Shun sighed as he was finally able to let himself into his private study. He’d spent the day greeting dignitaries from other, smaller nations and representatives of large, influential families from various lands. He loved meeting new people, and he was always happy to forge new, prosperous bonds for the land he ruled and loved.

The constant flood of gifts was a bit tiresome. He and his sisters had plenty of jewels, fine silks, and other odds and ends to last a lifetime. If these people had taken the time to get to know the family they were presenting gifts to, they would’ve known that Liru and Lisu would prefer a sweet, exotic delicacy to another silken kimono, and he’d rather have a book of local folktales from their land than another blasted sword.

He had received one gift of extreme interest today… he just didn’t really know what to do with it. He slowly lifted a hand to his right shoulder and stroked a tiny, scaly figure wrapped loosely around his neck. A couple of hours ago, a traveling merchant that often made dresses for his sisters had gifted him a rarity discovered in a far off land - a small dragon, with deep blue scales and bright, clear blue eyes. She was a tiny species of water dragon, and she was only about the size of the cat his mother had taken in a few years ago. She had an adorable habit of blowing little water bubbles, and the twins had both cooed over her, instantly naming her Shizuku. He regretted that he had to remind them that they were about to embark on a long visit to Princess Yori of Hokkan, and the cold would be too harsh for the little creature.

Not that he needed the pet any more than his sisters did. He liked her quite a bit already, but he simply didn’t have the time to care for a pet properly, and once the Miko arrived, he'd have to travel, and that wouldn’t be good either.

He was just about to turn to his friend Shian, and ask if he could think of anyone to give the creature to, when there was a timid knock on the door, and a maid entered.

“I apologize for disturbing you, Sire, but… You did ask me to tell you as soon as I’d left Kasai-san…”

Shun looked up and smiled. “Of course, thank you. How is she? Did it go better this time?”

“No sir, she refused to even try her tea this evening…” She bowed her head. “I’m sorry, Sire. I tried everything that I could think of but it didn’t work…."

Shun sighed, but smiled. This was another frustration, yes, but a familiar one. The routine of it was almost comforting to him. “Is she presentable?” The maid nodded and Shun moved for the door. “Follow me with the tea, and we’ll get her to drink it soon enough…” He walked the familiar path to the private quarters of his childhood friend, and knocked on the door firmly three times, then softer twice. He wasn’t sure how, but over the years, this had become his custom. He then called through the door, getting an idea. “Chisaka-chan, I’ve got a present for you…”

Three firm taps, and two softer are echoed almost immediately by a faintly-heard but authoritative response. "If it is the same 'present' the maid has belabored me with for the last hour, I've no interest! Not even from my Emperor." Knowing all too well that he would have already questioned the maid, whom she of course knew reported to him, and gotten the report that she was both dressed for company and had refused her medicine, she waits only for him to open the door before continuing. "And I should think it below the Crowned Emperor of Kutou, to take up the duties of an incompetent maid." This kind of commentary is very familiar from Chisaka, when she is in one of her moods, for all in the palace knew well that she was quite fond of her personal maid. It was her own frailty that often irritated her, especially on days like this one, when she was just recovered enough to be frustrated by her own weakness.

When he enters, he'll find her reclined on a couch, which features one elevated end, specifically designed for the purpose it was currently serving, in supporting her partly upright. It is situated before a fire, and a blanket is tucked securely around her lower body, though she is rapidly becoming irritated with the impediment it enforces upon her motion as she sorts slowly through some papers. Her continued state of recovery shows in that she fails to sit entirely upright, even when he comes in, but her eyes are bright and clear. "You should really cut off all that absurd, ambassadorial toadying from Tanaka-san. He's as full of hot air as his father, and not half as subtle." She finds what she's looking for, and then rests back again, breathing a little hard as she buries her nose in the document. "How many swords did you get, this time?"

Shun left himself into the room, smiling. It seemed the grumpier she was, the more cheerful he became. "Now, don't be that way. She was only following orders. And besides, it's a new blend. It's supposed to be much sweeter, and I do wish you would try it." He laughs heartily at her question as he settles on a seat near her couch. "Only four this time. One was actually made with a carved crystal blade, very ornate." Laughter entered his soft green eyes. "And then the poor Ambassador tripped over himself bowing and dropped it. Court artist promised she could turn the shards into a lovely state by my sisters' birthday." He motioned the maid in and took the teacup in hand, setting it within her reach as he contriteness talking. "Yes, Tanaka Isa fool, but it is better to have the fool that I'm familiar with than to have to learn a new one. Now, for your present."

