Makoto paused, turning slowly towards the voice. Lord and Lady, he was tired of these stupid idiots who couldn’t manage to keep anything under control for more than five minutes.
“Yes?” Makoto asked, doing his best to keep his frustration from the word. Some of it must have leaked through though, as his brother’s herald executed a sharp bow before straightening properly.
“You asked to be notified once your mage corps gained entrance to the blue rooms, sir.” The herald replied stiffly, keeping his posture.
Makoto sighed a little. “Of course. Thank you.” Turning away, Makoto changed his plans, and taking a right at the branching corridors instead of left. A flicker of shadows caught his eye, reassuring him that his silent bodyguard was still in place as he headed to the blue rooms.
Lord and Lady, he wanted to sleep for once! It was bad enough he was being forced into his brother’s role as Lord, but having to clean up Shiro’s mess was half killing him through the lack of sleep alone. Between the famine that Shiro had incited by selling off the fall’s crops, the breakout of the white plague in the poorer sections of town, and the bungled administrators that were barely keeping the castle together, Makoto had barely had a moment’s rest in the week since he’d arrived.
He was curious, however, about the blue rooms. They’d been locked and sealed from the inside by a strong magical aura that only faintly tasted of Shiro’s magic, but otherwise was completely foreign to Makoto and his mages.
It didn’t help his curiosity that nothing had worked to get the door open – the guards had tried breaking it down for a day before a mage wandered by and noticed the strong seal in place. Makoto had left word for him to be notified before anything past breaking the seal was done, though. He trusted his mages, but he wanted to be right there for damage control, depending on what they were dealing with.
Drawing closer, Makoto wasn’t surprised at all to see that all but three of the dozen mages he’d brought with him were hovering curiously outside the door. Of course, one of the remaining three would be the guard trailing him invisibly, so all but two were here. Makoto fervently hoped that Jinsu and Kei were asleep. Someone needed to, after all.
“Report.” Makoto demanded, watching the door. Superficially, it didn’t look any different, but that was to be expected. He’d specifically told them to not go in, after all, and breaking a seal didn’t require any physical harm.
“The seal broke ‘bout half an hour back, Koto.” Tei, the mage corps’ leader, drawled, leaning against the wall near the door. “And then we waited on you. Nothing’s happened.”
“Alright.” Makoto accepted, ignoring the informality because Tei and the rest were always informal. Tei smirked, straightening.
“Want me to open?” Tei asked, and Makoto nodded, because it wouldn’t do to have him open it when they were dealing with an unknown magical force. Tei hesitated for half a second before turning the knob and pushing the door open wide. Nothing happened, and Tei shrugged, taking a step inside. Makoto waited tensely, half-expecting an attack, a last foothold for Shiro’s loyal mage supporters.
“Nothin’, Koto.” Tei called. “Not here anyway. It’s a parlor, there’s a door in the back.”
A few of the other mages slipped inside and Makoto followed, as curious as everyone else. The room was empty, true to Tei’s word. There was a tea set settled before the burnt out fireplace, but none of the little cakes or tea remained, and one of the teacups was missing. Otherwise the room was blue, from dark blue tiles, to the throw rugs and upholstery, to the draperies hung over soft blue-colored walls.
“Next room.” Makoto gestured, and Tei nodded, moving to open the door.
Makoto caught a glimpse of a bed through the door before a sharp voice shouted, “Get away!” The door slammed shut and Tei stumbled back, losing his balance and landing on his back.
“Ow.” Tei grunted, rolling up and onto his feet quickly. “Two of them, young, though I think one of them’s incapacitated.”
“Break the new seal.” Makoto ordered, eyeing the makeshift seal keeping the door shut. It would buy the two mages – well, the two of them, only one had to be a mage – only a few minutes, and they had to know that. “I want them restrained. Be as gentle as you can.”
“Right.” Tei acknowledged. “You two on the seal. As soon as it’s broken, I want you four doing restraints. Setsuko and Hotaku, shield Koto.”
Makoto felt the familiar hum of magic settle protectively around him, and watched as Arisu and Naoki worked to shatter the seal. It was much weaker, and like he’d thought, it only took the two mages minutes to break it down. Tei waited a long moment, gesturing Chiyo and Emi close to the door and letting Goro and Yasu hover in the background.
“In.” Tei ordered, pushing the door open again and shielding the doorway behind the mages. A startled yelp came from inside the room, and a moment later Tei let the shield drop.
“It’s safe.” Tei called, and Makoto started forward, still shielded by Setsuko and Hotaku. Walking into the bedroom, Makoto’s eyebrows rose a little – they were young, and they were identical.
“Let me go.” One of the twins struggled in Emi’s grip. Emi had wrapped him in her arms, holding tightly to his wrists, and energy sparked dangerously under her hands. His brother was on the floor, blankets wrapped around his still form. He was asleep or passed out, and his arm was shackled above his head to a panel on the wall. Makoto frowned, pacing closer curiously.
“Bastards!”
Makoto ignored the shouts, kneeling down by the sleeping boy’s head. “What is it?” He asked, glancing up at Tei.
“It’s –” Tei frowned, reaching out to touch the metal base where the short chain attached to the wall. A matching panel, with a broken shackle, was set into the wall three feet over, and Makoto glanced at the other twin to confirm – a wide, iron bracelet was snapped around his wrist.
“It’s to drain him.” Tei scowled, jerking his hand away as the metal panel shocked him.
“Don’t –” The twin abruptly stopped yelling, sagging in Emi’s grip, and Makoto looked back over to see the young man’s anguished expression before he renewed his struggles, almost taking Emi by surprise.
“How do you get it off?” Makoto asked quietly.
“I can’t.” Tei shook his head. “It’s Shiro’s work – you have to do it.”
Makoto winced – he should’ve known. Only Shiro would be allowed to shackle twin sets of energy in Shiro’s home. Picking up the boy’s arm, Makoto ignored the brother’s shouts as he carefully unclasped the shackle, jerking back from the shock of the dissipated energy – both from the spell and from the meager amount of energy that had stored in the band.
“You okay?” Tei demanded, and Makoto nodded, straightening himself. Glancing around the room, he frowned a little. There weren’t any other rooms, and he knew that no one had left the rooms in a week. The pitcher and basin on the dresser across the room were empty, and the missing teacup was set next to them. Makoto stood up, crossing the room slowly to where Emi held the young man captive. He’d stopped struggling again, and he watched Makoto sullenly as he approached.
