Reincarnated Into A Dead Woman's Body In Another World-Chapter 177: Arc 4, Act I, - 22: In the Public Eye

"Daiyu," Hotaru approached, swaying her tail.

Daiyu turned, "Hey. Where’re the others?" the people Daiyu was talking to took their cue to moved onto other conversations.

"Asobi saw Fumeko looking for food and went with her. Jotou," the redhead surveyed, "I’m not sure."

"Hm, well it’s probably better that he’s with me for now," Daiyu took a small piece of chocolate from a serving tray passing by.

Hotaru averted her eyes to elsewhere, "Bit of a crowd there," she noticed.

"Weird. I’ve only been in a handful of these, but people tend to always be more scattered than clumped. The reporters and stuff get their tiny interviews in and stuff."

Hotaru’s ears pricked, "Well, I can accompany you for a bit if you’d like; where’s Feyan?"

"Sure. And Feyan’s off to see his brother," Daiyu did not shift her gaze from the denser group of people to the side of the room. She squinted, then stood on the tips of her toes, able to see a glimpse of blonde hair.

"Oh shit, that’s Jotou’s, he’s in the middle of it," Daiyu held her dress and rushed forward, trying not to run to cause a scene.

Hotaru’s eyes widened, before she rushed along, not caring to walk elegantly as she nearly sprinted. The two curved and coiled around the crowd, exhaling excuse me-s as an afterthought.

Hotaru and Daiyu shuffled their way into the two dozen or so people surrounding her. ’Stop. Stop!’ The blonde’s wrists twisted, her lips quivering to scream.

’You can handle this, it’s just people.

They’re asking too many things, I don’t care, I don’t care. I can’t breathe! I need space!

Calm down.

I CAN’T!’

"Hello, I’m a Deputy Minister of Justice, it’s a pleasure to meet you Thundering Blade."

Jotou panted a little, smiling still, "Pleasure. I can still function."

"Excuse me?"

"Huh?" ’Did I say that out loud?’ "Oh, apologies, I wasn’t sure who I was talking to before is all," Jotou giggled lightly, her eyes feeling blank.

The blonde turned slowly to be met with another face, but she had not yet stopped giggling. Jotou shut her mouth with a hand, "I, have to go, I’m so sorry," Jotou waved a hand.

She tried to wriggle her way out, but took too many seconds to even choose a path out. ’Who all have I met, I’ll have to remember- wait, don’t forget about the letters, the letters.’

"Oh just one moment Ms Howllett," the Krian emissary raised a hand to halt.

’Just keep going. For hell’s sake, run! Why run? Do you want people to think I’m crazy!? I’ll just walk.’ "My apologies, I have urgent business to take care of," she turned and stopped. ’No need to reply!!! Just get out!

I can’t be rude!’

As the blonde stopped, a reporter stepped in, "Just a second of your time Thundering Blade."

"I really don’t-"

"She does not have the time, so if you would please step back."

"Hotaru," Jotou let out a breath, feeling in control again for a second as the redhead held Jotou’s wrist. Hotaru wedged herself in front.

Upon hearing the jewellery and seeing the footsteps of Daiyu, the small gathering of officials and reporters let her through. "The Thundering Blade is currently occupied, so if you would all please, make way," Daiyu glared.

Mutterings and mumbles responded, allowing Hotaru to safely escort Jotou out of the premises. Daiyu followed behind, grabbing Jotou by the other arm and taking her out of the room and into the northern corridor.

Upon the three passing by, Fumeko and Asobi turned their heads to notice, as well as Arabella followed by Feyan who searched for a missing princess.

None of the Royal Guard posted questioned as Daiyu opened up the large windows and ushered Jotou along onto the exterior corridor.

The rain had died down to one or two drizzles every minute and the clouds left a smoky haze in the sky; the afternoon rays pierced through here and there.

She breathed slower in the thick cold air; the sound of music and clutter of chatter now behind her. Jotou rested the back of her elbows onto the banister of the rain-coated corridor.

Humidity aside, the only thing bothering her now was a headache, "Thanks," she sighed to the sky before staring into the inner corridor.

"Don’t mention it, you good?" Daiyu cocked a brow.

"Yeah... just, overwhelmed? I haven’t had that feeling in a while... I don’t think I’ve been mobbed before. Five or six people I can manage, but an ever-expanding crowd? Ugh," Jotou rubbed her forehead, shifting her long bangs.

