#repost queue

"…What?" the maid before her, growled.

"I am no longer in need of your services." Houki said, putting her hands in her haori sleeves. "I have spoken with the head maid as well as Lord Hideyoshi and they are more than willing to help you find other places of employment. I've tried to be amicable, but I do not think this arrangement is a good fit for either of us."

"You're being petty, Lady Houki."

"On the contrary, I would rather not have such hostility in Lord Nobunaga's castle. My other maids have expressed concerns and they are in agreement that here isn't the best place for you."

"Fancy way to say you don't like me."

"You have called me, quote, 'fat cow' and a 'pig' on various occasions to others you thought were companions, behind my back. While cows and pigs are lovely creatures, I would rather not be referred to as such."

"Can't deny what is true."

Houki sighed, closing her eyes as the other maids came to her defense. She held up her arm to stop them.

"That's enough, all of you. Kiniku, please leave this place before I call for the guards to remove you."

"Ha! You think you have power here? Just because your pathetic, weak ass got in with Lord Nobunaga, you think you're so high and mighty! You're nothing but a-"

"Enough." A new, deeper voice joined the conversation. The room immediately frosted over, the other maids lowering their heads. Kiniku looked in the direction of the new voice, terror soon entering her eyes.

"L-Lord Nobunaga!" She fell to her knees, her forehead touching the floor.

Nobunaga crossed his arms, a dark scowl marring his eyebrows.

"Your chatelaine has dismissed you. Leave."

"M-my lord! Please reconsider!"

"I have heard more than enough." His carnelian eyes were lit like twin blazes. "Leave my sight before I consider killing you myself, here and now."

"Spare her, my lord." Houki said, deadpan. "It would not be worth your time."

"You-" Kiniku growled.

"I'll leave first to let her gather herself." Houki said. "The rest of you know your duties."

"My lady!" the other maids scattered as Houki walked out of the room, Nobunaga following a few paces behind her. They walked in silence for a few minutes, finding themselves in the garden. Houki sat on a nearby bench, letting out a breath.

"Speak, Fireball."

"What is there to say? I was merely dismissing a maid as I no longer needed her services. Nothing more."

"She insulted you."

"It wouldn't be the first time someone has insulted me over my appearance, nor is it likely the last time.”

“You sound as though this has happened frequently.”

“In the past, yes. A lady that spends her days reading inspires a surprising amount of jealousy and animosity among her staff, I have found. It’s the strangest thing.”

Nobunaga laughed.

“Only you would see it that way.”

Houki looked at a nearby tree, the branches swaying in the wind.

“More likely, it’s because I’m a stranger here. Not everyone likes change. For a… foreign woman to suddenly appear out of nowhere and to have her suddenly accepted with little to no explanation how she came here or why the lord of the castle and his closest consorts suddenly are fond of her, it’s no mystery why there would be such rancor sown in the ranks, so to speak. Others dislike that I’m not as much of a weakling as my appearance would lead them to believe. In terms of strength of will, at least.”

Nobunaga hummed in agreement.

“You remind me of my younger sister in that way. Physically, she was of no match to any of us. Her strength of will when she wanted something, she was quite formidable.”

“Perhaps she learned from your fortitude?”

“Perhaps. It made her an annoying brat at times.”

“Definitely!” Thea said, stepping down the little steps of the carriage perhaps a little too quickly. “I’m so excited.”

Comte chuckled. “I’m glad.”

“And, thanks for getting me the fabric to make this dress!” She pulled some of her skirt, even the low lights of the night making it shimmer.

“You wear it well. I wouldn’t have been able to tell you were from the future when you’re wearing that dress.”

“There are some tells,” Thea said, wiggling her free arm, “some of the stitching is from modern techniques, but the majority of it should be period appropriate. Sebas was huge help when I was researching.”

“Forgive me and my layman’s knowledge, but it’s a little beyond me to be able to tell the difference.”

“It’s actually pretty easy to tell, if you know what to look for.”

The two continued to walk towards the venue, Thea telling the good Comte about different sewing techniques, modern versus historical methods, and even having a cheeky discussion with him about his tie. Comte was smiling, genuinely so, throughout the party. He even forgot that they were at a party at various times of the night, needing to be reminded that dancing was sort of the point of a ball. He couldn’t help himself, conversing with his sudden guest. He loved listening to people that were passionate about their craft, it was his reason for bringing back the greatest minds of history, to give them a second chance at pursing their passions. And though coming across Thea that day in the Louvre had been a coincidence, it was a pleasant surprise, the events that followed their coincidental meeting.

