Kutou-

Tenkou sighed, as he sat down to a hot meal in a tavern. Acting like a human wasn't so bad. But still, it was inconvenient to not use his powers at times.

Looking like a grubby human commoner, it had been easy to walk around. No one seemed to think anything of a father looking for his daughter.

Plus, looking grubby has probably kept him from being a target from some pick pocket. Not that he'd have any issues with killing someone, it was just an annoyance.

Still, in a place with such a huge population, it could take weeks, or even months. And that was time he simply didn't have. Well, he technically did have it, he just didn't want to wait that long.

Still, without a proper ruler on the throne...perhaps he could use the situation to his advantage. In the chaos, he doubted he'd be noticed. After all, it had been easy to blend in with the commoners in town, so blending in with the palace staff should be just as easy.

Still, it also meant that he'd need to some form of labor.

"But what job could I do?" he grumbled, as he knew that it would most likely be degrading, and something that would mean getting dirty rather easily.

But still, with the snobbery of the palace officials, being near other servants of lower status would mean it was more likely he'd learn something of value.

Still, it wasn't as if he had much experience doing human labor. And he had to do something well, to ensure that he wouldn't get fired, or be asked to leave.

Shrugging, he decided to just enjoy his last few hours of freedom. He couldn't afford to be picky, so he'd just take the first opportunity.

On the road to Be-Jia -

As he rode with Miaka, he began to consider things between them.

Showing himself to her...it had been his way of trying to get her attention. Miaka had made it clear that his looks had impressed her; so he thought that showing himself to her would help things between them.

Still, perhaps he shouldn't have done something so...direct. Miaka was attracted to him, but she hadn't indicated that she was ready to give herself to him.

"So what should I do?"

Deep in thought, he looked out at the scenery. Contrary to his reputation, he had little experience with woman, as no one had ever captured his interest. They had either viewed him as an unwelcome foreigner, or had wanted him for some kind of sexual encounter.

And while he had used is looks on occasion to gain an advantage, it hadn't been serious.

Perhaps the best thing he could do was work on their relationship. And he knew how badly had had hurt her before, by using her. He needed to do something, besides apologize.

Still, what could he do to make amends?

The answer immediately came to him. He would remarry her again in Hong-Nan, as he knew it would be important to her, to have her friends and kin at the ceremony. And it would also give her something to look forward to. The next few weeks might be difficult for them. Having money didn't guarantee an easy journey.

Still, when things were finished, they would settle in Hong-Nan, so she wouldn't be separated from her family. Giving Miaka a life of safety and comfort was the more important then the actual location of where they would live.

Not to mention it would be a good place to try reform his image. And he had no intention of accepting charity from anyone. But with his reputation, finding employment own his own would be difficult.

Miaka smiled. The hotel Nakago had chosen was simple, but it was the most expensive one in the entire town.

Looking out the window of their room, she smiled as she looked out at the scenery. They would head downstairs and get something to eat at the restaurant downstairs in a little bit.

That was when she looked over when she felt Nakago clasp her hand. But when she turned to find him kneeling, she stared.

"What is it?"

"I want to apologize for using you in an attempt to get revenge."

She just gave him a small smile. Knowing what she knew now, she understood why he had been so determined. After all, she probably had been the only chance he had.

But at the same time, it didn't change how he had hurt, and used her. But perhaps if she had been honest with him in the first place, the situation could have been avoided.

Either way, it was best to move on.

"Things were different at that time."

"True, but it doesn't change what happened. Will you marry me again, so I can give you a wedding that you deserve in Hong-Nan? I also want us to settle there."

Miaka smiled, as the idea of a wedding with her family and friends...it would be so beautiful. And they would even settle in Hong-Nan as well.

But that was when she suddenly noted the smell food. Licking her lips, the thought of food completely distracted her.

That was when Miaka's stomach growled loudly, causing Nakago to chuckle.

"Why don't we discuss things over dinner?" he asked.

He smiled, as he and Miaka ate together. It was good seeing that her appetite had returned. She had eaten three bowls of rice, while he was still on his first.

Ironic that Miaka ate more then he did, and didn't suffer daily indigestion. If he ate as much as she did, and as quickly, he'd feel some form of discomfort.

