Bedivere Beach, Coastal Federation of Avalon; 1 Illisary 137R7X
"Three… Two… One… Happy New Year!"
The sky was blanketed with an array of colorful explosions; I rather enjoy celebrating holidays and attending festivals in this world. Albeit, I have had a hundred and thirty-six years to adjust and to get used to the shift.
The following hours were spent enjoying the sun's ascent over the beach's horizon; Myrlin constructed an enormous cabana for us to lounge in, which was more than needed—.
"—Notice," an LGIN window alerted, "Conditions for the Miryūshi Kinship Ritual have been met. Please escort participants to a disclosed location to begin the ceremony."
"Hey Ayo, Kyemi, Koya, can Ogy and I talk to you all for a moment?" I looked to my subordinates and each of them nodded their heads to accept my invitation. I wasn't too familiar with the beach we were at, however, there was a nearby cave a few meters down from where we were lounging.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ayosaki dropped down to one knee and bowed her head, to which Akinyemi and Ogunkoya followed suit, "how may we be of service to you?"
"As you all know," Ogunosuke began, "M'Lady and I are to be the heads of the Miryūshi Clan, a brand-new dragonman clan that calls Miryudōra home. And as of right now, there is only one member of the clan."
"—Notice," another LGIN window appeared, "ingredients for the Kinship Ritual are ready to be prepared." There was a stack of boulders that was pretty level for me to get things ready; I reached into my shadows to retrieve the necessary items. "Begin mixing," the interface instructed, "first, take 20 oz. of Silverfruit Sake, then add 1 Tbs. of Lesser Wyvern Oil; do not mix! After waiting at least 30 seconds, stir in ¼ cups of sap from a Bond Tree and 20 drops of Anima Flower Extract until the potion is a light-verdigris color. Immediately after the change of color, add 30 mL of the blood from the Miryūshi Clan Head and stir potion for 30 seconds until color changes again to dark verdigris. Once completed, instruct participants to ingest elixir and Kinship Ritual will be complete."
The smell of the concoction was extremely pungent, and I was sure it didn't taste any better either; I prepared three chalices, one for each of my subordinates. "Take this and only drink it until we say," I said while handing them a cup.
"Thank you, Lady Ayosaki, Lady Akinyemi, and Sir Ogunkoya," Ogy acknowledged, "as the three of you already know, the Princess and I are to become the clan heads for the Miryūshi Clan; however, as it stands now the only member of the clan is my beloved." The space was quiet, only the crackle of our fire could be heard.
"So," I alerted, cutting the tension, "I have decided to expand the clan, and I specifically chose the three of you to be the heads of your own branch families. Once you drink this elixir, your soul will reconfigure, and you'll have a new identity. Would you do me the honor of accepting my selfish request to join my clan?"
Ogunosuke dropped down to the ground and bowed before my three subordinates, "please, although this is a selfish request, think of the good it'll do for Miryudōra. A prosperous royal clan, being Her Majesty's eyes and ears of the nation; if not for Miryudōra, then do it for M'Lady. Extend her reach and influence, all while sharing a connection with her that is unbreakable." He lifted his head, and his eyes were red from crying, I could tell he really wanted the world for me and would do any and everything in his power to make sure I get the things I want.
"Oh my, Master Ogunosuke," Akinyemi cried, "I think I can speak for the rest of us when I say that we would be more than willing to join Her Majesty's clan." And like she said, both Ayosaki and Ogunkoya nodded their heads in agreement.
"The request isn't selfish at all," Ogunkoya acknowledged, "in fact, it only makes sense that you would ask that the three of us to join, seeing as it is a Dragonman clan."
I hadn't given it much thought until now, but Koya was right, it was the only logical choice. Aside from Ogy, these three were the only other dragonmen that were guardsmen, and it's only fair that I extend the clan's invitation to them. "Thank you, Ayo, Koya, and Kyemi," I wiped a tear pooling in the corner of my eye and helped Ogy to his feet, "please, drink your elixirs. It's gonna taste like hell, but once you finish it, your connection with me will become more apparent."