Clara was married now, officially. She had looked so beautiful the entire day. Not that she wasn’t any other day according to Rio, but today, she was especially magnificent. She had rosebuds in her hair, her veil was sheer and delicate. Her dress, white and embroidered with gold roses, shimmered in the sun’s light, like a goddess from up on high. Her eyes were bright and full of love, she looked so happy that Rio could almost feel himself bursting with happiness as well.

He was glad that things had went so smoothly for her. He could wish her nothing but happiness, just as he always had. He was going to tell her later how beautiful she looked, how he could feel the love radiating off of her.

He was glad that she had found her happiness, even if it wasn’t with him.

He’ll admit, it did hurt a little bit, watching her walk towards another man, especially towards the former Lothario that was the seventh Rhodolite prince. A former womanizer that had stolen his beloved’s heart, but, he couldn’t deny seeing how much Nokto loved her too. He even confided him once that Clara felt like the sun to him, how wonderfully honest and caring she was. That though there were still times that even Nokto wondered if she was doing the right thing by choosing him, but still glad that she had.

And, as much as he was loathed to admit it, Rio agreed. The two seemed perfect for one another, in ways that he and Clara weren’t.

Well, just because they were married now didn’t mean that Rio was going to leave the picture completely, he told himself. He had already told Clara that he wanted to stay by her side, in any capacity that he could. He would follow her to the ends of all the kingdoms if she wanted him to, that much was certain. He wanted to be there for the times that Nokto wasn’t. And Nokto was king now, so surely he wouldn’t have much time for her as kingly duties would prevent him from doing some things-

She looked down at her hands, stained red and brown. Her skirt and blouse were also stained too. Was there something crusty on her cheeks? She didn't pay much mind to it. Everything seemed so quiet as she stood in place, her thoughts buzzing and humming like bees.

She only came back to reality when someone loudly shouted her name and she felt hands shaking her shoulders.

"Clara!!"

She startled, her vision filling up with Rio's worried blue eyes.

"…Rio?" she asked quietly, her voice so small, it was a wonder her voice carried to him at all.

"Clara, what happened? You're… you're covered in blood!" Rio's gloved switched between cradling her cheeks to rubbing her knuckles and her shoulders in rapid succession. "Are you hurt? Who did this?!"

"I…" her voice cracked before she could make any words form.

"Met up with King Highness, huh?" a new voice spoke up.

Rio pulled Clara closer, who was shivering with nerves, wrapping his arm around her. Crumbly bits of brown stuck to his white gloves.

"Prince Nokto."

The seventh prince hummed in acknowledgement.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later." Nokto shrugged, nonchalant.

Rio's grip tightened on Clara.

"Did Prince Chevalier do this to you, Clara? Did he hurt you?"

"Doubtful. She wouldn't be standing here if he did." Nokto walked closer to their pair, trying for a better look at the trembling girl. "The new maids get like this too when they meet with King Highness for the first time. Quivering, shivering, eyes wide open. It's quite cute, actually."

Rio turned to his side, putting himself between Clara and the prince. He remembers Clara's first day here and he's still itching to tear this particular royal limb from limb. Nokto was lucky Clara was here else Rio would cause a national emergency because of that first day.

Nokto sighed, amused.

"What's more likely to have happened is that King Highness just killed some assassins in the gardens. Miss Clara here was just as likely a witness to the slaughter."

"Assassins?"

"Happens all the time." Nokto shrugs, then turns toward Clara. "Clavis told you where to find Chevalier, so that you could have a friendly chat with him, right? Poor thing."

Clara froze against Rio, making Nokto smile slyly.

"Sorry you had to see that. King Highness isn't known as the most… approachable, of us all. You'll have better luck with Domestic Faction. Evie's chewing at the bit for someone new to fuss over. Though I admit that it was brave of you to approach King Highness first. Stupid for doing it unprepared, but brave nonetheless."

Nokto pulled away and turned on his heel, waving one of his hands in the air.

"If either of you see Sariel, tell him I'm busy for the rest of the day. Got some important business to take care of."

"Sure you do. Schmoozing up some innocent noble lady, right?" Rio grumbled, making Nokto laugh.

"The life of a royal is always busy, you know? Can't rest easy for a moment, now can we? What with all the killing and schmoozing we do."

"He probably wants to see you at some point today, too. You may wanna change before then, Clara. I can help you if you need it-"

Rio growled.

"Y-yes?" Why did my voice have to come out like that!?

