On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Was it really all right not to invite Christina?” Haru asked as she placed down her fork gently. We were seated in a very plush restaurant in Ginza that Karen-chan had booked for Shaeula. The starter course had just finished, and so now our briefly stalled conversation resumed.

“After all, wasn’t I invited because I helped out with waking Aine?” Haru continued. “It’s not like you were simply dying for my company, is it?”

Shaeula snorted, clearly amused. “You are most-most mistaken, but I know you are merely jesting, Haru.” She shook her head, wiping her mouth on her napkin. “I greatly appreciate your company, never-never doubt that. Besides, it is my birthday, I get-get to choose who attends. And… I confess to not-not liking her all that much. Though I will allow…” Shaeula snorted wryly. “…she is not-not as frustrating as she used to be, just-just… offensive to me, somehow. Besides, she may be frustrating, but she does-does have some redeeming qualities.”

I nodded, understanding. While Christina’s eyes sparkled at the thought of spending time with us, she actually said nothing, and opted to instead look after Aine. The little Goblin was only comfortable around those of us who had dispersed the Woe clinging to her and her people, and she had no preconceptions about Christina to dissuade or worry her. And if I’m being honest, Christina has that odd juxtaposition of genius and childlike curiosity and humour that makes her good with kids. I wonder if it’s because she never really felt many emotions before, so she’s slowly developing rudimentary ones, like a child’s.

Hyacinth, who was not wearing a maid outfit, it being unsuitable for this sort of restaurant, but rather an ordinary, quite tidy black dress that Shaeula had picked out for her in our shopping spree earlier, nodded. She seemed to have a little sympathy for Christina and the Kitsune, perhaps due to her history. “Dooo not worry, I shall take her under my wing later. Although, yooou will be there too, will you not, Akiooo?”

Shaeula’s grin turned into a smirk. After guzzling half of the glass of whiskey in front of her, she scratched at her cheeky idly, a little embarrassed. “I sometimes do-do forget you can be in two places at once, Akio. Though I shall make-make sure all of your attention is on me!” She winked cheekily, “I have much-much that is fun planned for tonight. While it might not-not technically be my birthday after midnight…”

I reassured her that wasn’t the case, and she continued. “…I would not-not want to miss hosting the migration of the Seelie Court. I do feel-feel a sense of pride, when I think of showing it off!”

Honest as always. I finished up my own starter, a selection of sushi, exquisitely prepared with a multitude of fragrant, flavourful sauces, as she expressed her desires.

“Are you sure you do not-not wish to participate, Hyacinth? I am always happy to have you with us for such-such fun.”

Hyacinth shook her head. “Nooo, I am quite content to leave Akio to spoooil you, mistress Shaeula. I shall have my time in future, I dooo not doooubt it. Besides…” Hyacinth’s silver-violet eyes gleamed as she took in the last member of our little group, Tan, who was still using Divine Possession. It was putting a strain on Shiro, but apparently as her Skill had Ranked up, it wasn’t unbearable, and she had insisted it was both training, and a favour to Tan. “…it is time for mistress Taṇhā to be booorn!”

“The way you say that is rather aggravating.” Tan grumbled, waving a fork, even as she continued eating. While the rest of us had largely finished our starters, Tan was surrounded by empty plates and bottles, a couple of half-eaten dishes remaining, which she was still working through, her appetite immense. “I do not mind waiting, in consideration of your… birthday.” she insisted, but Shaeula shook her head.

“No, I do not-not think that necessary. In fact, I think it will be quite-quite fun, being such an unprecedented event. Though I am no-no boorish, unmannerly wretch. If you are too-too shy, I can certainly step out for your first-first time… and rejoin you after the deed-deed is done!”

“I am Taṇhā, I am not concerned with such matters!” she declared airily, still gesturing with her cutlery. The faint darkening of your cheeks indicates you aren’t so composed, I think…

“I am not one to retreat. I also do not need your… experience… to guide me, the princess is more than capable of sharing her own.”

“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.” I laughed. “Shiro might try and prank you. Besides, you don’t need to worry about performing. Honestly… it’s just a case of we’ll do what feels right and natural, just enjoy each other honestly…” I paused then, wincing. “Oh, sorry Haru. You might not like to hear that sort of talk.”

