(A/n): Hello! This is my first fic in English, so please feel free to correct any mistakes that you find. I'd been planning a Nobu fic for a long time just because... it's Nobu and one can never get enough of his teasing. The story is fairly similar to his route with a few twists and additions, the most important one being SMUT for future chapters, so you've been warned. Another thing I wanted was to give the MC a closer relation to all the other guys and not just the closest ones to Nobu, so there will be some friendly scenes between my MC and the others, and I'll omit some parts of the story that you probably already know if you've played the game.
That being said, please, enjoy the story!
The Devil's Wife
1-The trade.
Everything felt so dizzy! I had no idea what was going on, but one moment I was appreciating a historical monument, and the next thing I knew, a frightening storm started pouring like a hurricane. Then, it was as if a cloud had descended from the sky and wrapped around me, covering all my surroundings in darkness and smoke.
-Be careful, miss!
"That's the guy that was next to me" I thought.
-Hello? – I reached out my hand to see if I could get a hold on something, but his voice disappeared along with everything else. I was alone now, unable to see anywhere. I couldn't even move.
Finally, it seemed as if the storm was starting to fade and my body was able to react. I ran. Without looking back, without paying much attention to my way, I tried to run as far from the storm as I could. I didn't need to do it for too long. Soon, the clouds had vanished and I tripped on the mud.
-Huh? - last thing I remember was being on a street made of concrete, where did this dirt come from?
I stood up and finally decided to take a better look at my surroundings. There was no monument, no pavement, no street lights. In fact, there was no city. I was in the middle of a field I did not recognize. The only thing I could see near by was grass, trees and an old-Japanese style castle.
-Where the hell am I? – I whispered to myself. I had travelled to Japan for tourism and, while I learned they were quite traditional, I did not believe this was the same city I had been visiting minutes ago.
-You! Woman!
I gasped and turned at the calling of a man and the sound of horses approaching me. Two men emerged from the forest and rode towards me, dressed in old Japanese clothes. If I had doubts I wasn't in the same place as before, now I had none. As impossible as it sounded, I must've been in the past.
-What's a western foreigner doing here? – one of the men asked.
-Where's your father or your husband? – questioned the other.
Right, they'd know straight away I was a foreigner, I didn't have Asian features. Also, I'm a woman. Whatever age I am, I'm not supposed to be alone. I've watched enough Game of Thrones to know how that usually ends for a woman.
-Forgive me, sir. I lost my way.
Thank God I'd been to Japan for a while and studied the language. If I was to wander around in a foreign land in the past, I had to be formal and, above all, pretend that I'm from the same period. They'd probably call me mad and kill me if I said I was from the future.
- "Sir?" Do you think we're knights? – the first man asked, amused by my mistake.
"Well, the hell do I know" I thought to myself, but fought the urge to say it out loud. I never liked it when people laughed at me, especially when I was struggling to accept the fact that I was somehow in the past.
-I'm sorry. I'm just a…- I had no idea how to say "peasant" in Japanese -Uhm, a "village girl"? – I said insecurely.
-How the hell did a western peasant end up in Kyoto? And how do you know our language?
The peasant thing was just quick thinking, but that part of the story would be a more difficult one to come up with. I decided to make a sad face instead, pretending that the story was to painful for me to tell, that I was just a lost, weak and frightened young girl. Maybe that way they'll be nice and forget about it. I looked down shyly, then back at the two men. They seemed to feel bad. Good.
-We'll take you to our Lord- said the second man -He'll decide what to do with you. C'mon.
He rode closer to me and offered me a hand. After a couple attempts, I was able to get on the horse. As I suspected, they took me to the castle that I saw from the field. They must've been soldiers guarding its surroundings. I looked back, searching for some trace of the storm or maybe the guy that was with me earlier, but there was nothing. I had no way out. I was trapped in the past, in a land that was completely foreign to me.
-What kind of garments are those?
I was brought in front of a chubby man with terribly red face. They told me he was the daimyo of the manor and the lands, and of course, he wanted to know how a poor girl managed to travel half of the world from England to Japan. I could not be more thankful for all those medieval movies and shows I'd watched. The ideas for my fake back story came soon to my head, although that didn't keep me from getting more anxious at every question.
-My mother was… uh, "sew"? – I made the gesture of using a needle and he seemed to understand me.
-A seamstress? – he asked, his small eyes barely visible in his big cheeks.
-Yes. She liked to make things different.
