Owen's POV:

We rode hard in the direction of the Sorensons' lands and the trip didn't take more than a few hours. The Sorenson clan was localized in the neighboring village, the main house sitting right at the top of a hill.

The shrine was in the center of the village and it was there where we first stopped at.

Wil-sama had told us that the shaman was informed of Sorenson-sama's real identity and had a copy of her birth certificate.

Aside from the lord and his family, the shaman was the most respected figure in a clan and the people would not doubt his word when he declared Sang as the genuine heiress and newest mistress.

The village that was a part of the clan looked terribly rundown, the houses were in bad conditions, the streets were unkempt and the people looked at us suspiciously as we rode through, only the sight of Sang among us making them relax slightly.

She was clearly well known by the villagers, which was good for they might accept the news with more ease if they liked Sang-sama.

The Shaman, an old man with a bald head and a long grey beard seemed to be waiting for our arrival when we entered the shrine.

He immediately walked over to Sang and handed her a piece of paper wrapped in a pink ribbon.

The paper was a birth certificate proving that Sang Sorenson was Ronald Sorenson oldest child.

After that we rode back to the main house.

The guards at the gate refused to allow us past when Silas went to talk with them in our mistress' behalf; it was only when Sang got down from her horse and faced the men that we could go inside.

Her pull in the household was clear from then on as all servants bowed and smiled at her politely whenever she passed.

"Mey-san!" Sang called to an older woman who was speaking quietly with two of the younger servants. The woman turned and smiled in welcome at Sang, bowing to her and then to us, her brown eyes shining with curiosity.

"Please, prepare food for ten guests on the family wing, and send a message for the whole village to gather around the shrine by mid-afternoon, the clan' Head brings important news." She told the older woman who hurried to obey, clearly used to taking orders from Sang-sama.

I looked at her curiously, observing how well the mantle of leadership settled in her shoulders.

She turned back to us before signaling for us to keep following her. The main house was big, two stories high but of a very simple architecture, without all the decorations and carvings that the Academy's main house possessed.

It was still a beautiful place, of simple elegance, lacking only a few details to bring life into it.

I could see Gabriel-kun studying the place from top to floor, a calculating glint in his eye.

The second floor was where the family and guestrooms were located, the first floor had the servant' rooms, kitchen, dining room and other rooms.

"The rooms at the end of this hallway belonged to Marie-sama, Elise-sama and Ronald-sama." Sang said, pointing out three doors located to the right of the stairs. One of the doors looked completely different from the rest, the wood carved with beautiful flowers and birds with long feathers.

Gabriel moved straight there once he confirmed the room belonged to Marie, whispering something about clothing and sewing.

I could only guess he was planning on raiding Marie's wardrobe to prepare Sang for the ascension ceremony.

"The other rooms on this same hallway are the main office and the music room," Sang told me as she stood in front of us, blank expression on her face. "I suppose you boys can take two of those rooms, since my step-mother and step-sister aren't likely to come back."

I nodded at her and we turned to the other side that led to the guest rooms. "You can do whatever you want with these rooms, I imagine you will want your own office and such, this is your home now, feel free to change whatever you want." I was glad Gabriel wasn't with us anymore because he would go slightly crazy with that proposal.

I could tell from Silas' and Nathan' snickering behind me that they thought the same thing.

"Thank you for your kindness mistress." I told her bowing politely. The shift in the air behind my back telling me my brothers were bowing as well.

"Oy! Trouble!" Gabriel-kun suddenly called from the door to Marie's former room. "Get that beautiful behind right here for me to dress it up!"

Sang glanced at me with a blush decorating her cheeks and a confused look in her eyes; I tried to smile at her, in hopes of relieving her nervousness and signaled for her to go on.

"Coleman-kun will help you prepare for the ceremony. He is very good at this sort of thing, Sorenson-sama. Why don't you go with him while me and the boys take a look at the other rooms and decide which ones we will need?"

She nodded and hurried back to where Gabriel was standing with his arms crossed over his chest and a smug smirk on his face.

Once she was gone I turned back to Silas and told him sternly, "Once the wagons are here, Korba-kun, you are on mule duty."

I turned and went on looking at the rooms with a snickering Nathan and grumbling Silas behind me.

......

Sang's POV:

My heart was still pounding as I ran back to Gabriel-san. Talking with Blackbourne-san always made me nervous and with his commanding presence I felt terribly awkward giving him orders.

