A Family Of Performers

Inside the Eastern Sunrise Courtyard, two figures stand within the shadows of the study waiting for their Master, His Highness Crown Prince Raiden Osamu to give them their next orders.  However, since he came back from visiting the Lady Jemma "Jewels" Brooks, his usual cold and aloof character no longer was shown in front of the two bodyguards.  Their puzzlement has caused them great distraught however they did not voice their concerns.  They heard what happened at the engagement party at the palace from the other two guards that escorted him and they witnessed what happened in the courtyard with the Lady Jewels.  They did not think and she would affect him so much to the point that Prince Raiden have been staring at the same page of the open book in front of him for the past two hours.  It was as if his spirit left his body and all that was left was an empty husk.  Still, the bodyguards knew their place and did not interrupt their Prince.

A long time after his staring spell lasted a while longer did Prince Raiden remember his surroundings.

"Ichi, Ni" Raiden called out to his bodyguards. "Have you finished with the background check and rumors to this Prince's golden gift?"

Ichi and Ni step forward from the shadows and kneeled down on one knee. 

"Ichi reporting to this servant's findings. Lady Jemma Brooks was born to General Harvey Brooks and Iris Rowen. 17 years old turning 18 in two days.  Cultivation: Level 2. She lives with her Uncle, General Jude Brooks and her Grandfather Professor Jordan Brooks. They have two servant between the three of them, Butler Thomas  Casa and Maid Zeze Cara.  Both servants have deep family history with the Brooks family and their backgrounds are clean.  A report on the servants and family are on the desk. Lady Jemma Jewels Brooks, volunteers two times a week at Willder Orphanage.  Three times a week she visits an old man and helps him with chores."

"Who is the old man?" Raiden asked.

"This servant has not found out the identity  and background of the old man yet, so this servant has sent Roku to find out.  With Roku's connections here in Madewell Nation, he will be able to find out soon."

"Continue."

"This servant Ni, will be reporting now, Lady Jewels, did not have a easy life.  With her low level cultivation, she has been bullied all her life.  No one in the main house of the family cares about her.  Only those in the wing of the house known as Landfill care about her.  Engaged since she was born to Prince Ivan of Madewell, they grew up together and he has visited her home often. According to servants of the Brooks family, they always held on to propriety and did not so much as hold hands.  The engagement was broken five months ago due to Young Miss's eldest sister Lady Maria.  However the official reason that the engagement ended was "nonexistent cultivation and skills". The rumors about her behavior and reputation, are false, except one."

The look on Raiden's face made Ni stop his report.  The temperature of the room dropped by serval degrees and made Ni and Ichi shiver.  His killing force surround them and made them bow their heads and submit to him.

"Continue." Raiden said through gritted teeth.

"On the night that her engagement was called off, she did act wantonly with the men there. She did not hold onto any propriety."

"Any of those men kiss her?"

"No, Your Highness."

"Any word on who she has kissed in the past?"

"No, Your Highness."

After Ni's report did a miracle happened.  The corner of Prince Raiden's lips curled up and he showed them a genuine smile.

From the outside, quick and quiet footsteps approached the study and knocked twice before a voice called through the door.

"Your Highness, this servant Roku has come of urgent matters to report to you."

"Enter." Raiden said.

Once inside and the door closed, Roku waved his hand in the air and casted a soundless barrier so no one would hear their conversation. 

"This servant has the report Ichi as asked of Roku, in regards to the identity of the old man that Lady Jemma Jewels Brooks visits three times a week." Roku said before he hesitated.

Not having any patience for Roku, Raiden narrows his eyes at him and yells, "Speak quickly!"

Gulping the saliva in his mouth before he answered his Master.  "The old man Lady Jewels visits is the famed poison expert Doku.   Lady Jewels is said to be his last disciple.  She is known as Aku Kimiko."

"How sure are you of these findings?" Raiden questioned.  Although his bodyguards hardly made mistakes when gathering information, he had to be sure of this information.  If she was the last disciple of the famed poison expert Doku, then the reason to make her his has increased tenfold.  "And how many people know of this information?"

