Magi: A Tale of a New Beginning

It had been five months ever since Azami started serving under the Kou Empire. Convincing Kouen was not a walk in the park considering that he was very thorough when it came to work and efficiency. However, it was well in the end.

She was also able to meet most of the princes and princesses of the kingdom. In fact, she was quite fond of Kougyoku, Hakuei and Hakuryuu. They were fun to be with, but one thing she always avoided was Hakuei's cooking. No offense, but it might as well become a poison for assassination.

'Azami, you still have a mission to fulfill.' Sitri reminded. Azami knew that she had been spending most of her time with them, and slowly abandoning her plan to escape. Her djinn's words were enough to pull her out of that reverie. It was sad to leave them, but Sitri was right, she had a destiny to fulfill. She was running from reality.

"You're right. What was I thinking?" She muttered. Later that afternoon, she went to serve Koumei snacks. It was also her chance to speak to him about her leaving.

"Prince Koumei, it's time to rest. Please have some chamomile tea and cookies." He looked up from his works and at the snacks she prepared. Putting his pen down, he went to sit in front of her and drink his tea. Koumei noticed her crestfallen look and asked.

"Is there something wrong, Azami?" The pinkette clutched her dress and blurted out the words she had to say.

"I have to go back to my friends, Koumei. They need my help somehow, I can feel it." She whispered. Koumei did not speak for a moment, not finding her words appealing. He crossed arms and told her that she will not have any permission unless Prince Kouen allowed her. Somehow, his tone had become cold and distant. Azami knew that they could be harsh, but after spending so much time with them, he could have pardoned her a little.

"I'll be back. It's just— I really don't know how to tell you this. Let's just say that like anybody else, I also have a destiny to fulfill. Do you get me, Koumei?" She was desperate. Koumei sighed and asked her whatever her destiny was. The only thing he managed to get out of her was that she had to help her friends not let the world fall into depravity. Only that because she, too, had no idea what she had to do.

The Crimson Prince held her hand and kissed her forehead. He felt the heavy burden she was carrying, and he, as much as he did not want to admit, want to help her. Azami was not fazed by it unlike her djinns who were cursing at the prince horribly.

'Stop touching her, stupid prince! She's mine!' Furcas complained loudly.

'Shut up will you!? I'm trying to sleep!' Sitri shouted as she tried to silence him.

'You shut up old hag! She's mine!' Furcas retorted. Sitri had enough and kick him hard on the groin. The djinn doubled over in pain, and Azami felt it knocking on her mind. She asked the two what happened, and Sitri told her not to worry about anything. The said conqueror shrugged her shoulders and went back to their conversation.

"That's a lot of paper." She commented.

"It is."

"Kouen is really starting to kill you." She said with a giggle while prince just smiled lightly. They both enjoyed their moment because the two knew that it was the last time they will enjoy each other's presence.

"Azami, you have to talk to My Brother and Lord if you really want to get out of Kou. That's the only thing I can advise you." He muttered. She nodded and left the room immediately to do her other chores.

That night, Azami stared at her window before grabbing the letters she made and carefully folded them. If she talked to Kouen, there will only be a dispute between them. It would be better if she leaves without a word. With one last look, she jumped down the castle and called for her djinn.