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The Truth Of It All
"We shall hold this conference discussing the attack that occurred four days ago at the Arashi residence. My son was at the scene and witnessed the onslaught, offering his assistance. I would like for him to step to the front."
I noticed the Council members look at Hotaka Jiyuna, my real father, but he remained where he was with a blank expression on his face.
I was ready to voice my confusion, but then the chair next to me slid back. My jaw went slack as I watched the Emperor's son walk to the front of the long table and face all of us.
Half of us looked completely shocked but the others, particularly my group of men, smiled knowingly.
The Council appeared absolutely clueless, including my now trembling 'Father’, who'd essentially hated me all these years.
"The conference is about to begin. Be prepared to answer any question that I or my father, the Emperor of Homatomashi,
have. Remember to be truthful, or there will be consequences," Yoshimitsu declared, his sapphire eyes displaying his seriousness.
Yoshimitsu?!
I thought my eyes were deceiving me, or maybe I'd hit my head and was dreaming about the conference and would wake up clueless. I felt Aki's hand slip into mine. I slowly looked to him as he squeezed my hand gently.
"I know you're shocked, but we'll explain later,” he whispered. I knew he was reminding me to keep up my calm appearance. Even with the shocking news, we didn't want to present ourselves as weak, especially with the Emperor now joining us on the screen.
"Understood," I whispered, squeezing his hand back.
I composed myself quickly and gazed at the others, who nodded to me in encouragement. I turned my eyes to the Council, who were dumbfounded by the news, and my 'father’, who was trembling with fear and had a hint of anger in his eyes.
"This is a joke, right?" he questioned.
"Does it look like we're joking, Konashi Arashi? I guess I love wasting my precious time while my country continues to deal with attacks organized by a group who thinks they can defy our traditions and laws that have been in place for many generations,” the Emperor snapped.
Konashi gulped and lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Emperor."
"Yoshimitsu, if you would continue," the Emperor encouraged.
"Yes, Father. This is NOT a joke or test. My name outside the palace is Yoshimitsu Ohashi. My name behind those walls is Yoshimitsu Homatomashi. As you know, our country was named after our ancestors who discovered these lands. They worked
hard for many years to create and build this somewhat peaceful country. However, due to my father's absence, some of you seem to have forgotten who truly is in charge of these lands and have made them far less peaceful in the recent years," Yoshi pointed out, his eyes landing on the Council.
The majority of them appeared nervous, some even guilty for whatever crimes they had committed. Yoshi’s eyes moved over to lock on Mosuki Arashi, my mother, and Hotaka, who looked calm and displayed a sense of confidence from where they were sitting.
"We all know the rules of the Council. If one is deemed guilty of charges, the rest of the Council is disbanded and a new set of members are initiated. It can be temporary until suitable group of members are chosen, or it can be permanent," Yoshi explained, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room.
The two guards standing in the corner of the room immediately moved forward and wheeled a white board over to Yoshi, who bowed his head in thanks before turning to face us.
"You are all aware that I am one of the guards who was assigned to protect the late Storm Yuna, one of the best magicians and warriors Homatomashi has seen in a long time. By now, you also should have heard that she was murdered and her killer, or killers, are still on the loose and are going to great lengths to kill anyone who can shed light on what really happened," Yoshi elaborated. He picked up a black marker and began to write each of the Council members’ names, followed by Hotaka and Mosuki's names.
"When we accepted the offer to come to Nokamato, we agreed to sign a peace agreement and work together to help Nokamato and the rest of Homatomashi become a safe place for everyone, both shifters and humans alike. Instead, we were separated from Storm because of a mandatory meeting. She was to meet with a spokesperson with two guards of their own, which later we discovered were not the guards on the approved list," Yoshi revealed.
"Yosh...I mean, Prince Yoshimitsu, we saw the guards off prior to them leaving,” a man stated. He was at the end of the row of Council members and looked the most nervous.
"Correct. You did see them off. Right before they were murdered and left in an alleyway which we found far too late,"
Yoshi said with a deadpan tone that sent shivers down my spine.
I could sense the anger that laced his words. It made me afraid for whoever he deemed guilty of being a part of Storm's murder.
"Storm was taken into the building, and her body was found in the courtyard. Her pocket watch was stolen, and during our pursuit of the thief, we encountered Crimson Arashi, who'd been waiting for her companion outside a nearby bar. Due to the incident, Crimson is involved in this case for reasons I will not disclose at this time. Her involvement led to her being kidnapped from her own home a few days ago and dumped on the outskirts of the mountain, on a day when some parts experience neverending blizzards. The purpose, you might ask? To kill her and hide the evidence that came to our attention after the intrusion at the Arashi residence," Yoshi broke it down, writing my name in pink marker, which made me grin.
"Why would they want to kill Crimson, Prince Yoshi? She's just a human and has no magical abilities. She’s practical use-" a councilman in the middle began before Hotaka slammed his hand on the table, startling all of us.
