On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Twenty-Seven

Glancing around the room, the waiter that had handed us the beer had vanished.

“Here.” Adelheid passed me the gleaming leaf, rather confused. Frowning, I inspected the piece of what felt like solid gold. Huh, is there writing on it?

The leaf was a work of art, if it was fake, looking exactly like one from the decorative vases of plants that were dotted around the hall. However, the odds of someone having a fake leaf, and just so happening to use it to attract my attention, seemed rather unlikely. With my inhuman vision, I could read the tiny scratches on the surface of the leaf, which read, in English, ‘I will find you later. Be ready.’

With a slight smile on my face, I squeezed, crushing the gold into a small ball. Maybe we can have it made into some jewellery for Hinata, a nice bonus of the trip. Now, just what does he mean? Was it a threat, or simply an invitation? I had no run-ins with Midas, which was my assumption for who sent it, though I couldn’t rule out some sort of imposter, but then I had entered South Africa with Christina Bakker, and it certainly wouldn’t be impossible for someone to find that out, if they had connections.

It certainly seems like the Chosen here in South Africa have a measure of authority and inspire both fear and respect. If he thinks I’m involved with the efforts for the Americans to target him, Midas might hold a grudge…

“What’s wrong?” Adelheid asked, having not paid enough attention to see the tiny inscription. Despite the leaf being in her mug, after only a moment of irritation, she had resumed drinking.

“Just a message.” I shrugged. “Still, if he’s looking for trouble, he must have also seen that Mr Janco’s attempts backfired spectacularly, but then…” Placing the ball of gold in my pocket, I frowned. The Vermillion List mentioned he was able to kill soldiers with golden dust, somehow, and if a person could be affected like this leaf was, even partially… yeah, Spiritually Pure Physique is no protection against this…

“Don’t worry so much.” Adelheid said gruffly, rolling her eyes. “If he proves trouble, I’ll help you deal with him, just like I did with that shitty cheater. He could be strong, but that’s just sausage to me. It won’t make a difference.”

I was the one rolling my eyes right now, at another idiom my German wasn’t good enough to understand. She’s certainly one for the colloquial chatter, isn’t she?

As if reading my mind, her pale skin flushed a little, and she took another gulp from her glass to hide her embarrassment. “I mean, I’m confident. You won’t need my help, but if you do… shit, you know what I mean!”

I resisted the urge to pat the head of our little tsundere, who was older than she looked. “I do, and I’m grateful. If it comes to it, I’ll happily take your assistance. It certainly dealt with Mr Janco.” Those who cheat have to prepare to be cheated. I’m still curious as to how Miss Zozibini knew Adelheid could help. Her Favour is interesting…

“You should be!” Adelheid agreed, and I smiled again. Yeah, I guess she’s right. I certainly feel the situation is more secure with Tanya at our side…

 

***

“It’s never dull around you, Akio-kun!” Mayumi-san declared, warmly watching Hinata as she talked with the dignitaries at the gala. I had left her chatting, as she was very much enjoying making connections and proposing deals. Obviously I would spend more time with her later, both because it was her debut and of course because I wanted to, but for now there were other things I needed to take care of.

“Is it always so exciting? I still don’t know what happened.” Mayumi-san continued, thrilled by the spectacle, though poor Katana-san seemed on edge, glancing at the African Chosen who were still here, unashamed of their intrusion, eating, drinking and talking to the other guests seemingly without care.

Sharing a commiserating glance with Katana-san, I then explained to Mayumi-san, and her eagerly listening grandfather. “I’m not sure it was exciting. I don’t like taking chances with my safety…”

Mr Mandla, Miss Lindiwe’s father, was also with our little group, and he nodded apologetically. “I should definitely beg your pardon for this terrible breach of etiquette. Unfortunately…” He also glanced over at Mr Nkosi, who was talking animatedly with some South African businessmen, his expression one of power and arrogance. “…we simply have no way of preventing such as them from going where they will.” He smiled ruefully. “Matters are very different here in South Africa and our sister African nations, at least here in the south. Sometimes I envy you and your Ministry. And that I hear the Japanese are very respectful of authority and law abiding.”

