A/N: Finally, got this chapter done. The next one will be out sooner, I can guarantee.

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

Interesting Facts: There were some people who thought that Brutus was Caesar's son. Though that seems unlikely since at one time Caesar was thinking of having his daughter, Julia, marry Brutus. Regardless Caesar did treat Brutus as a son.

Disclaimer: I don't own Nobunaga the Fool.

Chapter 10

Ichihime awoke the next morning to Caesar's sleeping face. He seemed to be in a peaceful and pain-free sleep which was a good sign. She smiled, but it soon turned into a bright red blush as she remembered her husband kissing her. The feel of his lips on hers... and the intensity of the kiss was all too much. As she turned to lie on her back she brought her fingers to her mouth.

"It felt wonderful..." Ichihime mused as she remembered the electrifying feelings he stirred within her. He was really good... She blushed as she remembered the feel of his tongue... It wasn't like she could compare him to anybody as he was her first kiss, but she did know he was good and made her feel all kinds of indescribable emotions.

She heard a grunt to her side and she instantly became worried for her husband. She leaned over him and pressed a hand to his forehead to see if he had a fever. She didn't notice his hand sneak up and grab her by the neck. She couldn't even register the movement as he brought her down for a brief kiss.

"Caesar-dono!" Ichihime exclaimed.

Caesar, with a wink, smirked at her. "Good morning, my sweet." He took her hand and gave it a soft kiss.

"C-Caesar-dono..." Ichihime stammered as her face turned beet red.

Caesar chuckled. "Why are you so red, my dear?" He knew exactly why, but oh, he would tease her.

"Don't tease me!" Ichihime pouted.

Caesar chuckled again as he stroked her cheek very softly. "If I stop would you allow me another kiss?"

Ichihime's blush deepened if that was possible and her gazed turned to his lips. She really did want another kiss..., but was way too shy to admit it... Usually she wouldn't even admit to herself that she wanted that, but at the moment her mind was very fuzzy.

Caesar chuckled. "I got my answer." And with that he pulled her in for another kiss; a passionate kiss. Trust Caesar to not hold back once he had finally tasted her sweet lips. "How sweet..." Caesar purred afterwards.

Ichihime blushed, but didn't pull away like she normally would. His kisses seemed to have the power to make her frozen.

But all good things come to an end as a knock on the door interrupted them.

Caesar sighed as he sat up. "Come in," he ordered. He had a good idea who was at the door. Ichihime sat up on her side of the bed, but couldn't look at the door in her embarrassment.

"Lord Caesar," Brutus greeted as he entered. He paused when he saw Ichihime's red face, but shrugged it off. She was alone with Caesar after all and who knew what his lord had done or said to cause that.

"What is it, Brutus?" Caesar inquired.

"Well, I figured you would be awake by now, so I decided to give you some reports," Brutus answered. He wouldn't be telling he had suspicions of anyone from the Oda with the Oda princess around, but he figured she wouldn't be leaving him any time soon and decided he had to tell him some things.

"So?" Caesar pressed.

"We don't know who did it," Brutus replied bluntly. "Not even if it's from the East or the West."

"Really?"

"Lord Charlemagne was targeted as well," Brutus informed. "We just received word of that."

Caesar thought back and remembered Joan yelling his name when he was hit. "How is he?"

"Lord Charlemagne is fine, but Lady Joan got hit. She shielded him and if it wasn't for that he would have died for sure." Brutus sighed as he sat in a chair.

Ichihime furrowed her eyebrows as what Brutus said made no sense to her. "But since Charlemagne-sama was attacked doesn't that mean that it was from the East?"

"Not necessarily," Brutus replied with a wry smile. "After all there are some rather unscrupulous men among the Round Table."

"Oh..." Ichihime replied, not knowing what to say.

"It's an Eastern attack," Caesar stated.

"What makes you say that, my lord?" Brutus inquired.

"Cesare wouldn't kill any of us on Eastern soil that isn't a direct assault from him. As good as it would be to do so, he would have trouble. He likes to do his own killings himself unless he can use the excuse that who he wanted to kill was just caught up in the battle and they didn't see them. Using assassins just isn't what he does," Caesar pointed out.