Reaching up, he gently lifted the little dragon from his shoulder. He took a moment to soothingly strike her scales before he carefully held her out to Chisaka. "May I present Shizuku, your new little companion…"

The little dragon made a curious sound, blew a few tiny bubbles, then took off, gliding gracefully across the short distance between them, and perching on the back of the couch to investigate her new mistress.

A haughty scoff met Shun's words. "So you drizzled honey on horse puckey, and you expect me to be excited?" She shook her head impatiently. "I drank that ridiculous broth that Otome has the nerve to call soup. Let me be. I'm busy.” She waved her hand impatiently, and adjusted her seat, face paling very slightly and forcing her to rest back again as she mumbled beneath her breath, clearly reading from the document in her hand. “Humblest greetings from your faithful servant, blah blah blaaaah... cursory toe-kissing paragraph… ah, trade relations.” As she continued reading down the page though, she multi-tasked, addressing Shun simultaneously. “His father has the intelligence not to make passes at a woman half his age and twice his influence. Tanaka-san does not. He’s a power hungry, war-mongering fool who wants to toady his way into your favor so you’ll support him in his father’s overthrow. No more, no less. I could see that without even trying.” A significant look to him revealed that she meant without the use of her significant, supernaturally powerful mental prowess. Without pause, she continued her commentary on the paper in her hand. “No, fifteen percent is absolutely unacceptable, and you know that, Hinata. If you-”

A tiny, serpentine form lofted itself onto the raised end of her couch, drawing her attention away from the page before her, and coaxing a smile onto the wan features. Instantly, she laid the work aside, reaching gently for the little creature. “Well, hello! Shi-chan? Ohhh, you’re beautiful! Such a sweet little dropling! Yeeessss!” The smile turned to Shun, and she laughed, a soft, whispery sound that ends in a muffled cough. “Where did you-?”

Shun laughed. “Your honesty is always refreshing. Chisaka.” He watched her read for a moment, and then shook his head. “As true as your assessment is, Tanaka is also the one in charge of deciding how much we can sell our excess rice to Sailo for, so I must allow him to remain until a more desirable arrangement can be made.”

He watched her work for some time, chuckling as she mumbled to herself. His smile softened a bit as she finally noticed the little dragon. “That traveling merchant the girls are so fond of… Hiroto-san, He found it on one of his trips abroad. I am given to understand that she favors seafood, and will not get much bigger than she is now.” He smiled as he watched the little dragon spirit sniff Chisaka curiously before making a happy little sound and blowing a few more bubbles. “Do you like her? I thought she might keep you company while you recover.”

He watched the little dragon for a long few moments before speaking up again. “And you know, the recovery would go quicker if you took your medicine. I have some royals from Zenchi coming in next week, and I would prefer my most trusted adviser to be well enough to,,, I don’t know, advise me…” He sighed. “I have the paper, will you really make me take it out?”

She snorted. “I don’t even like rice. And I certainly have no intention of sharing my rice with that primordial troglodyte for the rest of my thousand mornings.” A soft murmur. “Thirty percent tariff, first selection of-” Suddenly, and addressed to him. “-have enough trouble keeping anything down without that dishwater toad face mooning at me across the breakfast table.” Her attention was quickly absorbed by the little creature though, and she giggled softly at the bubbles, scratching luxuriously beneath the little reptilian jaw. “You know better than to impose a thirty percent tariff, don’t you, little dropling? Fool men, always fouling up everything with their persistent, ridiculous shows of power, influence, and sweatiness. Yeeesss…” The smile turned to Shun, deep blue eyes glittering up from beneath slightly-bedraggled teal hair, mussed by her leaning against the couch. “ She’s a little charmer. So clever… look!” Eyes returned to the little dragon, and she shook her head without looking at him again. “Zenchi? For that, you need a lead weight, not a diplomat. Apply directly to the skull with the strength of at least two horses. Subtlety and hint-taking is not their strength.” Another head shake. “I’ll be up by tomorrow, in any case. Whatever Otome says, fussy thing that she is… near had a fit when I dressed myself, this morning. Now…” She peered once again at the letter. “Thirty-percent tariff, first selection of products imported directly from-”

