Chapter 15 - Foreign Request

 

At the kitchen, Mitarashi joined Nia and Broly as they examined the photograph Arinsu had left behind.

"Using one's beauty—or worse, enhancing it—not for personal preference but to manipulate others and call it love... disgusts me," Mitarashi remarked as she studied Gryllo's photograph lying on the table.

"I know that tactic all too well, Miss Mitarashi," the princess replied, turning toward her.

"What do you mean?" Broly asked curiously.

"I am not the First Princess for nothing." Nia crossed her arms proudly before her expression turned serious. "I have fourteen younger siblings. My mother, the Empress, only gave birth to me and my older brother, Crown Prince Shiniya. Do you know why I have so many siblings?"

Broly slowly shook his head.

"It's because, in our culture, an emperor may have multiple wives and concubines. They can bear him many sons, each of whom could potentially become the next emperor." She paused before continuing. "Of course, the concubines adorn themselves with the finest clothes, bathe in milk and flowers, and do everything they can to attract my father. If they bear him a son, they gain influence. And if that son eventually ascends the throne, his mother becomes the Empress Dowager."

"Empress Dowager?" Broly tilted his head, hearing the title for the first time.

"The Empress Dowager is the most powerful woman in the imperial family," Nia explained. "She can influence—sometimes even manipulate—her son, the emperor, into carrying out her wishes."

"So... the concubines use their beauty as a way to become the most powerful women in the empire?" Broly asked to make sure he understood.

"Exactly, Fishfood." Nia nodded with satisfaction.

"There is a possibility Gryllo is just as calculating as your father's concubines," Mitarashi added thoughtfully. "We simply don't know yet. Right now, our priority is finding her."

She picked up the photograph.

"I'll make another copy of this and send it to my fellow Kai of Time. Perhaps one of them has already encountered her."

"Mitarashi. Stop."

A familiar voice cut through the room, causing her to freeze.

Goku Black approached them and gently—but firmly—took the photograph from her hands.

"The higher Kais must not learn about this," he said, his expression turning serious. "Most of the Glinds, including Arinsu, were abandoned in the Demon Realm to rot. If word spreads that we are assisting her and the Demon King, it would damage our standing."

"I wasn't aware they were forbidden from the Outside Realm, my lord," Mitarashi replied calmly.

"Now you are." Goku Black folded his arms. "We'll find this witch ourselves."

He looked directly at her.

"Think about it, Mitarashi. If Arinsu truly had the freedom to seek help openly, why didn't she ask the Omni-King himself? After all, the Omni-King is the son of Majin Rymus, who originated from the Demon Realm."

Mitarashi lowered her head.

"You are wise, my lord. I apologize for my recklessness."

"So... how do we begin?" Nia asked, looking toward the Destroyer.

"Bring me a scroll, a brush, and some ink. I need to write something."

"At once, my lord."

Without hesitation, Nia hurried to her room and returned carrying a lacquered box filled with writing supplies. She carefully arranged everything on the table before him.

She unrolled a fresh scroll while placing five calligraphy brushes of varying sizes beside an ink stone and an ink stick.

Mitarashi poured a few drops of water onto the ink stone and gently ground the ink stick against it. Slowly, the clear water darkened into rich black ink.

"What is your plan, my lord?" she whispered while continuing to grind the ink beside him.

"You'll see soon enough."

Goku Black selected one of the finer brushes and dipped it into the freshly prepared ink.

The room fell silent except for the soft scratching of the brush across the parchment.

After several moments, he finished writing the letter in the Celestial language. He allowed the ink to dry, carefully rolled the scroll shut, and handed it to the patiently waiting princess.

"Nia," he said, "take this to Planet Kartero. Make a public announcement using this letter, and bring Broly with you."

"Your will be done, my lord."

The princess accepted the scroll with both hands and bowed respectfully.

"Now go."

Without another word, Nia and Broly hurried outside. They stepped onto the teleportation platform beside the house, and in a flash of light, departed for Planet Kartero.

Goku Black rose from his throne and watched Nia and Broly depart through the living room window.

