You know, if you so happen to like this fanfic, do me a favor and REVIEW.
Disclaimer: I don't own Sengoku Musou, because Koei does.
Chapter Warnings: None again.
The presents came for two weeks, piling up in the storage rooms of Nobunaga, Nou, and Oichi, all marked with the symbol of the Azai clan, as well as Nagamasa's own signature. Though it was not written down or said by the young daimyo, the reason of these lavish gifts was quite clear to Nobunaga and Nou.
Oichi, however, remained clueless throughout the fourteen days, always clad in a new kimono, sharing sweets with her sister in-laws, acting as if she was more child than wife of a high-ranking general. But alas, she was called to the council chambers, where her many brothers, sister in-laws, and Nobunaga's retainers were waiting, their eyes following her petite body as she proceeded to kneel and bow before Nobunaga.
"You have asked for me, brother." She said simply, slowly raising her head up.
If it was any other occasion, the Demon King would have smirked, but this time his face remained grave, if not expressionless. Taking a small sip from the sake bowl in his hand, he then set it down, shifting his weight from the left to his whole body. "Ichi, I have wonderful news for you." Resting his jaw against his fist, he sighed sharply before continuing.
"How many years was it when you first married Katsuie? Two?" He did not stop to let anyone reply. "You're now sixteen, and I'm sure that your marriage to Katsuie has been of good use to you. By now you should be an experienced young woman." Turning his head lazily to the right, he gave Nou a small smile. "Ichi, you must answer me honestly. Do you, or do you not, love Shibata Katsuie?"
Immediately a series of gasps and whispers seemed to appear on cue, but Oichi remained still in her kneeling position. She glanced briefly at Katsuie, her husband, who was now staring intensely at his nails. "Brother, the truth is… I do not love Katsuie-sama at all."
"Well then, Ichi," Nobunaga paused to look at Katsuie, who was by now bowing his head in possible shame. "I assume that it is not much of a deal to have you divorce him, am I correct?"
At this her eyes widened slightly. Stammering a little, she bowed her head again, "B-but is also my duty as a loyal wife to stay forever at my husband's side! Surely, you must know of thi-" She stopped at the sound of the fan in Nobunaga's hand snapping shut.
"That I do know," A deep sigh left his nose as he closed his eyes slowly. "However, you must also oblige your duty as my younger sister, therefore the Oda clan." Opening his eyes, he leaned forward, fire seeming to flicker obstinately in them, "You will divorce Katsuie now, and marry Azai Nagamasa, daimyo of the Azai clan, as soon as you arrive in Omi tomorrow. Do I make myself clear?" By then the Demon King was on his feet, and retired from the council chambers without haste as Oichi bowed in a forced agreement.