“Not always.” I shook my head, remembering. “Power seems to bring the worst out in some people.” We still had Sora-san, who had tried to attack the AKB0048 idols, as well as the prisoner from Korea in Arisu-san’s Room, to deal with at some point. “But in general, you’re right. We’re trying to keep things running smoothly.” I glanced at Ichijou-san’s bodyguards, who must have been Ministry registered. I know Haru is keeping track, obviously. They can’t be that interesting, if she hasn’t alerted me to their existence. Honestly, uptake is slower than we’d like…

“What we wish for, and what reality allows, are often two separate things.” Ichijou-san said cheerfully. “You should remember that, Mayumi.”

“I know that!” she declared airily, her arrogance and interest undiminished. “So, in that case, why did you accept his provocations? Though I would have done so as well, that Janco man was rather arrogant and unpleasant.”

Since we were speaking in English for Mr Mandla’s benefit, Adelheid could understand some of what we were saying, and I didn’t need her derisory snort to understand what she thought about that.

“True, and while he was harping on about cowardice, it’s not wise to bow to pressure.” I agreed. “But…” Everyone was listening to me now, wanting to know my reasoning. “…once I realised that there was no way I could lose the trial he proposed, then it was like an arrogant gambler busting into a game of poker, when I was already holding a royal flush. All that was left was to take his chips.” I frowned, articulating my thoughts. “Firstly, it would prove my strength, show I’m not to be trifled with. My reputation should do that already, but people only trust what they’ve experienced themselves.”

“That’s true. I did think your exploits were somewhat overblown, before I met you.” Mayumi-san agreed. “Fortunately, Hinata believed in you from the start. It makes sense that she would though, she has the ability to spot those worth making friends with, such as me!” Adelheid rolled her eyes, muttering imprecations in German at that.

“Weren’t you worried about… conflicts?” Mr Mandla frowned. “It looked as if he was in very bad shape as he was carried out, and Dino… he looked positively murderous. They are used to doing as they please, their presence here at my daughter’s gala shows that well. The police, even the army… so long as they fight their personal squabbles and leave the rest of us alone, they don’t interfere.”

“I certainly don’t want to clash with your African Chosen. There’s no benefit for any of us doing that. But…” I remembered the damage Mr Janco had inflicted upon himself. “He set his own penalties. If it was just as he said, only preventing him from entering the Boundary here on the African continent, it would have hampered him a lot, but he’d still have a future. Instead…” I shook my head, irritated. “…instead, he tried to steal from me. He reaped what he sowed. Seeing how fairly he ran his little challenge would tell me a great deal about Mr Dino and his group. Now… I know they aren’t a group I can trust.”

That wasn’t all, of course. Anubis’ Scales Of Judgement didn’t act like it was supposed to, at least that was what I thought. Once I had used my Eye buffed by Shiro, it made more sense. Due to the influence of ????????????... I had no idea what that influence was, but it was something I felt worth investigating further.

“How could you be sure that you would win?” Mr Mandla asked. “I confess, we have seen Dino and Nkosi, as well as some others, perform some impossible feats. And rumour has it that Nkosi has survived being gunned down several times, and even turned the tables on his attackers, killing them.”

“It’s quite possible. He had some faint scars, and I know guns are largely useless against me.” I agreed. “It makes sense why they can go where they want. It’s not like you can bring in RPGs or sniper rifles for your guards, is it? As for how I was certain…” I didn’t want to give too much away. “…once I knew that it was a Skill weighing sins, I was sure. Let’s just say I’m confident in my good karma.”

Mayumi-san snickered at that, amused. “Really? Some say that your behaviour with women is far from inspiring confidence. Most would say you’re rather sinful. Not me, of course. I’ve seen how happy Hinata is, and Motoko-san and Natsumi as well.”

“Regardless…” I ignored her interjection, glancing at the members of Nkosi’s group around the gala. “I now know more about the character of the local Chosen. Which is important.”

“But aren’t you afraid of trouble? I know Dino’s group will not let this go…” Mr Mandla’s expression was grave. “I also worry they will take it out on us. Already, as you’ve seen, they are extremely unhappy with Kumba-Stillwater, and our agreement with you. If they do…” He glanced around at the visiting dignitaries from all over the African continent. “…there are limits to how tolerant the army can be, and there will be a response, but…” He looked over at his daughter, who was alongside Hinata, talking with the Crown Prince of Lesotho, who was laughing at some quip. “…I prayed for my daughter to live, and my prayers were answered, but it’s all for nothing if she ends up harmed in some petty dispute.”

