The arrival of Divine General Kabayashi Tsuru was a spectacle of understated power. Her personal guard, a contingent of elite warriors, moved with an almost unnerving precision, their movements silent and efficient. Tatsuo, accompanied by Ahtris, his wife, stood at the entrance of the city, ready to welcome her. This was Ahtris's first encounter with Tsuru, as she had been unable to attend the wedding due to an urgent matter on the border of the Untouchable Forest.
As Tsuru disembarked from her carriage, Tatsuo stepped forward, a warm smile on his face. "Sister Tsuru," he greeted, his voice filled with genuine affection. "It's good to see you."
However, Tsuru's response was not what he expected. She completely ignored him, her gaze sweeping past him to settle on Ahtris. A radiant smile, a stark contrast to her usual stern expression, illuminated her face.
"Princess Ahtris," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle, "it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Congratulations on your wedding. Teacher—the Emperor—sends his warmest regards. He said you are as beautiful as the Empress was in her youth."
Ahtris, taken aback by Tsuru's sudden warmth, returned the smile, her own surprise evident. "Thank you, Divine General," she replied, her voice soft.
Tsuru then turned back to Ahtris, her smile widening. "Please, call me sister, like this idiot calls me," she said, gesturing dismissively towards Tatsuo. Then in a lower tone, she said, "And be warned, he was a very bad kid. Did you know he even got the Archduke to kill a Viscount in the Yōgan Domain?"
Tsuru then turned her sharp gaze towards Tatsuo, her smile vanishing. "Tatsuo," she scolded, her voice laced with exasperation, "you could have simply eradicated the bandits. But no, you had to spread rumors, forcing the Archduke's hand! A simple warning letter would have sufficed!"
Tatsuo, caught off guard by her sudden shift in demeanor, stood there, his smile fading. He had expected anger, perhaps even a reprimand, but this... this was something else entirely. It was like being scolded by an older sister, a mix of affection and exasperation.
Tsuru, having delivered her reprimand, turned back to Ahtris, her smile returning. "Come, sister," she said, taking Ahtris's arm. "Let us talk. I have so much to tell you."
She then proceeded to lead Ahtris away, completely ignoring Tatsuo, who was left standing there, looking like a scolded child. He watched as the two women walked away, their voices mingling in a cheerful conversation.
Tatsuo, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation, sighed. He had expected a confrontation, but this... this was Tsuru's way. She was fiercely loyal, but she also had a soft spot for those she cared about, especially the Imperial family and now, apparently, his wife.
"Well," he muttered to himself, "I suppose I deserved that."
He then turned and walked towards his office, leaving the two women to their conversation. He knew that Tsuru's visit was not just a social call. There was a reason she had come, and he was determined to find out what it was. He just hoped that he would not be in the receiving end of her wrath again.
Tatsuo sat at his desk, a mountain of reports and scrolls spread before him. He was deeply engrossed, his mind sifting through the details of trade routes, bandit activity, and the ever-present political undercurrents that swirled around his domain. Suddenly, the door to his office swung open, the abruptness of the intrusion startling him.
His guards, their faces flushed with apology, stood behind Tsuru, their expressions conveying their helplessness. Tsuru, her expression stern, marched into the room, closing the door behind her with a resounding thud.
"Tatsuo," she began, her voice sharp and accusatory, "what were you thinking?"
The barrage of scolding commenced, unrelenting and precise. Tsuru, her words laced with the authority of a Divine General and the exasperation of an older sister, dissected Tatsuo's actions with ruthless efficiency.
"The Viscount," she continued, her voice rising, "they were your subjects, not your enemies! Your enemies lie to the north, in the Skylance Kingdom, not to the south! Do you even realize that the Yōgan Domain is part of the Empire? You are jeopardizing our relationships!"
She paced the room, her movements sharp and agitated, her words painting a vivid picture of Tatsuo's perceived recklessness. "Do you think you can just act without considering the consequences? Do you even consider the political ramifications?"
For an hour, the scolding continued, a relentless torrent of reprimands and admonitions. Tatsuo, accustomed to Tsuru's stern demeanor, listened patiently, absorbing her words, though his own thoughts remained unyielding. He knew his actions were justified, but he also understood Tsuru's concern.
Finally, Tsuru, her energy spent, sank into a chair, her expression still stern but her voice slightly softer. "Now," she said, her eyes fixed on Tatsuo, "tell me your plan."
Tatsuo, his expression calm, outlined his strategy. "I need a safe trade route to the Yōgan Domain," he explained. "I cannot divide my forces, expanding northward while my goods are stolen in the south. It is unacceptable."
Tsuru nodded, her expression softening slightly. "You know you can talk to me," she said, her voice laced with a hint of understanding. "I have considerable influence within the Yōgan Domain."
She paused, considering his words. "Very well," she said, "I will ensure a safe trade route for you. But," she added, her voice hardening, "next time, consult me before you act. You are not a lone wolf, Tatsuo. Your actions have consequences."
Tatsuo nodded, acknowledging her warning. He knew Tsuru's influence was significant, and her willingness to intervene was a valuable asset. He also understood the underlying message: he was not to act rashly, especially when it involved the Empire's interests.
"Thank you, sister," he said, his voice sincere. "I appreciate your assistance."
Tsuru rose, her expression softening slightly. "Just remember," she said, her eyes meeting his, "we are family. And family looks out for each other."
She then turned and walked towards the door, her departure signaling the end of their tense, yet ultimately productive, conversation. Tatsuo watched her go, a sense of relief mixed with a lingering unease settling over him. He had secured the trade route, but he also knew that the situation with the Yōgan Domain was far from resolved. He knew that Tsuru's presence was both a blessing, and a warning.