On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Returning to the large suite of rooms Liz had put at our disposal, my sis and Ellie were quietly talking about inconsequential things, perhaps trying to reset from the difficult conversation of before. Though can what we had really be called a conversation? It was like two ships passing in the night, in thick fog. The vague outlines of a discussion, and some light trying to pierce the gloom…

“Worried?” my sis asked, seeing my expression, and more importantly, understanding my thoughts. “Maybe I shouldn’t have been so angry, but dad always blames you for everything. Do you think that’s fair, Eleanor?” She turned to our companion, who shrugged, expression rather uncomfortable.

“If I am being honest, and please don’t take this the wrong way, Aiko… it’s quite natural. The man is almost always the instigator here, and especially if he is older. And in our family, we have an… unpleasant… history of a foolish older man pursuing younger women he should most definitely not have. So, I can sympathise with them. That said…” Ellie let out a dull, whistling sigh. “…you haven’t actually done anything they would consider immoral, nor…” she narrowed her blue eyes. “…do you intend to right now, yes?”

“I fully reserve the right to do what the hell I want, so long as bro’s happy with it, with me.” Aiko returned her shrug and stare. “But yeah, right now, I just want to feel a part of everything, you know? Few cuddles, maybe a kiss to cheer me up now and then. Hanging around with everyone at night. I want to be someone in my bro’s life who isn’t set aside, and I want him to want me there. Besides… I promised you. Your love for my bro is as valuable as any.”

“Right.” Ellie conceded, another sigh leaking out as we approached the door to the section of the Palace everyone was occupying. “I don’t honestly think you should be putting my… our… feelings as your priority, even if I’m grateful you are trying to be considerate. It’s… quite a lot of pressure on me, and on them, you know?”

“If so, you’ve misunderstood.” I insisted. I could hear voices through the door, an argument, clearly, and I hesitated as I reached for the handle. “It’s not that you’re holding my sister back…”

“Yeah. It’s that I value you all. One thing we all have in common is we love my bro.” my sis agreed. “So I want to respect that, respect you. And you spoke up for me, I appreciated it. Why is dad always such a bastard?”

“Aiko…” I chided her, and she stuck her tongue out at me.

“No, seriously.” She shook her head. “Mom too. I haven’t forgotten when she thought you were dealing drugs. I mean, come on, you?”

“It does seem rather far-fetched.” Ellie agreed, exasperatingly amused at the concept.

“Look, father’s been shaped by his experiences. He had it rough as a young man, didn’t he? And mom didn’t have it easy either, coming to Japan. Only Eri’s parents accepted her, it took her a while to fit in.”

“Even so, bro, all the more reason they should be understanding. I don’t think it’s fair that mom gets all giddy when you get another woman, bro, but when I show you affection it’s suddenly ‘oh, think of her reputation.’ It’s hypocrisy, bro, that’s what pisses me off. That and I’m not getting my own way, of course.”

“It’s a bit… no, sadly a lot different, Aiko.” Ellie shook her head. “I’m not saying I disagree with you, grandmother did give you all some good advice, which none of you really heeded. Yes, none of you.” She fixed us with a stern stare. “But it’s far from settled. So try harder next time.”

She’s right. We only ever gave a surface-level explanation. No lies, just… shallow. And mom and father were too fixated on how rumours might stain Aiko’s future prospects… neither of us talked about truly what matters. Oh well…

“Yeah, once the water’s a bit warmer, maybe.” Aiko shrugged. “Anyway, bro, round two, huh? No point putting it off.”

I grimaced. “Yeah, it’s been a stressful day for sure.”

“Don’t worry, bro. I’m sure everyone’s got plans to relax you later, lucky dog.” My sis pounded me on the back as I reached for the handle again. “Now go sort out poor Yu-mi’s issues. If you can. Her mom seemed quite fiery…”

“That she did.” The door opened, and the room was full of my women and their families. I quickly spotted Yu-mi, she was with the other Korean women she’d brought with her, and her parents, and facing her were Hinata, Shaeula and Yukiko. It seemed it had been tense, as Yu-mi’s face broke into a relieved and delighted smile when she saw me, her expression one of worried strain.

“…think you are looking at this the wrong way.” Hinata finished speaking to Park Ju-eun, Yu-mi’s mother, before she turned and joined Yu-mi in smiling. “Akio, Aiko, Eleanor, welcome back. Akio, thank goodness you’re here…”

“Sorry.” I apologised. “I had to go out and meet someone urgently. But I’m back now.”

“Okay, I’m going to go chill for a bit, hang out.” My sis wisely ducked out of this upcoming argument, but not before she smiled at Yu-mi. “Good luck, Yu-mi. If I can survive my parents, you can too!” With that she pulled Ellie away, searching for Eri, and we watched her go, Park Ju-eun with a contemplative yet icy expression on her face.

