#and lady yona is so cute!!!!!!

[bakuliwrites]

Can't talk, busy coming up with cute little domestic scenarios featuring my OC, her shark husband, his feral Hylian husband, and their adorable ray/shark wife

[mewmewdoppio]

When the two fish are in love

[gankohink]

Any last ideas on link and the zora polycule?

i think they would go very well together. maybe yona and link need to warm up to each other a little more before they all three start a relationship with each other but i think they’d be really cute.

dorephan would totally approve, too. i mean, he approved of mipha liking link, so with his son married to another zora who could continue the family line, i don’t see him having a problem with the lovebirds. (lovefish?)

i like to think they’d all go out for dinner with bazz and his gf like a double date. the domain LOVES to see all 3 lovers together. the sidon fan club squeal every time they see them walking by.

i think when the relationship would have issues and stuff they would all be able to work it out in a healthy way, i can very much see yona helping break sidon out of his shell to set boundaries in the relationship (and his other relationships as well).

i think thats all for now <3 i love them so much

[gobspeaks]

me: I'm gonna go read some fanfic to try and get some inspo for my own stuff :)

ao3: *yona hate* *yona hate* *yona hate* *angst* *yona hate*

me: okay thanks :) *closes ao3*

[hyruleairbnb]

My display has a big scratch and from my perspective the double L got a little dismorphed and it looked like Yona was saying I am so happy to see that you are wet 💀

crack idea no one asked for:

yona ends up being to zelda what sidon is to link, and zelda and link agonize together over their shared confusing feelings and wonder if all zora royalty are just Like This

[spacemanspiff0fficial]

They always say if u love smth then let it go 😔 as a long-standing Sidon girlie I was struggling w coming to grips I fear (which ended up not being all that hard to do bc Lady Yona is so cute I love her.......)

Before that happened I did manage to snap some photos mid-fish domestic. In case I had one last fighting chance

[riswippiesx]

Akatsuki no yona males when you're timid and shy

Featuring: Hak,Jaeha,Soo Won x fem! reader(seperately)

Theme: crack and fluff

Warning: slightly suggestive(???), not proof end

ʜᴀᴋ:

•He teases you, teases you untill your face is all red.

•Hak will cling to you even more and bring his face closer to yours. Thus you will feel his breath on your face and your face will heat up even more.

•Doesn't listen to any of yours "Hak, stop! Stay away!"

•But if you get even more flustered and you look uncomfortable, he asks if you're okay or not.

•Once he is assured that you're fine..haha darling, get ready to face further teasings! This guy loves to be a pain in ass :P

•Sometimes, when he feels more playful, he just pins you against the wall and watch you struggle and blush even harder with a smirk.

Hak: Your face..you look like a tomato..

You: shut up!

Hak: *brings his face close to your ears* ...a delicious one, that I might eat...

You: HAKKK!!

ᴊᴀᴇʜᴀ:

•Oh boy! Here comes the king of teasing lol!

•Once he finds out that you're shy or timid(which won't take much long for him as he understands people so well), be prepared to get teased to the fullest.

•Jaeha loves to see you flustered red face a lot.

•He wraps one of his hands around your waist and brings your body closer to his. But if he finds out any hint of discomfort in you, he quickly takes his hand off of your body and assures you that he won't ever cross the limit untill you let him.

•Whispers in your ears and says the weirded pick up lines.

•Chuckles every time you try to stand for yourself by saying that you aren't shy and end up blushing.

•He absolutely adores it when you get frustrated by your shyness and act mad. He put his hand on your head to give you a few soft head pats and kiss your temple softly.

Jaeha: Look at you sweetheart, all red and flustered for me..am I that intimidating?

You: Stop speaking nonsense Jaeha

Jaeha: *whispers in your ears* I wonder how would you react if I tell you about the things I want to do to you..

You: JAEHA !!

Jaeha: My my, easy lady..I'm just kidding *chuckles*

You: *sighs* Yeah right.

Jaeha: ...or maybe..I am not? ;)

ꜱᴏᴏ ᴡᴏɴ:

•So, the king is here :D Oh he will be so concerned at first when he notices your red face. Are you okay? Are you having a fever?? Do you need any medical help?

•He is so relieved when you tell him that you're okay and quickly finds out that you're a shy type as you blush quite often.

•He chuckles and holds your hand in his own.

•He looks at you. His mind runs crazy as he wants to tease you so bad to see your cute reactions but being a king has it's limitations and he has major control over himself.

•His gaze softens and adores your embarrassed flushed face.

Soo won: No need to be shy, my love.

You: eh? No ..I am not..don't worry *nervous chuckle*

Soo won: *brings your hands closer and plants soft kisses on both of your hands* oh?

You: *face reddens even more*

Soo won: You will still deny that you aren't shy? Hmm?

You: Soo won..stop...

Soo won: *chuckles* got it, love ;)

I will make a part two, maybe??? Not sure :P

Thanks for reading. Take love<3

Reblogs and comments will be much appreciated♡

[nightttoon]

Who fell first/who fell harder? Love language Pet names

Yona:

You fell first, but she fell harder. She has Sidon already, so it took time to accept your feelings. But if you fell for both of them it makes everything easier! She adores you and Sidon so much!

Her love language is physical touches. She gives you the warmest hugs and sweetest kisses! And if it's Sidon x Yona x you, your days will be full of physical affection from both zora. You better be ready :) She also loves to give you cute little things she found, bought or made. (Like necklaces, corals, shells and everything she finds beautiful! Maybe something to remind you of her)

I guess pet names are.... "Dear, sweetie, love, pearl, my sunshine"

Riju:

She fell first, but you fell harder. Gerudo shief is so deep in love, so she is all around you. I bet she taught you how to deal with Sand seals.

Her love language is gift giving. She probably bought you every jewelry from Gerudo's masterpieces and everything you looked at in the shop. She will definitely try to master the hobbies that you love so that you can do it together!

Most of time she calls you by affectionate form of your name. But she also can use "Darling, cutie, sweet one, cupcake"

Urbosa:

You fell first and you fell harder. This strong, independent lady will fall for you with time, but then she does.... My god. You can't get enough of her love.

Her love language is quality time. She will spend all her time with you. Sweet talks and a lot of shared interests are here! She will be interested in things you like just as much as she would like to show you what she is mad about.

Pet names she uses can change depending on her mood and situation. But her personal favorite ones are "sugarplum, beautiful, precious, lovebug" Maybe she will call you "kitten" at times.

Mipha:

She fell first and she fell harder. No doubt about that. Poor princess can't handle with herself, then you are around. She is so shy about her feelings, so you will know about them from her father or if you confess first.

Her love language is quality time. She will learn about everything you like, so you had things to talk about. You will do a lot of little things together, like hand crafts, swimming together, gazing at stars at night from top of domain. She will teach you about holidays, traditions, courtship of Zora if you are interested.

Pet names are "Cutie pie, sweetheart, muffin, sweetie, my hero" And yeah, I am sure about last one. She wants you to feel strong even if she is champion here :)

Part with male characters is here!

Requests are open! Write me if you wish to make one!

[hyruleairbnb]

💚Yona🪞anoY💚

Got new markers for my birthday and I'm determined to use them. Used Yona as my subject but also because I love her so much 😭

[frost-link]

hell hello so i saw that you were wanting more ideas for sidon x reader (i dunno if i worded that correctly) buuuuut what if it was sidon x reader x yona, i feel like that would be interesting since the relationship between the two is speculate to be a political one :)

I love both Sidon and Yona so much! Yona is such a sweet character while also being affirmative! This will be interesting to write! As they say... Sidon has two hands! I hope this turned out okay :)

The Power Trio

Sidon X Reader X Yona [Headcanons]

The three of you are the ones who keep Zora's Domain running so smoothly. A lot of the Zora state that you rule in sync. There's King Sidon, Queen Yona, and you. Sovereign (Y/n). It was the title that the Zora had chosen for you the day when you were wed to Prince Sidon and Lady Yona. It absolutely stuns all of the Zora of the strong communication the three of you have. It was a big change for all of the Zora, but a good one!

Sidon is typically the most busy. During days when he's away with duty; you and Yona will be sitting at a small pond. You both will be looking down at the water holding hands while Yona tells you embarrassing childhood stories about Sidon. You both will be laughing trying to catch a breath!

The King Sidon Fanclub will spot you and Yona together. Laruta tries to listen in on your guy's conversation about how Sidon would used to trip on his own tail fin. Tula and Tona don't hesitate one moment and immediately approach you both asking for details about what it's like being with Sidon. These two somehow assigned themselves as unofficial thirdwheels to you, Sidon, and Yona. They are always excited to hear about any possible details!

Whenever the three of you walk together, you ALWAYS end up in the middle between them! They see you as a small cute hylian. You try to disagree, they don't care. Yona is on the left, and Sidon is on the right. They are both holding your hand. They sometimes like lifting you up, emphasizing you being small.

Whenever the three of you cuddle, you get sandwiched between the two of them. You can't complain!

Sidon and Yona are very protective over you. Living in Zora's Domain as a hylian can sometimes pose as a challenge. Both of them make an effort to make sure you feel welcomed and adjusted.

One day, when an elder Zora is giving you trouble; Sidon and Yona were quick to notice how short and rude this elder Zora was to you. "Hey now. There's no need to be so fowl to our darling! They are our equal!" Sidon says, immediately stepping in, defending you.

Sidon does his best to keep things as civil as possible, Yona on the other hand... This woman won't tolerate ANY bullsh*t that this elder says. She immediately shuts the elder down. "Say anything else or you'll be facing consequences." Yona snaps rather coldly, compared to her warm and caring self. This is a terrifying side to her that you rarely see. You and Sidon look ABSOLUTELY shocked.

For the tradition of a "Zora Princess" making her armour for the person she weds, Sidon and Yona sat down and had a conversation about it. Before you became their fiancé, they both proposed to you with a set of earrings. It wasn't by Hylian or Zora tradition, but instead something new. Your guy's tradition!

When comforting you on bad days, Yona will hum you a song and play with your hair to keep you in the moment. Sidon on the other hand, will hold your hands and reassure you with soft and loving words.

Bonus Headcanon (Slight NSFW):

When the three of you are in bed, you always end up being the bottom. No matter how much you attempt to be assertive in bed, Yona and Sidon will always dominate you before you even get the CHANCE.