“I’m dead, not made of glass.” Haru retorted, before her tone softened. “I do appreciate your concern though. But…” She took a deep breath, and for a moment her brown eyes burned a brilliant, ghostly blue. “…what you are talking about is nothing like what he enjoyed. And I don’t expect you to set aside your flirting at a pleasant family meal like this, just for me. Honestly…” She smiled warmly at Tan. “…I wish you good luck. The first time is always special to a woman. I hope you have good memories to carry you through your long life. No, I’m sure you will.”

Tan placed down her fork gently, the clinking the only noise that broke the silence in our private room after Haru spoke. “I see.” After a long moment of contemplation, Tan spoke. “I shall accept your well-wishes. The princess, she feels… some shame. I do not, naturally, but… I concede it is fortunate that in the end, Akio and Shaeula put an end to that wretch and his ambitions. Working with him would have been… unpleasant… for all concerned. Though in the end, I suspect I would have had no choice but to burn him and drink deep of his Favour. Though that would have been little comfort to you, for… there would have been no second chance at life. And despite your words, this is life.”

“I know.” Haru chuckled wryly. “The boundary between what it means to be alive or dead is rather blurry, isn’t it? Spiritual beings are… complicated, and I’m one now. I don’t like talking about unpleasant things when it’s your birthday, Shaeula…”

“Think nothing of it, I do-do insist.” Shaeula offered. “I chose-chose you to be here for this celebratory meal, Haru, for you are most-most definitely my… our… friend. And it is quite-quite easy to justify your inclusion. I must-must be fair. I can not-not merely pick and choose between my fellow wives without justification. Besides…” Shaeula glanced at me, and I read her intent through her eyes, and the emotions Lovers’ Link was transmitting to me.

“Yeah, your endless hard work and support hasn’t gone unnoticed.” I praised Haru. “I’m grateful to Lin for many reasons, I never would have been able to meet Shaeula, reconcile with Eri, or experience any number of other events in my life… and yes, I can see you’re upset, Shiro, even when Tan is in control.” I leaked a wry chuckle. “…yes, I never would have had the courage to make you mine either. But…” I gazed at Haru, hoping she would truly understand and believe my words. “…I’m also grateful, because you get to have a life you deserve, full of happiness. Don’t worry, nobody like him can hurt you again. Because Shaeula and I, Hyacinth too…”

“I loathe such base men.” Tan agreed. “They shall be destroyed.”

“…will always have your back. But honestly… you’re strong enough now to handle any troublemakers. You should be proud of that.” I finished after Tan’s interjection.

Just grateful to Lin? I’m so hurt… Rose’s thoughts filled me, though she was clearly just amused. …But you aren’t suited to the Favours I bore, I’m afraid, so yes, Lin was the one who scooped you up. She’s got good eyes. Though not as good as mine now. Nor hers…

I know you might feel a little jealous, but I promised Tan a while back. And besides…

I know. I’m just teasing you. We’re certainly close enough for that, my dear Verr. Anyway, I’m always with you now, but I also want to concentrate on studying the Runic Craft. So I’ll be quiet for the moment…

A warm silence could be felt between us, and as that momentary communication concluded, Haru let out a tired chuckle, rolling her eyes sardonically, before addressing the women around the table. “That’s how he gets you, isn’t it?” At their nods, her chuckle turned into full-blown laughter for a minute. Wiping tears from her eyes, which still had a ghostly blue shine to them, she shook her head. “The worst thing is that I know he means it. And honestly… I’m happy. To have friends is a wonderful thing, and… I know not everyone is like that bastard. So you don’t need to treat me like I’m fragile, even if I do appreciate the sentiments behind it. I’m still not over it, yes, maybe it’s something I’ll never put fully behind me, but… it doesn’t rule me. I rule me!” Haru insisted proudly, before her lips twitched, as if she was holding in a grin. “Before, I used to throw myself into work to forget. Now I still forget when I’m working, because I’m always busy!”

