The next morning, Shikuro, accompanied by Bjorn, Yoru, and Shikihime, made their way through the bustling city streets. Their mission was a mix of necessity and whimsy, as they visited various shops, sometimes purchasing random items, other times things they actually needed.

  Their most significant stop was at an artisan jeweller's shop. The jeweller eyed Shikuro warily, trying to gauge his wealth. "I'm looking to buy a gift for my wife," Shikuro stated. "Do you have quality sapphires?"

  The jeweller hesitated, openly doubting Shikuro's ability to afford them. Meanwhile, a guard in the shop kept a watchful eye on the group, his hand resting near his weapon, ready to act if needed.

  Shikuro's patience started to wear thin. "What's the highest price?" he asked, his tone firm.

  "Little above a large gold coin," the jeweller replied.

  Without hesitation, Shikuro tossed two coins to the jeweller, who quickly verified their authenticity. His attitude changed instantly, now addressing them as valued customers and asking them to return in two hours, as he didn't keep his finest pieces on-site.

  Shikihime, stepping closer, chimed in. "And what of your rubies? We're interested in those too, provided the quality matches the price."

  After leaving the jeweller's, the group continued their shopping spree. Shikihime, Yoru, and Akalune decided to disguise themselves as blondes, though they planned to wash out the colour before leaving.

  Shikuro watched Shikihime, thinking how different she looked in her bright clothes and blonde hair, styled simply in a short ponytail. "I never thought I'd see you like this," he remarked, a hint of fondness in his voice.

  Shikihime laughed, "A little change can be refreshing, don't you think?"

  Shikuro's efforts to forge a closer bond with Yoru were becoming increasingly evident. The previous night, as he attentively listened to Shikihime recount the story of how she first met Yoru, he found himself developing a newfound respect for her. It was in these stories that he began to comprehend the depth of Yoru's loyalty. Shikihime, his remarkable wife, continued to amaze him daily, her qualities making her more endearing as time passed.

  Their relationship, too, had grown unexpectedly intimate. The previous night was a testament to this, a time where they had fully enjoyed each other's company. Now, as a result, Shikuro felt a profound exhaustion, yet he was baffled by Shikihime's seemingly boundless energy, her vitality undiminished by the night's activities.

  Lost in these reflections, Shikihime's voice suddenly broke through his reverie. She had stealthily approached him and now whispered playfully into his ear, "I bet you were thinking about our night of fun. It's written all over your face, and you might want to keep your soldier at ease, not at attention."

  Realising the double entendre in her words, Shikuro felt his face flush with embarrassment. In a flustered attempt to regain his composure, he slapped his cheeks lightly, steering his mind back to the present moment.

  Yoru's gaze lingered on him with a mix of suspicion and intrigue, while Bjorn couldn't help but smile, his expression a mix of mockery and genuine amusement at Shikuro's discomfiture.

  Breaking the tension, Shikihime's stomach rumbled, prompting her to suggest, "I'm hungry. Let's eat at the marketplace. It's a perfect chance to try some local delicacies." The idea was met with unanimous approval, and the group set off towards the bustling market, ready to immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine.

  At the marketplace, they eagerly indulged in fresh chicken accompanied by a generous serving of potatoes. Each of them took hearty bites, savouring the simple yet delicious meal. Amidst the feast, Shikihime's gaze wandered over the array of stalls and vendors.

  Shikuro, noticing her curiosity, mentioned, "I think I saw a dessert stall earlier. We'll check it out on our way back." Shikihime's face lit up with a smile at the mention of sweets.

  Bjorn, intrigued by her reaction, asked, "You really have a thing for sweets. Is there a special reason?" Shikihime simply shrugged, "I've always preferred sweet over salty. I'm not much for fruits, despite my love for vegetables. It's strange, I know, but sweets are just my thing. I am what I am."

  Akalune chimed in with a mix of wonder and confusion, "But how do you manage to eat so much of it? I tried to keep up with you once and ended up with a stomach ache, while you just finished even my part, insisting that sweets should never be wasted."

