Wardes' one good eye opened, his vision slowly coming back. He had no idea where he was or how he got there. Not a good sign.

"Relax." It was Foquette's voice. "You're still being treated for your wounds."

That was also bad. How had he gotten here? He'd been planning to ambush that strange craft their spies had warned them about...

Ah. Yes. He must have failed again.

Foquette leaned over him. "Don't clench your jaw like that. You're the only one who even came close to stopping that disaster."

"How bad?" he asked.

"Total failure," Foquette said with a shrug. "The fleet was destroyed completely. The dragon knights tried to rally but that bird threw the biggest fireball I've ever seen at them. You're lucky you only took some shrapnel hits. Even your wind drake survived."

She sounded bored. The woman hated Albion with a passion, which made Wardes curious why she bothered helping him. But that was a question for a different time. He looked over to the healer and was surprised to see it was a clergyman. "Where are we?"

"The village of Massy," the man said.

Wardes grimaced. That was still in Tristain. "Are we prisoners?"

"Guests," Foquette said. "Which is why I was so open about matters."

The water mage finished and stepped back. "Your gut was perforated, so it will be weak. Try to avoid heavy labor for a while."

"Thank you," he replied, taking his time to sit up. "So who is our host?"

"That would be me." A blond man stepped into the light. "Julio Chesare, at your service."

"Well met." Wardes was fairly sure the young man was at someone's service. But he doubted it was going to be helpful to the Reconquista. "I must thank you for providing aid. May I ask how I might return the favor?" And get himself out of debt.

The young man smiled. "Well if you have the time, I would like to ask you about the young Void mage Louise and her familiar. You see, my master is quite concerned about her..."

Louise moaned as someone shook her awake. "Five more minutes."

"You told me not to let you sleep in."

Louise opened her blurry eyes to see Utsuho standing over her. She groaned again and forced herself to roll out of bed. "Mrgh. What time is it?"

"Half before morning bell. Breakfast is soon!" The hell raven seemed super pleased with the thought. Even though the spread wouldn't be all that impressive now that summer vacation had started.

"Fine." Louise slipped out of bed and rummaged around for her clothes before getting dressed. She tossed her nightgown onto the laundry bin and sighed. Siesta would have never let the dirty clothes pile get this high.

Unfortunately, Siesta was busy helping her family rebuild Tarbes. In fact Henrietta had named them stewards of the area, since the Count had died. The other nobles thought it was being held as a reward, but the princess was probably going to give Siesta's family the county later.

Which was all well and good but it meant Siesta was stuck in Tarbes while Louise was busy minding the Zero fighter at the academy. "Only one more week," she told herself, before grabbing a brush and fixing up her hair.

Utsuho smiled. "She'll be back soon. And then you can cuddle together and chat as much as you want! And until then you've got me here! In human form." The raven woman pouted a bit. "A bit too human."

Louise felt herself blush, but she snorted at Utsuho's dismay. Apparently Henrietta's speech at the battle had given the raven a lot of faith, and now Utsuho could conceal her wings in human form. The disguise wouldn't hold up to any sort of scrutiny, but the remaining staff and teachers weren't very observant.

Finally Louise finished her brushing and stood up. "Alright. Let's get breakfast."

"Softboiled eggs here we come!" Utsuho crowed.

Louise followed her familiar to the Alvis dining hall. With all the students gone for summer only two tables were filled with food. One for the instructors, and one for the 'students' that were staying. And while the kitchen cut down on the number of dishes, the portion size was the same. It was a little ridiculous.

"This seems so wasteful," she muttered.

"Still pining over Siesta, little Louise?"

She turned to see Kirche and Tabitha behind her. "I'm not pining. I just wish I could help her."

"That's fair," Kirche replied as she sat down. "It's boring just sitting around at school during summer vacation. I'm tempted to start stealing Tabitha's romance novels."

Tabitha gave her friend a glance. "Should borrow Louise's."

