On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Eighty-Three

“That’s not good. Management are going to be really upset. Will we be all right?” Ema-san said worriedly, looking at the footage displayed on my phone, as she sipped slowly at the brightly coloured non-alcoholic drink in a tall glass. She wasn’t of legal age to drink yet, unlike us, but even if she was, it might not have been a good idea, as she had just stopped trembling, the aftereffects of being attacked by the man known as Sora-san coming out in her.

“It can’t be helped.” Keiko-chan reassured her. “The café has to shut as it’s a crime scene, and the police said we could leave, although that’s got more to do with you, hasn’t it, Akio-kun?” She got to the point shrewdly. “The Detective in charge definitely knew you.”

“I am one of the special advisors to the new Ministry.” I agreed, sipping at my whiskey. “And the Detective and I go back some.” No need to say I saved his life. “But yes, you’ve reported everything, so I don’t see how your bosses can complain. If they cause too much trouble, I’ll speak to them for you.”

“Would you?” Asuka-san said cheerfully. “That’d be great. I’m even more your fan now!”

Keiko-chan gave her a stern look. “There’s no need to butter him up so, Asuka.”

“Why? Jealous?” she giggled, taking a sip of her own cocktail, before her expression turned serious. “Whatever happens though, it’s not good publicity. There’s no hiding it.” Sora-san was shown being carried out, though he was cuffed and hooded, his mouth gagged, to hide his injuries. I don’t regret it. He was the worst kind of scum, and his broken limbs were cleanly done, I could fix them rather easily should it be necessary, and if not with his higher stats he’ll heal up in a short while I’d imagine. Safety first.

“I was so scared.” Ema-san admitted. “I couldn’t move at all, and then he started…” her eyes trembled, and Keiko-chan and Asuka-san hugged her shoulders, calming her again.

“It won’t happen again.” I promised. “Despite how it seems, Chosen aren’t common, and most of us aren’t crazy.”

“Oh?” Keiko-chan raised one eyebrow, clearly amused. “…but I’ve been in constant life or death battles and training from hell for many months now!” she mimicked, and I smiled ruefully.

“You heard that, huh?” I asked, and she nodded, her own smile broad. Beside her, Asuka-san laughed, and Ema-san tried to console me.

“It was very cool, Akio-kun, I promise!”

“Sure. Sorry, I have a bad habit of running my mouth in stressful situations.” I took a sip of my drink to cover my embarrassment, while I continued to observe the footage of the scene. “Yeah, this is really bad timing. We’re trying to reassure the public, and idiots are running wild, using their powers for shit like this.” I felt particularly aggrieved, as it was undermining the work I had done in South Korea, not that we weren’t having problems with that, too.

It seemed that wa son their minds as well, as Keiko-chan spoke up. “I saw the news of you in Korea, it was quite dashing, how you helped rescue some children from a dangerous place. But I wasn’t sure whether you were still away from Japan. If you were…” She bit her lip, thinking of the worst case.

“I certainly wouldn’t have made it so quickly.” I conceded. That’s why we need more Ring Gates. “Maybe I can run across the ocean, I don’t know…” I glanced down at my feet, wearing the Seven-league Boots, which had been polished up and the leather refreshed, and now looked like fashionable footwear that I wore most of the time when out and about.

“You said your feet would tear off…” Keiko-chan followed my gaze. “How does that even work?”

“Don’t ask. I shouldn’t have said, but I got carried away in the moment. It wouldn’t have been a disaster anyway…”

“Not a disaster?” Asuka-san raised an eyebrow, surprised. “I’d say losing your feet would be about as textbook a disaster as one can imagine.”

“That’s right! Ema-san agreed fervently. “If we had no feet, we couldn’t perform!”

“That’s what you’re worried about?” I said, surprised, and there was laughter, the tense mood and gloom starting to lift. That’s good. I’m busy, but I can spare a little time for this. Although, Tsukiko and her parents… I sent a thought to Eri, who responded that they were coming back to Tokyo, though they had refused a helicopter and were taking the bullet train. The idols and I continued chatting, helping Ema-san to unwind, and then familiar voices were heard at the entrance to the bar.

“Hey, I know we’re underage, but my bro is in there. I’m not planning to drink, you know!” Turning, I saw my sis was arguing with the owner at the door. Beside her was Daiyu, who was trying to make herself unobtrusive, and also Shiro and Asha.