“It’s about time.” she agreed. “Your… fiancées… have tried to be persuasive and support my daughter and stupid husband, but their existence isn’t conducive to trust, is it?”

“Park-eomeonim…” Soo-ah began very respectfully, only to have Park Ju-eun glance at her with some scorn.

“Chin Soo-ah…” In contrast, her lack of any honorific was telling. “You disappoint me. I thought you and your… friends…” She gazed out over the other Korean young ladies. “…had better taste than this.”

Soo-ah winced but didn’t fight back. “It’s not what you believe, Park-eomeonim. The situation is complex, and…”

“It seems very simple to me. But…” She turned her attention to Yu-mi, who nodded, before glaring at me coldly. “My daughter, my brave, idiotic daughter, wishes me to at least hear you out. So I shall. But be warned, I am predisposed to despise you, as I expect you have the wit to understand?”

Ouch. But yeah, this is a normal reaction. I’ve grown too used to parents who’ve had odd circumstances, thus no cause to reject me, reject my relationship with their daughters… thinking about it… maybe we were too harsh on mom and father. Not that they have any right to stop Aiko doing what she wants, but… they do have a right to worry about her, to care, to help her make wise choices. It’s just… they haven’t realised that such choices are very different to what they might have been six months ago. Yu-mi’s mother is in the same situation…

“I do.” I agreed. “Shall we withdraw to somewhere more suitable for our needs?”

“I am coming too-too.” Shaeula added, while Hinata withdrew, giving me a confident smile, which showed she had faith I could resolve this thorny mess, and Yukiko followed her, relieved. Yu-mi’s father, Park Do-yun, seemed almost pitiful, the complete opposite of my father.

“If it’s not too much trouble, Yu-mi, darling, Akio-nim… I’d like to come too. For… cultural reasons.” Soo-ah added, and as Yu-mi’s mother didn’t object, our party was set.

“Hinata, tell everyone we’ll be back when this is resolved.” I asked, and she nodded.

“Oh, I have no doubt you can manage it.” She whispered so quietly then that only someone with truly superhuman hearing would be able to pick it up, ruling out Park Ju-eun. “She’s fiery, with legitimate, if outdated and misplaced complaints. But she does listen. Use all your charm to win her over and her approval for Yu-mi, else it will cause problems down the line…”

I nodded, playfully ruffling her hair, as it no longer needed to be kept pristine for the Ball. “All right then.” I tried not to pay attention to Ju-eun’s burning gaze, but pretending I wasn’t affectionate with everyone wouldn’t help, it was just a misdirection. No, far better to face it outright. I know what sis wanted to do, because… she’s scared. Not of being stopped from doing what she wants, because nobody can stop her now her mind is made up, but… because she doesn’t want to be hated, despised, looked at as dirty, especially not by our parents, Eri’s parents, who she loves dearly. So maybe her approach is wiser. But here… the frog is already cooked through.

“I’ll lead the way.” I suggested.

Ellie was pointing to a door, glancing back at us even as she was listening to my sis, so we soon entered a modest drawing room, rather larger than the one my sis met Liz in, though still intimate. Soon, Yu-mi was sandwiched between her parents on one side of a fancy table, while me, Shaeula and Soo-ah were on a sofa together. Shaeula was pressed against me playfully, her amber gaze at Yu-mi’s mother challenging, but what was more distracting was that Soo-ah’s leg was against mine due to the lack of space, and she was a rather rich woman. Not fat, not even close, but unusually for Asian women she had a curvaceous, yet somehow still lithe, figure. I’m not sure this helps. We could have used the chairs, but…

“Care for a drink?” I asked, and Ju-eun shook her head.

“Not for now. This is an important conversation. I know Korean drinking culture for business is rather… rough… but this isn’t business. It’s my daughter’s future. So I shall be blunt. I do not approve of this situation.”

“But… you agreed to the engagement before.” Do-yun managed, though his face paled at her fierce glower. “You did. It was the only way to secure his help to rescue Yu-jun…”

“I know. Hence why I had to swallow my tears. But to sacrifice our daughter’s future to save our nephew… it broke my heart.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not a fool. In big business, marriages are often lacking in sentiment, based on family ties and benefits. I had hoped Yu-mi would find a bearable marriage, not to some old man twenty years her senior, or a young playboy.” I winced at that. “My daughter has a good head on her shoulders. She plays around in Gangnam, has a little fun, but knows not to go too far.”

“Mom, that makes me sound like a loose woman. I’m not…” Yu-mi insisted, face red. “Akio, you remember what I told you?”

“I like you for you, not your chastity.” I promised. “But I absolutely believe you. Because you’re not the sort to lie, and you know your own mind and strengths better than anyone.”

Beside me, Shaeula snickered, while Soo-ah’s face turned a little pink, her expression warm. Yu-mi flushed too, but her mother was unmoved.

