Chapter 26 - Emperor and Empress

Izumi pov:

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Juri san asked warily while eying the water around us. "It's dangerous enough that you're jumping into the ocean but I feel even worse because you've left your injury open....I know you have to look natural when you turn up there but is this really necessary??"

"Of course it is necessary to act natural." I said while inhaling deeply. "We can't let anyone suspect anything about the portal and the cruise boat's blast will serve as good cover up. And yes, this has to work. I doubt there's any other way to get to Yokobu Shore. This is our best bet and even though it's risky, we have to try."

"I really hate this reckless side of yours, you know that?" Juri san deadpanned making me grin mischievously.

"I know. Anyway, don't forget to keep people on the lookout for a while after we've returned. I plan on sending those people caught by Taheji back to the modern era where they belong. I'm sure their waiting to come home to where everything makes sense to them. But considering how I turned up just a few moments after the time I actually disappeared, I'm guessing the others will return to their respective times too."

"Your logic probably holds true but we will be on the lookout for a day or two just in case." Juri san responded with a stiff nod.

Two days had passed since we had come to the modern era. Just as I had suggested, we had gone to the PDST's Headquarters to have a look at the pictures I had taken while in Sei'an. There weren't many pictures that I had taken since missions in the Edo Period weren't like the ones here but whatever pictures I did have were good enough to prove that we had, in fact, traveled from the past. The people, the places and the very appearance of everything convinced everyone that I had been telling them the truth and not some fairy tale all long.

We had set out for lunch soon after and to an Italian restaurant as I had requested. Ryuusei, Haji san and Kiyori were blown off their feet even more when we stepped out of the car and walked through the busy streets of modern Tokyo City and despite me telling them beforehand, they were very surprised and disbelieving of our fashion sense. They weren't the only ones gaping though – while the three of them were looking at our surroundings in awe, lots of girls and women passing by us kept ogling at Ryuusei and Haji san. There were a few guys who looked over Kiyori too but she didn't stand out much because of the baggy clothes she was wearing.

At one point, when we were waiting to cross the street, two girls had approached Ryuusei and Haji san to ask for their names, where they lived and whether they were interested in going out on a date. They didn't quite know how to respond to the girls' forward behavior so I had stepped in and spoken instead. Of course, I received glares from the girls, probably because they weren't happy that I was butting in and ruining a possible chance of getting boyfriends, but they looked quite shocked and walked away embarrassed when I said that Ryuusei was my boyfriend and we were going to be married soon.

Both Ryuusei and Haji san were impressed and mildly surprised by what I had said. But Ryuusei was happy and smirked while asking me when we should schedule the wedding. Embarrassed and at a loss for words, I had just told him to shut up.

After finishing up with lunch, which I was glad all of us enjoyed, we headed back to my house. Juri san and I had sat down to get important work done. Since I had firmly decided to go to the Edo Period, all the money I had been saving up for my world tour was donated to three different charity homes though online banking. I was a little sad to see all that money go because it was hard earned from the various missions I had gone on for the past eight years but the thought of being with Ryuusei and having a more rewarding life in Sei'an put my mind at ease. We also took care of a few more things before retiring for the night.

Not so surprisingly, Ryuusei had insisted on us sleeping in the room by ourselves for privacy while Haji san and Kiyori slept on the mattresses in the living room. He had been romantic, to say the least, and he held me close to himself, possessively, while asking me about the things that he had seen in this modern time.

When it was morning, we had breakfast, changed into the clothes we were wearing on the day of the Lantern Festival and set out together to the docks to commence out so called journey back to Sei'an. There were still a few thugs from the Marine Dunes cruise ship hanging around but they couldn't recognize me and didn't bother us in any way when we boarded one of the PDST's undercover tourist boats and headed out into the ocean.

We were now in the deeper parts of the ocean – approximately around the same area I had fallen overboard when I was on the mission. The tides weren't too rough but enough to easily overpower anyone who fell into the waters. I inhaled deeply while looking at the dark blue water and glanced at Ryuusei and Haji san who were staring at it as well – not in unease like me but in determination to go home where they belonged. Kiyori was nervous and looked between Ryuusei and Juri san silently.

"Don't worry, Izumi. If you're unable to go through whatever portal in here, I'll have the divers get you out before anything bad can happen." Juri san said while placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

I looked at her and the three divers behind her and nodded to them with a smile in gratitude. They returned it and one of the divers even gave me a thumbs up.