  Yoru, with a hint of concern, asked, "Does Kage know about this?" Shikihime shook her head, laughing. "Absolutely not. I'd never hear the end of it." She then playfully mimicked Kage, "My lady, such indulgences are not befitting a royal princess. You must maintain your poise and never show such weaknesses, be it to allies or enemies..." she trailed off in mock seriousness.

  Minato agreed with Kage's hypothetical admonishment, "She does have a point, though." But Shikuro, ever supportive, said, "I'll find you a chef who specialises in sweets."

  Yoru immediately objected, "Absolutely not. We can't let her go overboard." While Shikihime beamed, "You really are the best!" Yoru insisted, "She'll end up gaining weight. We need to moderate her sweet intake."

  Shikuro, smiling, said, "I wouldn't mind even if she did." Shikihime, half-joking, half-serious, retorted, "Yeah, right. And then you'd replace me with a newer, younger model. I can't afford to let myself go!" Her words were light.

  Shikuro, earnest and sincere, quickly responded, "I would never do that. I swear by it." Shikihime, with a playful yet challenging tone, said, "Let's test that, shall we? Imagine me at 130kg, especially how it would feel with me on top during our intimate moments."

  Shikuro couldn't hide his grimace. "You always take things to the extreme," he said, trying to keep the conversation light. "I don't mind a little more of you here and there, but 130 kg would be unhealthy. It's all about staying healthy."

  "So, you do like my body as it is now?" Shikihime asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and teasing.

  "Of course, I love your body," Shikuro replied earnestly. "It's perfect as it is."

  Bjorn, observing the exchange, shook his head and muttered, "You can be an idiot sometimes." Shikuro looked confused at Bjorn's comment, but the others shared knowing looks.

  Shikihime, continuing her playful provocation, added, "So, I get fat, our children change my body, and then you'll just discard me?" Her words were teasing but touched on deeper insecurities.

  Shikuro, visibly frustrated, exclaimed, "What are you talking about? I never implied anything like that!"

  Minato, attempting to defuse the situation, interjected, "Shikuro, stop. These topics are traps. There are no right answers, and they're not really seeking your opinion."

  Akalune shot Minato a disapproving look. "And what's that supposed to mean?" she asked sharply. Minato, realising the conversation was veering into dangerous territory, waved his hand dismissively and looked away, closing himself off from the discussion.

  Shikuro turned to Shikihime, searching her face for clues. She was smiling. Was this all just a tease? A test? "Shikihime, were you just teasing me?" he asked, seeking clarity.

  Without answering directly, Shikihime cheerfully suggested, "Let's go find that sweet stall." The group stood up, leaving Shikuro a step behind, his question hanging unanswered in the air, a blend of confusion and realisation dawning on him.

  As Shikihime savoured a delicately crafted cake from a nearby stall, her mood was visibly uplifted. A warm smile graced her lips, and her eyes sparkled with genuine happiness. The sweet treat seemed to have brightened her day immensely.

  However, their pleasant outing was abruptly interrupted when a group of eight ragged individuals blocked their path. Dressed in tattered clothes and wielding crude clubs, the makeshift gang looked more desperate than dangerous. The leader, stepping forward with a feigned bravado, demanded, "Hand over all your gold, and maybe we'll let you leave unharmed."

  The six companions exchanged bemused glances before bursting into uncontrollable laughter. Shikihime laughed so hard that tears streamed down her face. Leaning on Shikuro's shoulder, she managed to gasp out between fits of laughter, "They think they can let us go with those toy weapons!"

  Yoru stepped forward, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, what should we do? Should we cower in fear, or perhaps beg for mercy with our bodies?" Her mockery only added fuel to their amusement, with even Bjorn struggling to maintain his composure.

  Minato, though smiling, was the only one who seemed to hold onto some semblance of seriousness. His amusement was more restrained, a contrast to the others' unrestrained mirth.

  "ENOUGH, YOU FUCKERS!" the bandit leader shouted, his patience snapping. "Hand it over, or we'll make you regret it!"

