The Hell Traveler's Palace: Meioshi's True Home
The youkai feast was a huge deal from the looks of things. Much like the trifecta parade, different demons and spirits were headed to the youkai district with either colorful lanterns in their claws or magical fires of varying colors. It vaguely reminded him of that okiya village when he first met Ohta and the little leeches. Though great evil plagued that place, Sesshomaru wondered if he should look at that time as something bad. Truthfully, the kaleidoscope of colors there made the boat ride through the village very beautiful, and... well..., that's where he had really gotten to know Meioshi. She wasn't just some tough cookie. She was vulnerable, tired, and scared. Three adjectives that he would have never tagged her with then, and he especially wouldn't do it now. His lordship had begun to realize as he watched the village welcome new visitors that he had spent more time with the village doctor than he realized. Though he was openly choosing to go on holiday, he wondered if that was a bad thing. He had never been away from home or Rin before. He had never even given himself a reason to celebrate or be merry. He had been working so hard to be a better ruler than his father and to outgrow his shadow that... he ignored life. Demons practically knew no end to life, but the demons in Heiwa seem to invite in a good way. They're not looking to be protected. They protect their territories together, and they live in harmony together to the best of their abilities. They work together. They form an economy and alliances together.
Maybe...
Maybe Yamashi was right. Maybe he should take this time to welcome other worlds, not just worlds across the sea, but worlds where demons are united. There is little to no discrimination here. It was... as Lady Kanae had once said. He hadn't thought about her since Rin asked about his mark. He felt a bit guilty about that now. They spoke at length about his father and younger brother, and she taught him much. Sesshomaru then wondered if Lady Kanae and Meioshi would've gotten along. They both fought for the rights of children and took care of them. They both protected the weak with their abilities. Meioshi was a bit tougher than Kanae, though. That could be a result of the Bushido Code she follows and her military past. Sesshomaru was unbearably curious about that detail of the doctor's life. She didn't want anyone to know about it. That was unusual. Women in the military was scarce as it is. She should be honored to be among a small number of warriors like that. What happened to make her so dismissive of it?
A soft, blue light crossed over his lordship's eyes. Some demons had minions carrying their lights. Others had humans carrying theirs. It reminded Sesshomaru of his first time visiting Heiwa, and the tour Moeru gave him. So many memories tied to this secluded place. Speak of the devil, there Moeru was talking to Jaken! That's right. He was a merchant himself. From the Eastern lands, if his lordship remembered correctly. Music could be heard, and aromatic dishes were being seasoned or cooked. Such a busy place. It's no wonder Meioshi was always exploring things. Heiwa was full of activity to pique her curiosity. Where was she anyways? Out with the worms still or drinking herself into a stupor? Turning his attention to Yuko and Homugi, he was tempted to ask one of them who dressed them. Yamashi might have had something to do with Yuko's regal robes, but Homugi brought no clothes with her when she moved in with Meioshi. What was living in her home like? He had only stayed a night when Meioshi was out on vacation before he...
Shit! Sesshomaru thought, narrowing his eyes rapidly. My grandfather is going to be here, and that pervert has those books! I can't bring him near the beaches! Maybe he'd do better visiting those old women. They might be too respectable to have copies of those disgusting portraits.
Though he didn't spot the older women walking through town, he did see Eikichi speaking with Kirameku Ha at his home. He stopped to watch them for a moment. They didn't seem to be arguing, but Eikichi did seem concerned about something. His lordship wondered if that's how his father and Hikozaemon II spoke when they were younger. What made Toga want to go to Hikozaemon II's homelands so much as a child? What did he love the most about it? the least? Was there an ambassador from Zhongguo here? Maybe he should have asked Shinobu. He didn't think about it. Sesshomaru didn't think to invite Sugawara or Imamura over either, but he didn't anticipate a lot of things. For one, he didn't expect to be traveling overseas so soon. It was a spur of the moment ordeal. He also wasn't aware of how distant he had made himself from his grandfather. Though most knew that he saw Toga as competition, Hikozaemon II had done a lot for Sesshomaru as a boy. He was always gentle during play and made sure Sesshomaru ate with the family. His lordship had once looked up to Hikozaemon II as simply a man. The elder embodied class and elegance. He commanded the space he was in long before he entered the room. He never slouched when he walked, he expected you to have fine manners in public, and he often shared wise words with his father in the night. At least, Sesshomaru always thought his grandfather was wise whenever he heard him speak. As he grew up, things changed... They shouldn't have. Maybe that's why he was going with the doctor overseas. It wasn't just "the call of the wild" for him. It wasn't taking over new territory. It wasn't even to restore the House of Inu's economy. In a way..., Sesshomaru wanted to rebuild the bond between him and his grandfather. He seemed so happy that Sesshomaru was going to Zhongguo, and he seemed excited to tell Sesshomaru more about his homelands.
