73. Kizoshi
Chapter 73
Kizoshi
K izoshi was the last to arrive at the family meeting, where Tatsuki, Jaega, Mitsuki, and Kitaro were. She smirked at her oldest brother when he glared hatefully at her. Ruining his day was always the highlight of hers.
"We have much to discuss," Tatsuki said as he gestured for Kizoshi to take a seat at the table beside Kitaro. "The situation in Balsimi cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. News has reached us that they are preparing an invasion of Laylan to claim it as part of their kingdom. As Laylan is the country directly north of us and a close ally, Valzerna cannot allow this to happen. We must once again take up arms and go to war."
Kitaro's face fell, making Kizoshi's heart ache for her sensitive youngest brother.
Mitsuki's expression became downright predatory with glee. "Excellent. I look forward to killing as many of those griffin bastards as we can." She delighted in seeing his gloved hand that hid the purification burns scarring his hand permanently. Kizoshi was proud of Vanra for doing the right thing. She only regretted he did not purify Mitsuki to the Beyond Realm, where filth like him belonged.
"Mother is particularly excited to see you engage in this military campaign, Father," Kizoshi said. "She believes it will be a spectacular opportunity for Valzerna to prove its might."
The news seemed to please Tatsuki. "All the more reason we should take up arms. We are sure she will be pleased by the honor of it being Kitaro's first war."
Jaega's eyebrows furrowed. "As we discussed before, I do not believe Kitaro should be a part?—"
Tatsuki held his hand up to stop his youngest brother. "We have heard your concerns, brother, but we do not share them. Kitaro is of age, and now that his journey to Satsuma's is complete, there is no excuse for him not to join our campaign. Vanra will be safe here in the castle."
It broke Kizoshi's heart to support her father's decision when she knew how little interest her youngest brother had in the battlefield, but it was a necessary evil for the betterment of Kitaro's future. "Father is correct. Vanra will be well taken care of while Kitaro is away."
The flash of betrayal on Kitaro's face pained Kizoshi, but there was no helping it. He remained silent and sullen.
"Arenthia wants Kitaro to fight?" Jaega asked with a frown.
"Indeed, Mother is looking forward to seeing him prove himself on the battlefield and bring more glory to Father and Valzerna." Kizoshi had pleaded with her mother to spare Kitaro, but she wouldn't hear of it. "She and Sophina are in agreement on the matter."
"Then it is settled," Tatsuki declared. "Kitaro will join us for this campaign."
Kitaro didn't speak a word as Tatsuki and Jaega went over the finer details of the upcoming war on Balsimi. Kizoshi wanted to reassure him, but it was not the time or place to do so.
Once the meeting was over, she had Kitaro follow her. She led them to her room, where he sat on her couch with a dour expression.
"I am sorry I cannot get you out of this, dear brother," she apologized. "But Mother and Sophina were both very clear that your participation in the Balsimi war was critical for what unfolds next."
"But Vanra will be distraught," Kitaro said in an agonized voice. "He will fear for the worst."
"And I will personally assure him I have it on the authority of the two Powers in charge of this decision that you will come home to him unharmed." Kizoshi was overstepping in doing so, but she could not bear the thought of Vanra suffering so much fear and anxiety when she already knew the true outcome.
He gave her a pleading look. "I don't want to be involved."
"I wish I could make it different, but this is too important for what comes next."
"And what is that?" Kitaro asked in a weary voice.
Kizoshi shook her head. "I cannot say, but I can promise it will bring you and Vanra closer than ever when you return."
The information seemed to ameliorate Kitaro's concerns. "And you swear to me on your life that no harm will come to Vanra while I am gone?"
"On my honor and love for you and Kisano both, I swear nothing will harm Vanra in your absence. Sophina is not that cruel. He will be well protected here at the castle, with Kisano, Fersen, and Tyrian for company. The only thing he will suffer from is missing you while you are gone."
Kitaro relaxed into the couch with a sigh. "Then I can at least fight with a clear mind without fear of what is happening to him while I am away."
"Not even Mitsuki is a threat to him anymore. Now that his hand is permanently scarred from Vanra's purifying burn, he will never dare to go after the human again. He understands doing so would land him in the Beyond Realm, and he is selfish enough to want to live more than he wants to torture Vanra."
"I guess I should be grateful that he will keep his distance now, although I regret that the purification burns were necessary at all. Every time I see them, it reminds me of how I failed Vanra."
She shook her head. "You should view them with pride at how strong Vanra is that he could stand up to someone as vile and powerful as Mitsuki."
Kitaro changed topics. "Satsuma suggested you had information for Vanra and I."
"It is still too soon for me to share anything with Vanra, but that day will come before long. All I can tell you is that she is not wrong."
"And the Day of Ascension? What is that?"
Kizoshi shook her head. "I do not know yet. But as fate has decreed it, there is no stopping it from happening. All will be as it is supposed to be. You are meant to be with Vanra. Sophina has been very clear about that."
"Then why can she not leave him in the past with me for good?" Kitaro asked in anguish. "Why is she insisting on reclaiming him to his time?"
"She has her reasons. Rest easy in knowing that she is determined that your life will be one of great love."
He sighed. "I can at least comfort myself that even if we are to be separated for centuries, Vanra is worth the wait. There is no one I love as much as him."
Kizoshi had thoughts on the matter, but it was not yet the time to share those. "Your love is a bond time cannot break. Take solace from that."
"What other choice do I have?"