Minerva Cosmina Wyllt
That Evening
The tournament turned out to be a great success, and although I had been a been a bit deceitful, and told everyone it was a mock battle, the participants still managed to give it their all. Truth be told the tournament was a test just like Ayo blurted out, that girl, I rolled my eyes. Nonetheless, I was still glad that it turned out the way it did; I stood in my changing room, watching my attendant fix any imperfections she might have missed on my formal gown. Standing here for this long is a pain, I thought. In that exact moment, an LGIN window opened asking me if I wanted to connect to Ayosaki using 'Thought Communication', I didn't know it could do that too, I wonder how many lines I can have open at once; I nodded my head and the 'yes' option highlighted and another window manifested showing Ayo's full name, Minami Ayosaki and sound waves that moved whenever she spoke.
Hello? Young Mistress is that you, Ayo's thoughts projected in my mind. At first, the sensation was a bit unsettling, like my head was crowded, but the feeling eventually subsided as I started thinking about expanding the capacity of my mind.
Ayo! I did it—, wait, how'd you know it was me; I asked. The thought had never occurred to me that I was the only kid in this world that had access to the LGIN system, after all, Renata also uses LGIN, but for some reason, I felt as though I was the only one in Miryudōra that did.
To be honest Young Mistress, you have a unique presence, so unique that it can be felt even through something as abstract as 'Thought Communication', she began to explain. Plus, as a subordinate of yours, it would be quite offensive if I did not recognize Your Majesty—. However I can delve deeper into that topic another time, I am glad you reached out, it saves me a trip; all seven ranked fighters are currently in attendance in the banquet hall.
Excitement rushed through my veins as my attendant finished her hemming, "You're absolutely stunning, your Majesty," she remarked with a tear pooling in her eye and heart-melting smile of awe. I hugged her, her name was Touka, and I held her tightly. She was a reminder that I was not playing a game or that this was not a dream, she like all my citizens waited for their princess to come rule them, and I handled fulfilling that duty.
CLAP—!
I summoned a gate before us, I really am lazy, I snickered before stepping through the portal; the only person that has walked through my gate is Ayo and she had some pretty choice words to say about it. She said that the feeling was kinda wet and slimy, but also dense and humid; the description honestly sounds horrific, however since I was the one that created the portals connecting the Gates, I don't experience anything like what she described. Beyond the other side of the portal's corridor, stood another one of my Gates; based on where I set the Gate's destination to there will be something of a hallway connecting "point A" to "point B". The only person that can see the entire "Portal Hallway Map" is myself, and it's mostly only composed of the entirety of Miryudōra and some parts of Garyudōra and Avalon.
As I approached the Gate, I took a deep breath and thought about how much I have grown from the quiet and timid girl who was almost killed by her possessed father, to the future empress of a fantasy nation. I slid the door open, and I was met with a blinding white light that soon faded; I saw my palace's banquet hall like I had never seen it before. The walls were decorated with the most jaw dropping and beautiful tapestries I'd ever seen, each were hand woven and appeared to also be spun with gold and orichalcum. An LGIN 'info box' appeared saying that every individual tapestry told ancient stories of our world's founder and the original Demon Lords. There was initially seven Demon Lords, however due to unknown reasons one of the Demon Lord's existences was erased from history. I had found myself thinking about the information that I just read, there were seven Demon Lords. So, who was the seventh, and what was their dominion, I thought to myself--.
"Ehem--, Your Majesty," I heard a slightly irritated voice from behind me, I turned and saw Ayo wearing a sleek and stunning sleeveless gown. The dress was a deep navy blue with a woven lavender pattern as an accent, her hair was extended with faux butterfly locs, and she was wearing a pair of glasses, glasses, that is new, I thought, new accessories aside, Ayo was probably the most beautiful person here.
"Ayo! You look amazing," I hugged my friend, "I've gotta step my game up if I want to be as pretty as you".
