Yeah, Kenshin's dad was a big creep. The more I write his character, the less I like him. But then again, he's supposed to be an unlikable character, so I guess I did alright. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the last chapter, and here you go for this one. Nice and long and fun.

Disclaimer: I am my own master and no one else's… except for my cats, but that's more a mother thing. lol

Chapter 21: Master Training

"Here. Katsu sent it right over." Dropping the thick scroll in front of Kaoru, Sano flopped down as if he had done more work than he was used to.

"Great! This will be a big help." Untying the ribbon holding it closed, Kaoru unrolled the thick paper and smiled. "Katsu-san really is gifted. He even painted the gardens and the rice fields."

"Hmph. I'm sure it's even an accurate size model, too." Mumbling, Sano sniffed as the sweet aroma of hot tea wafted across his nostrils. "That man has an obsession with detail." Lifting his head he watched Tae walk in, mahogany irises eying the sweet cakes loaded onto the tea tray.

"I'll agree with that." Studying the map, Kaoru realized just how big the palace city really was. It was easy to miss parts of it, as it was overgrown with vegetation, but to have their own rice fields and livestock pins as well as private and public gardens. The size was simply breathtaking. It was a little strange to think of them tending to animals, not to mention killing and eating those animals, but she had to keep reminding herself that they were human, only in a different form.

Still, the sheer magnitude of simply learning everything that went on in the daily lives of the people living in or behind the palace overwhelmed Kaoru's mind. No wonder Kenshin wanted nothing to do with the everyday problems. It was daunting just thinking about it. Even still, Kaoru had set out on a mission to help Kenshin become an even better master than he already was, and she wasn't going to quit. If she quit than he would too.

Placing the map aside, she slid her eyes over the rest of the papers piled up around her, her voice offhand when she spoke. "Why didn't Katsu-san bring the map himself? I was hoping to ask him some questions about the layout." Blue eyes jerked to the cook as she fumbled with a tea cup, its fine porcelain rattling against the tray.

"He hasn't really come out of his room in a few days." Shrugging, Sano braced himself up on his front paws, anxious to see if he was going to get a cake or not. "I don't think he's feeling well."

That's strange. I didn't think anyone could get sick. Just to be safe… "Why don't you take him some of that soup you made for me, Tae-san. I'm sure that would make him feel better."

Tae held the now empty tray to her chest and nodded, her eyes downcast. "I shall send some over, milady."

Disappointed, Sano flopped back down and tried to look as pitiful as possible when none of the sweets were offered to him. "Oh sure, waste your time doting on him when all it'll do is encourage the faker." Rolling her eyes, Kaoru held out a saucer and let him gleefully chomp the entire slice of cake into his mouth.

"At least, Sanosuke, he has a job around here that is executed quickly and efficiently whenever he is called upon." Turning, Kaoru grinned at Kenshin as he walked into the room she was occupying. "I have not seen you do a day's work since I became master."

Looking suitably ashamed, Sano forced himself not to lick the remaining flavor of sugar from his upper lip and stood with his tail tucking between his legs. "That would be my cue to leave, Lady Kaoru. Uh… don't hesitate to ask for anything else." Darting a glance at the master as he spoke, he was relieved to see him nod in approval. You won't be so thrilled when you find out what she's up to. Hiding his smirk, Sano exited through the still open shoji.

"You're just in time, Kenshin." Pulling on his sleeve to get him to sit next to her, Kaoru scooted over to make room. "Maybe you can help me out." Turning her attention to Tae, she waved a hand. "Do you have an extra cup for Kenshin?"

"No, milady, but I will fetch one right away."

"Thanks." A soft chuckle to her left brought her eyes back to the lord, and Kaoru frowned. "What's so amusing?"

"I see it has become remarkably easy for you to order my servants around."

Mouth dropping open, Kaoru jerked her head around to call after Tae before the door could close between them. "Did that come out like an order? I didn't mean for it to. I can go get one myself."

A small smile touched her lips and Tae held up a detaining hand to keep her from standing all the way to her feet. "You asked only a simple question, and besides, it is my job to serve you, is it not? I do not mind."

Kenshin was really laughing now, his shoulders quivering as he tried to hold in the noise, and Kaoru turned with a pout to smack him. "You shouldn't tease me like that, it wasn't funny."