“You’re very flirty. What happened to my dear Yu-mi, hugging me in tears, but saying she had to do it for nephew Yu-jun?” Ju-eun asked archly.

“Mom…” Yu-mi was crimson now. “Don’t tell Akio that.”

“I don’t see why not. It just makes me think better of you. Of you all, honestly.” I added, which astonished them. “Look, I don’t entirely approve of selling someone. Arranged marriage is sort of like that. I’m not against it entirely, it’d make me a hypocrite, but it has to be for good reasons. But to save a precious family member? That takes resolve. For all of you. It must have hurt your family greatly.”

“It did.” Do-yun sighed. “It almost led to us getting divorced.”

“It still might.” Ju-eun warned, and there was no humour in her words at all. “My Yu-mi might be in an even worse position now than before.”

“How so?” I asked, genuinely confused.

“Because my foolish daughter now claims to actually want to be in a relationship with you. That’s a very different proposition.” She leaned forward, brown-eyed stare intense. “I sometimes wonder if you are using some sort of evil compulsion, like a Geuseunsae.”

“What-what is that? A Yōkai?” Shaeula asked, her amber eyes curious.

“A spirit that’s said to roam Jeju Island.” Soo-ah answered helpfully. “They hypnotise people into self-destructive behaviour. Obviously, it’s just a small story, but…” she shuddered. “…I’m not walking around Jeju alone anymore. It’s probably true! I’ve seen too much to doubt it!”

“Quite.” Ju-eun added humourlessly. “The world is strange, and I don’t like it. You may be handsome and rich, and a celebrity, with all these so-called powers, young man…” Her tone was now matter of fact. “…but even so, my Yu-mi has better sense than to be your convenient woman. To be bought and sold and played around with. I’m thinking of her future here, and her happiness.”

Yeah. Mom and father said the exact same thing. Aiko’s future happiness and reputation…

But they don’t get what happiness is for me, bro. Besides, who the hell has time to worry about that shit anyway? When the Boundary comes down, there’ll be Fae, Yōkai and more everywhere, probably battles, war and death… who cares who I kiss?

I know… my sis was still angry, but I wanted to her to calm down.

I get it. I am calm. I’m going to get out of this dress soon. It’s beautiful, and I loved feeling like a princess, but I miss comfy clothes to hang around in. Later bro… oh, I’ll make my look cute, don’t worry…

Sure, sure. Whatever you say, sis…

“I assure you, I’m thinking of Yu-mi’s happiness too. As for reputation…” I frowned. “…I understand. People will talk. But I assure you, nobody will get to denigrate Yu-mi, or any of those I choose to show affection for. I’m serious about her.”

“Indeed.” Shaeula added. “If he was not-not, then why would he have turned her down at first? I did-did think it rather a waste, young Yu-mi is a driven and worthy female, but it is true-true what they say. If it is meant to be, it shall-shall be, despite obstacles.”

“Yes. I appreciated her courage, and since then, Yu-mi’s done a lot for me.” I added. “I’m not just giving her idle praise. She’s a streetwise, empathetic young woman, who helped me and my childhood friend work through some of our issues. Since then, she’s been instrumental in helping build Adamant, especially in Korea, bringing in recruits like Soo-ah here, as well as providing emotional support to me and others, and she never shirks her training, no matter how tough it gets.”

“You’ll make me blush if you keep saying such good things about me.” Yu-mi giggled charmingly, and her mother snorted.

“So…” I ignored that. “…I am glad to meet you, Park-eomeonim.” I was highly respectful. “I hope that you can forgive your husband and come to accept that Yu-mi and I are in a relationship. If you have any concrete worries, I’ll do my best to allay them, and any I can’t, I’ll… no, we’ll…” I nodded at Yu-mi, who returned my smile. “…take on board your advice.”

“-eomeonim, you say? Am I your mother-in-law now? Quite bold, for someone who has just started dating my daughter…”

“I don’t know how others do it, but I only date with the intent for it to last a lifetime.” I assured her.

“I… can’t say I’ve had that resolve before. But mom… this time I’m deadly serious.” Yu-mi added.

“In that case…” Ju-eun took a deep breath. “I have complaints. Of course I do. Starting with this Adamant my foolish daughter joined. And you as well, young lady of the Chin family. I expect your parents are gravely disappointed in you.”

“I am hesitant to dispute with you, Park-eomeonim…” Soo-ah began, but Ju-eun frowned.

“Drop such respectful honorifics. After hearing it from him…” She jerked her head at me. “…I suddenly don’t feel well. Besides, you know me.”

“My apologies.” Soo-ah was sweating a little, but her smile remained. “I should let Akio-nim or our leader Yu-mi speak, or perhaps even Shaeula here, but… for we women of Korea, it’s not a play or a joke. We… have ambitions. All of us. Yu-mi does as well. And I would hope you’d be supportive.”