Ayosaki blushed, but quickly regained her composure, "M'Lady, please, I'd like for us to begin," she took a bow and handed me a scepter, which I accepted. We made our way to the second floor to overlook the guests that were at attendance; there were my subordinates in the palace, nobles of Miryudōra, and my family, the royal of Garyudōra. The scene was truly a spectacle to behold, one that I'd never imagined that I would be a part of, let alone hosting. "Attention attendees!" Ayo projected, "On behalf of Princess Minerva, I have the astute privilege of kicking off this wondrous banquet." The hall filled with applause and cheers, "My name is Minami Ayosaki, Princess Minerva Cosmina Wyllt-Miryūshi 's Bodyguard and Right Hand, and now I'd like to extend the floor to Your Majesty," she took a step back and bowed.
I walked forward and saw all the eyes of the attendee's lock on me, if I were in my previous life, something like this would beyond terrify me, but right now, in this moment, I feel obligated to hold this banquet. "Thank you, Ayosaki," I began, "As Ayosaki stated, my name is Princess Minerva Cosmina Wyllt-Miryūshi , the princess and soon to be empress of this fine nation of Dragonmen." The room once again began to roar in applause, I raised my hand, and as if I had power over their actions, the applause stopped. "My holding this banquet is more than just a dinner for celebrating the end of the tournament that was just held, but it's also an announcement for something special that I'd like to make."
The guests all looked at each other with puzzling faces as I clapped to regain their attention, "Allow me to introduce Miryudōra's new Elite Royal Guard," I swung my arms towards the banquet hall's main entrance as the doors opened right on queue. It was like something from a television show, each of my guard members stepped in, one by one looking incredibly dignified and powerful. "First member of this new elite guard is Ayanitokosei Ogunkoya of the Ayanitokosei Clan, now known as The Face of Frost; next Idowuokurestu Olufemi, a Barilori Forest Ogre, now known as The Face of Iron. The third member is a powerful mage originating from a village of warriors in West Sidhe, Arjun Titanica, now known as The Face of Stone; our next two members of this group are two extremely talented and powerful Azizas hailing from the Akuma Dynasty, Giuseppe, and Antoinette Baron, now known as The Faces of Storms and Showers, respectively." As I announced each member, they all stood forward and faced the guests; they stood with such poise and power. "The next few members definitely left a lasting impression on me, and I can confidently state that these are the three strongest members of this guard: From The Ololadeseijin Clan in Garyudōra, The Hellfire Maiden herself, Ololadeseijin Akinyemi, now known as The Face of Hellfire," Akinyemi stepped forward bowed before the guests as they all erupted in applause and cheers admiring her for the epic battle she took part of. I could tell she was happy with this outcome, and deep down, I know she wanted to beat Ogy, however I think she realized that she's going to have to work a bit harder to keep up with him.
"Nearing the end of the list, may I introduce someone dear to me, and although you haven't seen any of their spells in action, there is no question just how powerful she is," I stated as I turned to look at Ayosaki, who had a beet red face that made her mahogany skin glow. "Minami Ayosaki, The Face of Avarice." Her eyes filled with tears of compassion and joy as she took her place with her fellow guardsmen. I know that she wasn't expecting this, but I would be doing a major disservice if I didn't include her in this group. "Lastly, I'm sure you all anticipated this member, as he was the winner of the tournament and is to be my future husband, formally from the Hikariryūshi Clan, now Co-Clan Head of The Miryūshi Clan Hikariryūshi Ogunosuke, now known as The Face of Elysium," Ogy stepped before all the guard members and the attendees and bowed, and as if they were all synced and had their own telepathic connection, they all simultaneously stood. "This new elite royal guard of mine will henceforth be known as Tesseract," I announced with joy in my voice. "My intentions are to have you each be trained under one of the current royal guard members ensure that you have a clear understanding of the role. This banquet is to both celebrate the tournament and this new development in the military power of Miryudōra. Each of the Faces will be granted "Royal" status and be appointed land neighboring Mirini, in addition to fifteen thousand troops to serve as your own personal army". There were a few displeased faces in the crowd however, I paid them no mind, this court of royal knights were chosen by me, their ruler.
"Let's gooooo!!" Myrlin exclaimed, "cheers to Tesseract!"
