(Minami Castle, Guest Bedroom, Morning)
(Maki's POV)
As I hear the birds chirping and the sunlight that shines through the window, I realize that morning has come. However, when I try to stand up, I feel a pain on my back. It's not that hurt, but it's uncomfortable. This pain also reminds me that last night I had a trouble to sleep because of this. I have to endure this for the entire night before I have finally fallen asleep.
I decide to check this wound on the mirror, it might be not that painful, but I must never underestimate any wound. You can call me a worrywart, but I have studied medical treatment ever since I was a kid. Father is a great shooter and mother is a famous physician, and having such an amazing parent, I have to follow their footsteps so I won't embarrass both Nishikino clan and my parent. I proudly say that I succeed on doing that. I'm a great shooter with my tanegashima (just like my father) and also a soon-to-be famous physician (just like my mother).
As I take off my yukata and look on the mirror, I notice that the wound is a scar. Hell, this is not just a scar, this are scars. To be precise, there are eight scars, four on right and four left side of my back. It doesn't take long for me to know from where or, who I got this scars from. That's right, the scars was from the person I loved the most and also a precious prisoner of mine, Yazawa Nico…
I won't be surprised if she gave me scars. After all, I 'did' that to her when she's still injured. I wonder if Nico-chan could feel the pleasure (and pain) that I gave to her last night. Some people said that having self-restraint is important, but do you expect me to able to hold myself back after the person that I love is finally mine after seven years of waiting? I'm sorry, that's definitely impossible for me. On a second thought, why should I hold myself back when it's about Nico-chan? She's mine. I won't let her go again.
(Minami Castle, Meeting Room, Morning)
After I treated the scars (actually, I just used wet cloth to clean it because this scars were from Nico-chan. I'll accept this wound a sign of affection), I headed straight to the meeting room since yesterday Kotobuki-sama and Shiori-sama said that they wanted to talk about something important, so here I am, in the meeting room, but no one is here. I wonder what is it that they wanted to talk about. Actually, my father and mother were supposed to be here. However, they couldn't just leave like that. Not when the war between my clan against Yazawa clan is reaching its climax. Without Nico-chan, its only matter of time before West region belongs to Nishikino clan.
For that very reason, they decided to send me as representative for Nishikino clan. Of course, I had to make a detour to North region first to 'fetch' my precious treasure. Enough with the monologue, where are those two? This is taking too long! Do they think I don't have anything to do? The more time I waste for waiting, the lesser time I have to spend with Nico-chan.
"Hey" I said to one of the maid who stood in the corner of the room
"Y-yes, Nishikino-sama? May I help you?" The maid responded. Do you have to stutter like that?
"Where are your lords? They're the one who invited me here, but now they're the one who make me wait" I said while trying to not sound irritated.
"M-my apologies, Nishikino-sama! Please wait for a little longer, I'm sure Kotobuki-sama and Shiori-sama will come soon!" The maid said while bowing deeply
"It's not like I'm going to leave if they don't come soon. Whatever, just be quiet" As I said that, the maid kept apologizing and bowing. To be honest, she's starting to annoy me.
As I keep waiting and waiting, finally Kotobuki-sama and Shiori-sama arrive. I think I've waited for them for about 1 hour. Talk about punctuality from the mighty Minami clan, they're definitely the worst. Well, except Umi and Kotori. The worst is definitely still the reigning champion for the most unpunctual person from Minami clan, no other than Honoka. Well, it's not like I hate her. In fact, I'd loved spending my time with her.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Maki-dono. We just had a little 'chat' with Umi, and it turned out to be longer than we expected" Kotobuki-sama said while entering the room and with strong emphasize on 'chat'. I wonder what they were talking about.
"Good morning, Maki-dono. Have you had your breakfast yet?" Shiori-sama joined after she entered the room.
"No, I haven't. I can have a breakfast later. More importantly, let's start this discussion already. I have waited too long" I said. Damn, I must sound like I was irritated because they made me wait too long.
"My apology if I sound rude and impolite. It's not like I hate to stay here or anything, but I have to return to West region as soon as possible. We're almost winning the long war. I have to be there when it happens" I continue while bowing my head.
"Then this discussion can be over faster than we think" Kotobuki-sama said then he sat down on his seat. Shiori-sama also did the same thing.
