Three Hundred And Seventeen

Three Hundred And Seventeen

“So, what do you think?” Shiro said with a bright smile, spinning round for me, showing off what she was wearing. As usual she was in a pair of white jeans, but this time her jumper was a pretty deep-red wine colour, and it had long, puffy sleeves, so that she could hide the state of her damaged arm. Her hair was also pulled back away from her face, and she was wearing a white eye-patch, looking rather like a pirate, with all her scars. The outfit was topped off by some jewellery, such as a fetching necklace, which was unusual as Shiro normally didn’t bother with such trappings, though the white gold looked good against the richly coloured jumper she wore.

“I thought that since you were always nagging me about sticking to white, I’d make a change Aki. Though I still think my legs look best in white jeans. As for the rest...” she touched her exposed face softly, wincing. “Damn, even with all the healing I’ve had done over the past few days, I still look like I’ve tripped and fell face first into a barrel of knives.” Her lip wobbled, and I reached out to console her, but she slapped my hands away.

“No messing up my outfit, Aki.” She stepped back. “It took me ages getting ready, though not as long as it did Eri.” She nodded at my wheelchair-bound childhood friend. Eri was wearing a similar outfit to Shiro, though her tight jeans were blue, and her jumper was a layered one, with shades of black and purple. She also wore her sparkling engagement ring, as did Shiro, as well as some pretty earrings.

“Well, you try getting dressed when you can barely move.” Eri said acerbically. “I was going to wear a skirt, but then it isn’t just girls we’ll be meeting tonight, so I thought this would be safer.”

“How prim and proper.” Shiro said sarcastically. It does surprise me, but they seem to get on quite well, even if they argue a lot. “But I guess you’re right to be worried. Hayato is far too much a gentleman to look, but Shugo and Yasu... especially Yasu... yeah, I wouldn’t want Aki’s old friendships to end in a bloodbath as he defenestrates Yasu from the fortieth floor of our hotel.”

“He’d do it too.” Eri giggled. “I never really noticed when we were younger, probably because he was too busy being a coward and running away from me...” Eri looked at me reproachfully with her dark eyes. “... but he’s actually surprisingly possessive.”

“Well, can you blame him? Look at us. Well, not now... but when we are back on top form, we’re gorgeous!” Shiro proclaimed proudly, and I smiled at her bravery. It must have been difficult for her to think of meeting our friends in the state she was in now, being as her looks were something she was always proud of.

“We’re still gorgeous.” Eri insisted. “Besides, it’s only a matter of time. To be honest, I’m a bit worried about meeting Akio’s friends too. They’re older, and I don’t know a lot about the world so I worry they’ll think I’m just a stupid little girl. But if they are Akio’s friends, I want them to be my friends too, or at least respect me.”

“I think they will. You might get on with Hina, she’s such a cutie. And taken.” Shiro grinned knowingly. “Really, Aki’s such a hypocrite. It’s almost refreshing at times. He’s got so many girls that would put your average harem protagonist to shame, and yet he gets annoyed when people look at them. Worse, you just wait and see...” she winked, well, blinked at Eri. “If Aimi is wearing her usual sort of clothes, Aki won’t be able to help himself and he’ll ogle her. And she’s got a boyfriend now.”

“That’s no good. You can’t go stealing other people’s girls.” Eri chastised me.

“I wouldn’t do that, I promise!” I said, feeling guilty, even though I hadn’t done anything yet. “Seriously, can we get back on topic of how good you both look?” I turned to Hyacinth, wearing her usual maid outfit, though she too was wearing additional accessories. It had been a struggle to convince her, but I wasn’t going to let it slide this time, as she was attending this gathering as not just my maid, but my fiancée as well. “Thanks for your help, Hyacinth. It’s reassuring to have you helping Eri.”

She blushed and giggled. “Think nooo more of it, Akio. I am more than happy tooo help mistress Eri! Though I wooorry. These are important friends of yours, Hyacinth does nooot know how to behave as a mistress. What if I dooo things wrong?”

“I hardly think Akio will-will worry about that.” Shaeula said, entering the room, having finished her own preparations. “He is more than happy to make allowances. Do not-not be so concerned.”

Hyacinth nodded, while I admired Shaeula’s outfit, a fetching emerald green gown, offsetting the fiery amber of her hair and eyes beautifully. She had pinned up her hair with ornate bejewelled hairpins, similar to what she had worn at the party Fujiwara house had thrown.

“Looking annoyingly good there.” Shiro agreed with me. “Shit, I hear the voices of a million lonely men crying out in anger against you, Aki. And this isn’t even all of us.”

“Yes, Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi will be here later.” Eri agreed. “Aiko too.” She finished, before also complimenting Shaeula on her dress and hair.

“Well, Aki may be a siscon to rule all siscons, but she isn’t actually his girl.” Shiro grinned wickedly. “I’d say our silent little Chinese flower over there is more dangerous.” She looked at Daiyu, who was sitting quietly in the corner, in a red Chinese-style Cheongsam replica, with a pattern of white flowers. Obviously with Daiyu being under my care now, I had to sort out her daily necessities. Getting Chinese clothing wasn’t easy, but Akihabara strikes again. The outfits were not exactly authentic, but very expensive cosplay was good enough for now.

