Tenshu: An architectural typology found in Japanese castle complexes. They are easily identifiable as the highest tower within the castle.

Gunsen: A type of folding war fan used by the average warriors to cool themselves off.

Spoiler alert! - Shingen's route.
TW: Sexual innuendo

Mai

"Tonight, I shall bed you."

Nobunaga's declaration drifts onto his royal quarters to the very edge of the door she's currently frozen in place, his commanding voice feeling like a slap in the face. Is she really hearing him right? He wants her to sleep with him? As if like… having sex?

"Don't be shy, little fireball. Come in, now," He seems pleased with himself—as he always does when he orders her around, for that matter—not bothering with extricating himself from his work desk just yet.

Mai's body absolutely refuses to obey, alarms flaring in her head, getting the feeling she's been invited to cross the gates of hell. With her mind struggling to scramble in several different directions, it's way easier to become upset with the guy.

Her hands curl into tight fists, knuckles going white. "You know, I expect you to be kidding me," She says low, brows knitting together in a frown, "The answer is and will be no."

"Of course I'm not kidding…" Nobunaga stares at her from his working desk as if their roles were suddenly reversed and she's the one acting nonsensical.

He really thinks he can just tell me we're going to sleep together? I don't even care which century we're in, that's not happening. Ever.

She uses that train of thought to strengthen her resolve, daring to step into his room with a sense of defiance around her. "Well, Nobunaga, I'm not 'bedding' you," With her chin perked up, she meets his crimson gaze, determined to stand her ground. "I don't like you that way, I'm afraid."

Nobunaga cracks up a pleased smirk. "What you like and what you don't is of no matter to me…"

And with that statement, they're back in court. However, he doesn't yet attempt to make a move to stand nor threatens to approach her in any way, leaving her to ponder on it. Does he truly seem to believe she'll do whatever whim he has it merely because he said so?

Sure, Mai's not oblivious to the fact it may be an honor for too many to share a bed with the current shogun of Japan—and she must be practically privileged to even be in the same room with the guy. Still, she doesn't belong to that group of people, and Nobunaga knows so. Could he be that arrogant to pretend believing she'd obey nonetheless?

In that preposterous case, then all it should take is some logic to turn the situation around on him, and to her personal advantage. "Alright, listen—" But whatever argument she was mentally preparing drifts by, forgotten, as something else captures her attention. "Huh?"

The first time she'd visited Azuchi Castle's tenshu, Mai truly hadn't notice how the room definitely is one of a kind; decorated from head to toe, lush artifacts and expensive silks spreading everywhere she lays her eyes upon. Even the tatami mats seem to sigh softly at her weight, almost as if she's walking on clouds.

Her awe doesn't seem to go by unnoticed; catching a brief curious glance from the corner of Nobunaga's eyes before he returns to finish what seems to be one of many letters. "Your interest in my collections is appreciated. Feel free to look around if that is your wish…"

His manners never stop irking her, and most likely he's goading her on purely to get on her good graces, but Mai isn't up to look a gift horse in the mouth, seizing the chance and sauntering inside before he suddenly changes his mind. She almost can't believe her eyes, though—the sheer amount of culture contained inside one single room looking like almost too much for one person alone. But this is Nobunaga Oda, and knowing as much as she does about the guy, it doesn't come off truly odd as it'd be.

Remarkable hakamas, kimonos and haoris are tucked neatly on one corner of the room, and against her wishes of not crossing a line Mai easily finds herself brushing her fingertips over the fabrics. How did people manage to dye the silks into such vivid colors without traditional modern tools? And gods above, the intricate patterns are a sight for sore eyes.

It's such a magnificent sight she nearly feels unworthy of touching them, and it doesn't take long before she pries her fingers away, too on edge of even scratching anything by accident. She startles when Nobunaga speaks from the other end of the room, the lush tatami barely producing a sound as he comes to a stand.

