Duty-Bound: Chapter 43
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With someone after her life, she couldn't feel safe in her own birthplace anymore. Well, she could feel safe, but that was only when Natsume was with her. According to Youichi, her attackers were inside the palace, but they were not from the ninja clans. Even though her attackers' skills rivalled a real ninja's, the speed was that of a lower-ranked ninja. Youichi could have defended himself if not for the poison that was unknowingly shot at him.
Come to think of it, that night she could keep up with her attacker's speed. Because of that, something was definitely wrong. If her attacker was an assassin, she would have become history by now. Though she was injured, it was not life threatening. It would be easier to end her life if the intruders attacked her at once, but only one of them went after her. Why? This whole commotion was as if it was made on purpose. Another question filled her mind: for what purpose?
Because of this incident, people around the palace had been talking about her. This reminded her a lot of when she was young. Somewhere deep in her heart, she started doubting herself. Did she really bring bad luck to this land? Shaking her head mentally, she pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind. Either way, she would never take over the throne, and if she could convince Natsume, they would leave this land forever after she found them.
Impassively, she said to Youichi, "I appreciate your help, Youichi-san."
Before he could answer, she stood up and left Youichi's ward to her own chamber.
As soon as her chamber's door closed, she turned to Natsume, who was obviously waiting for her to speak. "The one who attacked me that night wasn't one of them."