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It really should have been Director Helmut at a meeting such as this one.
For once, however, Seiichirou actually didn’t mind. Yes, there was a lot of pressure on him, sitting in a meeting with other directors and even members of the peerage. However, he had become accustomed to this level of scrutiny over the past year, and as the one who was spearheading most of the changes, he was the best one to explain and answer questions about the budget. Prime Minister Karvada had asked for him to be the one to show up today, and Helmut had no objections. It seemed he didn’t have much ego tied up in his role.
Unlike a certain Director of the Royal Sorcery Department.
Director Zoltan was going on about something or other, Seiichirou barely paid any attention. He likely should, as he was involved in several of that department’s projects, but the man spent more words on brown-nosing than substance. Instead, he mentally went over the items of his report, sparing furtive glances at his paperwork so as not to show his distraction openly.
Sensing eyes on him, he looked across the table and met Camile’s knowing gaze. That was the sign that the prime minister was about to turn control of the conversation to something more worthwhile. Like budget reports.
-=-=-
“A moment of your time, Kondou.”
Seiichirou barely masked his surprise at the stranger’s correct pronunciation of his name. He hadn’t learned how to read ranks of peerage yet by symbolism, and he mentally cursed himself for that particular oversight. Perhaps he should have taken some time to study that instead of going over his figures multiple times.
Putting hand across his midsection, he bowed at the waist, “Of course. How might I be of help?”
The man had a broad figure and age silvered hair streaked with a darker color that might have been black, a deep brown, or perhaps some dark color that didn’t naturally occur in hair back on Earth. He led them to one of several sitting rooms attached to where the meeting had been held. He took a seat easily, and waved for Seiichirou to do the same.
Internally, he was hesitant, but he did his best not to let it show as he took the indicated seat. It must have been clear anyways, perhaps through his stiffness, or the way he clutched at his folders, for the imposing man broke the tense atmosphere with a relaxed smile. “No need to be so formal. I asked you here for personal reasons, not professional ones.”
That didn’t actually make Seiichirou feel any better. Instead, his brow furrowed in confusion and he asked, “Personal reasons?”
A heavy sigh was the response, and Seiichirou worried that it was directed at him. Then, “That son of mine really doesn’t ever share enough information, does he?”
‘Son of mine’? Who would-?
Seiichirou’s eyes widened as he pieced it together. The color was different, but the shape of the eyes was the same. That strong physique of a military man was also deeply familiar. So the hair, it had probably originally been black before the decades made themselves known. “Marquess Indolark?”
The man smiled and nodded. “I’d heard you were a clever one. Between today’s meeting and just now, I’m inclined to agree. And you did manage to catch Aresh’s attention, which no one else had ever done.”
He breathed easier now that he knew who this man was, and what kind of personal matter this was likely to be. He had heard that Aresh’s parents approved of their relationship, yet despite living in the same city, they still had yet to meet. Seiichirou wondered if, perhaps, Camile had invited him to today’s meeting not because he was a better speaker than Helmut, but because the marquess was tired of waiting for his son to introduce them.
“I know you’ve work to do, so for now, I’ll be brief,” the man smiled. It was a reserved smile, but genuine all the same. The smile of a man who had a stern reputation, but who was just a man all the same, under all the armor and pedigree. “You and Aresh are to come to our manor for dinner this evening. Please show up at the start of Earth hour.”
That would mean leaving work a bit early, but Seiichirou was not about to complain about that to this man. He bowed in his seat, his hands resting easily on his thighs. “Understood. We’ll be there.”
“Again, no need to be so formal. My wife has already sent word along to Valtom, as well, so no need to rush to inform the household. I look forward to having a proper conversation with you tonight.”
“As do I, Lord Indolark.” Was that the right way to refer to him? “I’m sorry you had to personally intervene to get this meeting.”
The man laughed as he rose, and Seiichirou swiftly followed suit. “It’s Aresh that needs to apologize. We made it clear to him months ago that we wanted to meet you, yet he kept avoiding it.”
“I’ll try to find out why that is.”
Indolark clasped his shoulder and gave a squeeze, nodding his approval. “Tonight, then.”
“Tonight. At Earth hour.”
They went their separate ways then, and Seiichirou returned to Accounting to give a brief report to Helmut, then excused himself. Aresh was the one who always made sure he left work on time, and if they needed to leave early, well, he knew he was prone to losing track of time. On his way to the Knights’ offices, he took a peek at the training yards and saw the Third Order running drills.
