“The view is spectacur.” Hinata gushed, looking out over the city of Cape Town far below us, her small hand in mihe temperature leasant, warm ohis time of year in South Africa, so she was wearing a rather cute summery dress, though with little exposure, with a fluttering hem down to her ankles, and long sleeves, though those were d airy. Her cute young dy image was topped off by a wide-brimmed hat, shielding her from the bright sun.

  “It is indeed.” I grinned, and Hinata blushed as I was looking at her, not down the mountain.

  “You’re such a flirt. I don’t hate it though.” Hinata gently pounded my shoulder with her free fist. “This is ’d be perfect, except for…” She turo look at Mayumi-san, who was apanied by Katana-san as always. Mayumi was more fshily dressed than Hinata, despite our hike, her dress exposing more, though she barely noticed the eyes of others on her, ag like a queen.

  “…unneeded guests.” Hinata finished, and Mayumi-san snorted cheekily.

  “How could you be so mean to me, Hinata? Aren’t we best friends? I’d have thought you’d enjoy seeing the sights with me.”

  “We are friends, yes.” Hinata agreed. “But this is clearly time for Akio ao spend together romantically. Don’t you think you’re being a hindrao that?”

  “I don’t think so, no.” Mayumi-san shook her head. “After all, she’s e along, hasn’t she?” Mayumi-saured to the silent Adelheid, who was dressed in casual jumper and jeans, watg the sery below idly.

  “It seems a little cruel to leave Adelheid behind, since she doesn’t speak Japanese, and her English is basic.” I expined, a point Mayumi-san had to cede. I noticed she also didn’t t the silent Kazumi-san, who was apanying Hinata as always.

  “Besides… at least Adelheid knows when to keep quiet. You’ve been chattering away to Akio and me stantly. I get that you’re excited, Mayumi, but sometimes I wonder…”

  “Wonder what?” Mayumi-san tilted her head, not taking offe Hinata’s words.

  “I wonder if you’re so starved for male pany who isn’t your father, grandfather or brother, that you’re eager to monopolise Akio. I think you o find another hobby, Mayumi.” Hinata’s words were teasing, but I could see she was a little annoyed, judging by the way she gripped my hand.

  “That’s a funny joke, Hinata.” Mayumi-san chuckled. “We’re all friends here, aren’t we? Besides, this is fun! Akio-kun is someone I talk to without any shadow cast on my reputation, and I know he won’t suddenly attack me. After all, he’s your fiancé, Hinata.”

  “Yes, he’s my fiancé. And this is my debut event for my e. Father and grandfather really should be here, but there’s just too much for them to do ba Japan right now, and besides, this trip isn’t just about me, I know that.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll do my best not to overshadow you.” Mayumi-san promised, missing the point. “Though it is hard, I am the beautiful, intelligent Iayumi! Where I go, all eyes follow and tongues wag. That’s why it’s so rexing here. You speak your mind to me freely, as does Akio-kun. Besides…” Her smile was teasing now, trying to turables on Hinata. “…grandfather is taking responsibility for being your chapero this debut. It’s quite the honour. I know you worry about matg Motoko-san’s and Natsumi’s, but… everyo Hanafubuki will celebrate, I am quite sure.”

  Yeah, the girls take it seriously. Their families too. Natsumi was telling me her treatment by the true noble daughters at school had ged after the pictures of her debut were shared. They were stu a bit of a limbo before, as she was marrying me along with Motoko and Hinata, which gave her a certain status, but she was also from a low family of the Three-Hundred, which was at odds with that. Now though, they treat her as if she’s from a family like Motoko’s.

  “I’m grateful to Kira-sama.” Hinata agreed. “But still, I don’t get to spend as much time with Akio as I’d like…”

  “You’re spending time with him now!” Mayumi-san missed the point, her y about retioween men and women showing through.

  “Does she ever shut up? She’s chewing off our ears like she’s starving.” Adelheid said in German grumpily. I held in a ugh, before replying.