Seeing his clear worries, I felt rather sorry for him. “You’re right.” I agreed. “Besides, while it was simply a deal between us, exchanging assets for Healing, we are working together, so that makes us allies. And I abhor my allies taking losses. I’ll try and sort something out.”

Striding over to Mr Nkosi, who was intimidating another man with his air of power and command, that man was grateful for the opportunity to escape, so with some muttered words in a language I didn’t speak, he scurried off, Mr Nkosi watching him go, his eyes narrowed coldly. He then turned to me, crossing his arms over his bare chest, beads clinking. “What do you want?”

His tone wasn’t as frosty as it was before, but he still seemingly didn’t like me much. “I wanted to talk about Mr Dino, and Kumba-Stillwater.”

“Mr this, Mr that.” Mr Nkosi grumbled. “We may be speaking English, but I am a proud Xhosa, a native of South Africa. I don’t need your rhino shit politeness.”

I was a bit taken aback at that, but I did understand. “Sorry. I’m not anywhere near as formal as most Japanese people, and I can go without honorifics and titles without feeling uncomfortable, but I guess it’s my default state. Do you have any preferred means of address?” I’ll stick to Miss Zozibini though, I have enough women I call casually…

Nkosi shook his head. “For you, my name will do. I am not some mewling weakling, who cares about such things. I am a warrior! Speaking of that camel pussy Dino and his little shit-sniffing hyena Janco… I will give you credit for your guts. Though I suppose if you fought well in Britain, enough to earn the title of hero, you can’t be a coward. Rha! I did get a good laugh, seeing his trickery backfire.” Nkosi narrowed his eyes. “What a fool. Is he really shut out from the Ancestral Land in Africa? If so, serves him right. There’s blood on his hands, just like all of ours, but his is more black than red.”

“He’s shut out, all right.” I agreed. “Shut out from his powers forever.”

At my words, Nkosi frowned. “What shit is that? He looked hurt, sure, but…”

“Sorry, but his game wasn’t about that, but an attempt to plunder my Divine Favour, and Miss Zozibini’s too, I’d wager. Your groups don’t get on, do they?”

At the radiating anger which drove up Nkosi’s league, the few guests near us paled, moving away. Adelheid was watching me from a short distance away, ready to act, but I waved a hand to forestall her, a gesture Nkosi didn’t miss, and he glanced at her for a moment. “She reminds me of a honey badger. Small but ferocious. It’s in the eyes.”

“Yes, our little Tanya certainly isn’t as cute as she looks.” I agreed, amused, but also impressed by Nkosi’s perception. I guess his League isn’t a coincidence. He’s either got an excellent Favour, mastered a few Classes, done some Conquering, or all three… “But she won’t case any trouble unless trouble comes to us. She’s reassuring to have around.” I’ve only just picked her up, but she’s fitting in well.

“Sure. Yes, I hate that fucking pussy Dino and all his bootlicking pieces of rhino shit. I’m not sorry to see that Afrikaner bastard go down, especially if he was trying to trick Zozibini. Though she’s like your honey badger, Zozibini is like a black button spider, clever and venomous, her bite deadly. Underestimate her and you’ll end up choked by her webs.” He seemed proud of her, and I wondered if she was his girlfriend. If so, he’s got good taste and good luck.

“Yes, I’m confident she’d have turned the tables on him even if I wasn’t part of the game.” I agreed. “So… you’re rivals?”

He nodded, making a face as if he wished to spit, but perhaps as he was in the middle of a dignified gala, all eyes on him, he merely swallowed, looking sour. “There’s no room in a pride for two kings. We clash, we fight… we kill.” He seemed untroubled by that, and seeing my surprise, he snorted sourly, before grabbing a glass of champagne from a nearby, frightened server, sipping on it, making an expression of distaste. “You have room to look down on me? How many have you killed, so-called hero?”

“More than I’d like.” I admitted. “So I know it’s not something to speak of lightly.”

“You’re half British, half Japanese, no?” At my nod, he continued. “Both are first world, rich countries. Rha! You don’t understand the need to struggle for survival like we do. In fact, all you know is how to exploit us, just like you want to rip the metals and ores from the bosom of our lands and ship them abroad.”

“Maybe I have a different mindset, but that doesn’t mean I don’t understand battle.” I disagreed. “I’ll fight to protect what’s mine, and what’s belonging to those I’ve allied with.”

