Meetings and Conversations part 1

"As your Emperor, we are pleased you managed to gather yourselves with such short notice. But we can't help but wonder," Asahi fixed the assembled nobles with a probing stare. "Did our invitation get lost somehow? Why we blistered Natsuo's ears for making us late."

"Forgive us; we do not wish to trouble Your Majesty for an insignificant matter." Saru Nobunaga, the Lord of the monkey clan, replied.

"Your dedication is admirable."

"We do not deserve your praise, Your Majesty."

"But in the future," he narrowed his eyes. "deciding what's insignificant and what's not should be the Emperor's call and no one else's. Keep that in mind."

"Yes, Your Majesty," they said and bowed as one. "Please forgive us."

Asahi looked at the gathered nobles individually and watched them flinch as he passed. They hadn't dared meet without the previous Emperor's permission, and he wanted to make them understand that he expected the same. Something hit Asahi as he reached the head of the elegant table. It was an inexplicable feeling, a prickling sensation on the back of his neck. Yet, Asahi resisted the urge to turn his head.

Assassination attempts against the Imperial family weren't uncommon. Asahi knew many people didn't want him to remain on the throne. He sat and subtly surveyed the gathered nobles beneath his impassive face. The Princess's, no, Shiori's warning was still fresh in his mind, and Asahi couldn't hide his grimace at the memory. He didn't think he would deal with the people involved immediately, but here he was.

"Lord of monkeys, really?" Asahi looked at her incredulously.

Princess Shiori was sharp, brave, and bold; he couldn't help but be intrigued by her. Besides, she made an offer that even the Emperor couldn't refuse. Fortunately for Asahi, everyone else in the palace knew that it was his heaven and therefore did not dare visit. For that reason, his mother's Rose Garden was the perfect place to tell secrets.

"He is the head of the Monkey Clan," Shiori raised a delicate eyebrow. "What do you want me to call him?"

"How about his name?"

"I refuse."

"You shouldn't have asked me then," Asahi replied drily. "Can we please return to the topic?"

"Fine, fine," Shiori frowned before answering loftily. "But I wish Your Majesty to keep in mind that you were the one who started it."

Asahi let out a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why was she being difficult about a trivial matter? A nun shouldn't be this childish. It was good that the Emperor was the head of a religion, or he would have despaired at the thought of such a person leading the faith.

"Are you going to tell me the secret or not?"

Shiori muttered something about him being a sore loser but started talking at Asahi's prompting glare. "As Your Majesty is aware, the Monkey Clan holds half of the businesses in the Yamato Lands, and everything they put their hands on became successful ventures that benefited the Kingdom greatly. That is because the Saru Clan was a family of merchants before the first Emperor elevated them to the aristocracy."

"Yes," he looked impatient. "They supported the war to unite the Yamato Lands and became one of the twelve noble clans. I already know that."

"Does Your Majesty also know they had a long-standing feud with the Fox Clan?"

"About what?" his brows furrowed. "And what does it have to do with the Imperial family?"

"Because they had been eying the Northern Lands, but the first Emperor gave it to the Fox Clan and bestowed us with a higher status," Shiori sounded smug as she continued. "Oh, and maybe because we are more shrewd, clever, and nobler than them, earning the Emperor's favor. Rightfully so, if I may add."

Asahi covered his laugh with a light cough but couldn't hide the mischievous twinkle in his jade-like eyes. "I truly worry about the soon-to-be Catholics if you become a nun, Princess."

She glared at him, looking offended. "What does this issue have to do with that, Your Majesty?"

"Showing your obvious dislike is not a good virtue, you know."

"It doesn't matter," she waved a dismissive hand. "I'm not a nun yet, so they can't scold me."

"Oh dear," he muttered. "I think I should write a decree to make Shintoism the national religion in the Kingdom."

"What?"

"Nothing," Asahi quickly adopted a solemn look. "The topic, Princess?"

Shiori scowled and folded her arms but continued her story. "They have coveted our land and did everything they could to oppose us. When my ancestors settled in the northern mountains, the Monkey Clan monopolized the businesses in the capital. Generations passed, and little by little, they swayed the succeeding Emperors against the Fox Clan, causing the people to forget and isolate us in the process. However, though they carry the Emperor's favor, they resented one who seeks the power of the Fox Clan."

"But my father refused your emissary years ago."

"Yes, but one of your brothers approached us when the previous Emperor got ill," she said with a frown. "His last letter was to inform us of his arrival, but he would head to the crystal mines first because his uncle, Lord Saru, ordered an inspection."

Asahi clenched his fist. "That is a dangerous accusation, Princess. Can you prove it?"

Shiori looked serious. "I wouldn't tell you if I couldn't prove it, Your Majesty."

Asahi gritted his teeth. "If what you say is true, why didn't the Fox Clan do anything?"

"Who cares about a bunch of noisy, irritating apes?" she proclaimed haughtily. "What happens in the capital does not concern us. The first Emperor asked us to watch over the royal family, which was what we did. Besides, we already know everything, so what was there to worry about? The second prince wasn't the Emperor, and the one back then refused our support. It was better for us to wait for the next one who will ascend the throne and hopes that he wouldn't be a fool."

"Aren't you being a bit arrogant, Princess?"

"I only speak the truth, Your Majesty."

"Your apathy might cause your downfall, Princes."

 "So is your blindness, Your Majesty."

The friendly vibe from before was replaced with cold glares and ferocious scowls. Asahi and Shiori leaned away from each other, their backs straight and demeanor cold as ice. A few heartbeats passed before Asahi loosened his fists, and Shiori gently placed her hands on her lap. It was a sign of trust, and that was alright for now.

"Be that as it may, I still urge you to be cautious, he reminded her, irritation coloring his tone. "As you are aware, you have few allies here, and impulsiveness could cause you unnecessary trouble."

Shiori inclined her head, the pearl on her hair sparkling under the sun. "I thank Your Majesty for your wise words and promise to consider them in the future."

Asahi watched her graceful movements and wondered at her sweet face, which instantly wiped away all emotions. Princess Shiori had been lively before; her thoughts and expressions were clearly reflected in her large, violet eyes. The change was sudden as it was unwelcome.

Shiori rose and bent her knees into a perfect curtsy. "I thank Your Majesty for your valuable time, but I must leave now."

"Your wish?"

she looked surprised. "I beg your pardon?"

Asahi smiled at her, his eyes warm. "I told you earlier that I would grant you a wish, did I not? So, what is it?"

"I want unrestricted access to the Imperial Library." She said, her eyes were wide with excitement.

"Granted," he raised a brow. "Is that all?"

"Knowledge is power, Your Majesty," she replied cheekily but thought for a moment. "Oh, and do stop calling me Princess. Shiori is fine."

"I beg your pardon?" It was Asahi's turn to be surprised.

"It's Princess this, Princes that here," she scowled. "My ears are ringing from all the honorifics!"

Shiori stopped speaking when Asahi threw his head back and laughed. He leaned on the bench and held his stomach as he tried to control himself while Shiori pouted.

"What's so funny?"

Asahi was still chuckling as he replied. "Forgive me, but I was not expecting that."

"Well, I am glad for your entertainment, Your Majesty," Shiori sounded annoyed as she glided away. "Excuse me; my attendants must be looking for me."

"Please be careful," he called. "Oh, and Shiori?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Feel free to address me as Asahi the next time we meet."

If Shiori was uncomfortable, she did not show it. Her steps were elegant and unhurried, like when he first saw her. Asahi watched until her figure disappeared before he left. The garden had become lonely without her in it. Besides, he had a certain request to approve.