  “Yeah, she’s always quite talkative. Don’t mind her. How are you finding your first trip abroad?”

  “It’s a nice view.” Adelheid ceded, a woman of few words. “Don’t mind me, unlike her…” She s Mayumi-san. “…I’m not the fifth wheel on this wagon. Just enjoy yourselves.”

  “What did she say? I speak French, but not German…” Mayumi-san asked, curious.

  “Nothing important.” I waved my free hand to dismiss that. “Anyway, the view really is amazing.” I agreed with Hinata’s earlier ses. “It’s different to Mount Fuji, but no less spectacur.”

  “That makes me wonder…” Hinata said, thinking. “…do you think that others have Territories here?”

  The thought had crossed my mind. “The ether density is a bit lower than Kyoto’s, but higher than Tokyo’s. In fact, South Africa seems to have a higher ether density than most of Japan in general. As for Territories… since I don’t think one own the mountain, it’s hard to say, but… I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m keen on seg Mount Fuji, and we’ll do so as soon as we reach Rank four and reach it.”

  “Don’t you worry that someone will already have cimed it?” Mayumi-san asked, curious.

  “From what I uand, that’s unlikely. It’s bound to be full of Yōkai and other powerful beings. But… nobody’s registered it with the Ministry, so in theory it’s fair game.” I wasn’t keen on seizing nd by force, and if it was cimed by someone unwilling to fall in line I wouldn’t use queror to destroy their Anchor, but I would sider removing their Territory and taking it for my own.

  “Yes, nobody should be holding such valuable sites other than us.” Hinata agreed. “Anyway, Territory or not, it sure is beautiful up here.” The rich vegetation and numerous species of fl pnts around us were unlike any sery we had bae.

  “Yes, beautiful indeed.” Once more I echoed her, yet looked into Hinata’s eyes, until she flushed and looked down shyly. Behind us, Kazumi-san coughed softly, well used to and exasperated by our romantitics.

  “You flirt!” Hinata giggled, and Katana-san also looked away, though she remained alert, even up here.

  “There’s o keep showing us how in love you are.” Mayumi-san smirked. “I already know Hinata adores you. Anyway, how about breakfast?”

  “Sure.” We had nded in the early hours local time and been ferried to our hotel for a quick couple of hours of sleep, which was enough to refresh us. Instead of eating at the hotel, I had packed us a hamper of food, which was slung over my shoulder. A piic out here is rather romantic. Ichijou-san had some busio attend to, and he was apanied by his Chosen guards, while Titan and Christina stayed back at the hotel, and Treyvon and Aliyah were watg them. And anyway, Aliyah did say watg me flirt with Hinata would just make her sick...

  Unpag an array of fresh sandwiches, snacks, biscuits and more, I id down a b for the girls to sit on. I also pulled out several bottles of wine, as while it was early for alcohol, and we’d likely be drinking ter, I wao set the se with Hinata, and I could use Ether Healing to sober everyone up before we left.

  Seeing Katana-san still o, I asked her to rex and sit down. “Don’t worry, if any dahreatens, I take care of it.” I promised. She didn’t look vinced, but Mayumi-san waved a hand, agreeing with me.

  “Oh do take a seat, Katana. If Akio-kun ’t protect us, sadly I don’t think you’ll be much help. Besides, we’re all friends here, aren’t we? Take your lead from Kazumi, she’s not ed.” Indeed, Hinata’s friend and bodyguard had already rexed, well aware I was alrepared for any danger.

  Katana g Adelheid, who was flopped down and was mung on some snacks like she was starving, and Mayumi-san shrugged. “Don’t mind her. Akio-kun has her in hand. Now, someone uncork the wihis isn’t a bad vintage…”

  “Of course not. Do you think Akio would piething poor? This was from the hotel’s private colle.” Hinata said proudly, as I uncorked it elegantly with a corkscrew. I could pull it out by hand, but that seems a little crude. Ordinarily, hiking up Table Mountain should have taken two hours, and doing it with a hamper full of gssware and cutlery would have been sidered foolish, but I could have sprinted up it easily enough, and even the girls were more than capable of doing it in an hour after Chirurgery. That’s not ting Adelheid, of course. Like me, she could run up it quite easily.