"They're Siesta's," Louise quickly replied. She didn't want Kirche to get any ideas off them.

Kirche shook her head. "I couldn't read them."

Louise sighed in relief.

"I bet we could get you a translation spell," Utsuho said. Louise froze as her familiar continued. "Siesta could probably put something together. Or we could grab a potion from-"

Louise grabbed a soft boiled egg and stuffed it into her familiar's mouth to stop her. "No reason to bother. So anyway Kirche how's your family doing?"

"Oho," Kirche smiled. "Something you don't want me reading, Louise? Afraid I might see your steamy fantasies?"

"I'm afraid you'll try setting up similar scenarios to try and seduce me," Louise retorted. Kirche just grinned wider.

Utsuho finished swallowing the egg. "Weren't you reading 'The Sunflower Countess'? I remember Ruukoto saying it was a pretty normal love story. Not like 'The Spider Lily Tattoo.' There's not really anything she can use from that."

Louise glared at her treacherous familiar. "You're underestimating Kirche."

"Come now little Louise," Kirche leaned close. "Since we're a team now we should have some group bonding sessions. And with Siesta gone, we're have to work closely together to keep the fighter flying."

The founder was obviously displeased with her, because Louise couldn't find a single objection to that. They needed to do maintenance still, and with Siesta gone... Louise sighed. "Fine. But if you try skimming my books before you've read the manuals I'll set you on fire.

Tabitha looked up. "Can I get one too?"

Louise wasn't sure if that was a good sign or a terrible one.

Normally Louise looked forward to her training in Gensoukyo. Today however she was being brutally reminded that spending time with a mind reader was a disaster waiting to happen.

"Oh, they're interested in my writing are they?" Satori steepled her fingers and smiled. "Well I wouldn't want to disappoint them. I think it would only be proper to give them a complimentary book or two. Perhaps 'Naked Blade' and 'Youkai Princess.'"

Hatate looked up from the corner where she was taking notes. "Isn't 'Naked Blade' the story you wrote to see how red you could make Sanae blush?"

"And to see if I could break Momiji's poker face," Satori added smugly. "It should be great for this Kirche girl."

Louise glared at her teacher. "I think I hate you."

"Thank you." Satori pulled out a couple of books. "While I enjoy our progress, I've missed annoying humans. It's part of my nature."

"Never got what was so fun about that," Hatate said fiddling with a small device. "You hate annoying youkai after all."

"It's the rush. Besides Louise only finds it annoying. Actual hatred is much worse." Satori placed the two books down. "In any case, let's return to your tutelage. Tell me about the attack on the Albion fleet."

Louise shook her head. "What does that have to do with politics?"

"Two things," Satori replied. "I want to know what Albion's reaction to you was, and I want to know how your own army reacted to it."

She wasn't sure she totally understood, but she dutifully recounted the battle, and Henrietta's actions after.

After she finished Satori closed her eyes in thought. "Ah, thank you Hatate."

"I got the photos you wanted," Hatate said dryly.

"Photos?" Louise asked. She leaned over to look at the small device that the tengu held out. To her surprise there was a miniature portrait on it that showed Wardes diving to attack. "What? How'd you make that?!"

Hatate smirked. "That's my power. I can get photos of anything anywhere."

"If you know what to look for," Satori added. Hatate waved off the comment.

The device went through a few more portraits, including the restoration efforts. After a bit Satori sat back. "Thank you." She closed her eyes, then nodded. "As I thought. That Wardes fellow was aiming for you."

Louise had suspected that, but hearing Satori state it so blatantly gave her a chill. "He was caught in the explosion, so he might be dead. He's at least hurt for a while."

"Perhaps, but that's unimportant," Satori replied. "The important thing is you've started making an impact. And you're going to have to start planning around that."

"What exactly do you mean?" She liked the idea that she was changing things for the better, but there had to be more to Satori's statement then that.