"You’re panting and sweating Jotou," Hotaru placed her hand onto Jotou’s lips and formed water—the taste of a rejuvenate spell. Daiyu’s cocked brow raised even higher, till a corner of her lip rose.

Jotou sipped it down and held Hotaru’s palm away, "Thanks." She relaxed her brows and leaned more onto the corridor, "I think I would’ve been fine, but thanks for the rescue anyway."

"Sure you would’ve," Daiyu scoffed.

Hotaru’s eyes glazed over, "At least you’re safe now."

"Safe? I wasn’t ’really’ in danger," Jotou brushed aside.

"Seriously?"

"Kidding."

"Just breathe, your heartrate’s erratic," Hotaru checked her pulse by the wrist. Daiyu held the half-cocked smirk looking at the two.

"Jotou!"

"Jotou?"

Fumeko followed by Asobi made their way out of the room and onto the exterior corridor, splashing the leftover puddles of water.

Daiyu’s eyes widened, seeing the splashes. "Tch," she sighed, lifting up the dress that she now realized was drenched at the bottom when she walked here.

"What happened?" Fumeko blinked the small distance.

"I wasn’t, ready to be overwhelmed today..."

"Well, you’ve never been popular enough for small talk," Daiyu let go of her dress, giving up on saving it.

"Thundering Blade..." Jotou uttered, "Can’t deal with small talk..." she held the bridge of her nose.

"Don’t say that," Asobi pouted walking over. She gently held Jotou’s shoulder and patted in soft circles.

"Even though you’re right."

"True," Daiyu agreed to Fumeko’s statement.

Jotou’s eyes glazed over, "Who needs enemies..."

"All of you shut it," Hotaru still held her by the wrist, "It wasn’t just small talk, you were being mobbed. It’s never happened before; at least not like that and not to that extent."

Fumeko held a hand to her chin, "I guess. In Kria we had illusions disguising us for the most part. Even in Hartamat people didn’t know what you looked like.

All they had were descriptions and illustrations... And now they have pictures."

"Well, I didn’t wanna get you in a mess obviously-"

Jotou put her hand up in front of Daiyu, "I knew what I was walking into; maybe subconsciously at least. Breakfast should’ve been an indication."

Hotaru pouted, her fingers lightly rubbing over the blonde’s wrist, "It’s true. You’re in the public eye now—proper."

"And us by association," Fumeko smiled rather than frowning.

"Don’t worry Jotou, think of all the cool things you could do!" Asobi cheered.

"You’re not wrong," Jotou muttered, "It’s why Feyan wanted me by your side too," she looked to Daiyu. "A reputation has benefits."

"Not my first thought when I asked you to stay."

"I’m aware."

"My lady?"

"Speak of the devil," Daiyu turned, "Feyan?"

Feyan walked out, then paused as he glanced at the floor. He tiptoed around the puddles with his dress shoes, "What happened? You all disappeared."

"Nothing, just got mobbed. I’m fine now," Jotou replied standing upright as Hotaru let go of her wrist. Asobi hung her chin on Jotou’s shoulder. "I’ve just got a headache and an emotional support Asobi."

"Mmm, I support emotions," Asobi mumbled in a little smile.

"Not what that means," Jotou giggled, feeling better.

"Oh," Feyan approached, "I am sorry to hear that, do you mind if I attempt to heal it?"

"Uh, if you can...? Hotaru’s rejuvenate spell already helped a bit."

"Of course," Feyan moved his open palm over the blonde’s face as shadows coalesced around his fingers and circled around Jotou’s head.

The shadows gave a little whisper as Feyan pinched all his fingers together and yanked his hand back; the shadows whipped back with it and disappeared.

Jotou’s eyes widened as Asobi jolted back. The headache... "It’s gone. Wow... Thank you."

"He’s good at it," Daiyu grinned.

Feyan rubbed his own temple, "No problem at all."

"You were a medic, of course your affinity was healing," Hotaru shook her head in realization, "If you wouldn’t mind, could you teach me that spell later?"

"Alleviate Migraine? Sure," before Feyan could finish his thought another footstep approached the corridor.

"Showing off magic tricks are we?" smooth in his voice, his eyes a light violet and face a little longer than Feyan’s; same of his hair—black and in a quiff.

