:To The Golden Chrysanthemums: Subject Line: Return of the Rose

[Blackstarr]

--Incoming Transmission--
-Sector: Omicron Alpha: Coordinates Masked-
-ID Code: Keiko Matsumado-

Konnichiwa Sisters. My name is Keiko Matsumado. Some of you may remember me as the Black Rose, or may remember me as the old leader of a Chrysanthemum Group. Some of you may not know me at all. Some of you who do know me may label me as a deserter. I left 3 years ago without saying a word to a select few in the sisterhood. I come back now to explain myself so that I may be welcome back without most of you wanting to kill me.

I am the Daughter of a Cardamine Plantation owner and a Chrysanthemum. Both my father and my mother were killed by Corsairs. My father by assassination and my mother during a fruitless attempt to avenge her dead husband. I was left alone in this universe with just my brother left as family. 3 years ago my brother fell ill. I left the Chrysanthemums to care for him. I was so distraught that I only told my closest advisors. He died in my arms. As the sole heir to the plantation I couldn't just leave Malta. That is where I have been for the last 3 years. Rebuilding the family company. I now feel comfortable enough of my managers that I can leave the plantation in their hands. I wish to return to Kusari. I miss the Chrysanthemum life. So I ask of you that you don't kill me upon my return. I understand my departure was sudden and may have caused unforeseen consequences for the sisterhood. For that I am sorry. I hope all will be forgiven.

Yours, Keiko Matsumado

--End Transmission--

[Emperor Tekagi]

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Konbanwa, Matsumado-san. Otegami arigatō gozaimashita.

Before we start, let me introduce myself, I am Aimi Amaia, an adviser of the Empress. There are only some stories left being told about the one named Black Rose. Old stories which many forgot about already. It is no matter how long it took you to return, it is a good sign that you wish to do so. Hopefully the few who know you more closely and perhaps were worried about you, can finally get rid of their worries.
Your absence didn't cause any direct harm to the Sisters, do not worry about this. We overcame the odds of the years followed by your absence, a new group of Sisters grabbed for power and destroyed themselves over time. Nowadays we are back to our old ways, ways you surely remember very well.
We will let our Sisters know about your return, it is doubtful that any of them will be truly angry with you but rather welcome you back warmly.

If you have any questions regarding the past years, do not hesitate to ask me. Perhaps we will meet each other at Ainu or elsewhere soon, who knows.


Until then, take care on your way back to us, Sister.

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