Shikuro, despite not being overly fatigued, awoke early. He gazed at Shikihime, still lost in slumber, and a quiet resolve settled over him. He determined to carve out time every day amidst the impending chaos of their return, dedicating moments solely for her. Shikuro, unable to shake off the weariness of recent events, sat pensively by Shikihime's bedside. His mind wandered through the myriad of challenges that awaited them upon their return home. Yet, in the midst of it all, he made a silent vow to himself - to carve out moments each day, dedicated solely to Shikihime. Amidst the whirlwind of duties and responsibilities, these moments would be their sanctuary.

  As he leaned against her bed, a deep sense of sorrow engulfed him. The betrayal by Erik, a man he once considered a friend, now left a gaping wound in his heart. The loss of his trusted allies weighed heavily on him, creating a void that seemed impossible to fill.

  Shikihime, sensing his turmoil, woke and gently wrapped her arms around him from behind, offering the warmth of her embrace as a balm to his aching soul. "We will honor their memories when the time is right," she whispered softly. "In the Dynasty, we believe that we return to the darkness, where all is seen. They are at peace, wherever they are. Let's not dwell on their departure, but cherish the joyful moments we shared. And when our time comes to return to the darkness, we'll greet them with smiles and stories, not with tears and regrets."

  Shikuro listened quietly, absorbing her words. The concept of returning to darkness didn't align with his beliefs, but the thought was strangely comforting. Once again, Shikihime had a way of easing his troubled heart.

  Coughing slightly, Shikihime broke the contemplative silence. Shikuro, filled with concern, quickly asked, "How are you feeling?" His voice tinged with worry, yet filled with the deep affection he held for her.

  Shikihime grimaced slightly, her voice strained. "Not so well. Some movements make breathing difficult. My foot's in pain. And that person you call a friend kicks like a battering ram." Her words were tinged with a mix of pain and sarcasm.

  Shikuro's face tightened, a shadow crossing his expression. "Erik is not a friend," he corrected her with a bitterness that seemed to constrict his voice. "I'm beginning to doubt if he ever truly was." Shikihime's eyes softened in understanding. The betrayal they faced wasn't just physical; it cut deeply into their trust and friendships.

  Determined to shift focus from their pain and betrayal, Shikihime attempted to stand, signaling to Shikuro for assistance. He promptly helped her up, his concern evident. "You wanted to check on everyone, right?" Shikuro asked, his voice laced with concern.

  Shikihime’s cheeks warmed slightly with a faint blush. "Actually, I'm quite hungry, but yes, I'm concerned about them too," she admitted. Shikuro offered a gentle smile, "Then let's grab something to eat and join them."

  As they stepped out of their room, they were met with salutes from the guards. Moments later, servants approached, carrying trays of food. "Follow us, please. We'll eat with the others," Shikihime instructed, her voice carrying a hint of authority and warmth. The servants nodded in acknowledgment and followed.

  They moved to the next room where Sora, Yoru, Akalune, Elena, Mathias, Minato, Goliath, and Bjorn were gathered. The atmosphere in the room was heavy, charged with the weight of serious conversation – likely the tail end of detailed reports about their harrowing journey.

  As they greeted the group, Elena and Mathias rose to their feet. "We're going to take Goliath for a walk, show him around, and explain some rules, if that's alright," Elena said, her tone indicating a mix of duty and curiosity. Shikuro gave a nod of approval, understanding the importance of acquainting Goliath with their ways.

  With Elena, Mathias, and Goliath out of the room, the atmosphere relaxed, allowing for more open conversation. Shikihime, moving gingerly, found a comfortable spot on one of the beds. Sora watched her closely, her healer's instincts on alert. "I'm not in great shape, but I'm managing," Shikihime reassured her, attempting to lighten the mood with a hint of humor. "I would've slept better last night, but we... well, we had our own little adventure after finally getting some alone time." Her comment drew curious glances from everyone in the room, especially towards Shikuro.

  Shikuro, looking slightly flustered and annoyed, asked Shikihime, "Why would you bring that up here?" Shikihime just smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

  Sora, however, was not amused. "You need to be resting. Why are you even here right now?" she asked sternly. Shikihime's response was simple: "I was hungry." The others in the room didn't quite catch the subtext and turned to Shikuro for clarification.

