A/N: Finally, I got this chapter done! I apologize for the long delay.

Pairings: Caesar/Ichihime, Charlemagne/Joan, others will be revealed as they come.

Interesting Facts: While Caesar was in Spain it is said that he encountered a statue of Alexander the Great, and realized in great dissatisfaction he was now at an age when Alexander had the world at his feet, while he had achieved comparatively little.

Disclaimer: I don't own Nobunaga the Fool.

Chapter 8

Late at night, Caesar and Brutus were going over reports sent in from Takeda spies and even some from the Uesugi. Naturally Caesar was going to learn all he could about the Azai before the match would take place.

"Is this all?" Caesar asked as he put down one report and picked up another.

"Yes, my lord. Unfortunately I don't have the grapevine of information here as I do back home."

Caesar looked above the paper with an arched eyebrow. "You mean you don't have your sister."

"Right," Brutus affirmed as he shifted through some paper, not looking up. "There is surprisingly some good information at times amongst all the rubbish in women's gossip."

Caesar gave a short, derisive laugh. "Yes, they are the first to know who had an affair with whom."

"And I have to hear it rather I want to or not," Brutus groaned.

Caesar chuckled. "Ah, but I do appreciate your sacrifice."

"Thank you, my lord," Brutus replied ruefully.

Silence lapsed once more with the only sound being the shifting of papers. It stayed that way for a good while.

"I have never slept with Ichihime," Caesar said out of the blue.

Brutus looked like he was hit with a bolt of lightning as he gaped at his lord. "He has yet too..." he thought and shook his head. "No! I should be more surprised that he told me."

Caesar rubbed his chin as he looked away. "I don't want to force her, but it is so hard to wait..."

Brutus was dumbstruck as it appeared Caesar was going to continue with this. He slowly looked down at the coffee mug in front of Caesar and grabbed it. He glanced up to make sure Caesar wasn't watching and took a sip, his eyes immediately went wide. "It's spiked!" He looked up at Caesar and studied him. "And he's drunk!"

From somewhere outside there came the sound of giggling children. "Those devilish twins!" Brutus thought.

Caesar sighed deeply as he leaned back. "Really, one reason, besides to see her adorable reactions, I tease her so much is because I'm trying to hide my desire for her. If she were to know how much I desired her, I may scare her. And she's starting to get so close to me now; it's getting more painful to hold back than before. And sleeping in the same bed is not easy at all."

Brutus sighed. "This will be a long night..."

"Sometimes I believe that Ichihime is testing my control. Just last night she embraced me on her own accord. I still can't believe that I didn't ravish her then and there. Doesn't she know how tempting she is?"

"...Uh, doesn't that mean she is willing?" Brutus suggested cautiously.

Caesar sighed as he rested his cheek on his fist. "Unfortunately not. I can still tell that she is not ready. But she is falling in love with me, even though she doesn't know it yet," Caesar groaned. "She's not even aware of it. Ah, but that is a very charming aspect of her. She's so pure and noble, so dainty, but yet so strong-willed. She puts her fool of a brother to shame. Speaking of fools, that strategist is one. He doesn't deserve Ichihime at all and I doubt he sees her true worth, though I also doubt many do. Ichihime is truly special."

"I can see that," Brutus agreed.

"Do you really?" Caesar sounded skeptical.

"I know she must be to have this effect on you."

Caesar nodded. "She has had a profound effect on me. I can honestly say for no other woman I would go to the lengths I have for her. I have also changed my ways because of her. And I vow to be loyal and faithful to her, no matter what."

Brutus was stunned and could only nod in response. He had never thought it possible that such a woman existed. Nevertheless his lord would be committed to one woman. "Lady Ichihime, you are amazing."

"Ichihime is... my light..." Caesar softly said and fell asleep on his folded arms.

Brutus stared at his sleeping lord. "Good thing it was only me here..." He then gathered the reports that Caesar had yet to look over and then glanced up at the silver haired man. "It's a good thing you didn't return to Lady Ichihime tonight in that condition, my lord..."