[watermelinoe]

Sorry if you've been asked this before, but I was curious since you mentioned manga - what are some of your favorite shoujo works? Thank you in advance and have a nice day.

i have been asked this before but you have no idea how desperate i always am to talk about shoujo 😭 so i'm gonna split my recs up kinda by genre and i'll note whether it's completed or not, i'll try to include some of the more recent ones i'm reading

my fav shoujo manga is kimi ni todoke (completed), i especially love the female friendships in this manga and it's an incredible coming-of-age story, i think this one is more well-known but it deserves it!!

another well-known shoujo with a great female protagonist is of course kamisama hajimemashita (completed), i would die for nanami

something that i love abt shoujo is that the female leads may not be physically powerful but their actions shape the narrative and they are shown to be powerful because of their qualities, i think for girls you want to see girls kicking ass of course but you also want to see that girls are not passive, that they will do what they can and that their actions are powerful

my fav isekai manga, kanata kara (completed), has a protagonist like that, it's a really underrated gem that does a lot of world-building and the female lead even has to learn the language of the world she's teleported to, she can't communicate with the male lead or anyone else at the start, and i love her she's so clever and resourceful and compassionate, it's one of those "good beats evil" stories

i am so behind on it but i also love akatsuki no yona, incredible world-building, intricate character relationships and growth, it's so so good i need to get caught up, but if you like this one i also enjoyed kusanagi's other work mugen spiral (completed, short and cute demon/shrine maiden romance)

other recs: watashi no shiawase na kekkon is a cute cinderella story, colette wa shinu koto ni shita (completed but not online yet ;_;) is a touching persephone/hades style story where the female lead finds new appreciation for her life and her skills as a doctor, sayonara rose garden (completed) is a historical shoujo yuri where you really root for the couple...

isekai manhwa recs (somewhere between shoujo and josei imo) :

for better or for worse (completed) is classic shakespearian romantic dramedy imo, the miscommunications are a genre standard, it's fun and the female lead is drawn with fangs like a rough and tumble anime boy and i love that for her the villainess is a marionette, closer to josei probably, kayena is a certified Girl Boss and hellbent on revenge and she has a lady squad backing her up + devoted pretty moid a wicked tale of cinderella's stepmom, female lead is almost 40, lots of focus on the daughters coming of age and who they want to be, "cinderella" not wanting to be with the prince the villainess flips the script, i just really love judith she's so funny and she's athletic and accidentally kills a guy not-sew-wicked stepmom, snow white story, deals with misogyny and disordered eating and also it kinda looks like there's gonna be yuri on the side rn ?? two female characters confirmed to be into women master villainess the invincible, our girl is so badass.... and the original heroine is also bloodthirsty and she rocks too, also i personally think the male lead is hot tbh and usually it's just some guy to me the crow's prince is just really funny to me, how did they make that crow so expressive... and if i had a nickel for every isekai where the female lead spends a good chunk of it as a bird i would have two nickels which isn't a lot but it's weird it happened twice but anyway the falcon princess is also a lot of fun with birds

and i'm also really into how to hide the emperor's child bc astelle is insanely cunning but the male lead does not deserve her at all

my anilist is miniblin and i have logged basically every manga i've ever read on there lol so if ur curious

[sherbet-shark]

|〘 ⋇Genre: Drama〙|〘 ⋇W/C:5.2K〙|〘 ⋇ Format: Fic 〙|〘 ⋇Content: 〙 | Yona doubts the authenticity of Sidon’s love after a run-in with a few Hylians suggesting otherwise.|

|〘 ⋇ Content Warnings: 〙This fic is riddled with personal HCS about Yona’s vague home and herself and her relationship with her attendants. This fic has light spoilers from both, BOTW and TOTK Zora Quest line, and general totk. |

|〘 ⋇ 〙 Summary: Yona’s devotion and love for her new home and husband knew no bounds; the pair had been childhood friends but are now being thrust into an arranged marriage. Was it all too fast? The young queen dwells on her doubts, amplified by cruel words.|

|〘 ⋇ 〙 A/N: Hey guys, I’m sorry for dropping out of the plane of existence, I got really busy, stressed and burnt out from writing, school and irl. This is my first Canon x Canon fic ever and I am so freaking proud of it. I cannot wrap my head around this fic being 5.2k words at all, like 😳 jfc. Also!! YONA lovers unite!! She’s very cute and sweet I hope I did our girl justice. Pspsp @enigmaticfossil FOOD. This should go without saying but if you don’t like this couple scroll past. |

"The Zora Domain was once again saved from tragedy by your heroic Swordsman and our beloved King Sidon… I wonder what you might have said seeing your brother and him fighting side by side. While most unproductive, I cannot help that my mind often strays to what could've been, Lady Mipha."

Yona's words swell with bittersweet wonder as she wistfully sighs and peers at the Champion's memorial. Yona's speckled amber eyes searched the tranquil statue's face. What for? She didn't even honestly know herself. Perhaps a sense of relief, or Yona wanted a sign that their demure Champion was watching her brother thrive. What would Yona's childhood hero have said to their union? So many questions that would stay unanswered, the foreign Zora concluded. Her mind wandered to her dear husband, the stars to her night sky.

Despite his unending enthusiasm and carefree air, the Queen knew her husband well to know there was so much more lurking underneath his energetic and hopeful personality. From the outside, it seemed even fear allured him. If only they knew it was the very opposite. Sidon was and still is profoundly affected by his sister's tragic passing, more to say, the fear it caused. Who would blame him for his fear? One hundred years were a blink of an eye for the Zora. Yet time did not heal all. The emptiness in everyone's hearts still aches, just not as much anymore. Everyone can say her name and recount their memory of Mipha with a smile, but her presence would still be longed for.

Finally, Sidon resumed his monthly visits to Mipha's Court, something he hadn't done in a while, even prior to his fight with Ganon. It may be silly for some to speak with a figurine. But this simple action always made Zora fondly smile, recalling days when Mipha would always listen with kind words and a warm aura as she always did before her death.

At the Champion's memorial, Yona recalls an instant from their shared childhood when heavy rains poured down a river they played next to. The torrential downpour rose above the bank, capturing the tiny crimson-screaming prince down the waterway. The foreign Zora was the first to swim after him, willing her smaller verdant fins to move her faster. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she reached her fellow royal. The current lashed the young children, but undeterred, Yona carried him into a small cape. A moment of peace after a hurricane of freight, the water continued to thunder behind them. The tiny child tried to calm the quivering Sidon in her arms while attempting to mend a wounded foot of her own. Then, as all hope seemed lost, frenzied cries welcomed the duo as a frazzled Mipha and royal guards caught up quickly. Mipha soothed their cries, touching their cheeks and promptly healing any injuries.

"My Queen, it's well past the early evening hours. We wouldn't want the subjects, least of all His Majesty, to worry about your disappearance." Webbed footsteps lightly tread behind the Queen as Khira stirs the royal to the present, her voice woven in respectful concern for Yona. Her attendants always stayed close to each other and their Lady out of duty and fondness for each other's company.

Even if Chroma's youthful airheadedness got on the latter's nerves, it was still a comfort brought to the Domain.

Their homeland was nearly unattainable to those who couldn't breathe and tread water as swiftly as the aquatic race. In contrast, Zora's Domain flourished to the elements. While New Bay seldom had hazardous weather. Their home had air pocket caverns filled with seashell shops nestled deep into the sea's safe tides and swaying colors, hidden from the land and its residence—a true secret treasure amongst the merpeople.

"Yes, yes. Of course, I wouldn't wish for Sidon to worry. My apologies to you both. It is late, Chroma, Khira. You did not have to accompany me to the Court. No monsters have dared step foot after that Sludge Like." Yona turns, smiling at her loyal, protective attendants. Her golden headpiece jewelry gingerly clinks as she steps down the stairs; verdant hands glide down the polished handrails. The Caregiver knew full well her guards knew their way around the weapons and their water magic, but still, she felt bad for her friends staying with her so long. Yona was no stranger to marksmanship or training herself in purifying wounds and tainted water.

"Please don't worry about it, Lady Yona! We like looking after you; you're our friend, plus his Majesty asked- Ow!" The youngest Zora cheerfully bubbles, and the older guard swiftly jabs her. The new Queen tilts her head, sighing to herself. Even now, Sidon's still quite protective, isn't he? But still, a loving gesture all the same that makes her heart flutter and cheeks warm.

"Hush you! Do you not know when to flap your lips and when not to? On that note as well, how many times must I lecture you? It is Queen Yona, no longer 'Lady.' Have you no respect or idea of the importance of these titles? My goodness, do my words fall on deaf ears?" Exasperated, Khira shakes her head while glaring at her fellow attendant. The trio starts their short journey home as Yona's muffled laughter spills from her lips, watching her dear friend's antics. The young women stare down the waterfall leading down Lulu Lake.

"Please, be nice. Any more of your reprimands, and I'll go deaf." Squeaks the distraught retainer, dark gray eyes pleading to their Queen for help as they descend through the waters.

Even from an immense height, the radiant city's glow softens the carved-out cliffs, and the bright ore deposits dot the wet landscape, becoming a beacon of beauty and splendor. The sun's wonderous warmth far retreated past the Domain's reach, a touch of cold breezes caressing Yona's skin. Coming to the halfway mark, the Caregiver answers her friend's silent pleas. Standing before the marbled platform, the Zora Queen shifts her attention to her bickering friend.

"Khira, come now, I believe that's enough, we wouldn't wish any harm, and it is only the three of us. You can indeed allow one moment of reprieve. I need not worry about titles, my precious friends." Yona coaxes her friend's long-winded lectures, seeing the elder Zora sigh in defeat and allowing this rare moment of informality, much like the old times. Marching down, Khira and Chroma flank their Queen's side, scanning every direction for any monster or Yiga sneak attack. The clansmen weren't interested in the Zora royal line, but being cautious with the newly crowned royalty never hurt.

Their serenity shatters as a high-pitched undignified whine carries through, cutting into the air as they swim down the final waterfall. The young guards perk up and quickly unsheath their weapons, pushing their Queen further near the falls, providing a swift escape. "Your Majesty, Chroma, stay here. I'll go investigate." A hushed command tumbles from the dark dolphin Zora's lips, eyes narrowing and head tucked down for intimidation.

The royal guard crawls out of the pool, spotting a cluster of thick foliage suitable for an ambush. Rushing to the forest green bushes, Khira ducks down to spy on the ruckus while Chroma guards Yona with her spear, guiding her safely away from the unseen danger. The new ruler braces herself, summoning water to snake around her sharp claws.

"I can't believe Sidon's married already! Come on. He's hitched to some random Zora girl we've never heard of? It doesn't sound like a union from love, y'know? And that, too, he doesn't talk much about her. I don't know; it sounds so fishy. That wasn't supposed to be a pun, by the way." A brown-haired Hylian woman clad in some strange mushroom hat walks into sight, and it seems she isn't alone. The woman's other companions stroll by, a pair of other Hylians complain, and another person in glasses fiddles with their leather satchel.

This group seems relatively young while they remain unabashed, glad to blabber, Khira thinks. Anger wells up in her as the group's voices had no intention of stopping with their ill-meaning talk. She knows that Yona could hear this noise. How could she not? Even a Bokoblin would understand their mad rambles.

