Imperial Attention 7 – Ordering Suggestions

“This is just wonderful!” Yuzuki chirped.

The Yuki-Onna had a spring in her step, enough so that the flowing skirt of her cultural robe fluttered upwards, revealing part of her thigh. The moment Apexus shut the door behind them, the pale blue woman tugged at her waist sash. It came undone by the time she reached the couch, allowing for a swift discarding of her robe.

She wore dark blue lingerie beneath. Snowflake patterns had been stitched into the lace covering her large breasts and her panties were a modified sort, designed to keep the toys in both her holes in place.

A little excited blush crept up Yuzuki’s face. She had revealed herself similarly over the course of their journey. Shame was entirely unnecessary when she had been watching them copulate at least once every single day since she had dared make the request. What was different between then and now was their return to the Mobile Estate.

To have their fun on the open Branches of the Omniverse? Interesting, but not very daring. Apexus had insisted they keep away from the grooves commonly travelled. There had been no risk of discovery. Neither was there in the Mobile Estate, but it had the factor of intimacy. Yuzuki was revealing herself to the gathered party in their home for the first time.

It did light a small fire in her belly. The heat spread rapidly as everyone else joined her in nudity. No clothes was the dress code of the household, a fact only changed when labour was involved. Apexus was the last to disrobe, doing so after he had brought the remnant of his prototype back to safe storage.

“Ya wanna tell the rest of us why you’re in this great mood?” Reysha asked.

“Because Apexus’ diplomatic masterstroke has shuffled the order of events in our favour,” Yuzuki declared.

“It has?” Apexus tilted his head, forcing himself to pay attention to the conversation rather than the way Korith’s huge boobs sagged as she reclined. “I am seeking knowledge.”

“And, please, continue to do so,” Yuzuki encouraged him. “There is no need, indeed, no value in you doing anything besides that which you believe in absolutely. Let the political manoeuvring fall to me.”

“We are happy to refer to your expertise.” Aclysia shuffled a little closer to Yuzuki until the two women were thigh to thigh. The black-haired ice woman twitched, then leaned as much as she dared into the warm contact. “All the same, I prefer understanding context and contemplations. Would you go into deeper detail?”

“C-certainly.” Yuzuki cleared her throat, ignoring the growing dampness of her panties. “Our next stop would have been the estate of the Nightsong family.”

“It’s not anymore?” Korith asked.

Yuzuki shook her head. “Well, it is in the general sense. However, I will take my time finding out where they are located. Once we are accepted as guests of honour of the alchemists, our opportunities expand.”

“If we get accepted,” Apexus cautioned.

A raised hand partially hid Yuzuki’s black-lipped smile. “Their greed was naked. Unless you have tricked even me, Apexus, their offer is certain.” She barely kept herself from exploring Aclysia’s white thigh. “When it comes to asking for the arrangement of an event, the most difficult part is always the beginning,” the ice lady explained. “Building a rapport with the alchemists, knowing them and the Church as our backers, will make further negotiations much smoother. Think of it from the Nightsong’s perspective. We ask them to affiliate with us, to spend money and goodwill.”

“Certainly, they would be more receptive of our suggestion if our ask comes with resources of our own,” Aclysia said.

“Precisely. The Church is a good start, but the Imperial Alchemy Guild? That is an institution that every local wants deep ties with.” Yuzuki placed a hand on the side of her face and let out a dreamy sigh, taking in the whole view of the man who had accidentally made this possible. “Being hosted by them also gives us immediate access to the lesser courts.”

Korith blinked a couple of times. “Is… is that good?”

“Extremely. It’s where all the noblewomen go to gossip,” Yuzuki responded. “Apexus can spend his time here and us ladies can snoop around. We can learn about the Nightsongs and current events.”

“I’m not much of a gossiping girl,” Reysha remarked.

The ice lady made a tossing gesture. “There are more and less reputable gatherings among the lesser courts. Rest assured, this is Tenour, and there are more noblewomen seeking social excitement here than there are people on entire Leaves.” A statement no one in the room doubted. “We may even be invited to some of the middle courts once we have made a few connections.”

The tiger woman hummed. “What’s the difference?”

“Lesser courts are frequent events in set places almost entirely attended by wives and courtesans of the influential. Middle courts are actually planned events that people of power themselves attend. Upper courts are events organised by the powerful and I don’t need to explain what imperial courts are.” Yuzuki gave them the swift summary. “Our ball, should we succeed, would fall in the category of the middle courts, unless we get tremendous backing.”

The Inevitable party digested the intel for a moment, then Apexus raised his voice. “Is my understanding correct that we are stalking our prey rather than pouncing on it, then?”

Yuzuki chuckled at the Apexusism. “It could be put that way. The Nightsong will be more receptive the more prepared we are. The alchemists’ backing is tethered to nothing of the sort. Aid them and our reputation and reach will grow.”

“I’m still not sure about going to these courts…” Reysha muttered. “Not really my scene.”

“I insist you each accompany me a couple of times, at least,” Yuzuki said. “It is much easier to endear when one brings interesting companions.”

 “Mhm… will think about it… but that’ll take a couple days to get sorted, right?”

“Just one or two.” Yuzuki gestured at herself. “My heritage and remaining connections afford me a swift re-entrance into the machinations of capital politics.”

“I’ll take the time to stalk around a bit then… want to come along, Squishy?”

“Uhm… uh…” Korith had not expected the question. “M-maybe? Ask me again tomorrow.”

“Will do… for now…!” Reysha shot to her feet. “I’ll go take a bath. Y’all should join me.”

There was no disagreement from the group. Washing during travel on the Branches was limited to rubbing oneself down with wet rags. They were all due for a good wash.

The quartet plus one moved on over.