"My apologies." Unable to stop, Kenshin watched helplessly as her pout became more prominent. "It was just too easy." Grinding his jaw to keep from laughing harder, he gestured at the map and other papers in front of her. "What was it you needed help with, Kaoru-dono?"

Kaoru was not convinced he was done making fun of her, or that he was completely repentant for it either, but she had to admit that seeing him laugh was nice. He needed to laugh more often, she decided, because it changed his entire demeanor. There was hardly a trace of the menacing master she had at one time seen while he was caught in such mirth. It was in the strange way his pupils widened, softening the vertical slits until they were almost round and giving his dragon-like form a more human visage. It was also in the comfortable way he reacted, his replies and posture natural.

It had been easy to tell how hard he had struggled to simply carry on a conversation with her in the beginning, as if he was not used to having anyone speak to him on a personal level. The knowledge had saddened her, but at the same time it had made her happy, because at least he was trying. On another level she knew he hadn't trusted her yet, either, or trusted what would happen if she ever found out his secrets.

She still didn't know everything that had happened. Despite Saitou's words of warning, Kaoru could tell he had left out certain details about the events surrounding the deaths of Kenshin's brothers. She knew the basic outline, though, and it was enough to give her an idea of the rest. Imagination could fill in those holes, and after it was all said and done, Kaoru thought she understood a little of the pain that hid behind his golden eyes.

Deciding to let his mocking humor slide this once, Kaoru shook her head with a sigh and picked up a stack of papers. "It's only if you're not busy. I don't want to keep you from any duties you have."

An indifferent roll of one shoulder was her reply, and she hid her frown. "I have finished my… duties for the day, so my free time I shall give to you."

"Oh…" A bit disappointed, Kaoru reminded herself of everything Megumi and her had discussed. Being the master makes him uncomfortable because he doesn't know what he's doing. Strange after a thousand years, but nothing that will change if he keeps avoiding any learning experiences that might help him out. Remember, he's a guy, and he's a samurai, if he hasn't been previously trained, he won't like humbling himself in front of those he considers his inferiors. What was that saying about teaching old dogs new tricks?

A look crossed his face, shrinking his enlarged pupils back to cold vertical slits. "If you did not truly wish for my presence you should have said so. You do not have to humor me."

Yelping, Kaoru grabbed his arm, putting all of her weight into keeping him seated. More comfortable around me he may be, but he's still way too defensive and touchy. "What gave you that idea? I asked for your help didn't I?" Still struggling to hold him down, his stronger form pulling her up to her knees, Kaoru tugged with an angry grunt. "Would you sit back down!" Overbalancing, they landed with a loud thump on the tatami mats, her legs caught halfway underneath his. Thigh muscles throbbing from where he had accidentally sat on her, she tightened her grip on his arm, her fingers slipping loose, and then she was flailing around as her upper body yanked backward with the excess momentum. Shoulder blades hitting with more force than she was ready for, all the air in her lungs wheezed out of her, and she limply dropped her head on top of a stack of her neatly organized papers.

Soft rustling filled the silence, and she mournfully rolled her head to the side to watch her carefully collected information scatter to the four corners of the room. Sighing, she lifted her chin to look at Kenshin, her position making it seem as if he were further away than he actually was. Having caught himself on his elbows, he was stretched perpendicular to her own splayed form, his legs sprawled over the top of her own, his wings the main culprit of the scattered documents. The large width of his golden irises were stretched wide, the expression on his face pure shock, and he was staring at her as if waiting for tears, anger, or both.

It was such an unguarded reaction, such an unexpected occurrence, that Kaoru couldn't help it… she burst into laughter. Shaking with the force of her hilarity, she relaxed her head back to the floor and crossed her arms over her chest to stall the sharp pains jabbing at her ribs. Expectantly she waited for his indignity, knowing she would have to apologize and then explain herself, but only a few seconds later and the deeper reverberation of his own amusement joined in. Apparently too relieved to take anything the wrong way, he had decided to share her moment of delight.

Untangling herself, Kaoru sat up, accepting his helping hand for support. "Are you alright, Kaoru-dono? I'm afraid I landed on top of you." There was a hint of contriteness in his tone, but it was drowned out by the low chuckles working up the back of his throat.

