Since then, it's been a year and diplomatic relations between the Kou Empire and the Kingdom of Sindria had been progressing smoothly to the point where Kouen had grown irritably tired of constantly receiving calls from Sinbad in which the latter continuously talked, begging to see Lucy since the only way to contact her was through another source. After all, even if the Eye of the Rukh was used, it was the subordinates who took the calls and Kaede, her retainer, would use magic jamming to block off the call.
But, the peaceful times only lasted for a year. At the end of the autumn season, a plague had broken out at the southern edges of the Tenzan Plateau a while after Sinbad's coronation and before anyone knew it, it had spread to the surrounding countries. It wasn't until a few months later that the plague was discovered for it was then that the onset of symptoms began. Amongst the many kingdoms and empires that were affected, the Kou Empire was the one who had been affected the most due to its close proximity to the Tenzan Plateau.
Many citizens had fallen ill with the plague and many perished, including many within the Forbidden City, and among them was Emperor Koutoku. Of course, this was kept well under secrecy for it was spread to the public, only chaos would pursue. The only ones who knew of it were the Empress, Kouen, Koumei, Kouha, Kougyoku, Hakuei, Hakuryuu, and her. With the possibility of them becoming infected, they weren't allowed to get close to Koutoku's quarters and it was a tense time for them all. Even Kouha, who hated Koutoku, couldn't help but be on edge for he could see the emotional distraught in his siblings' eyes. Especially since the Empress has decided to stick with Koutoku, unwilling to leave his side.
"This is the worst," Lucy said, a cool cloth over her eyes as she leaned back into her seat.
Kaede took the cloth, rinsing it again with the ice cold water and seeing her eyes which were a puffy red, he narrowed his eyes.
"If you're talking about your current appearance, then yes," he said, placing it over her eyes again. "You look like a walking corpse."
Lucy laughed.
"It's not a laughing matter," he retorted. "You were already quite frail but your complexion looks worse than it usually is. One would think that you got infected if they saw you right now."
"You know that won't happen."
"Even still, you need to look after your body," he said. "Whether or not you have divine protection."
Divine protection was a status that was given only to mythical beasts who have broken through the seventh layer and possibly even lower or higher depending on their rarity. For instance, the Yellow Dragon was granted divine protection upon its creation while the Four Heavenly Beasts attained it after the third seal. Though the standard was seventh seal, Kuugen, who had recently broken through the fifth seal a year later was granted it. But, aside from mythical beasts, it was a known fact that humans could never obtain divine protection. That was because they were impure for what made humans, humans was their imperfection. Which was also the reason why they stunk to mythical beasts. The Heavens denied divine protection upon them for if they did happen to grant it upon them, then the only possibility that awaited them was death. After all, divine protection was pure magic and could only be accepted by a pure body. Even amongst gods and immortals, many lack this status.
But, Lucy was different. She was a child beloved by the rukh. It wasn't just her body but also her heart — the most important part of a human body — was made of pure, white rukh. Which is why she was born with divine protection.
Meanwhile, Kaede, who may appear to be real at first glance was still simply an apparition created and imbued with the hightest levels of magic, capable of continuing to grow. So such things like illnesses, diseases, and time did not affect him whatsoever.
Lucy gave a meek smile and lifted the cloth. "Mn. I'll listen to Kaede."
He gave a sigh and sat down next to her on the couch, placing her head on his lap. She smiled.
"Kaede's presence is really comforting."
He gave a soft smile, patting her head. "I wish you could give me the same. It pains me to constantly worry about you."
Lucy gave a chuckle. "Yeah. I wish I can as well," she said, tears beginning to well up again. "But," she gritted her teeth, "humans really are fragile, aren't they? They can instantly die because of a simple bacteria."
She had thought this before but with the plague, the thought soon weighed heavily on her mind again. With just a single event, they could be wiped off and never cease to exist again. She didn't want to lose anyone anymore.
A shadow was cast over Kaede's face as he mumbled, "I should be the one saying that."
"Kaede?" Lucy moved her head, the cloth still over her eyes.
"It's nothing," he said. "More importantly, what do you plan to do now? Your body is unaffected by the plague but it is still of concern to you."
"I've already dealt with the Heartfilia Conglomerate and the Merchant's Guild. We have some losses but it's to a minimal degree. It's a good idea that we made preparations in case something like this were to happen."
"You've always had good insight," Kaede noted with a smile.
"But just having good insight is meaningless without people who will follow that insight and put it into motion," Lucy argued. "I should plan a company holiday once this is over."
"I'm sure they'll be overjoyed."
"Yes! Especially when you think about all the delicious food!" Kuugen popped up next to Lucy, standing up on its hind legs as it placed its paws on the couch, its tail wagging with excitement.
Kaede and Lucy stared at Kuugen and she chuckled.
"Indeed," she felt for its head and patted it. "Kaede, did you feed him yet?"
"I'll go do it right now," Kaede said for the only reason why Kuugen would ever pop into their conversation was when he was hungry. Moreover, that innocent and bright expression gave its intentions away. Rather than a fox, it seemed to be more of a dog. "It's about time that we eat, too."