Satori began to lecture. "Remember when I first gave you 'The Prince?' I told you that the existence of a seminal book on politics inherently alters the politics it commented on. Similarly your presence is now starting to shape the politics of your home. Before you were reacting to plans already set in motion. Now people are starting to plan around you."

"About time!" Louise smirked. She wasn't a zero anymore!

"Don't be too happy," Satori said, crushing Louise's smile. "While it can be useful, like how Zhuge Liang tricked Sima Yi, it can also get you in trouble. Having an entire army unit sent to kill you would be troubling. Especially since your country's generals are underestimating you. Utsuho can handle that, but keep it in mind."

Louise sighed. "You don't let me have any fun."

"You got to blow up a fleet. That's plenty of fun," Satori replied.

"It... actually wasn't that fun," Louise admitted. "It was more relief. My friends were in danger. Princess Henrietta could have died right there. And they were tearing up poor Siesta's home. When that ship blew up, I thought they were safe. But I didn't really enjoy the destruction."

"Hm? Interesting." Louise looked up to see both Hatate and Satori peering at her with notebooks open.

Hatate pounced first. "So could you explain in more detail your feelings here? Oh and maybe give a little background on your relationships with the other girls."

"How did the other humans feel?" Satori asked. "Do you think there's an emotional difference between battling someone face to face and attacking a ship?"

Louise looked at the two writers. "Why am I your research material?! What are you even planning on making?"

"Interviews are their own reward," Hatate said.

"I was thinking of branching out into light novels," Satori added.

Louise groaned. It was going to be a long day.

Louise rushed up to Siesta as soon as she was off the carriage and gave her a big hug. "I've missed you!"

Siesta pulled her close. "I've missed you as well Louise. How have things been?"

"Kirche got her hands on one of Satori's romance novels," Louise replied. That should explain the last four days of nonsense.

"Oh dear." Siesta blinked. "How bad?"

Louise sighed. "She's started trying to design outfits."

"I've been burning the plans!" Utsuho added cheerfully. And Louise was very glad her familiar had been helping. She didn't want to know what Kirche had thought up. Especially since she'd caught the Germanian checking the measurements on Louise and Siesta's laundry.

Siesta shook her head. "I don't suppose Tabitha has been any help."

"She's read through four books already and has asked for more." Louise replied. "At least she hasn't acted any differently. I think she just likes them."

She took Siesta's arm and began guiding her friend to one of the outside tables. "I've gotten tea ready so you can tell me all about how Tarbes is doing. How's your family handling the rebuilding?"

"It's not just my family," Siesta said as she followed. "Everyone in Tarbes is pitching in. There's too much work for one person. My father's mostly just been writing down what the town council's decided on and sending it to her majesty's representatives."

Utsuho poured the tea as they sat. "How bad is it? It looked like a lot of your farms were burnt."

Siesta nodded. "I'm afraid the wheat and rye crops are a loss. Fortunately we were able to salvage the grapevines, but it will be several years before we can start producing wine as well. And a lot of livestock was lost both to the flames and the mercenaries. At least the orchard was spared. It will be three or four hard years."

Given the town was so poor Siesta had to run around as a maid to help her family, that was a pretty big hit. Louise frowned. "Maybe I can ask my parents to send some funds as well."

"Ah that won't be necessary." Siesta beamed. "Princess Henrietta has already offered the village a great deal of support from the royal coffers. We'll be focusing on raising ducks and chickens while we wait for the land to recover. With some work it shouldn't be too bad. Even if I'm sure everyone will be sick of eggs after a few months."

"That makes sense." Louise wasn't really knowledgeable about farming, so she'd leave it to the experts. "How about housing?"

"It shouldn't be too hard to rebuild." Siesta sipped her tea. "The biggest loss was the pottery and the silver. The Albion army managed to destroy a lot of it during the looting. And while some of it was returned by the captives..."

"Some of it just vanished," Louise finished.

Utsuho shook her head. "I understand liking shiny objects but you humans can take it too far."

"How does trade work in the underground anyway?" Louise asked. For all the talk about government and economies, she'd only seen Satori and her pet collection.

