Time to set the tone

The days ran together and Ikigai learned and learned. The princess's mind was as thirsty as a desert flower and she watered it often. History, Kanji, diplomacy, music... the lessons never ended because the supply of information never ended. There was always someone willing to teach her. Someone willing to share their knowledge.

Along with her mind, Ikigai's frame was growing as well. The pudgy puppy had melted away and the pallid girl was growing long and lithe. Her slender body took on a naturally regal look and, accompanied by her perfect posture, Ikigai looked every bit the princess that she was. Despite her appearance, vanity was not a trait that one could pin to the girl. She was aware that she was beautiful because she'd been told as much many times, but Iki wished to make a name for herself with her dedication and her honor rather than her appearance.

Ever dutiful, when her mother summoned her, asking her to go along to meet one calling from the border, Ikigai wasted no time in following alongside the larger woman. In time, they came to their border where two big brutes stood. One was significantly younger than the other and the girl's silver eyes lighted upon him for a moment before she took her place to the side of her mother. As Venom introduced her, Iki dipped her own crown just as regally as her mother had; a mere bending of her long, graceful neck. A moment later her father appeared on her mother's opposite side. Though she was glad to see her father, now wasn't the time for affections. Instead, she dipped her head to her sire, silver pools closing momentarily in reverence as she gave the man the respect that he was due. Head raised once more, the young princess brought her full attention back to the visitors.

Okiku Ikigai Ōritsu Abraxas