"Well, I mean, Khole, we don't know much about Zora's politics, so I don't know if it may be an arranged loveless wedding," The glasses wearing sheepishly, state as they twiddle with short brown hair looking back at their friends. It seems this group was returning from visiting the East Reservoir.

"Amia, you're talking as if we know about our own. After all, our Princess had up and disappeared. Only Hylia knows where she is. Of course, she's nice, but if she were our Princess, she would try to reinstate the crown rather than twiddle around in Hateno. We've been in shambles for a hundred years, and only now are we starting to come back. If my great-grandparents could see how this panned out, they'd give Zelda a big lesson about responsibility. I know they lived on the outskirts of Castle Town. They saw she didn't put her all into protecting us from the Calamity." Another crude voice cuts into the cloud of gossip, and the tallest of the group groans. This one must be Khloe, according to them.

"Khloe, that's not nice. She does some things like building the school. I appreciate that, and even the fact she's somehow alive makes the older and more devout folks more invigorated." The shortest man answers the group, trying to reel in their chat, eyes darting around the wandering travelers.

"I like that she made the school too, but that's all our Princess does; twiddle around, now poof! She's gone along with her silent little knight throwing everyone in all corners of Hyrule for a loop," The mushroom-wearing Khole snorts, not taking the hint and wrapping her arm around the small man.

"Besides, there's only so much teaching can do if they don't know how to fight; you're dead. But I don't even know if this royal has done anything substantial to this, 'Zora Queen.' She appeared out of nowhere too, and I heard the women who had their little fan club are still reeling." Yona has had enough of this slander, slashing into the dancing streams around her hands, instantly dropping into the tide. The young Queen knew their last statement wasn’t true in the slightest, reminiscing the many moments the club members loudly fawned over her and the coupling.

The Zora, as she evades Chroma's eased guard, at brazen conversation in their Domain where these Hylians should be more mindful. These ignorant speculations about their Princess; they didn't see how Zelda collapsed to her knees, too choked on her grief to properly beg forgiveness from former King Dorephan and the royal line. When she emerged from the ruins of Hyrule Castle alongside Link, they didn't see the solemn strength and wisdom that welled behind those teary eyes, renewing her vow of protecting everyone no matter the cost.

But what pained her more was that, deep down, their prodding at the royal coupling hit a sore spot in her heart. The optimistic prince and herself had no say in their engagement. Of course, they had visited each other's kingdoms as young teens. Her heart never wavered in her affections for him and his people, but she often wondered what he felt when King Dorephan told him. The royals scarcely had time to talk and be with each other in private, away from others, along with helping the ill-stricken Zora from the sludge, repairing the Domain and Sidon becoming the Water Sage, and finally helping Link defeat Ganon.

Years after the Calamity and its sting aftermath, they grew dearly fond of each other. He changed, his glowing with unending enthusiasm and the occasional naivete all genuine. But he seemed to hide his deeper emotions from the public, even with his dear father. Either for fear that it would make him seem inexperienced or because he wished to truly earn the crown, Sidon's grown used to hiding his whole heart even now. Yona hoped she'd prove herself to him and eventually be blessed to reach those parts of his soul, knowing he was safe with her.

They've had many conversations about their situation and the future after Link helped Sidon slay the beast that floats in the sky. But old habits formed from grief and feeling inadequate die hard. The King still hides from the outside, so much so that he loathes to admit it. After the kingdom's announcement, she doubted if he truly loved her the same way as she did him as the century passed and their visits grew prevalent. Throughout their youth, they eventually graced each other with the title of a beloved friend.

Did his heart worry for her out of genuine care or for appearances or necessity? Did he yearn to have her beside him as his bride, Queen, and equal because he loved her? Would there be a day that Sidon would smile and proudly show his love to the world like Mei and Fronk?

Yona understood betrothal gifts were essential to the Hyrulean Zora culture, but she wasn't taught that way. Only learning how to mend the armor from other fish scales, her people learned a sacred courtship dance to show their interest. Yona summons her rapid heartbeat to the clearing out of the pooling water, allowing them to see her. Chroma whispers for Yona to stay but emerges from the pool trailing her Lady.

"Enough of your useless babble," The zealous guard seethes, lunging at the group from the overgrown shrubs. Jumping out of their skin, the rowdy quartet leap into each other's arms. They shudder like leaves, eyes firmly screwing closed, far too absorbed in their well-being.

The Zora spear inches away from the supposed root of all this meaningless noise, "You have shown an inexplicable disrespect and regard for both your Princess and our Queen. Your prattle proves nothing among you and your ilk. Your eyes will never see the true nature of these critical figures, and perhaps that is not your desire," Khira grits her sharpened teeth, even the air around them stilled in anticipation.

The grip on her spear tightens with every passing breath as the group hesitantly opens their eyes. The spear aimed at the frightened woman pulls back, and the guard's posture loosens, showing a reluctant sign of mercy and growling while pulling her weapon back. "But I will allow you this grace as well as one warning. You will not sully any of the royal's names here—especially Queen Yona. One would think that Princess Zelda's diplomatic nature would pass for all her subjects. Consider yourselves lucky. I want to avoid pushing more work on their Majesties, so relieving the burden of taking your tongues is out of the realm of possibility."

"Khira! Enough! Stand down." Yona calls out to her fearless attendant; in her mind, she notes how uncharacteristically aggressive the Zora woman is and how strange it is to see her threaten visitors. The Hylians take shaky steps back, looking at the emerging figure. Startled gasps erupt as the attendant glances over her shoulder. Faltering in her angered resolve, seeing the smaller Zora's displeased face. Lifting the sharp spear away, the Caregiver walks in front so the visitors can see her, bowing her head to the cluster of people as they stay silent. The royal could feel their pensive eyes staring into her as if trying to figure her out by tearing her apart.

"I sincerely apologize for my attendant; this is the first time I've seen her act out in such an unsightly manner. This will not go unreprimanded, while this flagrant threat does not deserve quick forgiveness. Please do not think lowly of us. I seem to have pushed my guard to the brink of exhaustion, so much so that one believes violence would be the answer if I can do anything to appease you. You need only ask, and I will do it. But know that I am Queen Yona." The Queen steadies her breath as she lifts her head, jewelry gently clinking. Scanning their faces, Yona watches the group hastily cover their jabber. However, their words have done their damage making Yona feel miserable but still overwhelmingly riddled with uncertainty.

"O-oh, no, no, no, we're sorry. Uh, you don't need to do that. It was immature of us to talk like that. Sorry, you heard that, but you seem nice, but we're just going to go."

The group leader nervously chirps up as she eyes the serious Khira. Another ally of Khloe's speaks up, nodding and clinging to each other's arms. "Thanks for not hurting us. Bye." Making their escape, crossing the connecting bride to the city. Yona's forlorn eyes linger on their retreating forms.

"What was that? That wasn't an apology at all! And Khira, what in the world got into you." Chroma scoffs as she perches her weapon on her back, eyes frantically scanning her two friend's faces trying to understand them. The younger guard pouts to herself and quietly mutters, "And you always get after me for not bringing shame to the Zora name..."

Despite the rowdy crowd's departure, the young women felt the air thick with tension. Meekness gnaws at Khira as she ducks her head down, too ashamed of her reckless actions and making Yona speak for her. She would indeed badger the younger guard, but to think she would act so brutishly was beyond hypocritical.

"I am profoundly ashamed that you had to see that, your Majesty. But saying I feel guilty for silencing their larks would be a lie. I will not tolerate such belligerence towards you and things they don’t wish to comprehend." The Zora grits her teeth, spitting out a response, rising to look at her liege's back. The young woman partially turns, sapphire flecks eyes glance at her taller lady-in-waiting, Yona dutifully declares.

"Allowing emotions to cloud and open the way to conflict isn't like you, and I understand your reasoning. I find myself appreciating the wild gesture, but I will not tolerate any of your outbursts. Lest you want to stay in my service, being the head of state, is to preserve the peace to all that come and go from Zora's Domain, even to those without respect. We must rise above and show kindness," Light Green's side fins sway as she shakes her head. Yona's hand waved for Chroma and Khira to follow suit. She swallows the biting taste in her mouth, cupping her hands before her chest. She absentmindedly picked at her claws; the sound of clicks enveloped the girls as they fell in line, resuming their protective flank. Exchanging worried looks between each other.

"This should go without saying, but please don't tell Sidon. He's been busy, returning from his valiant battle alongside the other sages protecting the land and handling a kingdom. Something so small should not plague his mind. I'm certain I will forget this soon enough." Yona sharply inhales as she tries to lift her spirits, but her words drip despondence. Her heart twists in painful knots, knowing she's going back on her promise of being truthful and open to her love.

"We won't breathe a word." The duo candidly answer as they make their way across the pristine bridge. While a robust familiar figure happily waves in the distance, welcoming them blissfully unaware of what occurred.

The sinking feeling did, indeed, not disappear from Yona's mind. Their words echo in her head, and the festering sense of inadequacy and insecurity lurks in the corners of her mind. It had been a few days since her encounter, and she knew allowing such heated words to get to her was folly. Yona couldn't help her mind slipping into the depths of her doubt. Even to the point, her melancholic air alarmed the elderly councilmen and Exalted Dorephan. The new Queen lacked her signature sweet nature, replacing her charming aura with an absent mind.

While busy creating safe pathways and removing the debris strewn along the narrowing passage from the mainland to their Domain. Sidon grew worried for his Yona. It's been hard not to notice his citizens concerning whispers about her well-being circled the Domain, and his dearest barely stayed by his side after she visited Mipha Court. She seemed off-put and fidgety whenever he was near her. Even the little ones seemed fretful with Yona's unusual behavior, and her attendants acted peculiar, seemingly hiding something.

The warm afternoon sun beams down on Zora's Domain, an occasional breeze passing through his magnificent home. It's almost ironic that the weather contrasts the new King's worrisome thoughts.

"Naydra's eyes, What am I missing?" Sidon mutters, standing before the pristine balcony overseeing the Domain. His sharp eyes longingly linger on Zora's soft green form, watching her speaking with the fisherman, Mei. He was beyond glad the forgetful citizen returned from the Floating Fish Island. Admittedly busy, ensuring his best soldiers to Lookout Landing returned, Sidon remains steadfast in giving his people protection and grace as those before him. He was dutiful in looking after his people's well-being.

So many things happened in a whirlwind of events; first, it was the Upheaval, then the vile sludge desecrating his home, and finally, his unexpected coronation and marriage to his beloved, then assisting Link in his fight against Ganon. The royal Zora ponders if it was as overwhelming to her as it was for him. The young King certainly has no regrets, but the stress of it all tends to invade his mind even when the epic battle has ended.

Rambunctious giggles erupt from below, stirring him from his daze. His sharp eyes flicker between Mei waving to the young King and his darling Queen, now turned up to see him. A magnetic force pulled their eyes to meet, and he could feel his heart stop, breath hitch in his throat when a ghost of a bashful smile graced Yona's lips. Her golden adornments shine, accentuating her beautiful features. His cheeks flushed against his cold skin, and a heart-stopping smile painted his face. It could be only them in the world.