  Shikuro explained, "She wanted to eat, and since we were already out of our room, we thought we might as well join you here with our meal and then head back to rest." Sora's expression softened as she nodded, understanding their reasoning.

  Shikuro then turned his attention to the others in the room. "How is everyone holding up? Any other injuries we should know about?" he asked, scanning the group for signs of discomfort or pain. They all seemed to be managing, with Akalune's arm now neatly bandaged.

  Sora, curious about the treatment they had received, inquired, "What herb was used for Yoru and Akalune's injuries? I've never come across anything with such potent healing properties." Shikuro hesitated, revealing, "Honestly, I don't know."

  "But you said you had read about it, didn't you?" Sora pressed. Shikuro admitted to improvising in the moment. "I wanted to avoid any mistrust or conflict. Goliath has survived in the jungle for years, and he was confident it would help. It seemed worth the risk," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty mixed with relief.

  Sora's eyes narrowed slightly in thought, while Shikihime added, "I was thinking along the same lines. Goliath might be an odd character, but he's not senseless. He's managed to survive in conditions no one else has."

  Akalune's presence, though much improved physically, was marked by her silence. She occasionally glanced out of the ship's circular window, lost in her own thoughts, not fully engaging with the ongoing conversations around her.

  Shikihime took the opportunity to share with Sora the rationale behind her sudden marriage, keen to understand her perspective. She also inquired about any significant events that had occurred during their absence. Sora recounted her experiences, "We were patrolling near Kingdom waters when I sensed something wasn't right. We had to evade and take a long detour to shake off any pursuit. Following some Realm ships, we discovered they were set to rendezvous with you. That's when I decided to act. In case my decision was wrong, I took full responsibility in an official document given to Colonel Aoi."

  Standing, Sora retrieved a letter from her robe and handed it to Shikihime. After reading it, Shikihime embraced Sora warmly, gratitude evident in her voice. "Sora, you've been a true and loyal friend. I can't thank you enough. I owe you my life. Is there anything I can do for you?"

  Sora's response was simple yet firm, "Just get better, and make sure you rest properly at least until we reach Frostgard." She then mentioned their communication strategy at sea. "Colonel Aoi has orders to send encrypted messages, if we encounter any Dynasty ships during the night. It's a system of signals for different scenarios."

  Shikuro, intrigued, questioned the practicality of this approach, wondering if it might delay their journey. Shikihime clarified, "We use light signals. If we spot friendly ships at night, we can communicate greetings, distress signals, or specific messages without slowing down."

  Sora, with a hush in her voice, cautioned Shikihime, "You shouldn't reveal so much!" But Shikihime gently stopped her, assuring, "Sora, he knows. Bjorn knows too. They know everything, even about my sister." Sora's expression shifted to one of shock, "That wasn't wise..."

  Shikihime, however, stood firm in her decision. "It was the right thing to do, and I have no regrets," she declared confidently, her eyes reflecting unwavering resolve.

  The conversation in the room took a turn as Elena, Mathias, and Goliath returned. Goliath, towering over everyone else, approached Akalune, holding out a sausage to her. His deep voice rumbled gently, "Eat. Smile. You still amazing." His straightforward demeanor and genuine concern seemed to brighten the atmosphere.

  Shikihime, always one to find humor in any situation, started to quip something, but Shikuro quickly nudged her, whispering a playful warning, "Whatever you're thinking, it's probably not appropriate right now. Let's keep it civil, shall we?"

  Akalune, taken aback by the giant's attention, accepted the food with a hesitant, "Thank you?" Goliath's smile widened, "You strong, but must eat to grow." His simple words resonated with an unexpected wisdom.

  Curiosity piqued, Shikihime turned to Goliath, "Do you know how old you are?" Goliath pondered for a moment before answering, "Stopped counting after 80." The room buzzed with whispers at his response.

  "Wait, everyone. Let's hear him out," Shikihime interjected. "Goliath, can you recall who you served?"

  Goliath’s reply was almost lost in thought, "Served in the 11th age of King Astre."

  A stunned silence fell over the room. Shikihime broke it, "The 12th age began nearly 300 years ago after King Astre's death. If you served him, you must be at least 350 years old."