The three chatted about their respective homes for a while, enjoying the easy camaraderie. Louise was still uncertain about her love life, but she felt that Siesta was her closest friend.

They were finishing the last of the cookies when a maid came over with another pot of tea. Siesta looked confused. "You didn't need to do that, Marie."

"The head chef asked me to bring it," Marie replied bowing her head and placing down the teapot quickly. The maid picked up the empty pot with a clatter before turning around.

"Well, thank you." Louise said. The maid gave a rushed bow before starting back towards the kitchens.

She reached for the pot, but Utsuho's hand clamped down on the lid. "Don't." The raven woman lifted the lid up and sniffed the steam. "It's got arsenic in it. That poisons humans too right?"

The crash of shattering pottery made Louise jump in her seat. She looked over to see the maid running away towards the woods, the other teapot lying in shards on the ground.

Louise raised her wand almost on autopilot. The words flowed out, Utsuho's runes flashed blue, and she leveled it towards the maid. "Stasis."

Marie froze in place and Louise slumped. She'd been talking about assassins all this time, but the reality still stunned her. She'd been one cup of tea away from death.

"Oh Marie, you fool." Siesta shook her head, the pain of betrayal obviously overcoming her fear.

Utsuho shook her head and stood. "I guess I'll get the guards. We should warn Kirche and Tabitha too."

"Yeah." Louise forced herself to stand. They had work to do.

Louise wished her meeting with Henrietta was under better circumstances, but the assassination attempt had really soured things. Even Kirche looked downcast. Siesta had been quiet ever since they'd taken Marie away. Tabitha meanwhile had insisted on checking everything they ate for poison. Even if they'd cooked it themselves.

Fortunately neither Kirche or Tabitha had been targeted. Either because the maid had been working alone, or Utsuho's reveal had caused the other conspirators to go into hiding.

She bowed to the princess along with her friends as Henrietta entered the room, and the princess curtised before motioning that they should rise. "I will skip the pleasantries if that's alright. I doubt any of us are in the mood for it."

Henrietta took her seat and everyone followed. "We've finished questioning the assassin." Siesta flinched. The former apparently maid hadn't gotten used to the idea that her acquaintences could turn to murder. "She'd been offered five thousand gold for Louise's life, and supplied with the arsenic powder by a previously unknown Albion agent. I have people hunting him down as we speak. There was a bonus for Kirche as well, but no one else was mentioned, either as a target or accomplice. Apparently they weren't certain that arsenic would kill Utsuho, so they weren't targeting your familiars."

"Good." Louise replied. "That means they probably haven't noticed my familiar's been missing now that Utsuho's walking around in human form."

Tabitha raised a hand. "Arsenic is odorless. How did you know?"

"Humans might not smell it but us hell ravens can," Utsuho replied. We need to, because there's so much of it in the old hell."

"We were lucky." Henrietta said. "In the amounts they were using even a square class mage would be hard pressed to heal someone poisoned by it."

The princess took a deep breath. "Fortunately that's the limit of the bad news. The good news is that the King of Germania is offering an alliance in the face of the 'threat from Albion.' He's already offered the aid of his navy in patrolling the skies, so you don't need to sit around the academy waiting here anymore."

"That was fast," Louise said. "What brought the sudden change of heart?"

Henrietta gave a grim smile. "He had Duke Hassenvield executed as a traitor. That left the isolationist faction in the court without a leader, while the King proposed a more active stance in the region."

"That would do it," Kirche said. "My father told me the man had made some abrupt policy changes recently. It seems gold from Albion changed his mind. With him dead and my family supporting peace with Tristain the political situation will have shifted greatly."

Louise nodded. "So everyone's going to be cautious, while the King does whatever he wants."

"Probably," Kirche replied. "If the treason charge had solid evidence I imagine no one wants to look like an accomplice."

"Thank you for your analysis," Henrietta said. "It largely matches up with my own thoughts. Which is why I would like to ask you to carry my request for support directly to the conclave of nobles, Ser Zerbst."