“Sorry about that. I’d promise you that your workload will decline, but…”

“I know.” She laughed off my attempts to apologise. “It’ll get worse before it gets better. But I know how important everything is. Besides… we still get time to snatch a few moments of relief, like this.” She gestured around us. “What we do is important, has meaning. And is to secure a future for us all. But… I don’t just forget at work. When I’m with… with my father…”

Shaeula and I exchanged amused glances as Haru studiously made sure not to call him daddy like she usually did.

“…or when I get to snatch some rare time with my old friends, for karaoke or a nice meal… yes, it’s only temporary respite but… those moments are slowly growing more frequent. I admit, I’m not entirely comfortable with relationships between men and women, but… I know enough about you and yours to understand there’s no malice or pain there, only happiness and fun. Even if you are a womaniser!” Now her smile had blossomed. “So, Shaeula, I hope you enjoy your birthday celebration and get the love you deserve, and Tan… I’m a little jealous that your first time will be one to remember for all the right reasons, but… I’m also happy for you.”

“I say we shall drink to that!” Tan grabbed the neck of an open sake bottle, and began to down the contents, Haru and I wincing at her bad manners. Shaeula merely chuckled, pouring the rest of us glasses of whiskey and bowls of sake, and we toasted each other.

“Kanpai! Cheers!” As we took large swigs of our drinks, Tan obviously outstripping us by a factor of ten, I had the idle thought that it was good I was rich, or the food budget alone for keeping Tan as a girlfriend would bankrupt me. Shaeula asked me what was so funny, and when I explained the joke, Tan protested, and we passed the next half an hour in pleasant conversation, making jokes and talking about the unprecedented events of the day, even as we ate the meal the staff at the restaurant brought in to us.

“…can hardly believe you actually encountered more Goddesses. No offense, Tan, but before we met, I’d never heard of you.” Haru was saying as we relaxed with more alcohol, unwinding. Our main meal was finished, the plates cleared away, and we were just awaiting dessert. Unfortunately, we had to rush, as Shaeula and the others needed to return to the Boundary, and from there to the Seelie Court. Arisu-san was going to pick us up, though my Material body would remain, ready to fetch Shaeula and Tan when they returned from the Boundary, for the final celebrations, just the three of us. I had felt guilty about that, overworking Arisu-san too, considering all the work for WTV on her plate, but Tan assured me Shiro had intimated that Arisu-san, while always complaining, was not as opposed to helping out as she seemed.

“Even you mock me!” Tan was glaring at me, crimson eyes exasperated and embarrassed, and I realised I was smiling.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. I was thinking of something else. Being honest though, the Norns… they are very famous. Even a lot of us in Japan have heard of them.”

“I couldn’t tell you anything about them, but I’d heard the term.” Haru agreed.

“There’s a famous old manga about them.” I explained. “Though the real Norns were nothing like their counterparts there, thank all the Gods. If Verðandi had declared ‘you won the Trial, your prize is me coming to live with you in the mortal world’ I’d have freaked out.”

As Hyacinth giggled, clutching at her chest, Tan’s expression soured. “Is that what you wish? Am I not enough of a Goddess for you?”

“Hardly!” I placated her. “I’m just saying, in the story, all three of the Norns turned up and lived with the guy, and hijinks ensued. Though in the end he only had eyes for Verðandi.”

“So he’s a stronger man than you, Akio.” Haru teased.

“Seems so.” I chuckled. The door was knocked, and after Hyacinth called out for them to enter, our final course was presented to us, including a magnificent birthday cake. Karen-chan may have arranged the booking at Shaeula’s request, but I slipped in my own suggestions in secret. “But I guess I’m the smarter guy in the end.” I winked cheerily. Shaeula was enraptured by the cake, full of shining, lit candles, but then she paused, counting.

“One-one hundred?” she grumbled after a moment. “Do you think me some old-old female?”

“Of course not.” I shook my head. “It just means I love you a hundred percent!”

Shaeula snorted, trying to hold in her laughter at that, before failing and guffawing loudly. “Such-such a line, you can utter with a straight-straight face? You have grown, Akio!”