Aresh was giving orders, and so Seiichirou stood beside a pillar to watch at first, rather than interrupt. Orjef turned to say something to his cousin, then noticed the flash of brown cloak against white pillar. He nudged Aresh, and lifted his chin in his direction. Turning around, Aresh noticed him standing there and nodded, holding up a hand to let him know he’d be right over. After shouting a few more orders, Aresh broke away from the group to approach, Orjef trailing behind out of curiosity.
“Is everything all right?”
“Why wouldn’t things be all right?”
“You don’t have any papers, and that’s the only sort of thing that brings you this way during work.”
The way he said that made him sound almost wounded. But really, it made sense, didn’t it? They worked in distant parts of the large building, and, well, they were working. He wasn’t going to traipse all across creation for leisure while on the clock.
Aresh probably figured out what he was thinking, because he scowled and reached out to pinch at his cheek. “Well, there’s something, right? You aren’t the type to come this way just to watch us working out, are you?”
Maybe he should be. The tight black shirt clinging to a sweatsoaked chest showed off muscular curves that he certainly appreciated. Shaking his head to clear it, he glared at the self-satisfied smirk that Aresh now had, and shattered it with his next words. “Your father says we’re to have dinner at their place tonight, at Earth hour.”
Orjef barely plugged his ears in time.
“What!? What, when did he-!? What are you talking about, Seiichirou!?”
The clanging of weapons and stomping of feet came to a stuttering halt as the Third Order looked over at their commander’s sudden shout.
Unfazed, Seiichirou blandly replied, “He got tired of waiting for you, so he found a way to meet with me. I’m suspecting he’s the reason Prime Minister Camile asked me to represent Accounting at today’s meeting with the peerage.”
“We’ll reschedule, it’s too soon, it-.”
“Valtom has already been informed. I don’t think you want another scolding, do you?”
“You-!!”
Orjef began cackling. He laughed so hard he braced a hand on Aresh’s shoulder to keep from falling over, even as he doubled over with a hand across his stomach. “Oh! Oh, this is rich, cousin! What’s the matter, you afraid Aunt will break out the baby portraits? Or maybe she’ll tell him about that time- ahh!”
Aresh stepped away and let him lose his balance. As Orjef stumbled, Aresh glowered at Seiichirou. For his part, Seiichirou looked back without any hint of concern. “Is it really something as simple as that, Aresh? The reason you haven’t wanted me to meet your parents?”
“I don’t have a problem with you meeting my parents.” The only response was a raised eyebrow. “I don’t! They already approve of you, so there’s nothing to be worried about.”
“And yet.”
He let it hang. The air grew a bit tense between them, with Seiichirou coldly watching Aresh, and Aresh becoming unnerved by that even stare. Orjef was in wonder at that, that someone who only knew Aresh as an adult could make his stoic cousin fidget. Well. The Aresh version of fidgeting, which was his lips pressing tightly together and his throat bobbing with unspoken words, body stiff with inaction. Aresh clenched his fists, and finally let out a long sigh.
“I really don’t have a problem with you meeting my parents. I’m just not good with this sort of thing. My mother can be a bit… much, for me.”
Seiichirou watched him for a few heartbeats before relaxing and nodding. “Then, Orjef is right? That’s the sort of thing you’re most worried about? Maybe not those specific examples, but…”
“Yes.”
Orjef grinned as the tension broke, and slapped Aresh on the back. “Why don’t I show up, too, Aresh? I can get there a little earlier than you two, in case Aunt wants to kick me out, but knowing her, I’m sure she’ll be glad to have someone else with any familiarity with Kondou around.”
“I’m not sure you being there will make things better,” Aresh muttered.
“Better like a fire, perhaps,” Seiichirou mused.
“Yup, I’m definitely coming. This is gonna be great.”
-=-=-=-
The carriage rolled up to the Indolark family manor just minutes before Earth hour. Seiichirou fixed the cuff of his sleeve, wearing an outfit that Aresh had picked out for him. It was somewhere between formal and casual, with expensive fabric and designs, but not the sort of cut he would wear to a truly formal event. It was more like Aresh’s own casual wear, loose but embroidered and clearly something only the rich could afford.
“Stop fidgeting, you’re fine.”
“You’re sounding awfully confident about a meeting you put off for, how long has it been?”
“Stop being so mouthy, too.”
“I thought you liked my mouth.”