"How soon until we arrive in Be-Jia?" she asked.

"That depends. Traveling on the main roads will not only be safer, it will be more likely that we can find an inn."

Miaka frowned.

"So the other way would mean camping, but faster progress?"

"Perhaps, but we can still be delayed due to weather, and other things."

"What the better option?"

"Staying on the main roads, as it will not only be safer, it will mean that you'll be far more comfortable."

Miaka nodded.

"Let's just travel on the main roads. And do you think we can be back in Hong-Nan before the snow comes?"

"It's very plausible, if we are not delayed. However, by the leaves starting to change color, so the weather will begin to change."

"Yeah, I thought it seemed colder today."

"Still, we should have some time before it will get cold enough to snow. So I think that we will most likely be in Hong-Nan before the snows come."

Miaka smiled.

Hong-Nan-

Houki smiled warmly. After taking the time to eat dinner, they had discussed the situation if the officials.

"But...I can't say if anyone would be willing to go to...that place" a man said, with a look of distaste.

"All we want is a recommendation. No one will be forced to help out. And the people of Qu-Dong shouldn't be blamed because they were under the authority of a corrupt ruler" Emperor Hotohori said.

"That is true sire, but to also know the ruler will be a commoner..."another man frowned.

"I'm confident Soi will be a good ruler. But as she doesn't have any formal education, that is why it's essential that she will have a court that will support her" Empress Houki smiled. "This is an opportunity for us to better the lives of many people who have suffered under the former ruler's corruption."

"We...as you know, the exams this year were open to both men and woman" an official nodded.

"Gender is irrelevant, we only want a recommendation" Emperor Hotohori nodded. "But whoever does agree to help out, they must not only support Soi, but put the good of the empire first."

"Perhaps it might be best to have the ones who passed the exams meet with you tomorrow? Just because we recommend someone, that doesn't mean that will have an interest. And considering it will be an entire court that will need to be replaced, it seems like things should be accomplished as soon as possible" a middle aged man suggested.

"Good point. Yes, I want everyone who has passed the exams to attend court tomorrow. As we need to deal with Qu-Dong, it's essential we find enough people to help run things as soon as possible."

"And I think it would be best for Soi to attend. I'm sure anyone who will have an interest in helping out will want to hear from Soi in her own words, what she plans on doing" Empress Hoki nodded.

Soi looked on at the letter that she had received moments ago.

She was feeling much better, as after thinking things over for a few hours. Maybe it had just been stress, or the idea that she wouldn't be around to protect her brother.

But in the long run, this was for the best. It could mean that her brother could be human, and have the opportunity to make his own life. And she couldn't think of any other way how things could happen. And if not now, he would eventually have to make the journey on his own. This was the best option. And the safest.

"What's going on?" Ashitare asked. She looked up.

"They want me to attend tomorrow's court session. Seems like rather then asking people individually, they'll just assemble the people who passed the exams this year, and ask them directly. I'm also supposed to also tell everyone my plans for Qu-Dong as well."

"That a good idea, as you'll need an entire replacement for the entire royal court. And you probably should leave within the next week or so. No telling how bad things will be by now."

"Yeah, but what do I do with the empire? I want to give people the resources to make a living. And by reducing the military, all those people will need employment. But I just can't think of anything. And if I go tomorrow without a plan...I'll look unprepared."

"Well, do you have any ideas?"

"No, do you?"

"Well, Qu-Dong has the resources to fund and maintain the military, so why not have the funds and resources go toward something else?"

"Such as?"

"Why not all the schools within the empire? In all of the other empires, the schools rely on public funding. But if you have all the schools that will not need to rely on public support, it will not also provide jobs in terms of qualified teachers, but people who will be needed to keep things maintained."

"Yeah, and with the size of the military, it should be easy to keep several schools funded. But given the size of the population, I can't dissolve the military completely."

"True, and, Qu-Dong is eventually going to get bigger. And that will mean it will take more people in keeping things running properly."

"You're right. In order to prepare for the future, we should plan for it. That means we should prepare people for helping to run the empire. I'll put a school within the palace for those who have an interest in the government...and maybe have an area where they can reside as well."