"Your Highness, as you know, this servant's blood brother is also a disciple of Doku. This servants brother is a senior disciple of Lady Jewels.  This servant's brother told this servant this information directly from his lips to this servants ears within a soundless barrier.  There were only three people who knew about the information, Doku, Aku Kimiko, and this servant's brother, Fudo. As Your Highness knows, Doku is training Fudo to take over for Doku should something happen to Doku. That is the reason Fudo knows of Aku Kimiko's true identity.  Now, with those three, it is us in this room right now that knows about Lady Jewels and Doku's connection."

"What is Doku's identity here in Madewell?"

"It is said Doku is an eccentric herbalist.  Picky about who he helps and has a thorny manner.  He is not widely known and those that do come to him for help are recommendations from people he helped in the past, however they have all been  turned away. No one knows his true name Doku. The neighbors call him Crazy Old Man and he answers to it.  They think Lady Jewels helps around the house out of the goodness of her heart."

"Do you think Lady Jewels told her Uncle and Grandfather?"

"Please forgive this servant, this servant does not know, but this servant will find out once dismissed from Your Highness."

Waving his hand once, he shakes his head no. "No need, if she has told her Uncle and Grandfather, I'm pretty sure they will keep her secret to the grave."

"There is a lot for this Prince to think about. You are all dismissed." Raiden said.

The three men went back into their original positions.  Ichi and Ni went back into the shadows to guard their Prince, while Roku dropped the soundless barrier and left the room to rest.  When the room was quiet again Raiden's thoughts went to the beautiful and devilish Lady he met at the Palace.  She is definitely a diamond in the ruff.  Although she had low cultivations and fighting skills, she made up for it with her intelligence, charm, beauty and her apprenticeship with Doku.

The history of Doku is a famous story in Redbane.  Born and raised in Redbane, no one knows Doku's real name, however it is said that Doku was left in the Forest of Aria for the monsters to feast on.  His family was too poor to keep him so they left him in the Forest of Aria.  Instead of dying, a hunter came upon him and raised him up as his son.  The woman that became his mother was a poison expert and taught him everything he knows.  However, the 4 nations were in a 30 year war and his father and mother were killed during a scuffle between 2 nations.  In a fit of rage, young Doku poisoned both sides and all the soldiers of both battalions died a painful and horrible death.  His act of rage caused a cease fire between two nations so they can kill Doku. No matter which nation sent people to kill him, whoever they sent died a painful death. Since no one knew what his name was, they named him Doku. He then traveled the 4 nations, never staying in one place for too long, but taking jobs as an assassin to make money for his travels.  After the 2 nations agreed to a cease fire, they pulled out of the war entirely.  Soon afterwards, the other 2 nations made peace with each other and called for peace within the 4 nations, that happened 21 years ago.  Then one day, poison expert Doku disappeared six years ago. He has now showed up in Madewell and Jewels became his last disciple.  If Jewels is his last disciple, then having her in Redbane would only help his country.  Having her by his side and making her his will not only ensure the future of Redbane but it will make them a more powerful nation then it already is.  Although her Uncle is crippled, he was a famous genius General. He could help train Redbane's soldiers and her senile grandfather was the famous weapons Professor.  He was a genius himself, he knew the history of all weapons within the 4 kingdoms. He was able to create any weapons that was commissioned and create new weapons.  During the war, the weapons he created were the most deadly.  After the war, many noblemen and royalty collected his weapons and are now a hot commodity to own.  The addition of the three of them to the Redbane Nation would be considered a huge gain and not a loss.

------------

The next day, Jewels told her Uncle and Pop pop to expect Prince Raiden over for a visit.  After breakfast, the announcement of Prince Raiden came.  Instead of following etiquette of receiving guests in the main house and having the lady and family of the house entertain the guest before sending servants to get the person the guest is looking for to attend the guest in the main house. Prince Raiden over looked the lady of the house along with two girls who Raiden guessed was Lady Maria and Lady Lindsay. He followed the servant that was sent to invite the three people he came to the Brooks Manor to see.  When the servant noticed that the Prince and his bodyguards followed him, he picked up his pace and led them to left wing of the mansion. 

