“Here,” Masaru said, motioning to a room with a glass door. “Everything in there has been magickally made. Once you step into the room, each outfit, and armor piece changes into the proper size and shape for you. Ready?” I shrugged, “I guess.” Then we stepped into the room. There were clothing pieces, and outfits of all kinds lining the walls. In a case at the other end of the room was similar armor to what Masaru usually had on. “Extravagant isn’t it? Just wait till you become a General.”
Right… One day, he’ll give the title to me, no matter age or state. I- the Blade to the Rubeus General- I still couldn’t believe it. Masaru walked over to a small stand, with red, black and gold clothing upon it. He carefully picked it up, and handed it to me, “Put this on. I’ll be waiting downstairs at the main entrance,” Then he left, shutting the door. I unfolded the clothing, taking in the beauty. The long sleeve, button up shirt, nearly all crimson red, with black trim, and golden buttons. The black skirt was very flowy, with a slit starting at where my thigh would be. Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
I threw off my clothing, and carefully put on the likely expensive formal wear. I knew one thing for sure- I was about to go somewhere that needed my best face put forward, so I rummaged through the room till I found a red ribbon. After I left the room, and began making my way to the General, I put my hair up in a bun, tying the ribbon into a bow. 412Please respect copyright.PENANAE5x26dSuoM
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I found Masaru, which smiled when he looked upon me, slightly turning a shade of red. "General… You're- um-"
"Shut up, Ena," he said, turning away from me, "And you can call me by my name. Let's go."
I followed him outside to a carriage pulled by a couple horses. "Hop on in," he said as he opened the door. I did so, he following pursuit. "Ready to formally meet the Imperial Family?" I chuckled, shaking my head. "You'll be fine," his elbow nudged me so I turned to him. "I promise," he grinned with a wink. I felt my face grow hot, in complete shock.412Please respect copyright.PENANArlWpL2FX1y
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"You're turning red." His grin grew wider. I rolled my eyes, looking away, "Shut it."
***
We walked side by side towards the Grand Imperial Palace entrance, surrounded by nobles, and well off people. "Pay attention to everything and listen close to conversations. Gatherings like these always mean potential spies, and assassins. When we enter the Grand Throne Room, you will notice two large tables adorned with food. The one to your left will be for the Imperial Family, I, you, the other Generals and Blades, and the Councils. The high Nobles will sit at the right table. We will walk towards the Imperial Thrones, eyes straight forward. Then we'll get on our hands knees, bowing our heads. Once the Emperor tells us to rise, keep your head bowed and walk to the right of the Heirs throne. I will walk to the left of the Emperoress' throne. We will then turn around to face the Entrance, head up, eyes straight forward. We'll stand there till the rest of the guests who'll dine with the Imperial Family arrive. Understand?"
"Yes. Anything else I should know?"
"Don't eat till Emperor Nai says that we may. After the feast, the Imperial family will leave. Everyone who has been invited, shall go to the Grand Ballroom, listen to a speech, and spend hours of dancing and drinking without a care in the world." Masaru came to a stop at the entrance. "Stand tall. Look focused. We're making an impression " Then the doors swung open.
***
Meeting the Imperial family went more smoothly than I thought it would. Not once did I trip over my feet and make a fool of myself. Either I've been blessed, or this is all pure luck.
Speeches went quickly, the Ballroom coming to life with dancing, drinking, and laughter. The Generals talked amongst each other, drinking wine with wide smiles on their faces. I and the other Blades sat at a table, trying to get to know eachother. "So Gin, what's your story," asked Kaz. Gin lifted his wine, swirling it around. "Well, my parents are farmers. We live- they live- outside clan walls, like most poorer families. I met General Raiden when I was delivering fresh food to a nearby Fortress. Apparently he took a liking to me, so here I am. What of you Kaz?"
"Ah, well... I'm an Orphan. Used to live on the streets until General Jai came up to me and told me to get up and follow him. He housed me, clothed me. Little did I know he chose me as his blade. Nothing special. Eito?"
"Family of merchants. Met General Katsu when he was intrigued by a few gems. Next day I received a letter from him that I would be escorted to his home. Scared the crap out of me," He said with a chuckle. Then they all looked to me, waiting.
"I- um- I'd rather not talk about it." Kaz frowned, "Why not?"
"I just don't. It's nothing against any of you. I'm s-"412Please respect copyright.PENANA5g9OIylgJV
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Suddenly Masaru stumbled up to me, looking drunk as hell. He leaned against the table, grinning. "Did I ever tell you that you're super pretty?"
The other Blades started chuckling. "Uh- no. How much did you drink?" He got on his knees, and placed his head on the table, looking up at me like how a child would look at a unicorn. "Ooooonlyy one glaaass. Gosh! You're beeeautiful," he said as his hand reached to touch my face. I sighed smiling, lowering his hand to his side. "Thank you. Can one of you please go get one of the other Generals?" Eito looked over to the Generals. 412Please respect copyright.PENANAh7eS3x5aM9
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"I gladly would. But it seems they're all in the same condition." Sure enough, he was right. They all looked like stumbling fools, blabbering and laughing. This doesn't seem right. "Thoughts," I asked.
"Our Generals are being idiots," They said at once.
"Yes. But no. Something's... Off." Gin raised a brow at me, "What do you mean?" I shrugged, rising from my seat, trying my best to ignore Masaru's blubbering drunken compliments. "I don't know, however my gut is telling me something is going on. Keep an eye on the Generals, make sure they don't do anything stupid."
"Look who's suddenly taking charge," Kaz mumbled. I simply rolled my eyes, and looked towards the indoor balcony of which the Imperial family stood upon. I began walking towards the grand staircase, as fast as possible, keeping my eyes on them. This isn't right. The Generals shouldn't be like this. What's happening? What's this odd sickening feeling I have?
Then I saw why. In the shadows. next to an indoor plant, a man poured something into three goblets of wine. Could be poison. They're much closer to the Imperial family. I have to get to them fast, without causing chaos
"Eranar."
Yes?
"What's going on with Masaru?"
I don't know.
Damn. "Okay. Thanks." The man began walking up the stairs, guards nodding to him. At this point, I started pushing past people, nearly sprinting up the stairs right as he reached the Imperial Family. He bowed, and the Emperor reached for the largest golden goblet. I nearly dove to knock his hand away, barely making it in time. "What's the meaning of this, Rubeus Blade?"
"I-" The man threw the tray and wine at me, dashing for one of the nearby doors that probably lead to a corridor. I ran after him, into a hall, barely keeping pace. If I cant catch him this way...412Please respect copyright.PENANAh0cA5inrZn
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I began thinking of my sister, and parents- fueling the hatred, sadness, loss, and anger within. "Any tips, Eranar?"
Focus on his feet.
"Alright." I got low to the ground, slightly turning while sticking out my right leg. Fire spewed forth, like a precise blade, rushing towards him. He glanced back, and jumped over it, but didn't stick his landing. The fire vanished, as I quickly rose and dove for him. I pinned his shoulders to the ground, hearing the guards coming up from behind us.
"Who are you?"
"A Blade."
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