“Supportive? What are you, his concubines? What a miserable existence.” Ju-eun scoffed, narrowing her eyes. We glanced at Shaeula, who grimaced. Begore she could speak though, Soo-ah laughed loudly.

“You think it’s easy to become a concubine, just by joining Adamant? I assure you, it’s not. I’m sure Yu-mi told you about us. We’re tired of the way things are, and we want more out of life. Some of us want power, others recognition. There might be love, or a thirst for revenge… yes, Adamant members know no romance, but that is to build loyalty. I personally…” Soo-ah’s leg pressed against me was warm now, her white and gold dress surprisingly thin, despite the high-quality cloth it was made from. “…joined with that intention. I’m selfish, you see. Yu-mi… Yu-mi has nobler purposes.”

“Indeed. It is my-my error, that I was far-far too eager to secure fine females for Akio, but… we would not-not force anyone. We wish for genuine loyalty, connection. And indeed, it is as Soo-ah states. Akio is quite-quite the picky male. A feast is laid before him, and he chooses but the finest of morsels, yet… they are morsels he does-does have feelings for.”

“That’s right, mom.” Yu-mi added. “I’m in Adamant because I want to rise up, I’ve finally found a calling. I’m going to change Korea. After all, look how selfish we were? They betrayed Akio and his sister, leaking the footage despite agreements made. Akio risked his life to rescue Yu-jun and the others…”

“For which he was paid well.” her mother added. “Your inheritance, might I add, Yu-mi.”

“That’s true, yes, but why should he work without pay? Besides, as an Adamant Officer, I get a decent package of benefits” Yu-mi tittered, and Soo-ah smiled as well. “As Akio’s girlfriend, I get more. I’m not a gold-digger, mom. I liked living my Gangnam life, but… it was ultimately unfulfilling. Now… what I do matters, and I’m with a man I love. I was so terrified, yet resolved, but… do you remember, Akio?” She smiled at me, and I returned it. Yu-mi’s just so… genuine. And a really kind, nice woman. She’s got the drive which I find attractive too. Helps that she’s a very good-looking woman too. But her inner beauty is the best…

It was clear to me she liked you from when we met. Eri added. No woman as smart as her, even very drunk, would be so unguarded with a man she disliked. I… won’t say I owe her. That’s not a good basis for a friendship, or her dating you. But I will say she’s a woman I don’t even hesitate to support when I think about her.

Wow, high praise indeed from you, Eri! What would mom and auntie Hana say if they could hear you now?

I think you’re their worry now, Aiko…

“You asked me if I wanted to marry you, and of course I said no. Who would have? So you told me I was brave, and I didn’t have to suffer, and that you’d save Yu-jun anyway. In that moment, my heart twinged…”

Her mother was listening to her talk, actually listening. She’d surely heard Yu-mi say it before now, but here, in person, with us, perhaps it carried more weight.

“…I didn’t want to marry a stranger, even a charming, kind, handsome one. Even so, in that moment, I had a sinking feeling, as if I’d made a mistake. I think I kind of did, but also didn’t…” Yu-mi continued, and Soo-ah chuckled.

“It’s the classic scenario, when you fear something, you think about it a lot, catastrophise. Then, Yu-mi darling, you discovered not only was it far more appealing than you feared, but it was snatched away from you. Instead of being forced, you were denied. It’s only natural it piqued your interest, he did. And then… well, everything’s just simply magical, isn’t it? I don’t know about the Hunters. Young Violet is certainly a handful, if probably not representative of the whole. Though those we do know Ji-hye’s brothers…”

“Exactly. We can’t just rely on them for Korea. Mom, I assured you, Adamant wasn’t what you feared, and even if it was… I genuinely believe it’s worth it. For me, anyway. Because I rapidly grew to feel I wanted Akio in my life. I see it as fate. Dad didn’t know it, but he was trying to find me my destiny. I then almost threw it away, but… destiny is hard to avoid, thankfully.”

“Yu-mi, are you sure you are not bewitched?” Ju-eun asked softly. “This seems so unlike you.”

“If I am, it’s a wonderful feeling, but no…” Yu-mi winked at Shaeula. “…we’ve sworn Oaths backed by power. We are in our right minds. I just… I love my life and my dreams now. But I have bigger ones. Mom, I know you don’t get it, but… being in Adamant, learning how to control the powers that shouldn’t exist…” She raised her hand, and a halo of vivid light element formed around her, before it died away as she dropped her arm. “…not having to conform to the world, but to change it…”

“Naïve.” Ju-eun frowned. “No matter what, the man you claim to love here has more than a dozen other women. The world judges him, but… it judges you women more…”

“Yes, but so-so what?” Shaeula snorted. “What can their words do? Words are but wind, yet not-not the sort that can cut.” Jade blew around us, and the skirts and sleeves of the dresses the girls wore waved in the sudden gust. “The yapping of fools can not-not dismay us.”