Kirche puffed out her chest. "It would be my honor. I can show Louise around my home as well!"

"Oh crap." Louise did not need to give Kirche the home field advantage.

Henrietta's eyes fell. "Ah I apologize Ser Zerbst, but I fear I must steal Louise away from you for a little bit. I have a different mission for her." Henrietta grimaced. "It also might be best if she vanished for a bit. Not that I don't trust your countrymen to do their best to protect her but-"

Kirche pouted. "Drat. Well I understand." She turned to Tabitha. "Will you mind going with me? Or do you need to return home?"

"I'll go with you," Tabitha replied quietly.

"Sorry, Kirche," Louise said. "Another time."

Kirche's pout faded immediately. "Of course! Well I'll leave you three to your secret mission then."

"Later," Utsuho said with a wave. Flame growled before following his mistress. Seemed those two were still at it. At least it was a little less violent.

When their friends had left, Louise turned to Henrietta. "So what do you need us to do?"

"Several things," Henrietta admitted. "Firstly I wasn't kidding about you needing to disappear Louise. We still haven't found the traitors who made an attempt on my life, so even the palace isn't safe."

Henrietta turned to Siesta. "Which is where the other two missions come into play. I need someone who can tell me the opinions of the common people. How easily will they turn against me? Five thousand gold will turn even a noble's head, but if the populace has no faith our enemies might be able to bribe the country from beneath us.

"In addition I want your magical knowledge to be spread out more. Not confined to a simple town that can suffer attack." Henrietta folded her arms. "Which is why I would like you to find a place in the capitol to work Siesta. Somewhere you can teach, and mingle with the common folk. Louise, Utsuho, I'd like you two to help her."

Louise blinked. "That's a lot to ask isn't it? What legitimate business will hire three random women out of the blue? And how can we trust the owners to keep quiet when we start teaching people magic?"

Siesta giggled. The joy returning to her friend's face after this mess lifted Louise's spirits. "I imagine Princess Henrietta is asking me because she knows my uncle runs a tavern in the capitol."

"You've caught me," Henrietta admitted with a smile. "Yes, a tavern like that is the perfect place to both find trusty students and gain information."

Utsuho perked up. "Oh! I get to stay in this form some more? Yay!"

"You still can't let your wings out," Louise said, deflating her familiar a bit. "So I guess I'm going to need to learn how to be a waiter." She pointed at Utsuho. "And no I'm not taking maid lessons!"

"Aawww..."

When Louise had said goodbye to Kirche and Tabitha, she realized she was going to miss the two. Even if Kirche had no sense of decorum, she did liven things up.

Now that she was standing in a backless dress with a skirt that had sacrificed length for frills she was very glad that the Germanian had not joined them. In fact she was glad that Kirche wasn't anywhere near this tavern, because every woman in the tavern was wearing similar outfits.

Including Siesta. Louise had been working very hard not to stare. At least the question on whether she liked girls in general had been answered. Very conclusively.

Of course everyone else's eyes were on Utsuho. Apparently she could hide her wings, but not her chest gem. Which added a flash of eye catching color to her outfit and even more focus to her considerable assets.

"Hello my fairies!" Siesta's uncle Scarron called out. "We have some new helpers for the summer! Some of you know my niece Siesta. And these are her friends Louise and Utsuho. They'll be joining us for a while. Our Utsuho here is a very special girl, like Lulu, so help them all you can!"

'Very special' in this case was code for 'slightly crazy,' which should cover a lot of her familiar's strange comments. It was unfortunate that people with skewed views on reality ended up working jobs like these, but it was better than being locked in the attic.

As the place started to open Siesta pulled Louise and Utsuho close. "Alright, today just worry about getting people's orders right and smiling. You can try to work the crowd like the other girls later."

Louise chewed her lip. "What if someone gets grabby?"