“You know me, I’ve come here often enough, and it’s not like I’m forgettable.” Shiro said, smiling brightly. “We like it here, we won’t cause any trouble. If there’s any pushback, we’ll compensate you for it.”

“Woah, she’s gorgeous!” Ema-san blinked, seeing Shiro. “No, they all are, but… she’s too perfect!”

Hearing that, Shiro looked over and winked, before pursing her lips knowingly seeing me sitting with the idols. The conversation with the owner finished up, and he allowed them in.

“That’s one of the heroes of Britain!” Asuka-san said, excited, as if meeting one of her idols, and Keiko-chan was also intrigued.

“She’s your mutual friend with Arisu-chan, right?”

“Arisu-chan, huh? Yeah, Arisu and I are good friends.” Shiro agreed, having her usual drink poured for her as she sat down in our booth. “So, the urgent business that led to you ditching Tsukiko and me was this, huh? Hanging out with some idols?”

“That’s not true!” Ema-san defended me stoutly. “We were being attacked by a crazy person, I… I was…” she suddenly paused her sad words as Shiro put a hand on her head.

“Aren’t you a little cutie? Don’t mind me, Aki and I go way back, and we’re engaged. I just like teasing him. It’s all over the news, anyway.”

“Do you mind introducing me to these others? Though…” Keiko-chan looked at my sis, who seemed incredibly excited as she sat down, a drink matching Ema-san’s in her hand, Daiyu having one likewise. “…this is your sister, right? The idol fan?”

“Wow, you know me already? Awesome!” my sis enthused. “Damn right I’m a fan! AKB48 is like one of the best groups! Though I’m a fan of Red and White too…” she was embarrassed to confess that to the idols in front of her, before she perked up. “Hey, it’s Kanzaki-chan, the idol who’s keen on my bro! Everyone back home was taking about it.” As Keiko-chan blushed, she turned to the others. “Matsui-chan too, right? And you’re… Ito-chan, yeah?”

Ema-san seemed surprised she was recognised, flushing in happiness, nodding frantically. “That’s right! I’m new, but please support me!”

“Sure thing!” My sis gave her a thumbs-up. “Damn bro, good job! Creepy gross idol fans need to be dealt with, and scum who’d attack women need to be wiped out. I’d have put an arrow through his head if I was there.” She paused, realising the three of them were looking at her incredulously, so she shrugged, embarrassed.

“Sorry, I got carried away. It’s true though. I’m glad my bro was able to help you out. Anyway, I’m Aiko, a huge fan. I’m really looking forward to the show you’ll put on next weekend! These here are Shiro, Daiyu and Asha. They’re my bro’s fiancées. Well, Daiyu’s a bit different, a… Dao Companion, wasn’t it?” At Daiyu’s nod, she continued boisterously. “Same thing, different name, really. Anyway, Asha’s pregnant, so be aware, if you’re chasing my bro, he’s already got kids.” She winked, enjoying my discomfort.

“Teasing them, Ai?” Shiro had shortened my sister’s name now as well, it seemed. They had been spending more time together, and I guessed Shiro had grown closer with her. “Not that I don’t get it.” Shiro’s grin was wicked, but also incredibly alluring. “Anyway, since I was with Asha, I thought I’d bring her along, she needs to get out and about sometimes. As for Daiyu… she can’t watch our mad scientist, as she doesn’t know much English. And she’s been holed up making talismans, it’s not healthy. So Eri volunteered to stay behind. She’s making an effort, I have to give her that.”

“I was making significant progress.” Daiyu’s Japanese was now excellent, showing her continued efforts to learn in her spare time. “But I do confess it was somewhat lonely. Not something I ever expected to feel. But one joy scatters a hundred griefs. I had given no thought to the day of my birth for many years, except for astrological predictions, but now… I find myself anticipating that day greatly.” She looked so adorable, her usually expressionless face somewhat shy, so I patted her head, and she flushed.

“I’m not sure whether people should be jealous of you or think you crazy.” Asuka-san observed, seeing the affectionate girls.

“Jealous, definitely.” My sis laughed. “It’s all my fault too, you know?” She confided cheerfully. “My bro was such a lame loser, but I encouraged him to follow his heart, and here we are!”

Asha was also drinking a mocktail, alcohol likely had little effect on Fae gestation, but she was taking no chances. She was still surprised by the mortal realm, having a lot less experience than Shaeula or Hyacinth, as she usually stayed around her Tree or our new estate, and the idols found that endearing.