Shun raised an eyebrow, proving the implications of her comments on Tanaka were not lost on him. “Is that so? Well…Perhaps Hokkan would be interested in our excess rice instead. I have a good relationship with Sumiko because her daughter is so fond of the twins. I’ll ensure the proper inquiries are made… And I may have Shian help Tanaka pack his things.” Flirting with an interested party was one thing, but harassment was something entirely different, and the Emperor did not abide by it. It was too easy for him to envision his beloved little sisters as the target of such attentions, and Chisaka was one of his oldest and dearest friends.

He chuckled at her advice on how to deal with Zenchi. “True enough, but it is not the King or the Crown Prince this time. We’re being visited by the youngest two sons, and I’ve heard that Prince Hai is the black sheep of the family…which means he may actually be reasonable.”

He watched her continue to work for a bit, and smiled as the dragon move to curl over one shoulder to nuzzle her ear affectionately. He also chuckled at her comments to the dragon. “I’ll have you know that I am not sweaty, as I’ve scarcely had the chance to move around that much all day, and I would not try to use my power and influence if you did not see fit to force my hand. Every. Single. Time. So…” Leaning forward, he gathers up her various papers and stretched to set them out of her reach before dropping another piece of paper - pulled from an inner pocket - onto her lap. “And before you say your eyes are too tired to read it, it says… ‘By Royal Order of the Sovereign Ruler of the Kuto Empire. Shun Yutai, One hundred and thirteenth Emperor in the Yutai Dynasty, It is hereby decreed that one royal adviser, Chisaka Kasai, should stop being a pain in the Emperor's royal ass, and should drink her damned tea before it gets cold. So signed, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.'” Crossing his arms, he sat back and looked at her. “You know I do hate using the blasted decree, Chi-chan…”

A shrewd brightness lit her eyes, which widened subtly. "The youngest sons, you say? Hmmm…" A tilt to her head indicated intense thinking. "A younger son is unlikely to have had as much direct contact with his father. Likely mostly raised by a private nurse and tutors, as he isn't the crown prince…" She scratched Shizuku again idly, beginning to shuffle through papers again. "With that in mind, we might-"

He lifted the papers from her hands, and she made an annoyed sound, reaching in an attempt to take them back. Fortunately for him, she was still too weak to actively sit upright long enough to take them from him, and is forced to rest back, grumbling at him. "I was reading that! If you want me prepared for that meeting with Zenchi next week, then I need to be properly appraised of the remainder of our trade relations, and-" He drops the decree into her lap, and she growls audibly. "If you hate it so much, then stop using it anytime you don't get your own way, you entitled little brat. If it's so good for you, you drink it." She settled back against the couch again, mumbling. "Royal Pain in the ass... should've let that stupid wall just kill you…"

Shun sighed. This was as much a part of the regular routine as telling someone good morning. He set the papers carefully aside, being sure not to mix them up so that she could easily resume her work once he gave them back.

With that done, he stood and slid his chair away from her before settling beside her couch on his knees and reaching to take one of her hands in both of his own. As he looked up at her, his green eyes were genuine, and when he spoke, his voice was quiet and sincere.

“Chisaka… I know that you don’t like the medicine, but it has always made you recover faster. I've done my best to have the taste improved for you, and I’ve been assured that this new blend is much better.” He sighed. “I do not enjoy ordering you around like a tyrant, my friend. I simply want you to recover as quickly as possible so that you can return to your post. I've had to rely on Shian and Ryou for intelligent conversation, for Seriyuu’s sake…” He smiled, hoping this would make her laugh. “Please just try it. I care for you, and I want you well sooner rather than later…”