The moment broke too soon for his liking as Yona shyly averted her gaze. It looked like the floor was more enticing to her now; soft laughter rolled from him, uncaring of the whispered swoons and muttering about young love. Unable to tear his gaze away from Yona as the giggling fisherman bows and parts from the royal Zora. Nodding to something Mei told her, the young woman walks the stairs. Sidon's eyes follow her each step, and soon she stands by his side, making the void of her absence the past few weeks far more prominent than before.

"May we speak in private?" Yona's soft, tantalizing voice asks, her eyes peering up at him with sorrow and meekness clouding her usually cheerful aura. Sidon observes her expression, questioning what caused her heart such sadness.

Nodding to her request, he pauses, thinking of places for a private conversation. He knew the open grandeur of the Domain wasn't much for a solitary chat, so they had to travel somewhere close in case a danger arose but far enough so no curious ear listened. Coming to a solution, the crimson Zora answers, nodding to his Yona. "Of course, I'll have the guards notify my father if they need us."

The couple stroll beside each other to young Zora guarding the stairs to the Throne room. "If anything arises from my absence, find Queen Yona and I atop the Veiled Falls. Please tell the Exalt, thank you." Sidon instructs, giving them a polite smile and watching the faithful sentries obediently comply. In the corner of his peripheral vision, he hears the young woman's gasp. Yona’s eyes widen slightly at his chosen place.

"Now, shall we depart, Yona?" Sidon looks to his side. She doesn't meet his gaze but nods all the same. 'Still absorbed in her thoughts. I wish to know what's plaguing you so, my love.' The perplexed Zora thinks to himself, making their short journey to the Falls.

The two sit on the edge of the Veiled Falls. Sidon surveys the landscape before them, the glistening architecture proudly towering as his head turns. An overwhelming sense of pride and wonder swirls in him, overlooking his gorgeous home. The loud water tirelessly tumbles down the Falls, creating white noise and protecting them from potential eyes and ears, allowing them to speak as they please. The extroverted man feels the atmosphere melt away into a reflective air. His sweet empathic nature shines through, but so does a familiar nervousness, worrying he may say something unintentionally unkind. It's truly a marvel how Yona's mere presence reduced him to his shyer, composed side like they were still children.

"I know that I have been busy and thus haven't been with you by becoming crowned king, but it doesn't allow me to negate my husbandry duties… Now love, what plagues you so?" He tenderly questions his wife, seeing her steady her breath, and comes to terms with whatever tortured her.

"My King," Yona starts to wonder aloud, trying to gather the scramble of words in her mind. Her hands are cupping each other in her lap tense, and her shoulders tighten. While Sidon's brow furrows, she never addressed him formally like that before, not even when they were little ones. "I find myself wondering, has our union been too hasty? Am I truly the one you want besides you? Surely someone far more courageous would be a better match." Concern coupled with mere shock overtook him. His eyes widened, looking at her words. He desperately wants to cut her off and ask her, but he holds his tongue, wanting her to feel safe with him. 'Where in the world did this come from?'

"Those days ago, my attendants and I came across a group of people that brought up the validity of our union. I know it's foolish to listen, and in hindsight, it’s minuscule compared to the intrepid battle you returned from only months ago, but I want to be truthful about it." The woman explains. Yona stops turning to look at him. Vulnerability is etched on her face as he patiently waits for her sign to speak.

"If this has made you worry for this long, it’s no small deal. So that's what you've been dwelling on. Do you doubt my feelings?" He politely utters out, the sick tightening in his chest as he waits in anticipation of her answer. Yona says nothing, in silent agreement. She scolds herself for hurting him so much as he rises from his spot, holding his crimson hand for her. The young woman reaches for him as they stand together.

"You recall the importance of this place, yes? This was the last time I saw my sister alive. Days after, we came to mourn after being informed about my sister being trapped in Ruta. I ran to this place to drown in my tears, where no one could hear me. My desperate attempts to swim upstream, this mighty Fall, fell flat. Then miraculously, you came. You found me in the pool,"

"Crying together in each other's arms, I remember. I asked where you were, and I found you here trying to hide." Sidon's large hands engulf Yona's as she jumps in. The young woman knowing this story well, caressing her thumbs around his palms.

"Yes. At that moment, I saw someone I could call a friend. I discovered someone who could see all of me without fearing judgment. Someone that looked at the depths of my sadness and allowed me to grieve unashamed. Someone that I could share my accomplishments with. We were arranged to marry, but I was elated when my father informed me. I could not imagine anyone else by my side. You've continued to be a beloved companion. I fell in love with your compassionate, intelligent, selfless nature. Your ability to know what's troubled me among countless others made me want to return the favor tenfold," Sidon tenderly divulged, finally noticing Yona meet his eye.

The pure warm adoration in his remarks left the doubtful royal speechless. Strings of wispy white clouds pass overhead, shading the two. "I want to continue growing alongside you as the years pass. I want you to know that I will always love you. You, Yona, Are the only one I want to have on my side. I love you with all my heart." Sidon slips his hand away and brushes underneath her side fins, cupping her cheek and stroking her face as if trying to dispel all her worries from her mind. The smaller Zora nuzzles into his calloused hard-working hand, feeling at peace now unyielding to keep her gaze away from his steady eyes.

"I-I should not have allowed a stranger's words to cause such dismay. I'm sorry for doubting your devotion," She pauses, golden eyes fluttering closed, smooshing her cheek into his hand, angry at herself for significantly impacting how she acted towards him and those in the Domain.

"Will you forgive me?" Shame and relief wash over her, watching Sidon nod at her inquiry. His arm snakes around her waist while tugging her close to his chest. She hears the rapid pounding of his heart, feeling tears threaten to spill from her eyes. Willing them away momentarily, she peels from his broad chest, tugging at the gleaming silver prince his chest piece down.

Standing on her tippy toes, Yona wraps her arms around him, leaning into him while Sidon's finned arms securely encase her body in his. They share a sweet moment, their eyes slowly shut, and their lips collide in a kiss. Sparks fly across the two as Sidon deepens the kiss leaning toward her soft lips, wishing to melt into her touch. Quicken groans and gasps escape their lips, and hot puffs of air roll onto their mouths as they kiss again. It felt like gravity pulled them together again, as if it was torture to stay apart for even the air.

Savoring the taste of salt on their tongues, their lungs burn, taunting them to breathe momentarily. Begrudgingly, Yona pulled away. First, labored rasps heave from her petite frame, now noticing that Sidon lifted her from the ground pressing her close to his chest and sitting in his arms. The loud drumming of their hearts pounds in their ears as they silently look at each other. The noisy waterfall downs out their unsteady breaths as they slowly feel a smile perk on their warm faces.

"That wasn't an answer, my love." Mischievously scolding her loyal husband, Yona laughs to herself as he feigns cluelessness. She doesn't want to let go, reveling in his arms and in the love he gave her. "It wasn't? Well, I might need more time to convince you then." Sidon releases a husky chuckle, his voice a tinge of playfulness and desire, his eyes crinkling as his charming smile shines down at Yona, bringing her close again to steal another kiss.

Tagging: @hey-its-cweepy, @millybesippin, @twistthenoches @luvielle @millybesippin @rrasado @cxlemon

Sherbet Shark© all rights reserved. do not copy, modify or repost any of my works - please and thank you

[apothecaryscript]

Episode 22 : Blue Roses / 第22話『青い薔薇(Aoi Sobi)』

猫猫「春の芽吹きを感じる頃、玉葉様の妊娠は、確かなものとなった」

Maomao “Haruno mebukio kanjiru koro, Gyokuyou-samano ninshinwa, tashikana monoto natta.”

Maomao “By the time we started to smell spring in the air, it became certain that Lady Gyokuyou was indeed pregnant.”

鈴麗「あいー、フフッ、あいっ！」

Rinrī “Aiii, fufu, ai!”

猫猫「不思議だなー、赤子がいると分かるのか？」

Maomao “Fushigi danaa, akagoga iruto wakaru-noka?”

Maomao “That’s curious. Can she tell there’s a baby inside?”

3人「可愛い～！」

San-nin “Kawaiiii!”

Three ladies “So cute!”

紅娘「私もそろそろ…」

Hon’nyan “Watashimo soro-soro…”

Hongniang “Maybe I also should start to…”

猫猫（縁談が持ち込まれても、全力で引き止められるだろうな…有能すぎるのも困りものだ）

Maomao (Endanga mochi-komare-temo, zenryokude hikitome-rareru-darona… Yuno sugiru-nomo komari-monoda.)

Maomao (Even if she did get a proposal, they’d probably never let her leave. Being too good at one’s job can be a curse at times.)

猫猫（毎日が充実してると、やっぱり日がたつのが早い…壬氏様の棟にいた2か月はムダに長かったのに…）

Maomao (Mai-nichiga jujitsu shiteruto, yappari higa tatsu-noga hayai… Jinshi-samano muneni ita ni-kagetsuwa mudani naga-katta-noni…)

Maomao (Time flies when every day is so fulfilling. In comparison, the two months spent at Master Jinshi’s offices felt like forever.)

鈴麗「あい、うっ」

Rinrī “Ai, u.”

猫猫「またお絵描きします��？」

Maomao “Mata oekaki shimasuka?”

Maomao “Would you like to draw pictures again?”

鈴麗「あい！」

Rinrī “Ai!”

Lingli “Yes!”

鈴麗「あーい」

Rinrī “Aai.”

4人「うん？」

Yo-nin “Un?”

猫猫「これは、カラハツタケという毒茸…でっ」

Maomao “Korewa, karahatsu-take-to-iu doku-kinoko…de”

Maomao “This is the woolly milkcap, a poisonous mushroom― Ow!”

紅娘「普通の花を描きなさい」

Hon’nyan “Futsuno hana’o kaki-nasai.”

Hongniang “Draw normal flowers, please.”

猫猫（普通の花、ねぇ…）

Maomao (Futsuno hana, nee…)

Maomao (Normal flowers, huh?)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「青い薔薇ですか？」

Jinshi “Aoi sobi desuka?”

Jinshi “A blue rose?”

羅漢「ええ。ご存知ありませんかな？目の覚めるような青い花びらが、美しくてね…。かつて、宮中によく生けていたものですが…」

Rakan “Ee. Gozonji arimasen-kana? Meno sameru-yona aoi hana-biraga, utsukushi-kute-ne… Katsute, kyuchuni yoku ikete-ita mono-desuga…”

Lakan “Yes. Perhaps you’ve never seen one before? The striking blue petals are so beautiful. I used to see them in the palace often,”

壬氏「夢でも見たのでは？青い薔薇など存在しないでしょう」

Jinshi “Yume-demo mitano-dewa? Aoi sobi-nado sonzai shinai desho.”