  P the fragrant red wio gsses, when everyone had their own and a pte of food, I decred a toast. “To a productive trip…”

  “And to a wonderful date!” Hinata added to much ughter.

  “Sure, to a productive date too!” I echoed, and Hinata flushed.

  “And what would you sider productive?” Mayumi-san was genuinely curious.

  “It’s too soon for you to know that.” Hinata was flushed pink but smiling happily. “When you finally get engaged, if anyone will have you, then you ask!”

  “It’s not my fault that there’s hardly any suitable matches for me. It’s not like I marry your new brother Minoru-kun, I? He’s too young for me. And marrying into one of the upper Fifty-Eight presents its own issues.” Mayumi-san was slightly offended, but she recovered quickly, her mood mercurial. Taking a sip of the wine, she smiled broadly. “Yes, this is good. Anyway… I think I uand. I am a model student, after all!”

  “Sure you do.” Hinata agreed wryly, before sipping on her own wine. Adelheid was drinking too, but it seemed she preferred beer. Fortunately I had packed a few s, though she had skipped them because they’d got warm during the climb. An easy fix…

  Taking a , I used water element and a little aether and soon it was ice cold. I tossed it to Adelheid, who caught it, surprised, but then she cracked it open, taking a swig. “A rick there. I’ll have to remember that one.”

  “It’s easier with water element, but… huh, that gives me an idea.” I released a fine, cooling mist of it, shrouding us all. The South Afri heat was quick to evaporate it, leaving us dry, but the drop in temperature was wele. “Anyway, you do it with just aether, but it’s more taxing that way.”

  “I see. I’ve a lot to learn.” Adelheid agreed.

  We spent the wenty minutes chattiing and drinking, admiring the view. A number of other tourists spared us a few gnces as they passed, and Mayumi-san sat prouder at the admiring looks she was receiving, while Hinata didn’t care, only ied in my approval. As I packed up when we were finished, Mayumi-san couldn’t help but boast.

  “So how does it feel, all the jealous gnces? After all, you’re with a number of fine young women, the only man amongst us.”

  “I’m used to it.” I shrugged, slinging the hamper over one shoulder again, and taking Hinata’s hand anew. “If I couldn’t ha, I’d be a nervous wreck by now.”

  “Oh, you’re no fun.” Mayumi-san pouted, hoping for a bigger rea. With that said, she cheered up. “So, what’s the pn for afterwards?”

  “It’s not really your .” Hinata smiled cheekily, knowing that Mayumi-san hated bei out of what others were doing. “After all, there’s no way that you e with us. It’s far too dangerous.”

  “But yoing.” Mayumi-san pointed out, and holy, I’d given it a lot of thought. Eri’s disastrous injuries in Kyoto were still fresh on my mind, but things were different now. I would be there to protect her, and not just me. Adelheid would be with us as well, and I aimed to borrow Titan too.

  “Yes, we’ve agonised over that.” Hinata agreed as we began our stroll down the mountain, taking in more of the breathtaking views. “But it would be beneficial for me to go out in the field, and there isn’t a better ce. Anyway, after the ga, we’ll have time for some private meetings if we hem, then ht we’ll take a couple of helicopters over to Botswana. We sleep on the way.”

  “Inside a helicood luck with that.” Mayumi-san grinned, but I shrugged.

  “I don’t , and I help Hinata sleep. It’s fine. But yes, I’m anticipating a retively risk-free expedition. Though I’m prepared for the worst. But while Hinata does see herself as more ied in our empire building and financial sides, she’s right… field experience is vital, as then she better uand our needs.”

  “I think that makes sense. What do you think, Katana?” Mayumi-san asked.