"I'm afraid I broke your tail." Gently bending her knees, she rolled them to one side, a confining action made so by her kimono. Blushing as she realized she was still halfway sitting on the thin red length, she quickly scooted back to let it jolt free. "Does it hurt?"

Amusement quieting until only an involuntary smile was left as evidence, he pulled the end of his tail over his crossed legs and experimentally checked it over. Kaoru could tell the action was more for show, however, as he answered her too quickly for an accurate assessment. "No. You shouldn't worry. It's surprisingly resilient."

Leaning reflexively forward as if getting closer would help her to better tell if he was indeed injured, Kaoru jerked when his tail unexpectedly twitched, the red tuft of hair at its tip brushing her face. Surprised, Kaoru giggled, glancing up suspiciously to see if he had done that on purpose. There was a fishy glint in his eyes that confirmed the theory, and she gave him a slanted look that warned him she had caught on.

But then something strange happened.

The friendly atmosphere of camaraderie that enveloped them shifted just enough to melt the smile off her face. An abrupt seed of anxiety planted itself within her stomach, and she felt nervous and suspenseful as if expecting something to happen. Butterflies fluttered around the base of her ribs, her eyelids suddenly felt incredibly heavy, and it took her a moment to realize she wasn't breathing. Blinking at the foreign reaction, wondering what had come over her, she swallowed as a mixture of confusion and concern slowly drowned the mirth in his eyes.

"Kaoru-dono?"

Grasping at a breath to ease the fear of suffocation, she sat back and turned away. "Uh…" Stuttering as the effects hung on gamely, she brushed at her bangs compulsively, wincing as her fingers caught in a few snarls. Searching for something to distract his attention so she could collect herself, she forcefully stopped trying to rip her hair out and reached for the papers closest to her. "We made quite the mess." Sighing as she found the statement to be more than true, the alien cloud of anxiety was swept away by a breeze of ruefulness. "It'll take me forever to sort it all back out."

"Not if I help, I suppose, though you will have to explain what exactly all of this is for me to understand just what you were doing."

Perfect! Pleased that he had hopped on board so easily, Kaoru's answering smile was broad. "Great! It might even make it easier for you to help me with what I was originally going to ask about."

"What in the world happened?"

Kaoru glanced over to see Tae standing in the doorway, an extra tea cup as well as a few more sweets piled on her tray. Shaking her head as tan eyes scanned the disaster inside, Kaoru waved the question off. "It would be too difficult to explain." Giggling as the image popped back in her head, Kaoru shot a glance at Kenshin. "Besides, it's not quite as funny without a visual."

"I do not feel like repeating the incident, Kaoru-dono." His overly dignified remark set Kaoru off into another fit of giggles, and Tae merely shook her head as she sat the second tray down. "Well, at least you didn't knock over the tea."

Tae soon left to begin the preparations for dinner, and Kaoru took a sip of the tea before it cooled as she watched Kenshin idly finger the few documents nearest to him. There was the barest hint of a frown developing on his forehead as his eyes scanned the text written on each sheet of paper, and Kaoru anxiously awaited the mood he would settle on.

"Is there a reason you are interested in the yield of our rice fields, Kaoru-dono?"

"Ah, well…" Letting out a breath, she sat her tea cup down and picked up a paper next her. "I'm actually quite curious about more than just that. You have just about every resource you need to survive here." Fluttering the paper, she referenced a chart of raw ore the blacksmith had painstakingly recorded. "It fascinates me that all of this has been here this entire time, for over a thousand years, and no one has ever known it. I'm curious to know how everything has run so smoothly, and I thought it would be great to get to know all of the people, too. Just how is everything decided? Why are there two rice fields when one of them is more than big enough to feed the entire city?" Randomly listing a few of her questions, she blinked when Kenshin sat down his papers to reach for more, his answer offhand, slow at first, but gaining a trace of confidence.

"We have to alternate the use of the rice fields, otherwise…" He paused, as if trying to remember. "you will overwork the soil and the rice yield will be poor and unhealthy."

"Really. I suppose that makes sense. Is that done with the grazing grounds for the livestock as well?"