The sputtering that comment was met with made it worth the heat that rose to his face at actually having said it out loud. The door to the carriage opened, preventing any more quips, and Aresh nearly threw himself out of the vehicle ahead of Seiichirou. It was a bit silly to be offered a hand out as if he were a noble lady in voluminous clothing, but he took it anyways as he exited next. Aresh didn’t relinquish his hand as they approached the manor, and the door was opened for them just as they arrived.
“Welcome Master Aresh. Master Kondou.”
Seiichirou was once again surprised to hear his name pronounced correctly, and wondered how and when the Indolark household had learned it. Not that Kondou was particularly difficult on its own, but most of the people he met had difficulty with the subtle turn to include the ‘u’ at the end, and putting the right emphasis on the ‘n’ in the middle. It was a lot easier than Seiichirou, which was a mouthful even at home. That Aresh had put so much effort into getting his given name right seemed small on the surface, but it was actually a significant show of care and respect.
That so few people in Romany could pronounce his names correctly was something he had taken as a matter of course. He had enough experience with English speakers that he thought nothing of it. Conversations would get nowhere if he was constantly explaining such things, and so he didn’t let himself worry about it at all. Even so, it was notable, and he realized just how important that small thing was to him after all. He squeezed Aresh’s hand as he came to that realization, but ignored the quizzical look the action garnered.
They entered a lavish parlor, and Seiichirou bowed in a more Japanese greeting than a Romany one towards nobility. He and Aresh had discussed it beforehand, and decided that his natural politeness would be more than suitable, and didn’t really come across as being too distant or formal. Orjef was already seated, and the marchionesse had clearly just been laughing, her cheeks pink and her eyes bright.
Actually, Seiichirou mused to himself, was she actually a duchess? He really should have asked more questions! Her social ranking was higher than that of her husband, and their marriage had been a reward for his martial accomplishments. Or so Aresh had told him on the ride. They seemed less sexist here in Romany, and so perhaps she retained her higher rank in spite of marrying down. Come to think of it, Seiichirou wasn’t even sure if that was the case in Europe, where his frame of reference for such titles came from. History wasn’t exactly one of his interests.
“Aresh, dear! So glad to see you! Please, come, introduce us properly!”
Aresh tugged him forward to stand in front of the duchess and marquess, gesturing to Seiichirou with one hand, while still tightly keeping hold with his other. “Of course, Mother. Father. This is Seiichirou Kondou, other-worlder, and Vice Director of Accounting at the palace.”
“And?” His mother asked, violet eyes flashing as she cheerfully pushed him to say the part she found most relevant.
“And,” he took in a deep breath, seeming embarrassed as he glanced over at Seiichirou. They had discussed this as well, so that there wouldn’t be any uncomfortable surprises as had happened a few months back during the Egorovian diplomatic visit. “And, my fiance.”
Seiichirou bowed again and ignored Orjef’s confused exclamation, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. As he says, I’m his partner, Seiichirou Kondou.”
“It’s such a joy to meet you at last! Has Aresh been treating you well, dear? My, you’re a small thing, aren’t you?” She was excitable and genuine, but Aresh had warned him that she was a noblewoman through and through, and not to take anything she said too lightly.
That, then, meant that this was something of a test. Perhaps of his volatility, as many men might take strong offense to such statements. He politely laughed it off, not actually offended one bit by it. It was the truth, after all. Besides being shorter than the average man around here, he was also skinny, and so often he did feel tiny around the other men he knew. “I suppose I am, but not for Aresh’s lack of trying. I’ve put on a bit of weight since coming to these lands, and I’m grateful to him for always looking after my health.”
He seemed to have passed that test, as she smiled brightly and waved for them to be seated. “That is good to hear. Valtom told us about your dietary needs, so rest assured, there won’t be any problems tonight.”
“I greatly appreciate that.”
They sat side by side on the couch, Aresh still firmly gripping his hand. His palm was a touch sweaty, and Seiichirou inwardly mused about how youthful he was at times. Besides that, shouldn’t Seiichirou be the nervous one? He didn’t miss the amused glance she sent at their hands, but he gave Aresh a reassuring squeeze regardless, and brushed his thumb over the back of his hand.
“Orjef here was just telling us some stories from the palace,” she chirped.
Aresh immediately tensed back up and Seiichirou inwardly sighed. Really, why was he so on edge? From what Seiichirou had heard, he was a spoiled, favored youngest son, whose accomplishment brought honor to his family, who was never rebuked, and whose relationship had already been approved of. But he was acting like a nervous teenager!
“Oh?” Seiichirou asked, and decided to turn the conversation onto a different target to give Aresh some breathing room. “Was it about the time he got distracted when Shi- when the Holy Maiden went to inspect the training knights, and was so busy staring he fell off his horse?”
