As Shikuro and Tomoe sat down for dinner, the room was filled with a sense of formality and underlying tension. Shikuro began the conversation, addressing the matter at hand. "Tomorrow, five flagships of the Kurayami Dynasty will arrive," he stated, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility. "I need your assistance, Tomoe, in a delicate matter. I want to persuade them to return home. Their presence here undermines my authority in the Realm and is causing tension."

Tomoe pondered his words, her expression thoughtful yet guarded. "Why should I assist with this? Their presence here is for my benefit and protection, after all," she pointed out directly.

Shikuro had anticipated her resistance. He leaned forward, offering a proposition. "In exchange for your help, I will grant you certain controls over information and more freedom within the city. I will even allow one of your attendants access to our office. They are skilled, no doubt, and should be able to gather substantial intelligence to relay back to the Dynasty."

Shikihime's eyes lit up slightly, a hint of interest in her gaze. "That is an intriguing offer," she conceded, her tone revealing a measure of curiosity. "Give me some time to consider it."

Changing the subject, Shikuro inquired about her well-being. "How have you been feeling? You seem to enjoy these dinners," he commented, trying to gauge her state beyond the formalities.

Shikihime responded with a feigned surprise, playing along with the casual turn of the conversation. "Oh, I am recovering well. I'm already walking on my own and managing my daily activities," she said, putting up an innocent front.

Shikuro internally noted her response, aware of the deeper implications. 'So, she's battle-ready,' he thought to himself. He then posed one final question, "Will you be able to accompany me throughout the entirety of tomorrow? I was considering introducing you to the official duties expected of the archduke's wife, but only if you're up to it. Your well-being is my primary concern."

Shikihime smiled reassuringly. "I can manage a full day. I'll be there for all the official duties," she replied, her smile conveying a mixture of determination and anticipation for the challenges ahead.

Kage's gaze lingered on Shikihime, her eyes betraying a mix of worry and scrutiny. Sensing her attendant's concern, Shikihime turned towards Kage with a measured, yet resolute demeanor. "Kage, as you're adeptly managing both the estate and our schedules, I would like Yoru and Sora to accompany me for the events of tomorrow. Additionally, I want to present myself in traditional attire of the Iskaldt Rike Realm, ensuring a respectful representation. Please ensure everything is meticulously prepared," she instructed, her voice exuding confidence and poise.

Shikihime then shifted her attention back to Shikuro, her eyes reflecting a blend of curiosity and assertiveness. "I've observed that Torsten has been notably preoccupied recently, and there seems to be a noticeable change in his demeanor. I must inquire, Shikuro, is he still serving as my retainer, or have his duties been reassigned?" she asked, her inquiry direct and unflinching.

Shikuro, acknowledging her concern, explained that while Torsten was indeed consumed with efforts to redeem himself, he remained her retainer. "Should you find his services lacking, you possess the authority to discipline him or even relieve him from his responsibilities. The choice is yours to make, do as you please with him." he clarified, maintaining a serious tone.

A playful smirk appeared on Shikihime's lips as she responded to Shikuro's statement. "Oh my dear," she said teasingly, "one should be cautious when granting a woman such liberties over a man, especially in the absence of matrimonial bonds."

Kage, visibly irked by Shikihime's light-hearted response, was on the verge of chastising her, but refrained as she observed Shikuro bursting into laughter. His amusement was infectious, and it lightened the mood of the room. "I'll remember your advice," he said with a chuckle. "Shikihime, you are a treasury of surprises. Your ability to catch me off guard with your unique perspective is truly remarkable."

As Shikuro departed from Shikihime's estate, his mind was occupied with thoughts of the upcoming diplomatic intricacies. Arriving at his office, he found Erik, Ingrid, Bjorn, Sagar, and Astrid already assembled, each wearing expressions of anticipation and concern.

"How did your meeting with Shikihime go?" Ingrid asked, her eyes searching Shikuro's face for clues. Shikuro, leaning back in his chair, sighed before responding. "It was a mixed outcome," he began, "She showed interest in the offer of access to our intelligence office, which I believe will be a strong incentive for her cooperation regarding the Kurayami ships. However, I sense she's playing a deeper game, perhaps for her own strategic reasons or simply for her amusement. It's hard to discern her true intentions."

