Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 24

The trio met me in the dining room and I was mildly surprised at how casually they were dressed. Asami glared at me and Kaida flicked her forehead. "What did I tell you? You can dine alone in your room if you can't be civil."

She pouted and rubbed it. "But I didn't say anything..."

Kaida rolled her eyes. "You've been warned. I can't keep physically abusing you in front of others."

Asami sighed. "Then come eat with me."

Sunako tugged at her hair. "Stop being a spoiled brat, we eat with them."

She crossed her arms. "Fine..."

Everyone was watching their exchange in awe. Even I didn't strike Youta... with others watching, but he also didn't need it. They sat and we began to be served. Both Kaida and Sunako tested different things before allowing the princess to eat. "You really think I'd poison you?"

Kaida shrugged. "You, no... but how well do you really know your household, considering spies have been here?"

I frowned. "That's not offensive at all."

She smirked. "Not meant to be offensive, simply a stated fact."

Asami turned to her. "So, what are the crown prince and emperor like here?"

Kaida nodded. "From my understanding, kind and much like you and your parents. They have a not as skilled prankster among them, she doesn't like me. She is warded here, but I don't know where she hails from, her name is Ayama. Crown Prince Youta has been described as being much like Sunako, indifferent, uninterested, but observant. Emperor Wu is known for his kindness much more interactive than his son."

I gaped. "How in the hell?"

She gave me a pointed look. "You expect me to stay somewhere and not do my research?"

Sunako nodded. "So, so far as the relationship with Shu. Apparently, your parents and the Emperor here were friends of some sort. It's in your best interest to maintain that bond. You told me of them visiting when you were young, so maybe if you can tie that in, it will help."

She frowned at me. "You stalked my sister through the trees."

I nodded. "Yes, I did and got her down too if I recall."

Kaida blinked in confusion then looked at the ceiling. "That was you? I set confetti bombs for your arrival and..." A mischievous smile graced her lips. "Did you enjoy your ride home? I do hope it was not too bumpy."

I choked on my rice. Now she remembers? "It was very uncomfortable with the water, paint, and feathers you gifted me."

She looked at me innocently. "Oh? I did that?"

I narrowed my eyes. "You said if I didn't stop pestering you, I had it coming."

She sighed blissfully. "Then, you were warned. It's your fault."

Asami huffed. "Can you two not?"

I looked her curiously. "Just sharing a memory, that she clearly needed to be reminded of."

Asami opened her mouth for Sunako the quickly cover it. Now, I have to ask. "Good relations, alliance, stop being a brat, room."

The princess crossed her arms and looked away as Kaida looked at me apologetically. "I apologize on her behalf."

I looked between the two. "So... are you two..."

Asami glared at me. "She's my sister, pervert!"

Kaida slowly turned to her. "You really think that matters with the way you're acting. Relax, he is no more a threat than anyone else. You know where my loyalty lies."