Mochi: A traditional rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain glutinous rice.
Masamune
Of all the possible figures he'd run through his mind to encounter on his way to the mysterious woman's assigned room, Mitsuhide Akechi was far from not expected. In fact, it's more fortunate than anything he'd happened to find him instead of encountering Hideyoshi once again, or else he couldn't be sure he'd have endured but another lecture from him. Two consecutive sermons had been more than enough for his book, either way.
Once his associate swings the door close with that certain characteristic elegance of his, Masamune leans nonchalantly against a wall, casting a curious glance his way. For how long he'd known him, he could already tell by the quirk of one of Mitsuhide's mobile brows they seem to share the same budding curiosity towards Azuchi Castle's new female resident.
And yet, Masamune knows deep down either of them are truly surprised for their reunion having been drawn by an unexpected element, such as an unknown woman. Some may call it fate, but between the two of them, it just comes down to simply sharing mutual interests. However that may be, it is for his acquaintance to ponder further on—and either way, Masamune wouldn't bring himself to bother with a better clarification.
Akechi comes to be the first in attempting to break the ice. "Who would have thought, our Lord's savior turned out to be such a slender little thing…" He voices out a thought lingering in the back of Masamune's mind, folding his hands into the sleeves of his pristine kimono. "Whatever will happen to this sweet lady from now on, I wonder?"
"That's quite rhetorical, coming from you," For what it takes, what they do not seem to share are their presumptions on the woman inside the room; 'slender little thing', maybe so—and fair enough, in comparison to Masamune's build, that is—but sweet, he definitely wouldn't describe her as such. "Hideyoshi already leaned us on to Nobunaga having taken an interest in her, so…" He comments with a vague shrug, figuring out the simplest of reasons often turn out to be the most plausible ones.
A spark of mischief crosses his golden eyes, thin lips curling into a knowing smirk. "And yet, here you are, Dragon…" It's clear how Mitsuhide doesn't include himself in the statement; he's been ordered by Hideyoshi to fetch the woman, after all, whilst he's simply arrived on his own accord.
"Were you truly expecting otherwise?" Masamune prods, returning that impish smile with one of his own. Regardless of the obvious implications in his words and the ever-present naughty look plastered on Mitsuhide's face, there the other man still stands; gaze unwavering, waiting for him to figure it all out on his own. "Hah, I thought so."
His assumption hangs in the air; a light, low chuckle from Akechi practically confirming other questions left unvoiced. For the way his sly associate's stance leans towards the newest resident's room, casually guarding the door, all but states a little game and a subtle challenge arising altogether. At the gesture, Masamune slightly tilts his head, but can't help for his single eye shimmering in excitement, revealing his growing anticipation.
He'd previously considered being too premature to engage in a thing like this, but for the looks of it, there's already a race among his colleagues to unfold the mysteries behind the newest addition of Azuchi Castle's inhabitants. Masamune would be a fool to even consider backing down from such a fun challenge, however irrelevant it would be—and Akechi would be the bigger fool to not assume he'd be in beforehand.
As it turns out, he's relieved for grasping the opportunity when it came, just a couple hours ago, and having already made his first move. It leaves him with a much confident advantage over his recently self-announced 'rival'.
Although Mitsuhide isn't truly the one among the players Masamune is most wary of—if not at all, really.
However, there's again no reason to wrap up his head over it just yet. Both of them are just about to see how Nobunaga Oda will partake on their little game of theirs soon enough. And while there's a slim chance neither would be able to have their slice of fun if Nobunaga just so decides against it, Masamune knows deep down he didn't happen to strike an alliance with such a letdown in the first place. If anything, the Lord of Azuchi has struck him more as an enabler rather than the other way around.
When the door slides open and Mai Mizusaki shows up before them—all but regal and outstanding, clad from head to toe in several folds of the most expensive fabrics Azuchi town is able to provide—Masamune and Akechi share very similar pleased smirks, the sight of such a beauty appearing as a reminder of how… entertaining the future days are looking forward to becoming.
