While her entire court was outside looking at the Dragons, and the parents were with their kids, Princess Mere was in the Principal’s office, talking with him.
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She sighed, and explained, “I understand your concern, but as soon as you sent me the message yesterday about what happened, I took the necessary diligence. By this hour, all the countries have received my message about Hinotsume and Mizukonta being defeated by Taisetsuna and her Party. I also explained in that message the vow that the Dragons made a long time ago about not meddling in the business of other beings, but I am well aware of the implications of having two Dragons staying in our country. The Empire probably already knows, and that will definitely make them nervous, but considering what happened to the Emperor’s grandfather, he won’t risk an invasion. He might have thought about it over the past few years because his army was always doing drills near the border, but I believe he has already reconsidered that.”
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“What about the other countries? We always had a good relationship with the ‘Kingdom of Garam’, but even they might get nervous about Hinotsume and Mizukonta always being here. Do you think that, I don’t know, they might think our country will invade them or threaten them for better trade agreements? I am sorry if I am meddling in country’s businesses that have nothing to do with me, but all this situation is unheard of, and I fear for the future. The Princess and your ministers have most likely discussed all of this, but... I guess I am still worried.”
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“Yes, I talked about that with my Ministers. That is also why I need to talk with Nozomu. I want to ask him if he can persuade the Dragons to go visit the Kings of the other countries to reassure them that the Dragons will not interfere in other races’ businesses like they have been doing until now. But I am sure that those Kings, as you surely already thought about, know very well that in the event our country was invaded, the Dragons would wait to see what happened, and the moment a country tried to attack this Academy, that country would cease to exist. Hinotsume and Mizukonta won’t ever admit it, but I think they are creatures of habit. For centuries, they have visited this Academy every year. I am almost sure that they won’t stand still if a country tries to ruin their habit. In particular, Hinotsume. He will burn the army that attacks this Academy, and he will obliterate the country from where they came from. No matter if that country is the Empire or an ally.”
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The Principal curled his lower lip with worry, and he retorted, “I… understand… but… you said you want to talk with Nozomu? Why not Taisetsuna, considering she is the appointed Leader of their Party?”
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“Because Nozomu is not the carefree guy he tries to look like. He has a good head over his shoulders, and I think he already thought about all this the moment he defeated the Dragons. He probably wants to talk to me about that, or he already talked with the Dragons and asked for their opinion. Taisetsuna is a sweet girl, and she often thinks with her heart, but Nozomu is more pragmatic. For sure, you already noticed that there is something about him that makes him stand out from other men his age.”
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“Yes, I think I know what you mean. He has a seriousness that sometimes makes me think he is older than he actually is. Taisetsuna is also a bit older in her thinking, but he looks more so. Maybe it has something to do with being orphans that made them grow faster. The other students are often fooling around, even the other members of their Party, but not those two. I noticed this morning at breakfast, and yesterday at lunch and dinner. While everyone was eating and relaxing, those two were glancing around, studying the other students, as if they were looking for flaws or weaknesses.”
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“That was probably because the Priest that raised them used to be a Captain in our army, in my father’s time. He trained them well. I noticed they did that while they were eating with me and my court. I believe that if a Noble or one of my Royal Knights did something that threatened them, they would react immediately. But, even in their high alert state, they were friendly, and they were chatting with everyone.”
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The Principal leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes with both hands before continuing, “Thank you for talking with me, Princess. I have been worrying sick since yesterday. Taisetsuna’s Party did the unthinkable, ever since they arrived. Their try-outs were the best that any new student ever did. And their fight against the Dragons? I still tremble when I remember it. While the others fought against Mizukonta, Nozomu used his bare fists against Hinotsume, with only his Unicorn as a backup. He deliberately fooled them by pretending to be dumb, and he made them angry. The Dragons underestimated that crazy bunch, and they lost because of it. I have no idea how he managed that! He doesn’t look that strong!”
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“Yes, and Taisetsuna also looks like any other Cat-kind girl out there. Like I said, the Priest that raised them trained them well. He definitely knew that this World was not easy for orphans that had to rely solely on themselves, and he did everything he could to prepare them. Now, do you mind if I use this office to talk with Nozomu and Koyaga? I might need her help to convince him, and I want to talk with him before my court becomes restless because I am taking too long to return.”
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“Of course, but… Why do you need her help to convince the young Nozomu? You could perhaps explain to him everything, or order him?”
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The Princess made a slight smile and answered, “Order him? As if that would work! He is not afraid of me, and he tends to argue with me every time we talk! He is fun to talk to because he doesn’t hide his meanings or intentions, like all the Nobles in my court do. No, it will be far better to explain things, and with Koyaga, he will see that I am not abusing my power as the ruler to convince him.”
