A Warm Summer Stroll

[Alvino Castillon]

Date: 12 Dein, 1587
Local Time: 5:30 AM
Location: 20 KM North of Safuto at the Imperial Summer Home

Mami Sekai, Crown Princess of Kazemura

In.

Snap. Snap. Snap. Snap. Snap.

Out.

In.

Snap. Snap. Snap. Snap. Snap.

Out.

In.

Snap. Snap. Snap. Shit! Out of space again.

I grumble for a moment as I look through my camera bag, bleary eyed from the early morning wake. Wish I didn't have to be up to get just the right damn lighting for this picture, but whatever. We don't have a lot to do these next few days, save for meet some pretty boy from the South. Mestran royalty or some such.

I find an empty card and smile triumphantly, before quickly switching the cards out. Now then. Breathe in. Hold, and snap. Snap. Snap. Snap. Sn- Battery too low!? What in Muze's name is this about!? Ugh, I told them not to mess with my stuff. Of course they don't listen to me. Now I'm going to lose the damn light and there's not supposed to be another misty morning like this for a long while. We leave in two days too! I can't just- ugh. Great.

"I'm kicking their asses later," I mutter, glaring at one of the guards near a tree. I slide the camera back into my bag and scowl, pulling out my smart phone. Not as nice, but at least I'll have something to work with. I take a few pictures with it, doing my best to make up for some lost time. After a few minutes and a series of photos of the house and seaside from different angles, I lower my phone and sigh. Pictures aren't too bad, but they aren't my greatest work... oh well.

I begin to make my way to the steps leading back into the house, stopping just before them. I turn and sit on them, taking a moment to stare out into the sea. The sun is beginning to climb its way into the Heavens above, bringing its warmth to its children below. Or, that's how the story goes at least. I must readily admit, I'm not much of a follower of the old ways. It's rather ironic I know; even more ironic is that my sister isn't much of a spiritual person either and she's the Empress. Then again, we've both a bit of a history of shattering stuffy traditions. The fact that I'm even allowed to engage in photography as an art form or a business is proof of such.

Or the fact I'm not married yet. Yeah, that one especially is really becoming a sore point; even my sister is prodding at it. I get I'm supposed to marry a member of some form of nobility, but if I'm to spend the rest of my life with someone, I need to enjoy their company. I need to be able fly free like the Heiwana dragon. I want to see the world with my eyes and show people how I see it, good and bad.

Still, I've a duty and I can't forsake it anymore. I need to be able to compromise, but so do they.

"Your Majesty, it would be best for you to get some rest." I lazily drift back to reality and turn my attention towards the guard that approached me. She gives me a stern look and I sigh.

"Yes yes," I reply, waving my hand at her. "I know, the Mestran royal family is paying a visit today and I need to look presentable. I'll go get some rest." I stand slowly and trudge up the stairs to the Imperial Summer Home. Slowly, I take one last look at the sunrise before entering the home to review the photos I acquired thus far. It'll just be a few minutes of that and then I'll sleep.

[Mestra]

Date: 12 Dein, 1587
Local Time: 9:30 AM
Location: 20 KM North of Safuto at the Imperial Summer Home

I stare out at the countryside as we drive down the road leading to the Summer Home. It was indeed a beautiful country. Perhaps, I will be able to see more of it. What hopeful thoughts, it was likely my hosts had a set of events planned. While there were matters of state to attend to, I would prefer a more relaxed visit. No sitting monarch of the Imperium had visited Kazemura before, and I hoped to enjoy the visit without the need for a formalized state visit.

Now here I was sitting in the back of a car coasting down some country road without the general public being made to aware of my presence. It was hard to hide the fact that some member of the Mestran Imperium was visiting, what with Imperial One, the jetliner, parked on some runway in Safuto. Cleverly, my Chancellor agreed to be the front person for the visit. Our little charade. I would enjoy my visit with the royal family of Kazemura, and Marcus would do all the heavy lifting. I and my family owe that man a great deal. Perhaps though it was time for him to retire, not that he would accept that of course.

