On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Twenty-Nine

“So here we have an artificial hot springs.” Hinata said happily. Beside the main mansion was a small grove of cypress and cherry trees, which naturally drew Asha’s attention. Passing through the thicket revealed a number of pools giving off warm steam and a relaxing scent of minerals, surrounded by hinoki-wood platforms and seats. A large glass dome covered the springs, offering a view of the sky above, though the surrounding lights of Tokyo would likely mute the effect somewhat. “The machinery underground is quite complex, and expensive to run, but it’s a work of art, really.”

Shiro glanced up at the glass roof. “Yeah, I can’t argue having a hot spring all to ourselves would be awesome, but I’d be a bit worried about peeping. A helicopter flying overhead could look down into the hot springs, and I don’t want Aki to get sent to prison for blasting them out of the air.”

Hinata giggled at that. “I never thought you’d be so shy, Shiro. But I understand.” Hinata flushed, remembering the past. “I bathed with Akio once. It was embarrassing, but… now I understand more, I’d like to do it again, and not just with him. All of us together, laughing and playing…”

“And drinking fine-fine alcohol!” Shaeula interjected. “I believe traditionally in your lands, that is a must-must.”

“Yes, that too.” Hinata agreed happily. “So don’t worry, Shiro. I too have my womanly pride. And no daughter of nobility should ever let a man who is not her husband see her naked body. Besides, you’re right. I don’t want to make Akio jealous, or upset him.” She snuggled against my arm cheerfully, enjoying giving us the tour. “So don’t worry, the glass is special, from above it’s entirely opaque. Nobody can see in.”

“This makes me wonder…” Kana said, and Eri nodded. The two exchanged glances, and then both sighed, completely in sync. Yeah, the two of them are surprisingly alike. “It’s obvious this estate was the home of someone very important, just how did you persuade them to sell?”

“By paying way over the odds. But more importantly, the rich can rebuild elsewhere, but a favour from Akio is priceless.” Hinata pointed out. “For us, it’s a matter of security. Your shrine, Kana-chan, it’s going to be gradually transformed into a fortress as well, but the position isn’t entirely favourable. Here… no, that’s for later.” She rubbed her hands together in glee, casting one more glance at the hot springs. “Tonight we will have to try it out.”

Kana flushed red, but said nothing, and Hinata led us back towards the mansion. Once inside the spacious foyer, she pointed out that a number of maids and other staff would be needed, and ideally they should be recruited from loyal candidates and trained up so as not to be a liability. Shiro and Shaeula exchanged glances, before Shiro shrugged. “Yeah, I’ve got some ideas in mind. It’s just like the Imperial Court, no men allowed in the Emperor’s harem, right Aki?” she winked playfully.

“I think Yukiko-san might get offended if you call me an Emperor.” I pointed out, only for Tsukiko, who had been rather quiet, to surprise me.

“Yukiko is less concerned with her lineage than you imagine. It was a constant burden to her, for she never felt she was the image of an Imperial Princess. Besides, I think she is happy enough to have someone that understands the weight she bears as her friend. After all…” her ruby eyes glimmered with emotion. “…those of such lineage are often sought out by others for selfish, predatory reasons. Yukiko was always worried that people were only kind to her or showed interest because she was of the Imperial Family. But you… you value her for her talents. And you have similar burdens. I daresay you can offer each other much solace.”

I remembered the time we had drank together in Kyoto after the funeral, and nodded. Yeah, that was bittersweet fun. But… the times were full of sorrow. Now… “Yes, we should go drinking again. But you’ll have to come too, Tsukiko. It’ll be something you’ll enjoy experiencing, I promise.”

“A flower on each arm, huh. Aki’s being a winner in life again.” Shiro pointed out. Hinata led us all into the basement, where a large swimming pool and gym, not unlike the training school, if smaller in scale, was found. There was also an underground garage, though it was currently empty.

Daiyu looked approvingly at the equipment, as physical conditioning was important to her, Motoko and Natsumi also investigating them, though at the light weight of the machinery, Daiyu then frowned, a touch displeased.

“Yeah, we’ll need more custom weights.” I agreed. “But ordinary gear is useful still for some of us.”

“What’s that?” Eri asked, pointing to one wall of the garage, where some strange symbols had been marked.