"Yes, but the amount of time is not as extended. It takes little time for the grass to grow back, but the hay fields have to be alternated as well, otherwise there would not be enough hay to feed the livestock during the winter."

"Hmm." Truly interested now, and wanting to keep his dialogue going, Kaoru scooted closer. "So how do you decide how to ration out the rice and meat? Is it decided by rank, or do you take into account the number of residents living in each home?"

Deep creases formed on either side of his mouth, his eyes lowering as the silence stretched. "…Half of all the yield used to come to the palace. A quarter went to those of rank living in the palace city, the rest went to the commoners and servants."

Trying to work out the numbers in her head, Kaoru suddenly wished she had had the chance to look over the population sheet she had requested. "I may be wrong, but that doesn't sound like enough to be feeding everyone. I mean…" Biting her lip when he glanced up at her, a serious expression on his features, she continued tentatively. "Perhaps more food would have been needed here at the palace when you had a large family living here, but now there's only you. And just how many noble families live in the city? It would be a shame if there is food being wasted when there are others who are having a hard time feeding themselves."

"You are right, Kaoru-dono." He spoke as if slightly upset, and when he stood Kaoru was afraid he was going to run off. She hated that his first instinct was to avoid any issues, but knew it was an unfortunate side-effect of the emotional shutdown he had undergone.

Tugging open the shoji, Kenshin poked his head through the crevice to search the surrounding hallway. It was a sharp stab at his pride that she would notice something so fundamental after only a brief conversation, and he did not especially like the look her conclusion had created in her eyes, either. After everything that had happened to reassure him that she was not going to simply flee because of the small amount of his past she was now aware of, and recreating a friendship that was somehow stronger than before, he hated to think something he had ignored for a thousand years would anger her. It would be fixed, and immediately.

Spotting a small hedgehog lounging in a corner, bored and looking quite put out, Kenshin widened the shoji to step partially down onto the wooden floor. "Musashino." Its small head jerked up, eyes bright and eager. "I need you to locate Kamatari and bring him here. Make sure he doesn't dawdle."

"Yes, milord." Gone before the words made it fully down the hall, Kenshin's frown turned a bit puzzled before he stepped back inside.

"Who's Musashino? I don't think I've met him, yet."

Nearly glad for the change in subject, Kenshin stepped carefully over the disarray and sat next to her once again. "I was in need of another runner after I transferred Yahiko to the guards. He is very impatient, but that energy will be good for sending him on errands."

"Oh, hey, I didn't get to ask about your meeting with Yutarou-san."

Kenshin let out a long breath. The boy had been very clever by going to Kaoru first. It made it that much harder to refuse to see him. Since Kaoru was the one to deliver the boy's request, he could hardly deny the boy an audience and then have to deal with her questioning later about the outcome. She was nothing if not curious, the scattered papers and maps around her suggested that, and if she were to find out that he never even let the boy ask for his request to enter the guards, she would want to know why.

To be truthful, there were far more reasons to refuse his audience than a simple desire not to be bothered. The boy's last name for one: who his father was; what his father had done; the reaction that churned heavily, angrily in his gut when he thought of what those actions had caused. To be fair, Tsukayama Yuzàemon had never pledged his loyalty to Shinta, and could therefore not be accused of being a traitor. He had, however, pledged his loyalty to Izo. All of the nobles living under his care had, and that meant, in Kenshin's mind, that they were all pledged to Shinta, as well, since he was meant to be the new master. It didn't matter that they would all be required to renew that vow once the new master was officially sworn in. It would be done, and it would mean sentencing by death if a noble were ever to be found going against their oath.

Tsukayama had received that death, by Kenshin's own hand, as well as the other few nobles that had decided to follow Tenshi in his scheming plans to take over as the new heir and eventual master. Only a handful of people ever knew why they were killed, or even that they were killed by a friendly blade. Just as Shinta's death had been recorded as killed on the battlefield, so too had theirs. Now those handful of people had dwindled down to two; himself and Saitou. Not even the boy or his mother had been made aware of the actions their father and husband had committed. Which was why he had been so surprised by the boy's words during their meeting.

"Lady Kaoru made an accusation that I wish to clear up. It was a fair question, but one I do not want you to dwell on. I do not want to join the palace guard simply because Yahiko has been allowed the honor. Perhaps a part of me wants to prove that he is no better than I am, but I have more important reasons." The yellowish tan of the puma's eyes stared seriously up into his own, and Kenshin was slightly irritated once again by his arrogant nature.

