The Emperor part 3

When the first Emperor died and one of his sons ascended, he sought the support of the Fox clan. He was a kind prince and the most intelligent among his siblings. The Fox clan deemed he was worthy and supported him in whatever way they could. They strengthened his military might, they looked for new businesses and industries and sometimes assassinated his rivals.

With every new Emperor, someone from the Fox clan was tasked to assess if he was worthy of their support. When he was, they gave him everything that they could offer. When he wasn't, the Fox clan dealt with him.

"That's all we could carry," she explained. "Our other gifts will arrive in two days, Your Majesty."

"Such extravagant gifts," an old advisor commented. "One wonders why the Fox clan hasn't shared sooner."

Shiori raised one of her eyebrows. "An emperor isn't chosen every year and the previous one refused our offerings. You should know, since you were his most trusted advisor, Lord of the Monkey clan."

Shiori knew that her words were a direct accusation yet she did not back down. The tension thickened as the advisor tried to stare her down. He sniffed derisively yet Shiori's expression remained neutral.

"You could have offered more even then, yet you presented so little," the Lord continued, his eyes narrowed into slits. "Are you just being miserly with the Emperor's gifts? What happened to the rich soil you have been given?"

"How curious," Shiori folded her hands, effectively hiding them in her sleeves. "For a princess to be questioned so thoroughly on her arrival. I wasn't aware that this is how you greet your guests. Tell me Lord Saru, should I follow your example? Let us start in the crystal mines, perhaps."

Gasps were heard but no one spoke. That incident was one of the Kingdom's bloodiest events in recent years and from the looks of things, it was still a taboo subject. One of the Imperial princes was killed but the Emperor did nothing. The investigation revealed that there was a powerful noble clan behind it, but nothing had been proven.

The Lord's shoulders stiffened and he glared outright. "Say that again!"

"I for one appreciate what you have brought," interjected the Emperor with a slight smile. He effectively dispelled the tension between them. "But I am curious, why only now grace us with your presence Princess Shiori? To think that I could have gazed upon your lovely face every day instead of these boring old men is a real shame."

Shiori hid her eye roll when she bent at the waist. "We did not mean to offend, Your Majesty. I have just finished my studies you see and have been encouraged to broaden my horizons."

"What about your father? Surely, a responsible man like him wouldn't leave his daughter unattended?" he asked, looking for all the world genuinely curious.

"I have come to greet Your Majesty," she replied pleasantly. "My father's illness prevented him from coming so he sent me instead."

"In that case," the Emperor clapped his hands. "I open my palace to you Princess Shiori. I will be glad to host you during your stay here."