"There are many of these to spare in Azuchi," He comments, pointing to a gorgeous roll of red silk nearby, "Say the word and I'll have the seamstresses produce something for you,"

"I can do it myself, actually," Mai says without thinking, but doesn't try to make up a lie afterwards—her fashion design skills aren't truly a secret after all, and if he'd find out sooner or later, may that be from her rather than Masamune. "You could say I am a, um, seamstress myself,"

"Ah, right. I almost forgot that," She frowns at that comment, subtly changing her stance as Nobunaga smugly approaches, placing his precious clothes in between them. So he did know already? Masamune Date, if this came from you, consider yourself in big, big trouble. "Then have at them, if you so wish. A Princess of the Oda deserves nothing but the finest silks this world can offer,"

It is indeed a generous offer, but somehow she's reluctant to take it right away. There must be a catch, I can feel it. Mai mulls it over for a moment, although it's right as she turns to face the owner of such luxuries when a radiant glint catches her eye, right past Nobunaga's shoulder.

Her breath catches in her lips, "Oh..." Then again, Mai can't barely believe her eyes, never considering the idea she'd be seeing such precious artifacts in exhibition before her. Memories of her childhood surge through her as she walks to the display, unable to tear her gaze away. "But this… I never thought I'd be seeing this with my own eyes…"

Nobunaga just follows, an air of sheer curiosity around him. "Is that so?" When she casts a shy glance his way, inwardly asking for permission, his interest seems to turn into wariness, "I think you've gotten it wrong. Those are weapons, Princess, not—"

"May I?" She insists, holding his eyes with intent, not taken aback by the frown showing in Nobunaga's face, appearing partially offended for being interrupted.

His curiosity seems to win the battle, nodding tentatively, watching very carefully as Mai approaches the display, her hands nearly itching in anticipation, and grabs the closest iron fan in her reach. First, she takes some time to admire the crafting, appreciating the delicate patterns painted over the cloth; all in gorgeous hues of gold, amber and orange, resembling a beautiful landscape of a dawning sun.

Then, without really giving it a thought, she tests its weight, turning it around and between her hands, her past dexterity coming back to her just as easily—pretty much like riding a bike. Despite having its inner ribs made in thin bronze, it feels as lightweight as it can come, deeming it a true masterpiece.

"Be careful with that, you will cut—" Nobunaga's words die in his lips as Mai flicks the iron fan close before his surprised eyes, the sharp noise of the irons clashing together prompting his mouth shut for once.

Overcome with near glee, she opens it again and sends it spinning in the air, excited to be recalling her past trainings with her father just as effortlessly. The dim light catches on the delicate painting on the gunsen, a flash of red dancing prettily in the air between them. Through the corner of her eye, Nobunaga's gaze brims with what's close to amazement, the sight of him so rooted in his spot definitely amusing.

A smug smirk crosses her face, "I think not." However, it's not long before she reconsiders her impromptu behavior, her mirth fading as quickly as it came before she flicks the iron fan close. "Or, well, um, sorry. Couldn't help myself…"

It's hard to act cocky in front of such an imposing person like Nobunaga, and yet, judging purely by the intense look on his crimson eyes, he doesn't seem to disapprove. "Well, well, fireball. That's not something I witness quite often." His brows quirk up, "You managed to impress me once again." He says pleasingly, his gaze falling to the gunsen still in her hands, "You appear to have a proper hold on it. Your master should be proud…"

"Y-you really think so?" Mai can't help to wonder, the grinning picture of Haru Mizusaki crossing her mind, nodding thoughtfully and messing her hair in the endearing way he used to when she was a young and hopeful girl.

"I do, and commend you for it." Nobunaga insists as if truly meaning it before appraising her with a more challenging look, "However, I wonder if you can make it dance…"

She raises an apologetic hand before letting him continue on that line of thought. "I… thanks for the praises, but I'm afraid I only know some defense techniques." She says honestly, not looking forward to having a demonstration either, "It doesn't really go further than that,"

"It's a useful skill to have nonetheless." He adds on without an ounce of doubt, somewhat managing to impress her as well.

Nobunaga never struck her as a thoughtful person, very much less so with how history and fictional dramas portray him on that matter. And having the living person before her proving her wrong on her assumptions is starting to become genuinely better than she believed so at first.

