Mitsuhide's POV
"There you are, Mitsuhide." Hmm? I turned around, spotting that Masamune had caught up to me. A tray of tea and snacks in his hands. Masamune frowned, clearly upset with me. "You ask me to bring food for the lass, then have the audacity to walk out before we get started?" Not affected by Masamune's anger, I replied calmly, "I was simply exiting to allow everyone the chance for a pleasant break."
Masamune's once angered frown turned into a lighter, more relaxed smile, "And what about you? You don't get a break? Eat something." He insisted. Masamune was always so adamant. If I were to turn him down now, he was likely to pry my lips open and shove the bread down my throat. I broke the bread bun into sections and ate each one, washing it down with the tea. "Eating's all well and good, but don't forget to take a moment to savor it as you scarf it down." Smirking, I replied, "I savored the fact that it was easy to eat."
"Heh. I guess I shouldn't expect 'it was tasty' out of you, should I?" Masamune spoke, his annoyance clear. But then he dropped the subject, "Speaking of unlikely things, why'd you volunteer to take the lass under your wing?" "I had no particular reason." It was the truth, I had no particular reason at all. I simply wanted to keep Malachi nearby. Though.. I suppose that means I've taken a liking to her. Would that serve as sufficient reasoning?
Lies, deception, fraud, treachery, betrayal. All of these elements were key aspects to my day-to-day life. I'd sink to even the most abyssal acts, even torture and murder. It was what Lord Nobunaga required of me. And I'd always carry my regret to the grave. But, no tears were necessary. I had chosen this life, and I knew for a fact what I was choosing when I did. But.. I remember what it was like before, and I often find myself wondering: how was it that I came here?
Malachi, that little one, she's somehow held onto everything I was forced to give up. The ability to be hurt, to show anger, frustration, to feel joy, happiness, to be honest and genuine. Oh, to be naive once again. To bend unwillingly, not bow, to life itself. She's like me, as I might have been. How can I not observe her? I finished the taste-lacking tea, aware that my heart was racing for the first time in who knows how long.
"..I appreciate that, Masamune. But it's time to return to work." "Anytime! I find hanging out with the lass fun." Masamune smiled boldly. And with a brief laugh, Masamune walked away. Now.. I do hope that the others have not told Malachi anything.. unnecessary for her knowledge in my absence..