"Oh that? Just yelp and back away and uncle Scarron will handle it," Siesta said. She smiled. "I know that acting like a fragile maiden isn't like you Louise, but it's better if he deals with the drunks. No explosions."

Utsuho sighed. "Darn. Can I at least break some arms?"

"Bruises only," Siesta replied.

Louise patted her disappointed familiar. "Let's just do our best and hope things go quietly."

Louise collapsed on her bed. Her arms and legs were both sore from all the lifting and running around. Worse someone had gotten a little handsy with her near the end of the night, and while Scarron's jovial retribution had lessened the impact a little, she still wished she could have blown the jerk up. "Urgh, what a day. Just our luck to start on a busy shift."

"Actually today was pretty normal," Siesta said, sitting down next to her. "And we've got more staff."

"I heard a lot of older kids were heading to the city because their parents are worried about raids," Utsuho said. "They want to save up some money just in case their town gets attacked."

Louise turned to her familiar. "Really? Where'd you overhear that?"

"Oh one of the other servers was chatting with some guy who came in to be a blacksmith's apprentice." Utsuho shrugged. "There was a lot of talk about the war. I'm not sure how you missed it."

"I was busy trying to keep track of the orders," Louise said. She turned to Siesta. "Did you hear any of that?" Siesta shook her head.

Utsuho looked confused. "Hm, it's no different than chatting with your friends while driving off an owl. Maybe you two just need more practice?"

Well that was a conversation that was going to end up running in circles. "What else did you overhear?"

"Hm..." Utsuho stretched. "A lot about the war in general. Rumors that Albion is planning an attack here or there. Some people were talking about me, which was nice. Though I don't remember ever threatening to burn down Germania if they didn't join some 'holy crusade'."

Louise made a note to ask around for the actual details there. "What about the Princess?"

"A lot of people were talking about how she led the defense personally. They seemed to like it." Utsuho shook her head. "Some people still think she's too naive though. The usual 'people will take advantage of her because she's a girl'. She should probably set some people on fire. That gets them to shut up for a bit."

"That's our job," Louise said. "But not now." Satori's 'kill half the nobles' plan looked more and more appealing every day.

Siesta folded her hands. "Did you hear anything about commoners getting magic?"

"No," Utsuho replied.

Louise took a deep breath. "Well that won't last long so let's start teaching. How do you want to handle it Siesta?"

"I was just going to start teaching my cousin Jessica and wait for others to join," Siesta said. "I'll need to talk to Marisa about getting some more manuals however."

"Ask the princess to print some," Louise remarked. Apparently the printing press wasn't as common in Gensoukyo. Something about movable type being harder to handle.

Siesta paused then smiled slightly. "I might." She pulled out her spellbook and a few potion making supplies. "But for now I better start teaching Jessica. Otherwise she might start thinking up ways to tease me."

Louise forced herself to stand. "I'll go with you and watch." It was better than just waiting around.

And she was still enjoying Siesta's costume.

Henrietta made sure the cloak was properly concealing her face as she walked by the Charming Fairy Inn. Business looked to be booming, probably helped along by the sparkling lights inside the tavern. She wondered if that was Utsuho's work, or if Siesta's magic lessons were paying off better than she could have hoped.

But that wasn't her focus right now. She slipped to the back door of the tavern and knocked loudly. Hopefully whoever answered it wouldn't have too many questions.

The back door opened to reveal a young woman with long black hair. Perhaps a relative of Siesta? The woman gave her a once over before speaking. "Are you running away from someone? Because we can hide you for a bit, but we're kinda full on workers."

"I suppose I am running in a sense, but I don't want to impose on your time too much." Henrietta bowed. "I would like to meet with a server here. Utsuho is her name."

The woman's eyes narrowed. "And who's asking?" Her hand twitched, like a magician preparing to grab a wand.

"Someone who knows Siesta has been teaching you a different style of magic than the nobles," Henrietta replied. "I'd love to explain in more detail, but I am in a hurry."