Although the outside of the wing of the mansion looked just as beautiful as the rest of the house, once Prince Raiden walked into the wing did he noticed the difference. The main house was decorated in opulence while the "Landfill" wing, although clean was very simple.  There was the bare necessities in the wing of the house.  Butler Thomas greeted Prince Raiden at the door and dismissed the servant that brought them to their wing.

"If you would please follow me, Lady Jewels, General Jude, and Professor Jordan are in the sitting room having tea."

Thomas led them to the sitting room that had many windows. It let in the sunlight through  which brightened the room.  The furniture in the sitting room was simple but gently taken care of and were still in good shape, however the room looked bare because it was decorated sparsely.  Six different vases that held beautiful boutiques of flowers could be seen through out the room.  Seeing that Raiden took a liking to the flowers Jewels spoke up before Thomas was able to announce Prince Raiden.

"Prince Raiden," Jewels said as she stood up. "Let me introduce my family.  This is my beloved Uncle Jude, who I consider as my father. And this is my Grandfather Jordan that I call Pop pop." Jewels then walked towards Zeze and stopped in front of her and said, "And this lovely lady is our maid Zeze and next to you is our butler Thomas. Everyone, in front of you is Crown Prince Raiden Osamu of Redbane."

Uncle Jude bowed at the waist as Pop pop, Zeze, and Thomas bowed as well, giving him a formal greeting.  Prince Raiden, nods his head back at them and took a long look at Jewels before he moved on to sit at the chaise that was reserved for him earlier.  With Uncle Jude directly in front of him and a coffee table separating them. Two of Raiden's bodyguards stayed in the room as the other four stepped outside.

"The flowers that are displayed are the hard work of my Uncle." Jewels said as she sat down next to Pop pop. Her seating was between Pop pop and Uncle Jude. 

"They are beautiful.  This Prince can tell they were cared for very well."  Raiden said as he sipped on the tea that Zeze poured for him.  "This Prince can also tell that although General Jude have been injured for a long time now, General still holds on to General's cultivation.  Although still young, this Prince is still a level lower then General."

Uncle Jude coughs in embarrassment before answering. "Prince Raiden flatters me too much.  What can a cripple do but attend to flowers?  And just because I have been injured, does not mean the end of ones life."

"Although the flowers are beautiful, this Prince would have to say that it is a pity that General's ability and knowledge has been put to waste for so many years."

Pop pop nods his head agreeing.

"I am honored that Prince Raiden thinks so highly of me." Uncle Jude said.

"It is only truth what this Prince said."  Turning to Jewels, Raiden suddenly announced to everyone in the room, "Your stipulations that you come with a package are accepted.  This Prince is here for the next four months for the 4 nations talk and the Madewell tournament being held in three months.  Since you are my gift in gold, this Prince will leave the Eastern Sunrise Courtyard and move into your wing so this Prince will be near this Prince's gift in gold."

"Why are you moving here, when you can clearly see how sparse this wing is.  The Eastern Sunrise Courtyard is  a place that is befitting your status and can provide for you better." Uncle Jude said in a panic.  If Prince Raiden stayed here, the Brooks household would lose even more of their reputation and cause more trouble in their household.  The secret of his healed body and the fact that he has started walking again, paired with Jewels knowledge of medical herbs and her skills to heal will no longer be a secret.  With his presence in the manor, there will be more people visiting the wing and they will cause more trouble for Jewels.  He was afraid Maria, Lindsay and their friends would use this excuse to visit and bully Jewels in front of the Prince.

"This Prince will move in by the end of day today.  This Prince has already decided to stay and protect what belongs to this Prince.  As for servants, this Prince will bring four maids and six bodyguards to attend to this Prince.  There will be no interference for Maid Zeze.  Should Maid Zeze have any troubles with this Prince's maids, please do not hesitate to discipline them.  Two of the maids this Prince have brought with this Prince and are waiting outside the manor.   Once we are finished here, Maid Zeze is free to show them this Prince's quarters and they will clean the room to not interfere with  Maid Zeze duties. This Prince will also need to rely on Butler Thomas to find a place for this Prince's maids and bodyguards.  The two maids will also be in charge of cleaning these rooms. The maids and guards will be can share rooms so five rooms will be fine."