I raise my head when he said that. Which means, he wants to talk about the agreement between our clans? Don't tell me he wants to get this over after everything we've through. Is it because of what I've done? No, it can't be. Shit, is one of my soldiers told them the truth? It's impossible. No one knows what I really wanted to do during that time. Even my parents don't even know about it.
"Maki-dono, are you listening to what my husband said?" Shiori-sama's voice awoke me from every possibility of what were they wanted to say. In the end, I couldn't even hear what Kotobuki-sama said.
"My apology, I lost my concentration for a moment. May you say it again?" I said. This time, I try to focus and calm myself down.
"I'll say it as many times as you want, we need to talk about our agreement" As I expected, he wanted to talk about that. Shit, how could this happen…
"W-what's wrong with our agreement? I thought we've given you more territory than you expected to be…" I tried to reason with him, but it seemed I sound more like begging rather than reasoning.
"I know Nishikino clan has wasted your supplies and soldiers, but that also the part of our negotiation. Is it because it takes too long to win against Yazawa clan? I assure you, gives us a week. Since Nico…I mean, Yazawa Nico has been captured, it's simply matter of time before Yazawa clan falls" I continued. I tried my best to assure them so they won't cancel our agreement.
"Please calm down, Maki-dono. It's safe to assume that you're thinking that we're going to cancel our treaty, right?" Shiori-sama said accompany with a giggle, as if it's funny.
"Hahaha! You should take a look on your face! You're clearly afraid and panic!" Kotobuki-sama said amidst his intense laugh. He'd even need to hold his stomach.
"So…allow me to continue where my husband left off" Shiori-sama decided to take over the discussion since Kotobuki-sama's still…well, laughing.
"As you mentioned earlier, since Yazawa Nico has been captured, we're confident that it's only matter of time before Yazawa clan's fall" She continued.
"You also said that to give you one week, right? Then, let me ask you a question. Are you sure that you can end the war between your clan and Yazawa clan in one week?" Shiori-sama asked.
I did say that. The reason I said that just to prevent them from canceling our agreement. It turned out that I was mistaken. Still, if she asked me like that, this means that it's very important to them. The answer that I can give to them is…
"Yes" I said it with confidence, without hesitation. This is not bluff, I'm 100% sure that we, Nishikino clan, able to defeat Yazawa clan in one week.
"Good, that's the answer that we want to hear" Kotobuki-sama said while nodding his head. So, he's done with his laughing?
"Thank you very much, Maki-dono. We will be helping the Nishikino clan with everything we've got. Rest assure, your win is pretty much has been decided even in less than a week" Shiori-sama said while a bowing.
"N-no, we're the one that should be thanking you!" Surprised by her sudden gesture, I immediately bowed back.
"So…Why did you ask me about that? Is something happened?" I asked since I wanted to know why they would want us to end the war as soon as possible.
"We want to request Nishikino clan's power in order to aid us with another war" Kotobuki-sama said with stern voice.
"Another…war?" I asked back
"Yes, it's unfortunate, but the Minami clan is going to have a war with Koizumi clan" What Shiori-sama said make my whole body shiver.
What?! Why?! I thought Koizumi clan and Minami clan is already reached an agreement for alliance. I even heard the news from Umi herself. If I'm not mistaken, Suichi-dono was the one who became the negotiator for the alliance. Did he make mistake by any chance? No, it's impossible. Suichi-dono is a perfectionist. There is no way he would make mistake when the stakes is high.
"Pardon me, Kotobuki-sama. I thought Minami and Koizumi clan are in alliance. Why would you want to have a war with them?" I asked to make sure that the news from Umi was not a lie.
"Were, Maki-dono" Kotobuki-sama said with a sigh.
"As per request from Koizumi clan's head, Koizumi Hanayo-dono, she wanted to terminate our peace agreement" Kotobuki-sama continued
What?! This is Hanayo's request?! That's impossible!
"That's not possible, Kotobuki-sama! Hanayo...I mean, Hanayo-sama would never do something like that! There must be some misunderstanding here!" I shouted when said that.
My sudden burst surprised them. There is no time to think about manner when one of my friends does something that doesn't match her personality. There must be someone else behind her decision!
