by Hickory Mack
“Airi is immensely valuable to me, not just for her role in the household, but also as someone who isn’t afraid of offending me,” Lord Makkai said.
“Somebody has to fill that role,” Airi said, sitting back in her chair and grinning at him. She looked to Chiori conspiratorially. “He’d do nothing but stare off into space for days at a time if I weren’t around to kick his furry butt back into action now and again. I’ve only caught him brooding once since you showed up that first time, though. You’re good for him, I’m glad you’re here.”
“I am, too,” Chiori said quietly.
“We’ll have to spend some time getting to know each other when I get back,” she said, emptying her sake cup.
“Fen discovered where our young Master Moscow is running amok. Airi is going to retrieve him for us. They should be back by the time your magic teacher arrives, and we’ll do your formal introduction to the house then,” Lord Makkai said and Chiori’s stomach soured.
“Yeah, it’s exactly as awful as it sounds,” Airi said upon seeing her expression and Lord Makkai frowned at her. “Don’t look at me like that, you’ve got to tell the poor kid what she’s in for so she has time to mentally prepare herself. Expect the worst, hope for the best doesn’t work here. It’s more like, expect the worst, hope it isn’t too awful.”
“Remember the part where I asked you not to scare her away?” Makkai asked, frowning. Airi’s eyes consumed Chiori’s.
“Am I scaring you away?” she asked. Chiori swallowed and shook her head. “There, you see? It’s fine. Trust me on this one. A head’s up for preparedness goes a long way.”
“She does normally speak, you know. You’re too much… You, for her.
Leave the girl alone,” Lord Makkai said.
“Puh!” Airi scoffed, but the arrival of food cut off any further retort.
Nori and Sora carried a tray each, and the twin men who were only about as tall as Chiori did as well. They brought plate after plate of delicious looking food. A cup of water and another for tea were set in front of Chiori, and another bottle of sake was set between Lord Makkai and Airi. All four gave a quick bow and then retreated. Chiori waited, taking her cues from Makkai, but watching Airi as well.
Immediately in front of her was a bowl of quinoa, mixed with corn and chickpeas. Scattered around the table were plates filled with a wide assortment of vegetables and fruits. She watched Airi and Lord Makkai pick from the offerings and place their choices inside their bowls. There was also a small bowl of sticky rice, and little fried spring rolls with cooked cabbage and edamame inside.
Chiori chose a variety of vegetables to put into her bowl, along with some grilled pineapple and took two of the spring rolls. When she finished taking what she wanted, Chiori felt like there was an overwhelming amount of food in front of her. Until she noted Airi had taken almost twice as much.
“Good spread, I should eat with you every day,” Airi said around a bite of pepper. “You’ll have to watch out for Milly, Lady Chiori. She spoils him so rotten; she’ll be your only competition in this house.”
“Milly would never say such cruel things about me,” Lord Makkai said in a serious voice.
“No, she’d call you her ‘sweet, sweet boy’ and make me eat oats and plain toast for a week while preparing you a feast,” Airi mused and Lord Makkai laughed, making Chiori smile. “I don’t know what you did to so completely win that woman over, but you’d better not mess it up. Best food I’ve ever eaten. Even the oats.”
“If it’s the oats you love so much you’d better thank Ichio, that’s his responsibility,” Makkai said. They kept at the banter, the food only slowing their replies to one another. Chiori was so focused on eating without spilling anything on her kimono she was certain she missed some of what was said. It wasn't a problem until Airi spoke to her directly.
“You know who I think you’d love, Lady Chiori?” Airi looked to Lord Makkai. “You should try Yuuki. She’d be perfect for her.”
“Who’s Yuuki?” Chiori asked, flustered to realize she had no idea what had brought the recommendation about.
“Yuuki is an interesting suggestion,” Lord Makkai said, "she may be a little too scary."
“Yuuki is a very kind girl. When have you ever seen her use those powers of hers? She’s nurturing, and sweet, she’s a good choice,” Airi countered.