Jinshi “Perhaps you were dreaming? Blue roses do not exist.”

羅漢「それが、あるのですよ。また皆で愛でたいものですなあー。いかがでしょう？何とかなりませんか？あなた様であれば、なせぬことなどないのでは？」

Rakan “Sorega, aruno-desuyo. Mata minade mede-tai mono desunaa. Ikaga desho? Nantoka nari-masenka? Anata-samade areba, nasenu koto-nado naino-dewa?”

Lakan “But in fact, they do. Oh, how I’d love to appreciate them with everyone again. What do you think? Could it be done? With your power, there must be nothing outside your reach.”

壬氏「分かりました。そのような薔薇があるのなら、私もぜひ見てみたい」

Jinshi “Wakari-mashita. Sono-yona sobiga aruno-nara, watashimo zehi mite-mitai.”

Jinshi “Understood. If such a rose does indeed exist, I’d like to see it as well.”

羅漢「決まりですな。いやはや、実に楽しみだ…それでは。来月の園遊会で」

Rakan “Kimari desuna. Iya-haya, jitsuni tanoshimida… Soredewa. Raigetsuno en’yu-kaide.”

Lakan “Then it’s settled. Goodness, I can’t wait! Excuse me. I hope to see it at next month’s garden party.”

壬氏「ハァ…」

Jinshi “Haa…”

高順「ただでさえお忙しいのに、余計な案件を抱えずとも…」

Gaoshun “Tadade-sae oisogashii-noni, yokeina anken’o kakaezu-tomo…”

Gaoshun “You’re already so busy. You didn’t have to take on more work.”

壬氏「言うな…とりあえず国中の花屋を当たってくれ」

Jinshi “Iuna… Toriaezu kunijuno hanaya’o atatte-kure.”

Jinshi “Don’t rub it in. Please just go ask every florist in the nation about this.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

高順「花屋の話では、今は薔薇の季節ではないと…」

Gaoshun “Hanayano hanashi-dewa, imawa sobino kisetsu-dewa naito…”

Gaoshun “The florists say that roses are not in season.”

壬氏「ハァ…」

Jinshi “Haa…”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「急に呼び立ててすまない」

Jinshi “Kyuni yobi-tatete sumanai.”

Jinshi “Sorry to call you up so suddenly.”

猫猫「フゥ…」

Maomao “Fu…”

壬氏「今度、皆で青い薔薇を愛でようということになってな…」

Jinshi “Kondo, minade aoi sobi’o mede-yoto-iu kotoni nattena…”

Jinshi “We were talking about getting together to admire blue roses.”

猫猫「青い薔薇？…私は薬屋ですが」

Maomao “Aoi sobi? …Watashiwa kusuriya desuga.”

Maomao “Blue roses…? I’m just an apothecary, you know.”

壬氏「ああ、分かっている…」

Jinshi “Aa, wakatte-iru…”

Jinshi “Yes, I’m aware…”

猫猫（何か訳ありか？やけに疲れてるな…。薔薇か…少しなら知識はあるが…妓女相手の小遣い稼ぎで扱ったことがある。だが…）

Maomao (Nanika wake-arika? Yakeni tsukare-teruna… Sobika… Sukoshi-nara chishikiwa aruga… Gijo-aiteno kozukai-kasegide atsukatta kotoga aru. Daga…)

Maomao (I wonder what prompted this? He seems awfully tired. Roses, huh? I do know a thing or two about them. I’ve sold them before to make some quick cash with the courtesans. But…)

猫猫「本当に青い薔薇を見たと？」

Maomao “Hontoni aoi sobi’o mitato?”

Maomao “They really said they saw a blue rose?”

壬氏「ああ」

Jinshi “Aa.”

Jinshi “Yes.”

猫猫「幻覚剤は、流行っていませんか？」

Maomao “Genkaku-zaiwa, hayatte imasenka?”

Maomao “Is there some new popular hallucinogen, or…?”

壬氏「んなもの回ってたら、国が滅ぶわ！」

Jinshi “N’na-mono mawatte-tara, kuniga horobuwa!”

Jinshi “That’d ruin our whole nation!”

高順「壬氏様」

Gaoshum “Jinshi-sama.”

Gaoshun “Master Jinshi.”

壬氏「うっ…… 無理だろうか？」

Jinshi “U…… Muri daroka?”

Jinshi “Is it impossible?”

猫猫「ハァ…。どのようにすればよろしいのですか？」

Maomao “Haa… Dono-yoni sureba yoroshiino-desuka?”

Maomao “What exactly is it that your desire?”

壬氏「来月の園遊会に用意できるか？」

Jinshi “Raigetsuno en’yu-kaini yoi dekiruka?”

Jinshi “Can you find some by next month’s garden party?”

猫猫「来月？薔薇が咲くのは、少なくともふた月以上先ですけど」

Maomao “Raigetsu? Sobiga saku-nowa, sukunaku-tomo futa-tsuki-ijo saki desu-kedo.”

Maomao “Next month? Roses bloom two months later at the earliest.”

壬氏「だよな…。何とか断っておく…」

Jinshi “Dayona… Nantoka kotowatte oku…”

Jinshi “I know… I’ll find a way to turn him down.”

猫猫「あ…」（壬氏様の、この反応…。それに、無理難題を押し付けるようなやり口…）

Maomao “A…” (Jinshi-samano, kono hanno… Soreni, muri-nandai’o oshi-tsukeru-yona yari-kuchi…)

Maomao (Master Jinshi’s reaction, and this style of forcing people to attempt the impossible…)

猫猫「この話、もしかして、とある軍師から持ち掛けられたのでは？」

Maomao “Kono hanashi, moshika-shite, toaru gunshi-kara mochi-kake-raretano-dewa?”

Maomao “Was this brought up by a certain strategist?”

壬氏「…ああ…」

Jinshi “…Aa…”

Jinshi “Yes.”

猫猫「分かりました。お引き受けします」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita. O-hiki-uke shimasu.

Maomao “Understood. I will take this on.”

壬氏「いいのか？」

Jinshi “Iinoka?”

Jinshi “Are you sure?”

猫猫「できるか分かりませんが、やるだけやってみます」

Maomao “Dekiruka wakari-masenga, yaru-dake yatte mimasu.”

Maomao “I don’t know if I can pull it off, but I’ll try my best.”

猫猫（逃げているだけも腹立たしい。どうせなら、あのにやけたモノクルをかち割ってやる…！）

Maomao (Nigete-iru-dakemo hara-data-shii. Dose-nara, ano niyaketa monokuru’o kachi-watte-yaru…!)

Maomao (I don’t want to just run from him. I might as well take a swing at smashing his creepy monocle.)

猫猫「壬氏様。いくつかお願いしてもよろしいですか？」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama. Ikutsuka onegai shitemo yoroshii desuka?”

Maomao “Master Jinshi, may I make a few requests?”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「使用を許可して下さり、ありがとうございます。梨花様」

Maomao “Shiyo’o kyoka shite kudasari, arigato gozai-masu. Rifa-sama.”

Maomao “Thank you for allowing me to use it, Lady Lihua.”

梨花妃「構わなくてよ。あれはもともと、あなたが作らせたものだもの。フフフッ」

Rifa-hi “Kamawa-nakuteyo. Arewa moto-moto, anataga tsuku-raseta mono damono. Fufufu.”

Concubine Lihua “I don’t mind. You were the one that had it constructed in the first place.”

猫猫（懐かしいな…以前、毒に伏せった梨花妃のために蒸気風呂を作らせてもらった。今回それをお借りするのだが…さすがにタダでは申し訳ない）

Maomao (Natsukashii-na… Izen, dokuni fusetta Rifa-hino tameni joki-buro’o tsuku-rasete moratta. Konkai sore’o okari suruno-daga… Sasugani tada-dewa moshi-wake nai.)

Maomao (It’s been a while. I remember back then, I got them to make a steam room for Lady Lihua, who was suffering from poison back then. I’m borrowing it now, but I feel bad using it for free.)

猫猫「さっ。こちら、帝の愛読書です」

Maomao “Sa. Kochira, mikadono aidoku-sho desu.”

Maomao “This is the emperor’s favorite book.”

梨花妃「ありがたく頂戴するわ」

Rifa-hi “Arigataku chodai suruwa.”

Concubine Lihua “I appreciate this.”

猫猫（妓楼から取り寄せておいてよかった～）

Maomao (Giro-kara tori-yotese oite yokattaaa.)

Maomao (I’m glad I got it through the brothel.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「そっちを頼む」

Jinshi “Socchi’o tanomu.”

Jinshi “Take that side.”

宦官たち「はい！」

Kangan-tachi “Hai!”

Eunuchs “Yes, sir!”

猫猫「壬氏様」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama.”

Maomao “Master Jinshi.”

壬氏「ああ、来たか。言われた通り、建てさせたが…一体どうするんだ？」

Jinshi “Aa, kitaka. Iwareta-toori, tate-sasetaga… Ittai do surunda?”

Jinshi “Ah, you’re here. I had them build this as you asked, but… What is this for?”

猫猫「薔薇を狂わせるんです」

Maomao “Sobi’o kuru-waserun-desu.”

Maomao “We’re going to make the roses go mad.”

壬氏「薔薇を狂わせる？どういう意味だ？薬屋」

Jinshi “Sobi’o kuru-waseru? Do-iu imida? Kusuriya.”

Jinshi “Make the roses go mad? What does that mean, apothecary?”

猫猫「日光を入れて、あそこから、蒸気を小屋の中に送ります。暖めた部屋で薔薇を育てるんです。花が、開花の季節を間違えてくれるかもしれません」

Maomao “Nikko’o irete, asoko-kara, joki’o koyano nakani okuri-masu. Atatameta heyade sobi’o sodaterun-desu. Hanaga, kaikano kisetsu’o machigaete kureru-kamo shire-masen.”

Maomao “We’re going to let the sunlight in, and blow steam inside through there. The roses will grow in this warmed room. This way, the flowers might mistake it as the time to bloom.”

壬氏「それで、‘狂わせる’か」

Jinshi “Sorede, ‘kuru-waseru’ka.”

Jinshi “I see, so they’ll ‘go mad.’”

猫猫「咲く保証はありませんが…」

Maomao “Saku hoshowa arimasenga…”

Maomao “I can’t guarantee it, though.”

猫猫「あ…」

Maomao “A…”

Maomao “Oh.”

壬氏「あっ！」

Jinshi “A!”

高順「ああ…」

Gaoshun “Aa…”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭「猫猫～！」

Shaoran “Maomaooo!”

Xiaolan “Maomao!”

猫猫「小蘭？！」

Maomao “Shaoran?!”

Maomao “Xiaolan?”

小蘭「私も手伝うよ！足のケガ、大丈夫？」

Shaoran “Watashimo tetsudauyo! Ashino kega, daijobu?”