Feeling bolstered by the striking view, Masamune makes the first move and purposefully ignores his associate, all but setting his sights on his target and offering his hand to her with a flourish. "Shall we go, Mai?" He says suggestively, recalling the pretty way she'd flustered the last time he'd drawled her name, intent on turning her utmost attention to him once again.
Mitsuhide appears hardly surprised by the bold move from his part, yet knows better than to provide with a counterattack, barely restraining himself from showing how truly amused Masamune knows he is. And even as he turns and strolls onto the halls with the exotic beauty alongside him and his fellow warlord silently following, everything regarding their situation is all but naturally expected, way predicted beforehand.
In a way, it's somewhat boring. But hopefully so, Nobunaga will spice things up for all of them.
And thrillingly, Nobunaga Oda happens to provide once again.
"So be it, then. I shall appoint you as my chatelaine." He decides after a sigh, resigning to indulge in the lass' wishes to be of more use.
His decision prompts the wholehearted approval of both Masamune and Mitsuhide, and while the rest of the warlords begin further discussing it, so far there seem to be no real objections on the matter.
"How could this waif possibly be of any use?" Ieyasu grumbles as so usual of him, naturally wanting to move onto the real subject at hand, which is not precisely—to his opinion—the just named Princess of Azuchi.
"It's Lord Nobunaga's decision, Ieyasu. Hold your tongue," Hideyoshi is quick to frown down on him, "Though only time will tell if we can trust her…"
"Who says you have to?" Mitsuhide points out with a nonchalant shrug, "Just keep an eye on her. You're good at that, right?" He directs a brief yet all the same mischievous glance at Masamune before adding, "She may surprise you."
Why,I eagerly look forward to that. Masamune doesn't voice out his thoughts, flashing a wicked smile at Akechi instead, not in much need of words between them when they can practically read each other quite effortlessly.
"Then it's decided." Nobunaga attempts to wrap up the discussion, "Work hard and prove your worth to me, Mai."
While a nice bunch of them are noticeably pleased with the outcome—and the wide variety of possibilities a job as chatelaine would entail—that doesn't precisely seem to be the case of the Princess. "I won't let you down." She says, but Masamune notices the forced reassuring tone she pulls out, all but looking like keeping her wits about her.
Sure, her subtle squirming and clear wariness towards Nobunaga is pretty much understandable. Aside from the fact that lass appeared out of nowhere and some odd circumstances turned out for her to save the life of the daimyo—who currently has her on his lap as if a prized possession, to the disapproval of some—in fact, she happens to know the same amount about all of them they know about her, which is… close to nothing, actually.
Just who is she? It's becoming clear she's never had to deal with the likes of them, barely judging by her absolute lack of decorum. But above everything, it's her exotic nature that draws Masamune's eye in ways he can't truly bring himself to fathom; and for one, it's an irksome feeling at its best.
With a satisfied grin and in teasing ways Masamune has seen himself doing with his own pet, Nobunaga brings his fingers under her chin, prompting her eyes to his. "Worry not, Princess. I plan to take good care of you." He can't truly blame her for flinching back, honestly, for he'd have probably reacted similarly, were he in her place.
"You can start by letting go of me, then." The lass doesn't wait for him to do so, though, extricating herself from his grasp dexterously, yet with some subtle politeness.
Akechi breathes a snort through his nose, raptly listening and watching all the conversations unfolding at once. "Be as it may. I shall enjoy your company nonetheless," A mischievous smirk clings to Nobunaga's face, finding a sort of fun in the woman's situation, "And grant you time to learn to enjoy mine."
Hideyoshi doesn't bother hiding his disapproval. "I still don't know about her, my Lord. She's awfully disrespectful." He comments with one of his natural frowns.
To Mitsuhide, Nobunaga and Masamune's amusement—which looks like a clear contrast from the rest of their associates—the woman is quick in standing up for herself. "I won't speak for all of you but I don't know anyone thrilled to be fondled like a piece of property." She points out.
"Right you are!" Masamune can't help but intercede and approve wholeheartedly, "I like a lass who knows what she wants."
