Fourteenth Day of the First Month, Year One Thousand Ten of the Reign of the Ichiya Dynasty

Himari

Himari walked the halls of Kōtei no kyūsoku with a swell of pride. Today, she would be officially sworn in as the Tenth Chosen. Ten years of training specifically for this moment. Ten years of dreaming that she would finally make her father proud culminated in this moment. As her steps took her to the throne room, she couldn’t help but say a small prayer. The worst thing that could happen is that she trips and embarrasses herself in her moment of triumph.

As she stepped into the throne room, the Emperor’s Herald took a breath and loudly announced. “Please show your respects to the new Tenth Chosen; Sato Himari!” As she walked in, Himari couldn’t fully disguise her smile. The same courtiers who were whispering about her just a day ago were now bowing low in respect to her. She always tried to avoid arrogance, but even internally she had to admit that seeing them have to show her respect now was satisfying.

She stopped ten steps from the throne. After a deep bow, she carefully dropped to her knees. Left leg down, then right. Her hand grasped the saya of Shugojin and slid it out of her Obi. The blade was set down on the ground, and her arms were held out in presentation, as if she was offering a gift. She didn’t see him rise, but she felt the Emperor’s shadow over her.

Unlike her father, the Emperor was a gregarious man who always seemed to have reason to smile. His voice was soft and smooth, more in common with the courtiers that attended his Court than soldiers like her and her father. “Sato Himari. Your performance the last two days have allowed your Honor, your Skill, and your dedication to shine forth. The Throne is Honored to have you join the Hallowed ranks of the Chosen. Lift your blade.”

As asked of her, she lifted Shugojin, presenting it to him like a gift.

The Emperor smiled as he held it. “Ame no Shugotenshi no Tsurugi. I recall twenty years ago when I was handed this very same blade by your Father. I confess, Himari-san, I was surprised when he had set it aside for you. But after seeing you fight, I understand why.

“Sato Himari, First Child of Sato Kosuke and Sato Kimika. With the strength and perception, the guile and wit that you have shown, I hereby request your service as one of the Emperor’s Chosen. Will you accept this solemn charge, that you might protect the Throne from threats Internal and External. That you might be the Vanguard against all who threaten Seifu, its people, and its Heart?”

Himari’s eyes closed, and she spoke in careful, practiced tone. “To my Emperor, Ichiya Tsuhiko, Fortieth of his Line. I accept this charge with my Life, my Soul, and my Heart. I will protect you from all enemies, internal and external. I will be the Vanguard for your Nation, your People, and the beating Heart of Seifu. In your name, I make this solemn Vow.” She hated speaking in front of people, and thanked the Kami that her fortunes allowed her to be born to a family that preferred the sword to the spoken word.

The Emperor set the blade back in her hands. “Rise then, Sato Himari, Tenth Chosen of the Emperor. Be welcome in my service, and take your place at my side.”

In a practiced motion, she slid the blade back into her Obi and rose. A crisp, low bow, and she stepped into the honored position appointed her for Court. Only nine people stood between her and the Emperor. The one closest to him, her father. She did her best not to look to see his reaction, knowing he would disapprove of such base searches for approval. But curiosity was killing her.

Two hours passed before Court had ended. As the Emperor retired to his chambers for the evening, Himari was given the rest of the evening to familiarize herself with the castle and perhaps even take a minute to relax. That second part felt impossible. Her muscles were still vibrating from excitement. Her mind still racing with the possibility of all the good she could do in her Lord’s name.

To calm herself, she made her way to the Palace’s Central Garden. She had heard that the sakura leaves had been starting to fall, and she wanted the chance to see them for the first time in… Kami, almost five years? She tried not to think too hard about the implications of that. Instead, she made her way into the garden.

The Emperor’s Garden was a sprawling complex, almost as impressive as the castle itself. Plants from all across Seifu, along with five large Sakura trees. The pink blossoms were indeed starting to fall, and she couldn’t help but smile as she watched the sight. With a small breath, she walked over to one of the trees and sat, closing her eyes to let the serenity of the space surround her.

Her eyes opened with the sudden screaming of… a fox? As she focused back on the scenery, she realized that there was indeed a small red fox staring up at her. Her head tilted, and the fox tilted her head in return. She tilted to the left then, and the fox matched the expression. “Um. Hello?” Not that she actually expected the creature to respond to her.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Which made her jump slightly as a voice did seem to respond. “I think she likes you.”

Himari checked her surroundings with sudden awareness, but it wasn’t until she looked up til she saw someone sitting on one of the tree branches. The person in question was a woman, perhaps three or four years her senior. Her hair was kept short, and she seemed far too casual to be someone visiting the Emperor’s Castle.