  In response, Shikihime nonchalantly flipped a small gold coin onto the ground in front of her. "For this amusing performance, this is all you get. Take it and leave us be," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

  This only infuriated the would-be robbers further. With a mix of frustration and desperation, they drew small daggers and other makeshift weapons. The leader's eyes glinted with malice as he ordered, "Take down the man, and leave the women. We'll have our 'fun' with them."

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  As the leader lunged towards Yoru, his club raised high, the air was thick with tension. But Yoru, with the calmness of a seasoned warrior, effortlessly sidestepped his clumsy attack. In a blur of motion, she drew her dagger and, with a swift, precise movement, sliced through the air. The leader's eyes widened in shock as his throat was cleanly cut, and he collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

  The second assailant, emboldened by rage, charged at Yoru. But she was already two steps ahead. With a flick of her wrist, she sent her dagger spinning towards him. It whistled through the air and embedded itself deep in his neck. He stumbled forward, falling face-first onto the cobblestone street.

  The third attacker, witnessing the fate of his comrades, hesitated. This moment of doubt was all Yoru needed. She closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, her boot connecting with his knee with a sickening crack. As he fell, she used his own falling momentum to grasp his head, twisting sharply. The sound of his neck snapping echoed in the narrow alley.

  The remaining five, now facing the undeniable lethality of their opponent, were rooted to the spot in terror. Yoru's eyes, cold and unyielding, locked onto the fourth. He barely had time to raise his weapon before she was upon him, her movements a deadly dance. In mere seconds, he too lay motionless on the ground.

  The sight of four of their comrades taken down so swiftly and ruthlessly shattered the bravado of the remaining bandits. They turned and fled, their footsteps echoing in the alley as they escaped.

  Shikihime's voice broke the sudden silence. "Don't chase them," she commanded calmly. Yoru, her breathing steady despite the exertion, nodded and retrieved her dagger from the body of the second bandit.

  Shikihime picked up the small gold coin from the ground, her expression a mix of regret and resolve. "They had a choice," she stated solemnly. "This was self-defence."

  Minato, looking around the quiet alley, suggested, "We should leave quickly. It's only a matter of time before someone discovers this scene. Let's avoid unnecessary questions and move on."

  With that, the group continued their journey to the jeweller, the aftermath of the brief but brutal encounter leaving a palpable change in the atmosphere.

  As they calmly made their way toward the artisan's shop, the recent altercation still lingered in the air. Bjorn, walking alongside Yoru, glanced at her with a mix of respect and apprehension. "You know, you can be really intimidating, missy," he remarked. "I'd be keen on a sparring session with you under better circumstances."

  Yoru, acknowledging his comment with a nod, responded, "I'm up for it. Once we return and find some free time, we can arrange that."

  Shikuro, joining the conversation, interjected with a note of realism. "After we return, our schedules are likely to be even more packed than now. We might be more secure, but definitely busier."

  Shikihime concurred, her tone somber. "We can't predict what's transpired during our absence. The limited information we have paints a grim picture. Tranquil days seem far from our grasp now."

  Yoru, with unwavering loyalty, assured, "Then I'll stand and fight through those times alongside you, Shikihime." Her words were a testament to their bond.

  Shikihime, visibly touched, gently patted Yoru's back. "I know. We've had each other's backs since we were kids. You're more than a friend; you're family to me."

  Yoru, usually stoic, allowed a small, warm smile to grace her lips, a rare show of affection.

  Upon reaching the artisan's shop, they noticed an increased presence of guards – a sign of heightened security. Undeterred, the group entered, ready to resume their interrupted errand.

  The artisan welcomed them with an enthusiastic flourish. "Welcome, esteemed guests," he beamed, his demeanour a stark contrast to their earlier encounter. Shikuro couldn't help but think cynically about the sudden change in attitude.

  The artisan's eyes lingered on Shikuro as he asked, "May I interest you in some of my special wares?" With a nod from Shikuro, the man eagerly opened a small, ornate chest and carefully extracted several pieces of fine jewellery.

