SKY OF PAPER: AN ASIAN STEAMPUNK FANTASY

CHAPTER 52

"I will go," Ai said without hesitation.

She stepped across the deck of the Young Emperor's ship and looked out from the railing at the two airships hovering in the distance, their gun ports braced wide open with cannons at the ready. "So he wishes to have me as well as four of our children? I will take care of them, so you need not worry about their well-being." 

"Are you sure about this?" Dae Jung came up beside her, a rare expression of concern looming over his wrinkled, old face.

Lai, Etsu, Kassashimei and I as well as the Young Emperor watched the two from the center deck where the Premier's gyro copter had landed and stood waiting. A few moments earlier, after the copter's boarding ramp came down, Princess Xiangfeng had rushed out and hurried into the ship. Ren Tzu followed, escorting the other children below decks. Chovis remained at the ramp, anticipating Dae Jungs final confirmation of the deal. 

"Each one of my ancestors has served the Imperial Family in one way or another. The father of my great-great-grandfather had given a pledge that we would protect the family for a hundred generations." Though Ai was without emotion as she spoke, the sincerity in her voice betrayed a hint of her solemn resolve. "My father, Master Lu, with his deceit and lies abandoned our pledge when he and General Fung overthrew the government. Though I cannot hope to regain my family's honor, I must do what little I can to preserve the Young Emperor's faith in us." 

"No, there’s no reason for you to leave," the Young Emperor said boldly, approaching Ai and stepping in front of his old advisor. "What possible use could the Premier have for you and the children? After all, this city sails their air ships using steam and western machines."

Dae Jung placed a stilling hand upon the Young Emperor's shoulder. The boy glanced up at him with an impatient frown, forcing the older man to hesitantly pull his hand away.

"Though archaic and to some extent, outdated," Dae Jung said, "our nation chooses to fly using the mystic arts, as it is the way of our culture. But the Premier does not see the gifts of our children in the manner we do. Because of the rarity of the gifts each chienkuu ko possesses, each and every one of them is worth a small fortune. The Premier knows this. And I am certain he’s well aware of how profound your gifts are Ai." 

"I see. So that’s what happened,“ Kassashimei interjected with a voice that sounded as accusing as it was disrespectful.  “That’s what happened to Ami and Sa Shi. You sold them didn’t you?” 

Dae Jung didn’t reply. So the Young Emperor pressed on with Kassashimei‘s claim. "That's it isn't it? And what of the other members of the court you left at Castleburg? Did you sell them too?"

"Those traitors brought it upon themselves.” Dae Jung's voice grew heated. "Their loyalty to you, to your family, was starting to wane. Banishing them was the proper thing to do."

"So you sold children for money and abandoned our own people?"

"Nothing is more sacred than preserving the well-being of the Imperial Family." Ai's stern voice cut through the tension in the air, silencing everyone. "Young Emperor, you are our reason for the sacrifices we make, and we do so willingly and proudly. If you must blame Dae Jung for the things that have happened, then you must blame me as well, because I knew and agreed to all that he committed. It may not be clear to you now, but once you comprehend your importance to us as well as your country, you will know the true reason why we took you aboard this ship and willingly endured every hardship in your family's name." 

Several soldiers took their positions beside us and stood attentively, heralding Chovis's presence. 

"I trust everything is in order?" he said. "Please excuse me if I am imposing, but the Premier is an impatient man. Let us move along with the trade. Trust me, you will have all the supplies you could ever need and all the repair facilities at our docks will be at your disposal. I will promptly see to that once our transaction is done."