The next day word spread of the clumsy artist as a few of the soldiers and the locals claim they heard a pot shatter last night. However coincidentally Hao Meng was nowhere to be found. Chen gong put out a search party for him as he could've been anywhere in the city. He waited in his quarters doing some admin work and preparing for the siege when a couple of soldiers walked in. They bowed their heads and immediately went on one knee.

'Lord Chen Gong we have scoured the entire city and there's no sign of lord Hao Meng anywhere.'

'What? Did you check every building?'

'Yes my lord, we also searched the stable and found his horse still there.'

'So he hasn't escaped…he must be here somewhere, take another look around the city…take a closer look at the barracks of the serpents forces.'

'Yes my lord.' The soldiers take their leave as Chen Gong bites his lip.

'I know that meddling hermit is involved in this somehow, I can't believe he managed to make him missing.' He imagines Pang Tong's chuckle in his mind, taunting him. Mocking him as he tightens the grip of his pen.

'You will not make a fool of me any longer!'

Meanwhile Mitsuko and her officers watch several soldiers not under her banner leave her barracks.

'I don't get it, why do they think Hao Meng would be in here of all places? He wasn't exactly my biggest fan.' Mitsuko asked.

'Maybe they thought he was hiding there to get some extra sleep? After all it would be the last place he thought they'd check.' Zang Ba suggested.

'Oh? You sound like you have experience you better not have been sleeping on the job.' Mitsuko smirked as Zang Ba began to wear a nervous expression on his face.

'I erm…of course I wouldn't do that. Not at all!'

'It may be just a theory but I think they may be looking for a body.' Pang Tong responded.

'What, a body? Wait, they think I killed him and that's why he's missing!?' Mitsuko questioned. Pang Tong chuckled in response.

'Perhaps, or maybe lord Chen Gong just wants to hope that's true.'

'How do you know Chen Gong is the one that ordered this?'

'Do you think Lord Lu Bu would care enough to organise a search party for him?' Pang Tong asked.

'Good point. Well they're not going to find it in there that's for sure.' Mitsuko stated. Suddenly she heard some commotion nearby. She walked over to investigate and finds a group of soldiers with some shouting nearby. She couldn't make out on what they're saying until she got closer and joined in the crowd.

'You think you're all so tough just because you won a few skirmishes? Bah in a frontline assault you and the serpent would get decimated!'

'Says the cowards that hide in the back lines! You wouldn't know the meaning of strength if it hit you in the face, though I can put that to the test if you want.' The loyal soldier makes his hand into a fist and puts it in the air next to his face.

'Is that so? You think you lot can take us on?'

'You can't even take on peasants never mind true soldiers!'

'Why you!' Just as one of the soldiers was about to throw a punch Mitsuko strikes her scythe down in the middle of them and emerges from the crowd. One soldiers growls under his breath while the other bows respectfully.

'Now, now. We can't be fighting amongst ourselves, not when our enemies are closing in on us. Its just what they want us to do.' Mitsuko announced. The loyal soldiers walked up to them to explain their side.

'But my lady they-'

'It doesn't matter, the point is we have to work together.' She replied. She puts her hand on the soldier and leans in closer to his ear.

'We'll deal with them later, now's not the time ok?' She whispers. The soldier nods and bowed respectfully. Just as the other soldier was about to respond he was interrupted as voice boomed over him.

'Lady Mitsuko is correct, we can't be fighting amongst ourselves.' The other side of the group moves out of the way to make way for a large man similar in size to Zang ba, armed with a polished glaive and while wearing a trimmed beard.

'Lord Gao Shun.' The other soldier stated his name in surprise.

'There will be plenty of enemies to fight, so lets not attack our allies, remember we all fight for the glory of lord Lu Bu, never forget that!' Mitsuko rolls her eyes at that statement. The rest of the soldiers look at each other and nod and begin to disperse leaving only Mitsuko and Gao Shun left.

'My apologies for taking away your glory like that but I cannot bear to have allies turn on each other at a time when unity is needed.' He bows his head slightly. Mitsuko looked indifferent at him as she brings her scythe to lay on her right shoulder.

'Don't worry about it, looked like it was about to get a bit messy but I could've handled it.'

'Hehe, no doubt but still I'm glad it didn't come to that. I believe this is the first time we met face to face, allow me to introduce myself. I am Gao Shun, proud officer of Lu Bu.' Gao Shun declared as he extended his hand out. Mitsuko accepted and shook his hand.