Xiaolan “I’ll help, too! Is your leg okay?”

猫猫（あ…もしや、お目付け役か？無理だけはするなって、さんざん言われたもんな…）

Maomao (A… Moshiya, ometsuke-yakuka? Muri-dakewa surunatte, sanzan iwareta-monna…)

Maomao (Did he summon her to chaperone me? They did repeatedly tell me not to push myself too hard.)

猫猫「平気。手伝わせてごめん」

Maomao “Heiki. Tetsuda-wasete gomen.”

Maomao “I’m fine. Sorry to make you help.”

小蘭「ううん。久しぶりに一緒だね！エヘヘッ」

Shaoran “Uun. Hisashi-burini issho-dane! Ehehe.”

Xiaolan “It’s okay. It’s been a while since we’ve worked together, huh?”

猫猫「フッ、そうだね」

Maomao “Fu, sodane.”

Maomao “Yeah, it has.”

猫猫（持ち込んだ薔薇は100株以上…。これで最後）

Maomao (Mochi-konda sobiwa hyakkabu-ijo… korede saigo.)

Maomao (We brought in over one hundred roses. This is the last one.)

小蘭「うわあっ、すごい量！」

Shaoran “Uwaa, sugoi ryo!”

Xiaolan “Wow, this is a lot!”

猫猫（種類はバラけさせ、できるだけ早咲きのものを選んだ）

Maomao (Shuruiwa barake-sase, dekiru-dake haya-zakino mono’o eranda.)

Maomao (We diversified the species, selecting early-blooming ones where possible.)

小蘭「全部咲くかな？」

Shaoran “Zenbu saku-kana?”

Xiaolan “Will they all bloom?”

猫猫「そうなってほしいけど…」

Maomao “So-natte-hoshii-kedo…”

Maomao “I hope so.”

猫猫（温度調整には、細心の注意を払う。人手を数名派遣してもらったが、他人に任せることは難しい作業だ。間違って、全て枯らしてしまってはおしまいだ。）

Maomao (Ondo-chosei-niwa, saishinno chui’o harau. Hitode’o sumei haken shite-morattaga, tanin’ni makaseru kotowa muzukashii sagyoda. Machigatte subete karashite shimattewa oshimaida.)

Maomao (Temperature control requires utmost care. I got them to send some help, but this is a tough task to delegate to others. If we make a mistake and kill them all, that would be the end of it.)

猫猫（晴れた日は外に出して、日光を浴びさせる）

Maomao (Hareta hiwa sotoni dashite, nikko’o abi-saseru.)

Maomao (On sunny days, we bring them outside to expose them to sunlight.)

小蘭「気持ちよさそう～！」

Shaoran “Kimochi-yosasooo!”

Xiaolan “That must feel good!”

猫猫「うん」

Maomao “Un.”

Maomao “Yeah.”

高順「調子はいかがですか？」

Gaoshun “Choshiwa ikaga desuka?”

Gaoshum “How are you doing?”

2人「ん？」

Futari “N?”

高順「差し入れです」

Gaoshun “Sashi-ire desu.”

Gaoshun “Here, a gift.”

小蘭「わあっ！」

Shaoran “Waa!”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you very much.”

小蘭「仕事サボれて、おやつまでもらえるなんて最高だよ！」

Shaoran “Shigoto sabo-rete, oyatsu-made moraeru-nante saiko dayo!”

Xiaolan “I get to skip work and eat snacks? This is great!”

猫猫「これも仕事だけどね」

Maomao “Koremo shigoto dakedone.”

Maomao “This is work too, though.”

小蘭「どうしたんだろう？」

Shaoran “Doshitan-daro?”

Xiaolan “What’s with them?”

猫猫「さあ？もの珍しいのか？」

Maomao “Saa? Mono-mezurashii-noka?”

Maomao “I don’t know. Maybe they’re just curious.”

猫猫（それとも、怖いもの見たさか？）

Maomao (Soretomo, kowai mono mitasa-ka?)

Maomao (Or they want to be scared.)

小蘭「次、何したらいい？」

Shaoran “Tsugi, nani shitara ii?”

Xiaolan “What should I do next?”

猫猫「新芽の多い苗があったら、いくつか摘んでくれる？栄養が集中して咲きやすくなりますし、病気の予防になるんです」

Maomao “Shinmeno ooi naega attara, ikutsuka tsunde kureru? Eiyoga shuchu-shite saki-yasuku nari-masushi, byokino yoboni narun-desu.”

Maomao “If a seedling has a lot of sprouts on it, can you pick a few? It concentrates the nutrients into the remaining sprouts and helps prevent sickness.”

宦官たち「おお…」

Kangan-tachi “Oo…”

Eunuchs “Ah.”

宦官「あっ…」

Kangan “A…”

Eunuch “Whoa!”

小蘭「大丈夫だよ～。ぽい！」

Shaoran “Daijobu dayooo. Poi!”

Xiaolan “It’s fine.”

宦官「ありがとうございます」

Kangan “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Eunuch “Thank you.”

小蘭「いいえ」

Shaoran “Iie.”

Xiaolan “Don’t mention it!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「急いでください！」

Maomao “Isoide kudasai!”

Maomao “Hurry!”

小蘭「つぼみ、なかなか出ないね…」

Shaoran “Tsubomi, naka-naka denaine…”

Xiaolan “It’s taking them a long time to bloom.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（寒さが戻った日は…徹夜で小屋を暖める。天候はままならない）

Maomao (Samusaga modotta hiwa… tetsuyade koya’o atatameru. Tenkowa mama-nara-nai.)

Maomao (On days where it gets cold, I stay up all night to maintain the heat. Weather can’t be controlled.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭「昨日も寝てないの？」

Shaoran “Kinomo nete-naino?”

Xiaolan “Did you pull another all-nighter?”

猫猫「寝たよ…明け方」

Maomao “Netayo… Ake-gata.”

Maomao “I did sleep, around dawn.”

小蘭「明け方って、さっきだよ！できること、やっとくから…ちょっとだけ寝たら？」

Shaoran “Akegatatte, sakki dayo! Dekiru koto, yattoku-kara… Chotto-dake netara?”

Xiaolan “Dawn was just moments ago! I’ll do what I can, so why don’t you get some sleep?”

猫猫「目、離せないし…」

Maomao “Me, hanase-naishi…”

Maomao “I can’t leave this alone.”

小蘭「ん？またこっち見てるね」

Shaoran “N? Mata kocchi miterune.”

Xiaolan “They’re looking at us again.”

猫猫（毎日毎日よく飽きないな…というか気が散る。何か気をそらせたら…ふん…）

Maomao (Mai-nichi mai-nichi yoku aki-naina…to-iuka kiga chiru. Nanika kio sorase-tara… Fun…)

Maomao (Every single day. Don’t they get tired of this? It’s irritating. I wonder if I can divert their attention…)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭「すごい！これが爪紅か～！」

Shaoran “Sugoi! Korega tsuma-kurenai kaaa!”

Xiaolan “Wow! So this is what a manicure is like!”

猫猫「花街ではみんなやってるよ」

Maomao “Hana-machi-dewa minna yatteruyo.”

Maomao “Everyone does it in the pleasure district.”

小蘭「綺麗だもんね！」

Shaoran “Kirei-damonne!”

Xiaolan “It sure is pretty!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

貴園「あっ、猫猫もしてるの？可愛いー！」

Guien “A, Maomaomo shiteruno? Kawaiii!”

Guiyuan “Oh, you did it too, Maomao? So cute!”

愛藍「最近流行ってるわよね」

Airan “Saikin hayatteru-wayone.”

Ailan “It’s been popular recently.”

猫猫「そうですね」

Maomao “Sodesune.”

Maomao “Indeed.”

猫猫（帝の寵愛を受ける上級妃は、流行りの最先端だからな…）

Maomao (Mikadono choai’o ukeru jokyu-hiwa, hayarino sai-sentan dakarana…)

Maomao (The high-ranking concubines are always at the cutting edge of fashion.)

紅娘「非効率ね…」

Hon’nyan “Hi-koritsu ne…”

Hongniang “Seems like a waste of time.”

猫猫（紅娘様はおしゃれより仕事か）

Maomao (Hon’nyan-samawa oshare-yori shigotoka.)

Maomao (Lady Hongniang prefers work over fashion.)

猫猫「毒見も終わりましたので、水晶宮に戻ります」

Maomao “Dokumimo owari-mashita-node, Suisho-Kyuni modori-masu.”

Maomao “I’ve finished tasting for poison, so I’ll go back to the Crystal Pavilion now.”

玉葉妃「もう？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Mo?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Already?”

猫猫「園遊会まで時間がないので…」

Maomao “En’yu-kai-made jikanga nai-node…”

Maomao “The garden party is coming up soon.”

玉葉妃「そうね…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Sone…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “I see…”

紅娘「あっ、そうだわ。今回、玉葉様は欠席されるの。楼蘭様のお披露目に、席をお譲りする形よ」

Hon’nyan “A, so-dawa. Konkai, Gyokuyo-samawa kesseki sareruno. Roran-samano ohiromeni, seki’o oyuzuri suru katachiyo.”

Hongniang “Oh, by the way, Lady Gyokuyou won’t be attending this time around. We’re letting the focus of this event be Lady Loulan’s introduction.”

猫猫（妊娠を隠すためか…）

Maomao (Ninshin’o kakusu tameka…)

Maomao (To hide the pregnancy, right.)

猫猫「分かりました。では…」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita. Dewa…”

Maomao “Understood. Excuse me.”

桜花「ねえ、水晶宮では大丈夫なの？」

Infa “Nee, Suisho-Kyu-dewa daijobu nano?”

Yinghua “Hey, is everything alright at the Crystal Pavilion?”

貴園「どんどんやつれていってるわよー」

Guien “Don-don yatsurete itteru-wayoo.”

Guiyuan “You look worse for wear every day.”

愛藍「あまり無理しないでね」

Airan “Amari muri shinaidene.”

Ailan “Don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭「猫猫～！」

Shaoran “Maomaooo!”

Xiaolan “Maomao!”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

小蘭「猫猫～！大変！」

Shaoran “Maomaooo! Taihen!”

Xiaolan “Maomao! Hurry!”

猫猫「えっ…」

Maomao “E…”

猫猫「蕾…！」

Maomao “Tsubomi…!”

Maomao “A bud…”

小蘭「さっき見つけたの！やっと一つ目だよ～！アハハッ！」

Shaoran “Sakki mitsuke-tano! Yatto hitotsume dayooo! Ahaha!”

Xiaolan “I found it just now. Our first one, finally!”

猫猫（このままいけば、何とか咲いてくれるかも…）

Maomao (Kono-mama ikeba, nantoka saite-kureru-kamo…)

Maomao (At this rate… We might just make it in time.)

小蘭「猫猫？猫猫？猫猫！！」

Shaoran “Maomao? Maomao? Maomao!!”