I told the man I had been travelling with my father, who was a merchant that could not sell much in our land, that we were attacked by bandits and he told me to escape, and with different travel companions, I just arrived there. Hopefully, my gender wouldn't make them think I was a British spy helping my people bring war to Japan, or something else that could get me in trouble. I had no fighting skills, so my brain would have to be my weapon to survive such dangerous period.
-My Lord! – suddenly a young man burst into the room and approached the daimyo. He whispered something and his ear, and the chubby man nodded.
-Very well, then. Start the preparations- he said to the boy, then turned back to me. His eyes studied me again and it was as if a light bulb turned on in him. Suddenly he smiled and I wasn't sure it was a friendly smile.
-I think I know just what I'm going to do with you- he stood up with some effort and started walking towards me -The Devil King is coming back from a battle and has asked to spend the night here. I doubt he's ever seen a western woman before, and even if he did, you're still quite attractive- he chuckled a bit, and I could definitely tell I should be scared -We'll tell him you're a distant relative of mine and offer him your hand in marriage.
-What? – my surprise was just impossible to hide, and my fear began to rise as his expression got more serious, telling me I shouldn't even try to refuse.
-If Nobunaga marries someone from my clan, it would mean our families will be bound, and I'll get more lands, more riches. So unless you want me to throw you to the forest in the middle of the night, when all the bandits are out looking for some fun…- he caressed my cheek and my breathing became heavier -You'll do exactly as I say.
My words got caught in my throat and my body began to shiver. How could I marry someone I don't even know? And someone they call The Devil King of all people?
-What is your name? – the daimyo asked me.
I swallowed hard -Mia, my Lord.
-Now you're Mia Saito, daughter of my distant cousin and his British wife, who were starving in their land, and sent you here to serve me. Get her ready and quickly! – he ordered the two men who had brought me to him -The Devil King and his army are closed. We'll introduce them to each other during the feast.
-Yes, my Lord- both men answered at the same time, and I followed them without further argument, but a lot of worry filling me inside. I had no choice but to obey, however, what will the future bring me? What kind of person is this… Nobunaga? A creepy old man? Would he agree to marry me? What would the daimyo do to me if he doesn't? And if he does agree, what kind of life am I going to have? He'd probably want children; would he force me to have sex with him? Come to think of it, would he be mad if he finds out I'm not a virgin? Men of this time usually expect to marry a virgin after all. Would he kill me for it?
My head was spinning so much with all the questions, I barely even greeted the maids I was introduced to. They took me to a wooden room that had only a bathtub with hot water in it. I had to act like it wasn't strange having them strip me down and wash my body, but I was extremely uncomfortable the whole time. I couldn't even rejoice in all the magnificently smelling oils they were applying to my hair and body.
Minutes ago, I was just an aspiring pastry chef, travelling as much as I could to learn about different flavours and different recipes around the world. I was supposed to have visited Japan just to learn how to make a few desserts, not get married to an ancient lord!
-Your hair is so beautiful, my Lady! – one of the maids talked to me, and I barely heard her, snapping out of my thoughts.
-Oh, thank you - I answered nervously.
-You're really beautiful, too- said another one -It's hard to believe you're related to Lord Akabori.
-Chihiko! – the older maid scolded her -You can't insult our Lord in front of his niece!
-Oh, forgive me, my Lady. I meant no disrespect- the girl bowed in front of me and I just stared at her for a moment.
-He's not very good-looking, is he? – I said. When she raised her head again, I smiled and we both laughed at my joke, which by the way was completely true.
Laughing with the maids helped me overcome my emotions a little. Everything was happening too quickly and I had no time to fall into pieces. At some point I'd be able to be alone and cry all I needed over my circumstances, but this was not the moment. Marrying the Devil King was not ideal, but he couldn't be worse than Lord Akibori and being thrown to the forest. I knew there was no chance of me making it alone out there. At least a husband, and a warrior one, would protect me from others. I just had to hope I didn't need protection from him.
The maids put me into a beautiful and elegant pink dress. I had to admit: it was good I didn't fall into this century's England. I can't imagine having to wear a corset the whole time. Japanese dresses were restrictive, but more flowy and delicate. The flower print was stunning and they didn't put many layers on me, which was a bit surprising.
-Lord Akabori said we shouldn't hide your body too much- Chihiko explained -You've got quite a beautiful one, I'm certain Lord Nobunaga won't be able to resist you.
