Abolition-The act of doing away with or the state of being done away with.

Ranmaru yawned widely behind his hand as he walked down the corridor. He knew exactly where he was, Lord Nobunaga's study was just up ahead, and he was looking for any excuse to 'accidentally' run into him.

A loud 'crash' broke the silence of the early morning followed by shouts Ranmaru couldn't decipher.

"That came from my lord's study!" He ran the rest of the way, which wasn't very far anyway.

As he skidded to a halt before the door, it burst open and a rattled woman hurried out and slammed the door shut behind her. Ranmaru blinked in utter confusion. What the hell was going on?

"Um, is everything okay?" Ranmaru ventured to ask.

The maid blew lose hair from her face. "My lord's breakfast was not to his satisfaction." There was a hint of venom in her voice.

"Oh, is that all?" Ranmaru laughed in relief. "I was worried something had happened."

She snorted storming off. "Yeah, I just served it to him three different times."

An idea came to him. "Hey, wait a minute." He hurried after her. "Perhaps I could give it a try?"

"Huh?" She cocked an eyebrow. "But my job is below the job of a." She paused. What was Ranmaru?

"That maybe, but I believe every order our lord gives should be followed to the letter, even if we don't understand them or feel they are too outlandish."

The maid had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. "I suppose it can't hurt. He will be more irritable if he misses breakfast."

Ranmaru didn't fully understand why she was making such a big deal out of this. He never thought Nobunaga asked too much of his people. He was going to unite Japan and become the next emperor, doing anything for him was an honor.

She led Ranmaru to the kitchen where she explained what happened to breakfast number three and the plan to let Ranmaru take care of everything.

The chef wrinkled his nose in annoyance. "There is nothing wrong with my food.

The man is too picky."

Another chef cleared his throat loudly and motioned towards Ranmaru with his head.

The squire 'tsk'ed. "I have no reason to run off and tell on you. What good would it do?" He moved around the complaining chefs and set to work on preparing Lord Nobunaga's meal.

The others in the kitchen stopped to watch. They were amazed at how well and fast he was able to prepare it.

Ranmaru couldn't believe how giddy he felt and over something as silly as making breakfast.

He sat the last bowl on the tray. "That's everything." He picked the tray up. "I'm leaving now. Sorry to take up some of your kitchen."

As he left, the only thing any of them could think was 'Good luck'.

By the time Ranmaru reached Nobunaga's study, others had started to awaken. Juggling the tray in one hand, he knocked.

"Enter." The voice was gruff and very irritated.

He elbowed the door open and slid in using his foot to shut it. "Good morning, my lord, I brought you breakfast."

Nobunaga looked up from the scrolls he had been looking over. "Ranmaru? Why are you here?"

"It would seem you've scared off all the maids." The boy held up the tray. "So I thought I'd do the honors."

Nobunaga studied him as he approached and placed the tray on the only clean spot on the desk. This was amusing.

Ranmaru backed up anxious to see his lord's reaction to the meal he prepared himself.

Nobunaga wasn't expecting much. No one had yet to meet his requirements. Lamely, he picked up his chopsticks and tried the rice. He moved onto the miso soup, then the grilled fish.

Ranmaru told himself to be calm. The lord hadn't thrown anything or yelled, so...it was good...right?

It felt like an eternity had past by the time Nobunaga finished. He stared blankly at Ranmaru before breaking out in his trade mark laugh.

"My lord?" Saying Ranmaru was confused was an understatement.

Nobunaga stood from the table and approached the squire. He placed his massive hand on his head. "Well done, you have accomplished what none have been able to."

"Y...you liked it?" Ranmaru felt his heart swell. "Really?"

"You have done an outstanding job."

A bit of blush crept to Ranmaru's face. "You are too kind, my lord."

Nobunaga rubbed his beard in thought. "Perhaps I should have you prepare my meals from now on."

Ranmaru blinked. He couldn't tell if the lord was being serious or not.

"It's not really a bad idea." Nobunaga smirked turning away. "Bring me sake."

"Right away!" Ranmaru quickly gathered the dishes. "I shall return in mere moments!"