  Goliath simply shrugged, reinforcing his earlier statement, "I stopped counting."

  Sora speculated, "It could be trauma, affecting his perception of time."

  Shikuro, however, suggested a different possibility, "I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss his age. His armor is archaic, and the land of no one follows different rules. It's not implausible that he's as old as he implies, especially in that land."

  Shikihime nodded in agreement, then held up a black dagger. "Consider this: I had a dream where I was told I'd find help and equipment in an abandoned village. We found blacksteel weapons there, and Goliath. We also encountered bull panthers, legendary creatures that allied with us and saved our lives. They could have easily killed us. So the idea of Goliath not aging in that land isn't too far-fetched, is it?"

  Sora struggled to digest the extraordinary tale. She gazed at Shikihime, her tone tinged with a mix of skepticism and awe. "You'll have to recount this to Kage yourself. She won't take our word for it," she said. Shikuro, echoing her sentiment, admitted, "It's a lot to take in. I'd have thought anyone telling me this was either insane or a liar."

  Shikihime, undeterred by their disbelief, remained optimistic. "Hard to believe, yes, but home awaits us. Difficult times lie ahead, but together, we'll overcome them," she asserted with confidence.

  Akalune, silent till now, diverted her gaze, her face a canvas of inner turmoil. Sensing her distress, Shikihime approached her. "I have no intention of releasing you from your duties. Will you continue to serve alongside me, my friend?" she asked gently.

  Akalune's emotions, held back for so long, finally overflowed. "I would love to... but I can't," she stammered, her voice breaking. "I'm already at a disadvantage in battle as a woman. Now, without a hand, I'm... I'm nothing."

  Shikuro, attempting to offer support in his own way, interjected. "You've saved our lives, Akalune. If that counts for nothing, then what does?"

  Shikihime shot him a cold glance for his blunt approach but turned back to Akalune with compassion. "You can still work in logistics, oversee operations," she suggested, trying to offer a new path.

  Akalune's face crumpled in confusion and despair. "But I don't know how! My whole life has been about fighting, not... not this," she protested, her voice laced with uncertainty.

  Shikihime, her eyes locking with Akalune's, held her gaze firmly. "Akalune of the Kurayami Dynasty, you've always exceeded expectations. If I ask you to learn, you will learn. You're more than capable," she assured her, her voice firm yet kind. "Are you saying you don't want to serve? You've never been one to shy away from a challenge."

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  Overwhelmed, Akalune broke down completely, tears streaming down her face. "I can't... I don't know what to do without fighting... I don't want to be a burden..." Her voice was drowned in sobs, her entire body shaking with the weight of her grief.

  Shikihime enveloped her in a warm embrace, offering silent comfort. Goliath, moved by the scene, lumbered over and wrapped his large arms around them both. "Both good! Both care! Both amazing!" he said with a simplicity that somehow made the moment even more poignant.

  The moment in the room was tinged with a mixture of emotions: sorrow, loss, and newfound responsibilities. Goliath, still embracing Akalune and Shikihime, radiated a simple joy that contrasted sharply with the somber mood. His smile, in its innocence, seemed out of sync with the deeper currents of emotion swirling around him.

  Shikuro, observing this poignant tableau, moved towards Bjorn. With a serious tone, he broached a significant topic. "Bjorn, I have a challenging task for you," he began, capturing Bjorn's full attention. "Upon our return, I intend to name you Marshal. Will you accept this responsibility?"

  Bjorn responded affirmatively, prompting everyone in the room to turn their attention to them. Shikuro continued, the weight of leadership evident in his voice. "I'm not sure of the state of affairs in Frostgard, and I might not be able to assist you directly. I will have to..."

  Bjorn, understanding the unspoken burden, placed a reassuring hand on Shikuro's shoulder, cutting him off mid-sentence. "I'll handle my duties, and you focus on yours," he said, a firm resolve in his voice.

  Shikuro, visibly relieved and grateful for Bjorn's support, added a crucial request. "If you come across Erik, I want him taken alive, if possible. And should you manage to corner him, send for me."

  Shikihime, not one to be left out, quickly chimed in. "Send for us. I too have a score to settle with that bastard," she declared, her voice carrying a mix of determination and pain.

