mind. But matters of rabbits, wolves, and showing people exactly which is which is her field of expertise. A sideways grin spreads itself on the side of her face. It’s like a stain. She doesn’t will it into existence, it simply just does. 

“I want to hear what Lady Tsuki has to say.”

“...Well, if you’re sure.”

Tomoe sighs to herself and retreats back into the room. Jessica follows along close behind her. As she leaves, Haru thinks she hears her whisper ‘Good luck’ under her breath. Then, it’s just her and Tsuki. In this near lightless place.