  Her mase-dressed bodyguard shrugged, the barest movement of her shoulders. “I don’t think you should follow suit, Mayumi-sama, but… from a bodyguarding perspective, one day of hands-on training and field experience is worth weeks of theory.” Beside her, Kazumi nodded, agreeing.

  Gng at Hinata, she squeezed my hand again. Her smile was bold, and I knew she was brave, but I still had some misgivings. But I don’t want to leave her behind. I get a feeling I shouldn’t. Besides, with my Fht bring, at least if she’s within my reach, I protect her…

  ***

  “Now you look simply stunning.” I could hardly take my eyes off Hinata, who smiled triumphantly as I left the shower, my hair still damp. She was looking muature than usual, her hair pulled up and fixed into buns, pinned with ornate hair sticks, and her purple dress was rather daring, showing off her cleavage and her legs through a slit down the side.

  As my waist was still ed in a towel, seeing my natural rea, she giggled, blushing. “It seems you’re a fan. Don’t worry though, o be jealous. They look, but I’m only for you.”

  “I know that. I’m not that jealous.” I insisted, and she raised an eyebrow, amused. “I’m not.” I insisted again. “I’m happy that you’re all seous and adorable. Of course, that only goes so far…”

  “I know.” Hinata smirked. “And none of us have any iion of upsetting you. Why would we want to? After all, we’ve already secured the best man alive, as Shaeu would say. No, she’d say ‘best male’, but that doesn’t matter. It makes us feel wanted when you’re jealous though.”

  “If we had more time, and you weren’t already all dressed up, I’d show you how wanted you are with my as….” I teased, though she was certaiing me. “You really like purple, don’t you? Usually at these sorts of events that’s the colour you wear.”

  “You remember.” She giggled, twirling to give me a better view, skirt fluttering. Even in heels she was graceful, perhaps due to her boosted stats. “Purple’s just my colour, it suits me.”

  “It does, I agree.” I quickly started dressing, and Hinata blushed but didn’t look away, her eyes dev me. Seeing that, I flushed a little as well. “If things go well, I’ll make some time for you before I send you off.”

  “That’s a promise then.” Hinata agreed, and she then came over and helped me dress, quite the surreal experience. As she buttoned up my shirt and bed my hair, I really felt like she was my wife. I suppose she has had lessons in how a noble wife behaves since she was a young girl…

  Seeing my enthusiasm, Hinata straightened my tie, after having k perfectly. She stepped back, giving me an appraising look up and down, before nodding, well satisfied. “Yes, you look perfect. Dashing, handsome, and a fit mate. Tonight has to be perfect, after all.” She held out her arm and I took it. We would be leaving our hotel and be chauffeured to the venue of the ga, which was the mansion of the president of Kumba-Stillwater, Miss Lindiwe’s father. Apparently it had magical views of the o, especially in the evening.

  Leaving our room, we quickly ran into the others. Mayumi-san was in a daring bd white gown with a deep V-shaped nee, while Katana-san was in an expensive gentleman’s suit. Kazumi-san was there as well, in a tasteful white dress that looked fashionable, but I could see that the skirt was actually more of a skort, with internal leggings for ease of movement should trouble break out. Lastly, Adelheid was in one er, her face flushed and her expression sour. She was wearing the pretty blue dress that we had bought in Berlin, and it was certainly a good design, as it made her look closer to her actual age.

  “What?” she pined, seeing my gaze. “Do you think it doesn’t suit me? Maybe I should be in a light summer dress, all floaty and childish. Would you like that, mister?” Her singsong, elongated speech made her sound like a kid, and I shook my head, though I thought I uood.

  She’s definitely got a plex about her appearand age. It’s probably some sort of defence meism.