Suddenly the entire room erupted into an explosive applause; and as I looked around the banquet hall and saw all the familiar faces in my life, I'd finally come to realize that this was my life now. Up until this moment, I'd acted as if this were some sort of dream or an out-of-body experience, but it's not, it's my life, my actual life. No matter how fantastical, violent, or ominous it might have been or will be, from this point forward, I identify as First Crown Princess of Miryudōra, Princess Minerva Cosmina Wyllt-Miryūshi .
Acknowledged, alerted an LGIN window, personal data… Saved… Background data… Saved… Merging Personal data with Background data… Merging… Merging Complete… Rewriting the Soultext belonging to Jamisha Pockets… Rewriting… Rewriting… Rewriting… Due to unknown circumstances, system is unable to rewrite Soultext. Soultext's current Identity Status… Pending…
I focused my attention to the banquet and my new royal guard, and seeing everyone happy and peaceful, I knew I'd stop at nothing to keep it this way.
••
Thirty years later; Minojō Training Village, Northeast Miryudōra, Ryudō-ShanGriLa; 7 Galdary 80R7X
In the following decades after the announcement of my royal guard, the eight of them grew exponentially, so much so that they almost destroyed their designated training village. It was honestly a hassle trying to save face with the village's chief, Minojō Kenji, however after he and I sat down and discussed future boundaries and regulations, I assured him that they wouldn't cause any more trouble.
"Honestly Princess, I don't see what the fuss is about," whined Ogunkoya as we exited the Chief Kenji's home, "it's a 'Training Village,' we're supposed to rough it up a bit."
I took a deep breath in and firmly grabbed his hands, "I'm going to hold your hand with a napkin in between when I tell you this, even with talents in spatial magic, not even I can fathom the vast emptiness that you claim holds your brain."
"Don't be too hard on him," Ogunosuke stated, "we were trying to take the fight seriously, and we got a bit carried away. I apologize on behalf of Tesseract."
Leave it to Ogy to always bail Ogunkoya out of trouble, I thought.
"Alright, fine," I said as I pouted, "But I need all of you to start taking your roles more seriously. We're supposed to enroll at Avalon Academy in the coming weeks, and I can't have you destroying the campus just because you got 'a little carried away'."
Ogy looked at me and gave me a gentle and promising smile, "I assure you M'Lady, we will be on our best behavior. Especially since you'll be involved with the Student Council once we're there, can't have the students and staff thinking that one of their official chairpersons of the esteemed student council employs unkempt thugs."
There was a moment of silence before the three of us burst into laughter, I was honestly nervous about going back to school. I hadn't been in a classroom since I attended the Caliburn almost fifty years ago, although since I have longevity, it only felt like about five years had passed. Around two months ago, I'd received a letter from Avalon Academy requesting I become a member of the school's student council as its secretary. The position requires that I attend campus a week early to help acclimate to the environment, as well as to plan for the upcoming enrollment ceremony.
"M'Lady will be at school before we arrive," informed Ogy, "as Tesseract's Co-Captain, I'll make sure things are in order while you're away." The reassurance was welcomed, and we made our way back to the capital by way of a gate that I summoned. We were greeted warmly by the capital city of Mirini, it had been a few decades since I'd been back "officially". The streets were packed with residents and festival booths, almost as though it were an annual event.
Once in the capital, Ogunkoya decided to retire to his own village and train privately, while Ogy and I made our way back to the main palace. He and I decided that the land I granted him will be used as the Miryūshi Estate and anyone from the clan will be able to call it home. However, until the clan grows, we use the land as dormitories for the palace staff and their families, and once the clan starts to grow, I'll have another plot of land designated for all the attendants.
"Hey Mini," Ogy said as we walked the halls of the palace, making our way to my bedroom.
"Yeah Ogy," I asked.
He stopped in his tracks before saying, "I'm coming to Avalon with you."
I started to laugh, "of course you are, all of you will be enrolled at school. What's gotten into you?"
"No, I mean," he paused, "I received a letter from the school around the same time you did, and it asked if I would like to join the Disciplinary Committee."
"The Disciplinary Committee?" I asked, "what all would you have to do?"
I'd heard of "disciplinary committees" before, like in old anime and manga I read in my previous life, however I'd never actually been to a school that had one. "That's great," I exclaimed, "what all will you be doing for the DC?"