'Mitsuko.' She simply stated, Gao Shun gave her a firm handshake. Gao Shun saw Mitsuko's officers approach her from behind and bid his farewell.

'If you excuse me my lady duty awaits me, take care.' He bowed once again and left Mitsuko alone with her officers.

'Was that lord Gao Shun?' Wu Zi asked.

'Yeah…what do you guys know about him?' Mitsuko questioned.

'Nothing too much, he likes to keep to himself but he's probably the most loyal officer to lord Lu Bu in the army.' Zang Ba responded. Mitsuko watched him walk away before turning towards her officers as they continue their duties.

Later on in the day LingQi visits Mitsuko with a meat bun in her hand.

'Greetings Mitsuko.' She hailed. Mitsuko turns towards her and waved at her.

'Oh hey how's it going?'

'Nothing much, just standard duties for the moment you know how it is. Here I've got you a meat bun.' LingQi offered as she extends it to her.

'Oh wow thanks.' Mitsuko accepted and takes a bite out of it. As she was chewing she notices that there's something different regarding the taste of it.

'Huh, this tastes different. Did they put in something new?'

'I think they put in bamboo sprouts this time around.'

'Really? Huh tastes good, they should do that more often.'

'I'll let them know that the serpent demands more sprouts then.' She stifled a giggle as Mitsuko was taken aback by that and blushed slightly

'Don't tell them I demand it! They'll get the wrong idea.' LingQi didn't fully understand why but she found when Mitsuko became flustered like this it was…cute.

'I'll keep that in mind. Though you did forget to deliver your units report this yesterday.'

'Aww shit yeah I forgot all about it its in my quarters. I'll go and get it.'

'Don't worry about that my lady I can take care of it. Lady lingQi can accompany since your quarters is on the way to the castle anyway.' Pang Tong interjected.

'You sure? I don't mind retrieving it myself.' Mitsuko responded still remembering her conversation with LingQi about Pang Tong.

'Honestly its not a problem, I forgot to remind you aswell so I should take some responsibility. Besides you have to attend to your other duties aswell.' Pang Tong insisted. Mitsuko turns to LingQi with some concern in her eyes.

'Is that ok with you? I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable or anything?'

'No its fine.' She stated.

'Excellent, come then.' Pang Tong led the way as LingQi followed him.

'Don't kill each other now.' Mitsuko jested before she turned around and attended her other duties. Mitsuko couldn't put her finger on it but something was…different about her. Pang Tong and LingQi waited until they were out of earshot of Mitsuko before they started conversing.

'So how was last night for you then? Did you sleep well?' Pang Tong initiated. LingQi was hesitant to answer as she looked away from him before turning back and sighing.

'I actually did, better than I thought I would in all honesty considering what I did. Though I must admit part of me feels like I should feel more regret about what happened last night but strangely enough I don't…at least not the amount I expected. That sounds silly doesn't it?'

'Hmm, no that's understandable. After all he was an officer of your fathers army so it natural to think that you would feel guilty after last night. Though its not like you had much choice if you wanted to protect lady Mitsuko. It could be that you just simply realise that is the case but part of you just doesn't want to admit it? This is only a theory after all, you know yourself better than anyone.' Pang Tong explained.

'I…suppose so. I never really thought about it like that.'

'Hehe, I would advise to not think about it too much. Nothing you can do now but to move on without him.'

'Yeah, you're right.'

'However on another note lord Gao Shun came to meet lady Mitsuko.'

'Really now?' LingQi was surprised to listen to this, Gao Shun didn't seem to be the type to really associate himself with Mitsuko.

'Indeed. Surprising but hopefully if he continues to associate with her that will help with the Chen Gong situation.'

'What?'

'Ahh here we are. Wait here just a moment I'll get them.' Pang Tong popped into a building and closed the door behind him. LingQi sighs as she leans on the wall and brings her head back slightly. Just what was she doing? Earlier on when she first met Pang Tong she couldn't trust him further than she could throw him. Now though here she is, she slayed one of her allies to protect him. She knows that she should feel more guilty about killing Hao Meng and keeping it a secret. Although when she thinks about this, her mind wonders to Mitsuko, to think if Hao Meng succeeded in assassinating Pang Tong, Mitsuko would be next. Just imagining the sight of her corpse angered LingQi greatly and it helped to strengthen her resolve, making her feel she did the right thing. Even if many others would disagree with her.