Zeze and Thomas nods and bows towards him letting him know they heard him. 

"Is there anything else this Prince's gift in gold wants that this Prince can grant?"

Thinking for a bit, a mischievous smirk can be seen on her face. "Yes there is.  When you talk do you always have to talk about yourself in the third person?  I mean, you keep saying "this Prince this" and "this Prince that" that it can get annoying after awhile. Would saying "I" or "me" or "my" kill you?"

Everyone in the room gasped at Jewels request and became quiet.  Everyone was waiting on Prince Raiden's reaction.  They were waiting for him to reprimand her. Everyone knows that only royalty are only allowed to talk about themselves in this way.  By saying their title, it would remind those around them just who they are and how mighty their bloodline is. 

"If that is what "MY" gift of gold request, "I" will be able to do it just for "MY" beloved when we are alone or with your family, if it will make you feel comfortable, "I" will do it."

Not expecting him to give in so easily, Jewels was surprised.  Thinking he would put up more of a fight she said, "You're no fun. I thought Your Highness would have more fight in you."

" "I"know how to pick and choose "My" battles," Prince Raiden said. "And besides, your request is not so hard to grant. And since "I" granted your request, "I" would like you to grant one of "MY" request."

Jewels smiled on the inside listening to him talk.  He was purposefully saying "I" and "MY" pointing out those words by saying them slowly so she would notice how he granted her request.

"Of course, I can grant His Highness's request. As long as it is within my abilities, I can agree to it."

"I would like you to call me by my given name only.  Please do not call me His Highness, Crown Prince, or Prince Raiden.  Just call me Raiden."

The room became quiet again.  Him asking her to call him Raiden not only was an honor, but it also let everyone know how valued she is to him.  Jewels realizing this she laughed awkwardly. 

"Prince Raiden's jokes are too funny.  How can I just call you by your given name only? It will be too rude to do that all the time and cause misunderstandings in others.  May I suggest to call you your given name when we are in each other's company only?" Jewels tried to compromise.

"If you think so, for now I will agree to this." Raiden said.

After everything was said and settled two hours have passed when the announcement of General Harvey, Lady Lana, Lady Maria, and Lady Lindsay came to the wing.  When Thomas brought them in, Raiden noticed how all the ladies have changed their clothes when they first received him.  They all wore their best clothes as if they were going to a ball.  His displeasure of their presence hardened his face even more than usual. Jewels caught his eyes and he saw her smile wickedly, she scooted back into the coach as if she was sitting back to see her family's performance.  The family greeted the Prince and bowed when Lady Lana spoke up first.

"Prince Raiden, please excuse the lack of eloquence of this wing, we have just recently renovated this wing and have not the time yet to decorate and furnish this place" Lady Lana said.  With a nod of her head, several servant came in and set down several chairs close to the Prince for the family to sit on. 

"Prince Raiden, what brings you here to Brooks Manor?" Lindsay asked shyly.  "I have heard that younger sister have been given to you as a gift.  Are you here to tell Father that you have changed your mind?"

Ignoring Lindsay, Prince Raiden turns to Harvey and announces, "This Prince has decided to move into Brooks Manor and live in this wing so this Prince can protect his gift in gold.  This Prince has already talked it over with the people who live in this wing and they have agreed to accommodate this Prince and his subjects."

"Why don't you move into the main house, it is already decorated and clean.  There is hardly anything here, you will not be inconvenienced." Maria said.

"Once this Prince's word is said, it can not be easily taken back." Prince Raiden reprimanded her.

Since there were no words they could say for him to change his mind, Harvey turned to Lana and said, "Why don't you have the maids and butlers help move in furniture from the main house here and help clean the Prince's room."

Nodding Lana made a face and glanced at her head maid without saying a word and her instructions were dispatched.

"How long will your stay be?" Lindsay asked.

"Four months." Raiden answered.

"And is Your Highness looking for a Crown Princess while His Highness is here since the gathering of 4 Kingdoms will be in Madewell?" Lana asked uncouthly.

"This Prince already has a future Crown Princess in mind." Raiden announced.

"May I be so bold and ask His Highness, who he has in mind?" Harvey asked.  He wanted to be the first to know so he could brag about it to the ministers and other generals.

