With Trembling Brush

Aldo! You came to see me!

Yeah. I just wanted to make sure you're okay.

Yeah, I'm great! Why wouldn't I be? Though I'm sad I can't be out at the festival...

It looked pretty crowded in town still.

Yep! We decided to extend the festival a little longer! I want my people to be out enjoying themselves until all their worries and everything bad just melts away!

That's a nice idea. But you've been through a lot as well. You deserve to have a little fun, too.

Suzaku would never let me! He says the other countries will take advantage if I let my guard down.

He keeps me stuck in here, but he's out right now, "observing" the town! It's so unfair!

Ah, I see. I think he might be right, actually.

Not you too, Aldo!

*sigh* There's no point complaining about it. I've got so much work to do.

I've got to do my best now. I just feel so bad about my mom, dad, and Suzaku.

Ah, I see. I guess that's only natural.

So have you been in here working this whole time?

Yep. I've got so many appeals to hear. With everyone else gone, it all falls to me. I want to do all I can to make sure everyone here lives in harmony.

But urgh! It's a far cry from conquering the world, isn't it?

Princess, is now a good time?

Who could that be?

It's probably someone come to seek counsel. I do have a few booked in today.

Come on in!

You're getting to work already? What about me? Is it okay for me to be here?

Yeah, it's not a problem! You just stand back and marvel at how perfect I am at this lord stuff!

You're sure? Okay then...

Basically, this is fatty sweetfish season, and I'd be sure to turn a profit selling it at Inanari.

I think we should make it a local specialty, like the teahouse on Vermilion Road!

How interesting!

So if you'll grant me permission to trade outside the country...

Oh, right. You want to cross the border? But it's close to Mi, and specters are known to attack... So long as you had a guard, I'd see no problem with this. But we're a little short-handed right now.

Ooh, I know! Why don't I go with you?

What?!

Oh, I couldn't possibly ask th...

No, that wouldn't work, would it? Shame.

Then I guess you'll have to wait until I find a guard for you. Sorry.

I was hoping this machine I made for war could also be useful in peacetime. But it looks somewhat intimidating. Children are understandably afraid of it, and I don't know what to do.

Oh? I think it looks pretty cool!

No, it's definitely scary...

I designed it this way on purpose, but with no enemies to scare off, it can't stay looking like this. So I was wondering if it was possible to use some kind of sorcery to change its appearance?

You want to change how it looks?

Yes. Some demons were able to perform such spells, I believe. I lack that skill, but Your Highness comes from a powerful line of sorcerers. Maybe you know how?

Nope, I'm afraid not. The lord does traditionally teach it to his descendants...

But I never took the ritual to inherit my father's sorcery. My mom was a specter, so she could use spells too, but she never taught me either.

Oh, I see...

Maybe someone else knows how to do it? I'll ask about in town.

Thank you so much, Princess!

You're really acting like a proper lord now, Tsukiha.

What, did you think I couldn't do it?

No, I don't mean it like that. It's just, you're doing so well, it's hard to believe you're new to the role.

I want the whole world in my hands, so I can't go about acting like a beginner. Plus, I've gotta be a great lord so that I don't bring shame to my mother and father!

I guess so. Well, you have my full support.

Speaking of your mother... So she was a specter after all?

You knew?

The one from my world was too, says the other Tsukiha. That's where the horns come from, right?

But I don't think I've seen any other specters in this country.

Speaking of your mother... She was a specter?

Oh, didn't I tell you? Couldn't you tell from my horns?

Now that you mention it, that makes sense. Demons have both human and specter blood, right?

But I don't think I've seen any other specters in this country.

Um, about that...

Well?

Princess! May I come in?

What's wrong?

Your Highness, might I trouble you to come to the border gate? There's a bit of a commotion breaking out...

Commotion?

What happened?

Someone turned up at the gate wanting to be let into the country. It's...a specter. No one knows what to do.

Oh! Okay, I'll be there right away!

Let's go, Aldo!

Okay!

So please...open the gate and let me inside.

This barrier is in place to protect us from outsider invasions. We can't just open the gate for you.

And I feel your power even through the gate. You're a specter. Without the princess's permission, I can't⁠...

Sorry to keep you waiting!

Princess!

So this person who wants to come in, they're on the other side of this gate?

Does that voice I hear...belong to the new lord I've heard so much about?

It does indeed! I'm that famous already, am I?

Well, it was a pretty big incident...

I beg of you, Princess. Will you allow me to come in?

I don't see the problem here? Surely we can let them in?

*gasp*

Are you sure about this, Princess?

I know you wish to bring the world together. However... We believe this person to be a specter.

I do understand your resistance...

What's wrong with specters, anyway? Surely for a demon, they're practically kin?

Long ago, all specters were expelled from the realm.

Huh?

Some specters may be friendly, but many of them attacked humans and demons without reason. Kidnapping and thievery was rife. In the end the previous lord, Tsukiha's father, came to this decision. It couldn't have been easy for him, when his own wife was specter herself.

I never realized...