Mitsuhide's sly smirk widens even further, "And just how would you like to be fondled?"
"That's… not of your business." She puts effort into giving a proper retort, apparently struggling not to scrunch her face and look like a silly kid while placing some safe distance between her and the daimyo of Azuchi.
She ends up taking a spot between Hideyoshi and Masamune, folding her knees and taking utmost care of the long folds of her exquisite kimono. Her eyes gleam in pretty shades of amber as they roam over the entire group, the hue reminding him of the autumn afternoons back at Yonezawa.
Those were lovely, tranquil days, just as endearing as her eyes; in which his hardest struggles were merely stirring some trouble with his cousin, stealing mochi from the kitchens and keep up with writing lessons. The sight makes Masamune wonder, is she the same as he once were, back in the day? Untouched, unspoiled by the tragedies of war?
Some of her features look Western from his point of view, like the lines of her jaw, or her copper brows a tad bit thicker and not groomed as custom, even to northern standards. For what it takes and even if her name doesn't sound foreign, Mai Mizusaki is an exotic beauty, clearly not from these lands. And that gaze hasn't seen famine nor witnessed a wife crying out for her husband and child as they were drawn to defend the lands of their daimyo.
Is her homeland a safe haven from the evils of men, as the serene amber of her eyes seems to take after? Does such a place even exist?
Just… who is she?
"Isn't it wonderful that you're making so many friends, Mai?" Mitsunari's ever innocent pondering pulls him out of his reverie.
Hells. It's very unlike him to let his mind wander so carelessly, at least not these days, his lips pursing ever so briefly with discomfort. "I bet those two will get along great. They're both clueless," Ieyasu and apparently nobody seems to have noticed, however, continuing with his characteristic scoffing, facing him from where he's sitting.
"Ieyasu, I've told you before: don't be rude."
"But you also told me to be honest, Hideyoshi, which is what I'm doing," Masamune can't help his soft snicker at Ieyasu's annoyed eye roll, "Besides, isn't this is a war council? Shouldn't we get back to business? Suruga, Shinano and Kai—but that's no surprise—are a total mess right now." He points out with a sneer, "It's not like I care if you prefer to be messing around with some waif instead of discussing the discord and skirmishes happening in your recently acquired territories, but I'd like to be informed if you would…"
Mitsunari makes his addition, his easygoing demeanor turning serious once they get Nobunaga's attention. "Though minor conflicts are inevitable, if they increase in number they could destabilize all the footholds we've made," The hard frown in his young face doesn't really suit him, but Hideyoshi's vassal has always been known to be pretty much an open book—both in his expressions and for having his nose constantly stuck into one. "It may be happening already. Opposition to Lord Nobunaga is spreading to even previously peaceful domains…"
The news, however, doesn't strike Masamune as massively concerning. "If they're trying to get our attention, why don't we go knock down some doors and show them we mean business?" He shrugs, a savage smirk showing on his face, all but anticipating what's to come as he turns to his associate seated on his right. "Mitsuhide, with all your schemes and secrets, I'm sure you've dug up some fun news about the enemy. Got anything to share?"
The Princess hums in a certain discomfort, but Akechi cracks up a sly smile. "Fun?" He seems to share the sentiment, although he opts to face Nobunaga. "Well, I suppose it is for some of us. On the other hand, my Lords, I'm afraid I've yet to receive further news on the matter of the incident at Honno-ji. With enemies lurking everywhere, nothing is too certain…"
"I assumed as much. I await your report, then," Nobunaga concludes, relaxing against his armrest, "And Ieyasu, the reason for my summoning mainly concerned the appointment of our Princess. However, it has been some time since we've all gathered under the same roof. I would like to throw a feast to celebrate it and welcome our new residents…"
And so, as a cue from the Lord of the castle, the tables are properly set and the men arrange themselves and switch places to prepare for the regal banquet much expected from their unconventional host. Piles over piles of food, some standing out as European delicacies, are spread everywhere before them, much to the majority's delight.