When Caesar awoke the next day, he hazily looked around the room. He quickly realized he wasn't in his chambers and Ichihime was nowhere present. Who was present was Brutus, who was giving him a wry smile.

"Good morning, my lord," Brutus greeted.

"Hn," Caesar responded. He didn't particularly care to see Brutus's face, especially when he was used to seeing Ichihime's.

"You got drunk last night. You may thank the twins as it was their magic in the works."

Caesar put his hand on his head as he set up. "What about Ichihime?"

"I don't know, but considering your condition, I thought it best to keep you here."

Caesar nodded. "Who knows what I would have done to Ichihime..." He looked up at his lieutenant. "What did I do?"

"You talked a lot."

Caesar nodded. "I have to see Ichihime; I just hope she doesn't have the wrong idea."

Ichihime was getting dress with the assistance of her ladies-in-waiting. She sighed heavily as she glanced at the door. This was only the latest of countless times she had done so.

"You didn't see Caesar-dono?" Ichihime asked.

Chacha shook her head. "No, my lady."

Ichihime frowned, but didn't say anything. With what was coming up she couldn't help, but worry about him. She sighed. "Caesar-dono is very capable, he will be fine."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Lady Ichihime?" came Brutus's voice from the other side.

"Yes?" Ichihime called.

"Lord Caesar requests you to have breakfast with him outside."

"I will be there," the princess affirmed.

"I shall tell him," Brutus replied and she then heard his footsteps leaving.

Ichihime sighed. "He didn't even tell me where Caesar-dono was..."

The three sisters glanced at each other, but didn't say a word.

It was soon after that Ichihime was in the pavilion waiting for Caesar to arrive. She gave out a long sigh.

"Ah, Ichihime," came Caesar's voice as suave as usual.

"Caesar-dono," Ichihime greeted as she watched her husband approach her. As usual he took her hand and gave it a soft kiss. That never failed to bring a faint blush from the princess.

Caesar sat down in front of her and sighed. "I'm sorry for not coming to bed last night. Brutus and I stayed up doing work. And I was unable to inform you."

"The twins spiked his drink," Brutus informed as he placed their breakfast before them. "And he got drunk."

All Ichihime could do was blink at Brutus for telling her this.

Caesar frowned at his lieutenant. "You didn't have to say that."

Brutus bowed to Ichihime. "Don't worry, Lord Caesar has a very high tolerance to alcohol and this is a rare case."

"I see..." Ichihime stiffly replied.

Caesar sighed. "It wasn't even drunkenness, but was the twins' trickery."

Brutus nodded. "Indeed, my lord. Well, enjoy your breakfast." With that the lieutenant left.

Caesar smiled at his wife. "I apologize if I worried you."

Ichihime shook her head. "It's alright." She took a sip of tea and blushed at her silly worrying.

Caesar smirked. "You look so cute with that blush. I wonder what I did to cause this."

Ichihime froze. "It's nothing," she mumbled.

Caesar arched an eyebrow. "Really?" He then took her left hand in his and continued to eat.

"Caesar-dono, what are you doing?" Ichihime asked with exasperation.

Caesar smiled softly in reply. "I will always be here with you," he vowed.

Ichihime blinked a few moments and looked down. "Of course he knew I was still worrying..." She smiled as she continued to eat her breakfast.

That night...

"Caesar-dono, you need to get some rest for tomorrow," Ichihime sternly told her husband.

Caesar smiled at her and took another sip of wine. "Ah, but this helps with the nerves."

Ichihime gave him a skeptical look. "You're nervous?"

Caesar chuckled. "You got me there." He then raised an empty glass. "Care to join me?"

Ichihime eyed the wine. Truthfully she was curious about it. "I suppose..." She set down beside him on the bench and looked out at the landscape. From the balcony she had a wonderful view of the landscape.

"Here," Caesar informed and handed her the glass of wine. "Don't worry; I won't let you get drunk."

She gave it a look and then looked at him. "What about you?"