“That reminds me.” Keiko-chan said with a smile. “Aiko-chan, you wanted to go backstage on Saturday, didn’t you? Don’t worry, I’ve made all the arrangements. You’ll be a VIP guest extraordinaire, you can meet the seniors in the group, try on our outfits, whatever you like!”

“Sounds awesome, wow, I’m hyped. But… I’ve got some friends…” she looked at me, and I shrugged.

“So long as it doesn’t cause trouble. It’s an event with a serious purpose.”

“No problem.” Ema-san piped up, the atmosphere now having fully calmed her down. “If Keiko invites you, Asuka and I can invite a friend each, right? And if we ask the seniors…”

“Cool, I’d really appreciate it, Kana-chan would be pissed off if she missed it. She’s not even taken today off work, so she could use a break. And…”

“You’ve got money, use it.” I told her, and my sis grinned. I guess she wants Yae and Rika-chan to come visit. I know they are big fans.

“I still do not understand the culture here.” Asha said quietly, a little confused. “But it is very lively.”

On hearing Asha was a Fae like Shaeula, the idol trio was shocked, and asked her a number of questions. My sis chimed in often, as did Shiro, leaving the quieter Daiyu and I to exchange warm glances. After that, talk turned to the competition.

“Motoko-chan and Natsumi-chan are fighting hard.” My sis said proudly. “They really don’t want to lose to each other. It’s a pride thing.”

“Yes, they are striving quite diligently.” Daiyu agreed. “They even sought my advice.”

“Not just them.” Shiro broke in. “Bellaera and Soliteare are fired up too. As for Aditi… well, she’s taken a different path, but who knows if it will pay off?”

“What are you talking about? If it’s a secret, it’s fine not to say…” Keiko-chan asked, and the other two nodded. My sis was fastest, whipping out her phone and loading a video of my first visit to London, with Motoko, Natsumi and Hyacinth all in their magnificent dresses.

“Hey sis, do you have every video out there about us?” I said, exasperated, and she stuck out her tongue at me.

“Wow, way to be big bro moonstone after a while. Sure, of course I have everything I can find about my sisters-in-law. Mom does too, trust me.” She looked at the idols conspiratorially. “Aren’t they gorgeous? More of my bro’s women, the lucky dog. Not a plain one amongst them. Not that I mind average looks, personality is what matters.” She exchanged a look with Shiro, and I had a feeling what she said next was going to be trouble. “We like honest, kind girls, hard workers too. Like Kana-chan, or Motoko-chan and Natsumi-chan.”

“It’s tough being an idol. Suzu thinks it’s all fun and games, but she has an advantage.” Shiro pointed out.

“That’s the Suzumebachi girl, right?” Keiko-chan giggled, and Shiro nodded.

“Yeah, I had to talk her out of wearing black and yellow stripes. With her blonde hair she’d look awful.” Shiro snorted. “But thanks to Aki and Arisu, she’ll at least get to have her dream debut, as she’s the opening act to warm the crowd up. It’s a gamble, but…” Shiro looked at the idols teasingly. “She’s got boundless stamina and grace thanks to the power she wields.”

“That’d be nice.” Ema-san sighed wistfully, before looking at her seniors in panic, waving her hands. “Don’t get me wrong, I love being in AKB48, it’s a dream come true, and I’ll work hard, but… it’s tough!”

“Yeah, I still feel bad that Tamami-chan turned down our offer of Chirurgery.” My sis sighed. “At least we still exchange messages regularly.”

“You mean Tamami-chan from red and White?” Keiko-chan asked, and my sis agreed.

“Yeah. We met when her show got messed up by some shit that went down in Kyoto. She’s also somewhat acquainted with some of bro’s colleagues. She knows what Chirurgery can do through them, but… she’s too modest.” My sis turned to me, steepling her hands together in a wheedling gesture. “Seriously bro, it’s hard and tough being an idol. Just look at today. Even if it’s not some psycho with Chosen powers, idols get stalked and harassed all the time. A bit of Chirurgery would make that risk a lot less. And it’d improve their performances!”

“It’s not something we can just give away…” I warned, and my sis looked to Shiro, who laughed.

“Sure it’s not. Hinata tells you to be sparing, but you give it out like candy at times. Whereas here, it’d make sense, Aki. After all, the live concert has to be a success. Besides…” Here it comes, I can see the gleam in her eyes that means she’s going to play a prank or cause trouble. The more cold, aloof Shiro really has changed, living with us all. But I think it’s for the better. She’s no longer got that sad, untouchable vibe about her…

“…there’s a lot of other benefits, you know. We’ve got an organisation, Adamant. It’s basically a private army, where everyone receives training and equipment, in exchange for loyal support. It doesn’t interfere much with your daily lives, in fact, it supports them. It also comes with a killer uniform.” Shiro teased.