"My lord, I understand why it is you do not like me." A short breath puffed through his nostrils, gathering his courage. "My mother informed me about my father and the way he really died." Clawed hands fisted by Kenshin's side, trembling, and he knew the glare on his face was the direct cause of the slow crouch the boy was ducking into. "I have believed my entire life that my father was a man to be proud of, but it was all a lie. I now feel only shame. Shame for a man that preached to me of loyalties. Shame for the name he has tainted with his dishonorable deeds. Please, my lord, all I wish for is a chance to bring honor to my family's name once more."

Kenshin was silent for a long space of time, trying to find an ounce of dishonesty in his gaze. The longer he stared, however, the more he realized that it was not arrogance that helped him to look so boldly into his master's eyes, but earnestness. "I know I can never take back what it was he did, but I do not want, either, to live in his shadow. I am not my father, and my father is not me."

"Well, Kenshin?" Her hand was soft on his shoulder, relaxing the tension in his muscles. "How did it go?

"The decision is not fully mine." Looking away, he searched without seeing the multitude of information strewn around him. "I plan on speaking with the unit leaders tomorrow… to see what they think."

"But you think he will be a good addition?"

"Perhaps." Shrugging nonchalantly, he returned to collecting the sheets. "I have my reservations since I do not know if he even has any skill, but… I do believe his intentions are in the right place."

Lifting a brow, Kaoru huffed a laugh. "You mean competing with Yahiko? I would have thought that was last thing you'd want in your personal guard."

"A little competition is not necessarily bad, Kaoru-dono. It will encourage both of them to be better than they are if they have someone to compete with. It is a much better competition than winning over a girl's heart, anyway. In this fight, both will win and not even be aware of it."

"Yeah, I guess you're right, Kenshin." Tugging on his sleeve, she laughed softly. "That's why you're the master, though, I suppose. If it would have been up to me, I probably would have let him join, but not for any of the right reasons."

"And what reasons were those?"

"Simply because he asked, because he wants to better himself."

"Those are not necessarily wrong either, Kaoru-dono." She smiled again, turning her attention back to the mess, and he sighed wistfully as he watched. "Do you think… it is possible for someone to restore lost honor to their name?"

Blinking over at him, she tilted her head, studying the faraway sheen in his eyes. "Of course I do, Kenshin." Slowly his eyes sharpened, focusing on hers. "I am a firm believer in second chances."

"I found him, Lord Kenshin." Musashino's eager voice cut through the rice paper, and Kenshin nodded his head, accepting Kaoru's remark, before calling his servant in.

"You summoned me, young lord?"

Kaoru blinked as the most colorful peacock she had ever seen hopped up with a flutter of wings into the room. From his beak to his tail feathers his color was glossy, as if he was fanatically attuned to his appearance, and Kaoru struggled to remember if it was the male or female peacock that was prettier. Wasn't it the male?

"Yes, Kamatari, come in, I have a few questions." Glancing at Kenshin, Kaoru blinked again as his voice came out sounding a bit gruffer than usual.

"I live but to serve you, my lord." Imitating what looked like a curtsy, with the way his wings spread out and down and his legs bent, Kaoru was in serious question over whether her first assumption about peacocks was correct.

"I need your records on the ratio of food rationing."

"Of course, my lord, but if you are wanting a copy for the little lady, I already sent one with Tae to give to her. It should have been a part of the food records and daily consumption listings she brought to you." Turning his attention to Kaoru, his glassy eyes looked her up and down, and for a moment Kaoru seriously felt like he was sizing her up. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this little peacock was challenging me.

"The lady was not asking. I was." His voice was definitely bordering rude now, and Kaoru couldn't help the lift of her brow.

"Well of course you were. Only you would summon me directly to do your… bidding… ne, young lord?"

The familiar irritation Kenshin always felt with Kamatari's disturbing flirtations deepened another few notches, but his determination to deal with the matter professionally still remained. He did not want to cause a scene in front of Kaoru. So when a quiet cough/snicker came from her direction, he was unable to keep from turning to her incredulously. Covering her mouth with a hand, she was undoubtedly laughing, and it sparked his annoyance into anger.