“A great question.” Hinata approved. “That is where the tunnel to Tokyo bay will be dug. Here.” she produced a set of blueprints she was keeping in her bag. Spreading them out, she cheerfully explained. “The hillside here was chosen as the location for our home for a number of reasons. Firstly, there’s no way you can live anywhere less than a mansion, Akio. You have to keep up appearances. Besides…” she winked at Motoko. “…as a proud daughter of Tsumura house, and me of Takatsukasa house, it would hurt our image if we weren’t living in luxury. But the second reason is the location. Centrally located, though with a tunnel it should still be possible to reach Shirohebizumi shrine in mere minutes. But more importantly… the hills themselves… while this basement was the most that could be done before, the structural integrity of the subsurface and underlying rock not suitable for deeper delving, with some research by Ixitt…”

She continued to explain, extremely excited and animated as she discussed the future plans. “…we can actually dig far deeper, and set up multiple sub-basement areas. The first will be a bunker-style safehouse, stocked with supplies and able to withstand even nuclear blasts. Then there will be the escape tunnel you’ve seen, which will link to an underground submarine dock on the Bay. Of course, we’ll also have a more standard mooring above. I think it would be nice to take a vacation on a yacht.” She said dreamily, and Eri and Kana exchanged glances, Kana visibly excited at the prospect.

“Don’t worry, grandfather is looking into customising a suitable mega-yacht for us. And a private plane too. Both will be very useful.” Hinata promised.

“Really?” Eri asked, still unable to believe it, and it was Motoko who spoke, her tone a little wary.

“I do envisage so. We will be travelling internationally a lot more soon. London was just the first step. Now that everyone knows about Akio and the rest of us, and what we can do…” she paused. “Akio, I was going to tell you, but grandfather, Fujiwara-sama and the others are receiving many overtures from foreign countries and requests for aid. It would be helpful to have secure transportation, which can also double as a fortress if required.”

That does make sense, but… Shiro agreed with me, as she was dubious. “Yeah, I get why we wouldn’t want to fly on a normal plane, but… it’s not like a boat or a private jet can’t be shot down by missiles or something.”

“Leave that to Ixitt.” Hinata grinned. “Obviously we will have to make do for now, but he’s got a lot of ideas to make them into mobile fortresses.”

“I’m getting goosebumps. Eri, pinch me!” Kana was babbling, only to cry out as she actually did. Rubbing her arm, she pouted at the slyly smiling girl. “Oh come on, you know that was a figure of speech.”

“I couldn’t resist. But I get it. It was only three months ago I flew for the first time in my life. Now we’re talking about having our own plane.” Eri sighed. “I need to work harder, or I’ll just feel so shameless.”

“Good that you recognise it.” Shiro grinned. “But then, it’s not like I don’t get it. I’ve always been poor as dirt too. But at least I’m earning my keep…” her face fell a little. “I just wish it was as more than a damn buff-bot for your Tree, Asha!”

“All right, that’s enough of that.” I headed off this unproductive line of thought, rubbing both Eri’s and Shiro’s heads gently. “Eri, you’re right. You do need to work harder, but not because I’m not satisfied. Just… we don’t want to repeat the past. As for you Shiro… I know you’re messing with me, but you’re more to me than just your buffs, but to be honest, you and Asha are playing the most vital role right now, so there’s no need for sorrow.” What we need most urgently is ether, endless amounts of it, so we can Rank up Territories then develop infrastructure. And now we have that covered. At least in the Rank four realms… ugh, I don’t even want to think about Rank five yet…

“Akio is cooorrect.” Hyacinth, who had been absorbing everything quietly, looking delighted by the new home, grinned, eyes sparkling. “Hyacinth thinks that every mistress is important, nobooody is useless. Akio needs you all. But I want tooo be better, dooo more. and if you need help, I will give it!”

“You have come a long-long way.” Shaeula said happily. “I remember when we received you in that box, I did-did think you were a threat.” She sighed. “It seems I must learn to overcome my own-own prejudices. Especially now.”

“Thanks Hyacinth.” Eri said, her expression solemn. “No, I get it. It’s just…”

“She’s always like this.” Aiko said suddenly. She had tagged along with us, despite our families being shown their own home by Fukumoto Kenji-san. Fortunately, for once she had read the mood and was letting all the girls get excited and talk amongst themselves. “Eri doesn’t have much self-esteem, even now. She’s getting better, but…” as Eri pouted, my sis continued, her smile sly. “…when she was ahead of me, I was the one who felt bad. Now that I’ve got a Divine Favour, Eri feels she’s fallen behind again. How the roles have reversed.”

“Aiko!” Eri protested, embarrassed, and there was laughter.