The road was a bit bumpy but not too bad. The scenery more than made up for it. After a while driving the car pulled up to the Summer Home. It was quaint and charming, befitting royalty but settling into its environment with ease. It was nothing like the Imperial Residences in Mestra; my own homes stood defiant against their environment. It was hard to change history and so they must stand. The car finally stopped and a footman opened the door. I got out of the car quickly and stood in the drive. The air was fresh and clean. This was a good place.

There was no fanfare here, no pomp and circumstance. A request I had made personally. I was guided into the home and escorted to a large room to await the Empress. The room was not uncomfortable by any means. Comfy looking sofas and armchairs were arranged around the room. Old paintings hung on the walls, but what caught my eye the most were not the art of old, but modern photos. Some where in black and white, while others captured the vibrant arrays of colors that this nation had to offer. They were quite marvelous. I picked one photo from the mantle of the fireplace took examine it more clearly. It was a majestic scene straight from a fairy tale. The colors of the ocean were inspiring. Whoever took this was indeed an excellent photographer. Perhaps, I could visit these places while I am here.

[Alvino Castillon]

Time: 9:00 AM

"Your Majesty, wake up!" I blink a few times as someone shakes me awake. I spin around in my chair and stare at the guard who pushed me towards bed earlier. She's wearing an annoyed look on her face. I scowl, then wince as pain starts running through me. Ugh. My neck feels stiff. Crud, the entirety of my back feels stiff... shit, did I fall asleep at the computer again!?

"What time is it?" I mutter, trying to crack my neck a bit. Unladylike but I don't really care right now about appearances.

"9:00 AM," The guard responds, looking irritably at me as I crack my neck. "Our guest is in bound already. You have to prepare yourself!" I wave her back with my eyes closed and crack my back, letting out a groan in the process. Of all the times to have fallen asleep at the computer, it of course had to be a day when we had foreign visitors! Oh whatever, my sister will take care of them and I'll be down late with some excuse. I open my eyes and sigh, placing my hands to my hips.

"Her Imperial Grace does not really require my presence to entertain our guests for she is the embodiment of our... great... nation?" Annoyance turns to confusion as the guard looks away uncomfortably. Confusion gives way to realization as it dawns on me that my sister may be busy with something else.

Realization turns to disgust as I realize what she is most likely busy with.

"Her... Imperial Grace... asked to uh, not be disturbed... as she is... currently in a very important... meeting." I can see the mortification spread across her face as it grows redder. I respond with a few twitches, praying to Muze that her divinity will cleanse my mind of such impurities. Seriously, ew. I never wanted to imagine that.

"And who else knows about this... meeting?" I hiss, my eyes narrowing. She looks at me and gulps.

"Just, us Your Majesty-"

"Keep it that way," I interrupt, shuddering at the thoughts. "And never ever bring this up again. Ever." She nods and I groan. "So I need to entertain the guest then?"

"It appears so. I apologize Your Maje-"

"Save it and get out," I command as I walk straight to the dresser to get my clothes for the day. "I'll be ready by the time they get here. Just, do not let anyone else into the damn house!"

---

It's honestly a good thing I've gotten good at getting up and getting ready so quickly because otherwise I would not have been ready in time. It also is good this isn't an official state visit as I really didn't want to get all formal and shit, especially with this weather.

I make my way down the stairs, checking my watch. 9:31. As if on cue, I hear the car pull up to the house. I swing around at the bottom of the stairs and head into the kitchen to grab the tea to greet our guest. As I grab the tea with the serving dishes, I hear the doors slide open as one our guest is ushered into the home. I hear some chatter and some steps being taken, likely into the waiting room with the fireplace. I take a deep breath and slowly make my way to the waiting room to meet our guest, not sure what to expect.

As I slowly approach the room, I notice as a fairly tall man, approximately my age, seems to be reviewing something near the mantle of the fireplace. I look a bit closer and realize that it just so happens to be one of the pictures I took of the ocean earlier this summer. It was a smaller version of the panorama I had installed as part of an exhibit in downtown Tokasa about a month ago. I can't help but sigh whimsically as I think of that exhibition... unfortunately my sister couldn't go. Security concerns. Go figure. Still, something to talk about I suppose with this person.