“You think so? Is your heart so hard? Yu-mi is quite soft. I know my daughter. Can you truly shrug off the words of those calling you a concubine at best, a slut and a whore at worst? Can you still smile?”

“It’ll be hard.” Yu-mi admitted. “But I’ll have the last laugh. What matters is that Akio likes me, and that everyone else accepts me.”

“Eri does very-very much welcome you. which is quite-quite an honour.” Shaeula snorted, entertained. “Few are accorded such a glowing welcome. Of course, I am most-most happy for you to join us too. Come see eternity with us, worlds-worlds not even the Fae have seen.” Shaeula turned to Yu-mi’s mother then, her amber eyes solemn. “You mortals are rather amusing. Always this-this morality. I understand it. Killing, stealing, forcing, it is not-not kind. But… love? Where-where is the evil in that? Oh, I speak of those wise enough to know-know their own hearts, of course. But your Yu-mi is wise indeed. Akio loves me. I know-know this to be true…” How could I not? Our very love is proclaimed by the multiverse. One day… one day Yu-mi shall be here with us too, yes? And Daiyu, Shiro, Tan, many, many others… building your Path from our love, and the love others have.

Indeed, the Goblins upon the Path weren’t closely connected to me, not like the Valkyries, or those bound by Lovers’ Link. Or my sister. But even so, each of them contributed a strand, some, like Aine, actually quite strong, of some unidentified power. It wasn’t adherence, but it was slowly building within me, and around me. I wonder… is it the answer I seek? If so…

“…as I know-know he loves many others. Because he is a male who shall be the greatest of all. None-none of us can hope to match him, but-but all of us can support him. And in doing so, we shall have more joy than any could imagine. Now, Yu-mi, your daughter, I dare-dare say she wishes you to join us on this journey. Kin, family, they deeply matter. You might have misgivings, but Akio shall give-give your daughter something more-more precious than you can conceive of.”

“Shaeula’s right, mom.” Yu-mi nodded. “I don’t want people to dislike me, scorn me, for my choices, but… even back home, we women who hung around Gangnam, we rich daughters of Chaebols, politicians and the media, we were mocked as party girls, bitches, easy women. Despite most of us actually being quite careful and choosy. You couldn’t get into Gomdori-nim’s club if you were a low-class man or woman. They were lies then, and any slanders will be lies now. I… want you to come with us. Join us on this adventure. And I want you to respect my choice, even if you don’t understand it. I’m a grown woman, but that doesn’t mean you have no right to advise me. You can’t rule me, but…”

Wow. My sis was listening. I kind of feel bad. Is this how mature people argue? We suck in comparison, don’t we, bro? Though being fair, dad and mom were just as bad, no, worse. And while it’s not fair… what Yu-mi’s doing is seen as nothing compared to us kissing, bro…

You’re hung up on kissing, aren’t you?

Yeah, I’m curious, I admit it. But don’t worry, I’m not just thinking about pushing boundaries. It’s… like knowing I could means I don’t feel like I need to as much, you know? Though hey, don’t hesitate to ask if you want, bro. Connections work both ways, remember?

Yeah, I think I’m good for now…

Dick move, bro. Oh well, I know you’re just waiting for the right moment to properly steal my lips. My birthday is coming up, you know…? Hint. Hint. Hint.

Don’t just think ‘hint’ at me…

So long as you give me a birthday to remember. Anyway, yeah… Yu-mi’s mom is tough but… I think she’s fair. And she’s listening to what Yu-mi’s saying…

Indeed she was. “…you can still offer me your opinion, mom, because I love you and respect you. it’s my life, but I know you want the best for me. But also… don’t judge Akio on what you think. He’ll prove to you he can make me happy, he’ll meet any challenge, so… just ask him.” Yu-mi finished, and Ju-eun frowned.

“So, you can weather the storms of slander that would be thrown your way…”

“If I can interrupt?” I asked politely, and she nodded with a sigh.

“Go on then. Yu-mi spoke in your defence so well, it would be rude not to allow you your chance.”

“Thank you. Again, I can see where Yu-mi got her ability to mediate and support others from.”

“Flattery isn’t what I want to hear…”

“It wasn’t flattery. Yu-mi’s words carry a lot of weight with us. Within Adamant too…”

“Indeed.” Shaeula grinned. “Even before, Hinata was grooming her for Asscher rank, but I do now-now think she is destined to be a Princess. Welcome to-to the club.”

“I’d be honoured. I’m not yet worthy, but I will be. Mom, I’ve found my resolve, my dream. And the strength to work towards it, despite hardships. Now, Akio, you were saying?”

“Here. Online, see?” I pointed to a video uploaded to the internet, and the chat beneath it. “Not sure how the footage of the Ball got here so quickly, but the comments below, well, there are a few trolls and bastards, always are, but… the response to Yu-mi and the others isn’t generally scorn, but admiration and envy. Then, it’s very hard to hate a beautiful, strong woman.” I chuckled. “In fact, I’m the one taking heat, but it’s again mostly jealousy. I’m not being flippant, but… the world’s changed.”

