Investigations of another world

Chapter 2: Negotiations and Information

The main halls of the castle were simple compared to the splendor that was shown on the outside of the walls. Simple wood paneling made up the floors and blank walls supported the high ceilings that were dressed sparsely with hanging lanterns. We passed through a few hallways then emerged into an open courtyard in the center of the castle. The main courtyard made up the middle section in the interior walls with a main building that I assumed was the main reception area or the throne room stood before us.  On either side of that rose two towers that were several stories higher than the main building. The main courtyard was simple just like everything else in the castle with it being sparsely decorated and sectioned off into four sections. In one corner there were two girls sitting in front of tall white canvases with paint and brushes in a box next to them. One of them noticed A-chan and smiled brightly and waved. A-chan waved back and continued across the courtyard, and the girl who waved at us quickly returned to her work and furiously started painting. Colors flew onto the canvas with a precision that required either years of practice or talent par to none. She didn’t look much older than me however, maybe a year older if that. Her pink hair was tied back in a ponytail and her overalls were covered in dried paint. She stopped and looked at her work so far with a curious look. What once was a blank canvas is now the beginnings of a beautiful scene of the countryside. I stared in awe following A-chan as she continued to add to her work making small details here and there throughout. My gaze was finally torn away from the spectacle as A-chan led me towards the main building and up the steps towards what I can only assume is the throne room. 

If I thought the main gate was large then this door was massive. At least double the height and made entirely of painted wood. The wood was carved with detailed carvings of various japanese folklore beasts and events from dragons to spirits to great beasts of the world. Each carving was inlaid with gold and precious stones highlighting accents and curves giving the door an added depth and richness to it. The door didn’t open on its own as we approached but A-chan put out her hand and simply pushed open the door with her hands. It seemed to require no effort at all as the doors silently opened as if they were on frictionless hinges. 

The main hall was a wide open space broken up by pillars that guided however entered towards the main throne sitting in the center of the room. It was a simple throne as thrones go. Just a golden chair made of a richly colored wood inlaid with gold and simply cushioned. Sitting upon that throne was a short, young looking girl with long pink hair and a crown upon her head. As we approached I noticed that not only was this girl very young, at least too young to be an empress, she was also asleep on the throne as well.

A-chan sighed and cleared her throat when we had approached the throne.

The small girl suddenly awoke with a jolt and frantically rubbed the sleep out her eyes.

“Ah! A-chan…” the girl stammered, “I'm sorry I fell asleep here waiting for you.”

“It's quite alright Miss Himemori.” A-chan replied, “But I would advise if you would like to sleep you should do so in your own bed.”

“That’s so far away though.” Himemori whined, “And this seat is just soooooo comfy.” 

She smiled innocently as she patted the chair she sat on.

“Even so I don’t think you should be sitting in the director's chair.” A-chan replied

Embarrassment rushed onto the girl's face.

“Eh.. Um.. I guess you’re right.” she replied with a shrug and hopped off the chair trying to hide her flushed face.

“Wait, you're not the ruler here?” I blurted out