That startled the woman. "How! Wait. Does that mean you're-" Henrietta made a hushing motion, which brought a smirk to her face. "I see I see! I'll call over our birdbrained friend then."

A few restless moments later Utsuho was escorted into the room. "Oh! I was wondering who was asking for me. How can I help?"

"Louise disappearing has been a great success so far." Henrietta folded her arms. "Which is why I believe it would be a good idea if I disappeared for a while as well. My advisors believe it might flush out some of my enemies."

"So you want to get a job here too!" Utsuho looked pleased.

"I actually was hoping to visit your home for a bit. If that's alright with your other mistress," Henrietta replied. She doubted anyone could find her in another world.

"Oh! One second." The raven woman closed her eyes. A few moments later she turned to Henrietta. "Satori said it's okay. But you'll have to stay in the Palace of Earth Spirits. Otherwise she can't guarantee your safety."

"Acceptable." She took a breath and prepared for the shift. "If you would be so kind?"

Utsuho placed a hand on her shoulder and suddenly they were in a different room.

It was strange how easily one could shift between worlds. Henrietta had always thought it should involve blazing runes and complex chants. Instead she was just there. She looked around the room to let her mind settle.

Palace definitely was the correct term. Black and white tiles on the floor and stained glass windows that would put most cathedrals to shame. It was massive. And in front of her three other women waited.

She knew Satori, Orin, and Ryuukoto from Louise's stories and so she knew who she should bow to. "Lady Satori of the Underground, I Princess Henrietta thank you for giving me sanctuary."

"Flushing out spies eh?" Satori looked at her with three bored eyes. "I suppose that will help my Utsuho. And yes, Louise was right. I am a mind reader."

That was disorienting. It was a good thing the woman already knew most of her state secrets. "I'd like to thank you for taking care of Louise Francois as well. While we aren't as close as I would like, she is still my dearest friend."

"And one of the few people you can trust." Satori turned away. "Well it's been fun helping her. However right now I've got some writing to finish, so I'll leave you in Orin and Ryuukoto's capable hands." With that Satori walked away.

"I hope I didn't offend her," Henrietta said.

"Nah." Orin shrugged. "She's just trying to work through some writer's block. She gets snippy with everyone who isn't a cute fuzzy animal."

Henrietta blinked. "I see."

Utsuho yawned. "She'll be fine in the morning. Probably." She flapped her wings and turned around. "This body is tired too. Do you mind if I sleep?"

"Do not worry Lady Reiuji." Ryuukoto curtsied. "I am capable of a full two days of continuous service."

"It'll be fine Okuu, take a nap," Orin said. The cat girl turned to Henrietta. "You have dinner yet?"

"I have not eaten," Henrietta replied. "I thank you for your generosity."

Orin smirked. "No need for all the formalities. Anyway let's get you something heated up."

As Henrietta followed the two strange women into the depths of the palace a small figure barely one foot tall floated in. The blue skinned girl with dragonfly wings threw open her arms and said "Brains!" before floating forwards and hugging onto Henrietta's arm.

She poked the small creature who was nuzzling her shoulder. "Is that an actual fairy?"

"Yep! Strange she's grabbed onto you though. She's a magma fairy," Orin looked over the little girl. "That's Pahoe."

"Perhaps it's because Princess Henrietta here is strongly water aligned?" Ryuukoto said. "Little Pahoe does love water."

Orin's tails twitched. "That makes sense. Might be she smells the weird magic on you too. Anyway she's mostly harmless. Lemme get some tea."

Henrietta gave her new friend a pat on the head, which the fairy seemed to enjoy. Then she followed Orin through the halls into another cavernous room. There was a kitchen here, along with a dining table. And a small menagerie of animals, most of which looked up briefly before turning away. She knew from Louise's reports those were intelligent youkai as well.

All in all it was a strange storybook world. Henrietta understood how easily Louise became fascinated with Gensoukyo. Even without being taught the mysteries of the Void.

