The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Education

Chapter 188 - The Education

*A Piece of Cake * (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"Where is your jacket?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"In my room, why?" Kagome replied.

"I thought perhaps you would like to join me for a walk in the gardens before the snow gets too deep." It had been snowing lightly all day, so walking would not yet be a problem. The taiyoukai could smell the blizzard approaching, and by morning the snow would be as deep as Rin was tall. He wanted her to see the beauty of her new home, even if it was coated in white at the moment. She could still see the various statues and fountains, and get the basic idea.

"That sounds nice," the miko said, smiling at her romantic soon-to-be mate. "What about the children?"

"Hana is seeing to them personally."

She nodded, and the couple began the walk to Kagome's chambers side by side. "You know, I've been thinking about your assistant, and I had an idea."

"Yes?" He was happy to hear any suggestion his angel had to give because, so far, he had made no real progress towards choosing someone to handle his day-to-day affairs. Kagome was a very good judge of character, and he trusted her opinion.

"Why not make Atsushi your assistant? He's dedicated, hard working, and seems very responsible."

Sesshoumaru was silent for a moment as he considered the possibility. Atsushi had been with him as his scribe for a very long time, and he had yet to be disappointed with the boy's work. Kagome had made his decision an easy one and ended his search. "That is an excellent idea. I am sure he could handle the workload, and his judgment can be trusted. He would know what is important enough to bring to my attention and what is not."

"Would it be difficult to find a new scribe?" Kagome asked out of curiosity.

*Men's Club* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"No. All the male children in the palace are educated. I would only need to select the top student, one who is competent and responsible."

Kagome scowled. "That's terrible, you know."

"What is?" Sesshoumaru asked, concerned that he had somehow upset her. He had no idea what he said to anger his angel, but he would do anything to take it back.

"That you only educate the boys. Girls deserve the same opportunities as boys. Who's to say that one of the female children wouldn't have been a better choice if they'd gotten to learn to read and write, too."

"The female children work with their mothers so that they can have a position at the palace when they come of age."

"Not good enough," Kagome grumbled. "I know it's different in this time, but in my time, girls and boys are both educated, and they both have the same opportunities. What if some little girl doesn't want to grow up to be a maid or a cook? What if she wanted to be a teacher or a scribe, or even your personal assistant? I know Rin takes classes. Why not the other girls?"

"If it is that important to you, I will send out word that any female child that wishes to can join the boys' classes."

Kagome smiled. "And you'll make sure the teachers treat them fairly so they get an equal education?"

"As you wish," he said while opening the door to her chambers for her. "There is no reason the girls cannot be educated. It simply has never been done before. Their mothers will probably be thrilled, but their fathers may question the point of doing so."

"You'll set them straight though, right? Tell them that girls can earn higher positions in the palace if they are educated? I would also prefer a nanny that can read and write. Then they could help the children with their lessons and read them bedtime stories."

*The Promise of the World* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"I will make sure that every child that desires an education gets one by explaining to the parents of the palace that it will give their children more opportunities within the palace. They will see my reasoning.  Female children shall no longer be held back."

Kagome smiled again as she changed her pants, Sesshoumaru watching her with interest; tiny blue panties peeking out at him from under her shirt as she moved. She pulled on her jacket, tugged on a hat, and then slipped into her gloves. Finally, she wiggled her way into her boots. When she was ready for the cold, the couple began the walk to the back entrance of the palace towards the gardens.

"I've got news that will make you happy," the miko said with a devious grin that made Sesshoumaru both nervous and aroused at the same time.

"Hn?"

"My surprise is almost done. I tried it on a little bit ago, and it fits perfectly. Amime did an amazing job."

"How long?" he purred, now even more aroused at the knowledge that the wait until their mating was almost over.

"It'll probably be done tomorrow. It's just the finishing touches now."

Sesshoumaru smirked. "Tomorrow it is then."

"Somebody's eager," the miko said with a giggle.

"Terribly so," he agreed. "I am looking forward to seeing what you found so important as to delay our mating."

Kagome stopped and turned to wrap her arms around his neck. She kissed his chin softly and looked up at him with seductive eyes. "You'll love it. I promise."