Though she never held a secret like this before. It was difficult to lie to other officers or soldiers asking what happened to Hao Meng. Luckily for her, her father didn't care at all and seemed to go on with his daily routines. As she's waiting for him she can't help but wonder if a time shall come if her father ordered Mitsuko to be executed…she didn't know what she would do. Could she disobey her father? Could she just let Mitsuko die? She didn't know and she didn't really want to know and forget that she ever thought that. Though her mind won't let her forget as it keeps bringing it up to the forefront of her mind. Almost as if she herself wants to know what she would do. However, she doesn't ever wish to make that decision. Angry with herself she slams the wooden door with her first. Straight after she did though Pang Tong emerges with a scroll in one hand and his fan in the other.

'I know that it isn't the best quality of wood but if you break it down it'll be difficult to replace it you know.' He chuckled as LingQi looks away.

'My apologies.'

'Hehe don't worry about it. Anyway here ya go.' Pang Tong offers the scroll in his hands which LingQi takes. She stares down at it for a moment, as she broke out of her trance she looks up and see Pang Tong tilted his head.

'You better not be overthinking things. What will lady Mitsuko say?'

'I'm fine, really.' She couldn't help but laugh softly. Pang Tong looked overjoyed at this.

'Excellent, you better get a move on then if you want to deliver it. You should visit us more regularly you know.' LingQi nods in agreement and quickly makes her way to the palace. Pang Tong chuckled as he walked in the opposite way.

Over the coming weeks both LingQi and Gao Shun came to visit Mitsuko though at different times. Mitsuko enjoyed something more about the company of LingQi rather than Gao Shun but she didn't think he was a bad person or anything. Soon though Cao Cao's army has arrived and quickly encircled the castle preventing anyone entering or leaving including trade caravans. On top of a hill Dodomeki and Gyuki oversee the start of the siege as Cao Cao's men starts to surround the castle.

'That's a lot of soldiers, I hope our lady survives this battle.' Gyuki states while Dodomeki stands over the edge with his arms crossed looking down at the enemy.

'If she doesn't, its proof that she isn't the true harbinger.'

'Now you know that's not true.'

'I know that she isn't following the pattern like the others, lord Orochi-'

'Lord Orochi is dead Dodomeki, maybe its time to accept it. After all you're the one that brought up the idea of that happening in the first place.' Gyuki interrupted leaving Dodomeki speechless as he remembered that he did bring that up. Still that can't really deter him.

'Even so, we need to make sure she's ready before offering our services.'

'Hmm I suppose, though I do think she's developed enough as it is, she has a strategist, loyal officers and soldiers and she seems to keep a good head on her shoulders.'

'If that's the case then why are you even here instead of joining Diamondback?'

'Because you're my blood brother. I can't just leave alone…you'd be bored.' Gyuki jested though he didn't see Dodomeki elbow him in the gut as he clutched it and went down on his knees.

'Ohhhh'

'I would actually get some peace and quiet you mean.' He said as he chuckled, Gyuki quickly stands up like nothing happened.

'Your lucky I'm a loyal blood brother who can take a hit.' Gyuki joins in on the laughter as they see Mitsuko, LingQi and oddly enough Gao Shun near the inner palace walls when they emerge and seem to be conversing.

'They must be getting a quick read about the enemy's numbers.'

'Using the castles defences should result in a victory for her.' Dodomeki stated keeping a close eye on Gao Shun.

'Hmm…I don't trust him.'

'Oh? So you trust the other one then?' Gyuki notices. Dodomeki looks away from him.

'Tch, she's done…enough to convince me she's not a threat to her. But the other one? No too soon to trust him. Look at him even now he looked in a rush to leave…I wonder why?'

'Maybe he has important matters to attend, after all looks like he was quite important.'

'Or not.' Dodomeki kept a close eye on the two.

'So that's quite the army Cao Cao formed don't you think?' Mitsuko questioned.

'Quite. But his numbers won't mean much. Not when he faces the full might of our forces inside these walls.'

'Yep and then we finally caught a break and get back to the actual conquest part.'