"Let's try not to tempt him too much, though" I thought.
-And the blue flowers on the fabric match your eyes really well- the other maid said to me. I really liked the dress. The pink went nicely with my white skin and black hair, and the woman was right, the blue flowers in the print were the same colour as my eyes. They also didn't do much with my hair, it was probably too short for their standards. All of them had hair that reached below their hips, mine barely made it under my shoulders. So, they simply put a few pins here and there, and declared I was ready. I took in a deep breath, hoping I'd get accepted by Nobunaga and that I'd be able to handle marrying him.
I entered a huge room full of tables, food, men in armours and servant women pouring their drinks. I looked around quite intimidated. As I followed one of Akabori's servants in the crowd, all the men turned to take a look at me. Actually, not before long, the room was almost silent. All I could hear were whisperings everywhere. They were definitely not used to foreign women, and I wasn't sure how to feel about that. My hands started to tremble as I walked. Among all the men, I spotted one of them not even trying to hide the way he was looking at me. He had an eyepatch on one eye, and that didn't stop him from having a really intense stare.
Finally, I saw Akabori. And the man next to him had to be Nobunaga. I took in a deep breath when I saw him. Even seated, there was this presence to him that made it impossible to ignore him. His armour made him look big and scary, but his face was quite handsome. And his hazel eyes looked at me so powerfully, I felt like a little bird in front of a lion.
When the servant who was guiding me stopped, I was snapped out of my thoughts, and had to bow the same way as he did. Sinking to my knees, I lowered my head with a bit of resentment. It was difficult for my moral to bow to a man I barely knew, which is also why I couldn't say anything like "Oh, mighty Lord, I'm at your service". I still had some pride in me.
-This is her, my Lord- spoke Akabori, Luckily, he didn't sound upset that I didn't say anything -Quite the beauty, isn't she?
-Indeed- Nobunaga answered. I didn't want to raise my head to look at him, but I could hear some boredom in his voice -So what is this, Akabori? You're selling women now?
The confusion made me look up to the two men. Nobunaga wasn't looking at me anymore, he was facing Akabori, and the daimyo looked as red as a tomato, clearly offended by the question.
-Of course not, my Lord! I would never offer her to you if she wasn't…
-She doesn't have a single trace of having a Japanese parent- the Devil King interrupted him -And she doesn't look very happy to be offered to me either. Do you think…?
-That's not true! – I spoke suddenly and didn't realize how loud it was until both men stared at me with surprise. I lowered my head again and tried to regain my composure -My uncle asked me and I agreed to it. I wasn't forced.
It was lie, certainly, but I couldn't risk being rejected and having to stay with Akabori. However, my confusion grew when I heard Nobunaga laugh out loud.
-I'll give you one thing, Akabori- he said -She'll be a loyal wife. She's not a very good liar.
-But I'm not lying! – I objected, and the daimyo hit his table with his fan.
-Quiet, woman! Don't talk back to our Lord.
-Is that how you treat your relatives, Akabori? And a young woman, no less- a man I hadn't even seen before, spoke in my defence. He had brown hair and green clothes, and he looked more offended than the red-faced daimyo.
-Leave it, Hideyoshi- Nobunaga spoke and the man retrieved immediately, even though he seemed to have more to say -We'll discuss this in the morning. Dinner is no time for arguments.
I was soon taken away, without the opportunity to even say anything more. I looked at both lords with great worry for whatever they would decide in my absence. Not even a dinner-date to get to know each other, sounded like he didn't like me at all. Stupid of me for speaking up. Women are less than objects in times like this, no doubt.
That night, I was left to spend it alone in a very modest room. The bed was a futon on the floor and the door was so thin I could hear the men coming and going in the halls. Fearing each and every one of them could want to sneak in and do things I didn't even want to think about. I could not shut my eyes to sleep.
I cried in silence until it was almost dawn.
The maids woke me up and I could barely move. I had no idea how long I'd slept, but I was certain it wasn't much. Luckily, Chihiko was there again.
-My Lady, were you crying? – she asked worried looking at my face. Who knew what state it was in.
-Don't worry- I said rubbing my eyes -I just miss my family.
It wasn't a lie. The thought of never seeing my family again was one of many that kept me awake all night.
-Oh, I'm so sorry, my Lady. But I'm sure Lord Nobunaga will let you visit them.
She smiled at me and I stared in confusion -Nobunaga?
-Yes, my Lady. He's agreed to the marriage. You should be very honoured.