I know Hanayo for almost 4 years. I met her when Minami clan arranged a meeting for the strongest clans of the fourth regions of Otonokizaka Island. Toujou, Nishikino, Koizumi (along with their loyal vassal, Hoshizora clan), and Minami were gathered in Otonokizaka Harbor. The purpose for the meeting was to make a peace agreement for the entire clan. However, Yazawa clan already refused the offer by not coming to the meeting. This was a pity for me. At that time, I thought I would meet Nico-chan, but she didn't come.
When all the heads of the clan were meeting, I was able to take a stroll around the famous Otonokizaka Harbor. This was when I met Hanayo, Rin, and Ren. Apparently, Hanayo was separated from Rin and Ren, and so she panicked. If I remember correctly, she was also crying a little since I saw tears on her eyes. I clearly knew that she needed help, so I approached her. At first, she was all flustered. Said that she was alright and stuff. It took me a long time to assure her that I was going to help her, so she agreed and we searched for Rin and Ren together. Actually, I was surprised when I found out that she's the princess of Koizumi clan. I could feel that she also surprised when she found out who I am.
After we walked around the harbor for a while, we'd finally able to meet Rin and Ren. My first impression of them was…how could I explain this…unexpected? I always heard a rumor about the famous Hoshizora's shinobi that even the mighty Minami couldn't defeat them. So when Hanayo told me that Rin and Ren are from Hoshizora clan, I already made a fitting description for those two. Turned out, my description was totally out of target.
I remembered it clearly, the first thing that Rin and Ren said when they saw me was, "kidnapper!" The commotion that they made was incredible. However, all of those suspicions gone like ash blew away by a wind when I said that I helped Hanayo to find both of them. They thanked me and hugged me whilst crying. To be honest, I didn't even understand what exactly happened back there…
In the end, we ended up spending our time on Otonokizaka Harbor together. I found it weird that despite the problem that Rin and Ren made during that time, I couldn't find myself to hate them. I mad because of all the trouble they made, but it made me to like them more. It's the same for Hanayo. She didn't talk much back then (probably because we just knew each other), but the more I talked with her, the more I felt comfortable with her. Even after the meeting was not able to reach an agreement, we still sent letter to each other. Even sometimes, when the war was not to intense, I visited Azuma City to meet them.
"Maki-dono, are you alright?" Kotobuki-dono's words brought me back from my nostalgia.
"Yes, I'm fine, Kotobuki-sama. I was just thinking of something"
"I understand that you are close with Hanayo-dono, that's why we wanted to ask for your opinion first. Do you think that you can sacrifice your friendship for the sake of peace?" Kotobuki-sama continued
"My apology, Kotobuki-sama, but it's not up to my decision to answer that request. Also, please don't talk about sacrifice when all you did is heard the report of your casualties. You don't know how many sacrifices I've done up until now" I said with a glare
Umi always warned me about how sometimes I could be impolite when my emotion got the best of me. Not just Umi, even my parents always have to remind me about the same thing. They said that I have an unbeatable pride. My father also lectured me once that my pride is my greatest weapon, but it also can be the cause of my downfall. Basically, it's like the Kogarasu Maru (legendary double-edged katana). It can hurt your opponent, but it can also hurt yourself. Up till now, I don't really put much attention on it, but now, I know that I shouldn't say that to the lord of Minami clan.
"Wahahaha! Look at how this Nishikino kid has grown! And you were used to cry just because I didn't give you an odango!" Kotobuki-sama's said with while laughing.
"T-that's not true! Such thing was never happened!" I retorted back. I'm pretty sure that my face is deep red because I can feel that my face is hot. But it's true! That thing is never happened!
"You're laughing too much, dear. However, it did happen, Maki-chan~" Shiori-sama said with a grin while trying to calm her husband.
Wait, so it did happen? No way!
"That aside, I won't be the head of Minami clan if I didn't used to sacrifice" Kotobuki-sama said after composing himself
"Takasugi Kazuya-kun, Tetsuya Gunji-kun, Kiba Takuma-kun, Hino Manato-kun, Minami Rui, Minami Kotaro"
"Those are names of soldiers who died for Minami clan…and also my sister and brother. Pray tell me, Maki-dono. Do you think I dared to sacrifice my own siblings? Do you think how many times I think that I should be the one who'd died on their behalf? If it possible, even I want them to stand by my side when the peace has been finally achieved, but fate said the opposite" Kotobuki-sama said with a glints of sadness in his voice. When he said like that, I felt I just said something very harsh without considering their feeling.
