Page 125 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“We can rescue my dad?”
“There are too many uncertainties for me to make promises, but I will do my best.” Argent grimly added, “There is also a chance that we will finally stop the Rogue.”
“He’s part of this?”
Argent sighed. “I am not sure. But Hisoka is, and that is … promising.”
Akira tried to think clearly.
Boon was in a difficult position? That was hard to imagine. Then again, Merit was here, and he was Boon’s best friend. Akira glanced to where the Starmark dog stood with Moon. Both had to have heard Argent’s words, because both had eased into pleading postures.
“Me, though?” he asked. “How come you think I can do anything?”
“There are a handful of small reasons, hardly worth mentioning,” hedged Argent. “However, three things make you ideal for what lies ahead. First, you are an unendowed human … and therefore beneath notice.”
Hardly flattering. Or rare.
“Second, I trust you to do everything you can, even if the only ones who will thank you are Kyrie, Tsumiko, and myself.”
Akira’s irritation faded. “The dragon-crossers?”
Argent nodded. “They may need an advocate until I can bring them under my protection. Speak on their behalf. As their uncle.”
“Oh.” Akira knew Argent was good at getting what he wanted. On the international stage, he had his share of detractors. Words were bandied about: strategic, manipulative, cunning. Sure, Argent was cornering him, and whatever was about to happen was going to make Suuzu unhappy. But Argent was asking nicely. For him.
Akira knew he was going to hear Argent out.
And then he was going to do whatever Argent asked.
But not until everything was in the open.
“You trust me, and I’m not a reaver,” Akira said. “What’s the third thing that makes me ideal?”
Before Argent could answer, Jacques sidled into their embrace, looking injured. “Really, my lord. Are you trying to break hearts? Here, I thought I was special!”
“Tsk. I was not finished.”
“Mon dieu. You had him at uncle.” Jacques slid an arm around Akira’s shoulders and said, “Don’t drag this out. Tell him the other reason we’re perfect for the job.”
Argent looked annoyed, but his swaying tails looped around Jacques, wordlessly including him in … whatever this was.
“Nobody will expect unendowed humans to be immune to a dragon’s sway.” Argent studied their faces and quietly added, “You may be the only ones, which makes you rarer than remnants.”
Jacques happily said, “We’re in the same boat, my dear nephew, which I promise will be divine. I haven’t been on a cruise in ages!”
“I am not sending you on holiday,” muttered Argent.
“Yet I aim to be convincing!” Jacques held up a finger and quietly said, “My turn.”
Argent’s eyes flashed, but his tails swept back and away, and he bowed. Then vanished.
Jacques rolled his eyes. “Poor old sot. This is harder on him than anyone.”
“Tell that to Suuzu.”
“Oh, I will.” Jacques patted Akira’s cheek. “Argent had the easy job—convincing you. It is my unenviable duty to bring Suuzu around to our way of thinking.”
“So … when they send me to wherever Boon is, you’re going with me?”