"Yeah. You're right," Lucy sat up, taking the towel off and placing it on the edge of the washbasin.
Since the plague had broken out, Lucy had decided to step away from the Imperial Palace due to the fact that many of the servants had contracted it and though they were quickly sent to the nearest Heartfilia managed hospitals and clinics, it didn't change the fact that there were still many who lived in the palace. So she decided to return to the Heartfilia Conglomerate Headquarters which was situated in the capital where she stayed on the upper most floor of the towering, grand building.
Making her way to the kitchen, she placed on an apron and took up the short stool and placing it on the floor, she stepped onto it and washed her hands before taking the vegetables and washing them. Kaede smiled as he quickly defrosted the meat.
"Are you helping out?"
"Kuugen eats quite a lot, after all," she laughed. "Besides, it's always more fun to do things together. It makes it all the more enjoyable."
Kaede chuckled, a small blush on his cheek. "That's true."
The sound of chopping sounds against the woodboard sounded through the room, the fire on the stove turning on as the oil sizzled with the frying of bread-coated shrimps. Kuugen sat near the kitchen, watching from a safe distance for it still remembered when it accidentally got splattered with oil from running around. It was a good thing it had divine protection otherwise it would've turn into aburaage.
Looking at the two, Kuugen wore a fond smile, its tail swishing about thinking about how happy the two looked together. Standing side by side, anyone could tell that their relationship would never change. Now and into the future, they would be like this, relying and depending on each other as they shared all their secrets with one another.
"There! All done!" Lucy exclaimed.
Setting the large bowl filled with fried tempura ranging from seafood to vegetables and hamburger steaks drizzled with special tonkatsu sauce, eggs, a quarter plate of salad with tomatoes, and spaghetti. Lucy made sure that it got its daily nutrients from vegetables despite it having divine protection for this way, at least she knew it was eating properly.
"I have our portions ready, too," Kaede said, setting the table.
With a bowl of white rice, a plate of hamburger steak with an egg on top, a bowl of ceasar salad, and a bowl of soup, their dinner was set and taking both of their aprons off, they sat down and clapped their hands together.
"Let's eat."
They ate their food in peaceful silence, sipping their soup as flowers appeared around them.
Kuugen sweat-dropped. They're like an old elderly couple.
"Today's soup is delicious. Did you change the paste?" Lucy asked.
"Yup. I used the crystallized version of the broth," Kaede smiled. "It has a clearer aftertaste, doesn't it?"
"Mn," Lucy beamed.
It wasn't before a while later that they finished and having cleared the table, they went to take a bath together with Kuugen joining in as well for after eating the spaghetti, its pure white fur was now a tomatoey mess. Scrubbing themselves clean of the day's sweat and dirt, they relaxed in the large bath that was located in the penthouse floor of the headquarters.
"But still, we should do something about this plague," Kaede said, leaning against the edge of the bath with Lucy sitting between his legs.
"With the relief that Lucy has given to the Empire's people along with the relief that the Empire itself has given they could make do for several months but at this rate, the population might deplete by a quarter," Kuugen estimated.
Lucy narrowed her eyes. "That's triple the number of combined deaths due to the harsh winter in all of the territories."
"If the symptoms weren't so harsh, then treating them would be easier," Kaede remarked. "From what I've gathered from the rukh, the Empire has gathered all of its magicians and physicians and spread them out but given how the best treatment is provided in the capital, many are migrating this way. We won't have enough space to accommodate all of them."
"Our resources are mainly located here and I'm sure that more people will be coming," Lucy said.
"But even if they do decide to come to the capital, I doubt they can make the journey," Kuugen remarked. "The symptoms are quite severe. With black bruises appearing all over the body and coughing up blood, it's horrendous to think about it."
Lucy closed her eyes before opening them. "Should I just visit the small counties and provinces myself?"
Kaede and Kuugen widened their eyes. "No!"
"But at this rate, not only the Heartfilia Conglomerate but the Empire will go into decline," she said. "Moreover, it's not just our country suffering right now but our trade partners, too. If we're unable to keep up trade with them, then the economy will collapse."
"Still, this is too much of a risk," Kaede argued.
"Both hold a risk," she said. "But we have divine protection. We won't get affected by it."
"But still..." he began but seeing the pained and adamant look in his eyes. "Fine."
Lucy widened her eyes. "You're agreeing?"
"Only because it won't pose a risk to you. If you didn't have divine protection, you could kiss that very thought of yours good-bye," he gave a troubled grin. "But also, I'm agreeing on one condition."
Lucy gulped. "And that is...?"
"I'm staying by your side," he said. "If you decide to send me to another province and take care of the situation there, then you can be certain that I won't be following that order."
She stared at him before laughing. "Very well. Besides, even though it may be selfish of me, I feel more reassured with Kaede by my side."
He perked up and he smiled softly, his cheeks flushed a rosy hue. "I'm glad you think of me so," he patted her on the head.
