"Mitsuhide, it seems you've bedded my lucky charm?" While Hideyoshi himself seemed to be shaking with anger, Nobunaga was smiling. Not that either of those things were necessarily good. I, myself, was fuming due to these accusations. I just wanted to leave and never again think of the possibility of me and Mitsuhide doing- THAT.

"The truth is-"

Malachi's POV

"I did not invite Malachi into my bed chamber with callous intentions." '"Invite into my bed chamber?" what the hell is he going on about-' "I wish to marry Malachi." I felt my entire body freeze with shock, and I had to stop myself from shouting 'WHAT?!' "Mitsuhide, you scurrilous son of a-!" Hideyoshi stood up, clearly ready to go at Mitsuhide. "I've had enough of your lies and trickery. Tell us what you're really planning! ..Not that I've approved of any of your shady schemes up till now, but this one's gone too far!" Hideyoshi grit his teeth, clearly pissed off. Yet, he continued-

"Furthermore, how dare you try and get Malachi wrapped up in your dangerous nonsense?!" Mitsuhide just sat silently as Hideyoshi went off on him. I was silently thankful that Hideyoshi could even tell it was fake. Mitsuhide suddenly smiled, "Are you done now? You might wish to take a breath, if so. In through your nose, out through your-" "Stop trying to calm me down! And stop acting like you're calm!" "Acting? Why, that would never occur to me." "Maybe knocking you out will get you to quiet down!" Hideyoshi seemed genuinely serious about his words, and in a panic, I moved in between the two men. But I wasn't the only one-

"That is enough." Nobunaga stood to hold Hideyoshi back as the two men glared harshly at each other. Everyone, including me, stopped at his iron-laced command. Suddenly, Nobunaga turned his cold gaze to me. "Malachi, does he speak the truth?" "You're actually asking me-?" The tides had turned to Hideyoshi and Nobunaga against Mitsuhide. If I spoke the truth now, I could be free from Mitsuhide. But then Mitsuhide's treachery would come to light.. And.. I was certain the only fate that would await him was the cost of his life.

I let out an almost inaudible sigh, and schooled my features to remain unreadable. "It's true." "Malachi, don't let him force you into-" Hideyoshi attempted to speak up, but I cut him off. "Hideyoshi, I'm not being forced. I'm sure you've witnessed that I don't bend to just anyone?" That's right.. I'm not being forced. This is my own decision.. "..But there is ONE thing I'd like to make perfectly clear." "What is it?" Suddenly, the three men were all staring directly at me. Each of their gazes a different level of intensity. I'd never felt so nervous in my entire life..

"Even though Mitsuhide.. proposed to me.. I haven't said yes. I'm still thinking about it." That one little last bit gave my story a hint of truth, and it helped me feel like I wasn't betraying my blood. "This is news to me! When you agreed to come with me to share the news with Lord Nobunaga, I assumed that meant you had accepted." Mitsuhide spoke, a mock-surprise look on his face. I glared at him, "I'm sorry.. Agreed? You dragged me here, Mitsuhide!" "..Malachi, you think you might actually love him? Remember, this is Mitsuhide we're talking about! You still have time to reconsider! Whether you've agreed to anything or not." Hideyoshi's words caused me to freeze up. Love? Did I.. Did I love Mitsuhide?

..It doesn't matter. Even if I did, I can't. It goes against all I was taught by her. I sighed and smiled at Hideyoshi, "I remember well who he is, a bit hard to forget. But I'm definitely going to think it over." "Don't feel you have to please anyone but yourself, my sweet pet." Mitsuhide smiled. I rolled my eyes and sighed in exasperation at him. Ugh.. He drives me insane. I'm sorry, Nobunaga and Hideyoshi.. As much as he drives me wild. I.. I don't want to lose him.

Not to anything that could harm him, but most definitely not to the terrible fate that awaited a traitor.. Have I even forgiven him for being a traitor or any of the other horrible shit he's pulled? No, absolutely not. But.. Maybe I've finally began to sort out what's valuable to me. And surprisingly, one of those things is Mitsuhide's life.

"Hah! How amusing." I found myself broken out of my reverie by Nobunaga's sudden laughter. "Mitsuhide, Malachi, you two have served to entertain me on this day." "My lord, you honor us." Does he though? Does he REALLY? "Malachi, as soon as you decide you're done with Mitsuhide, let me know. I'll see he never sets foot near you again." Hideyoshi spoke, his anger still blazing clearly in his eyes. "Ah, thanks. Appreciate it, Hideyoshi."

Mitsuhide narrowed his eyes at me, "No sympathy for me, Malachi?" "Died awhile ago, my love." I gave Mitsuhide a fake smile as I spoke, but he seemed to pay no mind. "..Very well. Now that the matter of our relationship is settled, you had something else for me, my lord?" Oh, that's right. Kyubei did mention something else..

We all reassumed our seats. Nobunaga leaned against his armrest in a regal-like position. "There is something urgent I need you to investigate, Mitsuhide.