I needed to get a grip. And fast. Life wasn't going to wait for me to be comfortable with my new reality before happening.

At least I had a group of very competent men at my side.

Entering the room that belonged to Marie my eyes went automatically to the pile of clothes now lying strews in the big bed. My fingers twitched with the need to pick them up and put them back in the wardrobe where they belonged.

Instead, I forced my eyes away from the pile and searched for Gabriel.

He was bent over a light-pink kimono with an orange and white pattern of lotus flowers. It had a burnt-orange sash and he held a lotus flower comb on his hand.

The ensemble was bright, cheerful and one of my favorites.

"Come here, Trouble. I think this should fit you now." He motioned for me to step in front of him and I did, looking at him curiously.

Wasn't he going to step out of the room for me to change?

"Hummm... Gabriel-san?" I murmured as he raised his hands and began undoing the bun at the back of my head.

My hair fell around my shoulder freely and he pocketed the clip I had been using.

My heart fluttered at the feeling of his fingers running through my hair, combing it. I was suddenly very aware of how close together we were standing, and right next to the bed too.

The fact there was a mountain of clothes in said bed didn't really matter, my heart started to race and I felt myself flushing.

"Huuummm." He hummed quietly while gazing at my hair in concentration. "Your hair is the most fucking beautiful thing I've ever seen, Trouble." He said, his deep voice causing a shiver to run up my spine and butterflies to appear in my stomach.

Those bright blue eyes of his were now staring intently at me and I didn't know what to do with myself, my breath freezing in my lungs, my mind going blank.

He smirked and turned his back to me.

"Change quickly; we don't have the whole day." He said to me over his shoulder and I sputtered.

"B-but! You are going to just stand over there?" I asked him, embarrassed.

"Sure!" he said, sounding cheerful. "It is more practical since I will soon be checking you out, for the fit of the kimono, of course." The laughter in his voice was clear and I glared daggers at his back before starting to undress myself, glancing up every few minutes to make sure he hadn't turned around.

Once I was wearing the new kimono I told him to turn around and he did quickly, his bangs flying around his brow. His bright blue eyes looked at me from head to toe, analyzing every detail.

"I am a fucking genius." He murmured to himself.

I raised my eyebrow at him and he chuckled, "Of course, with you for a model, Trouble, a sack of potatoes would look amazing."

I blushed bright red and lowered my eyes from his intense gaze.

He turned again and I got out of the orange kimono, dressing myself quickly.

As soon as I said he could turn he moved straight for the bed, gathering a pile of clothing that had been separated from the rest and walking in the direction of the doors.

"Where are you going with those clothes?" I asked him.

"I am giving them away. There is no way you are wearing this trash, Trouble. It doesn't fit you."

My eyes narrowed at the clothes in his arms. "I don't see anything wrong with it."

He turned his head to glance at me over his shoulder, an expression of pity on his face "You poor thing. Don't worry; I will train you in the art of fashion later."

I smiled wryly at him. "Sure." I agreed knowing he wouldn't let me escape from the glint in his eye.

He left and came back quickly. Between the two of us the clothes that were left were soon organized back into the closet. After that I took Gabriel in a tour of the family rooms, starting with my father's, that was made in shades of brown and red with no decoration and ending in my step-mother's that was light blue and white.

Neither of their rooms was as decorated or beautiful as Marie's so Gabriel "decided" that would be my room from now on and he'd redecorate everything to suit better my tastes.

The other two rooms would be shared by Blackbourne-san and Sean-san, and Kota and Victor.

The rest of the boys soon arrived with the wagons and Silas began to carry their things to their rooms while the others were given other missions by Blackbourne-san.

They would also be taking two rooms in the next hallway, an office, a music room and a private tea room.

I couldn't help but notice they also kept their swords, knifes and other things there, in the tea room, hidden in the roof and other places.

Silas walked up and down the stairs, his strong arms bulging from the effort of carrying their bags and boxes.

His kimono had opened at the front and I had an unrestricted view of his chest.

I might have frozen in place and gawked for a few minutes when I saw it.

Thankfully I was saved from further embarrassment by Gabriel, who took my hand and led me to the onsen, telling me to wash up and put on a robe before he came to wash my hair.

A part of me wanted to protest, say that it was improper, but a bigger part wanted to feel his hands massaging my head again. It was soothing and exactly what I needed before facing my clan and declaring myself their new leader.