"And Ryuusei? Please do take care of Izumi. We all know she's strong and skilled but that does not mean that you shouldn't pay attention to her. I want you to love her and care for her more than anything else in your possession – she is your wife to be and I wish that you will be a good husband."

"Juri san, will you seriously stop showing me your creepy side?? And you're embarrassing me!" I hollered with a huff.

"Her words are nothing to be embarrassed by, Love, because she's merely expressing her care and concern for you. You should be glad that you have many people who genuinely care for you – it's rare and not many are lucky enough to have it." Ryuusei said, his eyes flickering with gentleness and understanding. "I will take care of Izumi, Juri. You have no need to worry."

"That's good to hear. It was nice meeting you all....and hopefully, if things somehow work out, we might just meet again someday." Juri san said with a sad smile and I momentarily felt warmed by her affection for me.

"I hope so too, Juri san. Well, we should wrap up this farewell session because it's time to go back to Yokobu Shore. Are you guys ready?" I asked the others.

"Of course, Love. Let us go." Ryuusei said confidently.

With a nod and deep breath, the four of us jumped into the water while holding hands to make sure we didn't get separated. A few seconds after we dove, we felt the ocean currents push us around rather violently. It didn't allow us to surface immediately and we struggled to get to the surface upon running short of air. Just when we thought that we wouldn't be able to get free of the currents in time, they calmed and we swam up quickly.

We surfaced while coughing and wheezing to get air into our lungs. I looked around to make sure all four of us had returned safely and I was glad to see Ryuusei, Haji san and Kiyori well within my sight, gasping for air like me but otherwise unharmed. However, I shut my eyes with a wince when I felt a searing pain through my arm and back starting from the wound in my back. I was unable to stay afloat and the currents pulled me under the water again. I could tell that my wound had reopened and was bleeding and the salt content in the water made me feel an intense burning sensation. I could barely breathe because of the pain and the cold temperature of the water and I couldn't reach the surface by flapping around just one arm.

Just as I was about to give up on surfacing again, an arm was wrapped around my waist and I was pulled up to the surface. I gasped and wheezed once again while holding onto Ryuusei who had pulled me up and now held me to himself before looking at him.

"Are you alright, Love? What happened? You suddenly....you're bleeding!" He said anxiously and looked over my clothes. I too glanced down and realized that I had lost quite a bit of blood – new and larger stains were on my clothes than what was there when I had got shot and it was mildly visible seeping into the waters.

"I'm fine. I can hold out so we should find dry land." I said while looking him in the eyes.

He didn't seem to believe me because I'm sure the pain and exhaustion was apparent on my face. But he knew very well that getting to dry land was our first priority following which I would have to be tended to. We looked around searching for land and realized that we were quite close to the sands of Yokobu Shore. There was a lot of commotion amongst those standing on the shore – several were gathered as a group away from the water, some were pacing in panic and others were looking over the waters. I looked behind me once to see the cruise boat we had been on still aflame and sinking – we had turned up just a few moments after it had exploded.

We all swam towards the shore and as we got closer and more within the line of vision of those on the shore, they hollered to the soldiers that we had been spotted. Ichirou san, along with several other soldiers, came rushing through the water towards us immediately and we were helped to get to the dry part of the shore. When we were safe and we were let go of, I sank to my knees while holding my shoulder.

"Izumi!" Ryuusei hollered and kneeled next to me with an arm on my shoulder. "I need a healer here! Quick!"

"I'm okay, Ryuusei.....just a little sore and worn out." I said thought heavy breaths.

"Relax your muscles, Love. The more you tense them, the more strain you will feel." He said and I nodded, doing my best to relax as much as possible without falling over.

"Your Highness! Thank goodness you both are safe!" The Royal Doctor Tomatsu sensei said as he hurried to our side. "But Empress Izumi....you've lost a lot of blood. We should get you treated immediately. Can you stand? We must get you into the tent first."

I nodded and stood up. I was wobbly though and Ryuusei kept a hold on my shoulders and guided me to the tent where I would be treated. He left soon after, saying that he had to see how the situation was outside with the others. He didn't change out of his wet clothes and merely wrapped a robe over it and walked out of the tent while telling Tamotsu sensei to give me the best treatment.

