Verdant Skies

The transition, orchestrated with a precision that showcased Koumei's strategic prowess, unfolded with remarkable speed. In a matter of days, the palace saw Iris's belongings meticulously packed and transported to Kouen's domain. The servants moved with practiced efficiency, guided by a plan that left little room for error. Kouen's palace, though somewhat unfamiliar to Iris, awaited her arrival with an air of quiet anticipation. The once-empty rooms now held the promise of a new beginning, the echoes of Iris's presence yet to fill the space.

The days leading up to the move were a blur of activity. Koumei's advisers and Kouen's staff worked in tandem to ensure a seamless transition. The defenses of Kouen's palace, already formidable, were reinforced to accommodate Iris's safety. The shift in security measures, while necessary, added an extra layer of solemnity to the proceedings. Throughout this whirlwind of change, Iris found herself caught between a yearning for the familiar and the anticipation of what lay ahead. Her interactions with Koumei and Kouen took on a poignant tone, as unspoken sentiments lingered beneath the surface.

Fingers brushing gently against a canvas, Iris's expression was thoughtful as she peered at the star-studded sky she'd created not too long ago. The rhythmic sounds of footsteps and the hushed voices of the palace staff surrounded her as they carefully packed up her paintings. As the servants moved with practiced efficiency, she felt a twinge of melancholy. The studio, once a sanctuary of expression, was now in the process of transformation. Eyes lifting from the canvas to glance about the room, she felt a lump form in her throat.

Her thoughts drifted to the impending move, the swiftness of the decision leaving little time for prolonged goodbyes. Iris couldn't deny the pang of nostalgia that gripped her heart. The canvases that adorned the walls whispered of the stories they held—of laughter shared with Koumei, of quiet moments with Kouen. The prospect of leaving this haven, where creativity flowed freely, added a layer of complexity to the emotions swirling within her. The studio, though soon to be empty, would forever carry the echoes of Iris's artistic journey in Koumei's palace. The act of packing, while a practical necessity, felt like bidding farewell to a chapter of her life. Each painting carefully wrapped was a snapshot of the emotions and experiences she had woven into the fabric of the palace.

Shaking her head softly as someone cleared their throat, Iris turned to peer at the steward as he approached her, "Lady Iris," The man's brown eyes were less stern than usual, "You've been staring at that painting for quite some time."

"Ah, I have, haven't I?" Iris nodded with a faint smile.

The steward, recognizing the sentimental weight of the moment, spoke with a gentle tone, "The preparations for the move are nearly complete. Your paintings are being handled with the utmost care."

"Thank you," Iris replied, her gaze returning to the starry sky on the canvas.

The steward, sensing her attachment to the artwork, ventured further, "Lady Iris, do you wish to leave this painting here? I can arrange for it to remain until you've settled in at Prince Kouen's palace."

Blinking softly at the offer, Iris smiled as a gentle warmth curled within her chest, "Actually...I was hoping you might give it to Koumei for me," The steward's eyes widened, "After...after the move is over."

The steward's surprise was quickly replaced by a warm understanding. "Of course, Lady Iris. I'll make certain Prince Koumei receives it personally. It shall be a token of your time and creativity spent within these walls."

"Thank you," Iris expressed her gratitude, her gaze lingering on the painting.

Stepping back as the man began to cover the canvas and prepare it to be stored, Iris glanced about the room one last time. The sounds of packing seemed to fade away as memories played across her mind once more. The scent of paint, the play of sunlight on the floor, and the countless hours spent immersed in the world of her art. Breathing out a low sigh as she shook herself from those memories and everything rushed back, she turned to walk out of the room feeling a heaviness settle over her. Slowly moving to sit down out of the way and watch everyone move about, she curled her knees against her chest.