Said thought leads her onto another pondering. "Why, speaking of useful. You do know it's quite late in the night, do you?" Mai comments, tilting her head in direction of his balcony, the moon on its peak making its sole statement. "Commanders of your caliber should be having their proper rest at these hours, I believe,"

Her consideration seems to amuse him, snorting low while she turns to return the war fan onto its proper place on the display. "Don't concern yourself in my stead, Princess. I sleep only the strictly necessary amount,"

It's not truly about him, but she's rather still concerned for herself. Regardless, that's an interesting comment. "You mean, you do that every night?" Mai quirks a brow, "It's not healthy to have just naps for a sleep."

"It is how I have slept for as long as I can remember…" The pleased smirk in his face falters slightly, appearing to ponder on it, "It's become a boon, a necessity when having enemies on all sides,"

She lets the words sink in momentarily. Not being able to have a proper sleep sounds quite sad, even for an intimidating man such as Nobunaga, and he voices it as if not being safe to do so. It makes her wonder, how many enemies does he have lurking in the shadows as they speak?

"May I ask you something? With all due respect, that is," Nobunaga tilts a curious brow and nods, "Why did you decide to pursue this idea of unifying the country throughout conquest when it's turned almost everyone against you?"

Historians may not know Nobunaga Oda's true aims, but she has the man right in front of her. It doesn't seem plausible his actions are out of mere love for war—even the most villainous characters in history had their own reasons to fight, insane or not. Is it the desperate urge for surviving, then?

He takes a thoughtful pause before a self-assured smirk clings to his face. "It's the only way to bring me closer to the world I wish to see." Nobunaga replies, truly convinced of his words, "My aims are for a strong and prosperous Japan that can compete with foreign countries on an equal footing. Bringing the country under my rule so it doesn't tear itself apart is only the first step to helping it grow fully."

There's sheer determination in his features, painting the picture of a ruthless, yet clear-minded man. She's born and grow up with the concept of war being the most despicable act made by humankind; and yet, regardless of her hatred for it, Nobunaga's fighting doesn't sound like one done for personal gain. And as it's historically mentioned, his actions and those of his allies—like Hideyoshi, Ieyasu and even Masamune—are what leads to a long period of peace in Japanese history after all.

That realization begins to kindle a certain respect for what all of them did and currently do, and their true reasons why. Wow, how funny is this, now I'm bothered by this guy not allowing himself to sleep. However, the truth is Nobunaga just survived an assassination attempt less than two weeks ago, he shouldn't wreck his health just then.

A soft chuckle escapes her at the silliness of the situation, and Nobunaga's face hardens at that. "What is it you find amusing, Mai?" He doesn't seem to think she's actually laughing at his expenses, though, crossing his arms and looking confused, "And why are you looking at me like that?"

With a newfound motivation, Mai flashes a wicked smirk at him. "Tonight, Nobunaga, I shall put you to bed."

"… What?"

Ignoring his nearly stunned look, she reaches out and gently pulls him by the arm to the other end of the room. "Lie down on the futon," She nods towards the quite extravagant silk bedding placed close to a corner.

With a surprising obedience, Nobunaga actually does as she says, glancing her way as he drops onto his bedding. "Like this?"

Mai smiles in genuine approval, tucking her kimono and kneeling next to the futon. "What's next?" His crimson gaze gleams in anticipation—in regards of what, though, she has some clues it's not precisely what he's expecting.

Silently, she tucks him into the blankets. As absurd as it seems—and very much looks like to her!—Nobunaga returns her smile with one of his own, proving how he appears to be enjoying the experience. With only his head poking out of the futon, for a hot second he looks like the very picture of an eager child.

Which, as a matter of fact, comes with a neat timing, "Next, I'm going to tell you a bedtime story!" Mai says excitedly, grinning from ear to ear.

"A… bedtime story?"

"Yeah. It's a story to help you sleep," She's quick to add, hoping deep down not to encounter another cultural barrier she's accidentally overlooked. Nah, he surely must have someone doing this to him in his youth… right?

"Once upon a time, there was a man called Monogusa Taro, and though he was despised by all villagers for his—"

"—You're not seriously going to recite children's stories from the Otogizoshi for me?"

"Yes I am! And come on, this is a good one! It's about people having a hidden virtue beyond their off-putting exterior," Just like you, she finishes the sentence inwardly. "Really, didn't anyone ever read you a bedtime story when you were a child?" She can't help her wondering on it, quirking a doubtful brow at him.