Ingrid, pondering Shikuro's words, looked around the room. "I've been contemplating whether we should involve Shikihime more in our affairs, especially those directly affecting her. Demonstrating a willingness to collaborate might encourage her to share valuable insights from Kurayami Dynasty."

Sagar chimed in, his voice measured, "Their intelligence network is undoubtedly superior to ours. If we can tap into that, it would be a significant advantage."

Erik shifted his focus to Shikuro, his tone earnest. "You need to build a closer relationship with her. Eventually, she'll have access to a wealth of information, especially once she becomes your wife. She'll be privy to state secrets, attend high-level gatherings, perhaps even represent you in your absence. It's crucial not just to be her ally, but to win her trust on a personal level, maybe even as a lover. How are you planning to bridge that gap? Isn't she appealing to you in that way?"

Shikuro paused, weighing Erik's words. He realized the importance of Erik's suggestion and acknowledged the necessity of forming a deeper bond with Shikihime. "You're right, Erik. I need to find a way to connect with her on a more personal level. Our coexistence has been harmonious so far, but I admit I'm still adapting to her unique personality traits."

The discussion in Shikuro's office was deep and involved, as they delved into the pressing matters of state affairs, particularly the concerning issue of dwindling food supplies. The conversation was intense, with each member contributing their insights and suggestions to navigate the troubling situation.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

In the midst of their deliberations, the door opened, and Yoru, Shikihime's close retainer and attendant, stepped in. She moved with a quiet confidence, her presence commanding attention despite her unassuming demeanor. She approached Shikuro, extending a letter to him. "An immediate response is requested," she said, her tone respectful yet firm. The room, occupied only by Shikuro's closest retainers, fell into a contemplative silence as he carefully opened the letter. It was from Shikihime.

Yoru waited with disciplined patience as Shikuro read the letter. It was an invitation, conveyed through Shikihime, for a lunch aboard High Admiral Ryo's flagship. The wording suggested a casual atmosphere, a deviation from the usual formalities that accompanied such high-level diplomatic interactions. High Admiral Ryo had requested Shikuro's presence alongside Shikihime, emphasizing a personal touch to the meeting.

Shikihime's letter also suggested a smaller gathering, proposing that only Ingrid, Bjorn, and a few guards accompany them. The emphasis on a less official meeting hinted at a desire for a more open and potentially candid dialogue. Furthermore, Shikihime recommended wearing traditional attire from the Dynasty, a gesture of cultural respect that could set a positive tone for the meeting.

Shikuro's mind raced with irritation and suspicion as he read the letter once more. The sudden nature of the invitation, the casual tone, and the last-minute request for traditional Dynasty attire – it all seemed too calculated, too convenient. Shikihime's involvement in delivering the invitation only deepened his suspicion.

Turning his gaze back to Yoru, his eyes narrowed. "Yoru, when exactly did you learn about High Admiral Ryo's visit?" he asked, his tone betraying his annoyance. Yoru, unfazed by his evident frustration, maintained her composure. She met his gaze evenly, her voice calm and measured. "Sir, I am merely the messenger in this matter. The specifics of the Admiral's visit and this invitation are beyond my purview."

Shikuro wasn't convinced. It was hard to believe that Yoru, a key attendant of Shikihime, would be kept in the dark about such a significant event. He suspected that she knew more than she was letting on, but he also knew pressing her further would be futile.

Redirecting his focus, Shikuro addressed Erik, his voice now firm and decisive. "Erik, rearrange my schedule for tomorrow afternoon. Cancel all appointments post-noon. This 'casual' lunch with the High Admiral may take longer than anticipated."

He then turned towards Ingrid and Bjorn, seeking their confirmation on attending the lunch. "Will you both accompany me tomorrow?" he inquired, his tone softening slightly. Ingrid and Bjorn exchanged a brief glance before responding in unison, "Yes, sir."

