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Izumi · 10/13/2026, 8:26 AM

Izumi shouldn’t have been too surprised at who she’d turned around and found right then and there — no, perhaps not. Along with the appearance of her brother amongst the Tianlong wolves, it is lady Lady Kaede who’d informed the empress that another old face had been roaming amongst them.

Young Rio — in the flesh. Though not so young anymore. For the teen that had once stumbled upon her had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. 小さなショウガの根. The empress cooed fondly, a warm smile brightens her otherwise frosty expression. Though I suppose I cannot call the woman before me “little” anymore — and what a lovely woman she’s grown into, as well.

Though Izumi had missed it — and she could even begin to explain her regret. Rio had come to her for the promise of a home, only for it to collapse in her absence. Yet she had found her place amongst a comfortable home, and to that the Empress was grateful. I have missed you, young Tsukioka— When she approaches, it is like watching a feather within a breeze, swaying gently as she walks.

Or….perhaps it is Fujiwara? My memory continues to fail me with age, you see...

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