“Give me your arm.” Makoto ordered quietly, well aware of the quiet mages scattered around the room. The twins looked young on first inspection, but Makoto was beginning to suspect they were a little older than the teenagers he first took them for. “Emi, let him go.”
“Sir –” Emi objected, frowning as she released her grip on the twin. The young man stuck his arm out immediately, his suspicious expression not changing a whit.
“What’s your name?” Makoto asked, taking the offered wrist in his hands and unclasping the shackle. It didn’t shock him this time, probably because it wasn’t connected to the panel in the wall, and Makoto dropped the shackle to the floor.
“Ryota.” Ryota replied after a long moment, bringing his wrist closer to his chest. Rubbing the skin there, he stepped away from Makoto, closer to where his brother was. Makoto gave a slight nod, turning to let Ryota past him.
“See that a physician sees to them.” Makoto ordered. “And that they’re fed and given a place to sleep.”
“Koto –” Tei objected, climbing to his feet from his scrutiny of the wall panel.
“Leave a guard with them, if you must, Tei.” Makoto replied, turning to leave. He’d deal with this further in the morning. Like everything else. Makoto spared a last moment to watch Ryota, kneeling next to his brother and fretfully rearranging his blankets, and allowed himself a small smile. Maybe he could manage to fix Shiro’s mess, eventually.
Makoto was awake far too early once again, locked in the study next to Shiro’s. The study next to Shiro’s because he still needed to collect papers from Shiro’s office on occasion, but he wasn’t spending more time than he had to in the foul-smelling room until he had time to spare Tei or one of the other mages to cleaning it out.
Fuhiro had promised him all the aid he needed at least, so there were physicians tending the sick. Quarantines had been put into effect, too, so the white plague shouldn’t spread any further until the antidote’s ingredients arrived. The worst would be rationing until food supplies arrived, and even then the city would be dependent on the capital for food stores until next year’s harvest.
Once things settled and the most pressing problems were resolved, he should host a festival or something, to raise morale around the city. Makoto made a note, scrawling rapidly across the page of notes in front of him. It would do the city good, after Shiro’s oppressive reign. Lord and Lady, the ferreting out of Shiro’s supporters would take ages as well.
Makoto sighed quietly, staring across the small study thoughtfully. There had been no love lost between Shiro and him, but he’d never once thought Fuhiro would install him here. He hated governance, and even their sister Akira would’ve been happier here. A knock on the door drew his attention and Makoto focused. He didn’t have time for regrets, he had work to do.
“Come in.” Makoto called, staying seated as Tei walked in. The mage corps’ captain looked rather frazzled, with dark circles under his eyes and Makoto wondered if Tei had slept.
“There’s a problem.” Tei announced, conjuring himself a chair. Collapsing down into it backwards, he rested his chin on the back and stared at Makoto.
“I have lots of problems, Tei.” Makoto reminded him. “Give me specifics.”
“Remember the twins?” Tei grinned, and Makoto nodded, staring at his desk for a moment, trying to remember what exactly he needed to do next. Meetings this morning – some of Shiro’s advisors, the ones who hadn’t tried attacking Fuhiro’s men right off.
“Yes.” Makoto replied absently. “Where is Arisu? I need her for this morning.”
“She’ll be along.” Tei replied easily. “Ryota and his brother are causing problems.”
“What kind of problems?” Makoto pressed, sitting back in his chair. Tei’s eyes flicked off to the right, where Makoto thought Kei was hiding.
“The kind where no one will go near them? Not even to treat the unconscious one.” Tei shrugged, tilting his head curiously. “He’s not doing so well, that one, and it’s… upsetting Ryota.”
“Why won’t they treat him?” Makoto sighed, standing up. “Never mind. They’re where?”
“In the blue rooms.” Tei stood up as well, banishing his chair.
“Why?” Makoto frowned, moving around the desk slowly. “I thought they were being moved?”
“It didn’t work out.” Tei shrugged. “Ryota wouldn’t let his brother leave without him, and we couldn’t get them both out at the same time. So we were going to treat the brother and then move them, but none of the castle physicians will go near them.”
“Why not?” Makoto collected the papers he would need, tucking them inside a leather folder.
“They wouldn’t say.” Tei made a face, making a show out of stretching his shoulders out. “Though Ryota spitting at them whenever they went near his brother probably didn’t help matters.”
“Lovely.” Makoto sighed. “Send for one of the physicians Fuhiro sent to tend them.”
Tei smiled ruefully, scrubbing his dark hair from his forehead. “That’s a good idea.”
“Preferably one who isn’t dealing with the white plague.” Makoto added on, fighting a yawn. He’d take care of this and then head to his morning meetings. He could worry about eating later. “Have Arisu meet me at the blue rooms.”
“Will do.” Tei saluted, preceding Makoto out into the hallway. Makoto headed off to the left, doing his best to ignore the stares he got as he walked down the hallway. Some fearful – Shiro’s legacy – some hopeful, and Makoto wished he was half the leader Fuhiro thought he was because these people deserved that at least.
Ryota glared, fighting the way he was swaying as another of those mage bastards entered the room. He was exhausted but he wasn’t letting Daichi into their grips that easily. He’d fight them every inch of the way and then some. At least this one didn’t try to approach, just slipped off to a quiet corner of the room and Ryota realized belatedly that there was a spell cloaking him.
Which likely meant – and the door opened (like it hadn’t before, Ryota realized) – and the young man they’d called Koto stepped inside. Ryota frowned – he had mixed feelings on this one. He’d gotten the chains off, but that could simply be a ruse. He was better than the other mages at least.
The mage left to watch them smiled happily, her face brightening, and Ryota might’ve tightened his grip on Daichi’s hand a little, but that was under Daichi’s blankets so they couldn’t see.
“Makoto, you’re up early.” The mage greeted cheerfully, standing up properly. She’d been leaning lazily against the wall by the door, apparently having deemed him and Daichi no threat. Which they weren’t really, not since that power-sucking bastard had chained them to the wall. Makoto nodded in acknowledgement, but crossed over to where he was sitting by Daichi’s side.
He wasn’t actually a mage. Ryota frowned, confused at that – only the strongest mages could break Shiro’s spells. Or one of his blood. Ryota scowled, tension seeping into him again. Shiro’s relatives couldn’t bring anything good.
“Do you prefer this room to another?” Makoto asked quietly, kneeling down nearby, but letting Ryota sit between him and Daichi.