Do you miss home, Jikomo? Sesshomaru thought. What about... father? No one ever asked how you felt about him. Will you tell me... when we leave...?
Hearing a faint noise in the distance, Sesshomaru caught the scent of his grandfather and continued his walk through the village. He was simply following behind his group as he was being led to the youkai district. Homugi was walking next to him, smiling and blushing as she followed the group with Yuko. They were gossiping about something before Sesshomaru looked at her for a moment. She truly was cute. He was glad that she left the House of Inu. She was happier now. It felt good to see her able to live a fuller life. He thought about Rin next. Would she blossom into a beauty once she got older, too? How would she look once she started her life as a young woman? Would she have friends like Homugi? Little tasks? Rin had an infectious smile. One that came from the soul. That was her most lovable quality. He should get her something.
"Oh, you're not coming, young man?" Nihipali asked, head tilting at Sesshomaru.
"... To where?" Sesshomaru asked, not understanding the problem.
"To Prince Yamashi's Welcome Banquet! That's where all the ambassadors are," Nihipali said with an excited tone. His eyes and tail showed genuine happiness. Such an interesting fellow! "The girls are changing their clothes at Lady Meioshi's home. They're dancing for us!"
"Just them?" Sesshomaru questioned with a raised brow.
"Oh, no no no!" Nihipali responded with a slow wave of his paw. "Lady Meioshi typically hires dancers and/or entertainers for the ambassadors in advance. To show us some of your culture and what makes you all so unique. This year, she's showing out! A holy warrior from another world is coming to speak with her this time. He brought a guardian with him, or... one perhaps followed him here and has been stuck to him since their arrival. It's not often the youkai ambassadors show up here almost simultaneously. One of us is usually late. Perhaps we were all curious about this newcomer! He was late."
He wasn't sure why he felt so comfortable around Nihipali, but his lordship felt he couldn't resist telling him what was on his mind. Maybe it was an amphibian demon thing. They were just easier to talk to. "... My grandfather might be coming here. I was hoping to bring him to the banquet."
"Really?" Nihipali questioned with visible interest. "Is he a merchant?"
"A soldier. He's obviously retired from active duty, but I think he would like to eat foods that are perhaps familiar to him. When he last visited this place, an old woman prepared a dish he knew. He mentioned the Silk Road as well. I think he might know either the ambassadors or the worlds you're from," Sesshomaru explained. "He's originally from Zhongguo."
"Really? Why, I'd love to meet him!" Nihipali encouraged, waving his tail softly. "It's not often you meet a war veteran. Actually, there is an ambassador from his homelands. His name is Xiong Gengxin. Jianhong the Luduan is his youkai counterpart. If you can ignore his overbearing confidence of all things Silk Road, you'll find Jianhong to be quite interesting. Forgive me for not asking before, but what type of youkai are you?"
"... Inu," Sesshomaru replied.
"Inu as in - how do you say - dog?" Nihipali asked, curling his tail into a question mark.
"Yes," Sesshomaru answered.
"Wow! I've never seen your kind before! Only in Lady Meioshi's castle as portraits! This is an honor!" Nihipali cheered, clapping his paws with excitement though the action itself was slow. His tail formed a heart before it turned into a squiggly line. Sesshomaru was dying to just play with it.
Until he realized something...
"Did you just say a castle?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"Why, yes. I like visiting her home. It's so authentically Japengese! Surely, you know of its secret," Nihipali said, blinking slowly.
"Secret?" Sesshomaru asked, a bit angry that Meioshi owned a castle. Her house was small unless the castle is on that cliff.
"Her castle may be located in a non-traditional place, but it is by all means a bukeyashiki-style home. She has a magic seal on it and the youkai district. You never truly get to see all of Niji Shaku, just parts of it. When she gives you a tour of the lands herself, it's like discovering something new every time! Only the parts she has shown you will be revealed each time you visit. You never get to see all of the youkai district or all of her castle. Makes things more exciting!" Nihipali explained, clapping his paws again.
"... How big is her castle?" Sesshomaru asked, angrier than before.