Head laying on her knees, Iris watched the servants carry out Koumei's demands with utmost care and speed. There was a distinct coldness that seemed to seep into her at how quickly they seemed to pack away her things and place them into crates, the main chest of her most important things already sitting in a room at Kouen's palace. Eyes squeezing closed as a mournful sound left her inner dragon, she fought against the urge to release it. Arms squeezing her legs tighter as she struggled against the emotions, she swallowed harshly and forced her eyes open in time to see the steward approach her.

There was a hint of regret in his eyes, a sorrowful thing though he kept his voice formal, "Lady Iris, the main things are ready to head to Prince Kouen's palace. If you're ready, you can accompany them, or you may stay here until the final preparations are complete. Prince Koumei wished to leave it up to you."

Iris took a moment to compose herself before nodding to the steward. Her voice was tight, the emotions she was currently feeling couldn't be fully pushed away, "I'll accompany them. Thank you for your assistance."

Slowly standing despite her innermost wish to curl into a ball, Iris got to her feet. Offering her a small sympathetic smile, the steward murmured, "The transition may be challenging, Lady Iris, but I hope it brings you new inspiration."

Managing a small smile, Iris nodded to him, "Thank you."

"Prince Koumei did wish for me to extend his apologies that he couldn't be here today," The steward walked with her towards the doors, "But as you know, the Emperor has both the First Prince and Prince Koumei doing quite a lot these days,"

"I do..." Iris felt somewhat glad Koumei wasn't there to see her almost break down, "Please don't tell him about..."

As she trailed off, the steward's expression softened, "If he doesn't ask though as my employer..."

"I know..." Iris grimaced softly though couldn't blame the man, "Thank you for your assistance today, Mr. Hiroko. And for every other day since I arrived,"

"It's been a pleasure, Lady Iris," The steward bowed to her surprise.

With a final nod of gratitude, Iris stepped out into the palace courtyard. The cool breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the scent of blooming flowers. The carts were arranged, and each crate was carefully secured. Drawing in a deep breath as she approached the waiting carriage, she watched as the steward motioned for the servants to begin the journey, and the procession started to move. The wheels of the carts creaked, echoing through the courtyard like a melancholic melody. Opening the carriage door, the footmen waiting on her offered his arm though she carefully shook her head and entered the carriage.

Taking a seat as she listened to the palace gates opening, Iris sucked in a deep breath as the door shut and a soft thump sounded. In a slight jarring motion, the carriage began moving and she barely had a moment to glance out of the window before they were bypassing the gates. The palace, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, stood as a silent witness to the changes taking place. The journey to Kouen's palace had begun, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

The corridors, once adorned with Iris's vibrant energy, now seemed to echo with a quiet emptiness that contrasted starkly with his memories. His eyes drifted to the first-floor sitting room, and he slowly moved towards it, a faint pang hitting his chest. Swallowing harshly despite knowing that she wouldn't be there, he found himself standing at the entryway. His head slowly laid against the wood, and Koumei's stomach dropped at the realization that Iris was indeed not sitting in the armchair she'd come to favor. Curled up with a book, the throw she'd begun to use lay folded across the back.

The room, once filled with the warmth of Iris's presence, now felt like a silent testament to her absence. The play of moonlight through the curtains created a gentle dance on the floor, illuminating the space where Iris had spent countless evenings lost in the pages of a book. Almost able to see her in the moonlight, he could almost imagine the sleepy look she'd gift him if she hadn't fallen asleep by now. Lips quirking into a half-smile, the way she'd hold out her hand to him and ask if he'd join her for even a few moments before trying to get some proper rest. Eyes burning even as he pushed away the memories, Koumei straightened, pulling himself away from the doorway.

Turning from the room, Koumei began heading towards his study even as more memories began to filter into his mind. There was a keen feeling in his chest, a painful jolt at the realization of just how used to her presence he'd become. As he entered his study, the soft glow of lamplight embraced the room, casting a warm ambiance. The familiar surroundings, filled with scrolls and strategic plans, offered a momentary distraction. He settled into the high-backed chair behind the intricately carved wooden desk, intending to immerse himself in the affairs of the state. However, the weight of Iris's absence lingered, casting a shadow over his concentration. Just as he began reviewing the reports, the steward, Mr. Hiroko, quietly entered the study, holding a carefully wrapped object.