These boys were exactly what I needed.

......

Gabriel's POV:

Sang was a ball of nerves.

She tried to keep her face blank and void of emotions but I could see the swirl of feelings in those green eyes.

She was stressed, worried, terrified and tired as shit.

I doubted she'd slept well last night after that big revelation about her parents. And this day had already been too stressing with Elise's and Marie's disappearance.

My bothers had tried to find the women with no luck, but Blackbourne-san already was plotting ways for us to hunt them.

We couldn't afford to leave such a threat to our mistress free.

My brothers had been sent to investigate the village and observe the people, making sure that those two bitches weren't around.

I got to take her to the onsen, hoping that a relaxing bath would help her calm herself.

I had met Sang only a few days ago, but I had no doubts that she'd be a wonderful leader to this clan. The village was obviously in need of someone with the strength and kindness that she had.

I watched intently as she raised her fingers to her mouth nervously once we were alone before she walked through the door that led to the onsen. I would wait outside until she called, then go in and wash that glorious hair of hers.

I probably shouldn't be so familiar with her, it wasn't done. But I couldn't resist wanting to get closer and as she never pushed me away I kept taking liberties such as holding her hand and staying in the room while she dressed herself.

I wanted nothing more than to pull her in my arms and kiss her fucking silly, but she wasn't for me.

"Gabe," Victor called, coming up to me. "Blackbourne-san wants to know what was decided about the rooms."

I ran my fingers through my hair, messing up the locks "Sang will stay in what used to be Marie's rooms, the other two are for Blackbourne-san, Sean-san, Kota-kun and you."

He smiled at me, clearly happy with being able to sleep so close to the little trouble-maker. I couldn't blame him, I wanted that room too but I knew it wasn't for me.

"I will go report to him. Is Sang-sama's clothing ready?" he asked, still with a smile.

"Of fucking course her clothes are ready." I said, shooting him a glare.

He just chuckled a bit before turning around and walking back the way he'd come from.

"All done!" Came a shy and sweet voice from the other side of the door.

Walking quickly I approached where Sang was sitting, still immersed at the onsen with a yukata over her naked form.

Trying not to think about the naked part I kneeled behind her back and grabbed the bottle of shampoo, squishing a little on my hand before I began to massage her hair and head with it.

Immediately her shoulders dropped and I could tell the tension was leaving her body.

She was finally relaxing and I felt a big smile splitting my face.

I was so glad that I could do this for her. I had some use other than what I had been trained my whole life to do.

If she let me I would wash her hair for her every day, I'd make sure she was always properly dressed for all the different events she'd have to attend as a clan head and I would stand at her back keeping her safe from any enemy as she had for me and Victor a few days ago.

"Huummm" She hummed under her breath when I began massaging her neck a bit. "You do that too well, Gabriel-san."

I chuckled lightly. "Not really, Trouble. I have no fucking experience on this stuff," I said while I felt my face warming "Tell me if I am doing this wrong or hurting you."

"Huummm" She hummed again and I felt the warmth from my face spreading to the rest of my body. I forced myself to think about other things, numbers, frogs, my brothers, spiders. Yup. The spiders did it.

I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought of those fucking horrible creatures from hell.

Once I was done washing her hair I stepped out again and waited until she came out, dressed in another yukata.

We walked in silence to her new room and I turned my back while she got dressed.

After that I dried and styled her hair and declared she was ready to take her place.

She looked up at me with panic in her beautiful eyes and I felt my heart tighten painfully.

She was so beautiful and so amazing, but she didn't know that. Not yet.

Maybe showing her was another thing I could do for her. I took her hand and made her stand in front of a mirror, myself behind her, and took hold of her shoulders.

She didn't look at herself, but at my reflection on the mirror.

"Do you know what I see when I look at you, Trouble?" I asked near her ear and felt her shudder lightly.

My heart began to pound and I had to concentrate to not get distracted, I was about to open my heart to her and her proximity only made me feel more vulnerable.

She shook her head mutely, her green eyes large in her pale face.

"I see the most beautiful girl to ever walk this earth." She blushed and her eyes left me for a moment to look at herself in disbelief.

"She has incredible green eyes that shown how big a heart she possesses and my own heart beats faster for her." Her eyes widened impossibly and she froze, "She has more courage and strength in her little finger than most men do in their whole bodies and she is very smart, too smart for me." She hadn't been breathing before, but now the breath left her lungs in a rush and she spun around to face me.