“It’s good you have the leeway for that.” His glass now empty, he twirled it idly. “But us… we were chosen by Qamata, God, and his fellow Divinities. To reclaim Africa, and to make it strong again. Of course we clash. As you so rightly put it, there can only be one ruler. But that doesn’t mean we have to kill all our rivals. A pride has but one male as king, but other, lesser males can remain subservient, and many females. I’m not talking about gender here, I’m not you, you fucking pair of dangling balls, you probably thought I meant I wanted to be surrounded by women.”

I winced. That accusation hurt, but I was amused by his creative swearing, it seemed rather without malice, and I wondered if maybe his culture was just more open with profanity? “No need to be rude.” I said quietly, and he shot me a bitter look.

“If the truth hurts, it’s your fucking fault. But Zozibini did say you were useful during that Afrikaner fuck’s trap, so I’ll give you praise for that. So tell me what the fuck you want.”

“I already said. Kumba-Stillwater, more to the point, Miss Lindiwe and her father, and any other family they have. I worry about retaliation.”

“Dino wouldn’t have the fucking balls.” Nkosi laughed bitterly. “We may not fear the police, the army, the powers that have let Africa down, but we have to draw the line somewhere. If we start killing influential people on a whim… it would be troublesome. I fear no bullets nor bombs, but rha, fuck. I have to protect those of my pride. After all, we will defeat the other prides who lay claim to this continent, and while many have died and will die… those who surrender can join me, if they are of this land. So I think it unlikely. But…” He warned me, trying to appear intimidating, but by now I had seen more terrible foes, and so I remained unphased.

“But what?”

“But… if you plan to cause trouble, all will be against you!” He insisted coldly. “It is the one thing we all agreed on, and any who do not, we purge them from the Ancestral Lands. There was the second, honour in battle, like the old tribal ways, but…” He shrugged, beads clinking. “…can’t trust a fucking elephant pussy like Dino to be honourable.”

“Great Nkosi, don’t be so harsh.” Miss Zozibini’s melodious voice interrupted us, and she stepped beside him, smiling professionally. As she did so, Hinata joined me, having finished her talk with the dignitaries, well-satisfied, which apparently Miss Zozibini had joined too.

“You are a warrior, a man of honour, a Xhosa proud and true. A lion of Africa!” she continued.

“I know.” He grumbled, embarrassed, and I realised that Miss Zozibini had a lot of influence over him. “Don’t browbeat me.”

Miss Zozibini winked at me. “I just think it’s unbecoming of a lion such as yourself to be so petty and ungrateful, great Nkosi. After all… our nearest rivals have lost an asset, meaning it will soon be them kneeling to us.” She winked at me again. “And without your aid, perhaps it would be me that was carried out of here, broken. Great Nkosi would surely be raging were that the case, this hall a mess of ruin and violence.”

“I hardly think so.” I disagreed. “You had it well in hand, even without my help. You’re as clever as Anansi, right?”

At that she narrowed her eyes, pouting, though I could see her disappointment was fake. “There’s no fooling you, is there? But I like straightforward men. Isn’t that right, great Nkosi?”

Her leader grunted, not saying much, and I took the opportunity to speak.

“The Scales Of Judgement… didn’t you notice something wrong with them?” I asked, and Miss Zozibini nodded.

“Of course. I am a perceptive woman. And I know a trick when I see one. Yes, at first…” She turned to Nkosi, who grimaced, before he explained further.

“A smaller pride of warriors was wiped out by the Afrikaner, and a survivor now works under me. At first, some could survive his damn Scales. Not the type of elephant shit bastards that were without honour, who did bad deeds…” He did spit then, before realising where he was and moving his empty glass to catch it, a feat that likely needed a decently high Precision stat. “We want to restore Africa to glory, not repeat the same mistakes. There’s no room for murderers, rapists, exploiters… death in battle in honourable, but… that Afrikaner, he’s no true man. That fuck Dino neither. We will clash for a final time soon enough, and the winner will be decided.”

“What he means to say…” Miss Zozibini interjected. “…is that we know of brave, noble men and women who did indeed survive his Scales. Yet… soon none did, and even those who we knew to be without a heart of sin also perished. So yes, it changed. But… we can grow stronger. Anansi has no wish for us to stay idle.”