"Prince Koumei," the steward's voice carried a respectful tone as he approached, "Lady Iris asked me to deliver this to you,"

Gaze shifting from the documents that littered his desk to the package, Koumei nodded after a long moment, "I see...go on."

Unwrapping the object which turned out to be a painting, Koumei's eyes widened as he took in the star-studded sky. Colors shifted and changed as the painting was brought closer to his desk, he breathed out a bit sharply at the fact that Dantalion's constellations could be seen within the sky. A pleased hum left his Djinn as soon as that thought left his mind. Reaching out to grasp the painting, he glanced towards Mir. Hiroko as the man spoke, "Lady Iris wished for you to have this. Based on the expression she wore before making the request, it held a significant place in her heart."

Koumei's gaze lingered on the painting, the intricate details capturing not just the celestial beauty but also the essence of Iris's artistry. A soft smile played on his lips as he murmured, "It's a remarkable piece. I...I'll have to thank her the next time we see one another."

"Of course, M'lord," Mr. Hiroko bowed lightly, "If there is nothing else, I am going to take my leave for the night,"

Hesitation bit at him for a long moment before he finally spoke, Koumei's eyes lifted to peer at the steward, "Iris...how was she today? I doubt it was an easy thing."

The steward's expression became more somber, and he chose his words carefully, "Prince Koumei...I believe today took a rather severe toll on Lady Iris," Koumei mentally winced at that, "She left the studio after making her requests to me. When I found her not long later, she..." He paused for a moment before releasing a low sigh, "She was experiencing a moment of distress. Sitting alone away from the staff and watching them pack away her belongings," The man shook his head, "There was a heaviness about her, I believe she was struggling to contain her emotions."

Koumei absorbed the steward's words, a heavy silence settling between them. The weight of Iris's emotional struggle gnawed at him, and a sense of helplessness crept in. He could envision her, placing herself in a corner, grappling with the separation from a place that held so much of her heart. Finding his voice took time, he spoke carefully, "Thank you for informing me, Mr. Hiroko," He carefully set down the painting, "I appreciate your honesty. It seems this transition has affected her deeply. I'll speak with my brother and see if we can't help her."

The steward nodded respectfully, "If there is anything else you require, Prince Koumei, do not hesitate to ask. Lady Iris has left a lasting impression on this palace, and her well-being is of utmost importance."

Almost wanting to smile at the severe difference from when he'd first brought Iris into his home, Koumei nodded to his steward, "Thank you, Mr. Hiroko. You may take your leave for the night."

As the steward exited the study, Koumei was left alone, the painting on his desk and the echoes of Iris's emotional struggle lingering in the air. With a sigh, he turned his attention back to the reports on his desk, though his thoughts remained with Iris and the challenges she faced in this time of change.

Standing on the balcony of her new quarters in Kouen's palace, Iris gazed up at the sky as her fingers gripped the railing beneath them a bit harshly. The transition to this new environment had happened so swiftly that the reality of leaving Koumei's palace was still sinking in. The night air carried a different energy, a blend of anticipation and uncertainty. The distant sounds of the palace at night, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional murmur of conversations created a soothing ambiance. Slowly shaking her head, she turned away from looking at the vast sky overhead and began heading back into her room.

Stomach dropping as her eyes scanned the large expanse that somehow seemed bigger than the room she'd been given at Koumei's palace, Iris stepped through the double doors. The grandeur of Kouen's palace was evident in every detail—the intricate designs on the walls, the luxurious furnishings, and the overall opulence that surrounded her. But nothing was overstated, it gave the impression of a well-balanced elegance that spoke of centuries of refined taste. The contrast to Koumei's more understated palace was stark, and Iris couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation.