“All right. Enough moping. Hyacinth is right. You’re all mine and I’m yours, and we’ll help each other to achieve our potential and see our dreams come true. There’s no time for anxiety or feeling depressed. This is a happy day. After all…” I grinned. “…while the home I have at Shirohebizumi is great, doesn’t this one feel like the sort of home newlyweds move into?” At that, there were suddenly eleven blushing faces, and my sis, laughing uproariously, tears streaming down her cheeks at their embarrassment. Still, she gave me a thumbs-up, and seeing how the atmosphere had changed for the better, I turned back to the blueprints, exploring the plans for the remaining underside of the hill…

********

“Yeah, thought so. Another custom bed. This one’s even bigger.” Shiro pointed out, as we checked out my room, the largest in the house. The bed indeed was massive, easily able to hold a half-dozen people comfortably, and more if we all snuggled together. There was a large walk-in wardrobe too, full of my suits and other clothing, as well as an en-suite bathroom. A desk was set up with my computer, and there was a huge, top-end TV on the wall. Probably to keep Shaeula entertained while I work. I have to say, it puts Shirohebizumi to shame, and I thought that was luxurious. It’s like a five-star hotel…

“It does-does make sense.” Shaeula said, admiring it. This was on the third floor, and there had been some competition between the girls on who would get the other five rooms on the top floor. I don’t see why it matters, other than this master bedroom, they are all comparable. Women’s minds are a complicated thing. I suppose it has a slightly nicer view, but the rooms on the second floor all have balconies too… “After all, Akio has to share-share his love widely.”

Shaeula, Shiro, Eri and Hinata had all laid their claims to the top floor, while Hyacinth didn’t mind, and Motoko didn’t want to put herself above Natsumi, so they took one of the eleven bedrooms on the second floor. Kana was also happy enough there, as were Asha and Daiyu. In the end, since she was a newcomer, it was decided that Tsukiko would have the final room on the third floor. She seemed shy and didn’t want to take it from anyone else who wanted it, but after some discussion it was decided.

“Really, it makes no difference.” I laughed. “It takes less than a minute to go up or down a floor. We’re all together.”

“You don’t get a maiden’s heart bro.” My sister complained. “So anyway, where’s my room?”

“You…” I rolled my eyes. “…get to stay in your own home!”

“You can stay with me when you visit.” Eri promised. “The rooms here are massive anyway, and when we were in Nishimorioka we huddled together in our tiny rooms and slept over…”

“Don’t let mom hear you call our house tiny. Even if it was.” My sis stuck out her tongue. “I guess that’s fine. Besides…” she smirked. “…if there’s sixteen rooms other than yours bro, that means there’s only five left. You’ll soon fill those up. I suppose Natsumi-chan and Motoko-chan will share often, but… better think about an annex… hey, don’t do that!” I flicked her on the forehead playfully, and she pouted.

“No stirring up trouble. Anyway…” We had checked out the rooms, and each had their own character. Strangely enough though, Shiro’s and Shaeula’s were both similar, with games consoles, anime and manga stacked on shelves. Though Shaeula also had a large fridge full of booze. Motoko and Natsumi’s rooms were elegant and plain, though they were well-stocked with clothes and necessities for both Tsumura Arts and being a daughter of nobility. That reminds me. It seems that there were a couple of outbuildings behind the house for storage, but one of them has been retooled into a dojo so they can practise. The second is going to be turned into an archery range as well… Since the plan was to have supplies cached underground, those buildings were obsolete. There was also a detached outhouse for live-in servants. This truly is the height of luxury… It’s almost scary.

Kana’s room was what I imagined a typical high-schooler’s room would look like, and while she told us she’d only be here half the week, she was still looking forward to it, and having her friends over to brag. Daiyu’s was probably the most unusual room, as everything within it had to be placed in terms of feng shui, and her decorative sense was… interesting… to say the least. Eri’s room was rather plain, while Asha’s wasn’t completed yet, but it was full of numerous plants and trees in pots, like an indoor garden. Hyacinth… oddly enough, she was too embarrassed to let me in. The girls went inside, and came out with complicated expressions on their faces, which made me curious, but seeing such a cute side of Hyacinth, which wasn’t common, I let it slide. That left Hinata’s room, which she showed off proudly. It shared some similarities with Motoko’s and Natsumi’s, having her school supplies, Hanafubuki uniforms and more, but she also had a number of computers matching Shiro’s room, which surprised us.