'Yeah it would be good for things to go our way again. Though I must say, I disagree with our strategists decision to have only your forces on the walls while the rest of the frontlines focus on the front gate. And I…can't be there.' LingQi tightened her fist, she was stationed more in the inner circle of the castle under Chen Gongs suggestion.

'Yeah that does suck.' Mitsuko sighs as she brings her scythe up and carries it over her shoulder.

'Well that just means more fun for me.' She jested attempting to make her laugh. She stifles a giggle as she lightly jabs her left arm.

'You can't have all the fun, you have to promise to let a few get through.'

'I don't know…that's a pretty big promise.'

'oh is it?' LingQi gave her a smirk.

'I'll have to get something huge in return.' Mitsuko answered as she reciprocated the smirk.

'Well I wouldn't have to stick one of my glaives in you. I'd consider that something huge.' LingQi replied as she got into a battle stance.

'Oh you think you can win against the serpent do you?' Mitsuko questioned as she spins the scythe above her head twice before going into a ready stance. Both looking at each other with serious determination for about ten seconds before they laugh and lower their weapons immediately. As they start to calm down she faintly hears footsteps and thinks that's Gao Shun coming back from his trip to the toilet.

'I wonder what your father was really thinking since he really didn't say much and kept on drinking.' Mitsuko stated, LingQi looks to the ground ashamed of his actions.

'Yes, the string of defeats has taken a toll on him. But I'm still confident we can win this fight.' LingQi answers with confident.

'Yeah, you're right of course we will. But still…you ever think that your father is just a little scared?'

'Scared? Of what?'

'You know…of just the situation we're in you know? It can't be easy to face down an enemy you lost twice with. Combine that with the drinking…' LingQi didn't respond and looked down at the ground sadly. Mitsuko didn't mean to make her that upset and regretted asking that.

'I mean I'm sure he doesn't hence why he's still defying him. And I'm sure he's just confident we'll win that's all.' Mitsuko attempted to get back in her good books. LingQi gives a small smile in appreciation. They both hear footsteps getting closer but don't get concerned until the hear the voice behind them.

'So you think I'm scared of Cao Cao do you!?' Lu Bu's voice boomed in Mitsuko's ears as she turns behind her and finds a hand lunged at her throat. The surprise of this caused Mitsuko to panic and drop her scythe. Lu Bu lifts her in the air and chokes her. She clasped her hands tightly against his wrist as she finds it very difficult to breathe.

'Does this look like the face of someone who is fearful of a weakling like Cao Cao!?' Lu Bu hold on Mitsuko prevented her from responding as she barely can let air escape her lungs. His breath reeks of alcohol as he asks this though Mitsuko doesn't have much time to process this. She reached for her hidden sword however as she glanced at LingQi unintentionally she saw the horror in her face, in that moment of hesitation Lu Bu tightened his grasp forcing her to grab his wrist again as she flails her legs wildly.

'It is they should fear me! For I, am Lu Bu the strongest warrior to ever live!' he bellows tightening the grasp even more. Mitsuko begins to lose consciousness due to the lack of oxygen. She begins to lose the energy as the flailing gradually began to slow down.

LingQi didn't know what she should do, she can't let Mitsuko potentially die but to go against her father? She was conflicted until she saw Mitsuko's pained expression on her face. She knew then she can't let her die like this. LingQi actually punches her father in the jaw, the surprise of this brought him down and let go of Mitsuko's throat. She crashed on her knees and quickly coughed while breathing rapidly. LingQi immediately went towards Mitsuko's aid, crouching besides her. She didn't allow herself to process what exactly she done, she knew she had to make sure Mitsuko was ok first and foremost before worrying about herself.

'Are you ok Mitsuko?' She questioned worryingly as she pats on her back to help her breathe and helps her sit upright.

'yeah…I'm fine.' She responded between breaths before coughing violently once again.

Lu Bu meanwhile sits up and looks absolutely stunned at what he just experienced, his daughter dare lay a finger on him? He moves his jaw to make sure nothing was broken. Part of him was proud that his daughter would land such a punch however the rest of him was seething inside at her disobedience to protect that damn serpent woman! She will not dare to do that again he thinks to himself as he stands up and walks towards her. LingQi after noticing his shadow steels herself and stands up looking dead in his eyes, not backing down. The two stared at each other for what seemed to be an eternity to LingQi yet it was only a couple of seconds in real life. Lu Bu leans in closer to LingQi.