"Music room. Now."

What have I done to deserve this!?

My shoulders shook, feebly holding up my broom taller.

"I-I have chores to-"

"Do them later." Mozart was firm! "Tell Sebastian that I needed you for something."

"Y-yes, sir." I said meekly.

Mozart turned on his heel and headed back into the music room. I followed behind him, trying to keep my movements as quiet as I could. He's told me before that he thought I was loud, and, not wanting to irritate him further, I did my best to be silent. It was easy on the carpeted floor of the hallway, but marble floor of the music room, with no rugs to muffle sound? I felt exposed in a different sort of way, the green walls even feeling intimidating.

Mozart sat at the piano bench, an elegant piece made of white wood and gold accents, flipping out his coat tails to sit more comfortably.

"Leave your broom by the door."

I nodded, setting my once close companion against the door's frame, cradling it with my hands.

"Come closer."

I shuffled closer to the piano, my steps unbearably loud in this space. Was my heart as loud in this room as it was in my ears, I wondered. It wouldn't be surprising if Mozart said I was being loud again and it was my own racing heart he was hearing.

"You were singing the other day while you were cleaning in the room next door to the music room."

He could hear that!?

"S-sorry if I disturbed-"

"It was a song I wrote. Long ago."

His fingers glided gracefully across the keys, playing a familiar melody.

"Y-yes. An Chloë. You wrote it inspired by the poem, right?"

"Correct." He continued to play, seeming to get lost in thought. "Where did you learn it?"

"My auntie." I started, but corrected myself. "Well, one of her previous girlfriends taught it to me when I was young. She always sang it beautifully and I wanted to learn it too, despite knowing no German then."

She was nice, from what I remember of her, Auntie's German girlfriend. Father didn't like her and often got into arguments with Auntie over her. I was really young at the time, so I don't remember exactly what became of her, but I didn't see her after a time and I remembered missing her when she went away.

"Sing it again."

"E-excuse me?!" Say what now?

"Sing it." He repeated, starting the melody over as if it was looping, it was that smooth of a transition.

"I-"

He glanced back my way, as if to say he's not repeating it a third time.

With a brief pause in the music to signal my cue, I took a breath and closed my eyes, praying that whatever came out didn't sound like a screeching cat.

"Wenn die Lieb' aus deinen blauen, Hellen, offnen Augen sieht…"

It was as if a spell was taking over me, remembering a simpler time with Auntie and her German girlfriend at the time. I felt calmer. I know I was butchering the German pronunciation, horribly so, I'm sure. Mozart didn't stop playing though, nor did he say anything to correct me. I tapped my fingers against my leg to keep time, to keep from intruding on the song any more than I already was.

When the song ended, the room was deathly silent.

Mozart, for the first time I've seen him doing it, closed the lid across the keys and stood up.

"Ugh, noisy."

I froze and bit my lip. He was the one who asked (okay, he demanded!) that I come with him here, so  what was the point in-

Then, I heard it.

Applause.

One set of hands at first, then two, three, four more. The more clapping I heard, the redder my cheeks became.

"You're all lurking." Mozart said, irritated. "Move."

I caught eyes with Le Comte standing in the doorway, along with Napoleon, Vincent, Theo, Arthur, Issac, Dazai, and Sebastian all gathered behind him. Le Comte was the last to stop his clapping.

"My, what a lovely performance." He said, his entrance allowing the others to come into the music room as well. I could see the ends of Leonardo's overcoat sleeves sitting just off of the door, while Jean was leaning against the far window with his arms crossed in the hallway.

"You did well, Nunuche." Napoleon squeezed my shoulder, smiling proudly.

"Well, who knew our little dove could sing like that?" Arthur tapped my other shoulder while Theo ruffled my hair.

With all of the compliments I was receiving, my desire to crawl into a pit and hide for eternity grew. Mozart huffed as he stood at the doorway.

She knocked once, twice, and a third time. No answer. Hideyoshi had insisted he would be here or he'd have said something about going out, she was sure.

"Lord Mitsunari?" she called. "Are you here?"

Still no answer.

The door was slightly ajar thanks to her knocking. Maybe she could leave her snacks and he would come back later? She could also right the fallen books so that they don't get tripped on when Mitsunari returns.

"Sorry for intruding." She nudged her foot into the door, sliding it open easily.

Once she was inside, she yelped in surprise, nearly spilling her tray on the floor.

"Lord Mitsunari!"