"This Prince does not want to say. This Prince does not want to jinx the out come should this Prince ask the lucky lady and she reject this Prince."

"Who would say no to you?" Lindsay said as she looked dreamily at him.  She never knew what everyone meant when other girls talked about falling in love at first sight. But when she saw him sitting in the chaise, she finally understood.  His dark hair and dark eyes captivated her.  His handsome chiseled features drew everyone's eyes to him and full kissable lips made her want to know what it felt like to kiss him.  Although he wore black, she noticed that there were fine gold and black embroidery that ran through the sleeves and collar of the shirt. His posture made him look majestic as if he owned the whole room.

Ignoring Lindsay, Prince Raiden did not answer her and sips his tea instead.

"Jemma," Maria said out loud. "Do you not have any manners? Why have you not greeted Father and Mother and why have you not served us tea yet?"

Slowly turning her head towards Maria, Jewels answered her.  "I do not recognize any of you so I did not greet you guys. As for the tea, I did not serve tea to you guys because you have not been invited here for this meeting."

Maria, Lindsay and Lana all stood up and fumed at Jewels.  "How rude can you be? Especially in front of His Highness!"

"Jude! What have you been teaching my child!" Harvey blamed him.

"Your child?" Jewels scoffed, "Since when was I still your child? Last time I remembered, I was four and you threatened to take my life. Last night was the most you have ever spoken to me in 14 years. If anyone is to blame for my behavior, all you and Lana have do is look in the mirror and you'll see who is to blame."

"What insolence!" Harvey said between his teeth.  He did not want all his family history to be aired in front of the Prince. "Your Highness, as you can see, Jemma does not know any manners, she will be nothing but a headache for you, please reconsider the gift you chose and change it to something else."

Before Raiden could answer, Jewels answered for him.  "Prince Raiden knows what he chose as his gift in gold and everything that comes with it.  I did not lie to him and pretend I am someone I am not.  It should not be a surprise to you that Prince Raiden already knows everything about our family history.  He would not be so careless and take what he does not already know everything about.  Who are you to keep questioning His Highness? He already said it once just a moment ago, that his words, once given, cannot be easily taken back. Why is it that none of you listen to what His Highness said? Is it because you guys are hoping he would want to choose Lindsay as his gift instead? Or are you saying that his words do not mean anything to you so you keep asking him to change his mind?"

Not wanting to dig themselves into a deeper hole, Harvey, Lana and Maria did not say anything.

"What is it that you have that I don't have?" Lindsay complained. "What I have is more than you will ever dream of achieving!  Who are you to talk for the Prince."

"This Prince's gift can talk for this Prince, for this gift of gold now belongs to this Prince and anything that belongs to this Prince can speak for this Prince." Raiden clarified. 

Baffled by Raiden's words Lindsay had nothing else to say to counter act his words. 

"This Prince will take this Prince's leave.  This Prince will return later tonight.  When this Prince comes back, this Prince expects that no one else from the main house move into this wing and no servant from the main house work here.  This Prince likes privacy.  Should anyone disobey, rather it be servant or subject of Madewell nation, this Prince will kill them on site. This Prince's words have been decreed so shall it be done. Be warned House of Brooks or you will know why Redbane Kingdom calls me Demon."

**********

Sorry for the long chapter, I just couldn't finish it to my satisfaction and continued writing.  I'll publish now and "edit" later. (and by "edit", I mean try to proof read what I wrote later when I have "fresh eyes")

If you haven't notice yet, there are a lot of name of characters in this book that have Japanese names. Here is a quick name translations of characters from Japanese to English:

Raiden Osamu:  Raiden-God of Thunder, Osamu- Ruler

Michio Osamu: Michio- Man of a good path, Osamu-Ruler

Doku- Poison

Fudo- God of fire and wisdom

Aku Kimiko (Jewels alias): Aku- evil, Kimiko-child without equal (so together her name means evil child without equal)

Raiden's bodyguards are Japanese numbers.  They correspond with their rankings as his bodyguards so:

Ichi- one

Ni-two

San-three

Shi-four

Go-five

Roku-six

Thanks for reading and for the support. -pdt