My three guardsmen gave each other a nod before they shot back their potions. I was surprised really; I didn't expect them to take it to the head like they did, and sure enough, the bitterness of the potion kicked in. The three collapsed to the ground as their skin began to bulge with veins; to anyone unaware of this ritual, you'd think they were dying. That couldn't be further from the truth; the fact of the matter is that it was a sign that the kinship had nearly assimilated with their souls.
After a few moments of enduring the change in their souls, Ayosaki rose to her feet with a new scent to her presence, "Your Majesty, I am forever in your debt. As head of the Minami-Miryūshi branch family, I vow my descendants will serve as the main family's sacred shadow."
Minami-Miryūshi; so, they already have a clan identity, I wondered; it does make sense, considering their souls were rewritten to fit the clan. Both Akinyemi and Ogunkoya rose to their feet and immediately dropped to one knee.
"As the fire that burns within you, M'Lady," Akinyemi began, "I vow undying loyalty and an everlasting flame from the Deseijin-Miryūshi family. This I swear to you!"
"It would go without question that the same could be said about the Ayani-Miryūshi family," Ogunkoya smiled, "this is an honor that I could not begin to repay, thank you, Your Majesty."
"Please, please," I laughed, motioning the three to rise, "no need to be so formal when it's just the five of us; we're family now." My new clan members gave each other a worried look before standing; it was evident that they needed some time to get used to the idea of being casual with me.
"Speaking of which," Ayosaki announced, "what is our relation to you now?"
"Fair question," I smiled, gently, "well, we're not siblings, or cousins; so, the most appropriate term for us to call each other is Kinfolk." Considering the ceremony is called the Kinship Ritual, it would only make sense that the clan members not directly related to me would call other Miryūshis Kinfolk.
"Kinfolk," Akinyemi repeated, blushing uncontrollably, "I like it; it feels right, I can't quite explain it."
I was more than satisfied with the results of the ritual, overall, the clan gained three new official members, and what made it even more fascinating was each of them had an innate doctrine or code to live by. An LGIN window displayed each branch family head and their role in the clan; Ayosaki and Akinyemi's families were tasked with protecting the Empress and the throne. While Ogunkoya's family would facilitate training for the Miryudōran army.
I was surprised to find that I could also keep tabs on their relationships as well, although doing so would seem a bit invasive. Koya was actually in a serious relationship with one of my dragon maids, believe it or not, it was Touka; and their connection was rather strong. If I had to guess, the two had been seeing each other for a few decades now, and there was something else that caught my eye.
"Princess, there's something you must know," Ogunkoya announced, "I—."
"—You have my blessing to wed Touka," I interrupted, "she is a sweet girl; very precious to me. I can tell that you've been treating her right, she's been so happy since you've arrived to Miryudōra." I looked over at him and saw his dazzling green eyes fill with oceans of tears. "Make her your wife, and continue to treat her right," I approached Koya, placing my hand on his cheek, "aside from your mission to train Miryudōra's army; you must first make Touka a Miryūshi, as well as your bride. Are you up for that task?"
Koya stood up and wiped his tears, "consider it done, Princess." There was a new sense of determination emanating from his presence, could that be because of his connection to me?
The sun was just about fully risen by the time we were finished with our ceremony, and thankfully everyone was still relaxing at the cabana. The LGIN system advised me about six months ago that the ideal time to perform the Kinship Ritual was during the turn of a new year. I had to give it a lot of thought, as well as finding all the ingredients to even make the potion; but in the end, I'd do it all over again.
"Mini, how'd it go?" Myrlin asked with wide eyes.
"Introducing the three newest members of the Miryūshi Clan!" I announced with glee, much to everyone's enjoyment. We ended up staying on the beach for the entire day after the ritual; honestly, I hadn't noticed that the day went by as fast as it did.
Once we made it back to the manor, I met with Koya and advised him to see Touka in Miryudōra. I explained to him that it was important that he properly proposed to her and by doing so, the two wouldn't face scrutiny for having a child out of wedlock.