“And Akio-nim’s basically at the centre of it all.” Soo-ah added. “I very much think looking at matters through the lens of a few months ago is foolish. Look at what happened in Tokyo. It’s somehow bigger than before. If even the world is so malleable, surely our standards and morals have to change too?”

“Since when did you get so witty, Chin Soo-ah?” Ju-eun sighed.

“Oh, I’ve always been a clever woman, but… it’s not that highly prized in Seoul, is it, Park-nim?”

“I told you to drop the honorifics. I’ve known you a long time, Soo-ah.”

“Fine then, Ju-eun-unni…”

“How sly. I’m a lot older than you…”

“But you won’t look it soon.” I added. “Whatever happens, even if you scorn me, and don’t want your daughter and I to be together, it doesn’t change that I have affection for her. And you’re her precious mother, who was so enraged at her sacrifice you were even thinking of divorce.” I stood and bowed deeply. “Please don’t. I mean, if you were having other troubles with your husband…” The largely silent man, too guilty and browbeaten to interfere, shook his head, as if to say not. “…then I can’t interfere, but if the friction was just at Yu-mi’s fate, then please, forgive him. The results were good. That might not be all that matters, intent and the deed itself do, but…”

“Yes. I know all the reasons to steer clear of Akio.” Yu-mi agreed, counting them off her fingers. “I’ll never be first and only in his heart. The potential reputational damage. The danger. Missing out on an ordinary life. It’s not an easy career.” Her smile was slightly cheeky now, and I felt it suited her well. “But if I’m to counter that… I’ll still be in his heart, and I’ve seen it. Even a little of his love is worth it. Love divided isn’t love depleted.”

Both Shaeula and I nodded at this. It’s true. I’ll make it work.

“Reputational damage is only temporary, even if it happens. Trust me on this. I’ll not stand in the shadows, but face the light, and prove I’m a good woman by my own actions. The danger… that’s a scary one, but we in Adamant…” She smiled at Soo-ah, who waved a hand lazily in agreement. “…have slowly been acclimatising ourselves to it, and Akio and the others, they’ll be there for us.”

“Yeah. I can’t absolutely promise nobody will get hurt. It might not seem like it, but there’ll be wars and dangers like you wouldn’t believe. That’s why we put in the effort now so that later we’ll survive and prosper. And Adamant…”

“…shall all be our kin.” Shaeula declared meaningfully, and at her mother’s confused expression, Yu-mi explained.

“Akio and Shaeula have incredible powers. Those who are their family can even come back from the dead. It’s not perfect, but I know a few women who have, and they are living their lives just fine now.”

“It all sounds a nonsense. Really?” Ju-eun asked, and Shaeula puffed out her chest pridefully, quite a sight in her gorgeous green gown.

“Indeed. Though Yu-mi is already one-one of us. Close enough to Akio’s heart to benefit.”

“I’m indeed rather jealous.” Soo-ah pouted. “If it wasn’t inappropriate, I’d show a little more leg. I’ve always had great legs. But this is Yu-mi darling’s time. And Park-nim is a little frightening today. So I’ll refrain. Praise me later, Yu-mi darling.” Soo-ah’s intervention might have seemed ill-judged, as she blew a kiss at Yu-mi, but it actually did lighten the mood, and despite her unpleasant teemper, Ju-eun did actually smile a little.

“You wish, Soo-ah-unni. Akio’s not just going to fall for you. Get some results and try again! Get some results anyway. We’ll need you on your best form in Korea. Anyway…” Yu-mi chuckled, closing another of her fingers down into her palm. “Missing out on an ordinary life… that one is complicated. Eventually I’d get married. Maybe to the son of another rich family, or even someone I met in the clubs. Ignoring the fact I’m broke, since dad gave away my inheritance…” She winked, showing she was only teasing. “…I’d get by. I’d either have to get a job or be a housewife. It could be a fun life, satisfying. Equally, it could be unpleasant. My husband could cheat, or gamble away our money, or we could fall out of love. I could fall sick… nobody knows what the future holds. There. Here, I know. Not the details, but the shape of it. We’ll have hard times, but more joyous ones. We’ll fight, but not each other, but for what we believe in. And I don’t think I’ll ever look back and say I regret this day. So long as you listen to me and have the Chirurgery, mom. I know you don’t want to rely on Akio for anything, to justify protecting me from him, but… I want you to be happy and healthy with me, with dad, for a long time yet, mom.”

Her words were so earnest it was hard to stay dry-eyed. Soo-ah indeed was dabbing at hers with a matching white and gold handkerchief.

“I… suppose I shouldn’t be stubborn. On that.” she conceded, and Yu-mi copied my sister’s usual gesture, and held up one hand in a victory sign.