“Fighting? I’m not… good at that. I’m an idol.” Ema-san said, and Shiro gently reassured her.

“Everyone struggles at first, but Adamant isn’t really expected to see much action, at least not any time soon. But think how brave you’d feel if you had the strength and skills to deal with that shit who harassed you today? Besides, it’s great for networking. A lot of the members are daughters of old families, rich companies and more. There are some rules, but in general, it’s a really good deal!”

“Eri will be mad at you again…” I warned, and Shiro shook her head, but it was my sis that answered.

“Nope, you’re doing Eri a disservice, bro. She’s changed, and she means it. I texted her the details, and our reasons, and she gets it. Honestly, I’m not kidding when I say I look up to idols. And not just for the awesome songs and performances. It’s like sport, you know?” My sis was serious, and I listened intently, as did the trio of idols. “The sheer dedication, the physical perfection, rigorous repetition, strict dieting, willpower and mental fortitude… seriously, what better allies could we make? Channelling that into training with aether and elements, and with combat skills… we’d end up with some really skilled and loyal people. Eri gets why you need those. I mean, look at today. If you didn’t have your cheats, bro, you’d never have made it in time. Kyoto to here in under sixty seconds…”

“I agree.” Daiyu nodded. “While I am searching for more disciples to learn Cultivation, and again, they are rather older than is usual… one cannot choose what to eat when one Is starving, and your Chirurgery makes up for a lack of talent or youth. With Spirit Water as well, and the knowledge I hold, the conditions for Cultivation are surprisingly promising.” Daiyu addressed them. “Would you care to learn?”

The three girls seemed confused, and I explained that Cultivation wasn’t just martial arts, but a way of strengthening the body and spirit.

“The best side effect of all…” My sis broke in, tapping her cheeks. “…is that having aether in your body helps with your skin. No more acne, blackheads or pimples! You won’t even need makeup, and your skin is resistant to wrinkles and stress.”

As the oldest of the idols, though she was still around my age, Asuka-san took the bait, looking closely at my sis and Shiro. “No way, you’re right. Can I?” My sis nodded, and Asuka-san ran a hand over her face, checking her fingers. “No makeup! And your skin is smooth as silk.”

“Hey, I was beautiful before.” My sis insisted. “But even my mom and auntie Hana are able to set aside their makeup most of the time.”

“The base boost is pretty sizeable. Increased strength, stamina, perception, learning speed… I bet you’d end up learning your routines and songs in a fraction of the time.” Shiro urged. “That would give you time to do your duties as members of Adamant, and… I guess Daiyu’s disciples?”

“Gains will snowball. Once you master refining Qi, you can strengthen your body to superhuman levels. I would demonstrate, but I have no wish to cause trouble here.”

“Don’t.” Shiro agreed. “I’ve a lot of good memories here at Bar Sekirei. Eri really should have some though…” Shiro winked at me maliciously. “There’s pictures of all the Sekirei on the walls, maybe she could have observed Benitsubasa…”

Shit, Eri talked. Well, I do want them to share everything and get along, but this is embarrassing.

“Why do I feel I’m missing something?” Keiko-chan asked, and Shiro winked at me again, enjoying seeing me flustered.

“It’s a secret. Though I daresay we don’t have secrets from Adamant, once you’ve given the Oath to Shaeula.”

“I… have to say, I’m interested.” Keiko-chan said at last. “Not about what makes Akio-kun blush like that… though I guess I’m curious, but… I never want to feel so helpless again, you know.” She hugged Ema-san. “If I had the strength to help, I would have. It’s scary, but…”

“Ever since Kyoto, the first Kyoto…” my sis said seriously, her cheerful demeanour banished, replaced by an intense aura. “…we’ve learned the world isn’t safe. People died. Good people, under my bro’s care. It wasn’t his fault and he saved four lives, but… since then, we know that having the strength and wisdom to protect ourselves and others is the only way. You had a shitty day, and I don’t want to pressure you, but… there’s no better chance to seize your own destiny. And while my bro can’t always be there to protect you, if you’re one of us… well, there’s strength in numbers, right?”

The three of them exchanged glances and asked for some privacy. As they moved to another booth for a moment, I asked my sis and Shiro if they were sure, Daiyu too.