"I…I'm sorry…I didn't mean to…"
"It's alright Maki, since I also considered you as my daughter, same goes to Umi and Honoka. You and your parents have helped us so many times. You can say anything to us, but please do refrain from getting controlled by your emotion, okay? It might've different outcome if you do it so recklessly next time" Shiori-sama said with a gentle smile
"Y-yes, I understand" I answered shyly
"Um…Kotobuki-sama, there is something I want to ask you" after I composed myself, I asked Kotobuki-sama regarding Hanayo.
"Sure, what is it?"
"You said that you wanted us to assist you against Koizumi clan, but what is the reason for it?"
"The truth is, we received a letter from one of Hoshizora's shinobi, and the letter is indeed from Koizumi Hanayo because of the Koizumi's crest on the letter's seal" Kotobuki-sama started to explain what happened.
"It's written in the letter that Koizumi clan will cancel all our agreement if Minami and Nishikino kept trying to conquer Toujou and Yazawa clans…"
That's…that's impossible! Did Hanayo really think that peace could be achieved that easily? I always know she's kind and naïve at the same time, but I don't believe it's to this extent.
"Well then, Maki-dono, do you believe that it's possible?" I heard Kotobuki-sama said that, but I couldn't find the answer to that question
"Even up till now, I still believe that it can be achieved, but after through many failures, I started to believe that peace can't be achieved by just simply holding a meeting and talking to each other" He continued then put down Hanayo's letter
"Alright, dear. I think that's enough for today. We mustn't bother Maki anymore than this" Shiori-sama said while placing her hand on Kotobuki-sama's shoulder
"I'm sorry, Maki. That is all for today. We're hoping to receive some good news from you. You're dismissed" Shiori-sama's order has been given, but I'm not sure what to do either, so I stand up and decide to leave, until
"Maki, once again, we're really thank you for everything that Nishikino clan has done for us. We really wish you and your clan will make the right decision" Shiori-sama said while smiling. It almost feels like she's begging for our help. I just smile back and nod, and then I leave the room.
This talk about assisting Minami against Koizumi is just too much for me…I'll leave all the decision to my parent, but will I able to accept their decision? That's the real question. Well, at least for me
What if, what if I do have to fight Hanayo? By fighting Hanayo, that also means I have to fight Rin too. I'm sure Rin will have the same conflict as I have, but in the end, she's definitely choose Hanayo over me. Well, it's still an 'if'. In the end, Nico-chan is the only one I needed. As long as she is mine, then I don't care about anything else.
"Ah, good morning, Maki-sama! We hope you have a great rest" one of my soldier said accompanied with a bow, then the rest of soldiers followed
"Good morning, all of you. I do hope every single one of you has a good rest. Prepare to leave, we're going to return home" I ordered them since we don't have anything to do in here anymore. Instead of lingering here, it's best to return to North region with our—I mean, my precious treasure.
"Yes, ma'am!" they answered in unison, then leave to gather their equipment
As they're preparing, I leave them and I go straight to the prisoner. As usual, I mustn't forget my tanegashima, of course it's for self-protection, unless they attack me first. Ugh, I wonder if I look great. I can't look bad in front of Nico-chan. Oh whatever, it doesn't matter how I look like, Nico-chan will always love me. Of course I feel the same way
(Minami Castle, Underground Prison, Morning)
As I walked pass the dark tunnel, accompanied with candle to light my path, and an eerie laugh from some of the prisoners and also a loud scream of agony from some prisoners who became the victim of my tanegashima. Well, it was their mistake for attacking me even though they're vulnerable. Hah, serve them right!
As keep walking into the furthest jail, I finally reach my destination
"Good morning, Nico-chan" I entered the jail and approached the bed, but to no avail, there was nobody on that bed
"Nico-chan? Nico-chan?!" She's not here! She's not here! How?! There's no way she could get out nor escape from here, but if it's Nico-chan, she might've done it. She always has tricks on her sleeve
Shit, there's no time for thinking. Even if she did escape, she might have not gone too far, it's difficult even for her to pass all the guards and soldiers around Minami Castle. Alright, I just have to ask for Minami's help, and then order my soldiers to search around the castle and harbor. Next, I'll have to—
THUD!
