This time, they reached the Royal Palace without any drama.
It towered above the city like a relic of divinity, its white walls gleaming, its pearly gates wide enough for an army of kings to pass through.
The Royal Palace was designed for maximum visual impact, and the designers were successful beyond their wildest dreams.
Akira stared at it in shock.
"This… This…" He was at a loss for words. "This is the Royal Palace?!"
Sensing his awe, Princess Yuki couldn't help but smile, a subtle glow of pride warming her normally composed features.
"Impressive, isn't it?" she said softly, her voice like water over polished stone. "Judging by the look on your face, this must be your first time seeing the Royal Palace, am I right? I've seen many people wear that same expression when they lay eyes on it for the first time."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Princess Yuki felt slightly strange.
She was usually much more aloof and detached. She would never take pride in something as materialistic as an awesome looking Royal Palace.
But for some reason, seeing Akira's awestruck expression made her want to express her pride all of a sudden, as though she was hungry for his impressed acknowledgement.
"It truly is impressive," Akira replied softly, his eyes still fixed on the majestic gates ahead. The sun caught the pale stone, casting gentle halos of light through the archways. "It is like a heavenly palace…"
Princess Yuki felt a bloom of happiness stir in her chest, delicate and unexpected, like the first sip of warm tea on a cold morning.
She had never felt so proud of the Royal Palace.
"I must remember to give the designers a bonus this year." She made a mental note to herself.
Swish.
The massive gates began to open automatically upon detecting the life signature of Princess Yuki.
"WHOA!" Akira yelped and spun toward Princess Yuki with eyes wide in disbelief.
"The gates are opening by themselves?! That kind of power… only a King-class Demon Slave could manage that! Don't tell me… you're a Demonic Priestess?!"
General Raikuro's eyes immediately widened in surprise and then frowned thunderously in displeasure.
Princess Yuki was actually his little niece, he had watched her grow up from a red-faced, crying baby to a composed, elegant sixteen-year-old young lady.
How dare a little punk like him call her a demonic priestess?! He was just about to verbally flay Akira alive when suddenly…
SMACK!
"What did you say?!" Princess Yuki had actually taken the initiative to smack Akira's head.
"Ugu!!" Akira's head was sent flying forward so hard that he almost smashed it against the dashboard.
General Raikuro's displeasure vanished like dew beneath the scorching sun.
The usually ice-cold Princess Yuki had actually gotten furious… over a single comment?
"Ah! I… I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hit so hard… Uhuu… Oh no, I don't know what's happening to me… Huhuhu!" Princess Yuki was so agitated that she actually burst into tears.
Akira looked at Princess Yuki incredulously, lips twitching hard.
Princess, could you be more reasonable? I am the victim whose head you just smacked with great power! Why are you the one crying?
Just like that, the atmosphere in the massive Armored Troop Transport turned awkward.
For the next 37 seconds as the ATT zoomed forward towards the Royal Palace lobby, the only sound in there was the sobs of the Princess and the confused breathing of the driver, navigator, Vice Captain, General and Akira.
The cool, recirculated air hummed through the vents, but no one spoke. The tension clung to the walls like static.
As soon as they reached the lobby, Princess Yuki burst out of the ATT, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor before she disappeared into the Palace, her long sleeves fluttering behind her like white petals in retreat.
General Raikuro sighed deeply and patted Akira's shoulder.
"I will postpone our debriefing to tomorrow morning. For the rest of the day today… sigh. Good luck."
After saying those ominous words, General Raikuro turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing with heavy authority as he disappeared into the lobby.
Vice Captain Kazanari also left hastily without saying a word.
"Ummm. This brother here. Can you please quickly leave the ATT? Please? Quickly." The driver said urgently.
"Huh? What's happening? Why did the General say good luck? Am I not under guard? Where are my escorts? Or guide? Where am I supposed to go?" Akira asked, confusion etched all over his face.
Are standards in this particular Japan really that low? he thought bitterly. Where is the Japanese pride of courtesy and excellent service?!
The ground began to shake slightly at that moment.
"Ah!! Leave now! Get the hell out of my ATT! Go! GOOOOO!!" The driver roared urgently.
"Alright, alright! I'm going! Sheesh. So rude." Akira grumbled and stepped out of the ATT in a foul mood, his boots landing heavily on the polished stone.
Vrooom!!
The ATT exploded away at top speed, tires screeching faintly as it vanished down the path like it had seen a ghost.
Kagekatsu was already standing there, waiting for him. His face was rather pale.
"Kagekatsu. You're quite dependable after all. You're here to guide me to my quarters right? But really! Is the Royal Palace really that rude or am I such an unwanted guest? But I did save Princess Yuki's life… Sigh." Akira grumbled.
"Shi-Shinobi-sama…! Be strong…! I will come for you once… once it is over!" Kagekatsu bowed low in a perfect 90-degree angle, his voice cracking with dread and then dashed off like a man fleeing judgment itself, his armor clanking in rhythm with his frantic steps.
"Whaaaat the he-" Akira began to curse. But he got no further because a piercing scream flying closer and closer rang out at that moment.
"L I T T L E B A S T A R D S O N O F A B I T C H H H ! ! You dare to make my little sister cry?!"