"Empress Izumi...may I ask what happened on the boat? Why did it explode?" Tamotsu sensei asked and summoned his assistant – a woman in her early thirties who would be the one to treat my wound. Tamotsu sensei turned around so he couldn't see me but didn't leave the tent.

"It just happened....Ryuu sama took a hold of me and jumped off the boat even before I could figure out what was happening. That's when I got this wound." I said and winced as the woman peeled off my wet and sticky clothes to expose the wound.

"I see....do you have any idea who could possibly be behind it all? It must be someone who had a grudge against the Royal Family....for them to target the Blood Emperor, his Empress and Prince Taheji." He said, his voice going low.

I twitched, narrowing my eyes just a bit. "Is Prince Taheji safe?"

"Unfortunately....he suffered maximum damage. The soldiers brought his body back to the shore – it was a terrible sight to see. He was covered in third degree burns and deep wounds that no one could possibly live through."

So Taheji was dead.

"I see....that's unfortunate." I said softly, unsure of what I was feeling upon hearing this news. It's true that Ryuusei and I wanted to put a stop to Taheji's plans and Ryuusei said that he would kill Taheji so he was out of the way for good but I somehow felt uncomfortable.

We exchanged no more words during the rest of the treatment. My wound was first cleaned, then slathered with an antiseptic paste and finally wrapped with bandages. The woman also gave me a tonic of sorts to drink that would help me get better quicker. I was then given a change of clothes – one lighter than usual royal kimonos but made of the same high quality expensive silk – which I changed into and then headed out of the tent.

"Empress!"

"Empress Izumi! You're alright!"

"Thank goodness Your Highness is alright!"

"Empress Izumi!"

Several people called out to me when they saw me – most of them looked genuinely glad that I was alright but there were a few who seemed halfhearted. I ignored them though and walked to stand beside Ryuusei who was looking over something. He was wearing his mask again and I could see a spark of relief in his eyes when he looked down at me.

"Are you alright, Love? Perhaps you shouldn't be walking around." He said and turned to face me so he could cup my face with one hand.

"I'm fine Ryuusei. You know I've got good endurance." I said with a smile in return.

He nodded and he looked back to the ground he had been staring at before I got here. I followed his gaze and clenched my jaw when I saw blood staining the ground – dark red splotches of it that reached all the way till the water.

"What....whose blood is this?" I asked with a frown.

"Taheji's." Ryuusei answered flatly. "He didn't make it out of the blast alive."

I was silent for I didn't know what to say. Ryuusei understood that and took the acting into his own hands. He pulled me to his side with an arm around my shoulders and I looked up at him curiously though he was still staring at the ground.

"Please do not look so troubled, Love. It's a miracle that we made it out alive and even more so that you are able to walk despite the wound you suffered." He said softly and several of the onlookers nodded in agreement. Looks like Ryuusei hadn't let anyone know about the internal fight of the Royal Family – it was the right thing to do considering the fact that such disputes being known to the public would only cause unnecessary unrest among the commoners.

"Nii sama! Onee san! You're alright!"

Ryuusei and I looked to the side to see Prince Shichiro running towards us. He looked pale and had tears streaming down his cheeks. Bandages were wrapped around his left arm and blood stains were visible on them but he looked otherwise unharmed. Much to our surprise, when he reached us, he threw his arms around me and began subbing into my stomach. I was a little shocked and unsure of how to react but I went with my gut feeling and wrapped my arms around him in an attempt to console him.

"O-oi, Prince Shichiro...." I said and glanced at Ryuusei awkwardly.

He was smiling just a tiny bit though and looked grateful. He placed his hand on Prince Shichiro's head and it caused him to stiffen. He pulled away from me immediately and bowed while apologizing through his sobbing.

"I'm glad that you are alright, Shichiro, and you have no reason to hesitate in front of Izumi." Ryuusei said and coaxed me to console him once again.

I smiled, still feeling awkward, and held Prince Shichiro as he hugged me and continued to sniffle. But it felt kind of nice knowing that I was able to give someone comfort. It was different from my usual cool and fighting side and I couldn't help but lift my hand and pat his head and a sisterly way to help him calm down. He did calm down and soon let go of me looking much better than before.

"You and Shichiro should rest, Love. I have some things I need to take care of and we will depart to Sei'an as soon as they have been taken care of."