"Princess, how'd you find out?" Koya's face was painted with anxiety.
"I'm the head of the clan, as well as Empress," I began, "there is very little that I don't know, but Koya, this is serious. Thankfully, Touka isn't too far into her pregnancy; so, it's imperative that you marry her."
"If that is what you wish," Koya bowed, "I'll make preparations to depart for this evening. M'Lady, again, I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to take her hand." My heart felt warm, seeing Koya with so much love and joy in his eyes, it was like a hallmark movie, it made me excited for my own wedding.
Ayani-Miryūshi Ogunkoya
Miryudōra's Outer Territory; That same day
"Sir Ogunkoya," the driver of the carriage announced, "we just reached the nation's outer territory, we'll arrive at the capital within the next hour."
My heart was racing; I wanted nothing more than to have her in my arms, and the fact that I was given the blessing to marry her, there was nothing that I could do to repay the Princess for this grand gesture. I wonder if she'll accept me; will she still love me after finding out the Princess knows about our relationship?
My carriage stopped right outside the palace's main gate; the attendants were all working diligently on their tasks, and as if it were fate itself, I looked up and my eyes were locked on Touka. She was on the second-floor balcony observing the palace's courtyard, and she was absolutely breathtaking. Majority of the dragon maids conformed to Chinamiku's uniformity, however, Touka was born with a free spirit, that's honestly what attracted me to her.
She had an open mind and was never afraid to speak up when she felt the time was appropriate. I had a hard time believing she was merely a maid and not a government official; but it was that rebellious nature of hers that made me fold under pressure, and I had a responsibility to take care of. There was no way that I was going to join Her Majesty's clan and besmirch it by having an illegitimate child, I refuse.
"Lady Touka!!" I shouted across the courtyard, "forgive me for being improper, but there is something I must say!" The other attendants stopped what they were doing to watch our interaction, but I didn't care. "Lady Touka, as you know, I have dedicated my life in service to our dear Princess; she's made me an Imperial Guardsman, allowed me to further expand my education, and more. I stand before you today, not as Ayanitokosei Ogunkoya, but as Ayani-Miryūshi Ogunkoya, and I ask you, Ilọri Touka, will you please take my hand in marriage?"
I was so consumed with passion that I hadn't noticed that she was no longer standing on the balcony; the courtyard soon began to fill with whispers. I couldn't even begin to imagine what they were gossiping about; I honestly didn't care; I only wanted to have Touka by my side.
"Oh, Koya!" I looked up and saw my beloved running toward me with tears in her eyes, "do you have to ask, of course I'll marry you!" The other attendants stopped their whispering and gave the two of us an applause; I was without words; it was almost like they were expecting me to do this for some time now. "It sure did take you long enough, Koya," Touka giggled as she kissed me.
I gazed into her eyes; they were the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. Her eyes were a soft pastel green that complimented her dark skin. Her hair was long and kinky, reminding me of a bed of Lily Vines; this woman, Touka, is the most beautiful woman in the realm. I owe Her Majesty my life for this blessing; I am forever in her service, and I will carry and honor the name she gave me, my beloved and our future child, Ayani-Miryūshi.
Nagahita Akinyori
Somewhere within Coastal Federation of Avalon's Slum District
It's been almost half a century since he drank my blood and reached out to me. I was growing increasingly anxious as the days turned into weeks, and those weeks eventually turned into months, then years. He'd left me with the instructions to lay low so that he can strategize; perhaps it could be my Basilisk nature, but I'm growing impatient.
"Lady Nagahita, I bring news," a muffled voice from outside my quarters yelled.
"Come in," I commanded, "and remove your hood, I want to see the one giving me this news."
The door opened and a large, hooded person stepped into my room. He removed his hood, as instructed and I was surprised that I didn't recognize him; he was muscular and had a stench of seaweed coming from his pores, "the'name's Rodinia; The Order sent me here to aid you all in the Chaos King's ascension."