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The Principal got up and answered with a smile, “If you say so, my Princess. If you will be so kind as to wait for a while, I shall call those two here.”
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The Principal left, leaving the Princess alone, nervously fiddling with her fingers and mumbling, “This will be a huge risk… I hope he can convince the Dragons, or things might become too weird with the other countries…”
…
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When the Principal returned with a smiling Koyaga Azusake and a puzzled Nozomu, he led them in and left, closing the door behind him.
The Princess was seated in the Principal’s chair, and she pointed at the two empty chairs in front of the desk.
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When they were both seated, she said, with her face red with embarrassment, “Nozomu… Koyaga already talked with me and… told me about your decision. About your willingness to help me… I mean, us. I know it was a very selfish thing to ask you, after we… you know… and after you and her… I want to apologize, because I really thought that you and me… could work… but...”
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Nozomu slowly shook his head and answered, “There is no need to explain, Princess. I know well that we were all trying to fill the emptiness in our hearts with the wrong person. Koyaga tried to use me to forget you. I tried to use her, and then you, to forget about a woman in another life, and you used me to forget Koyaga. You and she asking for my help in your… let’s say, personal matter is the only choice, considering the situation with those greedy Nobles in your court. If you don’t have an heir, they will most probably start a civil war to get the crown for themselves, and that will surely open a path for the Empire to invade when they notice the turmoil. At least if I can find a concubine that loves me and accepts my unusual situation and keeps the secret, I won’t feel like the only one on the poor end of this deal.”
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The Princess and Koyaga jolted, and the Princess stuttered, “You… really thought about all that… I… also thought about it, but I didn’t want to tell you so that I wouldn’t put pressure on your decision…”
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“Another thing that I thought about was Hinotsume and Mizukonta. I think that having them near me and Taisetsuna all the time could make a lot of countries nervous because they might fear we ask the Dragons to attack them or something. I have read a few things about the other countries, and I am aware of the several alliances between the countries that surround the Empire to make them stay within their borders, but defeating those two Dragons changed the power scale in this World.”
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“I knew you would think about that, and I had already sent a few messages. Maybe I need to explain some things before, once again, I ask for your help.”
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Nozomu made a slight frown after her words, but he remained silent during her explanation. He heard about the talk she had with the Principal, and the messages she sent. She also informed him about the tension that existed on the borders with the Empire and the idea that she had about the Dragons visiting other Kings.
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In the end, she waited, and after some seconds of silence, Nozomu said, “I guess I can try, but I am not sure what their answer will be. Maybe Mizukonta can persuade Hinotsume to do it because if it’s up to him, he won’t. He couldn’t care less about meat sacs like he calls us. I guess that is understandable, considering his age. He had seen countless generations being born and dying, and nothing changed for him. I think that for Dragons, Humans and Beast-kind are like ‘Ergy’ to us. We can be some kind of distraction or somewhat annoying to them, but none of us is that important in their eyes. But maybe… It’s just a weird idea, but perhaps someone should go with them, just to be sure the message is delivered.”
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The Princess leaned forward and intertwined her fingers over the table and asked, with a puzzled look, “What are you thinking about? You want to go with the Dragons and talk with the Kings?”
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“Not me, because I am not versed in conversations with Royals like Hinotsume said, but… Hinotsume made a deal with Takanari. In the afternoon, she will give him some chocolates, and he will take her and Asadate on a flight. I guess they could go to other countries for a visit… Maybe Viscount Robert could also go with them. He looks like a dumb fool, but I already noticed that he is not one. Being a Noble for sure granted him a proper education in dealing with Nobles and Kings from other countries.”
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“Actually, that is a good idea. Asadate and Takanari are studying and learning with me, but even if Asadate is a fast learner, she lacks experience, and she might freeze with a hard question from a King. Viscount Robert is an excellent choice indeed. He had already met a few Noble daughters from other countries, and he comes from a very good family, making him a perfect choice for this matter. Do you think he will agree with that?”
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“Knowing him? A chance to go to other countries and arrive at their Castles riding a Dragon? He will be thrilled! He will skip classes in the afternoon, and I am not sure if that won’t be problematic.”
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The Princess gave a big smile and got up. “I believe I can take care of that with the Principal. What if I go have a talk with the Principal to warn him about Viscount Robert missing classes and you talk with the Dragons, Asadate, and Takanari? Everything will depend on Mizukonta and Hinotsume, but…”
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Nozomu answered as she hugged him. “I will talk to them. Don’t worry. Hinotsume is proud and stubborn, but he likes Humans and Beast-kind more than he will ever admit. I might need to appeal to his generosity, but I have to be careful so that he doesn’t think I am mocking him, or he will try to bite my head off.”
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“Ahahah! Yes, he is kind of difficult to deal with, but if you treat him with respect, he will give you the same treatment.”
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