Her small fears are practically confirmed by Nobunaga's blank stare. "Never."

Oh, man. "Well, that explains a lot…" For all it takes, the guy doesn't seem to be buying the Scheherazade Method—and which she hasn't realized she'd been trying on until then, for that matter. However, she's passed the point of giving up already, "Alright, never mind the story. How about a lullaby? I could do that for you,"

He hums, curious. "Is that another method of putting children to sleep?"

"Yes. Especially cranky ones," She remarks with a narrowing of her eyes. All of a sudden and to add up to her sheer surprise, Nobunaga bursts out laughing, startling her for a brief moment, "Hey, what's so funny?"

"Because you seem insistent upon treating me like a child," Nobunaga cackles as it's the most ridiculous thing ever, bringing a hand up from the covers of the futon to rub at his mirthful eyes, "It's been a long time since I've been able to laugh at something so absurd! But you amused me, so I commend you,"

"… Commendation taken,"

She's not sure whether to feel insulting or relieved at him laughing so hard, yet quite out of the blue, Mai finds herself sharing in Nobunaga's mirth, letting out a small giggle. I can't believe this guy can actually laugh this freely! This is so unlike anything I thought of him, huh.

"Tell me more about you, instead. Your voice may help to while away the hours,"

And just like that, Nobunaga's back with his regular demands, although luckily she's growing ever the more tolerant of that attitude. "That sounds fair. Okay, close your eyes and lean back," Switching places, she takes a seat at the head of his bedding, hoping deep down some massaging on his scalp may finally lull him onto sleep. "What do you want to know?"

As if by cue, he rests his head on her lap, but she opts out for letting that be. "Who taught you in the art of gunsen fans?" He wonders.

Nobunaga's curiosity sounds as genuine as it can come, leaving her to consider her options for a hot second. However, no matter how much she tries to find a true reason to make up a lie, in the end she's left with nothing at all. It's not like it'd hurt to tell him anything, though…

"It was my father. His name was Haru Mizusaki, and was proficient with many war fan techniques back in the day." Mai's fingers sink into his dark locks, nails scratching his scalp so very gently, letting her guard down briefly and drifting onto her memories of easier times. "I was quite young when he leaned me in on it. Despite being reluctant at first, I happened to have a… unpleasant event, so to say, so he thought I could use some ways to defend myself in the case he couldn't be there to protect me…"

Not truly delving into specific details, she still lets him in on bits and pieces of her life throughout the night; from her father's passion for the ancient martial arts, to her mother's work as a 'traveler'—for the lack of a better definition of a tour guide—to her adored grandmother and her glorious food.

Nobunaga doesn't fall asleep as quick as she hopes so, but luckily doesn't ask further than what she's comfortable with sharing. And as the night goes by, Mai finds herself more at ease.

The next day, Mai meets the morning with lidded eyes, the first rays of dawn reaching the window of her room sending her groaning and burying herself further into her futon. Half an hour later and with the regular rushing of servants echoing across the hallways, she knows it's no use to keep loafing around, cursing her lack of beauty sleep she had while blindly tying up her hair.

On her way to Mitsunari's quarters, breakfast tray in hand, she's stopped by a wolfish whistle. "And there's the woman of the hour!"

Masamune meets her on his apparent way to a war council, grinning wildly and followed by a smirking Mitsuhide. "Huh? Uh, good morning to you guys too," No matter the effort she puts onto it, her smile doesn't reach her tired eyes, frowning as the pair approach her with impish ones to match.

"We heard it aaaaall about last night, lass," Masamune wiggles his brows teasingly, "You tamed Nobunaga and used some clever trick to put him to sleep?"

"Do tell your methods, dear chatelaine. I could always use more ways to catch people off guard…" The roguish look Mitsuhide shoots her way isn't truly compelling for her to start talking about—

Hey, wait a minute… "Y-you two know about that?" Is the place a rumor mill or an actual castle? It's barely morning, those two must have just had breakfast and it's been merely hours since she left Nobunaga's tenshu for the guys to already know whatever they do about it.