“Good choice for what?” Chiori asked and Airi grinned, glancing at Makkai. Chiori ducked her head, she was definitely busted.
“Airi thinks she’s a good choice to be one of your attendants,” Lord Makkai said, refilling his sake, then Chiori’s water. Her brow furrowed, she was still sure she didn’t want anyone ‘attending’ to her needs.
“You’re going to be crazy busy, from the moment you’re officially introduced to everyone,” Airi said as though she anticipated Chiori’s coming protest. “Juggling classes and learning how to control your magic and handling requests from people in the house and finding time to breathe, your attendants are going to be your best friends."
Chiori moved food around on her plate, looking to Makkai for interference, but Airi kept on.
"You won’t have to worry about which clothes are appropriate to wear at what time, or figuring out how to schedule everything in, or cleaning your room when all you want to do is practice some spell or do some homework. Trust me, they’ll be indispensable.”
Chiori scowled at her food. She hadn’t thought about it like that. She hadn’t thought ahead to what kind of responsibilities she’d be facing at all. Airi scowled too, but she aimed it at Lord Makkai.
“Seriously, you need to prepare her for these things. If you don’t, you’ll regret it,” Airi said. “She’s pliant and submissive now, but in this house, if she doesn’t find her voice, they’ll walk all over her.”
“We have a week before any of that will affect her. Plenty of time to talk about things while still allowing her to relax. Give her time to get used to everything, this is only her second day,” Makkai said. He took Chiori’s hand, brushing her fingertips. “Besides, you’re mistaken in thinking her pliant and submissive. If she doesn’t want to do something, she doesn’t. Ask Fen.”
“Nobody’s asking Fen anything today. He’s walking around with a thundercloud of death over his head. Scariest boar I’ve ever met,” Airi said, a small, knowing smile playing her lips.
“I am not afraid of Fen,” Chiori repeated obstinately and Airi lit up in silent laughter.
“You should be, little girl, you really should be. Even I am, and I’m stronger than he is,” she said, leaning forward, looking into Chiori’s eyes. “And isn’t it interesting that you’re not faking it. She isn’t lying, he doesn’t frighten her.”
“She wouldn’t be very compatible with me if she were afraid of a little boar demon, now would she?” Lord Makkai said, sitting back in a self-satisfied way, setting his napkin on the table. Chiori saw Airi’s eyes dart to Lord Makkai, her mouth formed a surprised O.
“Compatible with you? Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” she asked, her whole face animated with excitement. “This girl is your-”
“I’d appreciate it if those words were not spoken out loud just yet. It will be announced when she is introduced, then everyone will know at once and she can live the next few days in relative peace. Let them think what they want for now, they’ll be set straight soon enough,” Lord Makkai said.
“I hope you know what you’re doing in this game, Makkai. This is going to change everything,” Airi said.
“I have no idea what I’m doing, let’s be honest here. Yes, everything will change.” He stood and offered Chiori his hand, signaling the end of dinner. She set her napkin down and took it, rising to stand beside him. “A much needed, long overdue change. There is life in my house once more. Welcome it with me.”
“You have my support, as you always do.”
“I’d expect no less. Will you be leaving tomorrow morning, to bring back Moscow?” he asked.
�
�No, this has been enlightening, and I see your need to have her instruction begin as soon as possible. I’ll leave tonight, I can get a good start and hopefully be back before the witch arrives,” Airi said, standing and offering a bow.
“Safe travels, Airi,” Lord Makkai bowed back and Chiori hurried to do the same. Airi turned and left them alone on the pagoda, and Nori and Sora appeared, clearing plates and cups away with a swiftness that shouldn’t have been possible. Chiori watched them work, uncomfortable with being unable to assist. She glanced up to see Lord Makkai was watching her, lost in thought.
“She seemed nice,” she said, drawing him out. Makkai blinked, then rolled his eyes.