"Planet Kartero's people serve as the messengers of the Eastern Cluster," Mitarashi remarked with a smile. "It was wise of you to make use of their loyalty under these circumstances."

"It makes my work easier," Goku Black replied without turning to face her.

"I've noticed something, my lord," she continued. "You always have Broly accompany Nia."

He finally turned and walked back toward his throne.

"Nia can handle herself just fine," he explained as he sat down. "But she needs someone large and intimidating beside her. She could defeat Broly in a fight without much effort, yet there are times when she needs someone to do the heavy lifting—especially when mortals fail to recognize her as one of my Claws."

He accepted the cup of tea Mitarashi offered.

"I promised her father that she'd become a cook, not a warrior."

He paused before taking a sip, a faint smirk forming on his lips.

"Nia doesn't need a bodyguard to protect her. The mortals need a bodyguard to protect themselves from her."

He let out a quiet chuckle before drinking his tea.

"My lord..." Mitarashi spoke with concern. "If we do find Gryllo, and she has already consumed the beauty spell... what will we do?"

Goku Black lowered his cup onto the side table.

"There is nothing we can do about the spell itself," he answered calmly. "Our objective is simply to capture her and return her to those searching for her."

He leaned back against his throne, adjusting the golden bracer around his wrist.

Mitarashi nodded, though she felt her concern remained unanswered. If Gryllo's beauty truly possessed the power Arinsu described, she feared even Goku Black might become vulnerable to its influence.

After a brief silence, she spoke again.

"I remember the last Majin who came to the Outside Realm eventually met his end because of Son Goku."

Goku Black looked at her with mild confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"There was once a wizard named Babidi," Mitarashi explained. "He sought to gather energy from powerful mortals to awaken Majin Buu. Unfortunately for him, the strongest sources of energy happened to be the Saiyans of Earth... and one of them was Son Goku."

A smirk tugged at Goku Black's lips.

"Earth truly is an interesting place. A Majin came seeking power there... only to be destroyed by the very strength he wished to exploit."

"But would you ever return to Earth, my lord?" Mitarashi asked.

"To destroy it as I once intended?" He shook his head. "No."

He looked toward the distant horizon.

"But to study its peculiar mortals... perhaps."

A gentle smile appeared on Mitarashi's face.

"This promotion has changed you, my lord."

"For over three years I've sat upon this throne," he said thoughtfully. "Three years of deciding which worlds deserve destruction and which deserve another chance."

He picked up a small green fruit from the side table and took a bite.

"I've been learning as well."

"It brings me joy to see how much you've changed since I first began serving you," Mitarashi said warmly.

She replaced the used tea leaves with fresh ones using a pair of wooden tongs.

"You once believed in your philosophy so completely that it made you impulsive at best... and destructive at worst."

She poured hot water into the teacup.

The fragrant aroma rose with the steam, filling the room. She placed the lid over the cup, allowed it to steep for a moment, then presented it to her master.

Goku Black accepted it gratefully.

He lifted the lid, inhaled the pleasant scent, then looked at her through the veil of rising steam.

"You know what hasn't changed?"

Mitarashi tilted her head.

"The way you serve me."

His gaze remained fixed on her.

"You hold a position equal to—perhaps even greater than—mine as a Kai of Time. Yet despite that, you've chosen to devote yourself entirely to serving me."

His eyes narrowed.

"Your consistency bothers me."

"I don't understand, my lord." She blinked in confusion. "How does my consistency trouble you? Is there something you would like me to improve?"

"Take a break once in a while!" he snapped.

"You work yourself to exhaustion serving me."

She answered as calmly as ever.

"Doing nothing is far more exhausting for me, my lord."

She smiled gently.

"What purpose would I have here if I could not serve you? Besides... I genuinely enjoy every task you entrust to me."

He frowned.

"What motivates you?"

He set the teacup back onto the table.

"Why do you take care of me as though I'm a child half the time?"

His voice sharpened.

"Does treating me like that satisfy you?"

In irritation, he flicked the porcelain lid toward her.

Without the slightest panic, Mitarashi caught it cleanly in one hand.

She simply smiled.

Carefully placing the lid back onto the teacup, she stepped back before answering.