Hands in his dark maroon blazer pockets, he swayed each step over the puddles of water—his ears pointed, but not as sharp as Asobi’s. "Brother," Feyan turned.

He smiled walking up, taking his hands out of his pockets, "I believe we have not met formally, or rather informally, your majesty," he bowed deeply.

"Pleasure to meet you informally as well, other, Lord Artevik," Daiyu curtsied.

"I recalled the name, but not the face when you greeted us in the inner foyer," Jotou smiled, "This is Hotaru Kinoshita, Fumeko Namora and Asobi."

"Greetings," Hotaru followed Daiyu.

"Hey," Fumeko waved.

"Another elf!? Oh, wait, half-elf, right?" Asobi giddied then held her wand in both hands.

Feyan’s brother stood upright, much taller than even Daiyu, "Indeed. It is nice to meet you all, I am Cymbeline Luciean Artevik. You may just call me Luciean, no need for titles in presence of yourselves."

"Feyan’s mentioned you all morning," Daiyu grinned.

"Princess..." Feyan pursed his lips.

"Has he now?"

"It was nothing really, just surprised you would attend instead of father is all," Feyan replied.

"Well, father is busy at the present moment. However, I was delighted to hear Feyan’s voice again. Never visited home; barely writes ever since he’s been by your side princess. I hope he has not been overworked."

"Believe me, I want him to work less, but Feyan’s taken many things upon himself; he’s efficient at the very least," Daiyu replied.

"Does this matter have to be discussed at this very moment?" Feyan stared to the floor.

"I suppose not. It is also quite the honour to see the Thundering Blade and her party. A resounding speech you gave."

"What, we’re just ’her party’?" Fumeko glared.

"Please, don’t mind her," Hotaru interrupted. Luciean seemed indifferent all the same.

"Thank you; still wouldn’t consider it my greatest moment," Jotou replied.

"Perhaps a little more care in your tone, though your choices of words had no flaw; at least I believe so. I could not help but notice you being surrounded and subsequently escaping the room?"

Arabella had stepped onto the corridor, positioning the Royal Guard in various spots. She furrowed her brows at Daiyu and raised her fist once.

"Oh sorry Ara, Jotou needed some fresh air," Daiyu replied.

Luciean turned, "Admiral of the Royal Guard if I am not mistaken?"

Arabella halted her steps and her eyes widened for a second before she nodded.

"Brilliant, am I interrupting something? I believe if the other guests see people forming here, they will be inclined to walk their way over," Luciean queried.

"Oh no, Jotou can’t be mobbed again, she’ll faint!" Asobi yelped. Arabella turned to Jotou and squinted more, as if to question what happened.

"Well," Jotou looked to her and Luciean, "Yes, I was a bit overwhelmed and froze or panicked a little," Jotou winced an eye.

"Jotou’s just not, used to this," Daiyu replied.

Luciean cocked his head and hummed, "Is that so? Well Thundering Blade, I wish you the best. You will have to adapt to these conditions whether you like it or not; just like another," he laid a hand on Feyan’s shoulder.

Feyan squeaked a groan, "I would prefer not to be embarrassed amongst this company..."

"I know. I’m sure I’ll figure it out," Jotou sighed.

"Uhm, hate to say it," Fumeko sided her head and pointed forward to some of the people glancing over to their little gathering here.

Arabella went over and took Jotou by the arm. "Huh? What?"

Arabella looked to Feyan and quickly made hand motions with one hand.

"Oh, Jotou, if you would please go with the admiral; if you wish not to be surrounded once more," Feyan translated.

"Alright then..." Jotou went along as Arabella tugged her along down the hallway, away from the reception chamber, "I’ll see you all later!" Jotou waved before she left.

"Jotou? Are you two that familiar brother?" Luciean raised a brow.

"Uh," Feyan stared for a bit, "I only call her as such because she requested to is all."

"I merely ask, seeing the company you keep," Luciean glanced at the princess.

Daiyu scoffed, "He still can’t call me by my name."

"Brother... please," Feyan blushed.

"I think I shall stay for dinner, if that is alright?"

"By all means, and any stories you have of Feyan are welcome as well," Daiyu grinned. Luciean chuckled as Feyan shrivelled up like dried fruit.