For the Love of a Saniwa Sage (Izo X Dahlia)

Part 1 - Love is a Negotiation...

PROLOGUE

Saniwa sages have a sworn duty to defend mankind against the forces of evil threatening to devour our world. They are brave and fearless warriors who travel back in time to put an end to the malevolent forces trying to alter the course of history. Blessed with the ability to breathe life into inanimate objects, these Saniwa sages have brought to life famous historical swords to help them fight the growing evil. Without their determination and sacrifice, the future of our very existence hangs in the balance.

The existence of the sages is unknown to the public. In an attempt to maintain their anonymity while still carrying out their missions, they've aggregated their resources and formed Orders. Each Order operates in a specific geographical location, and it is the location of the Order that determines which timelines these Saniwa sages fight to protect.

But it is not all blood and battle. There is a political aspect to this secret world, a necessary hierarchy that ensures each Order runs smoothly. Balance must be maintained, and it is the duty of the Order to ensure their assigned sages operate within the confines of magical law.

It's important to note that the strength and abilities of the Saniwa sages varies. Those who have excelled are rewarded with positions of rank and influence. The highest position a sage can achieve in their lifetime is Lord Commander of their Order. It is a position of great affluence and it is held by the elected official until death, or until he or she voluntarily relinquishes command. Very few will ever reach this level. Most successful sages will seek to serve on the Council; an organization created to advise the Lord Commander and prevent him or her from wielding their authority unchallenged.

But even with all the checks and balances, the system will never be perfect. The Orders can often be competitive when recruiting sages, and each one is convinced their war is somehow more vital than their counterparts. Though such an outlook is frowned upon, it is often overlooked. After all, what harm could there be so long as the mission is accomplished...

CHAPTER 1

Izo stood in Takeshi Yoshida's office, his arms crossed and brow furrowed in anger.

"No, absolutely not," Izo said, staring furiously at the old man.

"You must marry, Izo," Takeshi replied. "As the first-ranked Saniwa sage in our Order, it is your duty to set the example. If we are to further our kind and secure the bloodlines, we must breed."

"We're not dogs, Take-sama! You can't just stick us in a room together and hope we'll fuck!"

"When the Council proposed a match with Ayame Sato, you were more than willing to accept."

"Yes, under the assurance that we wouldn't wed for at least another 3 years!"

"Well, things have changed. There are... circumstances that require us to move this along."

"Fuck you and your circumstances," Izo cursed. "I'm on track to assume the position of Lord Commander! Taking a wife right now will only delay my efforts."

The elderly man sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair as he tapped his fingers on his oak desk.

"Izo, I will not force you. You are free to carry on as you always have, but know this: With position comes responsibility. In order to maintain your current rank, you must marry. I am giving you the opportunity to make the right decision before someone else comes along and forces you to make it."

"Is that a threat?"

"We don't make threats, Izo. You of all people should know that. You are like a son to me. When your father died, I gave him my word I would look after you, and whether you want to believe me or not I am trying to help you. You are dangerously close to losing everything you've worked so far to build."