Kajai wasn't sure 'how' and 'when' he had made it to the couch, and sat between the sisters, all three of them with cups of tea--but he wouldn't be surprised if magic was involved. The only things that made him privy to his current surroundings were the returning scents of lavender and vanilla. As it turned out, both sisters had an issue with personal space. His mind swam and he struggled to pay attention. When was the last time someone had sat this close? He recalled his last excursion off the island-- a trip to the heart of Tokyo, and the several trains he had boarded to reach his destination. During rush hour, Kajai had found himself pressed between the sweating bodies of salarymen. While his current predicament reminded him of that, he supposed this was more intimate. He sipped his tea in an effort to calm his thoughts.

With Kajai unwilling to check the television, the rain outside and the stereo created the ambiance. While wary of what further mischief Griselda could cause, Himiko decided to confide in her sister. She brought Griselda up to speed on their current 'arrangement'.

Griselda was highly entertained. "And to think I missed it all! Such a fun turn of events." She elbowed Kajai in the ribs. "And you were so bold! The whole thing is so romantic and comedic. I can't wait until Mother finds out."

"I'd rather she didn't." Himiko sighed, her shoulders drooping. "I was hoping to have this all fixed before she...Wait! If the letter was delivered to you, then why didn't she see it?"

Griselda produced the parchment in question. "Luckily for you, she was out of town, and Father is busy with work."

"Doesn't your father work with the scribes or something? They monitor magic right?" Kajai chimed in, as his cup was devoid of tea. "Shouldn't he know by now?"

Griselda shrugged. "It's possible. However, it's also possible that we can fix it before he returns home."

A thought struck Kajai and he spoke out loud. "So you guys are going home..."

Himiko narrowed her eyes at him. "You're coming too."

"Ara?" He blurted, blinking.

"You're the one who wrote in the book." Himiko looked at him as if she were scolding a child. "So you have to help fix it."

"It's not such a bad thing, you know," Griselda said as she conjured tiny clouds above her teacup. "If you want the engagement to go away, you just have to get married."

Kajai blinked.

Himiko grew pale. "Tha-Tha-That's out of the question! I can't marry some weird stranger I just met!"

Kajai was quiet and reached for his empty cup again. 'I'm right here.' He thought.

Griselda sighed. "Don't be so boring sister, look at the big picture! If you marry a mortal you can spend all the time you want here. You won't have to live with Mother any more. You could even start your little party house..."

"Guild." Himiko corrected. "I don't want my own, I want to rescue father's place. And that's unrelated!"

Kajai continued to stare at his empty cup, wondering if he could become part of the couch cushions.

"I'm just saying you should weigh your options."

"Absolutely not!" Himiko snapped, raising her voice.

Kajai wondered if he could evaporate right then and there.

Griselda winced. "That's a bit harsh, darling. Your betrothed is right here."

"Ah no." Kajai stared at the ceiling, his voice monotone. "Don't mind me. Go on."

"...." Himiko decided to choose her next set of words more carefully. She put a hand on Kajai's knee. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say it like that. But you understand, don't you?"

Kajai nodded slowly. "Ah yes, I understand." He stood, his voice still monotone. "If you'll excuse me..."