“The princess believes you should call it ‘cringe’.” Tan observed. “It is an… interesting… tradition. I suspect we would need a rather large cake, no?” she suggested to Hyacinth, who shrugged.

“Akio tells us all wooomen are eighteen at heart. Yooou can be too!”

“That’s true. In fact, I’ll stay my age forever now.” Haru joked. “The counter for me has surely stopped. Anyway, blow out the candles and make a wish!”

Shaeula nodded, and a green glow spread as she breathed out a gentle stream of wind element. The candles were extinguished, and she used that diminishing flow of wind to form fine vibrating strands, deftly slicing the cake into sections. Showing off, huh? I suppose I should expect no less.

“A wish? I have no-no need of such. For I am most-most satisfied with life now. If I must-must say…”

“Don’t.” I shook my head. “The tradition is you keep it to yourself, or it won’t come true.”

“I see-see. In that case… it shall be my secret!” Shaeula chortled. Once we had our plates, we dug into the cake, which as Japanese tradition dictated, was strawberry shortcake, covered in white frosted icing. Tan had the largest piece of course, but since I’d ordered a massive cake, plus some backups, there was plenty to take back for Eri, my sis and the others.

As if my thoughts had resonated with Shaeula, she paused, fork full of cake halfway to her mouth. “How are Eri, Kana and Hinata? Are they having fun-fun?”

I exchanged a brief mental query, and Eri assured me that she and everyone else had a pleasant time. Pleased that Eri was spending time with others than me, my sis and Shaeula, I praised her, and she just laughed it off.

“Yeah, their little gathering went smoothly. Anyway…” I checked my watch. “Sadly, we need to finish up soon. I’ll send Arisu-san a message.” Pulling out my phone I fired a text off, telling her to come get us in fifteen minutes, giving us time to finish our drinks and cake.

“So then…” I glanced around the table at my companions, feeling the warm glow of achievement and companionship. It’s been one hell of a birthday for Shaeula. Aine, the Norns… and we’re not done yet. I don’t know why, but I can feel my Foresight prickling. Though this time… it doesn’t feel like something bad is coming, no, instead, I can feel… opportunity… on the winds… “Once more, cheers all, and happy birthday Shaeula!”

As everyone echoed me, Shaeula nodding regally as she accepted our good wishes, my phone beeped, Arisu-san replying. Right, I’ll have a couple of hours before Shaeula and Tan return. Just enough to organise a few matters…

***

“Hey bro!” my sister waved to me after a moment, as my Astral body arrived at the mansion, accompanying Shaeula, Haru, Tan and Hyacinth. Arisu-san was with us too, as we were her last collection. Her Room is immensely convenient. Myself, I don’t need it, for short distances, as I have my own spatial travel Skill… I wonder if I Rank it up enough I’ll be able to cross hundreds of miles in a step, or even thousands, rather than tens of miles. Even if that’s the case though, it’ll never match the comfort, convenience and ability to transport others her Room enjoys…

She was accompanied by Haanōbō, as well as Hinata, who had beaten us here. I could see the fading elemental energies around Hinata, as she had been pouring it into a bluesteel battery my sis was holding. Seeing where I was looking, my sis flashed me a slightly cheeky smile, though her eyes flickered. “Uh… well, I’m determined to get gold element. And you know me… I like training, and I hate to lose!”

“I know.” I nodded. “But even so… this isn’t the time for it. You should also know that proper rest is important for an athlete.”

“You’ve got me there bro.” My sis smiled, sticking out her tongue cutely and knocking her fist against her head. “But in that case, don’t criticise me, bro, go talk to Motoko and Natsumi! They’ve been going at it non-stop all day!”

I glanced over to a clearing beside where all the benches and seating had been set up for the viewing party. Compared to the modest setup we had this morning, now it was quite impressive, and already it was full with numerous people, weaselkin and ratkin maids moving along the wood and stone constructions, offering drinks and snacks, though within the mansion I knew Shaeula had ordered a great feast prepared for later.

“Don’t worry, I will be telling them to take a break.” I assured my sister. “Though I get it. They’re in a rush. But they should have more faith in me. I can handle it. As for you…”

“Yeah?” my sis answered, voice a little shrill.