I was going to argue with Shiro, not that I had won many with her over the years, but decided it wasn’t worth it. She was teasing me, I was pretty certain, and I was happier to have her in that sort of mood than wallowing in her nerves. Looking down at the watch I was wearing to check the time, a rather costly Patek Phillipe, one of the number I was gathering, as I had been told I needed to make sure my cufflinks, shoes, tie and watch were appropriately expensive when meeting nobility and politicians, as that was the first thing anyone looked at, I could see Aiko was due to arrive soon. The suit that’s been ordered for the party with the Royal family in the UK is scandalously expensive. I’m glad I earned all this money recently or I’d have a heart attack at the bill... I had been told by Hinata and her grandfather to spare no expense on these things, so of course I had listened, even if the expense pained me. Not that it should, I’m rich now, but I guess old habits die hard...

“I feel bad leaving Daiyu’er home alone, when most people don’t understand her. Besides, she might as well have a good meal. I hear the restaurant on the top floor has amazing views out over Tokyo, and does a decent Chinese.”

“I guess that makes sense. So it’s definitely for that reason, and not that you’ve fallen for her, and decided to spring a surprise on us, as well as Hayato and the gang, right Aki?” Shiro questioned me, and while she seemed to be joking, there was a trace of anxiety buried within, as far as I could tell.

“He wouldn’t.” Eri answered for me. “Not that the girl isn’t pretty, but... no. I can understand why he wanted you, and to an extent the Diviner, but... she seems a bit too cold and composed. Akio likes the needy, damsel types. Ugh, it hurts saying that about myself, but I was so very pathetic back in Nishimorioka.”

“Do not-not say that. We all have a past we wish to forget, shameful behaviour we must-must surely cast from our minds.” Shaeula reassured her, though her eyes were on Daiyu. “As for Akio falling for the girl... it is inevitable, I fear.”

“What?” Shiro choked. “So I was right? I thought I was only joking!”

Daiyu was looking at us all, face expressionless, with just a trace of annoyance, as we talked. From our looks and gestures she could tell we were talking about her, so I decided to reassure her. I wouldn’t want her to think we are bullying the newcomer.

“Don’t mind them, Daiyu’er.” I told her. “They were just discussing the reasons for taking you out tonight. There’s no sinister motive, I just wanted to help you relax a bit, and I felt leaving you here alone would just lead to you brooding.” Yeah, she’s definitely pretty, stunningly so. the cool beauty type. But then, I’m surrounded by pretty girls, and having been exposed to Shiro and Tsukiko-san, my tolerance is pretty high.

“Daiyu, let me ask you a question.” Shaeula interjected, also in Mandarin. At her slight nod, Shaeula continued. “Have you ever-ever considered romance? And what-what is your opinion on multiple marriages?”

I resisted the urge to facepalm. Yeah, that’s Shaeula all right. I glanced over at Eri, whose face was set in a frosty expression, but oddly for once she was glaring at me, not Shaeula. Which is unfair! Unlike with Tsukiko-san, I’ve definitely done nothing to indicate to Daiyu or anyone else I’m interested in her!

Daiyu’s impassive mask cracked for a second, before she looked at me with an icy scowl to rival Eri’s. “I see. Is that the price for your... assistance?” she let out a bitter sigh. “I am hardly unused to being desired. Even my wretched title the other Sects use, Black Jade the Ever-Beautiful, shows I am sought after. I should not have expected...”

“No. No. No, definitely not!” I reiterated, cutting off that line of thought. “Just who the hell do you think I am? Well, I admit we barely know each other, but damn, I’m not in the business of extorting marriage out of those I help, pretty or not.” I sighed bitterly. “I would be mad at the girls, but... I guess I do have form on polygamy. After all, I did seek out a relationship with Shiro and Hyacinth.”

Shiro nodded proudly at that, saying something provocative to Eri, and Hyacinth flushed, her pale skin turning pink in happiness. Ignoring them, I continued. “All I’m asking for is your help as a Candidate and a Cultivator. I’m not such a bastard to demand your body in exchange. Besides...” my expression changed, an impish smile much like my sister would have crossing my features. “... the Spiritually Pure Physique can be corroded by deeds with evil karma. You said it yourself, that’s a powerful Technique. You may be very pretty, but I’d hardly ruin my Foundation...” my smile broadened. “... just for another lover.”

“I see.” Daiyu said, her expressionless mask back. “Techniques of purity do often require one to keep a certain level of credit with the Heavens.” She admitted.

“Well, so now I’m curious.” Shiro said, her words in Mandarin a little clumsy, Tan obviously providing them for her to speak. “If you’ve been pursued a lot, something I can totally sympathise with, then what is your type for marriage?”

“You said that if you ever were going to cheat on Eri, you’d call me.” She winked. “And here you have Shaeula, this girl here, and... wow, a real maid? Though that outfit is scandalous. Cute as hell though!”