"My sisters and I spent countless ages observing the multiverse," she began. "Throughout those years, I watched mortals care for one another. Families. Friends. Strangers. Lovers."

Her voice softened.

"I often wondered what it would feel like to devote oneself to another person."

She folded her hands neatly before her.

"One day, Lady Chronoa asked me to observe your operations alongside Supreme Kai Zamasu. At that time, the Omni-King intended to erase both of you."

Goku Black listened silently.

"But the Grand Priest convinced His Majesty that both of you were better suited to become Destroyer Gods, because your ideals aligned more closely with destruction than creation."

She smiled faintly.

"However, the Grand Priest was unwilling to risk assigning one of his daughters to guide you."

"So he asked me instead."

"I volunteered."

Goku Black remained quiet.

"I wished to experience what I had spent millennia observing."

She looked directly into his eyes.

"To care for someone."

"To serve someone."

"And through serving you, I was finally able to understand those feelings."

The Destroyer found his irritation fading beneath the calm sincerity of her words.

"So..." he murmured.

"You've been doing all of this simply because you wanted to know what it feels like to dedicate yourself to another person?"

"Precisely, my lord."

She gave a small nod.

He stared at her for several seconds.

"...But have you ever experienced being the one who is cared for?"

"I have Assistant Kais who once attended to my needs," Mitarashi replied. "Though, to be honest... I found it rather stifling."

Goku Black sighed.

"Now you understand why your constant care bothers me."

He rested one elbow against the armrest.

"You're slowly taking away my ability to do things for myself."

He raised a hand before she could misunderstand.

"Don't mistake my meaning."

"I'm not saying you're overbearing."

His voice became gentler.

"I simply want you to have time for yourself."

He gestured toward the windows overlooking the gardens.

"Drink tea."

"Enjoy this planet."

"Read a book."

"Take a walk."

"Do something that isn't following me wherever I go."

He looked at her earnestly.

"Don't forget..."

"You're going to be here with me... forever."

Mitarashi remained silent for a moment before smiling.

"What arrangement would you prefer, then, my lord?"

He rubbed his forehead.

"...Just read the room."

"I understand, my lord."

She bowed lightly.

To his surprise, she accepted his request immediately.

As she stepped away, something stirred inside him.

She understood him so effortlessly.

She knew when he was angry, when he was anxious, when he was lonely, when he needed space, and when he needed comfort.

Yet...

He realized he knew almost nothing about her.

Despite the three years they had spent together...

Despite seeing her every single day...

He had been so consumed by his own burdens that he had never truly stopped to ask who Mitarashi was beyond the role she played in his life.

He slowly lifted the lid from his teacup once more.

The tea leaves had settled quietly at the bottom.

In the dark surface of the tea, he saw his own reflection staring back at him.

For the first time in years...

His heart felt unexpectedly heavy.

A few hours later, Nia opened the front door, followed closely by Broly. They found the Destroyer God taking a short nap on the sofa in the living room. Though his eyes remained closed, he had already sensed their arrival.

Nia knelt before him, with Broly following suit.

"My lord, we have successfully carried out your will," she reported.

"And what happened after they heard my divine decree?" Goku Black asked as he slowly opened his eyes, his voice still rough from sleep.

"As you requested, I brought one hundred messengers from Planet Kartero. They are all waiting outside for your divine command," Nia replied calmly.

"Good."

He rose from the sofa and walked past the two kneeling attendants.

"You both deserve a well-earned rest for your efforts. I will handle the rest from here."

"Thank you for your consideration, my lord," Nia said, bowing deeply. Broly followed with a respectful bow of his own.

With Mitarashi quietly following behind him, Goku Black stepped outside to meet the hundred messengers from Planet Kartero.

Before him stood a hundred slender, dark-skinned beings, each wearing a satchel over one shoulder and a broad hat woven from dried leaves. Quiet murmurs spread among them as they awaited the Destroyer God's instructions.

Mitarashi stepped forward and clapped her hands sharply.

The sound echoed across the courtyard, sending a faint shockwave through the air. Instantly, every messenger fell silent and turned their full attention toward their god.

Goku Black stepped forward with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Welcome to my planet, Karterians."