"Okay....I guess resting up is the best thing at the moment." I said with a nod.

"Your Highness." A soldier said, having walked up to us. "What do we do about the prisoners that were under Prince Taheji's watch? There's also the question of the fortress."

"I would like to see those prisoners." I said before Ryuusei could answer.

"Y-Your Highness....you wish to see them? They may be dangerous and...."

"Do what she says, Soldier." Ryuusei commanded, making the man flinch. "If she wishes to see them, so be it. She is more than capable of defending herself. Haji will be with her for protection, as a precautionary measure."

"Of course, Your Highness, as you wish." He said with a trembling bow before offering to escort me to the tent where the prisoners were being held.

"Be careful, Love. I know that they are probably from your time but I do not wish for you to get hurt in any way. Besides, with Taheji in question, there may even be a trap."

"I'll be fine, Ryuusei. I think you know better than anyone else that I can defend myself just fine – besides, Haji san will be with me so stop worrying." I said with a smirk before following the soldier to the tent.

>>Timeskip

"Aaahhh! It's finally done!" I said with an exasperated sigh and fell face first onto the soft bed. I winced though, feeling a slight strain through my body.

"I guess most of the important things have been taken care of for now." Ryuusei said and took a seat on the bed next to me. He placed a hand on my head gently and caressed me a few times before I sat up to meet his eyes.

"So what now? Are we going to leave to Sei'an?"

"I plan to stay here for another night and use the time to relax. Things have been quite tense these past days and you haven't rested even in the slightest despite being injured. I know sending those people back to your time was important but I would have preferred if you had rested for a while before that." Ryuusei said.

"I had energy to spare, Ryuusei. And I wanted to wrap this up as soon as possible." I said, shrugging nonchalantly. "I'm feeling fine even now – besides the mild soreness of my muscles."

"It seems I got myself stuck with someone quite troublesome. How am I going to get you to listen to me when you become my real Empress?" He said with a teasing smile.

"Who says I'm going to listen to you??" I responded with a brow raised and a mischievous smile lingering on my lips. "I do things my way, always. Just because I become your Empress, don't assume I'm going to be miss goody two shoes and act like your consorts."

"I wasn't expecting you to, Love." He said with a chuckle. "But I hope I can persuade you to come to an agreement with me in some things."

This time, I smiled. "Every rule has an exception, Ryuusei, and it apples here too. Don't worry, as pigheaded as I am, I know how to behave when. Besides, isn't it quite necessary for you to have a tough Empress? With me by your side, all possible threats can be tackled before they cause serious trouble."

"Of course, Love, there's no question about that." He said and I gasped as I was pushed onto my back with him hovering over me. "Enough of that for now – we should use this time to be a little affectionate, don't you think so?"

"You're really cheeky, you know that?" I said with a laugh.

"Perhaps I am."

"And corny sometimes too."

"I suppose I can sound that way every now and then." He said, nodding slowly while smiling.

"Surprisingly enough, those are traits I find rather childlike and adorable in you." I pointed and lifted my hands to cup is face. "Now are you going to make me wait or are you going to kiss me already?"

"With pleasure." He said and I closed my eyes as he leaned down seconds later to meet my lips in a fiery kiss.

The night passed by pleasantly – with most of the trouble out of the way, Ryuusei and I had got the chance to relax. We had had undisturbed sleep, confident that Ichirou san, Haji san and the other soldiers would be keeping watch. Besides, I was really exhausted from all the stress and strain of my wound so I was out like a light the moment my head hit the pillow.

The next day, Ryuusei took most of the morning to clear up the mess Taheji had created in the past few months. All the governors that had been bribed with money to support him were summoned in secret, with proof of their betrayal, and interrogations commenced. I was there too and before the interrogations could start, I had called Ryuusei aside to tell him my thoughts on the governors he planned to strip of their titles and banish. I had told him why Governor Houki had accepted money from Taheji even though he didn't want to support him – he was going through a difficult time and because of his need for money and resources, he had got stuck in something he didn't want to be a part of. I had told Ryuusei that before he punished and banished all of them, he should look into their reasons and then decide what should be done with them.

