Chapter Eighty-Two: Fixing the Leaks:

The first place I had to start was with the source. I called up Yayoi while I was in my office.

“Hello?” she asked. I sat back in my chair.

“Yayoi, we need to talk. In person. Are you free right now?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said.

“Good, can you come by my office right now?” I asked.

“Okay,” she said. I took a breath.

“Good,” I said. “Can I see you in ten minutes?” I looked out the window from where I was sitting.

“Sure,” she said. I shut my eyes for a moment.

“Thank you, darling,” I said. I hung up the phone and looked down at my paperwork. I didn’t have much I was going to say to her. Judith wasn’t going to help me either. She wasn’t speaking to me. Even through that, she did her work. I had to admit that she had a strong work ethic when it came to the kingdom.

I was snapped out my thoughts when I heard a knock on the door.

“Oh! Come in!” I said. I stood up as the door opened. Yayoi poked her inside.

“You wanted to see me?” she asked.

“Ah yes,” I said. “Please. Take a seat.”

“Oh, you don’t have to be so formal with me, my lord,” she said. Yayoi walked in and sat down in front of me. Something about a cocky woman made me shiver. I think she knew that too. Yayoi didn’t take her eyes off of me as she sat down in the chair in front of my desk. I leaned forward.

“How far along are you?” I asked.

“About three weeks,” she said. I tried to do the math in my head. It sounded about right.

“Do you want to keep it?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said without blinking. Somehow, this didn’t surprise me. I couldn’t picture her being the mother type. I raised an eyebrow at her.

“Am I going to be in the picture?” I asked.

“That’s up to you,” Yayoi said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“What do you think it means?” she asked. I frowned at her words. Part of me didn’t want me to believe the rumors. I shook my head.

“Of course I am,” I said. “It’s my child, right?” Yayoi narrowed her eyes. The clicking of her tongue told me what I needed to know.

“Of course it is,” I said. “Of course.” Her mood changed to a calmer one.

“So… what happens now?” I asked.

“It’s up to you,” Yayoi said. She stood up and walked out of my office. I didn’t try to stop her. She did have a point. It was all up to me. I was going to do right by her. But first, I had to do right by Judith.

I reached over and picked up the phone.

“Hello?” Judith asked.

“Hey, can we talk?” I asked. There was a pause.

“About what?” she asked.

“I talked to Yayoi,” I said.

“And?”

“She’s three weeks along and she’s going to keep it. And I am going to be there.” I waited for a response.

“What do you want to talk to me about?” Judith asked.

“I just want to apologize,” I said, dropping my shoulders. “I’m sorry I was out line like that. You were just trying to help. Can we meet up and talk?” There was another pause on the line. I held my breath as I waited. She could hold a grudge, but she wouldn’t put her personal feelings over the kingdom. I think this qualifies for something for the kingdom.

“I do have about ten minutes,” she said. “Meet me in the cafeteria.” Judith hung up before I could say anything. I looked at the receiver. Okay then. I will have to see how this goes. We might be making some progress. Maybe…