"I see you've taken a liking to the picture on the mantle," I say with a smile, more or less announcing my presence. I place the tea set down on the table in the center of the room and clasp my arms in front of me. "It's actually a part of a larger panorama set that is on display in Tokasa presently. I assure you it's far more magnificent than this, but I still enjoy that section you see here as much as the rest of it."

[Mestra]

A voice breaks me from my focus. I turn to see who has entered the room. A young woman, my age perhaps, carrying what must be a tray of tea. She sets the tea down on the center table before crossing her arms. She seems proud yet determined in her statements of the photos. Maybe she thinks I'm skeptical of them? Perhaps not, she is difficult to read. I set the photo I'm holding back into its place on the mantle and turn to stand facing her. I give what I hope is a warm gentle smile before responding.

"Well the photo is very lovely and it captures the wonders of the vista. I may need to make a trip to Tokasa to see the full panorama. Perhaps, you could show me around the exhibit? It would be comforting to hear the thoughts of the artist in question. " I take a few steps towards her and motion to the tea, "I suppose the tea is for me?"

[Alvino Castillon]

He sets the photo back down on the mantle and turns his full attention towards me. As he does so I quickly scan him over. He actually seemed pretty good-looking. He gives me a gently smile before responding to my words, already considering the possibility of visiting the exhibit. I mean, it could just be him trying to be polite, but given that he would want the artist herself to be there to talk about it, well... I can't say I'd object. I can feel my smile brighten just a bit at the words. Already off on a good start.

"I suppose the tea is for me?" Has asks after stepping forward and gesturing to it. I nod and reach down to pour some into one of the tea cups.

"Indeed," I reply, still smiling. "It is tradition to welcome our guests with open arms and a nice cup of tea." I finish pouring it and step forward, handing him the cup before turning my attention to the picture. "As for the exhibit, I would be delighted to show you. Presuming," I pause, before looking straight into his eyes warmly, "you do make the trip to our busy capitol someday soon."

[Mestra]

I take the tea and drink slowly. It is a fragrant herbal tea. I enjoy the flavor and listen to the woman in front of me. An acceptance to an offer of an exhibit, I didn't really expect it. I suppose my hunch of her being the artist were indeed correct. It had its perks being perceptive, but it could be daunting when considering the affairs of state. However, this was a small visit without the formalities one would expect. It was unlikely I could make the trip to the capitol in this trip, but it would be nice. Perhaps, if all went well here a surprise trip would be possible... The hope faded that the woman in front of me might agree to that. Of course I knew that this woman was the Empress' sister, Mami. I had read the dossier, but did she know who I was exactly?

"Do you mind if I sit?" I motioned to the nearby sofa. Quickly gazing over her expressions I sat down without a reply. I took another sip of the tea. "This is quite delicious if I might add." I raised the glass slightly to indicate my satisfaction of the beverage. "I am unsure I would be able to visit the capitol on this trip, though perhaps it might be possible. Of course that is all up to your sister and you, your highness."

[Alvino Castillon]

As he sips his tea I take a moment to rack my brain, hoping I can remember who he is. I had to have seen his face somewhere. Something had to have crossed my eyes at some point. And it did. I know I've seen his face before. But where? He was definitely an important figure in the Mestran Imperium. Oh Muze, I knew I should have read the dossier at some point! Hopefully I'm not the only one here who failed to do something so simple.

As he asks if he can sit down, I nod my head and smile without a word. He sits and mentions his enjoyment of the tea, bringing me some sense of relief. Mother always said I wasn't great with preparing tea but it appears I've definitely done well enough; either that or he's hiding his true feelings on the matter-

"Of course that is all up to your sister and you, Your Highness."

OH OKAY I GUESS I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO DIDN'T READ THEIR DOSSIER HERE THAT'S COOL. YEP. THAT'S JUST FAN-TUCKING-FASTIC!

"Well well," I reply, still internally screaming, "I see someone knows the formal titles for our Imperial Republic. While appreciated, it is unnecessary today." I sit in the seat across from him and fold my hands into my lap. "We are a long way from Tokasa after all; Mami or Mami-san is acceptable here."

[Mestra]

I notice a panic look on her face, it is very subtle but there. Her brow wrinkles ever so slightly. She must not know who I am. Oh well, at least we are having a pleasant conversation. I relax a bit more than normal. I can feel my shoulders loosen as I settle into the couch. It was a calm atmosphere to be sure.