“No she didn’t,” he said and they both laughed. “I’m sorry, she came to me at the last minute, after I had already sent for you, there wasn’t time to prepare you for the whirlwind of snark and bluntness that is Airi. She means well, though, she’s only ever had my best interest at heart.”
Chiori steeled her nerves. “Were you guys ever…” she stalled. Her Fox looked at her curiously. “A couple?”
Makkai’s ears flicked forward and he bent down to be on eye level with her, stroking her cheek.
“No, we have never been,” he answered. “Airi helped me through some difficult times, she’s my friend, my best friend. Nothing more.”
“What about, Asuka?” she asked, twining her fingers together nervously. Lord Makkai blinked and his ears flattened against his head.
“No, Chiori, I have never had any interest in Asuka outside of her healing skills. I have seen her more since you've arrived than I have in the years she has been in residence here,” he said. Chiori visibly relaxed, but he looked angry. “I’d heard she’s a gossip-monger but I thought she would be smart enough to leave you out of it. This will be taken care of.”
“I don’t want to get anyone in trouble,” Chiori protested.
“Asuka is under my protection, she won’t be harmed. Nor will she be filling your head with further nonsense. You need never feel unease, I am yours and only yours, Little One,” he said firmly.
One of the male twins came forward and offered up a soft bag and a pink umbrella. Lord Makkai accepted it and held out his hand.
“Shall we?” he asked. She put her hand in his, allowing him to pull her in close. Feeling the barrier close in around her she squinted her eyes shut right as they made the leap. When she was able to open them again and stand without feeling queasy, she found herself in another new place.
A wide lake spread out before her with purple lily flowers floating among the wide green pads near the shore. There was a short dock with a small rowboat a few feet away. Her lethargy from the big meal and the talk with Airi was immediately forgotten and she looked from the boat to Makkai with an excited smile.
“Are we?!” she asked, bouncing on her toes, nearly toppling forward in her stilted sandals. The ground was soft and she teetered on the edge of endangering her ankles, grasping his arm to keep her balance.
“We most certainly are,” he answered. He helped her into the front of the boat and handed her the bag and umbrella. Pushing away from the dock the little boat shifted from side to side before settling into place and Chiori gave a little gasp, but Makkai maneuvered it deftly. He set the oars into place and dipped them into the water in a smooth stroke, enjoying the delight on her face. Her eyes couldn’t stay still, she was trying to take in everything at once.
“The parasol is to prevent the sun from burning you,” he advised. Chiori set the bag on the seat next to her and opened the umbrella, slowly spinning it and admiring the hand painted butterfly design.
“I’d thought the bath was my new favorite thing, but this might be even better,” Chiori said, trailing her fingertips in the water, watching the ripples.
“I want to create fond memories with you, before handing you off to be tortured by education and the politics of being the Lady of the house,” he said teasingly. “I do hope that Airi didn’t cause you any undue stress. She isn’t wrong, it may be overwhelming at first, but I have every confidence that you will rise to meet the challenge.”
“What makes you so sure?” Chiori asked, watching the push and pull of the oars. “It sounds like so much responsibility and expectation. What makes you think I can handle it? You hardly even know me.”
“That’s true, we’ve only spent a short time together, but during that time I’ve learned a great deal. You are persistent in getting what you want and you aren’t afraid to stick up for yourself, as you have demonstrated with both Fen and Airi. Your work ethic and stamina is ridiculous. You have a lot of magical potential, you will be my match, I think. There’s the bond, of course, but it’s more than that,” Lord Makkai listed it all without hesitation.
“Your ability to function with any semblance of normality after immense trauma baffles me. Trauma you will be properly protected from in the future. You’ve put up with everything that’s happened so far, and you’re still here, accepting me, though I know I’ve shown myself unworthy.” She started to protest but he put his hand up to stop her.