The huff became more pronounced as he laid her work aside. She eyed her staff, but through providence - or perhaps the wisdom of Otome the maid - it is out of her reach, leaned against the mantle of the fireplace. She sighed more heavily, thunderclouds gathering in the backs of her eyes, such that when Shun knelt beside her, she shot him an impatient glare, and seemed to debate heavily when he took her hand, as if considering snatching it away. She let him keep it, finally, but her voice still had the edge of well honed steel. "I have too much to do to spend all day resting, most royal one. And regardless of the flavor of the tea, the loss of an entire day's work, which it would invariably necessitate, does not benefit your empire. As your servant, I cannot condone it. " Another huff, but the earnestness in the green eyes makes her grumble in inadmissable defeat. She'd grown up with this man, been one of his closest friends and confidantes... she'd seen his glory and his shame as he grew from boy to man, and beyond anything else, their bond had been deepened and cemented. She loved him, as only a childhood friend could, knowing from whence he came, and to where he was going. And so she sighed, and then smirked haughtily. "Though I suppose I can't leave you with the only resort of seeking Ryou and Shian for counsel." A snort. "I don't know which would be worse..." So pronouncing, she lifted the teacup and took a sip, grimacing slightly, but continuing to drink as requested. After several seconds, she raised her voice. "There, Otome! Happy, now?!" For she knew, of course, that the maid was nearby, though she hadn't seen her.

Shun gave her hand a gentle squeeze, meeting her grumbling with gentle reassurances. "The herbalist said this should help you rest through the night and wake refreshed in the morning. I specifically requested it not make you drowsy tomorrow, if at all possible. I am as eager to have you back as you are to return." When the cup was empty, he took it from her and bent to kiss her forehead, an absent, fond gesture left over from when they were children, and there was no scandal or ulterior motive attached to the simple signs of affection between friends.

He moved to set the teacup aside, picking up a fresh cup and pouring some dark green tea into it, fixing it to her preferences. Turning to offer her this much more palatable option, he also reached into a pocket and pulled out a thin, small object wrapped in delicate paper. Offering her the teacup, he placed the small object on her lap before resuming his seat. "Another treat from this morning. In advance of their visit next week, Zenchi sent a messenger with a small gift..q. Several samples of their finest, most delicious chocolate. Of course I had to save the majority for Liru and Lisu, but I thought I would let you see if it could wash the taste of the disgusting medicine out of your mouth." He smiled, and his tone when describing the medicine was clearly lightly teasing. "If you like it, I'll have some more sent to your room for after your medicine."

She scoffed a little at the gentle forehead kiss, and swatted his chest, but it was a soft blow, and the sound was more air than anything. This was the same kind of behavior she’d have displayed when they were children, and she followed it up with a laugh. “If your options for advice have been Ryou and Shian, I can imagine you would be.” A smirk. “A real miracle the empire hasn’t fallen, if that’s the case.” As he set the teacup down, she scooped the little dragon from her shoulder and placed it gently in her lap, beginning to stroke it in a fond way, and murmuring the sort of nonsense to it that one often does, to pets. She gratefully accepted the green tea once he had it fixed, welcoming the ability to drown the taste of the medicinal tea, but he intrigued her next by pulling a thin paper bundle out of his pocket. His explanation made her eyes widen. “Chocolate? Yes, I’ve heard of it… and I know your sisters are fond of it. I remember thinking that brown was an odd color for something that I keep hearing is supposed to be sweet… is it like that sweet bean dessert soup that Otome brings, sometimes?” She broke off a small piece of the thin shards of chocolate, giving the little morsel an odd sniff before popping it into her mouth. Serious thought creased her brow for several moments, and then finally her face lit a little. “Hmmm!” Another tiny piece disappeared into her mouth, and she smiled, folding the bit of paper carefully closed to preserve the rest of the delicacy. “I will admit… even the tea cannot sour that flavor. That is… truly something.” A little yawn interrupted her then, and she growled her frustration. “Blasted tea… Otome! Where are you, useless girl?” The maid appeared, smiling patiently, clearly quite accustomed to this sort of complaint from her mistress. “Yes, miss?” Chisaka thrust the packet at the maid. “The Emperor has kindly brought me a lovely, edible gift. See that it is properly stored, where my new little companion cannot eat enough to make herself ill.” She stroked the little dragon gently.

Shun smiled. “Rest well, Chisaka. I look forward to seeing you and Shi-chan tomorrow morning. I plan to be in my office all morning going over paperwork.” He took her free hand and gave a it a gentle squeeze goodnight , then reached up to scratch the little blue dragon before he moved his chair back to its proper location in her room, placed her papers on her table where she would be able to easily locate them in the morning, and took his leave from her room.