“Yes.” Hinata also broke into the conversation. “We can grow, and also learn to accept things. I wasn’t scared, Akio has faced much more terrible things than mere Scales, and he was confident, so therefore I was too…” At her warm look, I patted her head gently, making her smile ands blush. “…more to the point, I know Akio well. I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with him as I want to…” she confided in Miss Zozibini, who she likely thought would understand. “…but I know what we strive for now will allow us to live together in safety and happiness later, so I can wait.”

“It won’t be too long, I promise. Soon everything we’ve been building towards will pay off, and we can relax for a while.” I reassured her.

“That sounds wonderful.” Hinata snuggled close to me, and as I was taller, I could see down her dress, Hinata purposely giving me the right angle, while not showing off to Nkosi or the surrounding men. “Anyway, where was I, oh yes… I know a lot about Favours too. Certainly among the most for someone without one. I make sure to spend at least an hour catching up on what Akio’s been doing and learning before sleeping at night.”

As Nkosi nodded, and Miss Zozibini made noises of appreciation, Hinata delivered her point. “So when Akio says there’s something wrong with it… I’ve read the South Korean reports. You mean like the Favours of the twins there, don’t you?”

“Yes.” I agreed, impressed. Seeing that, Hinata giggled, asking me to praise her, and also reward her for me not understanding just how well-informed and committed she was. After I agreed, I then explained what my worries were.”

“It might be someone’s Divine Favour, or it might be something darker.” A fragment of Evil Wisdom like at Choe-Museon? Maybe. It could be something equally sinister. “But I’m wary of them. You should be as well.”

“You don’t need to tell this lion how to fight his battles.” Nkosi growled, but he then nodded. “But yes, I agree. Those piles of rhino shit aren’t trustworthy. It’s why we have to finish our conflict, wipe them clean. I doubt I’ll accept any of the losers. Let their claim on the Ancestral Lands be destroyed, strengthening me, and their powers will be cleansed, evil or not.”

I was right. He’s Conquered other Territories, and more than once or twice, it seems.

“In that case, you won’t interfere with our deal with Kumba-Stillwater?” Hinata asked, and Nkosi growled a reply.

“Don’t push your luck, girl. We will no longer let Africa be plundered. Only the weak have to submit, the strong do as they will.”

“Plunder? How rude. Honest business is important. Otherwise will you reject imports too? No foreign technology, cars, foods, and more? We told you, we’re a green business. Besides, I heard you earlier. My ears may not be as keen as Akio’s, not by far, but I’m no ordinary girl, not anymore.” Her impish smile took Nkosi aback, as did her lack of fear of him, despite his League. Hinata was somewhat shielded by me, certainly, but despite his powerful presence, her unwavering conviction allowed her to ignore the mental pressure, the only sign she was affected the faint trembles in her legs and the arm I was holding. “You can’t just do as you please. Making an enemy of the governments and rich corporations of Africa doesn’t benefit you. But… I’m a businesswoman. And I am always open to a deal.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, and as Hinata smiled, I realised she had him in her hands, trapped.

“Simple. You make sure that Miss Lindiwe and her company and family remain under your protection. We’ll certainly still take what raw materials we are entitled to, but honestly, we won’t need much, just for the start-up period before our recycling technology is up and running. In exchange… if you want to be the lion who leads Africa, that’s fine. But above that, there’s always a dragon.” Hinata winked at me. “We’ll consider making deals with African enterprises for some of our revolutionary technology, and you can reap the rewards of mediation. In addition, in the future, we’ll be setting up a way to travel instantly between places in your Ancestral Land. Cute name. We call it the Boundary.”

“Never!” Nkosi disagreed vehemently. “We all agree, even that dung pile Dino, that no foreigners are going to claim even a speck of soil in the Ancestral Land. I will not bend on this. By the spears of my ancestors, Africa is for Africans!”

“Which is fine.” Hinata squeezed my arm tighter, his anger making her trembles worse, but her spirit remained firm, with me by her side to draw courage from. “But… for a tiny patch of secure land, in your Territory, where there is a rich source of water or earth element… having the insurance of being able to contact us, receive immediate reinforcements in any danger… you called your God Qamata, didn’t you?” Her change of subject threw them off, and Miss Zozibini spoke up.

“Indeed. Qamata, the true God. There are many other Divinities, but all serve Qamata.”

“Then their messengers must have told you why now.” At Hinata’s words, they nodded, and she giggled triumphantly.