“Of course.” Daiyu agreed. “Motoko and Natsumi, as well as Hinata’s bodyguard Kazumi, and Miyu and her bodyguard Michiru will be the first disciples I train. Hinata refused, but she believes she has another path. But a Sect cannot merely be the seven of us. I have not just been studying runes and talismans.” She looked at me earnestly. “I intend to choose some promising members from Adamant. It is far from a flawed idea…”

“Yeah, we get why Eri was soured on it. We weren’t tactful.” Shiro apologised. “Look, I’m a jealous woman, but I’m also not a fool. Better to follow Shaeula’s path, and delight in my man being the most popular, most desirable, and the best, than to let the jealousy eat me up inside. But that requires confidence. I’m confident you’ll always seek me, after all, Aki, I’m Shirohime, and I’m beautiful, witty, and know you inside out. Shaeula thinks the same way. Eri… she didn’t have the confidence. She knows you love her, but… hey, you still left her behind for years. It’s hard for that not to leave a scar.”

“That’s right. But now… she’s finally reconciled her true feelings with the reality of the now. She’s not scared anymore. Even if you slept with everyone in Adamant, took them as concubines, Eri knows that your feelings for her are hers alone. Not that I think you should start becoming a Casanova. That’d be such a moonstone move!” My sis warned me. “You’re right to worry about your time. That’s why we brought Daiyu and Asha out today. It’s hard to get time with you, even when you’re split in two.”

“I do not mind, I am a Dryad, I am used to solitude, and soon… I will have our daughters.” Asha assured me, and that made my heart ache. Yeah, once I accepted Shaeula, and then Hinata… I’d already shattered my promise to Eri, and my ability to call myself a faithful man. Not much difference between three and five, or even ten. But what happens if it is twenty, fifty, a hundred? In stories it just works, but if each girl only gets ten minutes a day… no way they or I could be happy. But…

“I mind.” I shook my head. “Asha, I didn’t fully understand what it meant for a Dryad to share her kiss, and I’m sorry I was so dense, but… I love you. You’re the mother of my children, and a beautiful, kind woman in your own right. I want to spend time with you! With everyone! But right now we’re trying to firefight. Once we all grow strong enough to not have to worry, to protect Earth, then… well, hopefully we can relax!”

“Naïve.” Tan declared, one of Shiro’s eyes turning crimson. “Once a trial is overcome, greater trials oft lie beyond. But… to an extent you are correct. The higher Astral is full of dangers you can hardly imagine, but life unfolds over decades, centuries, millennia. There will be time for calm, so long as we have the strength for it.”

We, huh? Shiro didn’t miss that either, and I nodded. “So Asha, seek me when you’re lonely, when you want to see me, and I’ll do the same.”

“Wow, big bro is on fire today. Turning on the charm!” My sis laughed happily. It was then that the three idols came back, having made up their minds.

“Uh…” Keiko-chan said, speaking for them all. “In theory, we think… it’s not a bad idea. But if we could hear more about just what’s expected of us…”

“Leave it to me!” Shiro pumped her fist. “Daiyu, you explain your bit.”

With that, they returned to the other booth and were talking animatedly, while Asha looked on, quietly amused, and my sis was ecstatic.

“This is going to be the start, bro! When the other members of AKB48 see their improvement, they’ll want it too. And I can use this to persuade Tamami-chan she should join in too…”

“Just keep it in moderation. Think of Eri…” I warned, and my sis giggled.

“Sure thing, bro. But what does it matter?” She narrowed her blue eyes. “Unless you’re actually thinking of pulling rank and adding them to your harem, having them in Adamant shouldn’t be an issue, the more the merrier.”

“My conscience is clear.” I insisted piously. “It’s just…”

“Yeah, I’m just teasing you, bro. Relax.” My sis finished her drink noisily. “It’s kind of cool, seeing how you spent your time at university. I think I like it here. That aside, it’s all publicity. Idols have a grip on the youth of Japan, don’t they? Having them as your supporters is one of the reasons why we are having the concert, right? It’s not just about fundraising, but your public image. And with the events of the day… you need it more than ever.”

“It is like the Seelie Court. There are many factions, and they are often at odds. Though humankind seems even more tangled and complicated.” Asha observed.

“No kidding.” My sis agreed. “When you think about it, there’s a lot more people in Japan than there are Fae in the entire Seelie Court. Stands to reason everything is such a mess. That’s why we have laws and the police and the government. And why we need influence.”