“No.” Ryota replied with a scowl. They weren’t laying a hand on Daichi, though. He didn’t care what they said their intentions were.
“You don’t trust us.” Makoto wasn’t stupid it seemed, but Ryota didn’t waste his energy replying. He’d lost track of the days somewhere, but it had been at least a week since Daichi had helped him seal the room. Unfortunately, there hadn’t been much in the way of water or food sealed in with them, and Daichi had been unconscious for nearly two days.
And of course no one would look at him. The physicians hadn’t been stupid – anyone Shiro let near them didn’t live long after. Gripping Daichi’s hand tighter, Ryota stared flatly at Makoto, wondering what would happen now with Shiro dead.
“We brought physicians with us. I’m having one brought.” Makoto glanced past him to Daichi. “Do you know what’s wrong?”
“He’s just sleeping.” Ryota listed a bit to the side before righting himself. “He’ll be fine.”
“Alright.” Makoto accepted, and the man had Shiro’s eyes, with the same dark, burning green color – except calmer, less manic… more weary. “We have a room prepared.”
“I’m not leaving him.” Ryota replied immediately, and Makoto smiled faintly, the first time Ryota had seen him do so. It made him look even more tired than he already did.
“I wouldn’t ask that.” Makoto stood up slowly. “You can walk with him every step of the way, if you like. Or you may stay here until he wakes and then move.”
Ryota nodded, and decided he’d try this. If it backfired – well, it couldn’t be any worse than Shiro and Daichi would appreciate leaving this room, at least. “I’ll go with him.”
“Alright.” Makoto nodded, gesturing to the woman mage still by the door. “Yasu, do a levitation.”
“You’re coming too.” Ryota decided, pushing himself to his feet. At the very least Makoto wasn’t a mage, even if he controlled the two that would be accompanying them. Makoto took his demand in stride, even as Yasu cast a quick levitation spell Daichi, lifting him from the ground to about hip level. The blankets draped down towards the floor, and Ryota followed, keeping an eye on Yasu and on the cloaked mage as they left the room.
The blue rooms were in the residential wing of the palace closest to Shiro’s rooms – now probably Makoto’s. Yasu led them in the opposite direction at least, and Ryota fought to keep his attention split between the front mage, Daichi, and Makoto – and walking, which was taking more concentration than it should have.
“Are you alright?” Makoto’s voice was softer than Shiro’s, and Ryota nodded automatically because he couldn’t admit anything, not here, surrounded by people who would want to either enslave them or kill them and Daichi needed to wake up soon because Ryota didn’t know how much longer he could handle this on his own.
“Ryota.” Makoto was frowning a little, watching him with concern. “Have you eaten?”
“Yes.” Ryota narrowed his eyes – he hadn’t had much of a choice. A few days without food and then they’d brought fresh fruit and bread… so maybe they would at least keep them well-fed.
“Good.” Makoto nodded approvingly, and Yasu paused in front of an open door. Ryota frowned because he’d stopped paying attention. At least they were still in the residential section. Yasu floated Daichi in and settled him on the room’s large bed, placed in the center of the big room.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to share for now.” Makoto sounded apologetic, as though he’d like to offer another room for Ryota. “I’ll have more food sent, and a physician to check on you both.”
Ryota nodded, trying to seem casual as he crossed the room quickly to Daichi’s side. Daichi would probably appreciate not waking up in that horrid blue room, at least.
“I would like to speak with you both later, if you don’t mind.” Makoto was saying, and Ryota tensed. Nothing good would come of that. “Yasu or another mage will be outside if you need anything more, and just have them send me a message when you’re ready to talk.”
Ryota nodded stiffly, clasping his hands behind his back. Makoto seemed to sense his hostility – or he had somewhere else to be – as he offered another small, distracted smile before heading for the door, his cloaked shadow following closely.
Yasu offered a bright smile before following, shutting the door quietly behind herself, and then Ryota was alone with Daichi. Making sure his brother was comfortable, and not too warm, Ryota climbed into bed wearily, hoping that he hadn’t made a mistake.
Makoto settled down in the sitting room of the last of Shiro’s officials, watching dispassionately as the man sweated before him. He was slightly chubby, with a receding hairline and a wide nose, and he had two enchantments locked in the rings on his right hand that Kei had already blocked.
Out of Shiro’s officials, only six of the minor ones remained, and one of the major. Makoto was going to need to refill all of the seats so far, except for possibly one, a fretful man who seemed more concerned with his merchanting fortune than Shiro’s machinations. Makoto might replace him anyway, for simplicity’s sake.
The man before him had already had enough proof against him, so this meeting was merely for formality so that Makoto could figure out what to do with him. He wasn’t a mage, but he secured young, mage-capable adolescents from the city for Shiro to drain or sell off, over the mountains where slavery ran rampant and bound, magical slaves were highly lucrative.
Which made Makoto think of the strange twins, and he hoped there was nothing wrong with Ryota’s brother. Hopefully he was just sleeping off the effects of being attached to Shiro’s power when he died. Makoto frowned thoughtfully, wondering if he could draft them into working to clean up the castle, magically.
“Lord Kujaku, how can I help you?” Kateki asked nervously, leaning back in his chair. Arisu stood behind Makoto’s chair, and he thought Kei was off to the left, near the fireplace, but he couldn’t be sure.
“I would like to know what amends you would be willing to make.” Makoto replied quietly, because quiet always unnerved them. Kateki was no different, shifting in his chair a little as he watched Makoto with calculating eyes.
“I did what I had to, to stay alive.” Kateki declared, pressing his hands against silk-clad thighs. Alive, and prosperous, it seemed.
“You admit to your actions?” Makoto asked, deciding that he’d wash his hands of Kateki as well, and have him shipped to the capital for Fuhiro to take care of. In heavy chains, like the young people he’d sent off to be sold beyond the mountains.
“Shiro would’ve killed me and my family otherwise.” Kateki replied solemnly, and Arisu cleared her throat – Kateki was lying. Kateki’s eyes switched to her for a moment, before returning to meet Makoto’s unwavering stare. Kateki didn’t have family – his wife had died ‘mysteriously,’ and his parents had been dead for at least a decade.
“I will be sure to let the Emperor know of your claims.” Makoto made a note, standing up slowly.
“My lord?” Kateki asked, looking for clarification. Makoto smiled thinly, not impressed at all by Kateki’s fake manners.