“It was wrong of me, to bring you there. I was arrogant and allowed my pride to be wounded by your concern. I am Lord Makkai, and this slip of a child thought a handful of hunters could chase me out of my own home.” His eyes were fixed on a point over her shoulder as he spoke, that frown etched across his lips.
“There are few people I care about. I can’t become too attached, any one of them could choose to leave at any time. They are capable people, they don’t need me to look after them, or think about their welfare, or worry about their feelings. I provide them with safety, and family and a place to call home, and that’s all that’s expected of me.”
“Now there’s you. This breakable little person that must be protected at all costs. Someone that for the first time in my life, I can keep for myself. A person that will be here for me not because a contract says you have to, but because you choose to. I know an apology will never be enough, and the damage done is unforgivable. Please allow me to try repairing what I can,” he said, looking down at her knees before lifting his eyes to her face.
Chiori chewed her lower lip, taken aback by everything he’d had to say. She hadn’t expected an apology, she’d already given thought to working on forgiving him without him asking. Yet here they were, a drawn-out attempt at apologizing, with the promise of changing the behavior that had brought them here in the first place.
“I don’t know how to do this, either,” she admitted quietly, slowly rolling the parasol between her palms. “I don’t know how to accept someone caring for me, or how to care for somebody else. It probably won’t be easy, but maybe this bond you say we have will help us learn?”
“It already is. It’s a driving force, I want to please you, I want to see you smile and be the reason you do. I want to do better, for you. I want to do whatever it takes to see you thrive,” Makkai said and Chiori blushed, toying with the sleeve of her kimono. He noted the heavy air between them and filled the silence, saving her from the awkwardness of trying to answer. “That kimono looks lovely on you. The color brings out the blue in your eyes.”
“Thank you. It’s very pretty. It’s kind of hard to walk in though, and I was terrified I would spill my food on it,” she confided.
“It can be cleaned and learning to wear it comfortably is just another one of those things that will come in due time,” he said.
“Will I have to wear one often?” she asked.
“Check the bag,” came his answer. Carefully setting the umbrella aside she did. There were clean pajamas and clothes for tomorrow in it. “You’ll have to for important things, like your introduction, but after that it will be a long time until you need to again, except for practicing. It goes with your position in the house.”
“I have to wear one again next week,” she said with a slight pout.
“Just for an hour, maybe two. Then you can take it off and wear whatever you want. By the time you go back to the house
, you’ll have a whole wardrobe. I’ve put a couple of surprises together for you, after meeting everyone.”
“So you aren’t abandoning me straight after this introduction?” she asked.
“I won’t be abandoning you at all. I will stay until you are safely in the hands of your staff,” he answered. “I may need to appoint a few extra. One to make sure you don’t get lost, one to teach you how to get dressed, another to teach you how to walk…”
Chiori skimmed her hand across the water and splashed him, laughing at the shocked expression on his face.
“Well deserved,” she said, putting her hands up and squealing when he splashed her back.
“You know not what you have started little girl.” He grinned mischievously and stood, rocking the boat so it swayed from side to side.
“No, don’t!” she laughed, gripping the sides. “You’ll ruin my clothes.
Besides, I can’t swim!”
His ears went flat against his head and he growled, sitting back on his bench.
“Is that true?” Makkai asked, his eyes narrowed.
“Yes,” she said, the smile frozen in place.
“Why on Earth were you so eager to get into a boat if you cannot swim?” he demanded, all traces of his humor and the lighter mood gone. Chiori took the initiative, sliding her hand into his instead of waiting to see if he would reach for her.
“I’ve never even seen a boat in person before. The chance to ride in one was exciting, it’s beautiful out here, I’ve never seen anything like this. And, I’m with you. You keep telling me I’m safe with you, and I want to trust that as truth. I know you wouldn’t let me drown,” she said, but his frown deepened.
“That’s putting too much trust in me,” he said. "In anybody."
"If I can't trust you, there's no one else," Chiori said, chewing her lower lip. She made the snap decision to share some of her nightmares with him.