Slowly moving to sit down on the large bed, Iris paused as a knock sounded on the door. Glancing towards it, she hesitated for a moment before calling out, "Enter."

Entering the room, Kouen's eyes scanned the large space for a long moment as he ventured deeper inside and let the door fall closed behind him. He spoke as his eyes fell on her, "Iris, you haven't unpacked," She flushed as embarrassment filled her and looked away from him, "And according to the staff, you haven't eaten anything since arriving."

Shaking her head softly, Iris moved to sit down on the bed as she muttered, "I just wasn't hungry when they came around to ask," She glanced towards the pile of things that needed to be put away and felt her stomach twist, "I...I'm working towards putting my things away."

There was a long moment of silence before Kouen sighed, she glanced towards him and watched as he walked towards the bed. Sitting down beside her, he spoke while running a hand across his face, "You know that if we could have done things differently, we would have, right?"

"I do...I just..." Iris's nails bit her palms as she looked away from him, "Koumei's place was becoming home, Kouen. I-"

"You can't help your feelings," Kouen tugged her against his side earning a squeak, "I understand, Iris. This is a significant adjustment, and I don't expect you to adapt overnight,"

Biting her bottom lip, Iris felt as if there was a weight in her chest, "I just...I feel like I'm leaving something behind even if you and Koumei keep telling me that the only thing that's changing is the location of everything," She swallowed against the lump forming in her throat, "I...I hate it..."

Kouen's arm tightened around Iris as she spoke, and he sighed, "Change is never easy, Iris. Even when it's for the best, it can still be painful. Your feelings are valid, and it's okay to mourn what you've left behind."

Eyes fixed on the floor, Iris slowly leaned into Kouen's side, "I know it's for the best. It's just hard."

Kouen gave her a reassuring squeeze. "It's alright to take your time. We're here for you, and we want to make this transition as smooth as possible."

Taking a deep breath, Iris nodded softly, "I...alright," She turned her head to glance at him and their eyes met, "Thank you, Kouen. I appreciate your understanding."

Offering her a small smile, Kouen's fingers ran soothing circles across her shoulder, "It's all part of being together," He glanced towards her pile of things, "If you want, I can help you unpack."

Nose wrinkling, Iris shook her head, "I'd rather wait a bit longer..."

"Alright," Kouen chuckled softly, "Then how about we eat something?" She eyed him, "You haven't eaten since arriving and I still need to eat dinner,"

Biting her bottom lip, Iris snickered softly as a small smile formed. She pushed away from Kouen earning a curious look, "I swear, you and Koumei both do the same things..." She got up from the bed, "But I guess eating would be a good idea."

"Wonderful," Kouen stood as another knock echoed on the door seconds before a maid entered.

There was a look of disapproval on the woman's face that was quickly smoothed over, the woman bowed lightly, "Prince Kouen, the food you asked to be prepared is ready."

"Excellent," Kouen began to gently push Iris towards the door, "Please ensure that a bath is ready for me by the time we're done eating,"

"Yes, m'lord," The woman bowed quickly before leaving.

Eyes following the maid for a moment until the woman disappeared, Iris walked with Kouen out of the room. She glanced towards Kouen, "A bath? You bathe at night?"

"Yes, I feel that is the best way to get rid of the day's tensions and allows me to center myself," Kouen glanced at her with an amused smile, "Problem?"

"Ah, no," Iris shook her head lightly as a light flush decorated her cheeks, "Just unexpected,"

"Though that does remind me," Kouen peered at her with a light smile as they began walking down a flight of stairs, "Do you wish to spar tomorrow? It has been a while since we've been able to indulge and I should have time in my schedule for it,"

Smiling in return, Iris nodded as they reached the bottom of the stairwell, "I would love that."

