The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Quarters

Chapter 200 - The Quarters

*Impulse* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"The nannies chambers are the best in the palace," Hana said as she led Kagome through the halls.

"Better than yours?" Kagome asked in surprise. Surely the head servant rated better quarters than the regular servants did.

"Yes, My Lady," the youkai replied. "They stay in the family wing beside the children's rooms." Hana stopped in front of a door and opened it for the new Lady of the West to enter.

The miko stepped inside and smiled. "Two beds. That's good. If I hire Aiko and Aika, I want them to be comfortable. I see what you mean about the room being nice, but what are the regular servants' quarters like, then?" Kagome asked on impulse. She had a feeling, considering how Sesshoumaru's mother treated the servants, that they weren't very good.

Hana shook her head. She had a feeling the Lady would disapprove of the living conditions of the other servants. "They are... smaller," she replied hesitantly, unwilling to complain, even though she had a feeling things would soon be changing.

"Just smaller?" Kagome asked.

"No, we have a problem with heating at times. The rooms are drafty and rather dingy."

The miko frowned. "I want to see."

Hana simply nodded. "Are these quarters to your satisfaction or would you like changes?"

"This is fine. I think the girls will be happy with this. I know I would. Now, can you take me to see the others?”

"Of course, My Lady. Right this way."

- *Art of the Sword* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Sesshoumaru sat in his office with Aiko and Aika discussing the rules of the palace, and what their jobs would entail should they be hired. The two hanyou seemed to be happily soaking it all in, and he couldn't help but smile. They were perfect for the job, not only because they were kitsune, which was definitely a plus where Shippo was concerned, but they were young and energetic. He didn't doubt they would easily keep up with the kit and Rin. They were very upbeat for the lives they had lived up to this point, and he couldn't help but like their positive attitudes.

He also hadn't failed to notice Inuyasha's interested in the black-eared sister. His brother needed to find someone to love as he had. Then, perhaps, he would let go of Kagome a little more. He knew that the hanyou was still somewhat wary of their relationship and still felt it was his job to protect the miko, even though she was now officially his mate. He needed a distraction, and Sesshoumaru felt like Aika was it.

Under usual circumstances, he would not have approved of fraternizing with the servants, but his brother deserved to find the same happiness that he had. Not many humans or demons would socialize with the hanyou, but perhaps it would be easier for him since the girl was a hanyou, as well. Inuyasha wasn't the best with conversation; so he hoped that the daily interactions the two would have would be enough until he worked up the confidence to actually show his interest. Nannies ate with the family, so they would have plenty of opportunities to socialize.

"When Kagome and I are in the palace, she will most likely handle a great deal of the children's care, but when we are away, all responsibilities will fall to you. It is your job to keep them happy, healthy, and safe. How are your fighting skills? Can you handle a sword?"

Aika seemed to perk up even more at his question. "We can definitely handle ourselves," she said with her hand on the hilt of the sword she carried for protection. "We've been in many battles."

"I imagine so considering hanyou are not easily accepted by either humans or demons. You are confident that you can protect the children if under attack?"

"Of course," the black-eared hanyou replied, the arrogance in her tone reminding Sesshoumaru of Inuyasha. She sounded like she felt as though she had nothing to prove, and that she was an excellent fighter, just like his little brother. He would, of course, have to test them before entrusting his young's safety to them.

"You will be responsible for making sure they are fed, bathed, and that they go to sleep at a reasonable hour. You will supervise all of their activities, including lessons. You will also be welcome to participate in those lessons if you so desire. Kagome would prefer it if you learned how to read so that you can read to the children."

"You... We can learn how to read?" Aiko asked in shock.

"Indeed, you can. Now, about that land for your people..."

- *Farewell Worthless World* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Kagome was absolutely shocked at the servants' quarters, which were located under the palace. Not only were they small and cold, but they looked like little prison cells.They were so dank and dingy. It was obvious that the servants, themselves, had tried to spruce things up, but there was little they could do. Hana had shown her several before stopping at her own. "This won't do at all," she said with a frown. "How do you live like this?"

"We have no other choice, My Lady. The Western Palace is the best employer in Japan. Everyone desires to work here. We are fairly compensated, and so we deal with the living quarters as they are."

"This was Sesshoumaru's mother's doing, wasn't it?"

"Yes, My Lady. She refused to have repairs made for centuries. She felt they were unnecessary, which is how things got into this state." Hana replied, growing nervous as she sensed Kagome's growing anger. She hadn't meant to upset her. Really, their living conditions were fine. They made due with tattered bedding, and cracked and crumbling walls. Yes, the rooms were small, even the ones that entire families resided in, but it was better than nothing. Sure, some of the furniture was broken and falling apart, but things could certainly be worse for them.

"We're going to fix this, Hana," Kagome said with a smile. "First things first. Tell me, who is responsible for maintenance around here? We need to get the walls fixed so the heat stays in and the cold stays out."

"Are you certain, Lady Kagome? It will be a great deal of work."

"Work that needs to be done. And once this storm is over, you'll be coming with me to shop for fabric for new bedding. Is that bed broken?" she asked, noticing how the mattress was at an odd angle.

"Yes, one of the legs broke off long ago."

"Once the walls are fixed, any broken furniture needs to be repaired, as well. What can't be repaired will need to be replaced. Can you go around to all the servants and find out what in their room needs work? Make a list for me?"

Hana bowed low, smiling brightly in appreciation. When word got around about Lady Kagome's concern over their living quarters, she didn't doubt that the servants would fall in love with her. She was a million times better than the former Lady. She actually cared about them. Lord Sesshoumaru had made an excellent choice. Everyone would be overlooking her humanity in no time.