Caesar chuckled. "There's no fear of that as Nell and Bianchi haven't tampered with this. They get into mischief, but they know their limits. For the most part..."

Ichihime nodded and took a small sip and blinked in surprise. "It has an exquisite taste, Caesar-dono."

Caesar chuckled and leaned back as he took another sip. "It is quite addictive."

"Are you ready for tomorrow, Caesar-dono?" Ichihime inquired. Her husband had been busy all day preparing.

"Yes, I'm ready for their arrival," he lowered his glass in thought. "Quite truthfully I don't think this will be much of a match."

"Really?" Ichihime asked with curiosity.

"Naturally, I won't lower my guard, but he's not the most impressive of warriors," Caesar chuckled at his next thought. "Brutus even thought he might be using me for assisted suicide."

"I see..." Ichihime thought over this some. "So, why does he insist?"

Caesar took his wife's hand and gave it a kiss. "He was driven crazy by your beauty," he teased with a wink. "Oh, but I can relate to that."

"I'm being serious, Caesar-dono!" Ichihime admonished.

Caesar lowered her hand and sighed. "Apparently some years ago your father promised you to him."

Ichihime was stunned. "I never heard of it..."

Caesar gave her a sympathizing look. "I figured you didn't."

The princess sighed deeply. "Well, it's not unusual..."

"Indeed," Caesar looked to the side like he was remembering something.

Ichihime turned to her husband with curiosity in her eyes. "Were you betrothed by your parents?"

Caesar chuckled. "I knew you would ask that."

"Well?" the princess pressed.

"Ah, yes, I was at one time," Caesar took another sip of his wine like what he said was nothing.

Ichihime studied him, but couldn't get a hint to what he felt about it. "What became of it?"

"It was broken when I was exiled, not that I complained."

"Did you feel anything for her?" Ichihime inquired curiously; she was surprised at how he spoke of his former engagement.

"Ah, truthfully speaking I didn't care much for her. She would still be a maiden today if she didn't take lovers," Caesar replied nonchalantly.

"Oh," was all Ichihime could reply with. She couldn't imagine a woman like that...

"I apologize for that comment. I'm just not fond of her," Caesar explained.

Ichihime shook her head. "It's alright." Truthfully, she was glad he felt nothing for the woman. She rationalized it was because she was married to Caesar and she needed to stay in her husband's favor, but that didn't even sound convincing to her... There definitely was another reason and she was a bit frightened of it. The next moment a sudden wave of drowsiness came upon Ichihime. She subconsciously leaned her head against her husband's shoulder. "No matter what, I will faithfully support you..." was all she could say as sleep overtook her.

Caesar sighed as he set Ichihime's wine glass aside. He placed his arm around her so she would be more comfortable. "You really are testing me..." he whispered as he ran his hand softly through her hair. "So irresistible..." he mumbled as he softly kissed the top of her head.

The next day...

Ichihime, with hands clasped, watched her husband as he prepared for the coming match. The people from Azai had arrived and the whole castle was abuzz with what was happening. The courtyard was filled and was divided between the two sides. The only place clear was the center where the match was to be held.

"Any sign of Charlemagne?" Caesar asked Brutus, who was standing next to him.

"I have yet to see him, but I did spot the Carolus Magnus, my lord," Brutus replied.

Caesar gave a short nod. "I see."

"Do you think they're planning something, Caesar-dono?" Ichihime asked as she tightened her clasped hands.

Caesar gave her a comforting smile. "While, I have no doubt they have plans, I don't believe you should worry about them. If anything I half expect for them to appear at any moment to wish me luck."

Brutus gave a bemused look. "That would fit them, actually."

Ichihime was confused. "Why would they?"

"Caesar!" a voice called before anymore could be said. Everybody turned to see Charlemagne and Joan walking towards them.

"Ah, so they have come to greet Lord Caesar," Brutus stated in bemusement.

"Charlemagne," Caesar coldly welcomed.

Joan curtsied and bowed her head. "Lord Caesar."