“I have a lot to keep track of. Stock prices, worldwide events, company mergers and more. I’ve got to make sure we’re taking advantage of every opportunity.” She smiled happily. “Yes, grandfather pays people to do a lot of the work for me, but I like to double-check myself when I’m free, and it’s all good practice.”

“She’s got it bad.” Shiro commented to Eri on seeing Hinata’s enraptured expression.

“Yes, but I don’t hate it.” Eri said, looking on warmly. “Hinata’s been good to us.”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I? We understand, don’t we?” Motoko, Natsumi and Shaeula all agreed. “We have to get along, and not just in the ordinary way, as wives and concubines have to in the nobility. Our lives, Akio’s life, is in our hands. We have to be closer than sisters.”

“I expect you’ll still fight then. After all, bro and I, we’ve had a few scraps in our time.” my sis said, only to flush as Eri stared at her silently, her black eyes calm. “What?” she managed at last, and Eri rolled her eyes mockingly.

“Fight with Akio? I can’t even remember the last time you did. If you thought he was upset with you, you’d start crying and calling out “bro, bro, I’m sorry!”

“No way, you’re remembering it wrong!” my sis shot back, her face scarlet. “If anyone did that, it was you! If bro frowned, you’d follow behind him like a lost puppy, and…” As they argued, embarrassing each other, laughter filled the air, a pleasant sound, turning this new house into a home…

********

“So yeah, you want a traditional Japanese-style room then?” I confirmed with Tsukiko, who nodded.

“It is what I am used to. I would be more comfortable that way.”

“Okay, but you have to have a proper bed, not a futon.” Shiro grinned mockingly. “You’ll need it.”

As Tsukiko flushed in answer, we were all sitting in the spacious living room on the ground floor. We had fully explored the house, Hinata and to a lesser extent Eri showing the place off. There was a room for relaxation, which even had some Western amenities like a pool table and darts, and a number of other smaller rooms, as well as an impressive kitchen, spacious dining hall and more. As we explored all of this, Hyacinth had unleashed a great tide of aether, blessing the house to bring it good fortune, which had improved her mood immensely, and she was almost vibrating with joy as she sat with the rest of us.

“This feels more like a Western mansion than a Japanese house.” I mused.

“That is only natural.” Motoko agreed. “Traditional Japanese mansions are surprisingly uncomfortable. Miyu-san would tell you that the Fujiwara household spends most of their time in their Western-style home rather than their ancient Japanese one. We are the same.”

“Preserving traditional Japanese architecture, traditions and behaviours are important.” Natsumi agreed. “But even we cheat a bit. While our finest cloth is woven traditionally, we do use Western and modern looms for mass-production. Not all that is modern is bad.”

“So, now that we’ve explored everything, what’s next, bro?” my sis asked, and I grinned.

“For me? My Material body is staying here for now. But those of you who are visiting the Spring…” I looked at her, Shaeula, Hyacinth and Asha. “You’d best think about heading back to Shirohebizumi.”

“Good point!” she said. “I don’t want to miss this. Oh wait, I never did check out my own room. An oversight!” She slapped her forehead in mock-sorrow, earning more laughter.

“There’s time for that later.” I promised. “Speaking of… they should be done soon. In fact, I’m surprised they aren’t already.” As we chatted and lounged around, Hinata’s grandfather entered the room, followed by father and uncle Mori, as well as…

“Hey boss, uh… both bosses!” The blonde-haired Suzu said, her usual drill-tails bouncing happily. “Fancy seeing you here?”

“Hey, you’re that girl from Kyoto!” My sis declared, and Shiro pinched her nose, clearly exasperated.

“Don’t be an idiot, Suzu. You don’t expect me to believe you were breaking into high-end houses at random and it just so happened to be ours…”

“You’d be surprised.” She smiled, though a momentary shadow crossed her features, almost unnoticeable, but my keen eyes caught it. “But no, you told Arisu-chan about your move, right? So I came over, and brought a gift, although…” She looked around at the sheer number of girls sitting about the room, the box of what looked like cake in her hands trembling. “…seems there’s not going to be enough to go around. What a mistake!”

“She evaded security quite expertly.” Fukumoto-san said, impressed. “Fortunately we are up to date on your associates, Akio-kun, so there weren’t any accidents. Even so…” he addressed her sternly. “…trespassing is a serious crime, and if something bad was to happen…”

“Oh, I’m hard to kill.” She frowned, putting down the cake. “Though you’re right. If I get scarred, especially before my debut, that would be a disaster. Idols have to have skin as smooth and beautiful as silk.” She sat down beside Shiro. “So… yeah.” She clapped her hands together, tilting her head, trying to look endearing, and I had to admit she was very pretty, but she was the archetypal airhead, so she was also very frustrating.