“True. But more than that… we need to stop people misusing their powers. Every single one is precious.” I narrowed my eyes, annoyed again.

“At least you’ve picked up another. No way you’ll let that pervert keep his Favour, will you?” my sis pointed out, and I nodded.

“True. There might be some paperwork involved, but legally under the Ministry laws, just like a deadly weapon can be confiscated, so can a misused ability…”

“Great. Seeing how hard everyone is competing for Jumong’s Favour, I feel a bit bad I could have pretty much scooped it up right away if I wasn’t so magnanimous.” My sis boasted proudly. “It’s better to have it in our hands.”

I hope you’re right. But so much is happening all at once at the moment it’s hard to be sure. But we are putting plans in place to ensure we can handle the fallout…

********

“That wasn’t any fun, you bully!” Ema-san pouted. “I’ve been defiled! I’ll have to retire before I ever made centre!” Her off-colour quip was mostly a joke, and hearing it I was relieved, as since she was able to make such a joke, she must have been able to put her earlier ordeal behind her, at least a little.

“Don’t be so dramatic, Ema.” Keiko-chan sighed. “It did hurt, but it’s no worse than going to the dentist. Just… over the whole body. Oh, I guess it was rather bad.”

“It’s like dieting.” Asuka-san pointed out. “When we’re so hungry doing endless repetitions of our routines that it hurts, we’re not doing that because it’s fun. I’m more concerned with the benefits…”

In the end, the three idols had agreed, and I had borrowed a back room to perform the Chirurgery. Even with my improved Skill, it was impossible to remove the pain entirely, but I did what I could. They had also accepted studying under Daiyu, though they weren’t sure when they would have the time, but Daiyu, her expression resolute, advised them that when they realised they could perform far above their limits, they would have time for other matters, and she hoped to see them on Monday. Using some of her time up, huh? Well, I did say her birthday was her day to do as she pleased. If that’s what she wants, it’s a good time to make that phone call. I do have to prepare some birthday presents after all…

“Our manager has been calling.” Keiko-chan said, checking her phone. “And leaving messages. She’s worried, it makes sense. We should go.” She bowed to us all, grateful. “Thanks for everything. Although…” Keiko-chan seemed a little shy. “…she’s asking if she can meet you to thank you for rescuing us.”

“That’s not necessary. And honestly, I’m really quite busy…” I tried to refuse, but my sis rolled her eyes at me, irritated.

“Sure you’re busy bro, I wouldn’t try to say you’re not, but this is an opportunity, opportunity! Time to sell yourself and your benefits beyond the concert, bro! I can see it now, armies of highly trained idols under my… err, I mean your command!”

So that’s her angle. Though… Shiro nodded at me. And even Daiyu looked interested, perhaps wondering if she could find more suitable candidates to start training for her Sect. Asha had no opinion, but she spoke gently. “I know you are eager to return to work on my Tree, you feel a great urgency to strengthen our position. But chance meetings can often lead to great Fortune. It was the same for me.”

“I can’t argue with that.” I agreed. “Fine, I’ll go greet your manager, at least. But I can’t stay too long.”

“Great!” Keiko-chan smiled, relieved, and I cast my thoughts out to Eri, informing her we’d be a bit late back. Her reply was nigh-immediate and rather irritated, though not with me.

Miss Bakker is so very, very frustrating and aggravating! When are you coming back, I don’t want to deal with her anymore? She’s worked out I’m not normal from how I move or something like that, and she’s constantly pestering me about my abilities!

Sorry about that, yes she’s very… passionate… about her work. Just tell her if she bothers you too much she’ll answer to me. As for Christina Bakker… yeah, I was going to sort out what we were doing with the returned citizens when Eleanor arrived, but we got distracted by the competition and Miss Aditi’s participation. Oh well, it can’t be helped. By the way, can you get someone to relay a message into the Boundary? I’d like Bjarki to prepare me a supply of our best materials.

Making something, are you? That’s great, I did love the axe and battle dress you crafted for me. Let me guess, a birthday present for Daiyu? You made me those for my birthday.

You know me so well, though I have a few other matters I want to look into while I’m doing it. Fortunately our Warehouse and forges are near Asha’s Tree, so I can kill two birds with one stone. I also had a matter I was considering for a while, and now seemed the right time. I fired off a text message, asking for permission, and waited for a response. My sister was pulling my arm, eager to get going, so I gave up and let her drag me along. There’s just no damn time. My week ahead is packed, no, my month ahead… if only other Chosen would stop causing trouble…

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