Fates Parallel Chapter 418 - Homecoming

With the official orders in place, all that remained was the formality of moving those who’d be staying into the academy and sending the armies back home. It would take Dae some time to properly repair the shield formation, but in the meantime Yoshika dedicated a portion of her attention to letting people in and out as needed.

Kaede had to stay, for obvious reasons, and even if she hadn’t accidentally ended up part of Yoshika, she’d have remained in Jiaguo regardless. Instead, Master Ienaga took command of the Yamato soldiers and prepared to lead them back to their own country.

Jia, having finally reformed a temporary avatar for herself, met her master just outside the Yamato camp’s command center as the army was breaking camp.

“I’m surprised my sister didn’t somehow convince you to stay. She was pretty gung-ho about it before.”

Ienaga chuckled and shook her head.

“Jung certainly made a compelling argument, but my duty is to my people first. I could justify it before, knowing the stakes of your journey, but you’ve reached the end of that journey safely and I can’t shirk my obligations at home any longer.”

“Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay? We’re thinking about starting the academy again, and we could use instructors—I don’t have the greatest track record as a teacher.”

“I’m sure you’ll learn. But I’m sorry, the best thing I can do for you now is return home. I’m in enough trouble with the shogun as it is, but if I show too much public support for you it could set off a civil war.”

Kaede’s memories confirmed Ienaga’s speculation. Her father appreciated Ienaga Yumi because she was a powerful asset and hadn’t demonstrated any political ambitions. That she had stepped away and refused to participate in the war of succession was a major point in her favor. However, he wouldn’t tolerate her as a political rival. In the worst case, he might even denounce the Ienaga clan entirely and spark a civil war.

Jia scratched her head, frowning.

“It feels like things just keep getting bigger, and I was literally fighting gods the other day.”

“And you’ll have to carry on fighting them. Shen Yu and Longyan aren’t the types who back down after a single defeat.”

“I know...that’s why we’re doing this. We can’t stand against them alone, and siding with any one country is just going to plunge the entire continent into chaos.”

Ienaga sighed, casting her gaze across the camp.

“I understand why you chose this, but I don’t think you’ve avoided disrupting the balance—only mitigated it. I’ll do what I can to keep the peace from my side, but you’re going to be in a tenuous position.”

Jia bowed.

“Thank you, as always. I’m going to miss having you around—don’t tell anyone I said this, but you’ve always been my favorite master.”

“And you’ve always been my favorite students—Kaede included. Speaking of which, you should write to your father as soon as possible. He’s not going to take your position lightly, and he’s known for taking decisive action.”

It felt weird to be presenting as Jia and have someone refer to her father like that, but Kaede knew exactly what Ienaga was getting at.

“We’ve already made arrangements, but Kaede isn’t expecting a favorable answer.”

She left out the fact that Kaede had been planning to topple her father’s reign from the start.

Ienaga frowned, but before she could respond, an approaching soldier got her attention.

“Commander, all units have reported back and are prepared to leave on your order.”

“Good. Have them start marching south immediately, I’ll catch up in a moment.”

“Yes ma’am!”

The soldier bowed and ran off to relay her orders. Ienaga turned back to Jia and smiled sadly.

“Well, that’s my cue. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon. As strange as it feels to admit out loud, we’re peers now. You don’t need to call me master.”

Jia stepped forward and wrapped Master Ienaga in a tight embrace.

“You’ll always be my most respected master and mentor. I’ll miss you, master.”

Yumi smiled and returned the hug gently before tousling her hair.

“Likewise. Try not to do anything too crazy in my absence, hm?”

Jia winced.

“No promises...”

—-

Seong Misun grumbled irritably as she directed the Goryeon mages to prepare a large-scale formation.

“Worthless fucking High Magus—couldn’t even be bothered to greet me before running off with his prize? I’m going to give him hell when we get home...”

Eui chuckled.

“Hwang Sung probably knew that you’d force him to stick around and do all this work for you if he acknowledged your presence.”

“Of course I would! Why should I have to lower myself to deal with military logistics?”

“I thought you liked complicated magic.”

The princess rolled her eyes.

“I like developing complicated magic. Wasting my time to scale up a simple transportation spell is beneath me. Don’t think I’ve forgiven you for poaching Magus Hyeong, either—his teleportation spells are almost completely unique.”

“To be honest, I’m surprised you’re not way angrier about this whole thing. Hwang was throwing around the word treason.”

Misun shrugged.

“You were barely citizens to begin with. Magus Hyeong is a serious loss, but you’re a dressmaker’s daughter who’s already in trouble with the high nobles. In truth, this is probably a more palatable result for the high council than uplifting you to domestic nobility would have been.”

“And Jia?”

“Even worse. Some nameless orphan thief with ties to a criminal organization, who has unprecedented influence over key members of the royal clan? They’d rather pretend she never existed.”

Eunae chose that moment to approach, Rika and Yun following close behind her.