One of the maids, particularly acquainted with Masamune as a long past dalliance, flutters her pretty lashes and smiles coquettishly once she gets near him. Yet while he politely nods in thanks for her hard work, he can't help his eye to be drawn to the new female resident still seated at his left—the way the lass' gaze roams all over the table in awe, almost in disbelief, catching his utmost interest.
"What's that face for, lass?" He leans to the side, and the maid seems to take that as her cue to disappear and attend the others, "Just suit yourself. Or is there something in particular I can get you?"
"Ah, um, it's nothing, really…" For a split moment, she appears to be struggling to keep a straight face, but it's obvious from Masamune's point of view something is concerning her, "I've never seen so much food piled up together in my life, that's all,"
"In any case, I strongly recommend any of the mochi over there," Ever the gentleman, he makes work of stretching over the table and fetch a plate for the two of them, saving a zunda-mochi to himself. "They're not as great as in Oshu, mind you, but it'll do just fine. But the dango is quite good, though,"
She accepts his offering with a half forced smile, but his attempts for a meaningless conversation don't seem to help her from the sort of trance she appears to be into—her mind clearly elsewhere, judging by the glossy look of her amber eyes. Akechi either bothers stepping in, looking too busy catching up on multiple conversations ongoing at once while wolfing an onigiri without even a care of actually tasting the damn thing.
The one to approach a moment later comes out to be, surprisingly, Hideyoshi. "You're looking lost, Mai." He points out matter-of-factly, "Is something the matter?"
Hideyoshi's ever natural concerning manners succeed in pulling the Princess out of her apparent stupor, startling just slightly. "Well, er, you're not wrong. I was just thinking I'd like to get to work but I don't really know where to start or what I could possibly do," She admits with a frown.
"I'm pleased to know you're taking up your new role seriously," He nods in approval, the hard wall of skepticism he'd seemed to put up faltering just a bit—which is quite interesting, all things considered. "You should start with familiarizing yourself with the castle, first. We can show you around shortly after this meal…"
"… Is that all?" A dubious look appears on the lass' face, quirking a brow. "Don't get me wrong, though. I know it's better to take it easy at first, but loafing around is not really my thing."
On that addition, Nobunaga joins in on the conversation. "If you intend to partake on a more challenging task, then you can see that Mitsunari lives properly," He comments, an amused smirk on his face as he quietly sips on his tea.
Mitsuhide manages to suppress a snort, but Masamune can't really help his low chuckling, already picturing such implications. Their aforementioned associate just gawks at them in dismay, bracing himself for a complaint.
The only woman in the room returns to looking confused, though. "Um, what exactly does 'seeing Mitsunari lives properly' entail?"
"It's simple. Make sure he takes at least two meals per day and on time, and gets the required amount of rest." Nobunaga explains matter-of-factly, "If you truly want to be useful, you will soon learn that helping Mitsunari helps the castle,"
"That's it? You're not joking?"
"I wouldn't laugh if I were you. You just got assigned to pet care…" Ieyasu makes a witty remark before returning to busy himself with his cup of tea.
The lass shoots him an incredulous look, almost dropping her barely eaten mochi. "Please, my lord, you should rethink this decision," Mitsunari finally makes his concerns known to Nobunaga, "Lady Mai is now a Princess. It is unfitting to burden her with this task!"
Masamune just leans back and crosses his arms, finding quite a good amount of entertainment in the discussion. "I bet the new spirited Princess will have fun with it. I know some of us will, at least…" Glancing at Mitsuhide, the sly grin in his face clearly tells how much he agrees with his sentiment.
"I wish you the best of luck in your very vital task, my Lady," Akechi's eyes gleam impishly, and for a second it seems as if he's already picturing multiple entertaining situations to come.
