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"Are you sure you want me to tag along? I thought the Kou Empire hated my kind and people?" I gave Hakuei a questioning look as we began to pack up our things off the ship.

"I can reassure you that under my wing I will make sure no harm is done. We will also find you appropriate clothing more fit for our style," She gives me a soft smile.

"What? Oh I get it."

"Her highness will most likely have clothes ready for you once we reach the castle," Seisyun grabs a bag and heads towards the door.

We make sure we have all of our things before heading out. I look around the room making sure I grabbed all of my things. I don't want to leave a trail. Hakuei calls out to me down the hall making me quickly leave the room closing the door behind me.

Luckily for me, we sort of have a bit a common. Despite our status. We both have a strong sense of justice and want for unity in this world. However she seems to want it under the Kou Empire's reign. I highly doubt such a thing is possible in a world filled with determined power hungry leaders and kings of all kinds.

We make our way off the ship and towards a carriage ready for us.

I take a quick look around taking in the sensation of solid ground. It feels nice after being on sea for so long.

"Come on (y/n)," Hakuei calls out to me.

I nod as I rush over to the carriage and I was the last to enter. Soon enough we were quickly on our way towards the castle.

"Despite what everyone says about the Kou Empire we do our best for the people as well," Hakuei pipes in.

"Huh? Umm where did that come from?" I lift my eyebrow at her.

"You had a scowl on your face," She points to her face meaning mine.

"Oh! Haha sorry it's gonna be hard to hide my emotions while I'm here," I try to lighten up the mood by adding a laugh.

"I understand. I know what the empire has done isn't forgivable and I'm not proud about it but... I know that I still care for my family and I care for the people," Hakuei smiles at me as she stares out at the people as the carriage goes down the street.

"I'm sorry, it's... it isn't right of me to think badly of your family," I pipe in sighing sulking slightly.

"What is it that makes you strong?"

"Once again that was random," I raise my eyebrow as I sip on the tea prepared for us in the carriage.

"I just want to know how you became so strong?"

"I'm not though. At least I mean I am a decent fighter but I am not super strong," I admit tilting my head thinking.

I never gave her a real response. We just continued on until we made it to the castle.Hakuei and I have become a lot closer than we were before. Somehow I feel very very content around her. I trust her. She had order some of her servants to guide me to her room to dress me up before meeting her siblings since I was still in my old clothing that really stuck out. I didn't really fit in with the Kou Empire Asian style. She said that I was going to meet her siblings once she is done informing them of her travels and requests she had accomplished.

"Here you are miss. We are done with your clothing and make up," a servant girl finishes placing a golden clip with jade.

I open my eyes as I stare up at the mirror to see a bright red kimono shining on my skin. My hair tied up with golden chopsticks and a small gold clip clipping up my (h/c) bangs. You are surprised to see how red your lips and your softly pink blush cheeks.

"Wow... is this really me?" I stare in awe at my own reflection. A couple maids chuckle at my childish reaction as I continue to stare into the mirror.

Not too long after walking around and adjust to the long kimono and slightly hefty clothing, a servant comes to get me and guides me down the halls towards the throne room. I take in the lovely mellow yellow and red hues adorning the wood furniture and china vase.

"Miss, we are here. Do not enter until they have open the door for you," The servants bows to me.

"No need to bow haha. Thank you so much," I bow back with a soft smile on my face.

I don't know why but all the tension that had grown at the beginning of my travels has all shriveled away. I had grown hatred towards this place but after a short time here I am beginning to lighten up. I take a deep breath as the servant disappears down the hall as I stood in front of the doors. My heart was racing now. I hope I don't get killed once I walk in there.

Suddenly the doors began to open slowly.

"This is it," I breath in and then out...

One more time.

Just one more...

Just maybe....

[Kbell-chan(That is I author chan): HURRY UP AND JUST GO SAY HI!]

OKAY FUCK JESUS!

Okay not literally but...

HOW DO I EVEN KNOW JESUS!

Nevermind dammit just! Take one step and keep moving.

I tread slowly as a strong sense of power quickly envelopes me. I have to be careful. I am not strong enough to use Maram's powers yet.

As I continue to make my way towards the throne there sitting there was a man with a large build, red hair and sharp crimson eyes. I felt my breath hitch as I got closer. I stop in the middle of the room and with a loud slam the doors closed.

"Hm..."

He continued to stare down at me with those eyes that sort of pull you in yet fall in fear. He had such a powerful aura around him.

"I'm surprised I am not dead yet Hakuei," I look over at her as her straight face turns to worry her pupils widening in shock and worry.

"I see you don't seem to respect me," The male on the throne announces with an unreadable look on his face.

"Oh please~ Trust me I do. You killed my people. So you have strength. I acknowledge that for sure. I just don't think you understand that this is just how I am," I shrug slightly chuckling.

"Are you testing me?"

"Nah I am just trying to have a change of heart," I state with a cheeky smile on my face as the room quickly was filled with tension.