“Which ‘key members’ would you be referring to, exactly? I’m ‘forgotten,’ remember?”

Misun scoffed.

“Haeun isn’t, and she loves Yoshika. Also, you can expect people to start remembering you in a hurry once they find out you’ve gained full control of your powers. Are you ready to go?”

“More or less. I can’t say I’m looking forward to returning home without any of my friends.”

Yun bit her lip.

“Are you sure we can’t go with you?”

“You were technically part of Dae’s special task force, which will be dissolved as a consequence of his defection. Not that you have any culpability in that but—well, call it selfish, but I enjoy the idea of no longer being either your boss or your princess. The only power I have over you now is that which you willingly grant me.”

“O-oh...”

Ja Yun stared down at her feet, blushing. Rika chuckled and squeezed her from the side.

“Don’t tease our girl too much, Eun-eun. You will be coming back though, right?”

Eunae nodded.

“As soon as I’m able. The sudden appearance of a new sovereignty is going to cause quite a stir, and I’d like to get ahead of it by preemptively establishing a pro-Jiaguo faction. Misun and I will have our work cut out for us.”

Seong Misun grimaced, swatting her sister’s shoulder with the back of her hand.

“Don’t lump me in with you! I’ve done my part already—I don’t want anything more to do with all this.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Haeun will be heartbroken to know that you don’t support her becoming an academy student.”

“You brat! Don’t you dare try to weaponize our little sister!”

Eunae shrugged.

“I’m doing nothing of the sort. You know she’ll want to, but if Jiaguo isn’t an ally there’s no way either Mother or the queen will agree to it.”

“Tsk. I liked you better when you were a meek little coward.”

“Yes, I’m sure you did.”

Eui decided to cut in before the venom dripping off their words found a way to manifest tangibly.

“I appreciate any support you give us. Eunae, be sure to visit as soon as you can—we’ll miss you. And Princess Seong Misun, thank you for everything this past year. I know it was begrudging, but your help has been invaluable.”

“Ugh, don’t thank me—it makes me feel like an accomplice. I only did as my queen ordered.”

Eui bowed.

“Even so.”

Misun just turned away and scoffed, much to Eunae’s amusement.

“Forgive her—she’s not used to anyone genuinely liking her, or vice-versa.”

“Hey!”

Eunae ignored her sister’s protest, hugging Eui farewell.

“I’ll miss you too, Yoshika. Take care of Yun and Rika for me.”

“Of course. Narae wants you to tell Haeun that she’ll be waiting for a visit now that they’re both princesses.”

Eunae giggled.

“I’ll be sure to pass that along.”

—-

Meili and Jiaying walked hand-in-hand through the support corps camp. While the Silver Orchard was already long gone, Lin Xiulan’s Cult of Harmonious Stars was taking their time. Not only did they still have patients to attend to, but their destination was much closer.

Lin Xiulan gave them a friendly smile as they approached her personal campsite—an open clearing with little more than a low table, some cushions for seating, and an enchanted teapot that grew hotter inside the more cold it was outside.

“Well don’t you two just look adorable together? Come have a seat, we were just discussing our plans.”

The girls took their seats at the cushions that had been left open for them, across from Xin Wei and Guan Yi. Lin Xiulan sat at the head of the table and poured them each a steaming cup of fragrant tea. Yue was busy elsewhere and wouldn’t be joining them.

“So, girls, have you given some thought to my proposal?”

Meili scratched her cheek awkwardly. She felt strange to be representing her nation as Meili rather than Yoshika.

“Well, having a local clan of healers would certainly be nice, but I think your husband might object to having a significant portion of his sect relocated out of the empire.”

Lin Xiulan took a sip of her tea and sighed.

“I love Xin Hai dearly, but the sanctuary he has granted me and my cult only extends so far. Yin arts are still shunned, and dual cultivation remains illegal. Even under his protection, my people are stifled and oppressed. Here, the Cult of Harmonious Stars will be free to flourish and bloom to its greatest potential.”

“Maybe. We’re still nominally considered a ‘sect’ by the empire, and it will ultimately depend on whether or not we can survive our first few years of existence before being conquered and annexed.”

Xiulan laughed.

“Don’t be so pessimistic, dear. You’ve got some strong ties to the other great nations, and as much as the empire likes to hide its head in the sand, that power can’t be understated.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m eager to antagonize Qin any more than we already have.”

“Hm, think of this this way—you already have powerful enemies in Qin, and you’re unlikely to ever win them over, but you are uniquely positioned to make a number of allies who are already well-placed to support you against your detractors.”

Meili raised an eyebrow.

“How so?”

“Yan Yue is the key. She is the official scion of the Yan Clan, and heir apparent to the Great Awakening Dragon Sect. Her engagement to my Wei’er still stands, but her affiliation with Jiaguo complicates matters perfectly.”

Xin Wei chuckled mirthlessly.

