AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I wasn't aware this was happening, Emperor,” she admitted, bowing her head. I grimaced at her appearance, already noticing how her hands fidgeted and her body trembled. I knew she would cry at any second.
"She wouldn't have known, Emperor. Before Dr. Omako could reveal who the father was, he was removed at Konashi's request. Dr. Omako was then sent abroad, along with Hotaka to assist with the western countries. Konashi then retrieved all evidence that stated Hotaka was the father. All information regarding Crimson being a shifter was covered up, and the documents were placed in a box in Konashi's office," Yoshi answered.
"What about Crimson's 18th birthday? Every shifter is supposed to receive their weapon that gives the remainder of their powers and strength," the Emperor remarked.
"Yes. It was found that Konashi had a set of swords in his display case. Those are what he used during each sealing process, withdrawing Crimson's powers little by little and infusing them into her twin swords. We are all aware that if a shifter is not reunited with their weapon within five years of their 18th birthday, they will die." Yoshi stressed the last three words, his eyes landing on Konashi who was pale as a sheet.
"During the last two months, Crimson's health began to decline, ranging from her having nosebleeds, to completely passing out. Crimson's birthday, which was three days ago, would have marked her death if she hadn't reclaimed her twin blades, which unlocked her shifter powers as a Kitsune and all other elements that were originally bestowed to her. Now that we have all this information, everything makes sense."
"Mosuki. If you were in love with Hotaka Jiyuna, why did you
marry Konashi?" the Emperor asked. Mother rose up and looked up at the screen, her eyes full of tears.
"Emperor, I was forced into the marriage. You know very well how our culture cares about standards and power. Because Konashi had become the leader of the Council, he was given the rightful power to choose his wife. I was the victim of that choice. Hotaka was my partner in combat for years...and I expected to spend my life with him and carry his child. The decision of me becoming an Arashi was sudden, but I had no right to refuse or I'd lose my position and be shunned by my community. I couldn't afford that, and I knew whatever decision I chose could affect Hotaka negatively. I wouldn't let his career and reputation be tainted because of one man who wanted everything his way. I agreed...even if I wasn't happy. I never wanted my child to grow up the way Crimson did, which was thanks to Konashi, and to me who couldn't gain the confidence to stand up to him,” she replied, tears rolling down her cheeks before she half bowed.
"Please forgive my cowardly ways, and I hope that justice can be given to my daughter who was completely innocent in all of this, Emperor. She's suffered a childhood I'd never wish on anyone and has missed out on years of training, teaching, and opportunities to become a mage or fighter because of this.
Crimson deserves compensation and I, as her mother, regardless of my loss of memory, will take any punishment given,” she declared.
"Mom..." I whispered, not realizing tears were rolling down my cheeks. Hotaka stood up and rubbed Mother's back as she continued to sob before he turned his attention to the screen.
"Emperor, I also will receive any punishment Mosuki is given. My reason for returning to Japan was due to the discovery of this information, that Crimson was being targeted for her
relationship to me. I always felt close to Crimson when she was a child, but then I was sent abroad permanently by Konashi, probably in an attempt to ensure no one found out the truth he worked so hard to hide. Then two weeks ago, I was approached by Dr. Omako. He had been contacted by one of the nurses from the Arashi residence because Mosuki was worried about Crimson's decline in health and had requested her birth information. When Dr. Omako found a second copy of Crimson's birth records, he immediately contacted me. I rushed here after my mission in America to get to the bottom of this before Crimson's 23rd birthday. I'm thankful I wasn't late, but it was thanks to your son and the other guards who've protected Crimson during the course of their investigation, that she is alive and well.
Forgive me for not informing you earlier, but there was no time to waste," Hotaka explained and then bowed.
"Father..." I whispered. Aki leaned in to help wipe my tears with the sleeve of his traditional outfit.
The Emperor nodded, looking deep in thought before speaking. "Mosuki Arashi, as a victim of foul play, and since you’ve already apologized for the years your daughter has had to ensure such pain, I will be revoking your marriage. As of this moment, you will no longer be married to Konashi Arashi. I will ensure all paperwork documenting said change is done and confirmed by the end of the day."
My mom broke down, falling to her knees and bowing her head over and over. "Thank you, Emperor. Arigato. Arigato Gozaimashita." She sobbed uncontrollably. Hotaka knelt down and pulled her in his arms, rubbing her back soothingly.
"As for Hotaka Jiyuna, your post will be moved back to Homatomashi, in which you will now be the new leader of the Council. I will also nominate Mosuki as another Council member. You may choose three other members who you deem
fit for this position. Once the decision is made, you will journey to Homatomashi and meet me in person, along with Crimson and her guards,” the Emperor acknowledged.
Hotaka bowed his head as he continued to console my mother. "Thank you, Emperor. I have one question with those terms," he spoke up.
"What is that?" the Emperor inquired.
"Will Mosuki and I still be allowed on the same Council if I decided to make her my wife?" Hotaka spoke with confidence.
My jaw dropped in shock. I looked to Konashi, who looked stunned at what was going on, just like the remaining ex-council members. The Emperor was quiet for a moment before he nodded.
"Feel free to marry Mosuki, Hotaka. It would make sense since that was originally your plan, and since you already have a formidable daughter together. You might as well make it official on paper,” the Emperor confirmed.
Hotaka smiled and bowed his head once more. "Thank you, Emperor."
Hotaka lifted his head and glanced over to me. I smiled brightly at him, letting my tears fall at the realization that I'd actually have a family who loved me for who I was.
"As for the old Council," the Emperor stated, turning his attention to the row of former Council members, who all looked at one another. "You will all be arrested and brought in for questioning. Once the investigation has been completed, your fate will be determined. Konashi Arashi, you will be revoked not only of your status like the others, but you will also be imprisoned for your multiple counts of treason, manipulation of official documents, acts of corruption, association with the N.R.O., and for the attempted murder of Crimson Jiyuna. Hotaka, Mosuki, and Crimson can all lay other charges on you once your case is
brought to court,” the Emperor ordered. "Guards. Remove these criminals from this hearing."
That was the cue for the doors to open and seven other guards entered the room. None of the old Council fought as the guards took them away one by one.
Konashi met my eyes, and I saw the rage within them, which only prompted a smile out of me, finally seeing the end of his wickedness.