  “Actually, it suits you just fine. Besides, it’s an importa, we have to dress up.” I reassured her. Speaking of that, Christina Bakker and Titan were staying at the hotel. I had sidered taking them, but sidering the activities of the Ameris at this point, which had almost certainly strayed into the Afri ti, if their attempts to take down this Midas were any indication, I didn’t want to be associated with that. Treyvon and Aliyah were staying behind too, much to their relief, as apparently they preferred drinking in dingy bars and clubs, acc to Aliyah. Treyvon was more worried she’d get drunk and cause a se. But holy, while Aliyah is terribly annoying, especially when drunk, when she’s on a job she’s actually quite professional, at least from what I’ve seen.

  Adelheid frowned but said no more. Moments ter, Ichijou-san joined us, his two bodyguards following him, dressed in sharp, professional suits. Ichijou-san was also in a suit, though the quality difference was easy to see. Is it wrong to be a little proud I tell good suits from bad, and great suits from good, nowadays? I really do move in different circles.

  “You look excellent together, Akio-kun, Hinata-.” He approved, looking us up and down. “Don’t worry and leave everything to me, your debut will be a grand success!”

  “And what about me, grandfather?” Mayumi-san interjected, and he ughed.

  “Your debut? We o find you a fiancé first, Mayumi!”

  “You know I didn’t mean that!” Mayumi-san flounced, a little annoyed. “I mean, don’t I look geous?”

  “Always, my dear granddaughter, always. But it’s Hinata-’s big occasion, so be supportive. You’re friends, aren’t you?”

  “That’s right, we are.” Mayumi-san agreed, and Hinata’s hand tightened in mine again, and I could feel her happiness at the geure of it. Sure, she’s remarkably arrogant, and it’s certainly unearned, but… in her own way she’s made a genuine e with Hinata now. “Despite that…” she tinued. “…it’s also an importaw event. Our new pany has to make es, doesn’t it? Who knows…” her smile was wicked. “…we might even find some new ts for you to exploit, Akio-kun.”

  “Exploit?” Hinata rolled her eyes at that. “Akio’s simply being rewarded for his help. It’s you who exploits them, Mayumi!”

  “All right, that’s enough tussling.” Ichijou-san ughed. “We o go. It simply wouldn’t do to be te.”

  Soon we had taken the short limousine ride to the estate of Miss Lindiwe and her father, and we joihe parade of expensive vehicles being checked by security as we passed the imposing, bck-painted metal gates that secured the mansion pound. It was rger ihan my estate in Tokyo, which made sense, as nd in the heart of Tokyo was scarce, but I wasn’t jealous. After all, we have o views too…

  “Quite the turnout.” Ichijou-san observed. “I would expeo less. Kumba-Stillwater is one of the more impressive mining panies worldwide, and the chairman has es even in gover, in South Afrid the surrounding tries.” Gng through the tinted windows, which were no bar to my vision, I could see a great number of security guards, many of them armed with automatic ons.

  “Seems like security is tight…” I observed, and after I expined what I could see, Ichijou-san shrugged.

  “It seems we’ll be having auspicious guests indeed. If it was just the heads of the business world of Africa, then such heavy security wouldn’t be needed.” He paused, befrinning slyly at Hinata. “Best be ready, Hinata-. It looks like your moment to shine has arrived!”

  “I’m always ready!” Hinata decred proudly, ging to my arm, careful not to disarray her dress. As our driver wound down his windoresented our invitations to the security, we couldn’t uand what they were saying, as they were using one of the native tongues. Still, there seemed to be no issues, as soon we were parked up, and I escorted Hinata out of the car, Kazumi-san standing beside her, a few steps behind.

  “Not going to help me out?” Mayumi-san asked, and Hinata sniggered.

  “Sorry, find your own fiancé for that.” She echoed Ichijou-san, who chuckled as well. Mayumi-san reddened a little, before tossing her head.