“Must we really continue that charade? Neither Yue or I wish to be married.”

“Tsk, don’t be so selfish, Wei’er. Yan De can’t denounce Jiaguo without also denouncing his own heir, and by strengthening our connection to both Jiaguo and the Awakening Dragon, he’ll be dragged kicking and screaming into our faction. That gives us powerful representatives in the North, the South, and outside the borders.”

Meili frowned and shook her head.

“No.”

Xiulan blinked.

“No? If this is about Yue, she’s already agreed—”

“I know, and that’s her decision to make, but this is mine. I’ll welcome The Cult of Harmonious Stars, but only on the condition that Yan Yue is freed of any marriage obligations.”

“That’s...not entirely within my power to grant. I’m sure my husband will agree, so that’s no issue, but the engagement can’t be annulled without the consent of both parties, and as aggravating as it is, that means Yan De, not Yue.”

Meili sighed.

“Your half is good enough. I’ll pry the other part out of Yan De’s cold dead hands, if I have to.”

Xiulan covered her mouth and let out an incredulous bark of laughter.

“Hah! How scandalous! I suppose I can’t possibly hope to argue in the face of such conviction. I’ll miss calling her my daughter-in-law, but I suppose you have a deal.”

—-

Within Yoshika’s old dorm room, Yue choked on her tea, nearly spilling it all over the cozy tea table she’d missed so much.

“You what?!”

Kaede crossed her arms and grimaced. The cramped domicile had never really been Kaede’s place, but the pang of nostalgia she felt over it was real.

“I didn’t do anything. We—that is to say, Yoshika—have convinced Lin Xiulan to annul your engagement.”

“Why?! The political advantages—”

“I know! You don’t have to tell me what a strategic folly it is.”

Yue gave her a questioning look, and Kaede sighed, rubbing her temple. Playing devil’s advocate for herself was just another in what was sure to be a never-ending string of bizarre experiences resulting from her ascension.

“For one, your father would be a begrudging ally at best and a downright antagonistic one at worst. We’d prefer to take our chances without his support than potentially put ourselves at his mercy and risk a betrayal down the line. Ultimately, though, we did it for you.”

“Of course you did! But you didn’t have to—I didn’t ask you to do that, Yoshika.”

Kaede frowned. Her feelings were complicated. As Kaede, she had never liked Yue—their first meeting had seen Yue hypocritically accuse her of manipulating Lee Jia while obviously doing the exact same thing. That she’d been correct only made matters worse.

Later, Yue had somehow become close friends with Jia and Eui, something which Kaede could now privately admit had made her insufferably jealous. After everything Yue had done, why was she granted clemency so easily while Kaede was shunned at every turn?

The answer, of course, was that Kaede had been the one doing the shunning. She could accept that now, and Yoshika’s memories made it much easier for her to understand.

At the same time, Kaede’s perspective made it much harder to forgive Yue’s past transgressions. But she was Yoshika now, and Yue was her best friend. That wasn’t going to change just because she was still Kaede.

“You didn’t have to ask, Yue. We didn’t come to Qin seeking allies in our quest to save the world—we did it because you needed us. You can still marry Xin Wei if you want, or you can marry Guan Yi, or Zheng Long, or fucking Yang Qiu for all I care, but the point is that you get to choose!”

“Tsk, how many times do I have to tell you I’m not attracted to—”

Kaede slapped the table, causing the dishes to clatter loudly.

“Don’t try to derail this, Yue!”

“Goodness, you really are Hayakawa Kaede, aren’t you?”

“I am, but more importantly right now, we are Yoshika, and we are your friends. We love you, and we don’t want to see you suffer. So please stop trying to sacrifice yourself for our sake.”

Yue pursed her lips. Yoshika could feel her pushing aside the impulse to deflect again before sighing.

“You’re right. I apologize. I—thank you, Yoshika. As always, your kindness is more than I can ever repay.”

“We’ve been trying to tell you that you don’t have to. Our friendship doesn’t have a price.”

She sighed, shaking her head.

“You’d think I would have learned that the first time we had this conversation.”

Kaede grimaced.

“It...didn’t come easily to me, either, for what it’s worth.”

Yue raised her eyebrow curiously.

“‘You’ as in...?”

“Me. Kaede. Even now I struggle with the idea of non-transactional relationships.”

“And yet it’s you who ended up becoming part of Yoshika—the very avatar of unity and friendship.”

Kaede smirked.

“Am I detecting a hint of jealousy?”

“What?! No, of course not! I was just pointing out the irony.”

“I can literally sense your emotions, Yue.”

Yue blushed.

“Well, stop! I thought we were here to discuss matters of state.”

This time Kaede allowed the deflection—she’d teased Yue enough.

“Sort of, but I wanted to gather everyone together before I show you. The others should be here soon.”

Yue cocked her head, her curiosity quickly overcoming her embarrassment.

“Show us what?”

“The treasury.”