§Future Empress§

Confessions

After regrouping at Todoroki Residence, the lost and wounded were tended to. It was revealed that majority of Galilean army were stationed at the border due to the high alert situation caused by the marriage alliance. 75 percent of the soldiers attained martyrdom. As reported by Kota, the adult population were taken away forcefully by the cruel troops of Lockwood. Elders of the noble families departed yesterday morning to hold an audience with King of Lockwood.

This news greatly saddened everyone who heard it. Katsumi felt her blood boil. Momo noticed the tension and advised Katsumi to think rationally. It's common to become irrational when blinded with rage. It was one of the main reasons why Katsumi is considered as a reckless princess in the continent but this wasn't a child's play, this was a serious offence inflicted by the Barbarian kingdom of Lockwood.

"Since it's been a day that the elders had left to plea, it's safe to say that their plan didn't work" Katsumi said as she caressed her sword. "Who calls the shots here in absence of the royal family?" Katsumi asked. "The dukes, highest in the rank holds most power" Shoto informed as he walked towards Katsumi. "Who's the highest ranking duke?" Katsumi further inquired. "Enji Todoroki of Todoroki Residence. He holds 57 merits since the 2nd foundation of this kingdom under her highness Queen Inko. Iida family holds 38 merits collectively and rest under 10" Shoto explained. "So Todoroki residence it is. Who comes after Sir Enji? You?" Katsumi said judging by her experience in Galilee. "No, princess. It's my mother- Rei Todoroki. She has 43 merits earned since 2nd foundation" Shoto said.

"Perfect, Where can I meet her?" Katsumi asked Shoto. "She is in the office inside our residence. I can take you there" Shoto said and the two left.

Inside the Todoroki Residence, The main hall way

"So, what do you plan to do?" Katsumi asks Shoto who seems to be deep in thought. "Huh?..Well I was thinking about what I have to ask you as a favour" Shoto answered, safe to say Katsumi did not expect this reply. "Favour? How can I help the grand Shoto?" Katsumi asked, still amused by Shoto's response. "Marry Izumi" Shoto said bluntly and stopped walking. Katsumi walked a few steps ahead and stopped, wide-eyed, confused and she turned to face him. "Confused right?" Shoto said. "Well go on, what exactly are you asking for?" Katsumi demanded, her voice going half an octave deeper.

"You obviously plan to make her leave this whole marriage situation. So the best way to get rid of this situation is to expose your notorious relationship with each other. Your freaky lifestyle and Unorthodox ways of loving" Shoto said, bold and piercing cold voice resonated in Katsumi's ears. Katsumi, baffled by Shoto's change of personality, couldn't strike back at once which gave Shoto enough time to say a few more sentences.

"Why are you shocked? Don't you love the Princess? Why don't you elope with her? It will be a fun tale to tell in the future to your 'family'. Since the princess only loves you this must be the only way out of it for her...I can't take your place" Shoto let out his mind. "Take my place?" Katsumi asked sharply as she completely turns towards Shoto, who is looking at the floor and then suddenly he let out a creepy laugh- one that matches the sound of a squeaking chair but deeper. "I am sorry about that" Shoto looks up and pulls his hair back and stretches his white shirt under the blue velvet vest. "But whatever I said meant every single word. She loves you. You love her. Such love is a freak show. People will ostracize you. But it doesn't affect you because you only care about each other! You will be in a far off village happily and we will suffer because of the imbalance created!-" Before Shoto could complete his snide comments, Rei who overheard the monologue intervened by slapping Shoto stingingly hard. Probably a first in years time. Shoto lost his balance and fumbled backwards. Katsumi, still processing Shoto's snide monologue was now caught off-guard by Rei's intervention. This seemed to bring her back to her senses and she greeted Rei, Duchess Todoroki of Galilee . Rei greeted the princess of Alora. Shoto held his cheek, stood eerily still with his head hung low but that didn't last long when Rei called out for her son.