Xiaolan “Maomao? Maomao! Maomao!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「薬屋から連絡は？」

Jinshi “Kusuriya-kara renrakuwa?”

Jinshi “Has the apothecary sent any word?”

高順「いえ、何も。私もここ数日、顔を出せず…」

Gaoshun “Ie, nanimo. Watashimo koko sujitsu, kao’o dasezu…”

Gaoshun “No, nothing. I haven’t been able to visit her for the past few days.”

壬氏「お互い、園遊会の準備に追われていたからな」

Jinshi “Otagai, en’yu-kaino junbini owarete-ita-karana.”

Jinshi “We were both busy preparing for the garden party.”

猫猫「壬氏様」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama.”

Maomao “Master Jinshi.”

壬氏「あ…」

Jinshi “A…”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

武官「あれが子昌殿の娘、楼蘭妃か」

Bukan “Arega Shisho-donono musume, Roran-hika.”

Military officer “So, that’s Concubine Loulan, daughter of Master Shishou.”

文官「なんと華やかな…」

Bunkan “Nanto hanayakana…”

Civil official “How splendid.”

子昌「楼蘭妃に…至らぬ点はありませんかな？何でもおっしゃってください」

Shisho “Roran-hini… Itaranu tenwa arimasen-kana? Nan-demo osshatte kudasai.”

Shishou “Regarding Concubine Loulan, is there anything that needs improvement? Please, hold nothing back.”

楼蘭妃「何なりと」

Roran-hi “Nan-narito.”

Loulan “Please.”

皇太后「まあ…」

Kotaigo “Maa…”

Empress dowager “Oh.”

高官「青い薔薇…！」

Kokan “Aoi sobi…!”

High-ranking official “Blue roses?!”

高官「まさか…」

Kokan “Masaka…”

High-ranking official “It can’t be…!”

壬氏「蕾を愛で、咲き誇る姿に思いをはせるのも一興かと」

Jinshi “Tsubomi’o mede, saki-hokoru sugatani omoi’o haseru-nomo ikkyo-kato.”

Jinshi “It may be entertaining to enjoy the beauty of these buds while imagining how they look at full bloom.”

皇帝「うむ、美しいな」

Kotei “Umu, utsukushii-na.”

Emperor “Yes. They’re beautiful.”

高官「んん…」

Kokan “Nn…”

High-ranking official “Hmph.”

壬氏（壬氏に向けられる、あらゆる視線。いくら秀でた容姿があろうと、若造の宦官がでしゃばる様を好むほど無欲な官ばかりではない。色情はいい。いくらでも利用法がある。嫉妬もいい。扱いやすい。厄介なのは…何を考えているのか分からない目だ。子昌…楼蘭妃の実父で、女帝の寵愛を受けた男。今なお、帝は頭が上がらない。だからこそ、こちらも微笑みを絶やさない。それに今、子昌よりも厄介なのは…羅漢。あの男だ…）

Jinshi (Jinshini muke-rareru, arayuru shisen. Ikura hiideta yoshiga aroto, wakazono kanganga deshabaru sama’o konomu-hodo muyokuna kan-bakari dewa nai. Shikijowa ii. Ikura-demo riyo-hoga aru. Shittomo ii. Atsukai-yasui. Yakkai nanowa… nanio kangaete-iru-noka wakara-nai meda. Shisho… Roran-hino jippude, joteino choai’o uketa otoko. Ima-nao, midadowa atamaga agara-nai. Dakara-koso, kochiramo hohoemi’o tayasa-nai. Soreni ima, Shisho-yorimo yakkai nanowa… Rakan. Ano otokoda…)

Jinshi (The attention that ‘Jinshi’ gets. Unlike some of the worthless officials, many don’t appreciate a young eunuch hoarding attention, no matter how beautiful. Lust is fine. It’s easy to exploit that. Envy is fine, too. It’s manageable. What’s really troubling is… When I can’t tell what they’re thinking. Shishou. Concubine Loulan’s father, the man favored by the mother of the former emperor… Even now, the emperor can’t look him in the eye. That’s why I also can’t let my smile fade, either. And besides, the one who’s more worrying than Shishou right now is… That man, Lakan.)

羅漢「何と嫌味な…」

Rakan “Nanto iyamina…”

Lakan “How annoying.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

桜花「気が付いた？」

Infa “Kiga tsuita?”

Yinghua “Are you awake?”

猫猫「桜花さん…」

Maomao “Infa-san…”

Maomao “Yinghua.”

桜花「もう水晶宮に行っちゃダメよ。いつもやつれ果てて帰ってくるんだから」

Infa “Mo Suisho-Kyuni iccha dameyo. Itsumo yatsure-hatete kaette-kurun-dakara.”

Yinghua “Don’t go to the Crystal Pavilion anymore. You always come back looking so exhausted.”

猫猫「すみません」

Maomao “Sumi-masen.”

Maomao “I’m sorry.”

壬氏「起きたか」

Jinshi “Okitaka.”

Jinshi “You’re up.”

桜花「あっ…私はこれで」

Infa “A… Watashiwa korede.”

Yinghua “Excuse me.”

壬氏「座ったままでいい」

Jinshi “Suwatta mamade ii.”

Jinshi “You can stay seated.”

猫猫「難しいですね…開花には至りませんでした」

Maomao “Muzukashii desune… Kaika-niwa itari-masen-deshita.”

Maomao “It was hard. I couldn’t get them to fully bloom.”

壬氏「それは、俺に対して済まないというんじゃないのだろうな」

Jinshi “Sorewa, oreni taishite sumanaito iunja naino-darona.”

Jinshi “You’re not apologizing to me, are you?”

猫猫「ん？」

Maomao “N?”

壬氏「何でもない。十分だ。これは一体どうしたんだ？」

Jinshi “Nandemo nai. Jubunda. Korewa ittai do-shitanda?”

Jinshi “Never mind. You did well. How did you do it, though?”

猫猫「染めただけですよ」

Maomao “Someta-dake desuyo.”

Maomao “I just dyed them.”

壬氏「染めた？何も付いていないぞ」

Jinshi “Someta? Nanimo tsuite-inaizo.”

Jinshi “Dyed? But there’s nothing on them.”

猫猫「外側ではありません。内側から染めたのです」

Maomao “Soto-gawa-dewa ari-masen. Uchi-gawa-kara sometano-desu.”

Maomao “Not on the outside. We dyed them from the inside.”

壬氏「あ…」

Jinshi “A…”

猫猫「この薔薇は、もともと全て白い花なのです」

Maomao “Kono sobiwa, moto-moto subete shiroi hana nano-desu.”

Maomao “All of these roses were originally white.”

猫猫「様々な色水を使って、白い蕾に吸わせたんです」

Maomao “Sama-zamana iro-mizu’o tsukatte, shiroi tsubomini suwasetan-desu.”

Maomao “We mixed water with several colors and had the white buds suck them up.”

壬氏「それで、青だけでなく多くの色があったのか」

Jinshi “Sorede, ao-dakede-naku ookuno iroga atta-noka.”

Jinshi “So that’s why there are many colors, not just blue.”

猫猫「はい。葉っぱはどす黒く染まるので、あらかじめ全てむしっておきましたが…。あとは、園遊会の間、色落ちしないよう、色水の染み込んだ綿を固定すれば完成です。実に単純な方法です」

Maomao “Hai. Happawa dosu-guroku somaru-node, arakajime subete mushitte oki-mashitaga… Atowa, en’yu-kaino aida, iro-ochi shinai-yo, iro-mizuno shimi-konda wata’o kotei sureba kansei desu. Jitsuni tanjunna hoho desu.”

Maomao “Yes. The leaves ended up coming out black, so we plucked them all. Then all we had to do was to fix cotton soaked in the dyed water to the stems, so they couldn’t lose their vibrancy during the garden party. It really was quite simple.”

猫猫（実際、骨が折れたのは薔薇の花を咲かせるまでだ）

Maomao (Jissai, honega oreta-nowa sobino hana’o sakaseru-madeda.)

Maomao (What was actually difficult was getting the roses to bloom at all.)

壬氏「確かに…単純だな」

Jinshi “Tashikani…tanjun dana.”

Jinshi “Simple, indeed.”

猫猫「ですので、何かしら言いがかりをつける官が出るかもしれません。帝には、先に種明かしをしておきました。最初に秘密を知るのが嬉しいらしく、楽しそうに聞いてくださいましたよ」

Maomao “Desu-node, nani-kashira iigakari’o tsukeru kanga deru-kamo shire-masen. Mikado-niwa, sakini tane-akashi’o shite oki-mashita. Saishoni himitsu’o shiru-noga ureshii rashiku, tanoshi-soni kiite kudasai-mashitayo.”

Maomao “Also, because some officials might have picked a quarrel about this, I went ahead and revealed the trick to the emperor. He seemed to enjoy the fact that he got to know the secret first, and had a good time listening to me explain.”

壬氏「では昔、宮廷内で青い薔薇を見たというのは…」

Jinshi “Dewa mukashi, kyutei-naide aoi sobi’o mitato iu-nowa…”

Jinshi “So, about the story of the blue roses being seen in the palace…”

猫猫「毎日毎日、青い色水を薔薇に吸わせる暇人がいたんでしょう」

Maomao “Mai-nichi mai-nichi, aoi iro-mizu’o sobini suwaseru hima-jinga itan-desho.”

Maomao “There must have been someone with a lot of free time feeding blue water to the roses.”

壬氏「なんでまた、そんなことを…」

Jinshi “Nande mata, sonna koto’o…”

Jinshi “Who would do something like that?”

猫猫「さあ？女を口説く道具でも欲しかったのでは？」

Maomao “Saa? Onna’o kudoku dogu-demo hoshi-kattano-dewa?”

Maomao “Who knows? Maybe they wanted a gimmick with which to woo women.”

壬氏「珍しいな。爪を染めているのか？」

Jinshi “Mezurashii-na. Tsume’o somete-iru-noka?”

Jinshi “That’s unexpected. Are you painting your nails?”

猫猫「似合いませんけどね」

Maomao “Niai-masen-kedone.”

Maomao “It doesn’t suit me, though.”

猫猫（鳳仙花と片喰があれば、もっときれいに染まるんだけど…。爪紅の異名を取る鳳仙花と、猫足の異名を取る片喰。２つを練り合わせて爪につけると、あざやかな赤になる。まあ、きれいに染めたところで…。これでもまともになったんだけど…）

Maomao (Hosenka to katabami ga areba, motto kireini somarun-dakedo… Tsuma-benino imyo’o toru hosenkato, neko-ashino imyo’o toru katabami. Futatsu’o neri-awasete tsumeni tsukeruto, azayakana akani naru. Maa, kireini someta-tokorode… Kore-demo matomoni nattan-dakedo…)

Maomao (If I had some balsam and woodsorrel, I could have made them look prettier. Balsam is often used to dye fingernails, and woodsorrel is nicknamed cat’s foot. Mixing them together and applying them on the fingernails creates a vivid red. But then, even if I made them prettier… This is better than it was before.)

