Chapter 3
"Miss Alana—Miss Alana!"
"Hm?" Alana looked behind her from the stove at the bright eyed Soujiro. "Yes? What is it?" She yawned—it was way to early to be up and cooking for everyone, and his loud outburst this morning didn't help her mood anymore.
"There's a letter for you!" He ran up to her. "Shall I read it to you?"
"Who is it from?" She asked, not believing that anyone could find her in Shishio's forge.
He flipped it over in his hand. "Shinta. It—"
She snatched the letter from his hands. "Shinta?" She questioned, opening the scroll. Had he really sent her something? Had he gone out of his way to find her, deep in this forge.
Dear Alana—
So, you've chosen to go back to your old name, and you are no longer Reika? It's a pity. I am learning Master's final technique. I hear that you've already learned it. I wish to see you again, so that we may make amends. We've left things a little rough. Please come to master's abode, he says you know where it is.
Forgive me for my past wrong-doings—
K.H.
She sighed and looked at the signature—only his initials. And not even his own initials, but the ones that Master had given them. "Thank you for delivering this, Soujiro. I must speak to Shishio immediately."
"But Mister Shishio is busy! Do you think you can barge in here and after only a few weeks of being our cook, demand to have a private meeting with him!"
She rolled her eyes. "Forgive me, Soujiro, but you'll have to make your own breakfast!" She gave a quick smile and ran off towards Shishio's chambers.
"Master Shishio!" She cried, giving a quick knock and then barging into the room. She bowed before him when he looked up suddenly from his map. "Master Shishio, I request to take leave of you for a short time."
"What is this about?" he asked. "How dare you just barge in here?"
"Forgive me, Master, but my brother just sent me a letter. He needs me to meet him at our master's home. Our master is very very sick. May I please take my leave?"
"Do you promise to come back to me, and not to tell anyone who you are working for?"
"Of course, Lord Shishio. Please, let me leave for just a few nights. My Master means everything to me."
"Damn—I'd gotten so used to your cooking, too." Shishio sighed, disappointment written on his lips. "Fine—only a few nights."
"Thank you, My Lord. I shall be leaving within the hour." She bowed and left the room, Yumi growling after her.