Page 149 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Akira shrugged and nodded. “We’ll figure it out,” he promised.
Hooking a finger through a peach denim beltloop, Suuzu tugged him toward the door, moving past the moment. At least, Akira was pretty sure they’d been having a moment.
“Did you notice the fountain?”
“In the courtyard?” Akira matched Suuzu’s stride. “I saw it, but I didn’t study it or anything.”
“I believe it is Amaranthine in origin.”
“Yeah? How can you tell?”
“The subject matter.” Suuzu led the way out of the gallery, and they circled the fountain, peering up at the bronze figures. “Are you familiar with the story of Lord Beckonthrall?”
“Sure. They put on a play about him during the Dichotomy Day festivities this past June. He was the dragon who accidentally proposed to four ladies at once.”
“Four winds—north, south, east, and west.” Suuzu studied the statues. “Traditionally, they are associated with the seasons, but that is a literary contrivance.”
“So not every north wind brings a blizzard?”
“Correct.” Suuzu waved to the four figures. “These are the Changing Winds. As in Bethiel of the Changing Winds.”
“Different from Beckonthrall’s brides?”
“Entirely different.”
“Okay. Because I think this one is a male.”
“Yes. The sagas most often applaud the efforts of lusty males in pursuit of elusive females, but not every imp is a maiden. And not every connection made was romantic in nature.”
“Are these four from a story?”
“Bethiel is said to have found favor with four winds. Some say they aided him in his duties. Others suggest they caused him much inadvertent mischief, since winds can be fickle.”
“And this is them?” Akira didn’t see a plaque anywhere.
“I believe so. According to the legend, Bethiel was given the unenviable task of shepherding the winds through their courses. Many mishaps befell him, and along the way, he managed to tame a thunderstorm, a whirlwind, a summer breeze, and a typhoon. They became his companions.”
“They’re called the Changing Winds because he changed them?”
“Mmm.” Suuzu offered a small shrug. “Or because they brought change. As winds do.”
The museum director learned of their arrival, which led to a lengthy round of greetings and introductions for both Spokesperson Mettlebright and Spokesperson Farroost. Juuyu was able to avoid Trip Amory’s enthusiasm thanks to Magda’s quick thinking. She obscured his team’s presence with a casually tossed barrier.
Sinder eased to Juuyu’s side and asked, “What’s put you on edge?”
“Am I?”
“Are you seriously trying to deflect? After all these years with Hisoka, I’m basically immune.”
“Are you?” Juuyu had no idea what had inspired Twineshaft to entrust his secrets to someone who seemed incapable of keeping one.
Rolling his eyes, Sinder jostled into his side. It was a familiar demand. Juuyu looped his arm around the young dragon’s waist, encouraging him to lean in and triggering a sigil they regularly used to confer.
“I am blaming my recent pollination for being so slow on the uptake.” Sinder was definitely sulking. “I demand enlightenment. What did I miss?”
“Hmm. I am Fumiko’s choice.”
“Knew that ages ago.” Sinder prodded Juuyu’s ribs. “Did I mention I’m immune to deflection? I’m sure I did.”