My mother was the only one who remained in the country. There was no other way.

As you say, I am a specter. But I don't wish you any harm! I was living in Inanari, but the Land of Mi's ever-watchful eye became too much to bear! However, the journey home through Kunlun is too long and arduous. Plus, Shin will be watching. I heard that the Land of Ro's new lord accepted everyone. I have nowhere else to go. Please, have mercy...

Okay! Come on in!

What?!

You have an issue with that?

No, you just made your decision so quickly, I guess it took me by surprise. Don't you need to think it through first?

We can't ban an entire species from entering just because of a few bad specters!

No, I suppose you're right, Princess.

You said that nobody should have to be alone. So we shouldn't even consider leaving her out there.

Right. We all decided to be led by your ambition. So we've got to let her in.

Th-Thank you so much!

Then open the gate! But close it straight afterward. It's dangerous out there.

As you wish.

Welcome to the Land of Ro! You are now my subject!

How can I ever thank you enough? We meet at last. I take it you're the princess?

Yep. My name's Tsukiha. Though you might know that already.

Yes, I did. I've known that name for over a decade now. You're her daughter, aren't you?

Huh?

"Her"? Do you mean...

I hail from the north, from the same village as your mother.

Huh?!

Oh, come to think of it, you do look like the friendly specters of Itoise!

Y-You knew...my mother?

Yes, for a long time. I was so sad when I heard the news of her passing.

Of course...

I have so many memories of her. Would you like to hear them?

I'd love that!

Let's go to the castle! We can talk freely there.

I'd be delighted to take you up on that offer. Lead the way.

We grew up in a village of peaceful specters.

You visited it once. Do you remember?

I did? No, I don't remember that at all.

You were only little. You played around in the snow, building snowmen.

Your mom was the same. Always smiling, so cheerful and elegant.

Really? She sounds just like me!

I think you're a bit more...um... unconventional though.

No, she was pretty unconventional, too. Marrying into a human country was completely unprecedented for us.

And to live in a big castle and be a lady of the land? It was totally unheard of!

Teehee.. Yeah, it must have been a shock.

I guess you inherited your out-of- the-box thinking from your parents, then.

I heard her husband was a kind man who lived a happy life, free of prejudice toward the specters.

You know about her life after she was married?

We may have lived far apart, but we used to write to each other. She wrote at length about how close she and your father were.

She did?

Oh? I suppose you don't want to hear this about your own parents?

No, it's not that! A human and specter bound together by happy union... That is my dream! Trust Mom and Dad to fulfill it!

......

Then I'm glad we spoke. That's about all I know. I hope I was able to tell you something new.

You did, thank you!

I'm so pleased to hear it.

By the way... I hate to ask this myself, but where should I go?

Oh, right! You have no home and no relatives in this land.

Hm. We won't be able to prepare you a house immediately...

I know! You could always stay there!

You have somewhere in mind?

Yeah! The tower! The other castle, where my room is!

You mean the place where you were practically imprisoned?

There's such a place?

I still go back there to sleep. I can't settle anywhere else. It's not really used for anything else, and all the rooms are empty, so it should suit you just fine.

Huh. Actually, that's not a bad idea.

Any room you have, I'd be grateful to accept.

It's about time I headed back anyway, so I'll take you there! You can stay over too, Aldo, since you've come all this way.

Really? Sure, I think I'll take you up on that offer.

Thank you.

Don't mention it. My citizens are like my family!

Come on, let's get going!

And that's the end of the tour.

I feel so honored to be given a tour by you personally, Princess.

It was my pleasure! No one knows more about this place than me anyway!

It certainly wasn't easy to escape.

Well, it's getting late, we should head to bed. I'll show you around town tomorrow.

Thank you.

Come to think of it, the hole in the ceiling is still there. I know it's my fault, but how can you sleep with the room in this state?

Because if I fixed it, you and the others wouldn't be able to visit anymore! And I'd hate that!

Really? I do feel kinda bad about the hole. But I'm glad you think that way.

Besides, it's not a problem once you get used to it. *yawn* I'd better hit the hay. Night, you two.

Good night.

Thank you for everything.

...... Mother...

I don't remember much about the past. Were there a lot of scary times?

But... I loved you. And I knew you always cared for me.

I'll never forget the warm, tickling feeling on my horns when you used to stroke my head.

Why did you lock me away in here?

But I won't find out anything more. I wish I got to see you one last time.

......

Princess of Ro. Blood of the lord of this land. Prepare yourself!

You evaded me? You weren't asleep?

Y-You're my attendant! What are you doing?

Darn, my transformation spell⁠...

Ngh!

You're impressive, Princess. I managed to deceive all the others in the castle. But not you. You feigned sleep and evaded me!

Sorry. I guess I'm just lucky.

I couldn't sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about my mom... Besides. This isn't the first time someone's fallen through my ceiling.

But why did you...

Why?! Because I burn with hatred, that's why! What a stupid question.

But...I don't understand. We took you into our country with open arms...

And you were friends with my mother. So why...

