Shangri La Pt. 1

129: Preparation

"So the reason you're crying isn't just because you've realized your feelings for my brother, but also because of what Camie told you?" 

"'Sniffle' M-Mn. She said there was gonna be some kind of ball tonight and... and Katsuki is supposed to find his bride tonight." Izumi sniffled. 

"Hah~ So because she was toying with you, you've realized your feelings and are going to regret not telling my brother if he finds someone else tonight?" 

"Yes..." 

"Then why don't you go?" Yu suggested, forcing Izumi to look at her. 

"M-Me? Oh no, I couldn't, I wouldn't fit in and I'm not sure I'd be comfortable doing that." 

"What're you talking about? You love my brother, and so if you show up, then I'm sure he'd instantly choose you without even thinking about it. Besides, every eligible woman is allowed to go, so that means you too."

"B-But I'm not from here." 

"That doesn't mean anything. There's gonna be plenty of other women from other countries–that aren't the East or West–that'll be there too. You can't let that stop you from going! I'll make sure of it, I will help you stand out above all the rest!" Yu implored. 

"B-But... I don't have anything to wear?" 

Just when she heard that, Yu instantly felt stumped, as she knew that all the clothes Izumi has gotten from the West are nothing more than casual commoner clothes; nothing suitable for a ball. 

"Hm– You're right... But I do know someone who does!" she stated as she immediately knew someone who was possibly the same size as her. 

"Hm? You do? Who?" 

"Let's go there first! I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I asked her." 

"W-Where are we going?!?" 

"You'll see!"

'Knock knock knock' "Princess, it is me, the Head Maid, Miss Takeyama. May I enter?" Yu announced as she stood up to the door while Izumi was right behind her. 

'Eh? The Princess? Does she mean the Princess of the Todoroki Kingdom?' Izumi thought. 

"You may enter." a distant voice spoke, allowing Yu to open the door to enter with the greenette following right behind. 

"Apologies for arriving here when the ball is just a few hours away, and I'm sure you need to prepare, but I did not come alone." Yu started as she looked behind her to see Izumi behind her. 

"That's alright, who did you bring with you?" 

"It's okay, she's a dear friend." Yu whispered, leaving Izumi to feel assured.

So, Izumi slowly moved to the side of Yu and started with a low 90 degree bow to the Princess and started with; "It is an honor to be in your presence, Your Majesty the Princess. My name is Izumi, Izumi Midoriya." 

"Oh, you're the one I ran into in the library." 

Right when she heard that, Izumi jerked her head up to see the very same woman that had white hair and a deep shade of blue eyes with glasses over them. Her smile was the very same as when she ran into her in the library that Izumi truly thought she was seeing things. 

"Y-You– You're... the Princess?" 

"Hmph– Yes I am, and Yu has talked quite a lot about you." 

"M-Me?"