  “I will, you’ll see. You are being quite stingy, Hinata. But I suppose I’ll five you…” With that, I took up the lead, Ichijou-san beside me. Strolling to the mairance, we were weled into the spacious hall, which was lit by bright deliers. Dozens of guests were here already, and as we walked into the hall all eyes were on us. The majority nguage spoken seemed to be English, so I heard “Hero of Britaiioned a number of times, and Korea too, though there were plenty of words I didn’t uand. Zulu, maybe? Or Xhosa, is it? Might be Afrikaans too, I suppose. Even if I learn a nguage a week, it’ll still take me years to catch up with the whole world…

  “Greetings.” A smartly dressed butler came over. It seemed the ga was ing more to the British style, though there were certainly different cultural twists to it, as the decoratioainly weren’t Western in style, nor was most of the food, by the looks of it. “It is a pleasure to see you, Hero of Britain, and saviour of ood Miss Lindiwe. In fact, if you would e this way…”

  We were led to the back of the room, where I reised Miss Lindiwe. She was talking to several uests, but on seeing us, she excused herself, before ing over and greeting us.

  “It is a great pleasure to see you again.” She said in slightly ated English, reag out a hand for us to shake. We did so in turns, the grip a little different to what I was used to. In addition, she seldom met our eyes, which seemed to be a cultural thing. Then again, nobody likes too much direct eye ta Japan, but we’re a bit different, as mom still has the habit of meeting eyes while talking. Oh well, different cultures. Nobody’s right .

  “I see you again. Sanibonani!” she said after the handshakes were finished, and Ichijou-san, ever the well-travelled businessman, grinned.

  “Yebo, sawubona!”

  Miss Lindiwe looked pleased, so we quickly echoed Ichijou-san, which seemed to be the correct response.

  “The formalities are over.” Miss Lindiwe said cheerfully. “We meet again. You are looking very beautiful tonight.” she said to Hinata and Mayumi-san. “Especially you, Miss Hinata. I see yagement is agreeing with you.”

  “It most certainly is!” She held my arm tightly, as if to cim me. “But then, my husband-to-be is most certainly the best there is.” She paused, gng at Miss Lindiwe. “It’s good that you’re lookier. You’ve filled out a bit.”

  Before she could answer, a strong, powerful voice called out to us. “Yes, my princess has recovered. Though she could still stand to eat a little more. Women should be pleasingly plump.” The speaker was a tall, well-built Afri man, wearing a high-quality suit, with a head of curly hair. Beside him was an older man, balding but still giving off the aura of a leader.

  “Father! Don’t embarrass me in front of uests!” Miss Lindiwe pouted, which showed womehe same the world over. “Besides, this isn’t the past anymore, women don’t just sit at home!”

  “She’s a fiery one, Mand.” The older man said to Miss Lindiwe’s father. “It’s good that you didn’t have to lose her.” He then paused. “Where are my manners?” He gave us a handshake, though it was more what I was used to. “It’s been a while, Mr Kira. It’s good to see you healthy. I’m feeling my age myself at times.”

  “It’s hard not to be eic when Akio-kun here is doing all these iing things. Anyway, I’m sorry that Kenji-san couldn’t make it…” he mentioned Hinata’s grandfather. “…but we’re very busy nowadays. I expect you are too. Anyway, his granddaughter is here to represent him, and… well, you know our traditions. Oh, and gratutions again on your victory, Mr President.” Huh, he’s the President of South Afrio wohere’s so much security.

  “I do.” the President agreed. “You are looking quite lovely tonight, Miss Hinata. And this must be your fiancé, the Hero of Britain, Savior of South Korea, Mr Akio. I must say, in the flesh you seem less intimidating…”

  I raised an eyebrow at that, not sure of his meaning. Hinata then spoke up. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Yes, this is my e debut, to inform the world there is no going ba our marriage. Not that I’d ever allow that. Good to see you as well, Mr Mand.” She greeted Miss Lindiwe’s father too.

  “Yes, I hope we talk some busier.” Mayumi-san broke in. “After all, our factory will be operational soon, and we need raw materials.”

  “I look forward to extra tax revenues.” The President ughed. “Although…” He looked troubled for a moment, whione of us missed, but before we could ask he ged the subject. “…there’s someone here I don’t know. Is this young girl with you?”

