Talking
(Thoughts)
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[another chapter so soon? You lucky dogs]
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Flashback 10 minutes
later
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Sesshōmaru's POV
It's been ten minutes since I brought Tuare back to my floor in Nazarick. Though her physical wounds are healed, I know her voice will take time to recover. It vexes me more than I care to admit.
She begins to shiver. I extend my hand, summoning a small orb of warm light—like a larger version of a lighter's flame.
"Warmth."
With a quiet sigh, I rise from the bedside and walk to the bathroom. I splash cold water onto my face, hoping the chill will cleanse more than just exhaustion. Looking into the mirror, I see the weight of this world under my eyes. It's an unfamiliar heaviness.
"This world is a strain on my patience. A single pebble cannot halt time, but a boulder can destroy its path. If I am not vigilant, I might become that boulder."
Ryūko: "Then why bother protecting them at all?"
I pivot sharply, catching Ryūko Matoi's reflection in the mirror—scarlet-eyed, arms crossed. Her presence always feels like a storm barely restrained.
"Ryūko... I expected stealth, not lecture."
But I know why she's here.
"You know the answer."
She steps closer, placing a firm hand on my shoulder—not hostile, but fierce in its conviction.
Ryūko (angrily): "They'll shatter that cold, noble heart of yours! This world isn't like your old lands, and it's definitely not like Earth. Still, you try to shape it like it is."
Her words sting with truth. Ryūko rarely expresses concern this way—it's strange, but not unwelcome. Her fire is a mirror to my own icy resolve.
(Ryūko...) sighs (She's right. Back in the Feudal Era, strength drew followers. Here, compassion garners loyalty. I've shouldered everything alone, yet I have allies—even Nazarick lends aid. It is time I stop pretending otherwise.)
"It's time to reshape the laws of Re-Estize—for the people."
Ryūko smirks, her crimson eyes flashing with mischief as she dissipates into scarlet threads of Life Fiber, her laughter echoing ominously—no doubt racing off to inform Ragyo Kiryuin.
"Operation: Deliverance begins now."
Just then, I hear a raspy whisper behind me—Tuare. Relief floods my heart like sunlight breaking frost.
(She's awake... Thank you, whatever gods still listen.)
I return to the bedroom to see her searching the room with anxious eyes.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty."
Her eyes widen at my voice, a blush tinting her cheeks. She tries to speak, but I gently raise a hand.
"Don't strain yourself. Your voice needs rest. Mrs. Veyron, you are safe. Your sister Ninya is under my protection, and I vowed to bring you back to her. You're home now."
I brush my lips across her forehead. Her blush deepens, and her eyes well with tears.
As her tears fall, I pull her into an embrace.
"I'll protect you, Tuare. No monster—human or otherwise—will touch you again. One of my most trusted retainers, Sebas, will guard you. Rest now."
I glance down—she's already asleep, her breathing soft and even. A peace I rarely see in this cruel world.
(These girls... I've adopted them. I will shield them like kin.)
Suddenly, the door creaks open. A familiar silhouette enters—Akeno Himejima, one of my beloved wives and a formidable thunder priestess. She's dressed scandalously—no doubt to fluster me—but her beauty and confidence remain undiminished.
Akeno: "Master~ I just finished—oh my! Am I interrupting?"
I avert my gaze instinctively so Tuare doesn't misjudge the scene.
"In a way, yes. But could you please avoid such attire when we have guests? I'd rather not have her mistake you for… well, something else."
Akeno laughs, a crackle of divine lightning transforming her clothing into more formal robes as she steps closer.
Akeno: "My apologies~ I'll behave. I'm Akeno, priestess of lightning and one of Sesshōmaru-sama's wives. A pleasure to meet you."
Tuare: "Nice... to meet... you—"
Before she can damage her voice further, I place a calming hand on her shoulder and shake my head. Akeno's teasing smile fades to concern.
Akeno: "Oh, poor girl. Sesshōmaru, why haven't you healed her voice?"
My expression sharpens.
"Even I am bound by limits. Her injuries scar deeper than flesh. Magic can't mend what time alone must restore… and more."
I stride to the doorway, glancing back.
"Look after her for me, Akeno. Give her anything she needs. I must see to preparations."
Akeno: "She's in good hands, beloved."
She gives a gentle peace sign, her smile radiant.
I nod, then whisper to myself as I vanish from the room.
"Now… for Ninya."
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Present Time
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Ninya has just finished crying, her trembling figure still in my arms. Dyne, the group's cleric, speaks up respectfully.
Dyne: "I don't mean to sound rude, but… what exactly happened?"
Ninya clutches my robe tighter with each breath. I stroke her back gently as I respond.
"Ninya's sister was stolen by a corrupted noble. His fate is no longer a concern—let's just say... justice has been dealt."
(A lie, technically. The man now belongs to Ragyo's laboratories. Neuronist—and her torturous creativity—ensures his soul will never know peace again. I despise violators more than demons.)
The Swords of Darkness exhale in relief. Peter steps forward, eyes filled with awe.
Peter: "You're not at all what I expected, my lord."
I ruffle Ninya's hair, then glance at him with curiosity.
"And what did you expect?"
Peter looks sheepish.
*"A mysterious ruler from nowhere appearing just as Baharuth invades and rumors swirl of you saving villages? It sounded... far-fetched."
I let the words settle, then speak softly, with purpose.
"Skepticism is wise. When you hear tales too wild to believe—never accept. Always question. That principle has served me for centuries."
Peter: "Understood, my lord. Thank you… truly."
Peter: "Ninya, we should get going, don't you want to repay Sesshōmaru-sama's—"
He cuts off as Ninya suddenly kisses me. I freeze. Her lips are soft, trembling. At first, I feel a pang of hesitation—
(But arranged marriages happened young in noble courts. She's of age in this world, and if she's chosen this... who am I to deny her affection?)
A tap on my shoulder. Lukrut Volve stands there awkwardly.
Lukrut: "Uh... you do realize that's a guy, right?"
I burst into laughter, breaking the kiss as Ninya turns bright red.
"She's a girl. Her sister confirmed it. You just didn't notice."
Turning to Ninya:
"You didn't tell them?"
Ninya looks down, ashamed—but then the group steps forward, Peter in the lead.
Peter: "Ninya, whether you're a boy or girl doesn't matter. You're our comrade."
Dyne: "It's the heart that counts, not the gender."
Lukrut: "Kinda shocking, yeah. But we're your friends. That doesn't change."
Each member produces a black dagger, Peter speaking like a true leader.
Peter: "We made a promise to always have each other's backs. These blades are our bond. Now let's make that real."
Even Momon rises. I nod slowly, a rare smile gracing my lips.
"Thank you. You'll all be rewarded well for your loyalty."
As they file out, I catch Nfirea winking at me. I smirk as their silhouettes vanish.
"It's time I prepare for Shalltear's fall."