Malachi's POV

As soon as Sasuke left, the door opened, revealing Mitsuhide Akechi on the other side. "I see you weren't able to get away from Nobunaga after all." I only glared at him. Out of all the Warlords here, I knew that Akechi was the most dangerous one. He seemed unpredictable, as proven by the fact that not even modern historians could figure out why he'd betrayed Nobunaga.

"He's calling for you. Nobunaga, that is. He wants to see you." He informed me. "Uh-huh.. Mind telling him that I refuse to see him and would rather wait til he's in Hell?" Mitsuhide only chuckled, and left the room. I quietly followed after, knowing that it was probably better I obey now rather than deal with the fight later.

I dragged my feet just a little, forcing myself to walk to this unwanted audience. That was when I noticed Mitsuhide's gaze on me, and he was smirking too. "You'll damage them if you keep squeezing so tightly." I wasn't sure of what he was referring to, until Mitsuhide lifted one of my hands, and I saw that I'd been squeezing my hands so tightly the knuckles were almost as white as his hair.

Then, out of nowhere, Mitsuhide took the clenched hand he was holding and kissed it. Causing me to pull my hand away and step back. "What exactly do you think you're pulling, Akechi?" But, he merely smiled. "Trying to calm you down."

"Oh really? Well, you failed." I gave him a mocking smile in return. "I beg your forgiveness." It was one of the least sincere apologies I'd ever heard. Not that I was surprised, seeing who it came from. Still smiling, Mitsuhide continued walking.

Despite seeming so unreadable that he'd be labeled as dangerous, I could tell he was just messing with me. Which strangely, I felt intrigued. However, I reminded myself to be wary and continued to follow Mitsuhide at a safe distance.

Deep in the castle, we came to a stop in front of a wall of beautifully painted screens. As they opened- "You kept me waiting, Malachi." I instantly recognized the voice inside. "Oh. I sincerely apologize." I replied, making my voice sound just about as fake as Mitsuhide's had been when he apologized to me.

Nobunaga Oda sat alone on the dais. The power of his presence filled the room. Forming rows on either side of him were Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Mitsunari Ishida, Mitsuhide Akechi, and Ieyasu Tokugawa. Masamune Date was there as well. Some of the country's brightest minds, strongest Warlords, and infamous conquerors, all in one room. I felt as though I should've been in awe. But after the night I'd just had? I wasn't.

"Don't just stand there. Approach me." He demanded. Letting out an annoyed sigh, I did as I was told. Keeping a harsh grip on my nerves, I approached Nobunaga and kneeled. "Henceforth, you will reside in this castle and give your service to me."

"As I said before, I have another job, so I must politely decline." "None of that matters to me. All you need to do is say 'Yes.'" He seemed annoyed with me, but I was annoyed with him right back. Glaring into his cold eyes, I had to bite my tongue. I was in yet another precarious situation, and I didn't think Nobunaga was going to be merciful if I ran again. As much as I would've liked to.

As I recalled what Sasuke had told me, I remembered how staying here for the next three months was my best shot at returning home safely. Letting go of my pride, I finally gave into him. "Yes, Lord Nobunaga. I have a question though. How exactly am I to serve you?" "However you like." "Excuse me?"

Nobunaga took my wrist with his elegantly long fingers, drawing me closer. "Your only duty is to stay nearby. That is what I need of you." His low voice was almost pleasant in my ears, though not a single hint of kindness resided in his voice. "You will be my lucky charm as I unify this nation and all that lies beyond."

"You want me around.. Because you believe I'm lucky?" I mumbled, trying my best to hold back my anger from filtering into my voice. "Yes. And don't fear. You shall be known as a princess from afar and will be treated as such. Spend your days on makeup, or cards and games if it suits you."

He expects me to loaf around for three months, doing "girly" things? Without thinking, I blurted out, "No thank you. I'll go fucking crazy if that's all I'm able to do." "What?" I half expected some kind of scolding, but I didn't hear it. Instead, I heard Masamune's voice.

"I agree with you, Malachi. I'm the same way." "So be it. Then I appoint you as my chatelaine." He told me. A chatelaine? That's the caretaker of the castle, correct? "What an excellent idea. Malachi, I'll provide you with all the support you need to get started." Mitsunari smiled.

"How could this waif possibly be any use?" "It's Lord Nobunaga's decision, Ieyasu. Hold your tongue." Hideyoshi scolded. "Though, only time will tell if we can trust her." Hideyoshi narrowed his eyes on me. "Who says you have to trust her? Just keep an eye on her. You're good at that, right? She may surprise you." It surprised me to hear Mitsuhide sticking up for me. But I guess he kinda owed me after I stood up for him earlier.

"Then it's decided. Work hard and prove your worth to me, Malachi." I stayed silent, letting them talk without interrupting. Nobunaga was watching me, that wicked smile playing across his face. I only have to put up with this for three months. Plus, I have Sasuke. Though, I guess it all depends on Kenshin and Shingen being here as well..

Those two are unknowns to me. Not to mention Yoshimoto and Yuki. But, if I start worrying now, I'll never stop. It's time to be serious. "I won't let you down." I muttered. I'll survive my time here and make it back to the present.

Nobunaga took my chin in his hand, raising my eyes to his. He looked satisfied. "I plan to take very good care of you, Malachi." I'd prefer if you didn't, thanks.

I turned away, knowing that I'd now have begun my life at Azuchi Castle. And I had to be prepared for anything..