"You're with The Order of En?" I scoffed, "they sent a meathead like you?"
"Well, this so called, meathead, just got an update from your master," Rodinia snapped, "as a matter of fact, he said it was rather urgent and to update you quickly."
Something wasn't right, why hadn't His Majesty reach out to me? I was plagued with questions. "Why didn't he reach out to me? Surely he could've updated me himself."
"He knows who you are at the Academy," Rodinia's words were like a tsunami crashing into an unexpecting village. "He has for some time now and doesn't want to expose you to Myrlin. That being said, I had my own mission involving the Imperial family unrelated to the Chaos King, and I just so happened to find myself in the same space with your would-be king and we basically hit it off."
The aid from The Order made himself comfortable in my room, much to my annoyance, "so, you're something of a middleman?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "something like that, anyway, the reason why I'm here. Your king wants to form a clan using the members of The Steadfast. He wishes that you become clan head and for you all to focus your worship to a new deity, Lord Adetulo."
"Are you serious?" I questioned, eyes widening at the mere mention of worshiping a God other than our Great Mother; however, His Majesty is the one to inherit that chaos, that madness Mother had. I could see it, a new beginning, a birth of a new God, "by his will, if he so wishes to have The Steadfast worship Lord Adetulo, then it shall be done."
"Excellent," Rodinia gave a devilish smile as he made his exit, "I'll go inform him. I'm leaving you with his recipe for the elixir; make sure you follow it exactly to the tea, otherwise, everyone will die."
I closed the door; my heart was racing, could His Majesty really be thinking about ascending to godhood? I walked over to my desk and looked over the recipe left by Rodinia; it seemed like any other bonding potion, except there were a few added ingredients. 7 roots from an Origin Tree, Screams from 1,000 Wraiths, and the blood of a new-born god. His Majesty wants this done during the lunar festival; I'll need to send scouts out immediately if I want to have preparations ready by then.
Coastal Federation of Avalon's Slum District's Main Courtyard; 7 Shandowr 137R7X
I was able to have my men gather the ingredients we needed for this ritual His Majesty had planned for us, and I knew it was no ordinary Kinship Ritual. The night was at its peak as the rest of our members gathered in the Slum's main courtyard, "Brothers, Sisters, I gather us here today for something joyous! Rejoyce as for I have been blessed with our king's first orders!"
The members began praise with excitement, "I knew he wouldn't abandon us!"
"I have prepared you all an elixir, as instructed by His Majesty," I announced, "once the last member of our congregation has their cup, we shall take in this blessing from His Majesty! Now, DRINK!" I chugged the potion and I could feel my insides burning; the pain was excruciating; every inch of my being felt like it was being rewritten. My vision grew dark, until I couldn't see those before me, I was starting to doubt whether I was doing the right thing; however, there was a light in the distance.
The light was warm and familiar, the same red heugh as His Majesty's presence. I reached out to grab the light and the pain ceased to exist, and when I came too, I felt like a different person all together. I looked towards the crowd at my brothers and sisters; they were starting to come to their senses, but as happy as I'd like to be, I felt something lurking behind me. I turned, and I was in awe; it was him, His Majesty had come and blessed us all with his presence.
"Akinyori," His Majesty spoke, "you have done well, as a token of my appreciation, I shall name you Head of the Adetulwari Clan."
I was overjoyed, a new name, Adetulwari, I shall wear it with pride, "as a Basilisk and leader of this mixed raced clan, I—."
"—You're no longer a Basilisk," His Majesty interrupted, "that elixir forced you all into an evolution; a brand-new species, I call Rǔdulàni. With this new evolution, and this new clan, I ask you for your undying loyalty."
I looked at the other followers, their eyes were all filled with admiration and love, I was no better, and I knew what I had to do as The Mad Priestess, "PRAISE BE, LORD ADETULO, THE CHAOS KING!"
And like they'd been saying it their entire lives, every member of The Steadfast began to chant, "PRAISE BE, LORD ADETULO, THE CHAOS KING!"