Chihiko looked as happy as if she was the bride to be, but my shock kept me from doing the same. After last night, I was certain he didn't want me. What changed his mind?
The maids dressed me with a light yukata, one completely blue this time, and said I was to be comfortable today for the long ride. I took the bag I had brought with me from the present, and was led to the entrance of the manor, where the soldiers were all standing on their horses, ready to departure. I searched for Nobunaga in the crowd but couldn't see him, and I doubted he would blend in so easily. He must've been inside the manor still.
Whom I did see was Akabori. He walked towards me with his angry round face, grabbed my arm strongly and spoke in a whisper.
-You better not embarrass me.
I trembled a little, not wanting to speak and get in trouble again, when a familiar voice interrupted us.
-That's enough, Akabori- the man that stood up for me last night showed up at my back, with the guy of the eyepatch next to him, smiling at me without trying to hide it, again -She belongs to our Lord now, you won't be speaking to her again.
I wasn't sure whether to be happy or frightened by that. Would Nobunaga then kill me if he saw me talking to another man? Either way, the daimyo apologized and I asked about the whereabouts of my, apparently, future husband.
-Lord Nobunaga has already parted to Azuchi with most of the men- Hideyoshi explained, and I looked at him in confusion.
-Which means you'll get the honour of riding with me- the man with eyepatch spoke, and before I could even take a step back, he approached me and lifted me in his arms.
-Who are you? – I gasped in shock.
-The one-eyed dragon, Date Masamune. Remember that, lass.
As if I was but a feather, he took me to a horse, sat me up side-saddled and tucked me against his chest.
-Masamune is head of the noble Date family of Oshu- Hideyoshi, already on a horse as well, explained to me -He's also allied with Lord Nobunaga, so be respectful.
"Huh? What did I say?". I had kept myself from talking so I wouldn't get in trouble, yet here I was, being scolded by the man I thought would be willing to help me.
-Don't listen to Hideyoshi- Masamune spoke -No need to be formal with me, lass.
His face was terribly close and I had no idea how to react. I thought he'd keep me at a distance being his lord's fiancée, but he seemed to have no fear of what people may think about this.
-Masamune, you too behave- his companion warned him -Remember she's our Lord's betrothed.
-It's not like they're married yet- he replied -And I like her too.
I raised my eyebrows in disbelief. Okay, he definitely doesn't care about—Holy Molly!
Before I even knew it, Masamune snapped the reins of the horse and pretty much had us flying ahead. I gave a short scream to the air and was forced to hold on to him to not fall, getting an amused chuckle from him that made me mad.
-Why are you going so fast? – I had to yell to make my voice audible.
-It's quite the long journey ahead- he said -You don't want it to take all day, do you?
-I'm not sure what's worse- I answered with sarcasm, and he laughed again.
-Then look ahead and enjoy the speed.
With his chin, he urged my face forward, making me feel the cool morning air in my face. The horse jumped over a piece of wood on the road, and we jumped with it. I gasped again and held tighter, but somehow, I also smiled.
-Oh my God- I didn't know why, but I just started laughing at the new astonishing feeling. I'd never even rode a bike this fast before and it almost felt… relieving.
-Much better than sulking, right? – Masamune looked at me with his blue eye. This time his smile seemed more friendly and inviting. I giggled a bit and actually enjoyed the rest of the road. Being from England, the view of the fields wasn't entirely new to me, but seeing them from a fast-running horse was way different to doing it from a bus or a train.
We didn't talk much on the way. I was desperate to ask some questions about Nobunaga, but the speed made it hard to speak without screaming and that wasn't the best way to maintain a serious conversation. So I stood back and just tried not fall off.
By the time we reached a town, I was exhausted. Hearing that that place was our destination made me sigh with relieve. I wasn't sure how much longer I would've bared the crazy speed, even if I liked it. I could already feel the bruises on my thighs. Masamune slowed down to move through the town, and I finally took in the sight of Azuchi's castle.
It was majestic. So much bigger than Akabori's manor. And it would be my home from now on, the place where I would live married to Nobunaga. I realized he must be a man of great power, to be Lord of such place and a whole town. Akabori was only daimyo of a manor and some small lands, no wonder he wanted an alliance with Nobunaga. But how would he and his people receive me? Hideyoshi had already scolded me, and Masamune looked like he would take me away the moment he had the chance. God knows what was expecting me in my future life as the Devil's wife.