His voice carried effortlessly across the gathering.

"I am grateful that all one hundred of you answered my summons without hesitation and arrived with remarkable speed."

One of the commanders stepped forward and bowed.

"King Maylo personally summoned us the moment your request reached Planet Kartero, my lord. We now stand ready to fulfill whatever task you entrust to us."

"Excellent."

Goku Black nodded.

"Then I shall not waste your time."

"I have gathered you here because I require your services for a matter of great urgency."

Mitarashi produced a copy of Gryllo's portrait and handed it to him.

Goku Black held the photograph high for everyone to see.

"Make copies of this portrait and deliver one to every king, emperor, president, governor, chieftain, and planetary ruler throughout the Tenth Universe."

He paused to ensure every messenger was listening.

"Inform them that if this woman, known as Gryllo, is sighted on their world, they are to report her whereabouts to me immediately."

His eyes narrowed.

"The first world to provide credible information leading to her capture shall be permanently spared from destruction."

A wave of astonishment rippled through the assembled messengers before they bowed in unison.

"Your will is our command, my lord!"

Goku Black handed the portrait to the commander standing before him.

"One more thing," Mitarashi added, stepping forward.

"If Gryllo attempts to use her enhanced beauty to seduce or manipulate kings, rulers, or other influential leaders, she must be captured immediately. Do not allow yourselves to fall under her influence."

"Yes, ma'am!" the commander replied without hesitation.

With the orders given, the hundred messengers bowed once more before dispersing in every direction, disappearing into streaks of light as they set off to deliver the Destroyer God's decree across the Tenth Universe.

Returning inside, Goku Black found the princess simmering strips of kelp in a pot to prepare the soup base, while Broly carefully measured spices into the fragrant broth.

"How did you convince the mortals to gather so quickly?" Goku Black asked as he took his seat at the head of the table.

Nia shrugged casually.

"Apparently, bringing a giant hunk of Fishfood with me did the trick."

Broly scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"They all seemed frightened the moment they saw me following the princess," he admitted in his usual gentle tone.

A faint smile appeared on Mitarashi's face.

"It seems your plan worked, my lord," she whispered.

Goku Black rested an elbow on the wooden table.

"I'm glad it did," he replied. "Now, all that's left for us to do is wait for Gryllo to be found."

The fragrant aroma of the kelp broth drifted through the house as a comfortable silence settled over the room. For the first time that day, there was nothing left to do but wait for news from every corner of the Tenth Universe.

By evening, Goku Black lay awake in bed, unable to sleep. With a quiet sigh, he rose and made his way to the kitchen. There, he found Nia seated at the table, scribbling new recipes into a notebook. Silently, he pulled out a chair and sat beside her.

"My Lord, would you like a glass of water?" she asked gently, sliding her notebook aside.

"I don't need one. It's just..." He hesitated, staring straight ahead. "I need to ask you something."

"Anything, My Lord," Nia replied reassuringly.

"I want the second-floor balcony to be turned into a tea room," he began. "A place where the four of us can relax, drink tea, and talk."

He paused before adding quietly, "And... I want it built according to Mitarashi's vision. Her tastes."

"What would you like me to do?" the princess asked, tilting her head.

"I want you to return to your planet and hire the finest carpenters and craftsmen you can find. Have them build it."

Nia blinked. "I can ask Hua-ama for that. He'll gladly send our best artisans. When's the deadline?"

"As soon as possible." His voice softened. "I want it to be a gift... for Mitarashi."

The princess stared at him, visibly surprised.

"You're giving the tea room... to Miss Mitarashi?"

"Who else?" he replied, sounding slightly irritated. "Her work goes unnoticed. She serves everyone without asking for anything in return. This is... a token of appreciation. Something beyond simply giving her a bedroom."

He folded his arms.

"You have the entire kitchen to yourself. Broly has the gardens and the grounds. Mitarashi has nothing she can truly call her own."

Nia rested her chin on her hand, a knowing smile slowly spreading across her face.

"So... you want me to ask Miss Mitarashi what kind of tea room she'd like, without telling her it's actually for her?"

"Exactly."

The princess chuckled.