"From what I gathered, we'll oversee the 'Unauthorized use of Magic' and enforcing regulations the Student Council set," Ogy explained. "The academy wants us to be on campus the same time as you to act as a security detail. I'm told that your brother Myrlin was also selected to be in the committee, he and I will be a part of the same Disciplinary Unit."
He'd go on to explain that the school has a total of eight different DC Units, one unit for each decade block. As students at Avalon, we'll be expected to attend the institution for the next eighty years, and in that time, I expect to become well versed in politics and understand the mechanisms needed to run a nation. That being said, I decided that I'd major in Political Science, with a minor in Espionage. I've already become a competent spy, so learning the different types of government in this world would be good way to ensure that I do my part the right way.
"I wasn't the only one from the guard that received a summons," Ogy continued, "I heard that Ayosaki, Akinyemi, and Arjun are also being invited to take part; we're all supposed to depart a day after you leave for Avalon." Ogunosuke grabbed me and held me close in his embrace, his presence was warm, gentle, and bright, "When we get to campus, things may get a bit difficult--."
"Ogy, you have nothing to worry about," I interjected, "Besides, this will be the first time in over sixty years since I've seen my brothers and almost forty years since I've seen Renata. I love Miryudōra and Mirini, the people, the food, the culture, all of these things are why I love this nation so much. However, I would be lying if I said I didn't miss my family, my brothers, my baby sister, my wonderful parents; they're also very dear to me. I'm thrilled to see them again, and I know they are too!"
I gave Ogy a toothy grin, the same grin that causes him to blush uncontrollably, "Of course Mini. I understand, I just want to make sure that the transition won't be too much for you." I can best describe Ogunosuke as someone that can be a bit protective at times, he means well, but he always has his head on a swivel, thinking that there is always someone that is planning an attempt on my life.
"Ogy!" I scolded, promptly followed by a pouting lip.
"Okay, okay," Ogy sighed and scratched his head, "I'll back off, but only if I get to smother you with all my love until you leave." Ogunosuke placed his hand on my cheek and caressed it gently as he pulled me in closer.
"Oh, my!" I exclaimed while maintaining foreplay, "Sir Ogunosuke, you brute! You wish to have me all to yourself? This level of fraternizing is surely a sin!" I closed my eyes, and our lips touched, ever so softly; he lifted me up and carried me to the bed, never letting his eyes escape my gaze. "Ogunosuke?" I asked in a soft whisper.
"Yes, M'Lady," the words skated on top his breath as he began to undress.
"Go in the other room," I pointed to the spare suite across the bedroom. "Shut the door, and only come out when I say so, I have a surprise for you…"
Hikariryūshi Ogunosuke
I sat in the guest suite of Minerva's primary bedroom; the suite was comforting, but that comfort did little to nothing to ease my anxiety. What could the princess possibly have for me? She said it was a surprise; I don't really do well with surprises! My thoughts were all over the place and I found it hard to breathe.
"In states of confusion and clutter," I began as I closed my eyes, "Let The Light of Saint Hikari guide you…" Before I knew it, I had begun to meditate to help calm my nerves; thinking of the princess, my clan back in Garyudōra, and the possible future I'll live while attending Avalon Academy.
"Ogunosuke?" the princess's voice broke through my meditative trance, "You can come in now!"
As I approached the door leading into Lady Mini's room, I began to think about my life before I met the princess, I was a sweaty mess that could barely introduce myself, and now I'm brazen enough to keep that same princess company at night, "Elder DeeGee would lose her mind if she knew what I was doing."
I slid the door open, and my eyes were met with the most breathtaking sight, Princess Minerva was wearing a laced see-through robe and mesh lingerie. She was laying on the center of the bed, her eyes were hungry, and I knew exactly how to satisfy her cravings. I gently grabbed Minerva's cheek and brought her head close to mines as we shared this intimate moment. She looked up at me and leaned in for a kiss, which I reciprocated; her lips were soft and plumped to the touch and although we've done this many times, something about tonight felt much more intense. Our passion continued throughout the night, only ever stopping to catch our breaths, and when the rays of the morning sun began to peak through the windows, I knew that I just had the best night of my life.
To be Continued...