Chapter Text
Choso is the general of the Northern Army, he's made some incredible feats in his time in the war. He's close comrades with Miwa and Maki. Maki got the worst scars from the trio, so it's not likely that nobles would try to marry her to their sons. Not like she'd want that anyway, but it does suck that she's quite low rank noble, so life won't be completely easy after the war. It won't be for most people, but the sacrifice she made with her body may not lead to a satisfied reward.
Over the time in the war, it's been a long while since Choso has seen his brother, Yuuji. Yuuji was twelve when the war started and will be turning sixteen. Choso is very excited to see him, especially the boy he's courting. Choso must see if the guy is good to Yuuji and vice versa. Megumi Fushiguro is that adopted son of the Emperor Satoru Gojo and Emporer Suguru Gojo. They had their grand wedding a couple years before the war had started. They have two twin princesses, too. Mimiko Hasaba with brown hair, and Nanako Hasaba with caramel hair.
Megumi is the crowned prince at age sixteen. While the princesses are both seven years old. They family is really adorable, and if Yuuji marries into them, so then Choso must keep on good terms. He plans to appease the Imperial Emperors during his grand celebration. With the war over, Choso really hopes for the lives of the women who had to sit at home with bated breath to be easier. He also wishes for many job opportunities to arise for the poor in the country. Choso's not sure what his reward will be, he was a commoner which really made it so we could never climb ranks in the army, but due to his astounding efforts he was made general, not even the most highly regarded nobles could compete with his influence.
Choso is in a carriage to the Imperial Palace. He's never seen it before and doesn't know what to expect. He heard that Megumi invited Yuuji to the Palace with is a plus for him because he gets to see his precious little brother a bit sooner. Miwa and Maki sit across from him in the cheap carriage. It's made of wood and had lots of water damage; they are trying to be stealthy on their way to the Palace because it would be a hassle getting harassed in the streets for money. The donkey pulling the carriage is ancient.
They make their way through the medieval streets, victory high on their minds. It's quite beautiful, the trees stand taller, the grass greener, and the worry-stricken faces of the people are slowly fading.
They soon arrive in the capital. The Palace is the first thing that stands out. The trio gets out of the carriage and makes their way through the twisty alleys and streets until they arrived at the grand road leading to the Imperial Palace. The Palace was made of white limestone; it had roofs made of gold and windows of the most intricate stained-glass designs in the continent. It was massive, its size making the massive capital look tiny.
One they arrived they greeted the guards at the gates; the rest of the Northern Army took the more luxurious way into the capital. They seemed to recognize them and made way, the Imperial Knights barked at their arrival, it didn't take long until the entire Palace knew they were here. Most of the Army were put in fancy hotels, and the special trio, Gereral Choso, co-commander Miwa and Maki were given housing in the Imperial Palace. It seemed most of the army already got their pensions while the special three were last.
It was a battle of land, and Choso won the emperors a land size of about France and kept the territory of the Imperial in their hands. (W glaze) The Imperial Knights and the Northern Army didn't really get to meet as they were busy on two different sides of the continents, but they seem to be getting along. The trio enter the throne room. There sits the most feared man in the empire, Satoru Gojo, he was ruthless during his time fighting for the title crown prince, and to his side Suguru Gojo. Anyone who even looks at him the wrong way, Satoru will kill. They all give a deep bow.
"Welcome, you three! What took you guys so long?" Satoru chides.
Choso speaks for his comrades, "Sorry, we were trying to be stealthy on our way to the capital, we're famous people, Your Highness."
"That you are." Geto comments with a cute smile on his manly face.
"Anyway musketeers, maids, get them situated. In 3 days, it's going to be the victory banquet. So, cozy up and enjoy your stay." Satoru's arms come up like he's commanding an orchestra.
They each get one maid leading through the gigantic Palace until they reach their rooms. They match the aesthetic of the outside of the palace very much, more gold than you'd ever need. Choso decides to wash up before worrying about his brother or his pension.
After washing up, Choso's hair was still wet and maids insisted on helping him dress, but he refused. Choso put on a white button up with ruffled sleeves and a flowy pajama collar. It was made of silk of premium quality. He wore baggy casual pants that are meant to be sinched to his ankles with a thick band of fabric that he doesn't bother to do. He wore some casual slippers and went about his way to find this bother.
He asked for direction and found his brother in the courtyard of the Palace. There was a massive hedge maze that he had to go through to find the gazebo that Megumi and Yuuji were having tea in. They seem to notice him instantly and wave him over.
Choso starts crying and hugs his little brother. He's waited so long to see him. He was so cute, he lost some of his baby fat but it's still the face of his beloved baby brother. He remembered how he held him when he was a baby. His hair was more pastel than it is now and he was so small. They'd always put him in the cutest blue onesies that he'd waddle around in with ice cream smeared on his face while he held his tiny, tiny hands. Aww, Choso doesn't know how to not have cuteness aggression for his baby brother.
"Choso, come on don't embarrass me in front of Megumi."
Yuuji's whines amuse Megumi. Choso doesn't care, though. It's moments like these that pushed Choso during the war.
"Join us, bro. We have extra pastries. The tea is coming soon."
Yuuji switches up on his previous complaints.
Choso has a nice time catching up with Yuuji, and it turns out Megumi and Yuuji are pretending their courting each other so the commoner can cultivate his abilities at the best of the best academies so that Megumi can have a friend/guard he can trust when the pressures of the kingdom become too much. Their dynamics work, they cancel each other out. One optimistic, the other pessimistic. One carefree while the other is more serious. You get it.
Choso was moved to tears that his brother was doing fine during his time at war. The tea arrives as Choso wipes his tears. Megumi eats a coffee flavoured jelly, Yuuji choses a strawberry cheesecake, while Choso eats a lemon sorbet. They enjoy their desserts and tea with light conversation. The most eventful thing that happens is that Yuuji spots a butterfly and Yuuji is putting too many sugar cubes in his tea. The three days go by fast.
Choso prepares for his big banquet, the morning of, maids are hectic around the Palace. Choso gets ready in the evening. Ready for his big day.