'We'll discuss this later.' He whispers before walking away without a second glance at her. LingQi was paralysed by her fathers stature but as soon as he turns away from her she quickly returns to the aid of Mitsuko who started to get her bearings back. As soon as Lu Bu left, Gao Shun entered and quickly sprints to the side of Mitsuko.

'Lady Mitsuko, what happened?' He questions.

'She just said something and my father just…snapped at her for no real reason.' LingQi responded as makes sure Mitsuko is ok.

'Really? I didn't know our lord can be like that, especially over a misunderstanding. Do not worry about it, you are safe now lady Mitsuko.' Gao Shun replies. Meanwhile in the mountains Gyuki smashes his club in anger around him and roars. The soldiers down on the ground heard it very faintly and pause what they're doing. Though when they don't see or hear anything after the initial roar they return to what they were doing.

'Damn that Lu Bu makes me mad! Hurting our lady like that! Why I really just want to smash his bones to dust! Don't you agree Dodomeki!?' Gyuki turns to his blood brother but notices that he hasn't moved and keeps staring at them.

'Dodomeki?' Gyuki began to get worried when he wasn't responding or doing his playful punches at him.

'He…laid a hand on her. He really laid a hand on lady Mitsuko and…attempted to take her life…' Dodomeki's voice sounded shocked and yet Gyuki could feel his rage when he spoke by just standing next to him. He notices his left hand has curled into a fist so tightly that his black blood began to get squeezed out.

'Hey…its ok, she's ok now.' Gyuki was about to pat him on the back though Dodomeki swats it away coldy. His fist tightens even more squeezing even more blood out, his arm shaking with rage.

'He…he dares to lay even one of his disgusting fingers on lady Mitsuko and inflicts pain upon her? I know I shouldn't be feeling anything considering she may be another failed vessel but in all the previous incarnations that lord Orochi had…this one was the most difficult to behold! He will pay dearly for his insolence!' He yells as he slams his fist into the ground and quickly sprints away.

'Dodomeki wait!' Gyuki calls out but it was futile, Gyuki sighs and sits down knowing its futile to give chase to him as he was a lot slower.

'Well…at least I know you care now. Maybe I should give him some space, that'll help him.' He thinks to himself as he continues to survey the enemy below him.

That night Pang Tong came to rest in his quarters but noticed it was more…warmer than usual.

'Oh do I have a visitor?' He questions to the seemingly empty room however he was surprised to find himself suddenly pinned to the wall with his neck pressed against it by a familiar demonic forearm.

'Surprised to see me strategist!?' Dodomeki snarls.

'Ahh Dodomeki, I am actually. So what can I do for you today?' He replied with his usual cheery tone however he finds his throat starting to feel a bit tight between the wall and his arm.

'You know full well why I'm here. You were supposed to support lady Mitsuko were you not?'

'I am still supporting her yes.'

'Then why did you allow that insolent man to lay his hand on her!?' He yells leaning closer to his face. Pang Tong could only chuckle…as difficult as it was.

'Ahh so that's what this is about is it?'

'Do not test me or you may find yourself missing a pair of eyes!' Dodomeki threatens.

'My is that so? I should warn you though, you handicap me and you handicap Lady Mitsuko. And I believe that's something you don't want to do.' He feels his throat getting more tighter as Dodomeki pushes further into the wall.

'If that's the case then answer my question! Why did you allow him to lay his hands on her!?'

'If you let me go, I shall tell you.' Pang Tong responds calmly. Dodomeki begrudgingly let him go and step backs. Pang Tong coughs a bit but quickly composes himself.

'That was a good grip you had, how long did you train to do that?'

'Talk!' Dodomeki demanded, not in the mood for Pang Tongs jokes.

'Very well. I had to do this to help Mitsuko break her chains of servitude. She can't do this alone and with her friendship with the lords daughter it needs to be more…delicate. I needed to show her that her lord would kill her without hesitation, so she'd be more willing to rebel against him. Not to mention LingQi also needed her chains of blood to be severed so I need to proceed with care.' Pang Tong explained.

'And this was the only way you can think of? Allowing her to be harmed?'

'Unfortunately, yes. It didn't bring me any amount of joy to do such a thing but there was no other alternative. With this she only needs one more push, one more and then she'll finally be able to start her true journey.'