“I get it too. You’re eager to be worthy of being one of the Four Directions, but… you don’t have to try so hard. You’re still doing great. And I’m proud of you. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, I know, bro. But…” She bounced on her heels, despite carrying the hefty chunk of bluesteel that likely weighed twenty or thirty kilograms. “…since you’re picking up sisters all over the place, like Haanōbō here…”

“Do not put this on me.” Haanōbō dipped her head, face still hidden behind her crimson long-nosed Tengu mask, her white wings flapping slowly as if to wave off the suggestion.

“…I have to show I’m number one!” She clenched her free fist again. “Besides… honestly, I think I’m close.” she admitted. “It’s like Kyūdō, yeah? Sometimes you feel just on the edge of making the shot, of going from merely piercing the target, Kanteki, to the arrow existing in the target, Zaiteki. I still can’t do that often, even after all my training with Shaeula’s brother, but it still happens. And… I feel that now, or a sense like it. So… stop bullying me bro! Shoo, shoo!” She flapped her hand at me in dismissal, and Hinata snickered at her display.

“Don’t worry, Akio. I’ll make sure she rests and enjoys the spectacle.”

“Thanks. I’d appreciate that. Anyway… I’ll go get Motoko and Natsumi to relax too.” I turned away, and I could see our parents here, Eri with them. Kana and her parents too, as well as… oh, Fukumoto Kenji-san is here. That’s a surprise.

Yae and Rika-chan were with Marika-chan, Keomi-chan and the other trainees, though honestly calling them trainees now seemed a bit misleading, as they had split into various groups, such as a few joining Adamant. There were a number of Fae as well, though many were absent, possibly because they’d seen such sights before, but there were still a few, like Princess Ffionnan and Princess Estalian, in attendance. I’ve always thought it, Fae royalty seem rather free… I suppose that’s a good thing though, if Shaeula fulfils her ambition, then that means she won’t be overworked.

Speaking of Shaeula, she had handed out some of the cake to my sis, Hinata and Haanōbō, who seemed a bit confused by that tradition. Arisu-san transported them back with us, though she did shoot me a withering glare. The maids are cutting the extras as we speak, which is good, otherwise we’d not have enough. It’s a big crowd. The Mortal Engineers outdid themselves.

It may have seemed a bit wasteful making the numerous devices, but they would come in handy for a number of purposes later, and potentially could even be exchanged for favours or vital resources with trustworthy allies.

Before I could reach the training Motoko and Natsumi, I was stopped by a jovial cry. “You’re here then. Took you long enough.” David called out. He was in casual clothes, but… huh?

He followed my gaze and smirked triumphantly. “Yeah, no point hiding Princess, you know you’ll have to speak to him sooner or later. Best rip off the plaster and get it done now, yeah? Besides…” He couldn’t help but tease her. “You can’t tell me that you don’t want to show off. I’m no dumbass like the redhead, I understand how people think and feel.”

He rose and stepped aside, revealing Eleanor, who looked nervous, probably because she wasn’t wearing her usual armour, but instead was in one of the dresses Shaeula and I had picked out for her and sent over. It was a yellow gown, baring her arms and legs, though the exposure was limited by white lace around the hem and sleeves, which gave it a sexy, elegant air, not a cheap one. She had paired it with matching jewellery, yellow gold and ornamented with citrine and yellow sapphires. She looks gorgeous. And that blush… damn, that’s adorable. I scanned her, eyes flickering, and David barked a laugh.

“Checking if she’s wearing them too?” he suggested, and Eleanor’s flush intensified, her skin almost glowing with heat, and she balled her fist and drove it into his side. David winced, but just laughed off the blow.

“David!” she cried, mortified. “Don’t… not in company… no, just… don’t!”

“Sure, Princess. I’ll see if I remember that.” He ignored her pleas, before winking at me. “Anyway, the teacher is passing on this, and the others drew the short straws and have to guard London, so… just the pair of us tonight. It nearly wasn’t though…”

At those words, Eleanor’s embarrassment was replaced by relief. She shook her head, neat brown braid shining with gold and yellow. “Yes, that was… quite the ordeal. We’re fortunate common sense prevailed in the end.”