"I haven't seen all of it, so I'm not entirely sure. I do know she has that large dining room and kitchen, though. Oh! The animal barn is also quite large, and she has that astounding farming area and garden. Those are things you typically can see because she uses those spaces the most. Anything else is sealed away. Same with her clinic. You don't actually get to see how large it actually is. All sealed up," Nihipali answered honestly.
"... Walk me over to that skink's house this instant!" Sesshomaru demanded, fury etched into his face.
"I can't do that if you intend on harming her," Nihipali replied with amusement.
"You said you can see more because you were shown more, correct? That means you can unveil the curtain she put on her house. Show me this castle," Sesshomaru demanded, narrowing his eyes.
"Is this your way of trying to see the ladies in their lingerie?" Nihipali asked, eyes twinkling. "What a naughty dog you are!"
"That nudist doesn't wear lingerie!" Sesshomaru barked, turning rapidly to stomp towards Meioshi's home. "Let's go, Nihipali."
"Only if you play a game with me on the way there," Nihipali said, amused and interested in what Sesshomaru was going to do once he saw Meioshi's castle. He followed him, however, and asked, "Will you participate, young man?"
"I am Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Nihipali-sama," Sesshomaru introduced. "What is this game you're trying to distract me with?"
"Ah, you gave me your land's honorific!" Nihipali squealed with glee. He was fond of the Nihonese titles, it seemed. He then continued, "Well, you are going to be seeing some fetching ladies in dancing attire or less clothing. How about we play Flower Shop Drop? I would like to give Lady Meioshi a small gift in return for her kindness over the years I've known her. Plus, the ladies she hires are all so lovely! It gives me an excuse to improve my ikebana skills and make bouquets for them."
"... Very well. How do we play this ridiculous game?" Sesshomaru asked, letting Nihipali lead him instead.
"Flower Shop Drop is often mocked by fools, but it is a romance game. We collect flowers and focal plants, of course! But, it's not just about picking flowers and handing it off without thought. It's a flower arrangement. Ikebana, as your people call it, is your ability to both express an emotion and organize those emotions, thoughts, and memories of a person through the choosing of appropriate flowers. Your knowledge of certain foliage can also help you. You can use these plants to show that you love someone or to even tell them what you're thinking about. The key is the rarity of the flower, what you put the flowers in, how you present them. It becomes more than a bouquet."
"Why are we playing such a thing?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"... Lihohoho! You truly are new to this place, aren't you? Heiwa - both young and old territories - is the home to wondrous flora! Demons, humans, divinities all have at least one plant that they are partial to. You'd be surprised by how much can be collected in this village alone. Of course, no holiday is without its keepsakes! Lady Meioshi's museum is full of information about flora and fauna. Being a doctor, she has studied her fair share of life. I'm sure she won't mind us borrowing her flora journal. I'll show you what I mean, Lord Sesshomaru," Nihipali explained, producing a small bubble with the twirl of his tail and tossing it a grand distance to Meioshi's Bestiary Museum. With the water bubble, he looked around for Meioshi's journal, spotted it, and consumed it until the bubble came to him and dropped the journal in his hands. "Here we are! Are you ready for some flower hunting?"
"No, I am not..., but I'm on holiday," Sesshomaru grumbled, allowing Nihipali to give him a different kind of tour of Heiwa. "Won't we miss the banquet doing this?"
"Heavens no! The ambassadors always go on tours when they first arrive. We normally check into our lodging quarters first. The ships unload our luggage, gifts, and any trading materials we believe could be exchanged for Japengese items in the markets. After that, we enjoy the leisure activities. This is our holiday before we head back to work," Nihipali informed. "Lady Meioshi usually waits until everyone arrives to perform medical check-ups on us. 'No spreading of diseases please!' That's what she tells us. 'All guests overseas must bathe and change into appropriate casual wear.' Don't you just love her accent?"
"Ng! It's - ugh - very - grr - cute sometimes," Sesshomaru admitted, trying to fight the truth spell from making him say embarrassing things. It didn't work. He had to control his mouth and thoughts some other way. Why was this spell so strong!? "Goddammit!"
"Lihohoho!" Nihipali laughed at Sesshomaru's predicament but began the game.
|| ... Flower Shop Drop ... ||
"There are quite a few places to explore for our findings, but it is ultimately up to you to decide where you want to go. Let's choose three places for now. The farmlands, ravine, and creek near Lady Meioshi's funeral home hold some lovely specimen. However, there are secret places nearby as well. I can show you where those are since I've visited them before. Once you've collected enough, we'll head down to the youkai district and have a proper ikebana session. Isn't this exciting?" Nihipali instructed, clapping his paws.