"But Kaede does have a point," Kuugen said, wading over to them. "Even if the three of us go, it still won't be enough. The Empire's territory is simply too vast."
"That's true," Lucy placed a hand over her chin.
"Should we call Sebas?" Kaede asked.
"No," she shook her head. "I don't want to risk it. Moreover, they're not letting anyone in or out of the Empire. Regardless, whether or not he is in or outside the Empire, I trust Sebas to do his role as one of the Heartfilia's direct subordinate."
Kaede smiled. The Heartfilia Conglomerate was well-known across numerous continents because of the Head of the Heartfilia Household and their family which were famous for being kind-hearted and benevolent to their people while exacting punishment upon those with ill intentions. But, the same applied for the direct subordinates chosen by the Heartfilia family themselves. It didn't matter where they were or what their current situation may be but as soon as they pledged their service to the Heartfilia Household, they pledged to uphold the dignity and pride of the Heartfilia family and help those who are in need regardless of who they may be or where they hailed from. That was what it meant to be part of the Heartfilias and as one who served them.
"Very well. Then I shall trust your decision," Kaede said. "For your choices have always been right."
Lucy grinned. "I've become quite a good Head, haven't I?"
Kaede laughed. "You're still worried about that?"
"Of course!" she pouted. "Depending on your choices and actions, the opinions of the people around you can change in a split second."
"I suppose that is true," Kaede remarked.
"Exactly," she said. "That's why I was happy to hear those words from Kaede. It might've been the first time anyone has ever said those words to me."
He widened his eyes and seeing as she played in the water, he was reminded that she was still nine-years-old. She wasn't much different from the children around her but the responsibility that she bore was what had shaped her into the person she is now.
"If you ever lose confidence, I'll say it to you no matter how many times it takes," he ruffled her on the head.
Lucy stared at him, a small blush on her cheeks as she couldn't help but be mesmerized by those galactic eyes of his which shone with a burning affection. Pulling her lips into a tight line, she turned her head away and gazed down into the water. He really was too handsome and now that she thought about it, she was surrounded by quite good-looking people. Thinking about that, her embarrassed face was soon replaced with a blank, questioning one as she wondered if the world was only filled with good-looking people.
"Kaede's right!" Kuugen appeared before Lucy, catching her by surprise. "Lucy's a great master! Unlike others, you never act selfishly in your own interests and always take the opinions of others around you into consideration when making important decisions. You go forward with your ideals and beliefs steeled in your heart and never waver from them. If Lucy wasn't a great master, I would've left a long while ago!"
Lucy widened her eyes before bursting into laughter, ruffling Kuugen's fur as it wagged its tail in delight. "Hearing Kuugen say that, it's a relief!"
"Isn't it just because she's always feeding you with the best food?" Kaede remarked with a doubtful expression.
"Well, I certainly won't deny that part," Kuugen whimpered. "But I'm serious! Lucy's really amazing for being able to do all that. After all, the only thing I know how to do is fight, eat, and sleep!" it beamed proudly.
Lucy chuckled nervously, a bead of sweat rolling down her face while Kaede looked at it with a blank, soulless gaze.
"I'm surprised you can say that with such a proud look," he said. "In the first place, I highly doubt you can leave Lucy whenever you want since you are her contracted mythical beast."
"That's..."
Lucy reached her hand out and patted its fur, a soft smile perched upon her lips as her honey-brown eyes glowed softly. "It's fine. If a day comes when Kuugen wishes to leave, I'll gladly grant its wish and break the contract."
"Lucy," Kaede stared at her.
Kuugen stared at her and seeing the sorrowful yet serene look in her eyes, it immediately regretted saying so.
"I definitely won't tell Lucy to break the contract!" it nuzzled its head into her chest as Lucy widened her eyes in surprise. "Never!"
Lucy stared at it before chuckling, her eyes lighting up with happiness. "Is that so? But let's say that if a day such as that does come and I grant your wish, you have to return the favor," she said. "Before that happens, you have to accompany me and create fond memories of us together. Since if you suddenly leave, it'll sadden me. Okay, Kuugen?"
It wasn't ever going to leave her side but yet, hearing those words, its heart tightened up as if knowing that such a situation would occur in the future. Shaking its head, it brightened up and standing up on its hind legs, places its paws on Lucy's shoulders, hugging her.
"Yes!" it yelped. "But it won't be until when I leave but rather, until the very end. Since I definitely won't be leaving Lucy's side!"
Lucy laughed, her laughter like the sound of spring chimes, calming and soothing their hearts.
"I'm happy," she said, tears welling up in her eyes as she beamed, "to have such loving people by my side."
Kaede wrapped his arms around Lucy's waist and pulled her close with Kuugen close to her chest. Looking down at her with a look of want and affection, he pulled his lips into a smile, his eyes reflecting no one but her.
"We'll always be by your side, Lucy," he promised her. "So there's no need to be happy over something that will continue well into the future until the very end."
Lucy widened her eyes and seeing the earnest look in his eyes, she smiled.
"Mn!" she blinked back her tears, leaning into his chest. "We'll always be together!"