There he was, sitting on the floor with a book in his lap. His hand flipped casually to the next page, paying her no mind whatsoever despite her cry being anything but quiet.

Once her heart and breath had calmed, she looked at Mitsunari a second time, setting her tray on the floor.

"…Lord Mitsunari?" she said.

Even this close to him, he didn't respond. He seemed unaware of everything aside from his book.

Houki poked his shoulder with her finger. No response. She grasped his shoulder and shook it gently, as if she was trying to wake him. Nothing. She shook him a little harder, and a little harder, and a little harder until his head was bobbling. Nothing. She even pinched her own cheek to make sure she wasn't dreaming, which still hurt, so this wasn't a dream. She even pinched his and he didn't say or do anything.

How strange… and a little horrifying.

How long had he been like this? Was he sick? Should she go get someone? Lord Hideyoshi for sure! Maybe there was a doctor nearby? Lord Ieyasu? Well, he was often cantankerous around Mitsunari but surely he would help if there was something wrong with his fellow lord?

As if to answer her prayers, loud knocking against the door frame made her jump a second time.

"Yo, lass!" It was Lord Masamune, followed shortly by Lord Hideyoshi's exasperated sigh. "Heard you be here today!"

"Lord Masamune! Lord Hideyoshi!"

"Hey, what's wrong?" Hideyoshi asked, pushing past Masamune and kneeling beside the two of them.

"It's… it's Lord Mitsunari. He's not moving and he hasn't responded to me when I spoke to him."

Hideyoshi sighed a second time, more disgruntled than before.

"Not again…"

"…'Again?'"

"He sometimes gets like this when he gets too invested in what he's reading." Hideyoshi frowned. "Sorry you had to find him like this."

"So… this is …normal?"

"For him, yeah." Hideyoshi reached out and tugged on a stray strand of Mitsunari's grey hair, the other taking no notice of the action. "We haven't figured out why or how he slips into such a deep trance. He can be like this for hours."

"H-hours!?"

"Hideyoshi found him like this once when he'd also scared a few of the maids, then scolded him afterwards for not taking care of himself." Masamune grinned.

"We're trying not to encourage this behavior, especially when he worries people with it."

"Hey, Lass," Masamune ignored Hideyoshi, grabbing one of the flavored rice cakes, "wanna see a trick?"

"Masamune," Hideyoshi warned.

The Date Lord scooted closer to Mitsunari and held the little cake up to the younger lord's mouth. Houki was surprised a second time today when Mitsunari opened his mouth after a few seconds and took a bite out of the rice cake, chewed, then swallowed.

"Is he…?"

"Still out of it, I'm afraid." said Masamune, tugging on the same hair clump that Hideyoshi had, Mitsunari still not responding. "He'll eat or drink most things that's put near his mouth. Just be careful with your fingers as he might eat them too. Found that out the hard way."

"He's not a toy for your amusement." Hideyoshi said, rubbing his nose bridge.

"He'll also hold anything you put in his hand. I've seen Ieyasu stacking books on his head before, too." Masamune laughed.

"Really, all of you." Hideyoshi admonished.

"S-so!" Houki interrupted, "is there a way to… bring him back?"

"Sure there is!" Masamune said. "Take his glasses away or whatever book he's reading."

"It's really that simple?"

"It'd be real inconvenient if we couldn't bring him back, wouldn't it?" said Masamune. "Oh, when you feed him when he's like this, he knows if you try to get him to eat carrots."

"Carrots?"

"He hates them. No matter how you prepare them, he knows if you're trying to feed 'em to him. Cut up small, cooked, raw, or mushed into a paste with any spice you can throw at it, he just… knows. Me and Hideyoshi have tried it sooo many ways at this point."

"It is the strangest thing. Anything else he'll eat but carrots is where he draws the line." Hideyoshi said, putting his hand on the book Mitsunari was holding. "But you need a break."

With a swift tug, Hideyoshi pulled the book off of Mitsunari's lap and like magic, Mitsunari blinked and looked at his surroundings, as if he had been woken up from a deep sleep. His eyes scanned Hideyoshi's and Masamune's faces, finally settling on Houki's face and gently smiled.

"Oh, hello, everyone. It's nice to see all of you."

"Good morning, lad." Masamune grinned.

"Morning? But the sun is quite high for it to be morning. Had I fallen asleep?"

"In a way." Hideyoshi said. "You got caught up in your reading again. You should apologize to Houki as she found you first."

"Oh," Mitsunari's eyes widened, "My apologies, Lady Houki. To find me in such a state."