"Dammit, Kamatari, if you do not produce the information I have requested in thirty seconds I will have Tae informed the menu for tonight has been changed to peacock."

"Now, now, my lord, you know very well I don't mind being on your menu for the evening."

Kaoru's giggles were increasing, her face a bright red from trying to hold it in, and Kenshin knew it was only encouraging the idiotic peacock. Anger tinged with a hint of alien embarrassment clenched his jaw shut, and his fingers twitched, itching to choke the man's scrawny neck until he couldn't breathe let alone speak.

"I am reaching the end of my patience, Kamatari." Voice growling in warning, he jerked when Kaoru's hand touched his arm.

"Wait, Kenshin. If what he said is true, then I should have the chart around here somewhere. Just give me a few seconds to look for it." Face still lit with merriment, her lips twitching on a smile, she coaxed him into relaxing. Nodding as the only reply he could give, he resisted the urge to glare as the peacock transferred his attention to Kaoru.

"Goodness, my dear, this is quite the mess."

"Well, there was kind of a mishap."

"Really? Between just you and the young lord? Have you two have been in here… all alone?"

Shrugging, her attention focused on the writing decorating the pages she was flipping through, Kaoru agreed. "Yeah."

"You mean, my dear, you have no chaperone to protect your innocence from this savage man?" Sounding overly shocked, one wing came up to cover his open mouth.

Attention finally caught, Kaoru looked up at the peacock, over to Kenshin who's eyes were closed and perhaps praying for something, and then back. Frowning, she gestured vaguely upwards. "It's the middle of the day."

"Oh but it appears you have already had to struggle against him once to save yourself."

"What? This was an accident."

"So you think, my dear, but you shouldn't underestimate the desperation of a man when in the presence of beautiful creatures such as ourselves."

Smothering a groan, Kenshin dropped his forehead into the palm of one hand. Kaoru was giggling again.

"Yes, I know my lord, I have ruined your plans to have this young lady all to yourself, but you shouldn't fret. You know I am free to be used in whatever way you need."

Kenshin had finally had enough, his hand coming down on his knee with a smack as the thin slits of his eyes glared across the room. "Kamatari, if you say one more inappropriate word in front of the lady, I will have you fed to the wolves not currently living within the palace walls."

"Oh come now, young lord, you know you couldn't really get rid of me. I'm too pretty."

Thinking the look on his face suggested he was more than willing to back up his threat, Kaoru gratefully snatched at a paper and held it up. It's just a miracle I found the right one in time. "Here it is!"

Still trembling with rage, Kenshin took the paper with one final glare at the peacock. Glancing over the numbers, he had to close his eyes and take a calming breath before he could even see straight enough to decipher them. "You've changed the ratios."

"Uh… yes my lord… it was necessary to tweak them a bit." For the first time Kamatari sounded worried, and Kaoru scooted closer to look over Kenshin's shoulder.

"If I am reading this correctly, you have cut the number down considerably to the common sections and sent the excess to the palace. How is that necessary?"

"Well, my lord, there are many residents that were, ah, changed into herbivorous creatures, so their digestive systems are not able to handle the consumption of meat in any form. Because of the major cut back in the demand of meat, we decided that the excess would go into our backup storage here at the palace."

"But what about the other families that do eat meat?" Cutting in, Kaoru braced a hand against Kenshin's back as she leaned forward to see over his wings. "If you want to be technical, carnivorous animals are the same when it comes to eating plants. Their digestive systems can't handle it as well either, and so they would require more meat in their diet. You can't really expect them to live off of the same ration of rice, meat, and vegetables when you weren't really giving them enough to begin with."

Seeming just a bit hesitant, Kamatari bowed his head, his voice mildly softer. "Yes, my lady, I am very much aware of that, but…" His eyes glanced to Kenshin. "I am merely able to do as I was ordered… I have overstepped my bounds as it is."

"You should have overstepped it further than that." Just a bit disgusted, Kenshin couldn't help but think of the light weight resting against him. If she were running this place, she would never have allowed such negligence. I will have to do better than this if I am to keep any of her respect.

"My lord?"