  Adelheid screwed up her face, annoyed, as she uood enough English now to get what he had said. I warned her to be good with a small smile, before expining. “Actually, she’s a friend and ally of mine, and older than she looks. She’s Adelheid Richter, and she’s a Chosen I’ve recruited.”

  “Pleased to meet you.” Adelheid managed.

  “I see. In that case, there must be a fasating story to tell. But I shouldn’t monopolise you just yet.” The President apologised. “I know little Lindiwe here is eager to spend time with her saviours. And there will be a number of other politis who’ll be happy to discuss cooperation. I know that the Nigerian Fn Minister is here already, and I think we are expeg representatives from the Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Ghana and more… it’s time the whole of the Afri ti steps up.” He paused, smiling. “I believe the Prince of Lesotho is invited as well.”

  “Great. You introduce me ter.” Hinata beamed. At her excitement, the president ughed, before departing with a wave.

  “It’s not the Queen of Great Britain, but there’s still a number of dignitaries here. It’ll do.” Hinata cluded.

  “Not just those, but the heads and Presidents of some of Africa’s most promi panies.” Mr Mand boasted. “Kumba-Stillwater still holds sway, and it would be rude not to celebrate the full recovery of my Li’s just a shame…”

  “A shame?” I asked, and he frowned.

  “I mean no offeo you but turning to those outside our shores… if there was one here who could have helped her it would have beeer, but it was not to be.”

  “Father, don’t be rude, please!” Miss Lindiset by his attitude. “It doesn’t matter who helped me, or why. I was dying, and nobody could save me. Now I have a sed ce.”

  “You’re right.” He agreed. “That was indeed rude of me. I just hope our homend be strong. Anyway, do excuse me. I see some uests I must greet…” As he scurried away, she apologised to us again.

  “Sorry. He really is grateful to you, and we won’t go ba reements. It’s just… there’s a lot going on nowadays. Everyone has to pick a side…” Her expression was downcast, but Mayumi-san, as usual with little tact, asked her what she was talking about, and Miss Lindiwe froze for a moment, before fessing.

  “Our security isn’t so strict simply because the President and other world leaders are here. It’s because… they’ll probably be ing. They have no invitation, but… who would dare stop them? And father sympathises with their aims, at least…”

  “They?” Mayumi-san asked, and before Miss Lindiwe could ahe question became moot. A buzz of versatiohrough the venue, and the crowd parted. Even from here I could feel the pressure of a powerful League, though again, mine surpassed it. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s enough to make the guns the security has here worthless though.

  An imposing dark-skinned man with close-cropped red hair, which was closer to crimson than ordinary red, wearing a long, reddish-ochre skirt-like garment, strode in like he owhe pce. He was bare-chested, an array of beads of precious jewels, ivory aal around his neck, c most of his torso. But most imposing was his fidence. He walked with the air of a leader, and beside him was a stunning woman of around twenty-five years of age, voluptuous and sultry, her own clothing in blood-red, a western-style suit overyed with simir reams of beads to the man. Several other men were behind them, though there was something off about them, and I quickly realised they weren’t humans, but some sort of spiritual beings.

  “Are they…?” Hinata asked, shivering.

  “Yeah. No question.” I answered her. The President oken to earlier went to greet these new arrivals, looking unfortable and shaky at the sheer force the newer exuded, but as I released my own League in a way to protect those around me, offsetting the pressure, he noticed. His bck eyes narrowed, and he said something to the woman beside him, who nodded, grinning. The President backed aside, seeming oddly deferential, and the group stalked over to us.

  “It’ll be fi will…” Miss Lindiwe was muttering to herself. I o Adelheid, who was on high alert, while the pair of Chosen Ichijou-san had brought were also wary. Katana-san and Kazumi-san were also ready for trouble, though they were well aware they stood little ce of being useful against a powerful Chosen.