猫猫「高順様。頼んでいたものは？」

Maomao “Gaoshun-sama. Tanonde-ita monowa?”

Maomao “Master Gaoshun, what about the item I requested?”

高順「ええ、言われた通りに」

Gaoshun “Ee, iwareta toorini.”

Gaoshun “Yes, as you wished.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

猫猫（これで舞台は整った。あとは…いけ好かない奴に一泡吹かせる��けだ）

Maomao (Korede butaiwa totonotta. Atowa… Ike-sukanai yatsuni hito-awa fukaseru dakeda.)

Maomao (Now the stage is set. All I have to do now is catch that nasty creep off guard.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

羅漢（…にしても、まさか挑発が失敗に終わるとは…）

Rakan (…Ni-shitemo, masaka chohatsuga shippaini owaru-towa…)

Lakan (I didn’t expect my provocation to fail.)

羅漢（多くの人間の顔は、碁石のようにしか見えない。男は黒石、女は白石。軍部の部下の人間でも、せいぜい象棋の駒だ。多くの者は兵、卒で、階級が上がるほどに馬、砲となっていく。軍部の仕事は簡単だ。駒に見合った配置をすればいい。適材適所…それで大体の戦は勝てる。難しいことではない。たとえ自分が無能でも、割り当てさえやれば、勝手に仕事を終わらせてくれる）

Rakan (Ookuno ningen’no kaowa, go-ishino-yoni-shika mie-nai. Otokowa kuro-ishi, onnawa shiro-ishi. Gunbuno bukano ningen-demo, seizei shanchī no komada. Ookuno monowa hei, sotsude, kaikyuga agaru-hodoni uma, ho-to natte-iku. Gunbuno shigotowa kantanda. Komani miatta haichi’o sureba ii. Teki-zai-teki-sho… Sorede daitaino ikusawa kateru. Muzukashii koto dewa nai. Tatoe jibunga muno-demo, wari-ate-sae yareba, katteni shigoto’o owa-rasete-kureru.)

Lakan (Most humans only look like go stones to me. Men are black stones, women are white stones. Even my subordinates in the military only appear as chess pieces, at best. Most are soldiers, pawns. As they gain ranks, they become cavalry and cannons. Working in the military is easy. I just need to know where to place the pieces. The right pieces in the right places. Most wars can be won by that alone. It’s quite easy. Even if I were completely useless, as long as I placed others in the right places, the work would get done on its own.)

羅漢（今日は、いつも以上に目が痛い。どうにも赤い色がちらつく。爪紅か…記憶の中の爪紅は、けばけばしい赤ではない。うっすら染まった、鳳仙花の赤…）

Rakan (Kyowa, itsumo-ijoni mega itai. Do-nimo akai iroga chira-tsuku. Tsuma-kurenai-ka… Kiokuno nakano tsuma-beniwa, keba-keba-shii aka-dewa nai. Ussura somatta, hosenkano aka…)

Lakan (My eyes hurt more than usual today. A red color keeps flickering into my view. Manicures… The manicures in my memories aren’t this overly flamboyant crimson. They’re the soft color of balsam.)

羅漢「ハッ…」

Rakan “Ha…”

(Continue to episode 23)

[bittertomato]

A lil late but happy new year!

Characters under the cut, plus some fun facts

Tomato's faves for each month of 2023

January: Diana Cavendish (Little With Academia)

February: Diana Cavendish (Little Witch Academia)

March: True Rider — Hippolyta (Fate/Strange Fake)

April: Psyche Callista (Your Throne)

May: Misaka Mikoto (A Certain Scientific Railgun)

June: Misaka Mikoto (A Certain Scientific Railgun)

July: Morgan (Fate/Grand Order)

August: Morgan (Fate/Grand Order)

September: Morgan (Fate/Grand Order)

October: Morgan (Fate/Grand Order)

November: Morgan (Fate/Grand Order)

December: Morgan (Fate/Grand Order)

Brainrot of the Year 2023: Morgan (Fate/Grand Order)

Hall of Fame (aka brainrots of years past)

2023: Morgan (Fate/Grand Order)

2022: Tsuruhime Yachiyo (Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight: ReLive)

2021: Tsuruhime Yachiyo and Yumeoji Shiori (Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight: ReLive)

2020: Yumeoji Shiori (Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight: ReLive)

2019: Tendou Maya (Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight: ReLive)

2017 & 2018: Diana Cavendish (Little Witch Academia)

2016: Carmilla Karnstein (Carmilla the Webseries), Elsa (Frozen), Tohsaka Rin (Fate/stay night), and Misaka Mikoto (A Certain Scientific Railgun)

2015: Carmilla Karnstein + Laura Hollis aka Hollstein (Carmilla the Webseries) aka my gay awakening

2014: Elsa (Frozen)

2012 & 2013: Higurashi Kagome (Inuyasha), Kuchiki Rukia (Bleach), Mouri Ran (Detective Conan), and Chiba Mamoru (Sailor Moon)

2011: Chiba Mamoru (Sailor Moon)

2009 & 2010: Kuchiki Rukia (Bleach)

Pre-2009: Who knows? My memory sure doesn't!

And I promised fun facts, so...

The early days...

The reason I can date my first fave to Rukia in 2009 is because that was when I made a Fanfiction.net account and posted my first fanfic. Don't read it I was young and foolish.

Bleach, Inuyasha, and Sailor Moon were my first animes. The first two I definitely watched on Adult Swim back when I still watched cable.

I used to be pretty skilled at self defense and even have a first degree black belt. One of the reasons why Ran from Detective Conan really left an impression on me.

There's a few unnamed faves that I also had from more obscure anime that were from so long ago that I can't pinpoint the exact years. A special shoutout to Asuka from Ask Dr. Rin! This show is in no way affiliated with Tohsaka Rin lol.

And yes, I do have male faves besides Mamoru! I love Hak and his constipated repressed feelings for Yona (Akatsuki no Yona) and my in-game name in FGO is inspired by Kurogane (Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles). And for whatever reason, Fred is my favorite from Scooby Doo.

Honestly, I have to give Elsa some credit. I think she started the trend of my faves being "blonde/light haired "regal" rich/well off BAMF ladies who seem cold and distant on the surface but are actually dorks over-burdened and forced to grow up too fast, with a dash (or a ton) of family angst dumped on them." I mean, do you see any of my past faves being blonde? xD

The college days...

I was in denial about being queer and swore I was straight until I somehow found Carmilla the Webseries (I don't even know how) during the summer of 2015 and had a multi-step process of acceptance that went something like "Oh the actress for Laura Hollis is hot. Oh the actress for Carmilla is cute, pretty, and a huge dork. Oh everyone is pretty attractive. Wait mostly just the girls. Wait is that why I don't give a shit about men?"

Little Witch Academia is not only the first series where I published fanfic on AO3, but it's also the series that got me to write AND finish longer stories. So congrats, Diana! I really wanted to angst you :D It's also the fandom where I found my closer Discord friends. Love y'all, mwah.

I think Revue Starlight might be the series that squeezed the most faves out of me. It holds a special place in my heart for numerous reasons, but the main one might be the collab fic I worked on with Quill, who is now my partner 😊So thanks, ReLive even if your gacha game is somehow even worse than FGO.

That said, the series I seem to always go back to seem to be the To aru and Fate franchises. Maybe it's because they're still ongoing.

Those two are also the reason I started messaging Quill back in the day, so they hold an extra special place in my heart. Even with all their flaws.

And then Lostbelt 6 hit FGO and blew everything out of the water. I rave about Morgan a lot but that chapter of the game truly had a stellar cast. Nasu wanted us to remember that he can cook lol.

Where is my Lostbelt 6 anime, Aniplex?

[pink-pone]

Now I'm super curious about those anime character influences you mentioned in the Ask. Are there any notable examples in your OC cast?

Yes....…yes there are. :)

(I really wanted to answer this ask for a while but I was unsure how to go about it so I’ll just bite the bullet and put up some side by sides and have y’all judge me cause idc anymore 😭)

Most recent addition is Tiger Lily and a semi-influence is Jaeha from Yona of the Dawn! Really the only things I got inspired by him are the green hair, purple/gold outfit, and the fact that he throws knives lol.

Then we’ve got Sandy Skye, who has a Zeno from Yona of the Dawn inspo! I’m sure y’all can see exactly what I’m talking about so I ain’t gonna explain nothin'.

Sketch Book has a very slight inspiration from this character I came across called Ganesha from the Fate Grand Order game? Never played it but I really liked how she was a chubby gal with glasses and liked nerdy things lol.

Jelly Bean has a kinda inspo from Momiji from Fruits Basket! Just a little personality wise and cause one time Momiji wore a cute sailor outfit and it was adorable.

Barnaby definitely has an anime flair but I’m actually not entirely sure who?? I’m leaning towards Damian Desmond from SPYxFAMILY because they both are a bit uptight, smart academics who can get annoyed easily. But I imagine Barnaby to be nicer and not lose his cool as often.

Ah, Moonlight Melody. She honestly had a “depressed anime mom” vibe from the start lol. I know there’s some anime out there where the heroine or mom had a rich young life but something happened to take it away from them and they reminisce about old times. Have never personally watched it though... ;w;

I adore the Ghibli movie Castle in the Sky so I found a way to incorporate a tiny piece of it into my oc universe! I loved the old pirate lady captain’s vibes and gave Nana Peppermint a bit of that! 

And lastly but not leastly, my dear dear ponysona Ginger Bread. She just has classic clumsy nice anime girl vibes and that be it.

Hope you enjoyed learning about my inspirations! I have many more ocs yet to be designed that I’m sure will also be anime influenced because let’s be honest, it's a huge love of mine lol.

[karume-selfshipper]

Deep Souls: Ionis' Journal- Water Magic

I had been left in the wilds of Hyrule, until Prince Sidon wandered by, showing Lady Yona around the area. The pair thankfully led me back to the Domain where I recounted a training session which Selatoh had unfortunately cut extremely short for little to no reason.

Or so I initially thought. Prince Sidon informed me that Selatoh has had a lot of trouble with water magic, something that came rather easily to myself. Apparently she has stormed off many times during training due to her jealousy over her lack of abilities. 

More shockingly, Selatoh had practically flown into the Domain, hardly registering my presence as she snatched up a pair of spears. It was rather adorable that she had become so worried that I wasn’t where she’d left me. Going as far as to nearly fight Prince Sidon to search for me. 

The instant relief, while not obvious across her face, was apparent when she finally saw me in the Domain. It was insanely cute, though I highly doubt that she would ever openly admit the deep seated concern until we’re both comfortable with each other. Perhaps that day will come soon…