“Out with it.” Shiro ordered her. “What do you want?”

“Can’t I bring you a housewarming gift?” she said, before letting out a little nervous giggle. “It wasn’t a good one, I admit…”

“I’ll still eat it.” Kana said cheerfully, taking the box. “Does anyone else want some?”

“You can’t fool me.” Shiro persisted. “You’d better confess, or else.”

“Oh, so scary!” She shuddered theatrically, before steepling her hands under her chin, gazing at us with watery blue eyes. “But you’re right, shrewd as ever boss, you know me so well. So… uh, things have been a little rough for me recently, and I’ve got my mind on the big performance. This is going to be my breakthrough, so I can’t screw it up. But… money’s tight, you know, and it’s … never mind.” She didn’t want to talk about her circumstances much it seemed, though Shiro seemed to know something, by the knowing look in her dark eyes. “Then Arisu-chan said about your new home, and I looked it up, and I thought…”

“I can see where this is going…” Eri complained, only for Suzu to deny it.

“No way! I wouldn’t make a move on her man, besides, Akio-kun’s my boss too.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Besides, I’m an idol. And I don’t do shady business. I’m as pure as the winter snow. But…”

“I’m surprised.” Shiro said, her curiosity getting the better of her. “You don’t trust easily, do you Suzu? Arisu is the only one you really turn to when you need help. I don’t know where you’ve been staying, but… a young girl alone in a foreign country, it’s a bit risky, even as a Chosen.”

“Hey, it’s not a foreign country! I’m Japanese!” she insisted, drawing bemused looks from my father and uncle Junpei. “There’s a lot of cheap places to sleep. Manga cafés are nice, and you can stay there all night. Internet cafés too. And I’m not so weak and foolish to get caught out. Idols have to be smart and tough!” She boasted. “But… I’ll be honest. It’s starting to get me down a bit. And I have too much to do in the future. I need somewhere I can settle down, so I can practice. And here isn’t so far from my Territory, is it?” She swallowed, before putting on her most winning smile. “So, boss, Akio-kun, I was thinking, maybe I could have a room in one of the other houses around here? I won’t be any trouble, and then I’d be about when you needed me, so long as I wasn’t practising, which I admit I need to do a lot, I’ve got to perfect the choreography for my new songs for the concert, and…” As she spat out a rapid stream of words, I held up a hand to stop her, and Shiro questioned her again.

“That seems a bit of a departure for you, Suzu. You’ve always kept your independence. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve usually been satisfied with your performance in the Boundary, but… you don’t trust easily.”

“Of course I don’t. The world is full of wolves, betrayers.” She sniffed. “But I trust you, boss. I was wary of the other side of you, but I’m a good judge of character, you know? I can see she’s under control as well. And I get how you think. I know I understand you better than Arisu-chan does. She’s really confused by your changes. I’m not though.” She let out another little giggle. “And from watching how you trust Akio-kun, and by how he hasn’t abused me or Bunta-kun, as well…” she looked around at the girls, winking. “…as seeing how you all trust him, I thought I’d reach out. To be honest, life is hard. I know being the world’s top idol was never going to be easy, it’s the path of the warrior, but… I’m envious. I want a place I can practice in peace.” She looked at me earnestly. “It’s not a loss for you either, Akio-kun. I’m your Vassal, so you want me on hand, right?”

“I do not know quite what is going on…” my father said, after listening to the conversation. “But…” He looked at Suzu, a little sympathy in his eyes. “A young girl should not be sleeping in such places. If the worst happens… are you a runaway?”

“No way.” She protested. “I’m here to make my debut as an idol. And I know it’s not ideal, but we all have to sacrifice for our dreams, right? But… the bosses won’t abandon me.”

“Akio, you are a man, so take responsibility…” As uncle snorted, he amended his words. “Not in that manner, you have done quite enough of that, but… she said she was your Vassal, so that means you have a duty to her, no?”

“That’s right.” I admitted. “I always planned to look out for you and my other vassals, Suzu. Bunta-san is happy enough now working for the Ministry, and I’ve no worries about Haru, Miyu or Shuta-san.” I turned to the others. “I don’t suppose it matters if she bunks down in one of the smaller houses, does it? After all, they’re for guests.”