  Bjorn acknowledged their requests with a solemn nod and a salute, assuring them, "Understood. I won't let you down."

  At that moment, Shikihime's cough interrupted the conversation, drawing Sora's attention. "Time to rest, Shikihime. You too, Shikuro. And no wild antics; I won't be knocking before I enter," Sora instructed with a mix of sternness and concern.

  Shikuro, slightly irked by the implication, retorted, "What exactly do you think I'm doing with Shikihime?" His annoyance was evident, yet it failed to mask the deep care he harboured for her well-being.

  Standing together on the deck of the Kraken, Shikihime and Shikuro gazed out at the expansive sea, the distant outline of Frostgard duchy emerging on the horizon. Colonel Aoi, ever attentive, stood a respectful distance behind them, ready to assist.

  Shikihime, her eyes fixed on the approaching land, turned to Aoi with an inquiry. "When will we arrive at Frostgard?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.

  Colonel Aoi responded with precision, "We entered Frostgard's waters last night. I anticipate we will dock shortly after sunset." His tone conveyed a mix of professionalism and fatigue.

  Shikuro, sensitive to the strain their journey had placed on the crew, expressed his gratitude. "Colonel, I apologize for pushing you and your crew to the limits," he said sincerely.

  "It has been an honor to serve," Aoi replied, a hint of pride in his voice despite the weariness.

  Shikihime then raised another concern, her gaze drifting towards the distant island. "Do we know if anyone from the Dynasty will meet us soon?" Her question lingered unanswered in the air, as neither Shikuro nor Aoi could provide a definite response.

  Shikihime's attention then shifted to a more immediate matter. "Shikuro, what are your plans for Goliath once we reach Frostgard?" she asked, her eyes searching his for insight.

  Shikuro inhaled deeply, contemplating the responsibility they had towards Goliath. "We promised to bring him home. I'll let him choose his path from here. Whatever he decides, we'll support him. It's the least we can do," he stated thoughtfully.

  Shikihime considered this and suggested, "He'll need special attention. I thought to assign Akalune to watch over him while she adapts to her new duties."

  Shikuro raised an eyebrow, slightly concerned. "Aren't you assigning her too much at once?" he questioned gently.

  Shikihime paused, reflecting on Akalune's situation. "She needs to stay engaged, but if it proves too much, I'll adjust her responsibilities," she assured him. "Akalune's loyalty is unquestionable. I'd trust her with my life, without hesitation."

  Shikuro's response held a mix of irony and sadness. "Yes, I would entrust my life to her as well, regardless of whether she has one hand or two."

  A nod of agreement passed between them, just as Colonel Aoi politely interjected. "My apologies, Princess, Archduke, but I must attend to some duties."

  "Of course, Colonel. Thank you," Shikihime responded with understanding.

  As Aoi departed, Shikuro wrapped his arm gently around Shikihime, pulling her close. Together, they stood in silent contemplation, watching as the familiar silhouette of their island grew larger with each passing moment. The Kraken steadily made its way towards Frostgard, bringing them ever closer to the place they called home.

  On the highest bridge of the Kraken, Shikuro and Shikihime stood overseeing the docking process. Below them, crew members were diligently working, securing every detail of the massive vessel's arrival. Colonel Aoi, with his commanding presence, was orchestrating the activity, at times even assisting with the ropes. His authoritative voice echoed across the deck, signaling to lower the anchor, marking the completion of their journey.

  As the gangway extended to connect the ship to the pier, the first to disembark were the soldiers, meticulously ensuring the area was secure. Following this initial safety check, Shikuro and Shikihime, with poised grace, descended from the ship, their smiles a mixture of relief and anticipation.

  Their arrival was met with a warm reception. Kage, Prince Leif, Ingrid, and a host of other officials were there to greet them. Shikihime, adhering to protocol, offered a respectful greeting to the crown prince. Yet, Prince Leif, in a gesture of genuine warmth, waived off the formalities. "Let's leave formalities aside," he said with heartfelt gladness. "You can't imagine how glad I am to see you both home."