“No kidding.” David slapped me on the shoulder. “The bloody Queen herself wanted to come along, once she heard about the devices that could let the untrained manage the pressure here. I can still hear her now. ‘We think it would be fun, and we have always been curious about just what goes on there. Don’t you agree we should see it with our own eyes, young David?’” He mimicked her voice badly, as the flush drained from Eleanor’s face, leaving her pale and exhausted.

“Fortunately, my brothers talked her down. Though it wasn’t the danger or anything like that which dissuaded her…” Eleanor shook her head. “No, it was when I pointed out that suddenly showing up here where your family was would cause chaos, and likely leave them too nervous to enjoy the viewing party. David didn’t help, egging her on…” As she glared at him, he raised one hand to concede his guilt, a smile still on his face. “…but in the end, she backed down. Though she’ll certainly keep bothering me about it.”

Eleanor took a deep breath as I looked on sympathetically. “Regardless, she won’t be coming. I pointed out it’s only a couple of weeks before you’ll all be visiting Britain. So… we at least get some peace.”

As she fell silent, David suddenly spoke up. “Is that all you have to say, Princess?”

“Huh?” She seemed confused.

“Don’t you have any manners?” He smirked again, enjoying the scene. “When you get a gift…”

“Oh. Oh, yes.” Eleanor’s pale face was pink again, and I marvelled at just how expressive she’d become, and how quickly her mood shifted. “I was a little surprised, but… thank you. I… appreciate it. Although…”

“Yeah, don’t worry, the girls picked out the… underthings.” I winked. “Anyway, you look very fetching in yellow, and the elegance of the dress is a great fit for you. Attractive yet not too modest.”

“I see.” Eleanor sighed, defeated. “I accept your gifts with gratitude. Now, I mustn’t keep you. You were headed that way, weren’t you?” She waved a hand towards where Motoko and Natsumi were still sparring, and I nodded.

“Yes. We’ll have a drink together later, okay?” With that, I left them behind, and as I did so, I caught sight of the hill that housed the Spring of Clear Reflections in the distance, the shining monolith stones now dyed a vivid purple, just like the moon above, as the shimmering, incandescent purple aurorae were increasing in intensity, and it looked like the sky was ablaze. Huh… with my keen eyes I noticed an unusual change, and I could see that now a series of benches were laid out atop the hill, similar to the construction here. Looks like some maids are over there too. Curious…

Setting that aside, I reached where Motoko and Natsumi were staring at each other, Natsumi grinning wolfishly, Motoko more composed but still bristling with fighting spirit. Their hakama were ripped and torn, and dirt was smeared across Motoko’s cheek, while Natsumi’s left arm was mottled with bruises. When they saw me approach, they both turned and headed over, though Motoko’s face was red with embarrassment, and Natsumi quickly used the sleeve of her threadbare hakama to wipe her face.

Again, at least they are wearing their Brigandine under-armour. Fortunately, nothing immodest is showing. Although… now I looked closer, it wasn’t just Natsumi’s arm that was bruised, but both of them were covered in minor injuries, and Motoko even had a cracked rib. Yes, their Ether Healing was working to restore them, but that only meant that their injuries were worse previously.

Seeing my stern expression, Natsumi apologised. “Please don’t blame Motoko. I asked her to spar with me. I feel like I’m close to understanding what it is to be fast, and to embody the will of the winged horse. If you are angry, take it out on me.”

“Natsumi, do not take it upon yourself.” Motoko let out a quiet sigh. “I too am at fault. I strive for victory in all things, to seek to better understand Nkunim and his intentions. Nkonimdi ho sukɔm de me. Mɛte nkonimdi ase. Mebɛka sɛ madi nkonim!” She spoke words that were surely in one of the African languages I heard during our trip to that continent. Seeing my quizzical expression, she smiled softly, even as I placed my hands on both of their shoulders, letting my own superior Ether Healing fully restore them.

