By early afternoon, I had completely signed away half the fortress's budget, approved the new gates, and successfully avoided looking Quartermaster Koji in the eye.
But there was a glaring problem.
"I have to pee," I announced.
Akira, who was still using me as a lap-desk in the middle of the courtyard, didn't even blink. He just casually closed the heavy leather ledger I was resting my hands on.
"I will carry you to the washroom," he stated, completely deadpan.
"No, you absolutely will not!" I shrieked, swatting his arm. "I am a grown woman! I can walk to the privy by myself! Let me up!"
Akira let out a long, reluctant sigh. He unwrapped his heavy black cloak from my shoulders and lifted his arm, granting me my freedom.
I triumphantly slid off his lap, my boots hitting the stone flagstones. I took one confident, independent step forward.