Besides, Nobunaga doesn't strike me as the type of indulging gossip, but what do I know. We even had some good laughs last night…

"Hold on for a moment, there," She hurries to correct whatever misconceptions Masamune and Mitsuhide most certainly could have on last night's events, "It's not what you think and I didn't 'tame' him, mind you. Just… told him some stories and tales until he fell asleep, but that's all there was to it!" She fixes the pair with a glare, "And it's not that he even did that, he just closed his eyes. Eventually I got tired and bid goodnight,"

"My, my. It appears our lovely chatelaine has surpassed fearlessness and become something entirely new. And interesting…" Mitsuhide's intent of praising and the apparent admiration in Masamune's eye strikes her somewhat a bit disconcerting.

"… He was having trouble sleeping. What's so weird about that?"

"Rumors say you told him some fascinating stories. Something about a man named Haru and a story about the boy and the peach?" His golden eyes dart to the side as if to struggling to properly recall whatever he's heard of it.

Mai shrugs dismissively, not even pretending for it to be a big deal. "Well, Haru was the name of my father,"

"'Was'?"

"Uh, passed away 5 years ago. And you mean the Adventures of Momotaro?" She cuts Mitsuhide's line of conversation short, not up to get on it that early in the morning, "That's a good one. It's a cute story about a boy and his animal friends…"

She makes quick work of summarizing the tale, and Masamune bursts out in one of his musical laughs when she finishes. "… So the lad goes on to defeat all the demons at the end? I can't imagine Nobunaga cared much for that part!"

Struggling not to join in the mirth, Mai makes an addition. "In fact, he did stir when I mentioned the animals jumping on the demon's shoulders and scratching them,"

"Surely our Lord was preparing to kill Momotaro in revenge for the very cruel treatment on his kin," Mitsuhide snickers, raising a fist in pure mocking offense.

"Hey, you two—bwahaha! T-that's mean!" Unable to help it any longer, she laughs alongside them, mindful of not losing her hold on the tray in her hands. "… Hahaha! But, how did you two even hear about me and Nobunaga?"

Mitsuhide's mobile brows quirk up, not truly looking up to reveal his sources, "The whole castle is talking about it,"

"W-what?" Her eyes almost bulge out of her sockets, her mirth fading in an instant.

"Don't fret, kitten. It's a good thing," Masamune reassures her with a friendly pat on her shoulder, "You've created a reputation on yourself,"

"I dare say you've even earned the whole castle's respect, Princess."

"Well, that's surprising. But I'm glad to hear that," The truth is, she just wanted out of the non-con zone. She couldn't have anticipated having made a real place for herself with doing just that.

And so, the day goes by with Mai being the entire talk of the castle. While it was somewhat weird at first, the morning met her with several introductions to servants of the castle, but she's quickly put at ease as everyone regards her pleasantly and friendly, making her feel truly welcomed for the first time since she arrived.

A bright smile stays plastered on her face way later onto the afternoon, navigating the streets of Azuchi town and checking up on the directions marked in Mitsunari's map, aiming to retrieve a stack of books he'd ordered for him.

That is, until she almost crashes face first into a broad chest. Stammering, Mai instantly mumbles a quick apology.

"Excuse me, young lady?" The man says instead, a voice so warm and practically coated in honey stopping her running thoughts.

She knows how the story goes, though—the hot guy smiles, she smiles back, but in fact he's actually looking past her. Pretty much the story of her life, in short.

"Thank you for stopping. I was hoping I wouldn't have to give chase,"

He does smile, but once Mai's eyes shoot up to the source of that lovely voice, she feels her heart skipping several beats. First of all, because the man is clearly looking at her instead of past her, and second… because that face belongs to one of the most beautiful creatures she's ever laid eyes upon.

Thirdly, is one particular face she couldn't possibly forget in her entire life.

A-N: Welp, yeah, we got to that part of the arc! I'm so excited to delve on this, you have no idea, LOL! In any case, I'm working very hard in between my art requests so I can start adding Thursdays to the update schedule, so stay tuned I guess?

Also, here's a reminder to follow me on Tumblr if you're - still, given some late circumstances - around! My Ikesen blog is Shogetsus :D