“You shall be traveling with your compatriots for trial in the capital. Likely your sentence will be death, for the lives you sold.” Makoto explained calmly, watching the color pale from Kateki’s round cheeks.
“You can’t –” Kateki’s rings flashed before going dull, and he stared at horror at his hand for a moment. Arisu smirked, putting herself between Kateki and Makoto.
“I’d wish you a nice trip, but I wouldn’t want that for you.” Makoto smiled unpleasantly, wishing this part of the job was done. He was sick of dealing with Shiro’s compatriots, though at least Kateki was the worst and none of them were as bad as Shiro himself had been.
Leaving the room swiftly, Makoto paused a moment to collect his bearings. He needed to arrange for the prisoners to be sent to the capital – he’d need to spare a few of the mages to travel accompaniment. Chiyo and Goro, perhaps, but he’d clear it with Tei first. And now… he had to meet with a few representatives from around the city – merchants and craftsmen, and then a meeting with Shiro’s lackluster guard, with Arisu to ferret out any malcontents.
Perhaps he’d take an hour or two later to himself – Shiro had a library somewhere. Makoto smiled grimly – he wouldn’t be surprised if the library needed cleaning too. Shiro probably had more dark magic books than was healthy, though he probably kept most of those in his office. Makoto slowed a little as he neared his office. Merchants, craftsmen… maybe he could find some statesmen from them to replenish Shiro’s ranks.
“Lord Kujaku?”
Makoto froze, biting back a curse as the timid voice sought his attention from the doorway. Composing himself quickly, he turned back with a blank face, unsurprised to find the timidity coming from one of the castle servants.
“Yes?” Makoto asked, careful to keep his tone free from the annoyance – the castle servants would be vital in the cleanup, and they’d suffered enough abuse from Shiro without having to deal with his bad moods.
“I – I’m supposed to – one of your mages wants your presence in the residential wing, sir.” The servant bowed quickly, and Makoto steadfastly ignored the young man’s trembling.
“Where in the residential wing?” Makoto asked, though he had a suspicion – it was late enough for Ryota and his brother to have slept and woken again.
“Second floor, my lord,” the servant clarified, looking faintly relieved that Makoto hadn’t killed him for daring to speak. “A mage named Naoki sent me.”
“Thank you.” Makoto smiled reassuringly. “You may return to your duties.”
“Thank you, sir.” The servant bowed again before scurrying off quickly. Makoto shook his head, giving the stacks of books a last look before leaving the library. It would keep after all.
The twins were both awake, and curled together on the large bed. Makoto hid a smile at the pretty sight they made with their dusky blonde curls mingling with their heads so close, and Ryota had his arm wrapped around his brother’s waist, supporting him or being supported. His brother had gray eyes, oddly, where Ryota’s were a pale, icy blue.
Makoto offered a smile, gesturing for Naoki to stay outside. Jinsu was probably already inside, though Makoto couldn’t tell where. Ryota’s eyes followed him suspiciously as he shut the door but Makoto ignored it – he’d weathered his fair share of suspicious looks since he’d arrived, after all.
“Good evening.” Makoto greeted easily, and Ryota nodded, frowning as his eyes shifted to near the dresser. Makoto looked, catching a flicker of dark – Jinsu must be there, but he shouldn’t be visible to Ryota.
“You wanted to talk to us.” Ryota told him flatly, his eyes still pinned to the spot on the wall next to the dresser.
“Yes.” Makoto affirmed, taking a few more steps into the room. Pulling the chair away from the vanity desk, he sat down gingerly. “I would like to know the details of how you came to be in the blue room, for one.”
“Make him leave.” Ryota jerked his head towards the dresser, and Makoto raised an eyebrow because apparently Ryota could see Jinsu.
“Jinsu.” Makoto acknowledged the guard, watching the invisibility cloak melt away.
“Tei would flay me.” Jinsu refused immediately, eyeing the twins suspiciously. “I can’t leave you with unknowns.”
“Jinsu.” Makoto repeated, faintly amused as usual at the mage’s loyalty. “It will be fine. Wait outside.”
“Least hint of trouble, I’m coming back.” Jinsu warned, staring stonily at the twins as he headed to the door. A moment later, the door shut, and Makoto was alone with a pair of mage-capable twins whose loyalty he didn’t know. Still, if Shiro had them shackled to the wall, Makoto could make an educated guess.
“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I know your brother’s name.” Makoto restarted, earning a solemn gray-eyed stare.
“Daichi.” Ryota supplied, leaning just a little closer to his brother. Makoto nodded, smiling faintly at their solidarity.
“And how you came to be in the blue rooms?” Makoto prompted gently, resting his forearms against his legs casually. Ryota glanced at Daichi with a small frown, but neither twin spoke up. Makoto waited, wondering how long it would take for the silence to unnerve them.
“Shiro.” Ryota finally replied darkly, and Makoto nodded – no love lost between the twins and his brother then.
“Tei told me the panels were energy conduits.” Makoto supplied. “Where were you before you came here? Did you live in the city?”
“No.” Daichi murmured, his voice soft and raspy, like he’d spent half the day screaming. Or more than a day asleep, and had just woken up. “From outside the city.”
“Our parents owned a farm.” Ryota continued, staring intently at Makoto. “They wouldn’t pay the tax Shiro leavened, and he dispatched someone to collect it through brutality. He noticed us, and we were added to that tax.” Ryota glared, silently daring Makoto to say anything.
“That sounds like Shiro.” Makoto sighed. “I assume you’d like to return to your farm?”
“No.” Daichi shook his head rapidly, and his eyes filled with tears suddenly. Makoto froze, taken by surprise as Ryota’s face crumpled too – of course, if their parents protested the tax, they would’ve protested more their sons being taken away, and likely would’ve lost their lives doing so.
“I apologize.” Makoto murmured, watching discretely as Ryota tugged his brother closer, whispering softly to him. Giving them a moment to collect themselves, Makoto studied his shoes – he’d offer them whatever they’d like then. Within reason, but if they preferred to stay here he wouldn’t protest it.
“Sorry.” Daichi rasped quietly, and Makoto offered a reassuring smile.
“It’s alright.” Makoto reinforced calmly. “I hold no claim on you, but if you would be willing to stay here I could find a position for you both.”
“Like Shiro’s?” Ryota asked, his eyes flashing as he snapped the venomous words out.
“Ryota.” Daichi chided quietly, and Ryota subsided immediately, staring at his hands miserably.