“Yeah, you really hurt Yae’s feelings.” Rika-san winked at me. “There’s those noble girls who visited too. I guess we need to thank Hinata-chan for letting us come.”

“I think you misunderstand.” I began, but my sis stopped me.

“Just give it up, bro. Come on. This was inevitable. But, we should take it inside.”

“Yeah, there’s a lot of people watching.” Yae observed. “Like, soldiers and stuff. That’s a proper military helicopter, right?”

“You win.” I sighed.

“Great.” My sis agreed happily. “Oh, and by the way...” she looked at us all. “Why the hell is everyone so well-dressed? Just to welcome me, I’m flattered, but...”

********

“... can’t believe you are ditching me tonight, when you knew I was coming!” my sis pouted, taking a mug of tea from Hyacinth, who had already given Rika-san, Yae and Marika-san, who had joined us since there were visitors from Nishimorioka, some steaming mugs. After the girls had fussed over her, she was sitting quietly in seiza, sipping her tea elegantly.

“Well, we already had plans to meet some old friends.” I apologised again. “But it isn’t like you can’t have fun. Hinata has booked plenty of rooms, and you could have a meal out. It’s a nice hotel, I’m told.”

“But I’m not dressed right. And these two look too cheap for an expensive hotel!” she complained, cheeks puffed out in annoyance.

“That’s a low blow, Ai-chani!” Rika-san complained. “We look fashionable! We aren’t all slumming it in a hoodie like you!”

“Yes, I’m dressed well enough to go anywhere!” Yae agreed.

“Don’t worry.” I said. “Hinata’s booked out the whole restaurant, so there’ll be nobody to complain.”

“For someone so popular, you still don’t get girls, bro. Being out with all of you girls when all I’ve done is wear a t-shirt and lame hoodie is going to suck...”

“Well, at least you’re pretty.” Shiro smiled. “The fabled sister in the flesh.”

“Fabled sister, huh? Ugh, whatever my bro used to tell you about me, I’m sure they are all lies...”

As the reunion devolved into banter between my sis and Shiro, I relaxed. “So, as you can see, Eri’s... well, not fine, but she’s doing okay. I’ll look after her, and she’ll make a full recovery, the doctors say.” I promised.

“Yes, I’m doing rehab, which is why I was too busy to reply to any texts or calls.” Eri said, not entirely a lie. She’s simply been in the Boundary for days.

“Okay, so, real talk time.” Yae leaned over, looking at Eri, her hazel eyes looking into her onyx ones. I had to look away, as she was showing a lot of cleavage. “What really happened, Ri-Ri?”

“Well, it was on the news...” she began, but Rika-san snorted loudly, insulted.

“Hey, come on. Like Yae said, we do have functioning brains, you know?”

“Yeah. Look, from the start everything was fishy. There was Aki turning up with Shaeula, looking all hot and fit. Then his performance in the baseball... you know, some of the guys back home say your moves were pro level. Then in Inuyama, you tried to cover up you got hurt when you were away from us for just a short time.” Yae looked sad, remembering. “On our date, I promised to not mention it, but come on, you know everyone noticed, right?”

“Wow, yeah bro. if Shaeula hadn’t have told us about what was really going on, Eri and I would have beat the truth out of you.” she sniffed. “You’re shit at keeping secrets, you know? Hinata moans about that all the time.”

It’s nice to see my fiancées talk to my sister, but... “Uh, we’re in company?” I pointed out, and she merely shot me a withering glance.

“No shit, bro. that’s the point? Aren’t you listening? Best spell it out for him, girls.” My sister swore again, clearly exasperated.

“Then there’s the money. The Mori’s and your family, they suddenly were flush with cash. There are all these strangers around Nishimorioka, and while they keep a low profile, it’s obvious they are watching your families. Then there’s Hinata-chan and the others. Girls like those, they don’t show interest in a normal person, from a boring town like Nishimorioka.” Rika-san said, and Yae took over.

“Yeah. And there’s the injuries this girl Shiro-chan has, as well as Ri-Ri’s. Put everything together, and a pattern forms. But that alone isn’t enough. But if Ri-Ri miraculously gets good at sports, just like you, and Ai-chan here suddenly excels in her studies... I mean, she aces maths now without even trying...”

“Wow, you’re making me blush.” My sis grinned.

“... well, it’s obvious.” Yae finished. “So give it up. Aki, you’re some kind of superhero right? Ri-Ri and Ai-chan too! These girls as well. You must be too, Marika-chan!”

Ugh, yeah, I suppose it was too much to expect those close to us to not notice. Even so, this is so awkward.

“I told you to give it up, bro.” my sis laughed. “I haven’t gone into details, but come on. They’ve been suspicious for ages. I guess... I have been going a bit overboard at school though. Damn, the benefits of my Class make maths and physics trivial though, and English is already no bother, so...”

“So it is true...” Yae and Rika-san exchanged glances. “I thought so.”

Well, the evening of explanations to friends seems to have started a bit earlier than planned. So now what?