“I thirst for victory, I will understand victory, and I will claim victory in the end.” Motoko explained. “I felt, after my research on Nkunim, which admittedly is fragmentary and unclear, that if I was to understand what that culture meant by victory, I would be closer to being compatible. As Miss Mistry…” she mentioned Eleanor’s ally in the British manner. “…did. So I began learning. And not just that… I seek to fight strong opponents, to claim victory against all odds. Though I have been defeated several times. Master Ulfuric is still beyond me, though he is impressed with my growth.”

“Me too.” Natsumi chuckled. “I’ve been trying to limit my fighting style to emphasise speed and motion, but it’s hard. But no learning is ever…” She let out a yelp, and Motoko shuddered, as my grip tightened on their shoulders.

“I get it. But I’m also a little hurt. I know you are trying to lighten my burden, but… all right, you two come with me. I obviously want to sit with Shaeula, since it’s her birthday and her viewing party, but I can see you are both getting out of control. Patience! What happened to calm, collected Motoko, and cheerful, modest Natsumi? There’s no rush! What would Daiyu say? A hasty foundation will only collapse when faced with adversity?”

“She would say that.” Natsumi giggled, before apologising again. “Sorry, we…”

“I’d rather skip the apologies. I’m not here to chastise you, just… look, you’re both not there yet, but I can tell you’ve both been working hard. So just keep at it. But not tonight. Tonight’s for relaxation, and maybe I’ll see if I can help you both later. But not to the detriment of enjoying the spectacle. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Motoko glanced up as we walked back towards the crowd, Shaeula holding court in the seat of honour, Hyacinth on one side of her, Klena and Velna waiting patiently behind them in their maid uniforms, looking proud of their mistress, cute weasel faces smiling.

“Yes. The moon is beautiful tonight.” Motoko smiled elegantly, the tension broken as Natsumi agreed, insisting she also felt it was beautiful.

“All right. I agree. It is. And I also love you both.” That traditional oblique love confession was incomprehensible to anyone who wasn’t Japanese. “The way it shines with so many shades of purple, ones I didn’t even know existed… oh, hang on a minute.” I could see Ixitt hurrying over, and he was followed by our troublesome High Kobold guest Darkflame.

“Akio, there you are. Here.” He passed me the long wooden box. It was wrapped in coloured paper and fixed with an amber-coloured ribbon. “The Kobolds put the finishing touches to it. I know you would have liked to do everything yourself, but…”

“Yeah. Well, the design and all the various crafting was mine, but when it comes to detail work and polishing… best leave it to professionals, don’t you agree, my High Kobold friend?”

Darkflame nodded at my pointed words. “Yes. While Dwarves create function, we Kobolds were renowned for elegant beauty.”

“Bjarki would disagree. His Dvergr crafts are elegance personified.” Ixitt snorted. “But I do appreciate a good rivalry. Now, if you will excuse me… entertaining though this is, I have seen the Court migrate any number of times. But… the first time is spectacular. You will regret it if you miss it.”

Motoko and Natsumi nodded, feeling regret at their impetuousness, before Natsumi asked me if that was my gift for Shaeula. I agreed, and she turned to Motoko, smiling ruefully. “How envious. Your birthday isn’t until spring, Motoko, and mine is early summer.”

“Don’t worry, there’s still Christmas.” I promised. “Though I don’t have much time… damn, I wish I could take Verðandi’s advice and learn how to split myself into ten bodies. Then I’d have enough hands to do everything I need to…” At that image, Natsumi giggled again, and even Motoko smiled. With that, I ascended the wooden steps up towards Shaeula, Motoko and Natsumi following.

“Akio. Motoko. Natsumi…” She bade her maids drag over a couple more chairs, and we were all seated. “You are just-just in time.” There were several bottles of alcohol, a mixture of mortal and Fae beverages beside her, and she waved for Velna to serve us. “Fortunately time runs far-far swifter here, so we still have many-many hours to enjoy the sights before the climax. And I have prepared us a special stage for that. Or rather, I ordered the servants to do so.” She laughed unashamedly, her amber eyes fixed upon the orange-wrapped box in my hands. “So, while I need no-no more a gift than your presence, Akio… is that-that for me?”

“Yeah.” I grinned, handing her the box. “Shaeula… happy birthday! May we celebrate many more together!”