  Shikuro's brow furrowed in scepticism as he eyed the displayed items. They were exquisite, far exceeding the value of one or two large gold coins. Among them was a ring made of bluesteel, inlaid with a magnificent sapphire. Bluesteel, known for its rarity and value, was significantly more precious than gold, and this particular ring looked to be worth at least eight large gold coins – a sum far beyond what ordinary people could afford.

  "What is the meaning of this?" Shikuro asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

  The artisan, with a knowing smile, replied, "This is a bluesteel ring adorned with one of the purest sapphires. Its value is around 15 large gold coins, but truthfully, I've had it for three years without a buyer. Taking it to another city would only bring me trouble. So, I'm willing to part with it for a much lower price."

  Shikuro examined the ring more closely. The craftsmanship was undeniably exquisite, and the ring bore the unmistakable emblem of a Frostbear at its crest – a rare and formidable creature native only to his duchy. The Frostbear, a massive beast with a distinctive light blue hue, was a hybrid animal capable of breathing underwater, making it a fearsome predator.

  "We can't afford it," Shikuro stated firmly, his tone final. Shikihime, however, seemed captivated by the ring, her eyes lingering on it with a mixture of curiosity and desire.

  The artisan, sensing an opportunity, quickly interjected, "What if I said four large gold coins?"

  Shikuro's scepticism deepened. "At that price, I'd suspect a scam. There's no way this ring is that cheap. Let's leave, Shikihime." But Shikihime stood still, her interest evidently piqued.

  "I want to see what else you have," she said to Shikuro, gently reminding him of her interest in rubies. Shikuro, recalling her request, acquiesced. "Of course, darling. Take your time, but be wary. This man might be trying to swindle us."

  The artisan, eager to maintain their interest, brought out another chest. He opened it before Shikihime, revealing an array of gems. Among them, a set of pure, unmounted rubies caught her eye. They were refined and of good quality, yet not set into any jewelry.

  Shikihime pointed at them and inquired, "How many are there?"

  "These are reserved for custom orders," the artisan explained. "Do you have a specific design in mind?"

  Shikihime, persistent, repeated her question. The artisan finally relented, "There are 22 small pieces, 4 medium ones, and 3 large pieces."

  "And the price?" Shikihime pressed.

  "They're meant for custom work. Tell me what you're envisioning, and I'll use them accordingly," he replied.

  "I'm interested in the rubies alone," Shikihime asserted.

  The artisan seemed taken aback by her request. In an attempt to sway her, he presented a golden necklace, a stunning piece of his own creation. "This is part of a set. I can offer the entire set for one large gold coin."

  But Shikihime's interest remained solely on the rubies. "Just the rubies," she reiterated.

  The artisan, however, refused to budge. "I can't sell the rubies separately. They're reserved for special orders."

  Shikuro, seeing an opportunity, proposed, "If I purchase the ring, would you include the rubies in the deal?" The artisan's gaze shifted to Shikuro, his mind visibly working through the possibilities. After a moment of contemplation, he responded, "That would come to 8 large gold coins, 3 medium ones, and 1 small one."

  Without hesitation, Shikuro pulled out his pocket of gold coins and presented it to the artisan. "Here, 7 large gold coins, 9 medium ones, and 13 small ones. Take it or leave it." The offer laid bare on the table was generous but firm.

  The artisan weighed the offer, his expression betraying his inner turmoil. Shikihime observed the negotiation intently, her interest in the outcome evident.

  Shikuro, pressing his advantage, added, "This is your chance to make a sale or walk away with nothing. The price you've set for the rubies is already steep. Surely you can do better."

  The artisan, turning to Shikihime, asked, "Why do you want the rubies alone, and not jewelry that already incorporates them?"

  Shikihime replied with confidence, "I plan to visit Freiburg. I want their artisans to create custom pieces for me, enhancing a set I already own from there." Her response took the artisan by surprise.

  "You have connections with artisans in our capital? I've been there myself; their skills are unmatched. I see now." He paused, then finally conceded, "Very well, it's a deal."