"Why have you not…?" Growling, he answered the question before it was fully formed. He said nothing because you wanted to hear nothing. "From now on, Kamatari, the food shall be rationed according to demand, and not rank. I will want a new chart drawn up as quickly as possible and brought to me for approval, and in the future if we are having any problems feeding my people, you will bring the issue to me immediately."

Silence descended, Kamatari's glassy eyes blinking in slow disbelief.

"Is that understood?" Impatient and irritable now for other reasons, Kenshin snapped a bit harshly.

"Yes, my lord. Perfectly. I will… get to work on that right away." Strutting like the peacock he was for the door, Kamatari looked over Kenshin's shoulder and winked at Kaoru, her smile widening. Hopping back out into the hallway, he turned with a sudden thought and kicked the small hedgehog up into the room. "Now don't forget your chaperone you two. I don't want any funny business going on while I'm not here to watch." Landing with an oomph, the hedgehog jumped up, his eyes wide and looking quite like he would rather be anywhere else.

"Kamatari…" The door slid shut on whatever warning Kenshin was going to give, and Kaoru felt him relax with a defeated sigh, no doubt rolling his eyes at the same time. Though amused with the peacock's perverted personality, Kaoru did feel a bit annoyed with his innuendos. Really, he's way worse than Sanosuke. Another part of her knew she could get along with him just fine. Besides, he said I was beautiful. It's not everyday a girl gets complimented. Willing to let his suggestive comments slide, she stepped away from Kenshin and leaned forward to offer the hedgehog some of the sweets and tea.

Kenshin, on the other hand, had already forgotten all about Kamatari's troublesome meddling and improper conduct. His mind was focused elsewhere. The more he looked over the papers scattered around him, the more he realized Kaoru was interested in most everything he had tried to ignore. What if there were other problems just like this one that she was in danger of discovering? What kind of impression would that give to her about his ability to be the master he kept insisting he was? Insist is not really the word. Pretend. Yes, that is much more adept at defining my actions. I have been pretending for a thousand years. My… act… has merely become more in depth now that I have someone I wish to believe it is true. I have done nothing, and she is going to discover that sooner or later.

"Were you saying earlier, Kaoru-dono, that you wished to meet everyone under my care?"

Looking up from where she was kneeling in the corner watching Musashino nibble at the glazed cake, she smiled and nodded eagerly. "Yes I did. I had Katsu-san draw me up a map of all the occupied houses, and then Aoshi-san made me a detailed listing of all the residents, their occupations, and family members. I was kind of hoping… you could go with me. I know it will take awhile to really meet everyone, but… if I'm going to be living here, I thought it would be nice to get to know everyone you are responsible for."

Without a moment of hesitation, he nodded, and she was surprised by how easily he gave into her request. "I would like that very much. Once we get this organized, we should decide on a route to take so that we do not visit the same house twice. Then we can send out a runner to warn the residents when to expect our appearance. If the weather permits it, we can even start tomorrow."

Slightly flustered by how quickly and competently he laid out the plan for her idea, her head shook and her shoulders shrugged and she gave a slight little giggle as she replied. "Great. Let's get to work."

X

A/N: This was quite the long chapter, but it was a lot of fun too. I hope Kamatari didn't come off too perverted, but I wanted him to have this funny little crush on Kenshin and I thought it might spice things up a bit. Though at the same time I want to keep my innocent story just that way. Innocent.

So I got to do a lot in this chapter. Yay! More friendly interaction between Kaoru and Kenshin, which is about my favorite part, always. No surprise. Tae's really giving Katsu the cold shoulder, though it is well deserved. I introduced two new characters, and by the way, if you don't know, Musashino is the kid off of the anime series movie. I kind of needed another kid character, and besides Ayame and Suzume, I couldn't think of any, so I almost just picked his name out of a hat, so to speak. Anyway, Kenshin's starting to notice the lapse in his mastering has taken a bit of a toll, and for now his main worry is trying not to displease Kaoru. So in a way, Yutarou was correct in saying that the lord likes to keep her happy, but… like I said, that reasoning is just for now. I don't think he's noticed he's got quite the knack for straightening the problems out, either. Ten points for Lady Kinuko for educating her son, even after getting ordered not to. XD

Well, thanks for reading, leave a review, and see you in the next one.