  Shikuro, adopting a slightly informal tone in response to Leif's warmth, inquired, "Do you wish to have a meeting tonight, my lord?" Leif, considering the exhaustion evident on their faces, replied, "No, let's arrange it two days from now. However, Ingrid will update you on the current situation until then." Ingrid, who stood among them, bore the signs of extensive fatigue, her face etched with the toll of sleepless nights and relentless duty.

  As Shikihime observed Ingrid's weary state, she exchanged a knowing smile with Kage, staying dutifully by Shikuro's left side. Internally, she was alert, her mind actively strategizing. Despite the warm welcome, she knew all too well that safety was a luxury they couldn't afford just yet. Plans for enhancing security and consultations with Kage and Shikuro were already forming in her mind, slated for discussion the following day.

  The welcoming officials, continuing their greetings, were suddenly interrupted by Shikuro. With a protective edge in his voice, he reminded them of Shikihime's new status. "Careful now," he cautioned, "She is your Archduchess. Her word is as binding as mine, and she deserves the same level of respect.Tomorrow I will give her a regent seal. You all should remember this." This revelation caused a collective gasp among those present, reflecting the weight and significance of such a gesture.

  Shikihime, with a poised and elegant bow, acknowledged their reactions with a gracious smile. "We managed to get married and solidify our union," she declared confidently. "I am looking forward to collaborating with all of you as Archduchess Shikihime Kurayami of Frostgard." Her declaration, imbued with a blend of humility and authority, marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one that promised both challenge and opportunity.

  Interlude: Inner Circle Meeting

  The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and solemnity as Kage hastened into the Archduke's office, her arrival marking the commencement of a crucial gathering. She swiftly locked the door behind her, joining the assembly of familiar faces - Shikuro, Shikihime, Minato, Akalune, Bjorn, Ingrid, Sora, and Rin, all of whom were already seated and awaiting her.

  "Apologies for my tardiness," Kage began, her voice echoing the urgency of the moment. "There was a flurry of activity to attend to." Shikuro, acknowledging her efforts, reassured her with a nod. "Don't worry about it. Let's proceed," he said, his tone carrying the weight of the matters at hand.

  He then approached the library, engaging in a precise sequence of actions with the tomes, unlocking a secret passage hidden behind the bookcase. The group, in a silent procession, followed Shikuro through the concealed corridor. At its end lay a door, which Shikuro unlocked, leading them into a secluded, secure chamber.

  The room, steeped in the history and solemnity befitting such a meeting, had a large table at its center. Shikuro and Shikihime took their places at the head, with Shikuro allowing Shikihime the seat of honor, then settling beside her. The others took their seats along the sides, each person's presence adding to the room's gravity.

  Shikuro initiated the meeting with a heavy heart, his voice resonating with grief and determination. "Mai, Torsten, Astrid, Sagar, Haru, Shikihime, and many others dear to us have fallen victim to the ruthless ambitions of a few," he solemnly declared. "As Archduke Shikuro Frostgard, I vow upon my name and honor to relentlessly pursue justice for their untimely deaths." His declaration was more than a statement; it was a plea for unity and support in the face of adversity.

  To symbolize his unwavering commitment, Shikuro drew a ceremonial dagger and drove it into the table with a resounding thud, marking the beginning of their collective quest for retribution. Shikihime, mirroring his action, also plunged her dagger into the wood, her gesture signifying her agreement and support.

  One by one, each member of the group followed suit, embedding their daggers into the table. The sound of steel meeting wood punctuated the air, each strike a testament to their shared resolve. Their eyes, alight with a mix of resolve and sorrow, reflected a unified spirit, bound together by loss and fueled by a solemn pledge to seek justice for those they had lost.

  With their collective resolve firm, Shikuro began, "I'd like to reminisce about those who should be here but aren't. Torsten, Astrid, and Sagar... We once went hunting together, naively aiming to bring down a Frostbear—a feat beyond our youthful capabilities. But we were brimming with the arrogance of youth and believed in the guiding spirits of our ancestors."

  He painted a vivid picture of their days in the duchy's heart, roaming the mountains by day and returning to a village inn at night. "After a fruitless week, we decided to unwind. Our gift, you see, grants us a unique tolerance to alcohol. So while most would sip beer, we indulged in whisky. And let me tell you, we didn't just drink; we emptied the inn's entire stock."