“I’d feel better about it, really.” Shiro said, and after nobody raised any objections, Suzu clapped her hands, delighted.

“That’s great. Finally I can settle down.” she said, relieved. Hinata asked her grandfather to make the arrangements to bring her stuff over, and Suzu bustled out after him, after promising to bring enough cake for all. Kana, Eri and Shaeula, who were all eating it without a care, were smiling, Kana saying that it was indeed rather good.

“With that interruption out of the way…” I said wryly. “Father, uncle, how’s the new home?”

“It is rather too good for us.” father said, with a rare display of self-mockery. “It does feel distinctly uncomfortable, having our children provide for us…”

“You’ve been suffering that for months.” My sis laughed. “So how was my room?”

“If you’d have come with us rather than trailing after your brother like you always do, you’d have seen it.” uncle Junpei chided her, and she looked surprised.

“Wow, rude! I’m so hurt. Eri, your dad is bullying me!”

As Eri chuckled, still eating cake, father continued. “Really, it is perfect. With our parents-in-law with us as well, we no longer have any worries. Although…” Junpei and father exchanged looks. “We decided we would not be a burden, a drain. We do have some pride. Emily and Hana will help around the house, while we… put us to work, son.”

“I think what dad and uncle are trying to say is, they’re proud of you and want to help.” Aiko said helpfully, and father scolded her, though he clearly didn’t mean it. As the banter continued, uncle was explaining to Eri about the home they would be living in, expressing curiosity about this one in turn, and I listened to the conversation with a satisfied smile on my face…

********

“I’ll see you at the Ring Gate.” I said, waving goodbye to Shaeula, Hyacinth and Asha, as well as my clearly thrilled sister, who hadn’t calmed down once ever since she arrived in Tokyo earlier today.

“I know. Wow, I can’t wait. Seeing Shaeula’s homeland is going to be wild. Don’t be jealous Eri, your turn will come!”

As Shaeula snickered, Eri sighed. “Sure, you just have fun, Aiko. I’m content to relax here. Though I’ll have to spend some time with my parents since I’ve been away from home.”

“Do not-not worry. We shall see you soon.” Shaeula promised, pulling my sister into the limousine and shutting the door, cutting off her excitement. As the car pulled away, I was left with the others and we returned to the living area.

“It still feels weird, you being able to be in two places at once.” Kana said. “Even though I’ve seen it. I wonder what it’s like?”

“Headache inducing.” I said honestly. “The doubled sensory input is bearable, I’ve been expanding my vision using aether for quite a while, and Split Thoughts were able to help with that. It’s the time dilation that does it…with one set moving slower, but… it’s not slower, as I’m still experiencing it at the normal speed. Damn, it’s paradoxical and impossible. Unless you experience it, you won’t understand it.”

“Yeah, it sounds useful, but I still don’t want to do it.” Kana said, finishing the last of her cake.

“It’s vital. After all, if Akio couldn’t do it, we’d be left lonely and alone in our new home.” Hinata winked. “Since it’s our first night… mother and father are letting me stay over.” Her face was red. “Akio can’t miss out on the Spring, but this way we are alone with him too, just like the others.”

“It’s a scandalous thing, even when engaged.” Natsumi laughed, teasing Hinata. “Her reputation would be totally ruined if you ever left her after this, Akio. Are you prepared, Hinata?”

“Don’t worry, there’s no danger of that.” I promised, while Hinata nodded.

“I’m no fool. I’ve been ready for this as soon as I proposed. Besides, you don’t get to lecture me, you and Motoko have already gone on ahead of me!” As they bickered gently, enjoying the closeness, I turned to the others.

“So, what do you want to do? At some point we’ll have to clear the Boundary here, even if we can’t Anchor it… oh, no, we could.” There’s options. We could extend an allied Territory, or Shiro or my sis could drop their Territory… “But as I’m already in the Boundary, I wouldn’t be able to accompany you.” I had just brought the last of the guests I had fetched back to the Ring Gate. This is going to be politically earth-shaking, I think… man, I’m deep in the politics of spiritual beings, who would have thought it?

“No, that won’t do.” Hinata shook her head. “If you’re not able to take part, that defeats the point. I have a suggestion.” As she spoke, her face was as red as a tomato. “How about… we break in the hot springs?”

To that there was a mixture of bold agreement, shy acquiescence and some silent embarrassment. Looking around at the girls, I couldn’t help but smile. Looks like I’ll be seeing two differing types of spring at once…