“I would like to start a mage corps here, of mages not borrowed from the capital. Your land, of course, would still be yours to do with as you please.” Makoto paused, looking thoughtful. “If you – are you literate?”
“Yes.” Ryota glared, and Makoto raised an eyebrow. It was a legitimate question, as most farm children didn’t have time for learning.
“Shiro’s deceits ran deep. I need new officials.” Makoto clarified, standing and brushing off the front of his pants. “Or if you would simply like compensation and to be on your way, we can manage that as well.”
“I don’t believe you.” Ryota told him sullenly, narrowing his eyes distrustfully. Makoto stifled a sigh – he wasn’t good at diplomacy, soothing wounded feelings, and how Fuhiro thought he was going to manage this was beyond him since Daichi and Ryota were just two of many similarly wronged citizens.
“Ryota.” Daichi chided again, pinching his brother’s leg. “May we think about it?”
“Of course.” Makoto smiled, a little charmed by Daichi’s quiet manner. “I’ll leave you then. I assume if I drop the guard you won’t cause trouble?”
“No.” Daichi looked startled, like he hadn’t realized there was a guard.
“Then I’ll say goodnight. You may get in touch with me through the servants if you need to, or one of the mages.” Makoto dipped his head briefly before heading to the door, hoping he hadn’t made things worse for the twins.
“I don’t trust him.” Ryota declared immediately, listening to Daichi sigh quietly. Leaning his head against Daichi’s, he breathed in deeply, trying to get the unease to settle out of him.
“I do.” Daichi murmured, turning to meet Ryota’s eyes. “He was sincere.”
“Right.” Ryota replied with a scowl. “For now. That’ll change once he realizes how much easier it is to use us.”
“He’s not a mage, Ryota.” Daichi murmured. “He can’t –”
“He can make us work for him without being a mage.” Ryota cut in, and Daichi sighed, snuggling closer.
“He’s too insecure for that.” Daichi replied quietly, ducking to rest his head against Ryota’s shoulder. “He thinks he’s going to mess up with us somehow, and he wants to make things right.”
“Snoop.” Ryota mumbled half-heartedly, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Daichi’s head. Daichi murmured contentedly, and Ryota sighed. “What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know.” Daichi mumbled, not moving.
“We can think about it.” Ryota pointed out. “Or ask for more details. I mean, what would we do in a mage corps? Or as an official? He was kind of vague.”
“We should ask.” Daichi sat up, his grey eyes lighting. “Can we go ask?”
“Right now?” Ryota blinked, letting Daichi slip out of his grip. Daichi swayed for a moment as soon as he got out of bed, pausing to steady himself.
“Um… it’s late.” Daichi sagged. “Maybe tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow.” Ryota agreed, amused as Daichi climbed back into bed. Tugging Daichi close, Ryota decided that maybe Shiro’s brother was good for something at least. Daichi smiled softly and Ryota hoped his brother hadn’t read Makoto wrong and that maybe something good would manage to come of this.
Makoto ducked, wincing as a piece of the ceiling crashed to the hallway in front of him. Glaring down the hallway, he made to stand up – planning to move across the hallway into one of the little rooms there until Kei’s reinforcements showed up.
“Get down, you idiot.” Kei snapped, shoving him back down to the floor and snapping up a shield. “Don’t move.”
Kei darted away, and Makoto glared at the floor, wishing Kei had shoved him into a position he could see from. Bad enough that he’d gotten attacked again, but now he couldn’t move or he’d dispel Kei’s shield.
A strangled shout came from down the hall, in the direction Kei had gone, and Makoto flinched, jerking up as the shield dissipated. Kei was hurt then – unconscious and hopefully not worse. Ducking into the room – it turned out to be an ornate parlor with a fine layer of dust over everything – Makoto took a deep breath and dug out his long knives.
They wouldn’t do much good against magic, but at least he wasn’t defenseless. Waiting tensely, Makoto stared at the doorway, half-hidden in the shadows behind the door. Light from the hallway filtered in through the doorway, but Makoto was mostly obscured – if the mage wasn’t paying too much attention, Makoto could take him by surprise.
Gripping the handles of his knives tightly, Makoto strained his ears, listening for approaching footsteps. The only thing he heard was gravel settling, and he wondered for a minute if Kei had taken the mage out before he’d passed out. Except then he heard the footsteps, slow and steady – if it were any of his mages they’d be all out rushing around, to Kei, after the mage, looking for him.
The footsteps slowed as they approached the room Makoto hid in, and Makoto readied himself – he’d like as not have only the one chance at this. The mage stepped into sight, and Makoto hesitated, surprised –
And then Kateki released the spell, flooding the room with a burst of energy strong enough to knock Makoto off his feet. Makoto crashed to the ground, wincing as his back slammed into the wall. Cursing, he threw one of his blades – entirely not meant for throwing, but he was looking to distract right now. It nearly hit, but Kateki ducked out of the way, towards him, and Makoto launched himself up, at Kateki, only to have Kateki release another spell.
This one knocked Makoto against the wall and held him there, invisible restraints pinning Makoto’s arms and legs to the wall. Makoto coughed out a breath, wryly thinking this is why Fuhiro wouldn’t let any of their sisters come.
“You’re a fool, Kujaku.” Kateki sneered, retrieving Makoto’s knife from the floor. Makoto flexed his fingers, hoping that Kateki would lose his concentration and let Makoto’s arms free. He still held the other knife, not that it would do him a lot of good the way his wrist was pinned.
“Lord Kujaku.” Makoto corrected blandly, and Kateki surged forward, burying the knife in Makoto’s forearm. Makoto’s fingers dropped the knife, and he gritted his teeth, fighting to not scream at the pain lancing up his arm. Kateki smirked, leaving the knife and picking up the one Makoto had dropped.
“Lord Shiro was a lord. You’re nothing but a pale comparison to him.” Kateki snapped at him, his dark eyes calculating as he stared at Makoto.
“Shiro’s dead.” Makoto ground out, doing his best to ignore the blood trickling down his arm.
“And you’re about to join him.” Kateki replied darkly.
“How do you have magic?” Makoto demanded, ignoring Kateki’s threat. Kateki laughed, raising the knife, and Makoto kind of regretted drawing them out now.
“Lord Shiro gave me many items.” Kateki waved his fingers, showing off a number of bright jewels. “If you’ve got any more questions, you can ask Lord Shiro personally –” Kateki froze, the knife clattering to the floor. A second later, Kateki followed, and Makoto sighed as Tei stalked across the room.