“Hey!” Orjef shouted, and Aresh snorted beside him. “How do you- Aresh, what the hell!? You told him about that!?”
“It was entertaining.”
“And here I thought I was coming to support my dear younger cousin. I’m crushed. My feelings are truly hurt.” He couldn’t have sounded less wounded if he tried, and he was grinning ear to ear.
The duchess laughed, watching with affection at the way the three interacted. Orjef and Aresh hadn’t been the closest growing up, not with six years between them, but when they had started working together, their relationship had grown. It seemed that the appearance of Seiichirou, and the way he had opened Aresh’s heart, had helped that family bond grow stronger still.
“He tells us how impressed he is by you,” the marquess finally spoke. “We’ve heard the rumors at court, and of course Aresh’s staunch defense of you, Kondou. But hearing it directly from someone whose opinion we respect, and who has an interest in Aresh’s happiness and integrity, we’re grateful for all that you’ve done. For the Kingdom, and for our son.”
Seiichirou felt a heat rise to his cheeks. He hadn’t expected to receive such praise. Aresh squeezed his hand, and he smiled abashedly, bowing his head. “I receive too much credit. I’m just good with numbers. The ideas belong to others.”
Both Aresh and Orjef snorted at the same time, the family resemblance really coming through with their synchronized reaction. “That’s a lie,” Aresh muttered. “You started most of those projects, then found someone you deemed suitable for the spotlight to be the figurehead.”
“The school was really Shiraishi’s idea.”
“One. One project out of, how many have you taken on since you got here?”
“I haven’t kept track.”
“If you’re going to be a workaholic, you should at least take pride in that work.”
“That would get in the way of the work.”
“There’s something wrong with your head.”
Orjef grinned and held a hand to shield his mouth as if he were turning to whisper to his aunt and uncle, though he spoke at regular volume. “I think they argue just so they have an excuse to stare into each other’s eyes in public.”
“Hey!” Seiichirou and Aresh shouted simultaneously. Seiichirou adjusted his glasses to cover his embarrassment, and Aresh grumbled unintelligibly to himself.
This brought loud, gleeful laughter from the duchess, and she clapped her hands joyously. “Oh, what fun this is! How delightful. I’ve never seen you so animated, Aresh! You were such a solemn boy, you know.”
“Was he?” Seiichirou asked, interested. He ignored the indignant tug on his hand, though it did remind him that this sort of thing was exactly what Orjef had implied he might be embarrassed about. Even so, he wanted to know what Aresh had been like, and the man didn’t seem inclined to talk much about his childhood.
“Has he not told you?”
“No, but to be fair, I don’t think I’ve told him much about my own childhood, either.”
“Then let us swap stories, shall we?”
Seiichirou smiled and nodded, glancing up at Aresh as he answered, “I’d like that.”
-=-=-=-
It was late when they finally returned to their own manor. Seiichirou was yawning even as he walked up the stairs, yet somehow Valtom was present as always, ready to take their coats and trade words with Aresh. He was too tired to hang around waiting patiently, so he went to their room to change. Technically, he still had his own separate room, but he only ever used it to work. That was getting rarer and rarer as it was, so that room hardly ever got used anymore. He didn’t even have clothing stored there any longer.
Dressed in a loose pair of pants, he didn’t bother with a shirt as he walked to the bathroom to clean up before sleep. A shirt was pointless, he’d decided months ago, as Aresh would usually open it up or remove it at some point in the night. Many times, he thought the pants were also pointless, as Aresh was very good at convincing him to get rid of those most nights as well.
He was far too tired for any romping this night, however, and Aresh had just started to clean up when he crawled between the sheets. Even with how tired he was, he didn’t fall immediately to sleep. When Aresh joined him, he snuggled closer, resting his head on the younger man’s broad shoulder. “That went well, didn’t it?” he mumbled. He wasn’t sure he had even been coherent, but Aresh grunted an agreement and hugged him close.
“It did. Thank you.” Aresh pressed a kiss to silken black hair and ran his fingers down the back of his neck.
“Mn? For?”
“...Being you, I suppose. In hindsight, I’m really not sure what I was so nervous about.”
“Your parents, are really nice, Aresh.” He was trying not to drift off immediately, but it was difficult. “Glad, I finally got, to meet them.”
Aresh smiled against the crown of his head and brushed fingers over his cheek and jaw. “Me too. Go to sleep, Seiichirou. We can talk more tomorrow.”
“G’night, Aresh.”