Q

A long line of audience seekers stretched along the outer wall.

Akame and Mei To came straight to the outer gate of the castle.

The head guard stopped her and with a sullen nod of his head asked wordlessly.

-- Princess Akame Mei Li, I come on business concerning my fief.

The guard immediately gave her access.

-- Are you a princess?

-- It is an honorary title, nothing more," Akame said as she climbed the monumental stairs leading to the viceroy's throne.

A warrior at the foot of the throne asked.

-- Does anyone have business?

-- I have business," said Akame, bowing.

-- Name and rank," the guard indicated.

-- To the viceroy I report. I am Akame Mei Li, princess of the Blue River fief, betrothed to the lord of Qiang. I speak through her voice.

-- A princess who speaks for her betrothed is dignified for posterity," said the viceroy, from his hieratic posture.

-- I raise a protest against the Lord Count of Hang Hing.

-- Prince.