“Took you.” Makoto muttered, wincing as Tei pulled the knife out of the wall. Tei grimaced, dispelling Kateki’s restraints. Makoto tugged up his sleeve, wincing at the sharp pain that the motion caused, even as Tei tugged off his shirt, ripping the bottom hem off it to wrap around Makoto’s bleeding arm.
“That’s going to make writing a bitch.” Tei observed, and Makoto sighed, wincing when Tei wrapped a bit too tight.
“Lord and Lady, I did not need that.” Makoto grumbled, and Tei laughed, tying the end of the makeshift bandage off swiftly. “How’s Kei?”
“Unconscious, luckily for this bastard.” Tei glared, kicking Kateki’s leg. “What do you want done with him?”
“Kill him.” Makoto replied wearily. “He’s caused enough damage.” Tei nodded, gesturing to Jinsu, standing in the doorway looking more than a little sleep rumpled.
“Jinsu, get Naoki. The both of you are on guard until Taiki takes over.” Tei ordered. “Get him to his rooms, and get a physician to see to his arm. Makoto, don’t do more than you can. Jinsu, you can restrain him to his rooms if he seems to be pushing it.”
“Sir.” Jinsu ducked out, and Makoto rolled his eyes, watching as Tei cast the spell to stop Kateki’s heart from beating. A moment later Jinsu returned with Naoki, and Makoto tugged the sleeve of his jacket down over the bulge of Tei’s ripped shirt. Hopefully no one would see the stains and realize he was injured, and Makoto made a note to have one of the more discrete physicians tend to the wound.
“To my rooms.” Makoto gestured to the door with his whole arm. “Tei, you can take care of clean up?”
“Of course.” Tei grumbled, starting the spell to remove the bloodstains – Makoto’s blood, and he winced – from the wall. Turning away, Makoto followed Jinsu from the room, letting Naoki fall into step behind them so that he was protected on both sides. Lord and Lady, Makoto hoped that was the last time he was attacked. He’d been here for only a week or so and that was the third time – though admittedly the first two had been while they were securing the castle.
It had been Tei’s idea, the invisible guards, and Makoto decided he needed to thump Tei for that later. Yes, it had drawn out an attack… but it had drawn out an attack, and Makoto didn’t have time to be injured. The only physician-mage they had was tending the ill, and Makoto wasn’t going to drag him away from that to deal with his arm. He’d have to deal with it, and make sure Tei got some unpalatable job later, like dealing with Shiro’s office.
“I don’t know if this is such a good idea, Daichi.” Ryota whispered, eyeing the innocuous doorway around the corner and at the end of the long, straight hall.
“Shh.” Daichi shushed him, smiling a bit as he peeked around the corner too. There was no one there, not even a cloaked mage. It struck Ryota as rather stupid – Shiro had had at least three guards around him at all times (though none cloaked, and Ryota couldn’t figure out why Makoto was bothering with that).
“Daichi.” Ryota tugged on a stray lock of Daichi’s hair. He was pleased Daichi was smiling, but sneaking into the new Lord’s bedroom was nothing short of suicidal and stupid.
“He was busy earlier.” Daichi brushed Ryota’s hand away impatiently. “Besides, if he’s like I read off him, he won’t mind.”
“And if he’s not?” Ryota hissed, snagging Daichi’s arm and tugging him back before he could sneak around the corner. “Dai –”
“He is. And if he’s not then I’ll flash-spell him long enough for us to run away.” Daichi offered, his expression turning pleading. “Please, Ryota? I miss sneaking around, and this will put him off balance enough that he might actually give us proper answers.”
“What if he’s got a mage in there? He probably does, since they’re not out here.” Ryota argued quietly – this hallway wasn’t abandoned after all, and he didn’t want to draw someone else’s attention.
“He –” Daichi paused. “I don’t know.” Daichi’s face crumpled a little. “Does it matter if he does? Worst case they’ll kick us out, right? We can knock and be polite.”
Ryota frowned, but he couldn’t say no. Daichi hadn’t been so happy in ages, but Lord and Lady, if Makoto or any of his goons did anything to upset him and Ryota would do his best to make them sorry.
“Alright, let’s go. But we knock.” Ryota cautioned. “And if he’s busy we leave him be.”
“Okay.” Daichi straightened from his crouch, pressing a soft kiss to Ryota’s cheek. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Ryota answered resignedly, letting Daichi precede him down the hallway towards Makoto’s rooms. Daichi hesitated for a moment before knocking firmly, stepping back to stand close to Ryota as they waited.
Nothing happened for a long moment, and Daichi glanced at him curiously. “Do you think he’s asleep?”
“Too early.” Ryota refuted, knocking louder. Waiting a minute, he pressed his ear against the sturdy door, but either the door muffled sound or nothing was happening inside. “Nothing.”
“Maybe he’s not there?” Daichi suggested. “It’s late, but maybe he’s got work.”
“Maybe.” Ryota sighed, knowing what Daichi would suggest next. Preempting, he knocked again and then tried the doorknob. It gave easily under his hand, and Ryota stepped in front of Daichi, peering inside carefully. “Probably. There’s no one here.”
“And it was unlocked?” Daichi asked, slightly incredulous. “Why?”
“Perhaps he’s stupid.” Ryota ventured further in, pushing the door open so that some of the hallway’s light would fall inside. The fireplace had long gone out, and the room was slightly chilly. “Dai, light the fire, would you?”
“Do it by hand.” Daichi replied quietly, wandering in after him. “It’s so bare.”
“Right.” Ryota muttered, crossing to the fireplace. “Maybe we should just come back later.”
“No. I want to wait.” Daichi decided and Ryota sighed, but opened the tinderbox. Setting a few logs to burn, he struck the little flint repeatedly until he managed to catch a spark. A few minutes later and the logs had caught, casting a bit of dim, flickering light about the room.
“It is bare.” Ryota marveled. It was one room, too, instead of a suite of rooms. There was a large bed, like in his and Daichi’s room, and a small wardrobe. A trunk sat by the wardrobe, propped open and revealing bunches of cloth that were probably clothing. Aside from that, there was a small nightstand with a basin of water, and… Ryota squinted, moving closer. A bloody shirt?
“Perhaps we should go.” Ryota murmured, eyes on the bloody cloth. It could be anything, really. A cut – that bled that much? Ryota backed away, turning to find Daichi.