Suddenly, someone pushed me from behind and strangled my arms behind my back. I'm shocked as the hands that holding my wrist are small, but it's still strong enough to hold me. As holding me seems not enough, they take my katana and point it to my neck.
"Don't you dare to move, or I'll slit your pretty throat with your katana" The voice that threatened me is definitely recognizable, it doesn't matter how scary what they said is, but those cute voice only belong to one person
"Nico-chan…"
"I'm sorry, Maki-chan, but I have to do this" she said
"…Are you alright?" I asked to her, and she seemed to confused by my sudden question
"Huh? What do you mean by that?"
"Your wounds seem to be healed, considered yesterday that you could barely stand. Does finally able to do it with me boost your healing capability?" I said to her while she kept holding my wrists
"To do it…" I knew she just realized by what I meant
"N-no! Of course not! Do you realize who you're talking to? I'm—"
"The number one strategist in the universe" I said it together with her. It's what she always said, so of course I would know that she's going to say it
"Guh…Do you realize the situation you're in now?! How could you be so calm?!" She pushed my wrists harder and I could feel the pain started to affect my body
"What do you want to do? If my life is indeed going to end here, then I don't mind, as long as you're the one who end it" After I said it, I could feel Nico-chan's grip was weakened, I took this chance to release myself and now I'm facing her
"How could say that so easily?! Do you realize how many innocent people you've killed?! You—Kya?!" I shut her up by grabbing her hand and I throw her into the bed
"Why are you so mad? I killed them for you. I killed them so you can be together with me again" I said softly as I approached her
"Wha—I never asked you to do that! If you wanted to meet me that badly, you could've just said so!" She retorted. I don't understand. Why did it so hard for her to understand my intention?
"Do you hate me now?" I sat above her and moved my face closer to hers
"No! That is not what I meant! If you indeed wanted to meet me, you could just come to my castle and said so. I will definitely accept you even if you're from Nishikino clan! In fact, it doesn't matter at all, because you're you!" Nico-chan said while trying to push me away, but I grabbed her hands and pinned it onto the wall
"But will your clan have the same mind like you?" I whispered to her right ear and I could feel her flinched
"That's…ah…stop…Maki-chan…" She's having a hard time to answer as I licked her ear then down to her neck
"See, you can't even answer that question" I said then I continued to lick her neck
"N-no! It's because of…you…" She's struggled to say even a word since her mouth was producing a moan instead of word
"Sshhh, I love your cute moan, but if you're too loud, those freaks will lust over you, and I won't allow that" I silenced her with a kiss, and it's a deep one.
Gosh, this feels so good. I know Nico-chan and me are a match made in heaven. Everything I do with her is a pure bliss. Her voice is like music in my ears. Even those moan sound better than any Noh theater. Whenever I touch her, it feels so soft and great, and her taste…she's the most delicious thing I've ever tasted.
"Nico-chan…" My mind is filled with her and her only. I'm lusting over her. But it's fine right? She's mine after all
"Please…stop…you can't…Maki-chan" She refused me, but I don't see her resisting at all
"I don't care about anyone else. As long as I have you, I don't care how many people I sacrificed and killed. You are everything I need, Nico-chan" I said as I started to get closer to her again
"Maki-chan…no…I don't want this…"
"Yes, you want it, and I don't care what you want to say anymore. I'll pleasure myself until I satisfied. I never get enough of you, Nico-chan"
"I used Honoka and her retainers, and I even used Umi just to get you. I'm sorry I have to kill some of your friends and soldiers, but who cares? As long as I have you in the end, then I don't need them at all" I don't know why, but my mind starting to get hazy and I can't even think straight. What's wrong with me?! I can't even remember what I just said.
"Mine…you're mine! I don't need anyone! I don't need any friends! Everyone is disposable! They can die anytime and I don't care! I—"
"Maki!" Suddenly, I heard someone called my name from behind me
"…" As I turn my head slowly to look into the source
"…Umi…"
Well, that's all for now. I promise I'll publish the next chapter ASAP. This time, I promise I'll publish it this week!
Next is letter of apology, I'll delete it after I post chapter 11. If you're interested, you can read it but if you don't, it's fine. As long as you still enjoy my story, then it's more than enough for me
Thank you guys!