"I suppose if we are dropping formalities, you can simply call me Edward." I offer my hand and she reaches out to shake it. I hold her hand for a second before quickly leaning down to quickly kiss the back of it. "Of course we can't ignore all formalities." I lean back up and smile. Hoping I haven't overdone it.

[Alvino Castillon]

I notice how he seemed to relax a bit and I mentally scold myself. Shit. He must've saw the panic for a moment. Thank Muze this wasn't like, the Emperor of the Mestran Imperium or something, otherwise I would have committed the ultimate faux pas!

He offers his hand as his introduces himself as Edward. I shake it, before realizing he's holding it just a bit longer than expected. He quickly leans down to kiss the back of my hand, saying some before leaning back up with a smile. I feel myself redden a bit as-

Wait. Did he say Edward? That name. It sounds eerily familiar. On the tip of my tongue actually. He's incredibly important in the Imperium. A high-ranking official? Not quite; they weren't really great faces for photography. A business leader? Wouldn't really explain why he would be invited here of all places; this is the solace of the Imperial Family after all. So then he must be part of the Imperial Family of the Mestran Imperium! But there's only one Edward from what I recall and...


...That... would... be... the...

"His Imperial Majesty Emperor Edward ve Meneris," My sister says with a smile, Hiraku Honda right behind her, "Welcome to the Imperial Summer Home. I hope we did not keep you waiting long."

...Muze take me now and let me forever give up my ghost.

"Sister," I say calmly, with a smile. "I am glad to see you are here. I was just about to invite him to join us on our trip to the temple later today. If you excuse me, I'll need to go grab my camera." Before she could respond, I hurry out of the room and wipe the smile off my face. Quickly I climb up the stairs and walk all the way down to my room, out of earshot of the others. I close the door and grab a pillow, smothering my head into it before letting out a scream of horror.


Mirai Sekai, Empress of the Imperial Republic of Kazemura

Everything is going according to plan. Oh Hira-chan you clever boy, I am so glad you convinced me to go along with this. I close my eyes and smile wistfully, knowing that somewhere in this lovely home Mami is screaming in horror at the realization that she had been entertaining the Emperor of the Mestran Imperium without even knowing it. But hey, it's not my fault if the dossier was incorrect on which guest was coming. It wasn't as if we "accidentally" gave her the wrong dossier or anything! Oh, but what if she hadn't even read the dossier? That would be so much better! I open my eyes and give him a bright smile.

"I apologize for our tardiness," I say to Edward with a bow. "Chairman Honda here was informing me of an ongoing development that required my attention." This was actually true fortunately. Negotiations with the Chikasuns had become rather strained given recent events here at home. However, the phone calls I made earlier should put our negotiations back on the right track. And if not, well...

"As my sister was mentioning, we had planned to go up to the shrine at the top of the hill to offer our prayers for the upcoming harvest season. Would you care to join us? We would certainly appreciate your company and it's a good time to offer prayers for harvests in the Imperium as well if you so desire."

[Mestra]

At the mentioning of my name, I quickly shift my gaze from Mami to Marai, the Empress of Kazemura. I quickly release Mami's hand and stand up bowing my head in a sign of respect. I take a second glance at Mami as she hurriedly makes mention of a visit to a temple and flees the room. Was she flustered? I couldn't tell. It was now a moot point, as she was no longer in the room. My attention shifted back to Mirai. This was an important encounter, as no Mestran monarch had met with the monarchs of Kazemura.

"There is no need to apologize, your majesty. I was enjoying the photos on the mantle place when your sister joined me. My time has been well spent thus far. I thank you again for the opportunity for this visit and would be more than gracious to accompany you to the shrine." I bow my head again. While this wasn't a formal visit in most respects, formalities still had to be adhered too. It was an odd feeling addressing Mirai with such formality after having relaxed into a more informal setting with Mami. A peculiarity on my part, yet there was something about Mami that made me feel at ease. I pushed the thoughts from my mind, it didn't do well to dwell on them now. It was unlikely that whatever was going on meant anything more than friendly greetings and polite manners. Yet somewhere deep in my thoughts, a small flicker of hope remained.