Having Iris in his palace proved to be an interesting change, Kouen slowly came to realize. Even with the melancholy that seemed to hover over her like a thin cloak, she managed to smile and moved with a quiet strength that he found intriguing. As the days passed, he observed her settling into a routine, the initial tension in her shoulders gradually easing. Mornings, before he left for the day, were often spent either sparring together or conversing in one of the gardens, the shared ritual slowly becoming something he looked forward to. During the nights when he returned late, he often found Iris perched on one of the armchairs with a sketchbook in hand or one of the many books from his personal library in hand. There were many times after that first night when he found her that she was already asleep, a blanket carefully placed over her by one of his staff.

As evening fell on his palace, Kouen returned with Koumei at his side both conversing in soft tones about the day's work. Only to pause as laughter ripped through the air, he stopped as Iris's voice followed the sound, "Kouha! Judar!"

There was a shattering sound followed by loud cursing seconds later, Kouen shared a look with Koumei as amusement and worry flickered through him. Judar being here was a bit alarming since he still couldn't get a read on what the magi felt towards Iris. Starting towards the sound with Koumei at his side, it took them little time to follow the torrent of swears. There was a shattering sound followed by loud cursing seconds later, Kouen shared a look with Koumei as amusement and worry flickered through him. Judar being here was a bit alarming since he still couldn't get a read on what the magi felt towards Iris. Starting towards the sound with Koumei at his side, it took them little time to follow the torrent of swears.

Turning a corner, they entered the spacious room Kouen had given Iris to turn into a new studio. Standing by a knocked-over easel, Iris was coated in paint splatters as broken jars that once held the vibrant substances littered the floor around her. Kouha and Judar were on the opposite side of the room, surrounded by more shattered paint jars and colorful chaos. Kouha held a paintbrush, while Judar seemed to be attempting to create something abstract on the wall. Iris had sparks drifting down from her fingers as she hissed at the two, "I'm going to-"

"Iris," Kouen called out to her as he carefully stepped into the room.

As Iris turned towards him, Kouen jolted at the sight of just how much paint was covering her. Eyes on the verge of turning gold, she growled, "Thank-"

"Entei!" Kouha leaped over the broken jars and darted towards Kouen with a bright grin, "Judar and I were just helping Iris-"

"Helping Iris make a mess, you mean," Koumei interjected, eyeing the chaotic scene with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Judar, not one to be outdone, smirked and said, "We were unleashing our artistic talents. Kouha has a unique way with colors."

After dealing with whiny politicians all day and doubting that he'd get the real answer anytime soon, Kouen turned to Iris, "What happened here?"

Smoke left her nose as she sighed, Iris's eyes flickered between gold and green as she grumbled, "They were bored," She shot a poisonous look towards the two, "And came looking for me. Seeing as you decided that it would be best if I stayed in your palace for the moment, I refused their attempts to get me to go out with them."

"I still don't understand why you're keeping her locked up in here," Kouha scowled at Kouen, "Or moved her out of Mei's palace. It doesn't make sense,"

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Kouen counted to ten before informing his younger brother, "It's for Iris's safety, Ha," Kouha looked at him in surprise, "Now," He looked at Iris, "What happened after you somehow convinced them to stop trying to force you out?"

Arms crossing as she scowled, Iris released another puff of smoke, "These two little shits decided they wanted a painting lesson only that one," She jerked a thumb towards Judar, "Wasn't happy with it. So five minutes into our lesson, he started fucking around and dragged Kouha into it. Which led to this," She scowled darkly while waving a hand around herself, "While I don't mind getting dirty with paint, I don't have anything set up for a fucking human-sized canvas."

Resisting the urge to sigh, Kouen lowered his hand feeling grateful that Judar hadn't attempted to kill Iris at the very least. He still didn't want to deal with this after such a shitty day. Shaking his head, he addressed the two troublemakers, "Ha, Judar, you'll be cleaning up this mess. Not the servants," Kouha and Judar looked ready to apologize, "And you'll be replacing the supplies, Ha. Everything you've ruined, you'll replace."