Charlemagne came to a stop not far away from Caesar. "Even though you have turned against the Round Table, I still thought we should come and greet you and wish you luck. Despite things in the past we never held anything personal against each other. And we never came into conflict afterwards either. Though that could be because you and Hannibal were too busy with your chats," the general smirked at that. Obviously how Caesar and Hannibal spoke to each other was anything, but pleasant chats. No, they could be downright mean to each other.

Caesar mirrored his smirk. "Not to mention you seem to be in your own world." It was an obvious jab at Charlemagne and Joan's romantics.

Charlemagne chuckled. "Of all the ones of the Round Table, surely you understand."

"Actually, back then I didn't." Caesar's eyes slid to his wife's form, which made her blush. "But I do now."

That earned another chuckle from Charlemagne. "Not hiding your feelings, eh?"

Caesar gave his now enemy a knowing look. "Like you don't know." He gave a pointed glance at Joan, which earned a frown from her and Charlemagne, though it was only for a fleeting moment. "Well, not like I ever tried to hide it to begin with."

Charlemagne thought back to when Caesar stepped in to protect the Oda. "How true."

Joan giggled. "I don't believe I ever heard someone say that on the battlefield and not be completely incompetent."

Charlemagne nodded in agreement. "And look now, you are fighting for your wife. This is rather romantique," Charlemagne stated. He took Joan's hand and gave it a soft kiss as if to prove the point.

"Oui," Joan agreed with a smile.

Ichihime blinked in stunned silence at their display. "Are all men of the West like this?" she said with disbelief in her voice. This was really surreal.

"No, my lady," Brutus corrected; he was obviously exasperated by the general and lieutenant duo. "Strangely enough you have met the only two romantics on the Round Table. The others are the furthest from romantic that you can get."

"I see..."

Charlemagne turned to Caesar and smirked. "Later, Caesar, and don't almost lose an eye this time."

"You better stay aware of your surroundings," Caesar shot back. He watched as Charlemagne and Joan walked away.

Ichihime turned to Brutus. "What was that about?"

Brutus froze and turned from his queen's gaze as he searched for an answer. "Uh, well... Lord Caesar has been in duels before..." He didn't want to reveal to her that one was over a woman.

Before more could be said a soldier walked in and bowed. "It is time, my lord."

Caesar nodded and walked over to Ichihime. "Don't worry, my dear." He softly kissed her on her forehead and then gave her a soft smile. Ichihime gave a small smile in return. "Brutus," Caesar said and turned to the lieutenant. "Stay with Ichihime and protect her."

Brutus nodded and bowed. "Yes, my lord." He then shared a knowing look his general. They both knew the three ladies-in-waiting could fight and protect Ichihime, but chose not to reveal that they knew.

Caesar nodded, and with once last glance to his wife, he left for the match with the Azai Lord.

Only minutes later Caesar and Hisamasa were facing each other off in the courtyard. They both had their swords drawn, but were not in a fighting stance yet. Caesar, as usual, was displaying arrogance and confidence. Hisamasa, on the other hand, wore a determined face. One couldn't tell if he was simply ready to fight with all of his might or he was already prepared to die.

Hisamasa gritted his teeth at the arrogant smirk Caesar was displaying. "I will defeat you for my honor!"

Caesar readied his sword, almost lazily, showing he didn't think much of the Azai lord as a threat. "Then let's begin." Hisamasa readied his sword in response, but didn't say anything more.

Seconds of silence passed that seemed to stretch on into minutes. Even the crowd remained quiet. Then Hisamasa struck first and it was a blow easily parried by Caesar. The match itself soon proved to not be one to talk about as Caesar easily got the advantage. After that initial attack Hisamasa stayed on the defense and he was just barely hanging on. Everyone knew this match would soon be over with Caesar as the victor.

Bang!

Several gunshots rang out at once! Blood flew through the air and splattered onto the ground of the fighting ring. Caesar felt pang rip through his body as a bullet hit...

"Caesar-dono!" Ichihime called out in horror.

A/N: Well, I got in another history reference, but made it different. Historically when Caesar was exiled he was ordered to divorce his wife, but he refused.