Her face was so red that even her ears were tinted and I smiled at her. She was too beautiful and I knew that I would need to repeat these words a few times a day until she believed them.

She opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to get words out without any success. There was a look of denial in her eyes but I didn't know what she was denying, my words, my feelings or the fact I wasn't worthy of her.

All I knew was that I had stopped breathing while awaiting for her reply and that with as long as she was taking, well... This girl was going to be my fucking death.

Since kissing her wasn't an option I did the next best thing, I pulled her into my chest and hugged her tight to me, breathing in her scent, loving the feel of her body against mine, her face tucked into the crook of my neck, her hands at my back.

We stood like that for a little while and I wished for time to stand still.

The knock at the door broke our bubble and I let her go.

It was time.

Duty sucked.

......

Silas' POV:

A few of my brothers and I stood among the crowds and kept watch during the ceremony.

Blackbourne-san and Kota-san were up at the shrine with Sang-chan, keeping her safe.

Sean-san was at the steps close to her but still far enough that he wouldn't get hurt if there was trouble. They couldn't risk their only trusted doctor, after all. Much to his dismay.

Sean-san had protested vehemently being so far away from "his Pookie", but once Sang-chan butted in and made it an order he had to stand down. So now he was pouting.

As I looked at the people around me I saw happy smiles and relieved expressions.

According to Luke and Kota, who had approached a few of the villager earlier in the day seeking information, Sang-chan was well known by them all, having often put herself between the villagers and their former mistress.

They admired and respected her and even when she was only a servant they had often sought her out to help them instead of the clan's head.

What worried me were the guards and a few of the families that lived closer to the main house.

Those people had been friends of the Sorensons and benefited from their cruelty toward the poor and weak.

The guards had mostly been loyal to Ronald, according to Sang and she didn't know which ones they could trust.

That meant they would all stay in high alert until Sang was safe and all threats were removed.

A cheer rose up all around me and I looked up at the shrine to see a smiling Sang bowing for her people, Kota and Blackbourne at each side of her, a step behind.

North, Nathan and I moved to create a passage for her, we needed to get back to the house as the sun was already setting and none of them wanted her out after dark.

The people shouted praises and congratulations behind us all the way to the front gate. The doors opened immediately this time and upon entering we were met with a corridor made of servants and guards standing side by side, all bowing to their new mistress.

A few of the women looked up at her and smiled happily. The men remained stoic but respectful.

Sang walked on with Blackbourne and Kota still at her side.

Those two hadn't moved away from her since we'd left the house that afternoon.

Sean-san and I followed close behind, my other brothers behind us.

Once we'd gone inside and up to the second floor where we would be living all ten of us relaxed.

Sang-chan let out an audible sigh and slumped slightly. Kota was about to reach for her when I stepped in and took her in my arms, pulling her to my chest while my arms supported her slight weight from under her but.

She squealed a little before settling against me. Her head was now higher than mine and she rested her tiny hands on my shoulders while looking down curiously at me.

I smiled at her "Time for bed, Aggele mou."

My brothers started to protest but I ignored them and walked over to her room, Luke having hurried ahead to open the door for us.

He gave Aggele a smile and said a soft "sweet dreams, Cupcake" before turning back and heading to his own room.

Stepping inside the room I put little Aggele down by the bed and pulled down the comforter, motioning for her to lie down so I could tuck her in.

She did as I asked silently, her cheeks flushing a beautiful rosy color even while her eyes were still a dull and tired green.

From the corridor came the sounds of my brothers moving around and heading to their own rooms as Blackbourne-san gave a few, last minute, orders to them.

Once she was covered I leaned down and kissed her brown, "You were perfect today, Aggele mou. Rest now, tomorrow is a new day. Dream of me." I added with a wink to her which caused her to giggle and blush a little more.

I smiled and left the room, closing the door behind myself.

Looking up I met with Blackbourne-san's steel grey eyes. They were studying me with a knowing expression and I didn't bother trying to hide my feelings.

He would know either way, he always knew everything.

"She is not for us, you know, Korba-kun." He said severely.

I nodded at him, knowing he was right. "I know. I am just unsure if I care."

He paused, fixing his glasses before sighing rather resignedly.

"I guess it will be her decision, then." He said and I nodded once again.

Whatever my Aggele wanted, she'd have.