Chapter 31: The Challenge ((In progress))

The challenge (In progress))

<New clan needed, seriously, not the right style>

The Taeshimo delegation rose up early that morning, heading to the main hall quickly and leaving the bodyguards in the hallway. Miyuki and Kaiten chatted happily, kneeling near a folding screen near the doorway, the Emperor's servants still laying out breakfast for his guests, regarding them curiously.

Soon the Rensho and Tagarii delegations arrived, leaving their bodyguards within the hallway as well. <expand this> It was then that Fuyukaze bowed low to one of the men in the hallway “Greetings Tagarii-san” he smiled at the man in his twenties, his kimono a bright orange to match the fiery yellows and reds of his masters. “We will be spending many days kneeling together in these halls. Perhaps it would be pleasant to get to know one another a bit better.”

The Tagarii bodyguard seemed a bit shocked at first, but bowed slightly, “I am Dewari Retsu, son of Dewari Renishi” he said curtly, while eyeing the young man, trying to gauge his intentions.

Fuyukaze smiled softly, returning the bow “it is a pleasure to meet you Dewari Retsu-san. I am Taeshimo Fuyukaze, son of Taeshimo Akatetsu, who is brother of my Daimyo.” He nodded “I heard that you were attacked on the road here as well, is that true?”

Retsu glanced at his comrades, the three warriors just sat motionless obviously listening to him but not showing attention. Duty within the Imperial castle was very long and boring for a bodyguard, as anyone would have to be a fool to attack someone under the Emperor's guards' watchful eyes. “Yes, our warriors crossed swords with wicked assassins, Fuyukaze-san. Fifty armed men came upon my lady's palanquin but our swords cut them down, only a few dogs were able to escape our wraith.”

Fuyukaze bowed “So many, but three dozen attacked our party and we suffered at their hands but they died to a man. Still it is a sad day to see honorable men ambushed on the Emperor's roads. I am glad the Shogunate was able to defeat these cowards so easily.”

“It would have been better had they not troubled us in the first place, but sadly not everyone respects my master's law.” His tone measured and practiced.

Fuyukaze saw the Funada delegation rounding the corner and remembered his sister's words, the young man smiling and changing the phrasing carefully. “It is good indeed that your warriors were able to protect your bride for the Emperor.”

Retsu nodded “Yes, it would have been a tragedy if Lady Motomi<Tagarii girl> had fallen.” The Funada delegation walked carefully through the halls, Funada Chisato in front.

Fuyukaze spoke a bit louder than he should “Of course, and your work was well done. It would have been a horror if the Emperor would have to marry the painted w***e the Funada pass as their clansman.” With that the Funada delegation stopped in their tracks, Lady Chisato turning and looked horrified at Fuyukaze. Retsu just stood aghast, perfectly silent, just watching the exchange.

Funada Hoyori stepped forward “How dare you! You insolent dog!” The samurai's hand reached for his katana's hilt, his hand trembling with rage.

“I only speak the truth” Fuyukaze said with a cool repose “This girl you're showing the Emperor has a poor reputation, I have heard of her wanton ways within Katsushiro lands. It is offensive to the throne of the <Miyako.>” His words were practiced with his sister last night, again and again until they sounded natural.

Hoyori was shaking at this point. “How dare you! You filth, the lady's virtue is unquestioned! You dare to dishonor the house of Funada!”

Lady Miyuki walked in from the main room “Excuse me, what is all this commotion about?” she asked with perfectly feigned innocence.

“Your scum of a brother has dishonored the house of Funada!” he screamed shaking in wraith.

Miyuki just smiled gently “Oh dear” she bowed low “I apologize for my brother, this is his first time at court, and he seems to have made a grave mistake. Please accept my sincerest apologies Funada Chisato-sama.”

“This mistake will not be forgiven, it must be resolved with blood. Your brother should commit sepukku!” he shouted.

Miyuki stiffened “For insulting you? On his first day of court. The house of Taeshimo's honor is above question, but to ask his death for a petty insult? You must think us cowards, but if you want blood you shall have it,” she glanced down at her brother “You have my permission to duel this fool, and restore your face after such grievous errors.”

Fuyukaze stood up quickly “Yes Miyuki-sama, I shall redeem myself through blood” he said, a little less sincerely than he should, trying to sound sad but instead his words confident. He looked up to Funada Hoyori and shouted “I question the virtue of your lady, I challenge you to a duel Funada Hoyori, do you accept?”

Hoyori shouted quickly “I do! You'll die for this you impudent whelp!” He turned and stormed out of the castle, Fuyukaze followed quickly behind him. Miyuki just smiled and followed the duelists, and the other courtiers began to follow as well, eager to watch the outcome of the clash of steel.