~~

The next morning dawned bright and cheerful, and Shun was at work in his office earlier than was the norm. He had a very special visitor, sent for by messenger first thing this morning. It was a young man with spiky red hair, yellow serpentine eyes, and what appeared to be permanent frown lines around his eyes. He stood a couple of inches shorter than Shun, but his presence somehow dwarfed that of the ruler of the kingdom.

Both men were standing over r a side table and talking in hushed tones, as shun made notes and the other man, Kouhei, sketched something on a seperate piece of paper.When at last they seemed to wrap up their conversation, Shun took all the pages and carefully folded them together. Turning to Shian, he handed them over. “I trust you know who to take these to, my friend? I would like them underway as soon as possible.”

Oce that was done, he turned to the redhead. “And how is Miyu doing? My sisters were hoping to get her to make them new dresses for their birthday celebration , in a couple of months…”

“She’s a pain as always.” The God of War actually smiled then, a gentle, fond gesture. “But she would say the same of me, so I guess we’ve no choice but to be pains to each other…”

Already, the potency of the medicinal tea showed true, in that her eyes were heavy, begging to be closed against the intrusion of the firelight. It wasn't quite enough to keep the sarcasm out of her voice though, when she answered him. "And I see you have increased its strength, as well. You are so fortunate that Otome has more respect for your royal, imperial skull than I have… stupid girl deliberately left my staff over there…" Another yawn interrupted her, but despite her harsh words, she squeezed his hand in return. "I'll crack your skull tomorrow, Shun Yutai… goodnight." He'll hear her still mumbling irritably at her maid, as the woman helps her to her feet in order to settle the young diplomat in bed.

*****

Dutifully, Shian took the folded papers, with a nod that stood in the place of the formal bow he'd have used, had anyone of significance been present. "Yes, I can see to it. I know that-" There was a soft but urgent tapping on the door then, and he frowned, moving toward it and peering out into the hall. The moment the door opened, a harried looking young maid with arms full of papers and books curtsied deeply, blushing and seeming anxious to escape a flurry of distant complaints in a voice familiar to the men.

"Stubborn girl, I can walk. I even brought the stupid staff…" And the patient, ever-calm voice of Otome answered. "Yes, Kasai-san, I know… but you know how the Emperor worries, when you get about on your own, so quickly after one of your spells." The soft cursing that followed made the young maid at the door murmur something quickly to Shian, who stepped back to allow her to skitter into the study, and lay her burdens upon a clean table. But as they came within view of the door - Chisaka supported by her staff on one side, and Otome on the other - her personal maid was still serene. "Think of it as mercy to me, Kasai-san. The scolding I'd get for letting you come on your own… why, his Highness would have my position!" A snort indicated that Chisaka no more believed that than did the maid herself, and as they reached the door, Shian offered his arm. "Good, then perhaps I'll find a more competent maid…"

She grumbled at the arm Shian provided, but took it, and he noticed when she did that she leaned more heavily upon him than she had upon the maid, more willing to show weakness to him than to her. "Kasai-san, it is good to see you getting about, once more. I trust that you are more recovered?" The maids receded as he helped her into the room. "I am well enough for the day's work I have planned, yes. Just keep those annoying, hovering maids out of my way… and send to the kitchens for fish, for my little companion." A little tilt of her head indicated the small dragon coiled about her neck and shoulders.

Shun stood talking to Kouhei for a long moment before the frantic tapping came at the door. Looking up as Shian answered, he saw the harried maid. She was a fairly new maid, and he had questioned assigning her to Chisaka. Hearing his friend coming down the hall, he shook his head and chuckled. “Shian, remind me to ensure Chisaka’s maid receives a raise…hazard pay, you know.” He turned to the maid. “Tai-san? Can you go get some green tea made fresh, and ask the cook for a square of chocolate. She knows where it’s kept. Once you return with that, you can take the rest of the morning off.”

He turned to Chisaka as she entered with her maid and their friend. "Chi-chan! Good morning, are you feeling better?" Ignoring the God of War in his office, he moved to spread the papers and books the maid had been carrying out on the table. He then reached for his own work, placing it on the other half of the table. “Here we are, ready for work.”

Kouhei smiled, shaking his head. “I must get back to Miyu.” He looked to Chisaka as she entered and smiled at the little dragon. “Enjoy your new friend, Chisaka-san. If you are kind to her, she will be loyal to you and your descendants.” With that, he took his leave.