“I’m so glad you came around. And lastly then… yes, it’s not an easy job, being in Adamant. But it is a satisfying one. As it’ll satisfy, us dominating Korea!”

“Yes, we’ll put things right, Yu-mi darling.” Soo-ah agreed. “And change it for the better, while keeping what’s worth it. Can’t get rid of the clubs, for one. After all, we promised to take young Eti again, didn’t we? Girls’ night out!”

“I’d say keep her away from wolves, but any that try to hunt her will find themselves in a world of hurt.” I snorted.

“So, mom. Have I satisfied you? I’ve thought this through, Akio has too.” Yu-mi asked.

“You never mentioned his money…” Ju-eun asked seriously, and Yu-mi shrugged.

“Because that’s not what worries you. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll live well. He’s very generous with those he cares about.” I nodded, and she continued. “But what does matter isn’t that, but me having a life I want to lead. Mom, you have to let me make mistakes. I know this isn’t one, but there’s no reason for you to believe us. Until you’ve experienced it yourself. So please… even if you can’t give us your blessing, at least… give us a chance to earn it.”

At her earnest plea, she sighed. “How do I respond to that? I still believe you are making a mistake, Yu-mi, but… I suppose it’s your mistake to make.” Ju-eun glowered at me. “Do you really cherish my daughter, all of these women, or are you just enthralled by the power, by the fact you can possess them, by the fact nobody can stop you?”

“That’s… a pertinent question.” I admitted. “But I know the answer to that now.” After all, I affirmed it earlier, didn’t I?

Don’t put this on me, bro. Though wow, it feels kind of awesome that I matter so much.

Idiot little sis sapphire, you always have. Just like Eri has. And… just like with Yu-mi’s mother here, one day our parents will understand. Even if they don’t… I doubt they’ll ever condemn you, sis.

If they try and blame everything on you, they can fuck right off, bro…

They might surprise us yet. Mother-in-law Hana…

Don’t praise my mother too much. Eri cut in, exasperated. I imagine she’s enjoying the turnabout. She always did get upset when Emily encouraged Akio…

“What it boils down to is… yes, I’m wretchedly possessive. And utterly selfish. But that’s not a bad thing. Because I’m also selfishly demanding those I care about live their best life too. Whatever they want, I can give them, and because they wish to give back to me… we’ll balance. Yu-mi is also someone I want to walk to the end with, I’m sure of it. And she wants to walk with you, her parents.”

“See?” Soo-ah smiled warmly. “It’s very difficult not to wish to attract his attention when he talks like that. It’s strange… I would have been disgusted with such a man, even mere weeks ago, but now… it just seems so admirable. And Yu-mi is a dear, dear friend of mine. You know that, Park-nim…”

“Enough with the nervous formality.” Ju-eun sighed. “It’s starting to sound like sarcasm, Soo-ah.”

“Fine then. Aunty Ju-eun, you may think us unwise, but we have thought it through. All life is a gamble… but we’re serious in betting it on him.” Soo-ah nodded at me, and Yu-mi took over, grabbing her mother’s hands.

“That’s right. If you have any other issues, we’ll talk through them. But first…?” Her gaze was imploring, and Shaeula snorted.

“I shall do it. I need-need to shake off the rust.” As Shaeula stood, Ju-eun froze for a moment, but Soo-ah reassured her, while Yu-mi held her tightly, preventing escape.

“It only hurts for a little while. The itching is quite terrible, I admit, but it’s worth it, aunty. You’ll see the difference soon enough.”

“Wait, I’m not prepared… I said wait… stop… ah… ouch!”

As I looked away, unwilling to upset Yu-mi’s mother by watching her embarrass herself, I couldn’t help but shake my head.

Yeah, she’s a troublesome mother indeed, but has a fierce protective instinct when it comes to Yu-mi. Our parents aren’t any different. They want the best for Aiko, but… like Park Ju-eun, they might not fully understand their daughter, and what she wants out of life, what’s non-negotiable for her…

***

“That was fiercely cruel.” Ju-eun complained, having recovered her composure, and she was indeed now drinking some strong Fae spirits I’d offered her. She was still standoffish and prickly with me, and clearly not won over entirely, but she’d mellowed a little.

“Soon-soon you shall be full of energy, healthier and more beautiful than ever-ever before.” Shaeula promised, having performed the Chirurgery. “There are many-many perks to being our kin.” she added, and Ju-eun took a sip of brandy to calm herself, before speaking.

“It’s not possible to buy my support just with benefits. I sold my daughter once for that, never again.”

“Oh, mom…” Yu-mi was tearing up at her care. I stood, walked over and put my arms around her from behind the sofa, smiling at her mother.

“I respect your opinion. And I’d never ask you to compromise your principles. But they do say actions speak louder than words. And I’ll show by my actions that I’m the right man for Yu-mi.”