"Hey, that's enough mockery out of you two!" Hideyoshi glares at them past the Princess' snack in her hands. "And Mai, let me know when you're ready to depart. Mitsunari and I can give you a tour of the castle for today, and we can discuss your assignments in the meantime,"
"Ready when you are," Presumably too eager to escape all the inquisitive looks directed at her, she's quick in dropping her food and follow an ever so oblivious Mitsunari out of the war room, his Lord on tow. "If you excuse me, um, my Lords…"
Huh, she has barely eaten anything. Was it the mochi? Maybe I should see what she likes to have…
As the Princess and the others left, closing the door behind them, the banquet continues with the regular pleasantries. Ieyasu and Masamune proceed with informing the stationing of their troops for the time being, while Mitsuhide makes exemplary work of putting his Lord to date with the latest reports from his travel to Honno-ji and forward.
The most pressing matters, according to Akechi, appear to be Kai's imminent revolt; an issue long in the brewing ever since the passing of their leader, Shingen Takeda. Once a formidable enemy of both Ieyasu and Nobunaga, the stakes currently seem to be on their side, though—mostly after Masamune's addition of his army in the northeast region—leaving the province with little to nowhere to seek refuge should they finally decide to take up arms against their new Lord.
Masamune leans a hand over his knee, excited to settle the score, "Just point me to the place that needs some fencing, and consider it done," He says to Nobunaga with a reassuring grin plastered all over his face.
"Are you dumb, Masamune, or just have a death wish?" Ieyasu scoffs at his assertion, "Nobunaga and I together could barely hold against them the last time. What makes you think you can?"
The Lord of Azuchi doesn't intervene, preferring to watch from the sidelines, leaning against his armrest and listening intently. "Why, Ieyasu, I wouldn't underestimate us northerners if I were you," Masamune quirks a challenging brow, "Aside from a good meal, we're always up for a good fight…"
"That's just recklessness, but whatever. It's your men at stake, not mine," Ieyasu puts up a show of rolling his eyes, but everyone can tell by the way he doesn't glare at anybody in particular he's not truly annoyed, "If we're done here I'd like to take my leave, though,"
Mitsuhide follows his lead, rising up with a flourish, "I shall see to everyone has settled up properly as well," Without further ado, he strolls to the exit ahead of Ieyasu. "My Lords, Masamune…"
He snorts amusedly at the silly jab, but leaves Akechi be for the moment—they have a good part of the afternoon to catch up, after all. A quiet and companionable silence falls over Nobunaga and him once they're left alone to their own devices, basking in the remains of the feast; a fact Masamune appreciates as much as wholeheartedly approves of his current host.
While making work of politely refilling Nobunaga's tea, Masamune finally breaks the silence. "I've been wondering, do you have any particular tasks in mind for your chatelaine?"
"None, in fact," Nobunaga shakes his head, "Unless she causes trouble, I'm fine with letting her do as she pleases. That was always my intention."
"Personally, I think it would be good for her to get into a little trouble, if you know what I mean." He pulls up a sly smirk, "That's why I wanted to recommend some things."
Judging by the slight tilt of his chin and a single quirk of his brow, Nobunaga appears to have taken the bait. "As long as castle life isn't disrupted… and she gets to assist me,"
Masamune shrugs nonchalantly, getting the innuendo but not feeling perturbed by it. He's seen the knowing look in Nobunaga's eyes when he brought the now called Princess before him, but he would be a fool to plan to get in the way of his Lord's whims without a very good reason for doing so. And a woman—as pleasingly interesting as she may be—isn't truly one, to be honest.
"By the way, where did she say she comes from?" He prods a little.
At the sudden question, Nobunaga chuckles low, amusement clinging to his face, "Hah. From 500 years in the future, if you believe her outrageous stories,"
Wait, what? That's… what? As a matter of fact, the news doesn't particularly disturb him—if anything, it makes him all the more curious about the woman, if he even wasn't in the first place.
"I see. I wasn't wrong about her, then," A wicked grin spreads all over Masamune's lips, already anticipating many exciting days to come. "This will be fun…"
A-N: Ugh, sorry for not being able to update last week. Been bedridden and with my usual health issues, so I couldn't find time to post this. On another note and once again, I'm doing Nano this year too, and I've submitted this novel! So you can expect a lot more of this story from now on :D