"You are every bit a tourist," Sesshomaru both complimented and joked. "Why can't we simply visit the doctor's gardens?"
"That would be cheating, no fun, and naughty. The ladies are there!" Nihipali informed with a bright smile. Though only his eyes and tail showed it. His mouth was very small. "So, where to first, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"What's just outside of the gates?" Sesshomaru asked. He knew about the trees surrounding Heiwa since he was in them when he first came to the village.
"Trees," Nihipali replied jokingly. He opened the flora journal to avoid Sesshomaru's flippant gaze and said through a chuckle, "It looks like you can find the acacia plant along the village borderline. Green-leaved, white acacia is quite common to find, but there is the extremely rare blue-leaved, purple acacia as well. The purple one is said to only bloom once a year, and it puts on quite the show if you catch it in time. The portrait of it is astounding!" Nihipali remarked, showing Sesshomaru the picture of it.
His lordship turned slightly to see Meioshi's fine, scientific drawings. She was quite good at it. Now, see, why couldn't she simply be a floral painter? Why a nude painter? His grandfather would probably like her flora journal, specifically if the plants produced food or clothing dyes. The plants had to have a function for Hikozaemon II to be interested in them. Maybe that kind of plant was around Heiwa.
"Acacia seems to vary in rarity here, but it looks like golden acacia, which is a bit more uncommon in rarity if you spot the blue-leaved variety, represents secret love. The flower itself no matter the color also means deep friendship. I would perhaps consider using it in a floral arrangement meant for a close friend or loyal servant. An acacia in full bloom represents abundance and prosperity for farmers. Expect good rain for crops," Nihipali informed, fascinated by the plethora of information he was finding for one plant. He then continued, "If we travel closer to the kingdom, we'll find the Eurya japonica tree and Cleyera japonica (or sakaki) near the Shinto temple. These trees are sacred. Eurya leaves are commonly used as sacrificial offerings, while sakaki branches are used for tamagushi - "
"Hell no! Skip the Shinto temple area," Sesshomaru barked. He wanted no reminders of the hatamoto and his stupid truth spell.
"Lihohoho! Why so strongly against the temple? You could use the plants as a focal - "
"No."
"Well, there is the mitsuba - "
"Absolutely not!" Sesshomaru barked again, not wanting reminders of Grand Monk Shishido either. He also didn't want to remember Meioshi's death either.
"Well, there are cherry blossoms that are littered about," Nihipali said, holding in another laugh. "They often represent youth and beauty. You can give that to any charming lady."
"That is acceptable," Sesshomaru replied.
"And myoga, or ginger plant, can also be found in the wild. This plant is largely cultivated for cooking purposes, and most of them were moved from the borders to farming and gardening areas. The flowers are the edible part. However, you can spot a lily or two in shady areas. The good doctor seems to be interested in re-establishing the wild growth of edible plants. She has notes with Lord Kirameku Ha's involvement in such a project as well. It seems they are worried about losing the plant as a result of excessive consumption. Yomogi is also found wild and in farming or gardening areas for cooking purposes. It makes a type of sunflower. This plant is also under watch for re-establishment. Perhaps we shouldn't tamper with those too much. Only show someone who might be interested in merely looking at the wild flower rather than add it to a bouquet. I'm sure we actually can visit home gardens for those flowers."
Grandfather will like the stroll along the borders for those plants then. He is a functional man, Sesshomaru thought.
"Ah, we have sightings of fairly ancient plants in our midst! Alyssum," Nihipali informed, turning the page to see the pictures. "Though best to view in the early summer, common colors of white, pink, and purple can be found. Uncommon colors of red, yellow, and orange can be found in partial shade areas. This plant doesn't like a lot of heat, it seems. However, it represents a quiet life and companionship when partnered with other plants. I think this flower is meant for someone who is thinking of settling down perhaps. It grows fairly low like ground cover. Ah, there is an ash tree located nearby as well. It's known as the Tree of Life and is one of the plants that witnessed the birth of humanity as legend would have it. Oddly enough, only two exist. The white ash tree is in the center of Heiwa where Niji Shaku and the Emperor's kingdom divide into the respective thirds. Though normally observed by the villagers, you can pick a singular branch for the flower. A small sapling was spotted by Lord Kirameku Ha and a member from his garden club along the border. It has small fencing around it so no one can cultivate or tamper with it. The rarer, dark purple ash tree is harder to find, but the doctor has described the flowers as being so dark that it almost looks black like char on a log. She is refraining from calling it the Tree of Death because of its opposite coloring, but she is thinking about a name to give it so villagers can safely explore it without fear of superstition."