“I see.” She leaned back, still pale from the aftermath of the Chirurgery. With a long sigh, she glowered at her husband. “Why aren’t you saying anything? What do you think?”

Park Do-yun frowned, before speaking slowly. “What can I say? I can hardly claim to be pleased that our Yu-mi, who was prepared to give her future to save Yu-jun, now insists she is happy with the man I sold her too. If I do, then it’s just a sop to my conscience…”

“Oh, dad…” Yu-mi sighed, her damp eyes glittering with shining beads.

“True. It would be awfully convenient, for you to get away with it just because the outcome is good.” Ju-eun agreed. “However…” she gazed at her daughter firmly. “…what do you think?”

“I think dad should forgive himself. I don’t blame him. Not after hearing how terrible Choe-Museon was from Eui.” Her mother didn’t know who that was, so she explained. “One of the few survivors like Yu-jun. She went through a living hell to get out alive. If Akio hadn’t joined the operation, the Hunters would have failed, and the Korean government would have had to level the Academy with precision guided bombs, survivors notwithstanding. So if it was me trapped in there, I’d be begging anyone to do whatever it took to set me free. And I’m his cousin. Family. Family’s important. Adamant is a family, mom. And Akio and those he loves are too. I’m not scared to do my part, no, I want to. But… you’re my mom. I want you to be happy for me, if you can be.”

“I… will do my best, I suppose.” she conceded in the end, though her expression was bitter. “You know I’m only thinking of you?”

“I know, mom. But just like the situation with cousin Yu-jun, nothing’s normal now. So don’t try and compare it to what we thought our lives would be like. Judge it on this new situation. When things change, we have to adapt, don’t we? It’s like the Doosan Group. If we don’t move with the times, we’ll get left behind and go bankrupt.”

“I doubt-doubt that.” Shaeula grinned. “The stake you offered Akio for his aid is in Hinata’s capable hands, I have no-no doubt she will ensure you prosper so she does not-not lose money. And besides, Yu-mi, you are with us now.”

Ju-eun pursed her lips at that, and I chuckled, relieved. “You know, you took everything rather calmly, Ju-eun-eomeonim…”

“Back to that again, I see…” she grumbled, and I nodded.

“Yes, I wouldn’t dare not be respectful to Yu-mi’s mother.” I agreed. “Anyway, I was told you were… heated…”

“Oh, but she most-most certainly was.” Shaeula waved one hand for emphasis. “Quite-quite furious, at times.”

“Of course I was.” Ju-eun sniffed, exasperated. “I had all of you coming up, telling me this and that. Money, power, love, all sorts of things you promised Akio would give my foolish, all-too-obedient daughter. Coming from his other women, is it any wonder I was fuming?”

I winced. “No.” I bowed deeply again. “I can only apologise for that. But they mean well, not just for me, but for Yu-mi too. There won’t be any bullying, see?”

“Indeed not.” Shaeula added, holding out her glass for a refill of brandy. My arms were still around Yu-mi, so I channelled aether, lifting the bottle over and pouring. “To be one of Akio’s females, we all agree. Lift-lift ourselves up, never-never push others down. We compete, but it makes us better, hones our desires for-for Akio’s love, and his love for us.”

“Adamant is the same.” Soo-ah added. “One day, you’ll look at this moment, aunty, and be proud your daughter and her dear friends were accepted. As for you, Yu-mi…” She smiled cheekily, seeming a little younger than usual. “…congratulations. After all, your boyfriend’s a Duke, and soon to be a Prince.”

“I never thought of it like that.” Yu-mi giggled, and talk turned to that.

I am relieved. That was quite an argument. Shaeula didn’t need words to talk to me.

Yeah, but… Yu-mi’s mother definitely means well. And she listened to us, and we listened to her, and… met in the middle. We haven’t fully won her over, but… I can tell Yu-mi’s happy, and her father is too. Hopefully time will heal the rift Yu-mi’s sacrifice caused…

No, you, with our aid, shall heal that. When Ju-eun sees that our promises are no lies, and Yu-mi blooms beautifully, she shall relent.

Yeah, she’s not against us for the wrong reasons, she’s just… outside the bubble. That’s the problem. Those outside, and even some inside… my father sprung to mind. He’d changed his attitude towards me, and was certainly warmer and more supportive, treating me as a man, but I guessed that the situation with Aiko was more than his stubborn, hidebound self could handle right now. …they can’t see we have to deal with the new world in new ways. Father… I’ll think of a way to make him understand. I know he loves us both, in his own hardheaded way, even if he’s woefully undemonstrative. I don’t think, no matter what, that he’d abandon Aiko… or me, honestly. At least I hope so…

It is as I have said. You mortals do concern yourselves over some trivial things…

Trivial? I couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Compared to what we have to face, sure, but ironically it’s these matters of family which cause us the most trouble, every time…