Noriaki gave the princess a pat on the head and a smile, a genuine smile, at the acceptance of her being allowed to leave, to turn her back on the protection in order to carve her own path, to become the best poet, and the best warrior, her muse at her side. And, as if on cue, the woman that was hre muse appeared, carrying Noriaki's blades as well, without even asking. Noriaki turned as she heard the familiar call of Starlight, and she beamed, like a proud parent. 

"And here she is now, my muse, my precious Ariiko. It was she who shared her self with me, it was she who woke up in my arm, and it is we who will be travelling together, and spending more sleepless nights for years to come. Take a good look, everyone, for this might well be the final time you see myself or my muse."

And then things got worse.

Ariiko dropped, literally dropped, Noriaki's swords to the ground and scooped the princess in her hands, leaving Noriaki wide eyed and confused. What was going on here? Was she, Noriaki that is, the victim of a classic Noriaki move? The bait and switch? Promising eternities and then switching when someone else came along? Is that what it felt like? 

"Ariiko, pay no mind, my muse, pay no mind to this girl or her followers. Do you not remember our promise? Our agreement? We are to travel together, now let us go, we have the blessing of the maiden here,"

Noriaki bent down to pick up her blades, affixing them to her waist, before pulling gently on Ariiko's clothing. This was getting embarassing, Noriaki getting out, well, out Noriaki'd.