I was amazed by how methodical my Lord was, he'd orchestrated this Kinship Ritual, as well as forcing his followers into a new species evolution. I was sure there was no one that could stand in his way. The Slums were livelier than ever after the ritual, it was honestly the first time we were all able to feel this connected; it was only something that he could bring us.
"Akinyori," my Lord spoke with a deep tone, "do you have a moment, I must speak with you." He was wearing the same cloak he wore when we first met; his eyes at the time were innocent and naïve; however, this time, there was a raging and chaotic fire that dwelled within them.
"Yes, my Lord," I bowed before him, "use me as you see fit."
"Arise, I ask you not to be so formal with me," Lord Adetulo smiled, "I'd like to speak with you regarding my next move. I want The Steadfast to continue to assist The Order of En with their invasion; the date is set for the 26th of Sylphsara, in year 160R7X."
That was less than thirty years from now, and I understood that my Lord needed me, "by your will, it shall be done."
"Kyori," Lord Adetulo looked toward the rest of his followers, "I want to see this peaceful world we live in plunged into chaos; will you stand by my side?"
It was like a dream come true; I wanted nothing more than for my Lord to ask me to rely on him, "my Lord, I will slay Lady Tiamat herself, if it is by your will."
"That's good to know," Lord Adetulo smiled and placed a hand on top my head, "I am truly blessed to have you as my Right-Hand, Lady Adetulwari Akinyori. For now, I must go; I trust that you can keep things in order until the big day?"
Hearing my Lord say my name was like nothing I could ever imagine, "by your will, Lord Adetulo," I bowed before my sovereign as he made his exit. I was prepared to unravel this world's precious idea of peace and restore it back to its initial chaotic glory. My Lord tasked me with leading things here in his stead, and I have the reassurance and confidence to see it through; I owe His Majesty my life, I only live to serve Lord Adetulo.
Minerva Cosmina Wyllt-Miryūshi
The Sakura Pavillion, Mirini, Miryudōra, Ryudō-ShanGriLa; 20 Samadan 137R7X
After weeks of planning, we were finally ready for Koya and Touka's big day. I had the Sakura Pavillion renovated just for today's special occasion; it would be my first wedding since being reborn in this world. I made sure Ayo, Kyemi and I made sure she was fully prepared for Koya and his antics. She was incredibly sweet and didn't seem to be offended by our teasing her groom.
"Honestly, Your Majesty," Touka began, "I was smitten the day he and Master Ogunosuke arrived. Everyone was so focused on you and your husband to be, but I only had eyes for Koya. His vibrant green eyes were like a beacon against his bronze skin, and when our eyes met, it was like we were the only people in the courtyard."
I was choking on tears, and I wasn't the only one, both Ayo and Kyemi were also holding back their tears, "oh Touka! Anything for you, even if you want that dummy Koya!"
We shared a tear-filled laugh as the three of us began to dress Touka in her wedding kimono; it was an ashen white color with vibrant green accents to match Koya's eyes. Kyemi took care of our bride's hair, and when she was done, I was enamored, Touka's hair was fashioned in Bohemian Knotless Box Braids. I wasn't even sure that was a style the people of this world were even capable of, but what hasn't surprised me in this world?
"Wow, Touka," I said with tears in my eyes, "you look breathtaking!"
"With every fiber in my being, Your Majesty," Touka cried, "thank you for giving me the opportunity to have my one dream come true." She hugged me and both Ayo and Kyemi joined in, we were a mess of emotions, but at the end, I was happy. I was happy to watch my subordinates, no, my friends tie their lives together. I don't know what I'd do if anything were to ever come to harm them.
The wedding was spectacular; I'd asked Antoinette to ordain the wedding, much to Guiseppe's dismay. The ceremony was much like the weddings back in my old world, each side had either bridesmaids or groomsmen participating; there was even a little flower girl and ring-bearer. I was overall blown away by the ceremony and was excited to include Touka as a member of the Miryūshi Clan.
To be Continued...