Acacia, cherry blossom, alyssum, and ash flowers seem to be my immediate choices. I'll look for those, Sesshomaru thought.
"I suppose I can add this common flower called... fukujuso, the good fortune and long-life plant as well. Oh! The border closest to the youkai areas has a rare, variegated counterpart that belongs to youkai gardens. Your kind call it Shin'nen no takaramono flower," Nihipali informed.
Sesshomaru turned around at that. That flower was here? It was normally grown and cultivated for New Year celebrations. Of course, demons hardly had a use for such a thing due to their longer life spans, but those who followed the Shimabukuro Law often celebrated the new year with that plant as decoration. The yellow, cream, and green variegation was the rarest he knew.
"This New Year flower has silver pollen and is yellow and white with blue-green tips. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats are drawn to its honey-like fragrance and watching them feed or collect pollen is like watching a man fill his pockets with treasure. A spectacle to watch. It pairs well with the gold dust (or spotted laurel) plant in a bouquet. That plant can be found by the ravine."
Blue-green tips are rare, Sesshomaru thought.
"There are quite a few other flowers we can find, but those are more immediate along the border. We'd best find a basket," Nihipali suggested, summoning another bubble to take one from Meioshi's barn. "Right then! Ready to collect?"
"If all we're doing is a scavenger hunt, why the need to separate?" Sesshomaru asked.
"We're on a time limit, of course!" Nihipali said, revealing an hourglass. It was small and losing sand quickly. "My water bubbles will help you find me in case you get lost. Only collect what you need and feel free to collect whatever you feel will look beautiful. Get set, Lord Sesshomaru!"
"You're too slow for this," Sesshomaru reminded, quite sure the fellow moved at a quarter of his speed if not slower.
"GO!" Nihipali cheered, using his bubbles to shoot past Sesshomaru at alarming speed. Sesshomaru felt the sonic winds run through his hair and cause his ears to ring.
"... ... ..." blink blink.
As ridiculous as collecting flowers was, Sesshomaru participated in the small game and made ikebana arrangements with Nihipali. They engaged in small talk for a little while, though the silence was comfortable in between steps. Sesshomaru remembered times when his father would sneak up behind his mother during sunsets and lean on her to distract her pruning her flowers. She would turn to him for a small kiss in greeting and continue her work undeterred. Eventually, however, his father would join his mother in making a bouquet together. The first time he had seen it, Sesshomaru wanted to share a tender moment like that with his own wife someday. It was an ideal he once had... a long time ago. In a small way, when Rin played with Jaken while fishing, that tender moment of serenity had returned to him. She reminded him, or rather she and Jaken reminded him, of what was ideal. A quiet life with tenderness and softer smiles. You could engage in combat and politics for years, if necessary, but you should never forget the rewards you earned for your service. That quality time spent enjoying the smaller things was fundamental. Sesshomaru had simply forgotten (or didn't realize) how fundamental it was. Hikozaemon II's words to his father about demons and their capacity to love on that night sort of... became a bit clearer. The bouquet-making wasn't simply an act of love. It was a moment of reprieve. Sesshomaru hadn't had that reprieve from another like that. His was in the form of childlike glee and chaperoning an innocent as he was maturing.
Before Sesshomaru knew it, he was dissatisfied with one of his bouquets. It was incomplete... and he didn't quite like it. It felt like something was missing. Sniffing the air briefly, Sesshomaru gained Nihipali's attention and curiosity. His lordship took the lead to the border this time. When they walked towards the back of Meioshi's estate, Sesshomaru sniffed the air again and went into a stark panic.
"Oh, so you're finally acknowledging my presence, my unfriendly son?" a familiar voice asked.
Oh shit! Sesshomaru thought, eyes widening.
Milady was standing next to Hikozaemon II with a displeased look in her eyes but a mischievous smirk on her face. His grandfather was waiting for something. Why was his mother here?
"So, you were going to leave the country without asking your mother to come with? Is that what I'm understanding right now?" Milady interrogated.
Unfortunately, what Sesshomaru didn't see near Hikozaemon II were three bags of luggage sitting next to each other.