He had seen truth in my words, all the more because he didn't want to lose efficient governors and waste time finding people to replace them, so he had interrogated each and every governor and judged their loyalty. Out of the fifteen governors bribed by and supporting Taheji, nine of them were doing it because they were going through difficult times like Governor Houki. They were hesitant and scared to ask Ryuusei for help and had accepted Taheji's offer out of desperation. Out of the remaining six, four of them had accepted because of their greed for money and two for their dislike towards the Blood Emperor.

The nine governors were allowed to resume their duties after receiving a penalty of several thousand silver coins as well as reduced salaries. Despite the penalty, Ryuusei made it clear that the governors and anyone in genuine need of financial support could approach him and he would do what was required to help them. Everyone was shocked by his generosity but began to understand that Ryuusei wasn't just the Blood Emperor – he was much more than the tyrannical man they had always thought he was. They were grateful and swore to work hard and honestly to help him maintain peace and order in his Empire.

The four greedy governors were stripped of their titles and banished from the Empire along with their families while the two who had betrayed Ryuusei's trust were sentenced to death.

The same evening, we set out to Sei'an. The journey was pleasant and we stopped several times in the middle of the forests to eat and rest. Ryuusei, Kiyori and I traveled in the carriage while the soldiers, including Haji san and Ichirou san, traveled either by foot or horse. It took us two and a half days to get back to Sei'an and we were welcomed back by Soutarou san. He asked of our well being, having already received word of everything that had happened on Yokobu Shore, after which we excused ourselves to freshen up before a grand meeting that would be held to officialise Ryuusei's and my rule over Nihon. Governors in Sei'an and from neighboring provinces would be attending the meeting – especially ones who were thoroughly against a commoner becoming the Empress – and Ryuusei and I would be using this chance to change their opinion of me once and for all.

"Are you ready, Love? I take it that you are well aware that you will be scrutinized today and perhaps even have your worth questioned. Are you prepared?" Ryuusei asked as he set some of my hair over my shoulder. We both were ready for the meeting, dressed in royal robes and Ryuusei with his mask in place, and just about to head out of our personal chambers and to the royal gathering courtyard where our officialising ceremony would be held.

"Of course I'm prepared. I always am, aren't I?" I said with a laugh. "I'm done acting like a helpless consort – it's time people understood that I'm not someone who's worth or skills they can question. Besides, it's been a long time since I got to smart talk anyone. I'm looking forward to this."

"Good, I expect nothing less from you, Love." He responded, his expression lightening to an excited smirk.

Inhaling deeply, I stepped out of my personal chambers along with Ryuusei. I walked to the courtyard confidently, my head held high and my hand holding Ryuusei's arm. I gave nods in acknowledgement to those who greeted me and even spared a smile to General Houki who showed me utmost respect – he had heard of my involvement in subduing Taheji as well as the fact that I had helped the troubled governors; he was thankful. Of course, there were still some who scowled at me which I returned with sharp challenging stares.

When we were seated on fancy throne chairs in the sheltered gazebo arranged for us, Soutarou san came to stand next to Ryuusei to listed to him and convey the words he spoke to those gathered here.

"His Highness the Blood Emperor graciously welcomes all of you this ceremonial meeting today. As requested by many of you, the Blood Emperor and Empress Izumi will have another public wedding to officialise their union and roles as rulers of Nihon." Soutarou san said as Ryuusei commanded. "From this day onwards, every word of Empress Izumi is to be considered as that of the Blood Emperor himself."

Whispers broke out amongst the people and I resisted from rolling my eyes. I did, however, lean slightly to Ryuusei so I could whisper to him.

"It looks like they're going to have to see the tough side of me to stop complaining about this."

"I suppose they do have to." He responded, the smile evident in his voice.

"Your Highness." A plump man with a thick moustache and beard spoke up while taking a step closer to us. He got down on his knees and bowed in respect. "I mean no disrespect but is it truly wise to have a commoner become the Empress? I can understand that you love her but there are more suitable women in your harem – ones of royal blood that will not dilute the royal bloodline and will prove to be a better match for Your Highness."

"I agree with Official Hong, Your Highness." Another man said, also getting down on his knees in respect. "A mere commoner cannot understand the complexities of the palace and the governance of an Empire. Even if you try to teach them, they are not as well bred as those of royal lineage and will not be able to pick up matters of governance easily."

