An Arranged Marriage

A Relaxing Day

Today was one of those rare days in Kou where everything was a tad slow, in the sense that, there wasn't much to be done. Days like this could be either a blessing or a curse in disguise. It can be a horrid curse when one has absolutely nothing to do. Today, however, the day would be spent sparing and having fun. 

You grunted as Kouen swung his staff at your ankles, you blocked it with slight ease. "Oh, so close," you teased, retaliating by swinging the other end towards his shoulder. You cursed when he caught it with his hand. 

"So close," he mocked. 

You scowled but soon found an opening when he left himself at a disadvantage. You shoved your staff towards Kouen with full force. Kouen then lost his balance and fell down on his side, watching as you swiftly moved from where his body landed. 

You smiled down at him and placed a foot on his bare chest, "I win," you said triumphantly. 

 Kouen scowled and rolled his eyes, "get off," he simply responded. 

You placed a hand on your chin in thought for a moment. "Mmm... Nah, I think I want to enjoy this for just a moment longer." You smiled down at him. 

Not only was it just you two at the training grounds, but so was the entire royal family (excluding Gyokuen and the Emporer). Kouha was fuming as he handed Kougyoku a couple of gold coins as Koumei rolled his eyes. Hakuei was silently clapping with Hakuryuu staring with awe in his eyes. 

"En-nii should've won," he grumbled.

Kougyoku stuck her tongue out at him cheekily, "Y/N-nee is way better than him at fighting anyway," she retorted. 

At some point, even Kouen's household vessels had joined to watch. When they had first gotten there, you didn't recognize one of them, Seishuu. Turns out, he had fully assimilated with his household vessel. It was a big surprise seeing him taller and with snakes in his hair. You ignored the vessels exchanging coins from the corner of your eye. Fortunately, Kouen didn't see anything. 

"Y/N-san, that was amazing," called out Hakuei, "you truly are skilled in many weapons."

You nodded in response, "yes, but with most, I only know the basics." You shrugged, "however, my best two would most likely be a bow and arrow along with a sword." You finally removed your foot from his chest allowing him to get up. 

Hakuei's brows scrunched in what you guessed was confusion, "really? Why did you have to learn so many?" She asked. 

You leaned part of your body weight against the staff. "Well, even though I had many siblings I was the only one suited for things like this. Also, I thought it would be a smart move because I thought djinn would give many different weapons," you explained. 

Hakuei nodded in understanding, "I hope to be as well versed as you one day." 

You blushed under her praise and waved her off. "There's no need to do so, I don't really utilize most of the weapons I had learned before," you said, "I might have even forgotten how to use others." As you laughed sheepishly you noticed the same pink butterfly was there again but on your hand. Like always, when you blinked, it was gone. You brushed it off as nothing. 

Hakuei stood with a smile, "well, I still wouldn't mind learning a thing or two from you," she said, walking down to the training grounds with Hakuryuu trailing behind her. 

"Not to brag or anything but I'd like to think I'm a pretty good teacher," you smirked, "Kougyoku has been learning well." You gestured towards her causing the girl to blush under your praise.