Chapter 33: The aftermath

Aftermath

The Funada clan quietly left court later that day, traveling through the snow rather than face the shame of what had been said about her and proven by the duel. There was talk about whether she would kill herself, or if war would brew between the Taeshimo and Funada clan. All of this faded to quiet as the courtiers left their morning gathering and retired to their quarters for the afternoon.

Fuyukaze just sat next to the fire, a bandage had been placed over his forehead, which bore a knot from the blow. Miyuki sat listening quietly as each of her attendants read different letters she had received upon returning home, with more arriving as day continued. She picked over them, giving orders “the Tagarii can remain upset, but their warrior was not harmed by our actions. They can posture if they like, but they will gain nothing from it. Please write a simple apology for our 'misunderstanding' upon a small piece of paper and return it in the late afternoon. The Kohuri are the Tagarii's lapdogs, its curious they are approaching us, but not shocking with the Funada and Senishi gone. I am sure they would want the backing of two great clans. They will not get it however, the war on Yasama serves us well.”

“Sister?” Fuyukaze said firmly turning to look at his sister. Kaiten shooting a glance towards the youth as he interrupted their correspondence game.

Miyuki just paused and smiled folding her hands in her lap “Yes little brother?”

Fuyukaze met Kaiten's glance and his gaze fell to the floor “Forgive me, but why did we just do that? I mean the Funada girl was a fool for saying that. But was one comment enough for her duelist to die? Hiroyama says she will likely kill herself too.”

Kaiten just closed his eyes and took a drink of tea, his demeanor expressionless as a moment of silence fell through the room. Miyuki considered her words carefully “Yes, she will likely kill herself. Though such things cannot be helped, it is her clan's fault for sending her to court this year.”

Fuyukaze turned looking to his sister in shock, he tried to speak but the words would not leave his throat. Miyuki simply nodded her head and continued “This is bloody business brother, everyone here could very well die if we misspeak. Courtiers act nice, we dance and smile and speak pleasantly but in truth we are here to be good guests of the Emperor and to gain our clan's goals. We will try to dishonor our rivals, and we may kill them if given a chance. You're a duelist, you are an instrument in that killing.”

Fuyukaze blinked “But I thought duelists were figures of honor, we are used to preserve our clan's honor.” He straightened, echoing the words of his sensei.

“Yes, if you fail in your duty and lose then our clan's actions will come into question. It is why I could not insult Chisato personally, the outcome would have been the same but if you had failed I would have been forced to kill myself.” She smiled to her brother “I asked you to take a risk for me, I am sorry, but it will happen again I suspect.”

Fuyukaze blinked and he felt a chill realizing his sister had gambled with his life, he swallowed his pride and spoke in careful tones. “I understand, I am not afraid to die.”

Miyuki just nodded “As is expected Fuyukaze-san, now in addition to clearing a rival from court, you have also gained yourself the glory of winning a duel.” She smiled “You will find more people speaking with you at court. It should not be quite as boring now.”

Fuyukaze just nodded, rubbing a little upon the bandage on his forehead. He frowned at the thought that his sister had played with his life, but this is what was expected of him. Still he could not help but think of Chisato's eyes, the look of shock upon her face as he recited the insult he had practiced with his sister. He remembered Hoyori, and how he fought so bravely, only to get cut down. Perhaps Fuyukaze should have died in that moment.

Kaiten broke the silence, just looking skeptically to Miyuki. “I realize he is your brother Miyuki-san, but you really are telling him too much. He is a bodyguard, despite his close connection to you, my lady, he is just that.”

Miyuki paused and bowed low “Please forgive me Kaiten-sama, I forget his place in my retinue. I cannot help but find new tasks for him, I pray you will continue to allow me. After all” she looked up with a smile “there is one less girl vying for the heir's hand now.”