Erik, sensing the mounting frustration in Shikuro's voice, hesitated for a moment before asking if any adjustments were needed for the morning schedule as well. Shikuro shook his head, indicating that the morning plans would remain unchanged. His focus then shifted back to Yoru, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Remind my 'beloved' fiancée not to forget our morning schedule. I'll pick her up after sunrise," he said, his words dripping with irony. "And do convey my deepest gratitude for the ample notice she's provided about such an important visit. I truly appreciate her consideration in giving me ample time to prepare."

With a swift, practiced movement, Shikuro penned a reply to the letter. His hand moved confidently across the paper, crafting a response that masked his irritation behind a veil of diplomatic cordiality. Sealing the letter with wax, he impressed his personal seal onto it, symbolizing his authority and commitment to the words within. Handing the sealed letter to Yoru, he watched as she bowed respectfully and exited the room.

His gaze then turned to Astrid, his expression a mix of inquiry and expectation. "Astrid, can you shed any light on how she's managing to exchange information across the sea? Can anyone here explain how we were in the dark about the High Admiral bringing his fleet and arriving personally? How is it that we're hosting one of the world's most powerful naval figures, and our own king is clueless about it?" Shikuro's voice rose, echoing his disbelief and growing concern.

Erik, sensing an opportune moment amidst the tense atmosphere, ventured a question, "Why are you planning to pick her up right after sunrise? We have plenty of time before our official duties regarding the town's food stocks."

Shikuro paused for a moment, then took a fresh piece of paper and began writing a new letter. The room was silent, but the air was thick with curiosity. Once he finished, he sealed the letter and handed it to Erik. "Deliver this to my 'beloved' at sunrise," he instructed, his tone carrying an edge of seriousness. "It explains that an urgent matter has come up and I had to leave without her."

Erik accepted the letter, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. Ingrid, unable to hold back her disapproval, openly challenged Shikuro's decision. "This is quite childish, you realize. She'll have to wake up much earlier to prepare, and the entire estate will be on alert, anticipating your arrival hours before sunrise. She'll be in formal attire for no reason, waiting for you."

Shikuro, however, seemed unbothered by Ingrid's remarks. He waved off her concerns with a dismissive gesture and continued with the meeting. As the discussion wound down, the group disbanded.

Interlude: Torsten's Investigation

Torsten's boots clacked against the wooden planks of the dock as he methodically examined the shipment documents. The sea air filled his lungs, but his mind was focused on the paperwork in his hands. Numbers and lists of goods seemed to dance before his eyes, but they told a story that didn't quite add up. He had always prided himself on his attention to detail, and this time, it had uncovered a disturbing inconsistency. Some shipments from the mainland were not aligning with the official records.

The dockmaster, a portly man with a face reddened by the sun and wind, tried to maintain his composure under Torsten's scrutinizing gaze. Torsten's towering figure loomed over the dockmaster as he confronted him with the discrepancies. The confrontation escalated rapidly; the dockmaster, overwhelmed by guilt and fear, made a desperate attempt to escape. His effort was futile, however, as Torsten's men were quick to apprehend him.

The following morning, a grim discovery awaited Torsten. The dockmaster had been murdered in his cell, along with the guards who were supposed to protect him. The scene was gruesome and meticulously orchestrated to resemble the assassination style of the assailant from Shikihime's estate attack. But something was off. Torsten, ever the meticulous observer, noticed that the killer was right-handed, contrasting with the previous left-handed assassin. Furthermore, the guards appeared to have not resisted, indicating they might have known the assassin.

This revelation sent a chill down Torsten's spine. The implications were grave – the assassin had to be someone of high rank, someone within Shikuro's inner circle. Only someone with significant influence and trust could have arranged for the guards to allow access without question.

As Torsten stood amidst the silent docks, the weight of his discovery bore down on him. This was more than just a conspiracy; it was a betrayal at the highest level. The thought of a traitor among those closest to Shikuro was not just alarming, it threatened the very foundation of their group and the safety of their duchy.

Torsten was now faced with a daunting task. He had to delve deeper into this web of deceit, tracing the threads back to their source. The stakes were high, and the danger was real. But Torsten was determined to uncover the truth, regardless of the personal cost. He knew that the stability of their realm, the safety of his friend, and the trust they all shared were hanging in the balance. The investigation had taken a dark turn, and Torsten was ready to confront whatever lay ahead.