'I assure you, your schemes don't bring much joy to her, especially this one!' Dodomeki responds angrily.

'For a demon that was calm about not giving her aid before you sure seem to care quite a bit about todays…incident.'

'Do not dare to presume you know me!' Dodomeki grabs him by the collar of his robe and lifts him up for him to be face to face. His golden, demonic eye stared a hole into him.

'I have my reasons for my actions, reasons I don't have to divulge to you!'

'And that is perfectly fine, though that doesn't help our current situation does it?' Pang Tong questioned.

'I appreciate that she is important to you, she's important to me aswell considering I chose to serve her but everything I do, I do for her. Even going as far as letting lord Gao Shun get close to Mitsuko.'

'Wait…that man…are you saying he's deceiving lady Mitsuko…AND YOU LET HIM GET CLOSE TO HER!?' Dodomeki pinned him against the wall again as he was seething pure anger. Causing Pang Tong more pain as it travels throughout his body.

'I had to make sure Chen Gong revealed his hand before utilising my other plan. Without him getting to know her and lead Lu Bu to that location at that time I couldn't break the 2nd to last chain this soon. I also needed Chen Gong to believe he had the edge this time, that he outstmarted me. No doubt they both are celebrating this so called victory.' That explanation did not make Dodomeki calm down.

'And yet here you are, scheming and putting our lady's life in jeopardy! What if it backfired!?'

'Ahh but did it? You saw how Lady LingQi-'

'I do not care about that human!'

'Maybe you should.'

'Excuse me?'

'Think about it, if Lady LingQi is of high importance to LingQi maybe you should consider her safety a priority aswell. You saw how she punched her father right? Her chains are now broken as a result though she doesn't realise it. In that instance she chose Mitsuko which bodes well and went according to plan.'

'And what will your plans accomplish in the long term!?'

'Mitsuko's development.' Pang Tong smirked as Dodomeki didn't give a response and loosened his grip slightly.

'I understand your frustration and believe me they are justified, though I want to aid her development as much as you do. For different reasons sure but the goal is the same. And this is why I had to let todays incident happen. So should we not start working together? After all while you're doing this the real people who caused her harm are celebrating. We can't have that can we?' Dodomeki didn't answer and threw him to one side. Pang Tong stood up and dusted himself off with his hands.

'I also want her development to be completed, more than anything else. However…when he hurt her like that…I don't know why but I never felt compelled to aid anyone, not even with members of my own kind. I shouldn't at all but…' He was interrupted by Pang Tong's signature chuckle.

'My, my. It looks like demons aren't that dissimilar from humans after all. Of course don't take that as a bad thing, think of it as…you can relate more to lady Mitsuko.' Dodomeki couldn't't help but sinisterly laugh at this as he seemed to calm down though he is still on edge a little.

'You really are silver tongued, aren't you…Pang Tong?'

'I do try.' Pang Tong bowed.

'And what about this…Gao Shun? Will you deal with him?'

'I already have the perfect way to do that. You can leave that to me, now that he has revealed his scheme I can now protect Lady Mitsuko to the fullest.'

'If you do not, your head will be mine.' Dodomeki sinisterly threatened. Pang Tong chuckled yet again.

'Well in that case I have to actually try now. But do not worry about the impending battle, I'm sure lady Mitsuko will prove victorious and I have numerous plans in place to aid her.'

'Hmph, all right then. In that case, I will take my leave.' Just as Dodomeki was about to leave Pang Tong posed a question for him.

'Oh before you go then, could you tell me from your perspective. How close is Mitsuko to be fully developed for you to intervene and become a staple to her forces?'

'Are you trying to goad me into aiding her strategist?'

'Oh no, I just need to put your answer into my future plans, just in case you know.'

'I see. In that case…I believe she is almost ready. I believe, as you say one more push is needed.'

'Is that so? Hehe, I will keep that in mind.' Dodomeki quickly leaves the room and quickly exits the castle stealthily, making sure not to be spotted by guards of either side. During this he opens one of his hands to reveal the wound he gave himself where his sharp claws dug into his palm with the black blood around he newly formed scar stained his demonic grey skin.

'I really shouldn't have been so…emotional over this. Forgive me Lord Or…Lady Mitsuko, it shall not happen again and I assure you, when the time is right and I am able to serve you once again. No one will even lay a fingernail on even a strand of hair on your head, not when I'm around.'