“Ryota?” Daichi asked, curious as he turned back from where he was shutting the door.
“We should go.” Ryota repeated, crossing the room quickly. “Dai-” Ryota froze as the door opened suddenly and Daichi froze too, stepping back so that he was closer to Ryota. Makoto stepped in, pausing in surprise when he caught sight of them before a small smile tugged at his lips.
“Can I help you?” Makoto asked, signaling to someone behind him – probably one of his mage-guards. No one appeared though, so he might’ve been waving them back.
“Um.” Daichi ducked his head a little. “We had questions.”
“Alright.” Makoto accepted, stepping into the room a little. Ryota scrutinized, trying to see if Makoto was hurt because if he was then it wasn’t someone else’s blood and Ryota didn’t have to be worried after their safety. As much. “I apologize for not being able to come see you earlier.”
Makoto seemed to not really care that they’d broken into his room, and Ryota scowled, snagging Daichi before he could wander away.
“Why don’t you care we’re here?” Ryota demanded, and Daichi tensed.
“Ryota.” Daichi hissed, and Ryota flushed a little, but stared steadily at Makoto. Makoto laughed a little, turning back to them.
“You didn’t do anything malevolent to the room.” Makoto shrugged, a smile still tugging at his lips. “And you deserve my time, even if I couldn’t give it to you earlier.”
“How do you know we didn’t do anything?” Ryota asked, suspiciously, not letting Daichi go. Daichi squirmed a little in his arms, but didn’t try to pull away seriously.
“Likely the same way you knew Jinsu was in the room yesterday.” Makoto replied absently. “What can I do for you?”
“Um.” Daichi spoke up, elbowing Ryota in the ribs. Ryota huffed, but let him go, carefully not looking at the bloodied cloth on the nightstand. “We wanted to know more, about our options.”
Makoto nodded and Ryota watched Daichi bite his lip worriedly, wondering what Daichi knew. Makoto tugged off his boots, throwing them towards the open trunk. “What can I tell you?”
“Um.” Daichi repeated, and Makoto paused, giving him a distracted smile. “What would we be doing?”
“In what capacity?” Makoto asked, crossing his arms with only the faintest wince. Ryota relaxed a little – he was hurt, so it wasn’t the first of many splotches of blood that would be decorating his bedroom, like the décor in Shiro’s rooms had been.
“Either.” Ryota spoke up. “What do we do in a mage corps?”
“Assigned tasks. For the city’s defense or wellbeing. It can be anything from repelling attacks to working on construction, to just generally helping people in need.” Makoto explained, offering a thoughtful smile. “The mage corps that came with me is currently helping to clear out all of Shiro’s booby-traps, as well as restoring structural integrity to some of the sections of the castle. They’re also helping me ferret out anyone with lingering loyalties to Shiro.”
Daichi nodded, pausing for a long moment. “Ryota doesn’t have mage skills.”
Makoto’s eyebrows rose slightly, and Ryota fought the urge to squirm as Makoto turned to look at him. “Then what does he have?”
“He can see.” Daichi hedged, shaking his head a little. “I don’t want to be split up.”
“He has another power.” Makoto stated matter-of-factly, and Ryota scowled. “Like your mage power isn’t your only power.”
Daichi flushed, turning to give Ryota a hesitant look before marching across the room to Makoto. “You’re hurt.”
“Yes.” Makoto admitted, and Daichi frowned up at him for a moment.
“Go sit down.” Daichi ordered quietly, and a smile flickered across Makoto’s face before he complied. “Ryota.”
“Dai –” Ryota protested, dragging his feet as he made his way over to the bed. Makoto watched curiously as Daichi unbuttoned his jacket and tugged it off, revealing a short-sleeved shirt that did nothing to cover up the swath of bandages wrapped around Makoto’s right arm.
“Knife.” Daichi murmured, and Ryota sighed, staring at Makoto for a long moment. Daichi trusted him though, and Daichi was a much better judge of character than Ryota was.
“Give me your arm.” Ryota ordered sharply, flushing when Makoto simply held out his arm with that faint smile hovering about his lips. Ryota carefully undid the bandage, wincing at the bright scar in the Makoto’s skin. The wound went all the way through, but Ryota had seen worse.
“This might tickle.” Ryota mumbled, wrapping his hands around Makoto’s arm. Focusing his energy, he concentrated on knitting the wound together, healing the damaged layers one at a time until only a faint scar remained on the surface.
“You’re a physician-mage.” Makoto stated, and Ryota jerked his hands back.
“So?” He demanded, picking up the bandage and rolling it up quickly.
“That’s rare.” Makoto shrugged, and Ryota narrowed his eyes suspiciously before meeting Daichi’s eyes. Daichi smiled fondly, and Ryota sighed because Daichi was sitting on the bed next to Makoto now.
“Yeah, well.” Ryota walked away, setting the bandage on the nightstand next to the other, bloodier one.
“And how did you know that I was injured?” Makoto was asking Daichi, and Ryota scowled, turning back around in time to watch Daichi smile again.
“It’s a secret.” Daichi winked, and Makoto smiled back, his fingers running along the newly healed skin.
“Thank you, Ryota.” Makoto caught him looking, and Ryota flushed, ducking his head.
“Whatever.” He mumbled, sitting down on the bed, next to Daichi.
“You could both go to the capital, you know.” Makoto said, drawing his legs up and settling against the footboard. He looked younger now, a smile curving his lips and without that stuffy jacket on. Ryota couldn’t place his age, though – he could be around twenty, like they were, or as old as mid-thirties.
“Mage-physicians are highly thought of, and you could make more than enough to support the both of you.” Makoto was speaking to Ryota, and Ryota frowned – they wouldn’t be separated, true, but Daichi would want to do his part.
“I don’t want to go.” Daichi murmured, glancing at Ryota. “Even if – it’s our home, here.”
“You could become officials.” Makoto offered, tugging his jacket back on. The room was still a bit chilly, though the fire was making a dent in that. “Daichi, I think you would do well on the council I’m commissioning.” Makoto’s smile suggested that he’d realized what Daichi’s second gift was, and Ryota scowled, shifting closer to where Daichi was sitting.
“And what would I do?” Ryota demanded.
“Assist.” Makoto offered, still smiling. “I can still give you a few days to decide, and if you like I can have one of the mages from the mage corps speak with you about that option.”
“And the other?” Daichi asked, leaning closer to Ryota.
