Chapter 27

The bustling streets of Koun capital city was something that was difficult to navigate if you were not familiar with them.. Especially in search of certain restaurants that were only known to about 2% of the population.

Thankfully the duo of Hye gong and Tadao.Someone was already waiting to guide them.

Standing behind a wall was a roped figure, no words were exchanged as they lead the two into a alley, twisting and turning before finally settling in front of an iron door. Key in hand, the figure unlocked the door before lightly ushering them in. Closing it, the moment they were finally inside.

"Let's hurry shall we." said Hye gong softly as he quietly swept through the floor, walking towards the last door at the end, where a flicker of light could be seen.

Entering the room awaited two pinkettes.

The first had his hair held together by a golden hair clip. His green eyes held a calculating glint as he studied the pair. He wore a gold yukata with a matching haori over his shoulders. A golden choker was tied around his neck

The other was much frailer and thinner, holding a gaunt look. His long pink hair was messy and swept to the side, tied together by a blue ribbon. His eyes were mismatched, one green the other blue. He wore a pink yukata with beads strung around his chest. A patterned scarf was wrapped around him. A single feathered earring was pierced through his right ear.

"You're finally here and we were thinking the both of you would be running away." said the one dressed in gold.

"Our sincerest apologies, our ship had docked late and we had to make a detour." Extending a hand to each of them, " It's been a long time Shao Long, Shun long."

They both shared hands before sitting back down onto the floor, ready to start eating.

" I hope you and your assistant enjoy motsu nabe" said Shun long as he placed the strip of meat into the boiling hot stew.

Tadao thanked Shao long as he handed him a bowl of ready prepared rice.

For a while, idle talk was made as they ate. Until finally did the last strip of rice had been eaten and digested did Hye gong finally put down his chopsticks, " Now onto business."

Tension in the air suddenly became as cold as ice.

"I would like to form an alliance with GDS."

Shock spread through everyone in the room at this. Tadao immediately gripped his master's arm, trying to signal him to stop.

GDS ' golden dragon society' was the biggest underworld group in the entire world. Their roots spreading through the four empires, their influence was so powerful that the topic of even talking about them could cause political figures to freeze in fear.

Bring his sleeve up to cover the lower half of his face, shun long couldn't help but asked, " Now why so and we doubt it's because of the throne."

Hye gong couldn't help but smirk internally, realising that the second master of GDS was certainly more than he appeared to be.

A fragile, crippled butterfly.

Clinking against the surface of his cup, Shao long looked at Hye gong directly in the eye, " The elders will not be happy about this, however, we can compromise."

'The elders aren't into this yet.....' from the corner of his eye, Tadao looked at Hye gong anxiously, apart of him felt that this was trick but another felt that he should trust him.

'what a pain..'

"What kind of compromise?" asked Hye gong as he opened his fan.

"We could give you, our support as the heirs to the Baek Clan and in return you can help us win our society's title." explained Shao Long, " You see...ever since the death of our father, GDS has been in a state of internal turmoil. Because the elders are not willing to hand over the crown to us, with the power of a royal secretly backing us up."

Hye gong smiled, this was exactly what he wanted. The terms would of course changed but it was at least favourable, for now.

Having come to an agreement, they were about to part ways when Shun long asked, " What is the reason behind you wanting us to back you up?"

"Did you receive the invitation to meet with the king of the house."

The brothers both nodded their heads.

"Then you'll have you answer then."

(Time skip: palace of cold .Shèngkāi de gōngdiàn.)

"Your excellency, prince Hye gong and Prince Ming Yao are waiting at the door. Should I let them in?" asked a servant behind a shoji door. Their figure shadowed by the light.

Laying about in a sofa, a young man with pale skin looked up from his reading. He had long white hair with a blue tinge that was tied up in a ponytail and diluted blue eyes. A mole below his right eye. He wore a simple dress shirt with dark blue bottoms. A purple haori lay above his knees, like a blanket.

Placing the book down, he ordered them to open the gates. Soon, the shoji doors were flung open, Ming Yao racing towards him as they hugged.

"Big brother Isamu, look Hye gong is back!" exclaimed Ming Yao as he sat by Isamu's side acting like an overexcited puppy, which was strange since he was technically part fish.

Isamu chuckled as he moved aside, leaving space for Hye gong to sit. It had been a long time since the cousins had ever spent time together like this, even more so as they aged and the difference in years.

"You know you don't have to tell everyone of our relatives I'm back." said Hye gong exasperatedly, sweat dropping at the way his 'brother' was acting.

"Ya ya, anyway..." holding onto Isamu's arm, " what book are you reading?! I haven't seen it before!" Holding up the book, Ming Yao's scan the words only to have it snatched away by its owner.

"If you really want to read it then I'll make sure to sent you a copy of it, next time I go to town." said Isamu as he gently ruffled Ming Yao's hair.

"Geez, you're such a kid...." replied Hye gong as he sighed

"I'm not a kid! And besides there are other things I'm good at anyway like drawing and music!" retorted Ming Yao as he stood up, puffing his redden cheeks.

"Oh yes, by the way. Where's Tadao and Azuma? They're usually around the both of you."

"Tadao is visiting his family and Azuma-"

"I sent him to fetch me something, he'll be back tomorrow."

Lightly hitting his younger cousin in the head, " You're really such a brat!"

"NO I'M NOT!!!!"

(omake: Tadao POV)

Home, I'm home... HYE GONG, YOU SCOUNDREL! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME!

Sending the servants some greetings, I quietly make my way inside, hoping not to be notice.

*THUNK*

An arrow narrowly missed my head. Dreading the worse, I turned around slowly. Looking right at me with a bow ready was Sakura.

"Big brother, your home...."

Gulping down my saliva, I slowly back away. " Now now, Sakura calm down."

"Leaving the country, without telling us..."

My imminent death was near, silently I pray to the heavens my final words.

"TADAO! IS THAT YOU!"

Thank god I'm save!

Even if it was in the safety of her.

Running towards me was mother. She wore her usual black Kimono and her black hair was pulled into a big bun up do. Her skin was very pale, probably from the lack of socialising. A visor covered her eyes as she looked at me.

Why the hell is she still wearing those visors, you can barely see anything in them?!

"Mother! Yes, it's me." I answered as politely as I can, knowing full well if I made a slip she well start nagging me on proper etiquette.

Cupping my cheeks, she checks if it was true before hugging me, " TADAO ! YOU'RE BACK! I know it was for your work but please don't do anything like that again!" she shrieked as she checked for any sign of blemishes on me.

How embarrassing..

"SAKURA! What are you doing here?!" she asked. Sakura had, how she had done it I had no clue (?) flung her arrow and bow to who knows where (? )before bowing, " I had found out brother was coming home and went to greet him, mother."

Ya right! You just wanted to beat me up!

"Well enough dawdling, hurry up and get inside the house!Wait till your father hears about this, I'm sure he will be pleased not only...."

Oh please, just save me already!