"My Lord, if you're giving someone a gift, you should leave a part of yourself in it. Otherwise, it'll just feel like someone else's project."

"I already have my own plans, Nia. Stop overthinking it," Goku Black groaned.

"Alright then." She grinned. "I'm with you on this."

"Tomorrow morning, return to your planet and hire the best craftsmen and carpenters. Have construction begin immediately."

"It will be done, My Lord." She bowed, barely containing her excitement.

As Goku Black stood to leave, Nia watched him with a sly smile.

He really has no idea...

To him, it was merely a gesture of gratitude.

To everyone else, it looked suspiciously like a man building the perfect place to spend quiet afternoons with the woman he was hopelessly falling for.

The next morning, the princess prepared to leave for her home planet. As she gathered several empty baskets and bags, she instructed Broly to carry the containers for her. Just as they were about to depart, Mitarashi approached her.

"Are you leaving for your planet?" she asked.

"Yes, Miss Mitarashi," the princess replied as she folded a mesh basket and tucked it into one of the baskets Broly was carrying. "I'm restocking our food supplies and taking care of a task Lord Black entrusted to me. Is there anything you'd like me to bring back?"

"What task?" Mitarashi asked, tilting her head.

"Oh, Lord Black asked me to hire artisans and carpenters to build a tea room on the second-floor balcony. He also asked me to have you design its layout so the craftsmen will have a proper plan to follow."

"Me? Designing the tea room...?" Mitarashi pointed at herself in confusion.

"He trusts your judgment when it comes to interior design," the princess said with a smile.

"If that is Lord Black's will, then I shall obey and do my best," Mitarashi replied softly.

"There are large sheets of parchment, ink, and brushes on the table in my room. Feel free to use them for your drawings."

"Thank you. Please take care during your journey," Mitarashi said with a warm smile.

"Gotta go!"

With that, the princess hurried out the door, Broly following closely behind.

Mitarashi then made her way to the princess's room. It was a smaller replica of the royal chambers back on Nyan-Qing. At the center stood a wide wooden table, neatly arranged with stacks of large parchment beneath a box containing ink and brushes.

She carefully pulled three sheets from the pile, gathered the writing materials, and carried everything to the second-floor balcony.

Without hesitation, she placed a smaller table at the center of the balcony, arranged her supplies, and began sketching from memory, drawing inspiration from the architecture and craftsmanship she had admired during her visit to Nyan-Qing.

She carefully planned the location of the main preparation counter, cabinets, drawers, sink, windows, sliding doors, and seating. Every few minutes she would stand, walk around the empty balcony, and imagine how the finished room would feel before returning to refine her drawings.

Outside, Goku Black noticed her pacing back and forth across the balcony.

Curious, he floated upward and landed lightly atop the balcony railing. His shadow fell over her work as she continued sketching.

"So... Nia told you," he said, crossing his arms as he looked down at her.

Mitarashi turned immediately and offered him a respectful standing bow.

"She did, my lord. You have entrusted me with this task, and I will ensure the design is worthy of your tastes."

"You don't have to design it according to what I want," he corrected as he stepped down from the railing onto the balcony floor. "I want it to reflect your own vision."

Mitarashi blinked in surprise.

"I see. Thank you for correcting me, my lord. Even so, I would still appreciate your counsel before the design is finalized."

She lowered her head respectfully once more.

Goku Black gave a small nod, keeping his arms folded.

"Suit yourself. You can discuss the details with the artisans once Nia brings them here."

Just then, a sudden gust of wind swept across the balcony.

The loose sheets of parchment were lifted from the table.

Mitarashi reacted instantly, reaching out to catch them.

At the same moment, Goku Black moved as well.

Instead of catching the papers, however, his hand closed gently around her wrist.

The parchment remained safely in Mitarashi's grasp.

For a brief moment, neither of them moved.

Realizing what he had done, Goku Black quickly released her hand.

"It would've been a waste if you hadn't caught them in time," he said, trying to sound composed despite the warmth creeping onto his cheeks.

Mitarashi simply smiled as she placed the drawings back onto the table.

"I could always draw them again if they were lost."

Her calm answer only made him feel even more flustered.