"Who is watching the House?" Sesshomaru asked, trying to get his mother to see some sense. The ruling authorities can't all be gone at the same time. It would be anarchy!
"I don't want to hear it, son. Now, where's this slut you're rooming with? A holy warrior, my ass!" Milady argued, leaning to show her true displeasure. "You had me thinking you were going to partner up with your little orphan girl, yet here you are canoodling with some priestess!"
"I'm not arguing with you, mother, and the witch is not a slut. Defiant, little skink most certainly, but not that," Sesshomaru defended emotionlessly. "You rarely ever walk on mortal soil. Why are you here now?"
"Well, my son, if you're going on holiday, I don't see why your family can't go with you. We don't want to be cooped up all the damn time! Have you ever thought of that?" Milady questioned.
"I - "
"Didn't think so!" Milady interrupted curtly, turning to Hikozaemon II. "Father, what are you staring at back there?"
"The Green Pheasant," he replied, looking down a bit.
"Ah, it is the elder. A pleasure, sire," the Green Pheasant greeted, escorting his chicks. He walked up to the group of inu casually. "Children, don't be rude. Say hello to the lord of the Okuri-inu."
"Chirp, chirp!" the chicks tweeted before cuddling under their father's wings shyly.
"They are cute," Hikozaemon II complimented with a smirk. His ears pulled back at the chirping before they returned to their position.
"Would this be an awkward time to greet your family, Lord Sesshomaru?" Nihipali asked.
"It would not, in fact, be awkward. Who are you?" Milady asked.
"Ah, I am Nihipali, the foreign ambassador of the Austronesian youkai. It is a pleasure to meet you, mother of Sesshomaru. Why on Earth are you all out here?"
"Family holiday. Father wanted to speak to that bird there," Milady informed.
"My young one invited me to journey with him overseas, but he did not say when he was departing or if he even reserved lodging for such a thing. I was simply waiting near that funeral home for him to inform me. The holy warrior you serve, is that her funeral home? As in one that she had built?" Hikozaemon II asked.
"Yes, elder. Though the villagers closer to the kingdom are against her practices, those who live within her territory respect her desire to handle the dead and counsel the grievers. She wishes to give peace to those who have lost loved ones. She is a great friend to me," the Green Pheasant replied. "If you were intending on staying in Heiwa for a few nights until the ships depart, you are more than welcome to use the guest inns in the youkai district. I believe Lord Sesshomaru has been there before. There should be plenty of room left. Lord Nihipali, has everyone arrived from the Silk Road? I know the banquet is underway."
"This, I do not know, but a majority of us arrived at the same time. A warm hello to you, Lord Pheasant," Nihipali answered, bowing with respect to the Green Pheasant.
"Greetings, Lord Nihipali," the Green Pheasant said with a bow of respect. "I beg your pardon for my manners. Would you mind escorting these guests to the inns you and the others will be staying in? I must deliver the ceremonial hyōshigi to Lady Meioshi. Our part of the heritage festival is now complete with the Youkai March having concluded. The evil talking dog there won the bake-off."
"Bake-off? What bake-off?" Milady questioned. "My son? Baking? What is the meaning of this?"
"Aw, shoot! I think we forgot about his reward for such a monumental victory. He attracted King Weevil and multiple fire rats. We've been all over the damn place!" the Green Pheasant complained, using his wing feathers to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Lady Meioshi probably forgot about it. You're allowed a free luncheon with one of the members of the trifecta, so you can either have lunch with the young emperor, my girl, or the general of the army."
"The general," Milady chose.
"Daughter, you cannot choose for him. That is his reward," Hikozaemon II reprimanded.
"This is compensation for not inviting me to this little vacation of his! Since when does my unfriendly son care about an outing?" Milady questioned.
"Let my young one decide how he wants to celebrate. We will have our turn when he is ready," Hikozaemon II said calmly.
"I'll have dinner with you and Jaken at the inns. I've a request for gravy-less bird over there," Sesshomaru insulted, narrowing his eyes at the Green Pheasant.
"I should refuse, but I'll behave for my children's sakes," Green Pheasant said.
"What is the doctor's favorite flower? She mentioned it was on that ridiculous sake bottle she stole," Sesshomaru asked with annoyance.
"You've no idea how ridiculous it all was, but it is the kinmokusei and snowbell tree flowers that are her favorites. Of course, anything of an orange variety will also suffice. Her family's robes and markers are her favorite colors, so orange, that indigo, and her doctor's garments which are green, cream, and white. Orange is also in there. Why?"
"..."