That's why!

What?!

Tsukiha, are you okay?!

I heard a load of noise coming from your room. Are you hurt?

No, I'm okay...

Great, more trouble. I should have killed you straight away.

What?! Did you try to attack Tsukiha in her sleep? Have you been after her right from the start?

Indeed. I didn't think I'd mess it up like this, but I suppose that can't be helped now.

I'll just have to get rid of you before anyone else turns up!

That's her real form?

Wait. Why do you want to attack us? Can't we be friends?

You are delusional, child! Very well, you can cling to those dreams as you die! Blood of the vile, odious lord... I shall end you!

Darn! She seems serious, Tsukiha. We'll have to fight!

I know.

I'll fight you into submission. And then you're going to explain why you're attacking me.

We won!

Now tell me! Why are you doing this?

Guh! I...

Hm? You dropped something.

No, that's⁠...

It's a piece of paper? Something's written on it.

Oh? It's a letter! And it was sent by... My mother!

There's more.

This looks like the final passage.

That last sentence is illegible. The writing is too faint. What must she have been feeling as she held the pen in her hand?

Mother...

It's so painful to think about her stuck in this place.

I didn't have to see her to know. She was getting sicker as time went on.

And then...just a short while ago, I heard the news. The Lady of Ro had died.

This country destroyed her, and I can never forgive it for that.

Oh...

I'm sorry. I hadn't seen my mother in a while... But when I last saw her, I didn't notice any changes in her.

What's the use in apologizing now? It won't bring her back!

No. There's nothing more we can do for my mother. But that's why...

I want you to live here.

What?!

Weren't you listening to me? I came here to kill you! I despise you!

I know. That's why I need you to understand.

This country is changing.

You heard the rumors, right? The new Land of Ro accepts anyone. And it's true. I let you through the gate.

......

Ours will be a country where specters like you can live in peace.

Unfortunately, I can't undo what's already been done.

Even you can't go around changing history, can you, Aldo?

No, of course I can't.

See. We can't change the past. So let's change the future instead!

So that no one else ever has to feel how my mom felt.

Wouldn't you like that?

Well...of course I would...

Then it's settled! Allow me to say for a second time... Welcome to the Land of Mi!

You are my citizen!

...... You've very pushy, aren't you?

Just like your mother. She was always dragging shy little me wherever she wanted to go. I...don't think I can say no.

Yay! You're gonna love it here!

But how exactly do I go about living here? Your people won't be used to specters. Plus I don't have a job, and I doubt I'll find one so⁠...

Don't you worry about that! I have an idea!

You do? Already?

I only just thought of it. Meet me outside tomorrow! I've got a job for you!

I'll be there.

Morning, Aldo. Shall we go outside?

Sure. But how are you going to create a new job for her so quickly? Especially when she's the only one you asked to meet you.

Relax! We're gonna call on the others involved!

Really? Then let's go.

Princess, why have you called us here?

I heard you could solve our troubles.

Yes, I can.

You want a guard so that you can trade at Inanari.

And you want to use your mechanized weapon for peace.

Those problems you told me...

Can all be solved with her help!

So this was the job you mentioned?

Yes! Use that power you showed me yesterday!

That power? You mean...

You do move on fast. You already want me to use it, so soon after what happened?

Very well.

Wh-What the?!

My machine looks like a human!

Yay! It worked! Now it can guard you out at Inanari, but it won't cause any unnecessary alarm!

Oh, I get it. It may look like a man, but it's still a battle-ready machine underneath.

Thank you so much! Now I'll be able to sell my wares safely!

To find a use in commerce... Even my machine seems pleased about this.

How can this be?

You don't object to a specter like me using such spells?

How could we? My machines aren't accepted in other countries, either. Well, not anymore, anyway.

The Land of Ro has always been willing to incorporate new cultures. It's part of our national identity. Besides, our princess brought you in. You don't seem like a threat to us.

This isn't what I expected of the Land of Ro...

Do you understand now?

Would you like to have some tea after this?

We'll be working together, so we should be friends.

Might I join you? I should probably tell you a little about my machine.

Sure!

I'm glad to see her getting used to the country.

Yeah. I'd like to take in more specters like her from now on.

Really?

What is it?

This is how I'll conquer the world.

What do you mean?

What I want isn't land. It's people.

If war is out of the question, then this is the best way for me to get more people. I'll keep on accepting all sorts, until eventually the whole world are citizens of Ro!

You're still set on your goal then?

Yep! So I have to get my people acquainted with all other species, one by one.

Demons, humans, specters...um, I dunno what else, but all of them eventually!

That's a great idea, Tsukiha.

Today is my first step toward that goal! A day to be remembered! ......

Mother, I'm so sorry I couldn't do anything for you. It's too late to save you now...

So I'll save everyone else instead!

Let's go back to the castle, Aldo! We've gotta read up on all the different species!

Why're you dragging me into this?

Because you're my citizen, too! You didn't forget, did you?

So let's get studying! Race you to the castle!

Hey! Wait up!