THE ARCHAIC SKY

CHAPTER: THE AWAITED ADMISSION

The Yo clan

The most prominent and prestigious clan in the kingdom of Minamiyo, consisting of the Yamiyo, Mitsuyo and Heiwayo families. The southern kingdom is the last kingdom whose still ruled by a royal family to this day. The Mitsuyo used to be the clan who holds the most power, but after the shift in the emperor's plans, the Heiwayo had become the royal family of the south.

"... oh no, you caught me" Amara teased, folding her arms after she waved Sayami to follow her inside. The two walked through the open corridors to the very back of the estate where everyone dined "I figured revealing myself in front of all the nobles of Jinsei would help me finally find my parents and get away from the council"

"why... why would you want that, my lady?" Sayami asked in a more polite manner, as if finally pleased only after Amara had admitted her lies. "you're the most devoted out of all of us"

"there's something sinister the council is hiding from us, and I don't intend on sticking around when the truth is out" It'll only be trouble. For her and her path. A hindrance.

Men and women, diplomats and ambassadors, nobles and government officials alike. Crowded around, speaking to one another in this joyous occasion. Some ate on the floor, or in the hall in what seemed to be the corner of a tea house or restaurant. Others danced and chatted or what to Amara seemed like bragging and gossiping. Others drank from a rounded yet rectangular flask, that hung two strings of tassels, or from a pear shaped bottle tied with rope at the very top and closed with what seems to be a cork.

They all wore extravagant clothes. Some chose to show off their pride by wearing traditional and cultural clothes of their nation. Others chose to respectfully wear Jinsei's clothes, though theirs were clearly luxurious and intricate, something Amara would never be able to afford even as a Seiran herself. "finish your duties, as assigned, Meissa is surely already excecuting hers and Eira..."

Amara's eyes wandered to where the sha-bugyou sat with his highest ranking representatives, high in the second floor, all were familiar faces. There Eira seemed to have flattered the one of the most prized members of the commission, the Odurusagi musume. Another face etched long ago in her mind. "and Eira seems to already be leeching information from the maiden of cranes... don't worry I'll help you find this lady bao'er... should be around here somewhere..." she looked to the main hall where zhongyuan tables and chairs where imported to, there was even a story teller. Were they expecting that many guests from the foreign lands?

Amara and Sayami walked through the back courtyard that seemed to open to one edge of cliff. She avoided those who were drunk off rice one while she kindly smiled at the servants. She often feared of being rude to those who served and prepared her food since they could easily poison her. like the council. "...my lady, I have to tell you..."

"hm?"

Sayami whispered in her ear. "Haru is not who he says he is... I heard you call him Mizurai once, don't ask where I did but... I've read from my father's noble reports, Mizurai Harune has been dead for years." Amara furrowed her brows. Does Sayami think she doesn't read those too?

"no, it's not that, he's been missing for years, because he's been with us at the guild remember?" Amara laughed it off.

"...My lady, they found his body way before he entered your division" Sayami murmured. "he's dead"

"so... Haru is-"

"not who he says he is" Sayami said in a low voice, parting from Amara to stop her from prying any further and walking in front of her. Amara frowned, her gaze trailing away as she thought to herself. She hasn't seen Haru in a while, was he even real? What if he was an illusion. A trick for a joke? Some sick joke.