"But, Entei-" Kouha tried to protest.

"No buts," Kouen turned to Iris, "You need to get cleaned up. When you're finished, would you meet Koumei and I in my study?"

Nodding after a long moment, Iris's eyes flickered towards Koumei as a surprised look crossed her features, "Sure though it might be a bit before I do."

"That's fine," Kouen waved her off.

Turning from the room, Kouen began heading towards his study though paused long enough to order Seishuu to keep an eye on the two troublemakers.

Walking into Kouen's study, Iris rubbed the back of her neck with a low sigh, "Sorry it took me-"

"Iris," Kouen's voice held a biting tone that made her stiffen and she glanced at him in alarm, "Why are you scratched up?"

Blinking at that, Iris's head tilted at the question and she realized Kouen was staring at the scratches on her cheeks. Slowly dropping her hand as she met his eyes, she found herself swallowing at the sharp intensity there. Clearing her throat, she replied, "I...the jars being tossed around by Kouha and Judar shattered with the pieces going everywhere," She saw his eyes narrow, "I'm fine-"

"It's not fine," Kouen interrupted her with a scowl, "They should have been more careful-"

"It's fine," Iris insisted with a shake of her head, "They're already cleaning up my studio and Kouha's replacing what they broke," She could tell that Kouen was ready to argue with her, "Look, a couple of scratches are nothing compared to some of the things I've had to deal with. This," She gestured to her cheek, "Will be gone within a day or so. Besides, Kouha and Judar didn't mean it..." She paused for a moment as her mind went back to Judar's expression during the chaos of it all and hesitated for a moment before admitting, "Well, Kouha didn't mean it at the very least,"

Scowl deepening at her words, Kouen opened his mouth only to close it as Koumei spoke up for the first time since she'd entered. His expression was contemplative, he cupped his chin, "Well...a couple of scratches is better than what Judar could do, En," Kouen offered his younger brother a glare, "If you think about it."

"I-" Kouen paused for a moment before sighing, "I suppose you might be right,"

Blinking a bit, Iris glanced between the two as she slowly moved to sit down in the seat next to Koumei's, "I know you've said that Judar can be unpredictable, but..."

"When it comes to those he's claimed as his," Koumei looked at her as she sat down, "I.E. his Dungeon Capturers, he tends to get possessive of their time. While our parents have nothing to fear from him, we can't say the same for many others,"

Swallowing as she realized her first instinct towards Judar being a threat despite looking like a twig was correct, Iris looked towards Kouen, "He's killed people...hasn't he?"

Without a look of hesitation, Kouen nodded as he leaned back against his chair, "He has. Whether they're daughters of nobles that have tried to tempt us or concubines that our Father thought to toss our way, he's killed them without much care just because they 'took away our attention'," He looked at her as she grimaced, "Our magi isn't the most sane being for all that he's powerful."

"No one that's truly powerful is sane," Iris muttered in reply, "So he could try to kill me at some point? Just because he thinks I'm taking you two away from him?"

"To a point, though I'm honestly not sure," Koumei mused earning a look, "For all that Judar loathes having our attention taken away from him, he enjoys finding interesting things...figuring them out," Iris remembered the look on Judar's face when she'd revealed her magic to him, "So while we can't confirm what he'll do, I doubt he'll try to kill you,"

"Right now at least," Iris rubbed at her face tiredly only to wince as her cheek stung from the scratch, "Joy..." She looked at Kouen, "So rather than talk about your homicidal magi," Koumei snorted at her, "I take it you want to talk about the investigation?"

"Yes," Kouen's lips twitched in amusement before he grew serious, "Koumei?"