“Then would a lion put his pride at risk for the pride that is a sin?” she questioned him. “If you truly believe you can face threats like we know are coming alone… then you’re a fool we don’t want to work with. But… don’t interfere with our modest business, make sure to keep those we want to protect safe, and form an alliance with us which protects your interests and ours… well, in that case, you only stand to gain.”

Obviously we gain as well. Alliances and Ring Gates work both ways, and sooner or later… I glanced at Adelheid, who had found more beer from somewhere. …As the Chosen dwindle down to fewer, stronger individuals, I’ll need to bring them under my aegis. Selling batteries and dealing with waste, reforesting and regreening the world… sure, Japan comes first, and to a lesser extent Britain and South Korea, but while Hinata sounds like she’s offering them a good deal, it’s all doing things we want to anyway, and making us a profit as well…

“She makes a good point, great Nkosi. We can make exchanges too. You are surely here not just for your cute fiancée’s sake?” she pointed out, and I agreed.

“Yes, I have one small order of business. But it’s far from here, so shouldn’t cause you trouble.”

Nkosi frowned. “I have given you warning…”

“Yes, and we heard.” I agreed with a sigh. “Don’t worry. I’m here under the Norse banner to fulfil a religious duty, then I’ll be out of here. Though… agree to Hinata’s offer and we’ll be back briefly. It’ll still be your land, so we’ll have stolen nothing. You only stand to gain.” Not entirely true, as I’m sure we could force through their Territory barrier before they could respond if we had to, but… I can’t see much need for that.

“Rha!” Nkosi snarled at last. “I am not going to be fooled by you, girl. But… we Xhosa are heroes, not ungrateful elephant cunts, like some.” He was clearly venting at Dino’s group. “There will be no retaliation here, and so long as the rich who have pillaged and raped the African continent all these years open their purses and help restore it to glory, we shall relent. For the favour you showed Zozibini. Though she would have been the victor, regardless! Despite whether there is some dark presence behind that fucker Dino and his licking dogs.” he insisted, and I suppressed a grin.

Sure. I’d say the same about Hinata or any of the others. And at least he’s aware of the problem and taking the warning seriously. I don’t want a situation like in Korea to erupt here. Although… I can’t be everywhere. Troubles are inevitable, and will spread… “Fine then. In that case, enjoy the rest of the party…”

The next hour was spent with Hinata, gathering more pictures for her to send to Hanafubuki and the nobles she was acquainted with, as well as closing some business deals. Hinata was a shrewd negotiator, and several promised to be significantly profitable, while also not forgetting to attempt to put Nkosi and his followers in our debt.

Once that was done, I ended up outside overlooking the ocean. Hinata and Mayumi-san were beside me, Katana-san and Kazumi-san a distance away from us to afford us privacy, while also keeping an eye on the other guests who were taking a break on this spacious outside terrace.

“Grandfather is closing a few more deals, but… I think you surprised him, Hinata. But I’m not to be outdone!” Mayumi-san puffed out her chest in pride, which was dangerous in her somewhat risqué dress. She was beautiful, certainly, but I preferred Hinata’s more restrained appeal.

“I’ve found some more who want healing. After all, seeing Miss Lindiwe so well… it’s only natural others want the same.” Mayumi-san finished, and Hinata raised an eyebrow.

“I’m sure you have, but I probably got to them first. Don’t worry, they’re prepared to visit Japan.” Hinata assured me. “I know you don’t have time now.”

“Are you trying to steal from your best friend?” Mayumi-san flushed, though her anger wasn’t real, more a friendly sort of rivalry, I wagered.

“Only because you are trying to reap the unearned rewards from the fruit of Akio’s efforts.” Hinata rejoindered. “You’re not his fiancée, and you’re not putting in any effort yourself. Don’t be greedy.”

“I should say not.” Mayumi-san agreed. “If I was, you’d be relegated to second place, Hinata.”

“Hardly, I’m Takatsukasa Hinata now. Besides, status doesn’t matter, our rankings are all down to our place in Akio’s heart.” She leaned up and kissed me gently on the lips, and I could taste her faint, delicate lipstick. “And I know I’d always be more special to him than you!”

“Is that a challenge?” Mayumi-san cried, and I could see Adelheid also enjoying the view over in the corner, rolling her eyes even though she couldn’t understand our Japanese.