  As he agreed to their terms, the artisan added, "You're an unusual group. I can't quite figure out your agenda. I'll need you to sign a paper stating that you purchased the small ring for 1 medium gold coin. If anyone inquires, I can't admit to this transaction as it stands. Give me a moment to draft the paper and prepare your items."

  The deal was unconventional, but it suited both parties. Shikuro and Shikihime had secured both the ring and the rubies at a reasonable price, while the artisan managed to make a significant sale, albeit under the table.

  Interlude: Sora’s Worries

  Sora, ever vigilant in her duties, had been meticulously overseeing the exchanges related to the land. Each communication was reported to her, but as she delved deeper, inconsistencies began to emerge. The reports didn't align with her expectations or knowledge. Driven by a growing sense of unease, she made a decisive move. She approached Colonel Aoi, a trusted and capable officer, and requested her assistance for a daring mission: to infiltrate the realm's flagship, commanded by the admiral of the first fleet.

  Under the cover of darkness, Sora, along with a carefully selected crew, executed their plan. They stealthily boarded the flagship and, against all odds, managed to secure the critical documents they were after. In the dim light, Sora pored over the letters, her expression growing increasingly troubled. The content of these documents was vastly different from the reports they had been receiving. "Something is terribly wrong," she thought. "Could there be a traitor in the fleet? Is the admiral involved, or is it someone in his inner circle?"

  Having gathered the necessary evidence, they made a swift retreat back to Kraken. There, Sora convened an emergency meeting with Colonel Aoi. The implications of her findings were deeply worrisome. Aoi, ever loyal and ready to follow her lead, asked for Sora's command.

  Sora, deep in thought, articulated her plan. "We need to discreetly remove untrustworthy personnel and distance ourselves from the fleet. There's deception at play. Why else would these reports be hidden from us?" She knew they faced a daunting task; about a hundred people needed to be discreetly offloaded from the Kraken. But Sora was not willing to compromise their mission or sacrifice their valuable boats.

  Colonel Aoi, understanding the gravity of the situation, suggested a strategic approach. "There are a few within the fleet whom I trust completely. We can transfer the questionable individuals to their command. Then, we make our escape."

  The operation's night had arrived, shrouded in secrecy and tension. Two ships, under the cover of darkness, glided silently beside each other, ready for the crucial personnel transfer. One by one, Dynasty soldiers discreetly removed realm sailors and soldiers from their ship, transferring them to the adjacent vessel. Any resistance was quickly subdued; those who resisted were knocked unconscious and carried across.

  Sora and Aoi, overseeing the exchange, shared a brief but significant conversation. "As planned, head south first," Sora instructed. "It's the least expected direction, and though it'll prolong our journey, it's a necessary diversion."

  Aoi nodded, her face set in determination. "Understood. Once we're clear, will we rejoin the Dynasty fleet?"

  "We'll consult with Kage first," Sora replied thoughtfully. "She'll have more current information. We'll decide our next move then."

  With the personnel transfer complete and the farewells exchanged, the ships parted ways. Aoi immediately sprang into action, barking orders. "Lights off, we're going silent. Lower the flag. All hands on deck, we have a task ahead. Where's my second-in-command?"

  Her second-in-command arrived, panting from haste. After quickly setting the course, Aoi returned to Sora's side. Sora observed her crew - skilled sailors and warriors, each one committed to their cause. She silently prayed that her actions wouldn't inadvertently harm Shikihime. This gamble was high-risk, but necessary.

  Two days into their journey, a peculiar report reached Sora. Ascending to the deck, Aoi handed her the binoculars. Peering through them, Sora spotted three realm ships sailing south. "Could they have intelligence on Shikihime?" she wondered aloud.

  "How far are we from Stardust Kingdom waters?" Sora inquired.

  "Not very," Aoi responded. "Those ships are trying to stay undetected, likely to avoid detection by kingdom patrols."

  "Then we follow them discreetly," Sora decided, her intuition guiding her. In these strange and uncertain times, any unusual activity could be a vital clue. "Tonight, we'll get closer to identify who's on board."

  With that, Sora redirected their course, steering them into a future rife with unknowns. What lay ahead for them, only time would tell.