Charming Tails

Chapter 23 - Deep Fray

While Tatsuko leaned on the wall with arms crossed, his eyes trailed along the hall and observed depictions of Jirou's past battles in Masehouka placed in huge golden frames. One of these showed Jirou weilding his Zanbato, a huge sword meant to kill horses of war, as he attacks an entire army of undead soldiers singlehandedly.

The Undead War from 5 years ago. Jirou-sama defended the city from sheer doom from these undead warriors from the past wars that came from the land of Shibashi.

He looks at another frame where it depicts his battle with a dragon with a faded face of a woman at the side.

Naseryu Kyoko, the dragon-born mage. Their battle 3 years ago almost incinerated half of the city. She didn't have to betray him just to have a key position in the high council, being a strong mage and also being half-dragon herself. Such a stupid woman.

He reaches inside his coat and takes a pack of tobacco cigarettes and puts a stick in his mouth. Without noticing, the cigarette lit up independently.

"So it's true that you're back."

"Hm?"

Tatsuko turns his head and stares at the entrance to the hall and sees a familiar person walking towards him.

"Ayaka." he said with a smile.

"Didn't I tell you that smoking was bad?" she stood before him and puts a hand on her waist.

"Yeah well, I can't resist it.."

"And why is that?"

"Because I miss this girl who is smoking hot, and that would be you."

"Tss. You and your corny stuff." she takes the cigarette. "So, did you miss me?" she smiles.

"Didn't I just say it? Give me the cigarette honey~" he sweet talks her.

"I want to hear you say it." she wears a serious face.

"F-Fine.. I missed you a lot!" he tells her as he blushes embarassingly.

Tatsuko notices a few maidens giggling at the distance and yells at them.

"Could you stop laughing at me?!"

"Ahaha~ That's enough." she pulls him close kisses his cheek.

Rouji and Haori went back up and started heading back to Tatsuko. Ayaka looks closely at Rouji and notices him.

"What's that kid doing here?" she whispers over Tatsuko's ear.

"He's Rouji. The one and only prince of Masehouka."

"That's.. He's.. Jirou-sama's son?!" she was shocked. "I almost burned him to death back then.. I should apologize." she says.

Ayaka slowly approached Rouji as he walked towards them.

"Young Master! My apologies for what I have done to you in the past! I never knew it was you!" she bows.

"Eh?!" Rouji's eyes widen as he blushes.

With no intention of doing so, Rouji had a good look at Ayaka's cleavage as she bows in front of Rouji because she only wore a red robe and her loose clothing inside the robe.

"Rouji you bastard..." Tatsuko mumbles with a fist.

Rouji raises his eyes on Tatsuko with a frustrated smile.

*Pubb!*

"Did you seriously have to do that..." Rouji caresses his head.

"Don't ever do it again." Tatsuko tells him.