Chapter 6: Partly Unaware

Edo Palace

Hotspring-Oustide Bath

"This is so amazing!", Iris shouted as she dipped inside the bath. She was also amazed by the intricate design. "I might as well accept the offer of marriage here", Iris laughed and grabbed Miku inside. "Your Highness, you have to wash your body first before dipping in", Miku grabbed her outside the bath and scrubbed her back. Iris pouted and looked up. She saw that the stars seems to be closer to the kingdom. "By the way, Miku. How old are you?", Iris asked. "I'm just the same age as yours", Miku answered. "Is there something you also want to do? Aside from being my personal maid?", Iris asked. "I never wanted to be your personal maid", Miku clarified. Iris turned around and stared into Miku's eyes. "You're not lying", she whined. "I'll rather keep this task. It's helping me feel satisfied in helping the Kingdom... raising an ego-centered brat", Miku laughed sarcastically. "Saphy? Yeah. Now that you said it, where is she?", Iris looked around. "She was referring to you idiot", Saphira sighed.

"Where have you been?", Iris asked. "I sang Father to sleep because someone is running from her responsibility. He needs to go through this", Saphira glared at Iris. "Don't blame me", Iris cried and clung around Saphira. "Plus, it's not only the reason why", Iris looked at her reflection in the water. The two waited for the next statements. "It's because he's not sleeping on his own bed. He's already old and all they gave him was a sheet on the floor", Iris added. Saphira threw the soap on her sister's head.

The Next day...

Victor went to Valentine's room at asking for forgiveness. The siblings along with the maids are outside sitting around the pavilion. "Why aren't we allowed inside? I want to see Miss valentine", Iris threw rocks at the pond. "If you do that, you will anger the kappa", they heard a voice. Iris got terrified. "What is a kappa", she held unto Reinard. "We are pleased to meet you, Crown prince", Reinard bowed so they also bowed. "Crown?", Miku covered the idiot's mouth.

"Sorry to put up a face", Hijikata chuckled "You're intimidating people again", the servant sighed. "What about we have tea?", he offered. Iris' eyes brightened. "We are waiting for our father. We would apologize that we have to decline", Reinard bowed again. "I see. That's bad. Then, we'll have it the next time", Hijikata smiled and then passed by. Reinard saw the look in the servant's eyes.

"Why do we have to decline their offer?!!", Iris whined. "You don't get to trust everyone who offers food. okay?", Miku lectured. Iris obediently nodded.

Iris got bored and sneaked out of the group. She reached a greenhouse and was curious. She saw someone watering the plants. She wasn't sure if it was a male or female. "What are you doing here?", an arrogant tone distracted her. Iris was dragged outside.

Iris was amazed by the icy aura around her. "I wonder where the kitchen is", Iris chuckled. "You were separated by your group. It seems that they are looking for you. Don't cause trouble for other people", she humphed her and then went away.

She went back and saw her father downhearted. "Father, let's go watch fireworks later. That's what Miku said", Iris had a wide smile. "How can I reject your offer? Because tomorrow, I might be like those fireworks... suddenly disappearing", Victor sighed. "You won't be. You'll just be alright", Iris assured. They all spent the day being toured around and also buying fabrics.

The Next Day...

Royal Court

Victor had his hands sweating. Iris held it. "Can I join you as you apologize?", Iris asked. Victor nodded and assisted her to stand as they stand before the Emperor. "We are deeply honored to be a partner of such a powerful kingdom. We also prepared gifts on the ship. Regarding the collateral...regarding the seal of marriage, I would like to apologize", Victor bowed very low. Hiryuu stood up and it made Reinard flinch, He also stood up preparing for anything else to happen. "My daughter... the 6th princess would like to reje-", Victor was cut off when he saw Iris knelt. "I would like to apologize in advance', she apologized and the people gasped.

You have to follow what you really want.

"I apologize in advance because I cannot cook, dance, write, or even talk fluently with your language. That's why I would apologize in advance as I am willing to learn it all while I marry your son", Iris closed her eyes. The Emperor laughed. "We're not expecting you to be a maid", Hiryuu laughed. The banquet continued. Victor led Iris to the table. They sat down and Victor had his face still frozen. What facial expression should she make?

"Then, make sure that you tell Sister Amelia to visit me with the children", Iris drank the wine. Victor was about to faint when Reinard helped him to sit straight. "We are proud of what you've done", Reinard patted her head. "Yeah, way to go Princess. You are maturing", Miku teased. She flushed and stretched their cheeks.

Iris and Victor walked along the corridor with a guard behind them. "Do you think I'm going to pull a prank?", Iris asked. "I do not doubt my daughter's words but... Iris. This is far away. I may not visit you as occasionally as I do to you sisters", Victor laughed nervously. Iris stopped and bowed to Victor. "I've enjoyed quite enough. Eliade is right, I cannot fool around for the rest of my life. Right now, what I want to do is to make my Father proud of me", Iris messed up with her father's hair. The King cried. "You're really great, Miku. You did train Iris well", Victor blew his nose on iris' dress.

5th Prince's Study Room

"Says your future wife", Oikawa laughed. "You did?", Ren raised his brow and pushed the book back to the shelf. "What would you say that I'll take her instead? She's pretty and everything", Oikawa shrugged. "It was the emperor who asked me to marry her", Ren bit his lip. "Don't reject Father. You knew how much he loves every one of us", Oikawa looked at himself in the mirror.

"Where did you get that sword?", Ren asked while watching his brother wipe it off. "Well, a known blacksmith", Oikawa answered. "It's quite long. Are you sure that's a helpful one?", Ren asked. "It doesn't matter if it's helpful. Did you forget, due to my poor health, I wasn't allowed to train swordsmanship. I stay at the coin office and act as the Auditor in Chief", Oikawa reminded. "I'm glad that you're alive then. If you weren't, I can't imagine how I am supposed to breathe in", Ren looked at his reflection in the sword. Oikawa just smiled.

Chapter End