Looking towards Koumei with some interest, Iris leaned on the arm of her chair. Koumei spoke after clearing his throat, "With the information we managed to gather during our first trip to the theaters, I managed to push my investigation team in the right direction. Over the last two weeks, they have managed to discover the identities of five nobles who could be potential targets of assassination as well as the conspirators that were in the booth that night," He glanced towards Iris with a small smile before continuing, "At the current moment, the five nobles are having their security discretely increased. My investigators are working to gather more information on the conspirators as we speak though at least one has a definable link to Gyokuen."

Almost about to congratulate Koumei on his findings, Iris was startled when Kouen sighed. She glanced towards him in confusion and he shook his head, "Unfortunately, Gyokuen will have made that link easy to get rid of on her end."

Realization set in and Iris almost wanted to curse, she slumped against her chair, "She'll make it look like they're blackmailing her," She clicked her tongue, "I'd applaud her since that's a tactic I've set up more than once and it's not easy to do."

"But it can be beat, right?" Koumei asked her curiously.

Thinking back carefully, Iris wrinkled her nose, "If whoever is doing it isn't careful," She met Koumei's eyes as he muttered a soft curse, "And your stepmother is very careful."

"At this point, we're just trying to find the assassin and bring them to Father," Kouen grimaced softly, "As much as I would love to see the bitch chained beneath our feet, it can wait until a later date," He looked at Iris, "Now the reason we're speaking about this now is due to the fact Gyokuen's spies have seemingly withdrawn for the moment,"

"Meaning I'm free to help again," Iris grinned despite knowing their current arrangement was still going to be in place, "So back to information gathering?"

"And hitting the theaters," Koumei confirmed with a soft chuckle, "Excited?"

"Mhmm!" Iris hummed at the thought of actually being able to wander around again, "Oh-I'll have to make a few new potions just to be on the safe side," Kouen and Koumei gave her looks of interest, "Just to ensure we keep Gyokuen's people on their toes if they're still trying to find me, ya know. And since I don't want to reveal my hand too quickly..."

"Understood," Kouen chuckled softly, "I'll see about having a room prepared for your use later on which reminds me," She blinked at him, "The small forge that hasn't been in use since before I took over this residence has finally been repaired. If you're ready-"

"Fuck yes!" Iris jumped up and rushed around Kouen's desk to hug him earning a grunt, "Thank you!"

Arms slowly wrapped around her, Kouen chuckled softly, "You're welcome. I didn't expect you to get so excited."

Letting out an embarrassed laugh, Iris tried to pull away only for Kouen to keep his arms wrapped around her. She managed to shift into an uncomfortable leaning position with one hand against his chair. Rubbing at the back of her neck, she explained with a slightly flushed face, "I like having the choice of things to do, and well..."

Trailing off a hand that touched her cheek, Iris's eyes met Kouen's wine-red ones. He spoke softly, "If I'd known about this earlier, I would have ensured everything was prepared ages ago."

Mind going slightly fuzzy, Iris swallowed as she struggled to come up with something to say. Koumei managed to break through the fog with a low chuckle as he called out, "Perhaps we should get back to the investigation, En. There's still some finer details to hash out."

"Right," Kouen murmured softly

Thinking he was going to release her, Iris started trying to pull away again only to go still as Kouen drew her into a brief kiss that seemed to set every nerve on fire. The intense moment lingered for a heartbeat before Kouen let her go. Slightly dazed as she took a step back, she cleared her throat in an attempt to regain her composure. Kouen's expression was unreadable, and Koumei seemed to be watching with mild amusement. Slowly moving to sit back down, she muttered, "Let's focus on the task at hand," She was somewhat amazed at how composed she sounded, "Uh...where were we?"

There was a soft snicker from Koumei, Iris ignored it as Kouen said, "I believe Koumei was informing us of the finer details."

Nodding as she settled in her seat, Iris slowly managed to regain control of her emotions as Koumei relayed everything. Even as she began to focus and think about the potions she'd be using to help, she found herself drifting back to the kiss. Even now as minutes passed, she could still feel the faint warmth of him on her lips.