“I suppose I could show you what the work entails.” Makoto murmured thoughtfully. “It might be a little dangerous though, so I suggest you –”
“You’re in danger.” Daichi cut him off, frowning unhappily. “You’re a good man.”
Makoto flushed, and Ryota groaned, burying his face.
“Ryota.” Daichi scolded, poking him in the ribs. Ryota jerked up, surprised, to meet Makoto’s amused expression. “We’ll go with you tomorrow.”
“Daichi –” Ryota started, ready to voice a protest. Daichi wilted a little, turning to face him better.
“Please, Ryota? He needs company.” Daichi pleaded, and Ryota sighed, glancing at Makoto. Makoto just looked amused, though his cheeks had gained a bit of color.
“If he says yes.” Ryota muttered, wondering why he even tried to resist Daichi’s plans.
“So?” Daichi asked, looking fragilely hopeful, like Makoto saying no would crush him.
“Alright. For a little while.” Makoto acceded, like he had an option.
“Good.” Daichi decided, scrambling off the bed. “Shall we meet you in your office?”
“I might not be there.” Makoto looked thoughtful, a smile still hovering about his lips, and Ryota decided grudgingly that maybe he could see Daichi’s point. “If I’m not, you can let yourselves in?”
Daichi flushed, nodding. “Sorry.”
“Just be careful.” Makoto murmured softly as Ryota stood up, joining Daichi. “Like you said, I’m in danger, so there’s a possibility of traps everywhere.”
“Right.” Daichi nodded, ducking close to the bed. Ryota sighed as Daichi pressed a quick kiss to Makoto’s cheek, flushing darkly. “See you in the morning.”
“See you.” Makoto repeated faintly, his eyebrows raised again and that little smile gracing his lips. Ryota shook his head, but followed Daichi as his brother practically darted from the room. And if Daichi wasn’t smiling the widest that Ryota had seen since before their parents had died then Makoto would’ve been getting worse than a knife-wound in the arm.
Makoto fought a smile as he made his way through the hallways towards his office. It was far too early once again, but he didn’t mind quite as much. This probably meant that he was losing what little sanity he had left, but that was alright. Kei wasn’t tailing him this morning – Goro had taken last night’s shift and Taiki was hiding in the shadows now.
Makoto slipped into his study, waiting until Taiki murmured the go ahead before moving to sit behind the desk, sorting through the most pressing papers first. The antidote shipments had arrived from the capital, along with a few wagons full of grains. Makoto smiled at that – there were also a half-dozen elite of the Fuhiro’s mage corps that could escort a transport of prisoners back.
The most dangerous would go first, Makoto decided. The six officials, and a handful of the more resourceful insurgents they’d caught. Writing up a list, he set it aside for Tei to take care of later.
Today… he needed to meet with the chatelaine about starting a cleaning brigade about the castle. A few servants and one of the mages to each team, to get rid of the traps and lingering bloodshed about the castle.
Fuhiro had set up a steady stream of supplies, at least, but he needed to get a system up for distributing – he’d ask one of the higher class merchants and one of the lower rung merchants to team together for that…
Makoto glanced up as a tentative knock sounded on the door. “Come in.” He called, and Taiki moved to intercept. Makoto couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips when Daichi slipped in though, wearing the same clothing as yesterday and looking rather tired. Ryota followed, sleepiness tempering his normally sharp gaze.
“Good morning.” Makoto greeted, gesturing to the chairs set up in front of his desk.
“Good morning.” Daichi replied, and Ryota nodded, sitting down heavily. Taiki smirked, looking amused as he shut the door, and likely the entire mage corps knew and had misinterpreted Daichi and Ryota’s late night visit last night.
“How’s your arm?” Ryota demanded after a moment, his eyes narrowing at Taiki, who looked a little surprised.
“It’s fine.” Makoto told him quietly, offering a smile. Ryota just stared at him for a long moment before turning to catch Daichi’s eyes. Daichi nodded a little, and Makoto smothered a larger smile because Daichi was being rather obvious with his telepathy.
“I am not.” Daichi muttered under his breath, and Makoto raised his eyebrows until Daichi flushed a little and stuck his tongue out.
“Just give me a moment…” Makoto murmured, turning back to his papers. Merchants could wait… chatelaine could wait – he’d give that one to Tei, as well, so that they could organize together. If the merchants did well, he’d offer them seats on the council. He needed to meet with the guard – he could take Daichi and Ryota to do that… except it was liable to get messy if any of the guards were still loyal to Shiro –
“It’s okay.” Daichi spoke up quietly, and Makoto looked at him askance. “I mean, we could be helpful?”
“I have mages who could do as you would.” Makoto stated without a hint of derision. “You’re not fully recovered from Shiro’s death –”
“I can see traps.” Ryota spoke up, “And he can tell you if they’re hiding anything. What else do you need, besides your guard?”
“You both have no objections to this?” Makoto asked, watching as Ryota and Daichi glanced at each other and then back at him, in time.
“We’ll go.” Daichi confirmed quietly, looking solemn, and Makoto nodded, hoping that nothing too horrible happened today.
A knock sounded loudly against the door, and before Makoto could call out a ‘come in,’ the door opened. Tei slipped in, shutting the door behind him and smirking at Makoto when he caught sight of the twins.
“Good morning.” Makoto greeted, snagging his list of things for Tei. “Tei –”
“New recruits?” Tei asked, ignoring him in favor of scrutinizing Ryota. Ryota glared back, and Makoto sighed.
“Tei.” Makoto tried, drawing Tei’s attention after a short staring contest. “I need this done. Please.”
“Sure, sure.” Tei agreed absently, watching the twins curiously. “I need to talk to you alone, but it’ll keep until this afternoon.”
“Alright. I should be done with the guards by then.” Makoto decided, standing up.
“Do you need Arisu?” Tei asked, scanning through Makoto’s list. “Ulgh, cleanup.” Tei grumbled, glancing up expectantly.
“No, I’ve got it covered.” Makoto replied, picking up his papers with the few notes he had scrawled on the small complement of guards for the castle. There wasn’t much, but then there wasn’t many guards – Shiro had mostly relied on his stolen magical prowess for defense.
“If you say so.” Tei eyed Daichi and Ryota with a bit of interest before returning to the page of notes in front of him. Makoto sighed, and gestured for the twins to precede him from the room. Taiki followed, melting into invisibility before the door even opened all the way.