“Ah, sorry,” the woman said. She dropped off the tree and landed next to the fox, who seemed not to even flinch at the sudden motion. “I didn’t mean to startle you, Himari-sama. But my friend seemed very interested in coming this way, so I thought I would let her explore some. I didn't mean to interrupt your rest.”

Himari blinked in a measure of surprise. She wasn’t… quite sure what to say at first. But she lets out a chuckle in the moment after and shakes her head. “There is no reason to apologize. I was just surprised. Forgive me, you have me at a disadvantage. You know my name, but I have not been blessed with yours, or that of your friend here.”

Maiko let out a small giggle. “Ah, of course. My apologies, I didn't mean to be rude. My name is Maiko. Just… Maiko. And this,” she motions to the fox. “Is Fox.”

Himari giggled at the name. “You couldn’t think of anything more creative than fox?”

“Well, she’s not a pet, you see. I don’t know how she followed me here to the city, but she is just a woodland fox who seems to really like me.”

Himari offered a hand to the fox, and the fox responded by sniffing a couple of times before bumping her head into Himari’s hand. “She seems friendly. Are you sure she’s wild? Maybe she belonged to someone before you met her.”

“I thought about that, but she’s never really shown any hints of being domesticated. Honestly, I am surprised that she seems to like you so much. Usually she doesn’t like people she doesn’t know.” Maiko hums in consideration.

“Still,” Himari states. “I think she deserves a name. Just calling her Fox seems to be a bit… impersonal for someone who clearly enjoys your company, no?”

The older woman looks at the fox for several long moments. The fox, for her part, has started rolling in the fallen sakura petals. Maiko let out a laugh. “Perhaps Sakura? She does seem to really like the petals.”

Himari nodded in agreement. “Well. I like the name. But I think we should ask your friend. What do you think, little fox?” The fox looked up at her. Himari reflected that it almost seemed like she actually understood. How quaint! “Do you like the name Sakura?”

The fox barked a cheerful bark. “I dare say she agrees with us too,” Himari grinned. Both of the girls laughed cheerfully. It took each a moment to take a breath and come back down to normal.

“I had always hesitated in naming her,” Maiko admitted. “I never wanted to feel as if I owned her, even though she has largely stayed at my side over the last year. Perhaps I should start considering her more favorably?” She grinned, “Or perhaps I should let Sakura stay with you instead.”

Sakura had taken the opportunity to curl up against Himari’s side. Himari blinked in a bit of surprise, petting the small creature. “Surely you wouldn’t want to leave your friend behind, right? Especially not for some girl you just met?” The fox yawned in reply.

Maiko considered, then snapped her finger. “Well. What if we arranged time each evening for us to meet! That way, you will have time to visit with Sakura-chan, and she won’t have to decide between us!”

Himari hummed. She had just met this girl, but she did also want for new friends. “I dare say that I would enjoy such an opportunity, yes. Naturally, I will be at the mercy of guard rotations, but I think we could work something out regardless.”

“Then I will look forward to meeting you again, Himari-sama.” She rose and bowed. “I stay here in the castle. The servants can find me readily enough if you need anything of me.”

“Thank you, Maiko-san, I will do that.” Himari herself moved to her feet, offering a crisp bow. “And if you need help getting chicken for Sakura-chan, do let me know. I am more than happy to make sure that she is well spoiled here.” Sakura, speaking of, let out a yawn and moved to follow Maiko.

“She thanks you, I don’t doubt. Have a lovely evening, Himari-sama.” Maiko lifted the fox and made her way out of the garden.

Himari stood for a moment, considering if she wanted to return to relaxing. Eventually, though, she decided that she would return to the estate for the evening. She took a circuitous route, learning all she could of the castle as she found her way out of the main gate. It was only a brief, ten minute walk from there to her family’s ancestral estate.

As she entered the gate that led into the house, the eager sound of Jiro pierced into her ears. Swiftly, she held out her hands and caught him, spinning around and letting out a laugh. “Big Sister! Momma said that you have become a big important person in the Castle! Is that true?”

“It is,” she said cheerfully. “And you know what? Father even cracked a smile at me.”

“Whaaaaat? But papa never smiles anymore!”

“It’s true!” She says, hugging her brother close. “And you know what else? I met a fox today!”

“A fox? No, you’re lying.”

“No really! She was small, and had pretty green eyes, and a white belly.”

“I would hope,” a voice behind her caught Himari off guard, “that you would not be so crass as to take a smile as cause to slack off.”

Himari turned, bowing to her father. “Ah, no Father, of course not. I apologize if I gave that impression.” She set Jiro down, her expression turning to a small frown.

“Good. You have just started, after all. It would be a shame for you to get complacent after doing so well. There is much to do still. And tomorrow, you will need to be ready to see to your duties in earnest.”

Himari nodded her head. “Believe me, Father. I am looking forward to that.”