"We humbly request you to choose a consort from your harem to be your Empress." Official Hong said again. "I don't mean to say that you should give up your love for Izumi sama but please, take into account your subjects! The Empire will be put in jeopardy if you take a mere commoner as an Empress!"

"I beg to differ, Official Hong." I spoke up and he lifted his head to meet my sharp gaze with a slight scowl. "If you think any of those whining girls Ryuu sama has as his consorts will do any good as an Empress, your gravely mistaken. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover. You do not know anything about me and yet you go on saying that I am unsuitable – are you trying to make me angry? Let alone question the Blood Emperor for his choice?"

"Forgive my rudeness, Your Highness, but I am merely taking into account the Empire and that commoners with no idea of how the Empire functions will...."

"How narrow-minded." I mumbled with a laugh. "For your information, Official Hong, commoners are much more exposed to how the world works rather than sheltered princesses. And are you aware that it isn't just the brains that matter when choosing an Empress? Not that I'm saying that I'm not intelligent, but I'm also skilled enough to defend myself in the event of danger. The consorts of Ryuu sama's harem are weak and gullible and have neither courage nor strength to fight and defend themselves from an enemy. How can someone physically weak, with no idea of the world outside the palace walls, be a suitable Empress?"

"Are you saying that you have all the traits you said, Izumi sama?" He challenged but lowered his gaze after a glance at Ryuusei.

"As a matter of fact, I'm saying that I do have all the traits I mentioned. I no longer need to pretend to be the submissive, weak Empress I've portrayed myself to be so I'll let you all in on a little secret." I said with a smirk. "I am one of Ryuu sama's elite soldiers who has successfully confronted enemies who snuck into the palace even before other soldiers could realize the invasion. I am well versed in hand to hand combat as well as handling weapons and I'm am more than capable of beating the pulp out of anyone who dares to challenge me. And I would think that you are no exception."

I pulled out a small dagger I had in my sleeve and threw it at him. It scraped his cheek and landed on the ground in front of another official who had been glaring at me the whole time. Startled, Official Hong and those close to where the dagger had landed stumbled and fell onto their rears while yelping.

"This is a warning, Official Hong. It would be in your best interest to not make the Empress dislike you." I said teasingly and he tensed. He glanced at Ryuusei who was smiling in amuse and his face flushed with color in embarrassment.

"Y-Your Highness, I-I just, I-I mean, I apologize for not knowing a-and I just..."

"Save your stuttering for someone who wants to hear it." I snapped and cocked my head to the side still smirking. "Is there anything else that you have to say that's actually important? Or can we wrap up this little drama and commence our public wedding?"

"W-we have nothing else to say, Your Highenss." He said and stepped back still a little unbalanced from what I had done.

"Good. Soutarou san?" I said and looked at him with a smile.

He was mildly irked by my behavior but didn't say anything since Ryuusei showed no signs of displeasure. He nodded and Ryuusei and I walked to stand on opposite sides of a pedestal. The pedestal had the dragon emblem carved on it and Ryuusei and I placed our hands on it – mine on top of his.

Soutarou san, our so called priest, began chanting something that I couldn't really understand. It went on for several minutes, making me slightly restless, but ended before I could ask when we were going to be done.

"By the power vested in me by His Highness the Blood Emperor Kogen Ryuusei, I officialise his unison with Yukihara Izumi, now to be known as Empress of Nihon! Your Highnesses may exchange the gesture to seal this unison under the eyes of the powers of the heavens." He said and I looked at him with a raised brow, once again stone-faced at the dramatic word use.

My deadpanning was interrupted when Ryuusei pulled me to his chest with an arm around my waist and pressed his lips against mine. I tensed momentarily, surprised by the suddenness of the gestured but closed my eyes and parted my lips to give in to his affection for a few short moments. When we parted, I smiled wide and he smirked.

"All hail Emperor Ryuusei and Empress Izumi! Long live Emperor Ryuusei and Empress Izumi!" Soutarou san yelled and it was repeated in chorus several times by everyone in the courtyard. We turned to face them proudly, arm in arm, and acknowledged their cheering with small smiles.

Most of the morning and the afternoon were spent in the courtyard talking to the officials and governors who now hesitated to glare at me even in the slightest. Some of them timidly questioned me about certain government affairs, perhaps to test me in the subtlest way possible, and had shrunk back upon hearing practical and powerful answers in return. By post lunch, I was annoyed with all the serious talk so I excused myself from the gathering.