  The man strode closer, apanied by his panions, and he g the two bodyguards attending to Ichijou-san, before spitting out some harsh, ptuous words, which were greeted by ughter from his panions. Though damn, the woman in red is geous even doing that.

  “Msunu wako! Bunch of useless cowards.” He switched to English, his stare intimidating the bodyguards, but I merely stood there, posed. Adelheid was unmoved as well. She was nervous, I could see that by her mannerisms being more childish, but her blue eyes gred at the newer with unblinking ferocity. Yeah, she’s seen enough trouble to harden her resolve… “But you…” he tinued. “Rha! I know you. You’re famous. What the fuck brings you here?”

  His tone was dry, but I could see he was evaluating me.

  “Don’t be so crude. There are young dies present.” Miss Lindiwe said, and though she was clearly afraid of this man, she didn’t hesitate.

  “Ah, so there are. My apologies.” The woman in crimson said with a sweet smile, at odds with the tension. Around us, the versation had stopped, and everyone in the hall was watg. “Yes, very adorable dies as well, it seems.” Her English was fast and fwless. “Nkosi, don’t be so harsh. We’re not otlefield now.” Behind them, the apanying spiritual beings grinned balefully.

  She then apologised again. “Oh, where are my manners? You’re… Japanese, if I recall? Very keen on politeness and introdus. I am Zozibini, she who received the gift from Qamata with both hands. This here is the noble Nkosi Khetho, he who chooses, and offers choices. As for the others… best left unsaid.”

  The spiritual beings tio smile, as if that was a hirious joke. It was then that Mr Nkosi spoke up, appraising me cautiously. His League suddenly spiked, but I let my own out to ter it, and my patience was at its end.

  “ we drop the pissing test? You’re upsetting my fiancée.” I grumbled, shielding Hinata.

  Mr Nkosi barked a ugh, and the pressure dropped. “You… you are quite the strong one. I see your reputation is not just rhino shit.” He eyed Hinata and the others, shrugging. “If I scared you, I apologise. Rha! I am a man of a, not de. I leave that to Zozibini and the others.”

  “It’s… good that you could make it, brother Nkosi.” Miss Liried to smooth things over, addressing him with wary respect. “This… you already know...” She was starting to sweat but was doing her best to be a good host and smooth things over. She introduced us, and finished by saying that I was her saviour, who cured her terminal, uable cer.

  “I heard that.” Zozibini agreed mildly, looking like a secretary at the moment. Though she’s not weak, far from it. From the way she moves, I’d say she’s a cut above the usual Chosen. “Such a shame that we weren’t able to help. But it’s not our speciality, I’m afraid.” Her smile was teasing. “Anyway, to transte for dear Nkosi, he is quite pleased to meet another who follows his path.”

  “I speak for myself, woman!” he grumbled. “So what brings you here? This is not Britain, or Korea. We don’t need nor want your interference.” He rickly and challenging. “For too long, we have had to bend the ko the West. But now our time is ing. We are warriors, proud, bold and unafraid. Now when we raise our spears, no longer will guns answer us.” He grinned wildly, pointing at his bare chest. Below the mess of ornate beads, I could see a number of faint scars. “No gun harm me now. So… I offer a choice. Leave here, or…”

  “Or what?” I asked, knowing that I couldn’t back down, I o veo Botswana, to find what remained of my fellow Norse Chosen.

  “Or…” He made a gesture with one hand, f a spear-shape. “…pray to Qamata, the true God, for you shall see ce has burned within the Xhosa undimmed for all these years.”

  Before I could answer, another wave of League silehe room, and I could hear g. Mr Nkosi scowled, turning, and we could see the newer, who was also apanied by a number of men and women, most of which again resembled spiritual beings to my enhanced senses. More trouble? I reached out and patted Hinata’s back gently, and she smiled at me ruefully. Yeah, this is certainly not quite the debut she had in mind. It’s troublesome, in a very different way to Motoko’s and Natsumi’s…

  ShipTeaser