In a flurry of movement Henrietta found a meal before her. It appeared to be a cup of pale tea and a plate of lightly charred fish with rice and pickles. "My thanks." She sampled it and found it a little sweeter than she expected. Perhaps the local style.

The other two served themselves and sat down, with Pahoe 'sneaking' a piece of fish from the central plate. Orin was first to speak up. "So why are you hiding, sis?"

Henrietta sighed. "I received information about a possible spy network, led by a man of great influence. It was decided if I hid myself without the knowledge of the castle staff, he'd be forced to contact his masters, giving me reason to act against him."

"And what will you be doing?" Orin asked with a grin.

"I promised to let the informant kill him," Henrietta replied. A grim truth, but one she would not avoid.

Ryuukoto raised an eyebrow. "It seems your informant has a grudge against the man."

Henrietta nodded. "Her family was killed in an incident orchestrated by our suspect. If he is a traitor, it would exonerate her village and reveal a history of treachery."

"Which is why you're testing the theory." Orin's grin widened. "Clever sis. I see why Louise likes you."

Henrietta forced a smile. "Thank you." Was she worthy of Louise's affection and loyalty? She couldn't say. The regrets from that night still weighed on her soul. But she could not show that weakness. Not even in a distant realm.

A hefty thud sounded throughout the halls, shattering her thoughts. Orin's tails bristled. "The heck is that!?"

"A single humanoid has entered," Ryuukoto said. "Over a ninety percent chance it is a youkai."

Henrietta pulled out her wand. "Is that dangerous?" Her heart started to speed up. Who would dare threaten a Palace guarded by the youkai who lived here?

"Dangerous for them," Orin muttered. "One second sis I'll-"

They were interrupted by another fairy girl rushing and flapping her long sleeves. "Brains! Hakutaku brains!"

"Eh?" Orin blinked. "Her?"

Ryuukoto closed her eyes. "Ah. That explains the uncertainty. Yes, it is her."

Henrietta kept her wand raised. "Who is 'her'?"

"Someone who shouldn't be here." Orin replied. "Never thought she'd break the rules though. I'll go talk to her. Won't involve you at all."

Satori walked in scowling. "What is it with guests today?"

"Dunno, but I'll handle it," Orin said, moving towards the exit.

"That won't be needed. And I'm here because of your guest."

Henrietta looked over to see a tall green haired woman with horns on her head. To her surprise the strange woman was looking directly at her. Satori took in a sharp breath.

Orin's tails lashed. "The heck are you doing busting in here Keine? That's breaking the pact! And why are you bothering our guest?"

Keine sighed. "It wasn't my idea either. But as a were-hakutaku I occasionally get ordered to do things for the heavens. Henrietta Anne de Tristain, the heavens have noticed your actions. You gave proper credit to the Yatagarasu, and so they wish to give proper credit to you."

"I'm not sure exactly what you mean," Henrietta replied. "I'm also not quite sure what a hakutaku is."

"A hakutaku is a divine beast, sent by the heavens to grant blessings and knowledge to wise emperors. While I am a mere were-hakutaku, I possess the same mastery of history. At least during the full moon," Keine said, gesturing to her horns.

"Wise emperors?" Guilt passed through Henrietta's chest like a bolt. Her eyes fell to the floor. She'd made too many mistakes. Hurt too many people. How could she claim that title? Even her 'credit' to the Yatagarasu was a political ploy. "I'm not a wise emperor."

"Do you want to become one?"

She looked up to see Keine's eyes staring at her. Judging not her past, but the choice she was about to make.

There was only one possible answer to that challenge.

"Yes."

Well that took longer then expected but I think I pulled through. Soon back to more active things.

Also I'm again utterly stunned to see how many people are reading this fic. It's what keeps me going through these dark sections.

of course does it's very best to prevent me from properly interacting with readers or promoting my non fanfiction work (or anything really) but I'm hoping some of you have interest in other stuff I'm writing. Expect me to pull some things together so I can gauge interest for the other projects in my brain.