Seeing Kakashi return, Koyuki felt relieved in her heart.
In this place full of strangers, Kakashi was the only familiar face, offering her enough sense of safety.
"Princess Koyuki."
"Mr. Kakashi, where did you go?"
"To negotiate with the person in charge of this country, since your identity is quite sensitive, Princess Koyuki."
"When are we leaving next?"
Koyuki inquired.
"Well, for now, let's stay a bit longer. No need to worry about safety; this country is very secure, and Kazahana Doto's people dare not act recklessly here."
Kakashi assured.
"But..."
"There's another reason, actually. We are waiting here for someone; it's already been agreed."
"Waiting for someone? Who?"
Koyuki wondered.
"Asama Sandayu, he was your father Sosetsu's loyal advisor. He is currently in the Land of Rainbow and will soon arrive in the Land of Demons."
Kakashi said.
Asama Sandayu? Koyuki tilted her head, deep in thought. This name indeed sounded familiar; she remembered he was a high-status official in the Land of Snow.
"Since that's the case, let's wait then."
Koyuki didn't ask why they didn't directly go to the Land of Rainbow to find Asama Sandayu and instead let him come to the Land of Demons, since Kakashi would not tell her the answer to this question.
Koyuki felt it was enough for her to know.
At this moment, she was just a fallen princess stripped of her country and heir identity, and didn't have much power to choose her fate independently.
◎
Approximately three days had passed, and Koyuki had been staying inside the mansion all the time.
Having been accustomed to luxury since childhood, the maids here provided equally attentive service.
The mansion was large, and although not as lavish as the castle she used to reside in, it was unnecessary to be concerned about these details now.
Staying in this country made her uneasy; not because she hated it, but because she feared that man Kazahana Doto.
The Land of Demons was too close to the Land of Snow, close enough that every day Koyuki dreamed about Kazahana Doto's terrifying and vicious face, imagining herself being killed by him the way her father Kazahana Sosetsu was easily murdered.
She awoke in a daze from a nap, having encountered the same nightmare again, of being killed by Kazahana Doto.
In the afternoon, when the sun was still emitting heat, the temperature in the air made people feel a sense of irritable stuffiness.
Today was especially hot.
A maid came over, carrying something and placed it in front of Koyuki.
"What is this?"
Koyuki pointed to what was set in front of her.
It was placed in a transparent cup, looking icy and cold.
"Princess, this is ice cream, perfect for enjoying in the summer."
"Ice cream?"
Koyuki paused, having never heard of this food before.
In fact, she hadn't experienced summer, since the Land of Snow had snow all year round and was always freezing cold.
Koyuki picked up the so-called ice cream, gently licking it, feeling the cold sensation dispelling the heat from her body, along with a sweet and delicious taste.
Koyuki's eyes lit up, immediately liking this food.
Halfway through eating, another maid came over, followed by a forty-year-old man wearing glasses.
Seeing Koyuki eating ice cream, the man jogged over, seeming to recognize Koyuki and knelt on one knee on the floor, performing a bow.
"Princess, Asama Sandayu has arrived late, please forgive me."
Koyuki hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond.
"Princess, if you kindly don't mind, simply call me Sandayu."
Asama Sandayu said.
"Alright, you can get up, Sandayu."
"Yes."
"Do you know about my father's situation?"
"Yes." Asama Sandayu showed a look of grief on his face and said, "Kazahana Doto is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Such a person will surely face retribution in the future. Princess, please come with me to the Land of Rainbow, where I have arranged everything. As long as we are cautious, there's no way Kazahana Doto's people will find us."
As for revenge, Asama Sandayu deemed it a slim hope.
Those loyal to his master Kazahana Sosetsu would have likely been eradicated by Kazahana Doto.
Most of the Snow Ninja also follow Kazahana Doto without question.
Controlling the Land of Snow's most powerful force, Kazahana Doto's control of the entire Land of Snow was just a matter of time.
And without armed forces, they could do nothing but look on helplessly.
Although unwilling, this was the only way to survive.
At present, the most important thing for Sandayu wasn't regaining for Koyuki the power that rightfully belonged to her from under Kazahana Doto's control, but Koyuki's safety was most crucial.
Koyuki nodded, sharing similar thoughts.
Kazahana Doto's great power was already established, and if she were to head to the Land of Snow now, it would only be stepping into a trap.
"I'll leave the journey arrangements to you, Sandayu, and remember to bring Mr. Kakashi along."
Unexpected events might occur en route, and having Kakashi around would make the journey much safer.
"Leave it to me."
Sandayu stood up, ready to organize Koyuki's trip to the Land of Rainbow. From behind came a male voice:
"Rather than running, I have a better plan over here. Would you two like to give it a try?"
Unbeknownst to them, all the maids around had disappeared, and at the other end of the hallway, a man appeared, smiling as he approached Koyuki and Sandayu.
It was Hakushi.
"Who are you?"
Sandayu drew a short blade from his sleeve and pointed it at Hakushi.
"Chiba Hakushi, I have many identities. Konoha S-Class Renegade Ninja, and the Land of Demons' Minister of Military Affairs. Which one does Mr. Asama Sandayu prefer?"