The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Shopkeeper

Chapter 177 - The Shopkeeper

*Wheels of the Country* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"Oh, fabric!" Kagome exclaimed. "Here is where you and I part ways. Don't spoil the children too much," she said to Sesshoumaru with a smirk.

The taiyoukai nodded. "I will be close."

"But not close enough to hear what we're saying."

Sesshoumaru fought down a sigh. He wasn't comfortable leaving her alone and out of earshot in a demon village, especially not one that had just heard his announcement of his intention to mate the miko. He was sure that some villagers would be against it. He only hoped that they were smart enough to behave themselves. "As you wish," he said, leaning down to press his lips to her forehead. “Call if you need me."

"Do you think I will?" Kagome asked in concern. "Sango's staying with me, and these are your people. Surely they wouldn't do something so stupid as to try and hurt me. Especially with you nearby."

"I do not foresee a problem, but take care anyway. I would hate to have to level this village to the ground. They have a very nice market"

"I will," she said with a giggle and a bright smile. "This shouldn't take long."

* Heavy Hand of Fate* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Sango and Kagome headed inside and browsed the available fabrics in silence. Once the miko was certain Sesshoumaru was out of earshot, she began to explain what she was having made and the kind of fabrics she needed for it, knowing that the woman manning the shop could hear her every word.

"Wow, this is beautiful," Sango said while running her finger along an intricately painted bolt of silk fabric.

"Could I be of your assistance?" the demoness asked in a clipped tone. "I overheard that you were looking for sheer fabrics. They are over here."

"Oh, thanks!" Kagome replied cheerily, heading over to where the woman indicated. "What color do you think, Sango? They're all so pretty."

The saleswoman stayed silent for as long as she could while the two human women chattered on and on about patterns and colors, biting her tongue. Finally, she could do so no longer. "So, is this how you managed to trick Lord Sesshoumaru into mating you? With seductive clothing? I was certain other women have tried such things in the past, so what is it about you, little girl?"

"Excuse me?" Kagome asked; shocked by what she just heard.

"I do believe I spoke clearly. Do you need me to repeat myself more slowly?"

"No, I heard you just fine. Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that?" The miko's mind was racing a mile a minute. What did she do? Did she call for Sesshoumaru to teach this woman a lesson? No, that would only make her appear weak. She had to deal with this herself.

Kagome dropped the several bolts of fabric she had been holding back to the table. "I think I will be making my purchases elsewhere, both this time and every other purchase made for the palace as well. Perhaps the loss of business will make you think before you speak in the future."

At that, the miko turned and walked out, a shocked Sango behind her. She knew her friend could be assertive, but she had never seen her so confident before. Meanwhile, the demoness was following behind them, begging the new Lady of the West to change her mind. Losing the business of the palace would bankrupt her. She never expected such a consequence for her comments, but perhaps she should have expected them from the woman Sesshoumaru had chosen.

*Waterfall of Death* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Kagome merely ignored the woman and kept walking towards where she sensed Sesshoumaru. Finally, she reached the end of her rope and whirled on the woman. "You should have thought about that before insulting me. I will never set foot in your store again, and you will earn no money from the palace. That's what you get for being nasty."

Sesshoumaru heard Kagome's angry voice and rushed to her side. "Is there a problem?" The demoness seemed to shrink before his eyes as she realized that her mistake was about to be compounded when the taiyoukai heard what she said to his mate-to-be.

"No, no problem. I've just decided to find my fabric elsewhere. The customer service left something to be desired."

Sesshoumaru raised a brow at his angel before focusing on the shopkeeper. She could see her death in his eyes, the blood pouring from her body when he severed her head, and she turned and rushed back to her shop. Sure, she would lose the business, but perhaps she could keep her life if she got away fast enough.

"What was that about?" he asked, leading Kagome away from everyone for a semi-private conversation.

“I was discussing fabrics with Sango, and she asked if I seduced you into mating me, commenting that other women had tried the same. So I told her I would be shopping elsewhere, for this and anything else for the palace." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I hope I didn't overstep my bounds. She was just so rude, and I wanted to hit her where it counts, in her income."

"You did very well,” Sesshoumaru assured her. He was proud of her for handling the situation herself, for being confident, and really stepping into her new position. "It is your right as Lady of the West to make any decisions you desire. I will take you to another village market where you can find your fabrics."

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru."

"Anything for you, my angel."