  A chuckle escaped his lips as he recounted the aftermath. "I woke up two days later, groggy and disoriented. Astrid was already up, puzzling over a letter on the table. It cryptically promised our 'trophy' would soon be ready. Torsten and Sagar, equally baffled when they awoke, thought we'd resume the hunt. But the innkeeper stopped us, declaring we'd slain a Frostbear and the trophy was being prepared."

  Shikuro's gaze drifted to the majestic Frostbear head mounted behind him. "The truth, discovered later, was that the villagers, fearing for our safety and not wanting to anger the regent, had given us one of their own Frostbears, fabricating a tale of our success. Only Torsten and I knew this secret. I wanted to share it with Astrid and Sagar eventually, perhaps to share a laugh over our youthful folly, but that time never came."

  His voice lowered, heavy with unspoken grief. "I've lost two brothers-in-arms and a sister-in-arms. Let's not repeat my mistake. If you have something to say, say it. An apology for misspoken words is far better than the regret of silence. From now on, I'll be more forthright, choosing the risk of apology over the weight of regret."

  Shikihime, with a solemn yet determined expression, added her own pledge to the gathering. "I've decided to embrace a change," she began, her voice steady. "Shikuro has earned my complete trust, which means he's privy to all aspects of my life: our unique gift, the truth about my sister, and my own identity. As his wife, I am committed to standing by his side through every challenge and triumph."

  She paused briefly, allowing a hint of humor to lighten the moment. "That means in good times, I'll make sure to drain him of energy as much as possible, and in tough times, I'll replenish him with that energy, plus some of my own. I ask that you all extend the same loyalty and service to him as you do to me."

  Her gaze then shifted to Akalune, and her tone grew more earnest. "In this journey, I might demand the ultimate sacrifice, just as I did from Haru. She obeyed my orders to her last breath, and for that, I am forever indebted." Tears began to well in her eyes, a rare show of vulnerability. "Please understand," she continued, her voice breaking, "...understand that your sacrifices in my service will never be forgotten. I'm truly sorry for being a mistress who demands so much."

  In a gesture of deep respect and humility, Shikihime bowed deeply, a move uncharacteristic of someone of her royal stature. "I implore your help in this crucial endeavor. I promise to be a worthy leader and ask for your forgiveness for relying so heavily upon you. You are more than servants; you are friends, confidants, and my extended family. Should any of you wish to be relieved of your duties, I will respect that choice. You're not bound to me only by service, but by the bonds we've formed."

  The room was filled with a tangible sense of unity and loyalty as each member of the Dynasty rose to their feet, creating a gentle commotion in response to Shikihime's heartfelt words. The first to step forward was Kage, whose actions spoke volumes of her unwavering commitment. She knelt before Shikihime, her head bowed in reverence, and placed her hands in front of one of Shikihime's feet. This gesture, deeply rooted in their culture, symbolized the utmost devotion and respect, a pledge of loyalty that transcends even the bonds of blood.

  Kage's voice was firm yet filled with emotion. "My lady, Tomoe - Shikihime, I pledge my undying loyalty to you on this path. Command me to undertake the most arduous missions, give me your most challenging orders. I shall fulfill them or perish in the attempt. I vow to respect your husband and continue my service. Aside from your sister, there is no other I could serve with such devotion. Please accept my unwavering servitude. I will be your friend, your mentor, your sword, your eyes – whatever you require of me. I swear this on my honor."

  After this solemn declaration, Kage stepped back, maintaining her deep bow. Yoru was quick to follow suit, echoing Kage's sentiments and pledging her own allegiance with similar fervor. One by one, each member of the Dynasty present repeated this solemn vow, reinforcing their commitment to Shikihime.

  Kage, still in a bow, reminded Shikihime that a princess should not weep for their sake. However, Shikihime, overwhelmed by the depth of their dedication, found herself unable to hold back her tears. "These are tears of happiness," she managed through her sobs. "I'm deeply moved by your gestures... Thank you, all of you, for everything you mean to me and everything you've done for me."

  Yoru then moved out of her bow to embrace Shikihime, followed by Kage and the others, enveloping their princess in a group hug, a physical manifestation of their solidarity and affection. Minato, ever the individualist, jokingly remarked on the crowded nature of the embrace, so he decided to be left out.