I headed down the hallways and to my room while tilting my head from side to side to release the strain built up in my neck. I wanted to change into something more comfortable – Ryuusei agreed to let me be a little less adorned than how an Empress should be and I was glad for that – after which I hoped to take a relaxing stroll in the gardens followed by a training session.

"Done with the gathering already, Zuzu?"

I grinned and looked behind me to see Haji san walking towards me. I turned to face him when he came to a stop just a few feet away and I shrugged.

"I was bored."

"That's not surprising. It must have been a pain to talk to all those moody old geezers who think they know what's best for the Empire." He said with a closed eyes smile. "But you're amazing, Zuzu. You managed to hang out with them for so many hours!"

Ever since we returned to this time period, Ryuusei had come to trust and get along better with Haji san. He didn't mind Haji san's casualness with me as much as he did before, which I was glad for, but calling me 'Sweetheart' was an absolute no-no. In fact, he wanted Haji san to call me 'Empress Izumi' even though we would continue on as good friends. I refused that, finding it really weird, so we came to a mutual agreement that Haji san would call me either by just my name or by the nickname I had got from my friends of the modern Era – Zuzu. Although, it was very rare that he called me by my name.

"Ehh, I guess I have to get used it, right? It's going to be a pain in the neck but I'll live through it." I answered nonchalantly.

"Congratulation, by the way, for officially becoming the Blood Emperor's wife and the Empress of Nihon."

"Thanks, Haji san. And thank you for continuing on as a good friend." I said smiling.

"And what about us? I think we've been much better friends than this annoying pervert." Koharu said, walking to us along with Haruko while sending Haji san a glare.

"Of course I'm thankful to you guys too, Koharu, Haruko. Especially Haruko – it's thanks to you and Kanzaki san that I was able to settle in this time in the first place." I said while exchanging a fist bump with him.

Haruko had vouched to join the Elite Division. Ryuusei agreed, having seen his skills in hand to hand combat as well as sword fighting, and the Crimson Rose led by Kanzaki san was given official rights to maintain order in Sei'an. Every member of the Crimson Rose now wore red silk bands on their sleeves with the royal dragon emblem embroidered in gold thread. They were responsible for scouting the Capital and handling small fry that tried to stir unnecessary trouble while information of bigger and more dangerous cases were reported to Ryuusei who would send out his Elite Division to handle.

"Alrighty then! Since we're all gathered here, who's interested in sparring?" I asked grinning.

"Count me in!" Koharu said and raised her hand.

"You don't have to ask me twice." Haji san smirked.

"I'm all in. It will give me another chance to try and kick Haji san's butt!" Haruko said, punching his fist into his other palm.

"Then it's settled. You guys go first – I'll join you in the training room once I've changed into something less girly."

The others laughed and agreed. They headed down the corridor and to the training room while I took a turn to go to my room. I smiled excitedly while looking ahead. Things were definitely much more exhilarating than in my time. I enjoyed every minute of my life here – no hiding, no covering my identity and living as bold as have always been – and I had no regrets to leaving the life I had known behind.

After all, with best friends and the guy I loved always with me, what was there to regret, right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wooh! Things have finally settled down for Izumi and Ryuusei and their marriage as well as their rule over Nihon has been made official! :D And all those old governors grumbling about it have been effectively silenced by Izumi herself! She sure showed them who she really is! XD

So!!! This story is finally at it's end with the Epilogue to follow in just a few days. I hope you guys didn't find the ending to be rushed - there weren't any significant scenes to play out so I did my best to put in all the details of what happened to all the characters (hopefully, I didn't miss anyone - if I did, please feel free to tell me ^^').

Here's a picture found by @AsunaXI to depict Izumi! Thank you!

I will ask you guys this question in the Epilogue again but here it goes! XD

Did you all enjoy the story? How was the plot, the character development and flow of the story?

Which was your favorite part?

Who was your favorite character? (besides Ryuusei and Izumi since they're the protagonists and it's pretty obvious y'all loved them XD)

Any other thoughts you would like to express?!

I really enjoyed writing this story and I want to thank all of you who read it, voted and commented on the chapters! It really means a lot to me! Arigatou gozaimasu!!! \(^w^)/

Vote!

COMMENT!!!

:D