“The lion doesn’t challenge the mouse!” Hinata scoffed, taking inspiration from Nkosi and all his talk of prides. “You’re not worthy anyway. What would you bring to Akio? It’s past time he needs connections with the nobility, or to marry for money.” Hinata enjoyed having the upper hand, and as they argued, I could see her joy. Yeah, if Mayumi-san didn’t see her as a friend, an equal now, they couldn’t fight like that. After all, you can dismiss an inferior, not care about their opinions, but if you want then to understand you, you have to value them. Hoping that Hinata’s debut had been as satisfying as she hoped, I suddenly froze. I wasn’t alone. Adelheid was bristling up like an angry cat, her blue eyes narrowing as she searched around.

Aether, huh? Quite the effort to affect the Material so strongly…

I heard mutterings from the other guests on the terrace as a cold breeze blew in, muting the warm evening heat of South Africa. As they filed back into the hall, Kazumi-san came over with a small shawl she had carried in a bag she had with her, wrapping Hinata’s exposed arms and shoulders.

“It’s gone cold all of a sudden.” Kazumi-san observed, Katana-san nodded, also doing the same for Mayumi-san, while Adelheid drifted over, exchanging a look with me, so I nodded.

“Oops…” As Katana-san was wrapping Mayumi-san in her own shawl, it caught on one of Mayumi-san’s earrings. It popped free, falling to the ground, but the last passing guest caught it, and with an elegant smile passed it back to Mayumi-san, who responded politely.

He’s…

“My thanks. I would hate to lose this, it’s not expensive, but I do appreciate the way it matches my…” Mayumi-san said in English, before freezing, her hand on the now solid-gold earring, even the small dark gemstone suspended in it now giving off a metallic shine.

“You’re… Midas.” I said to the tall, dark-skinned man, with a close cropped, almost bald head, but what little hair there was had a faint golden tinge to it, not blonde, but as if it was metal, the gold to Shiro’s silver.

“So they call me.” he agreed. Kazumi-san and Katana-san quickly stepped between him and their charges, but Hinata and Mayumi-san were both merely curious and still at ease, Mayumi-san because that just seemed to be the way she was, but Hinata… She gripped my arm tighter, but her smile let me know she was assured that I was there, and that I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

“There’s no need for that.” Midas said in his impeccable, refined English. “I am not here for trouble.”

“So, why are you here?” My Eye was glittering as I observed the area around us. The door to the terrace was jammed now, the metal locking mechanism having warped and bent, so it was just us out here, the aether that had caused the cooling dispersing, the South African heat returning rapidly.

“You are cautious. I like that. But I suppose you would have to be.” Midas agreed mildly. “As for why I am here, you received my message, didn’t you?”

Adelheid snorted about that, grumbling about how it was offensive, dropping stuff in her beer, even if it was valuable, though her attention never left Midas, and I could see she was ready to attack if necessary.

“I did. You could have worded it better. I might well have misunderstood.”

He shrugged. “If you were frightened by a few words, you’re not the man I believe you to be… or the man I need.” He looked at me seriously, his brown eyes earnest and trustworthy. Though of course, the most successful tricksters seem honest… there’s no room for carelessness here.

“The man you need, huh? So, were you looking for me?”

Midas only grinned, his handsome face amused. “There’s no need to try and probe me for information. It wasn’t hard to find out you would be here. There’s been talk of this gala for days, and rumours of your attendance are well known. I have many people who would aid me, either for their loyalty or for gold.” He paused then. “I was very impressed with your actions earlier. The Scales Of Judgement… I most certainly would not subject myself to them. Especially not now.” His smile turned cold. “I was listening in to your talk with that hot-headed Nkosi. Yes, there is much wrong here. And I could use some aid rooting it out. But… what brings you to South Africa?”

He leaned forwards, intense. “While I could see you cherish your fiancée very much, you are one of the busiest men alive, no doubt. There must be a greater purpose than merely showing off, but nobody knows, not even with gold on offer. If it does not conflict with my aims, I can aid you. A fair exchange. So, what do you say?”

Interesting. Looking Midas square in the eyes, I smiled slightly, showing nothing of what I was thinking. “I say I’d need to know more. But here… while the view is nice, it’s not the right place for it. For now, fix the damn door, and once the gala winds down… then we’ll talk.” Midas, one of the most dangerous Chosen, according to the stolen Vermillion List. Seems like Christina was right, he is active in this area. But who’d have thought he’d come looking for me…