"Ah," Brutus sounded in understanding. "That is very unlike him."

"Who's Cesare?" Ichihime softly interrupted.

"Cesare Borgia. He's one of the Brothers of the Round Table," Brutus explained. "He's very opportunistic and brutal. He rules Spain."

"If we would try to kill each other, there would be no love lost between us," Caesar stated.

"I see..." Ichihime replied.

Brutus got up and handed Caesar a clipboard. "Here are some reports. Gracia will be here with breakfast soon."

Caesar nodded. "Thank you Brutus, you may leave."

"My lord," Brutus bowed and left.

Ichihime turned to her husband with concern in her eyes. "Who from the East would do this?"

Caesar shrugged. "It could be anybody. I bet not everyone is thrilled with the alliance I have with Kenshin or your brother." Ichihime remained silent which caused Caesar to give her a reassuring smile. "There's nothing to worry about, my dear. They were only able to attack while our guard was down, it won't happen again."

Ichihime nodded and grabbed his sleeve. "Should we tell Nobu-nii-sama?"

Caesar frowned. "I don't believe and I doubt he could help anyways."

Ichihime nodded again. She had forgotten that all three war armors were damaged...

"I will have a meeting with Kenshin soon and with his aid I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this quickly."

"Shouldn't you be resting?" Ichihime questioned.

Caesar gave her a smile. "Ah, I have fought in worse conditions than this." He took this opportunity to give her a quick kiss on the lips which made her blush. "I'll be fine," he softly reassured.

All Ichihime could do was nod.

"Breakfast is here, my lord and my lady!" a cheerful voice called out.

Ichihime was startled and jumped away from her husband which caused him to chuckle in amusement.

At Charlemagne's Camp...

Charlemagne had set up camp away from the Azai as he wasn't sure if the assassination attempt came from them or not. Obviously if it was from them going back there wouldn't have been very wise.

Charlemagne was by his beloved side watching her sleep. Her wound was worse than Caesar's, but didn't appear to be life threatening. But still he worried for her. The general sighed as he took a lock of blonde hair and softly kissed it.

"Lord Charlemagne!" a voice called on the other side of the entrance.

"Yes?" Charlemagne replied.

"There is someone from the Azai who wishes to speak with you."

"Very well, I shall meet him," Charlemagne answered and rose. He gave Joan one last loving glance before he walked to the conference area. What was waiting for him surprised him. The person, who he guessed would have been a man, was a woman. She had long silver hair and wore a white a gold dress. Even though she apparently was an Easterner, she chose to wear Western clothes. In fact she didn't look very Eastern... When she turned to him he was reminded of Caesar... He shook the thought away. It was absurd.

The woman bowed to him. "I am Maria Azai," she greeted in the Western way. "I am the sister of Hisamasa and currently am the leader of the Azai."

Charlemagne gave a bow. "Nice to meet you, Lady Maria."

Maria smiled. "I suppose you are wondering why I have a Western name? I was converted, you see and that was the name I was given. I no longer use my birth name and I also have more Western leanings so to speak."

Charlemagne nodded. "I figured as much."

Maria smiled. "I am here as I wish to make an alliance. I do not know who killed my brother and shot your lieutenant. It could have been one of my own, but I assure you any who would make attempts on your life would be considered traitors if we make an alliance."

Charlemagne thought this over; it was a good proposition. "Alright," the general relented. "We shall make an alliance. Let's talk over some tea."

Maria smiled. "Thank you," she then followed the general to where tea was to be served. "How is your lieutenant?"

"She will be fine, it wasn't fatal," Charlemagne replied. "There won't be any activity that isn't absolutely necessary till she is recovered."

"I see..." Maria replied as she sat down for tea. She took a sip as she thought of her next question. "Who is Lord Caesar?"

"Pardon?" Charlemagne said after a sip.

"Lord Caesar, the one who betrayed you. He was also shot, yes?"

"Ah, right. He was a Brother of the Round Table like I am. One filled with much ambition."

"Why did he betray you? I know he married Lady Ichihime of Owari, but I don't understand why. Especially since he spared them."

Charlemagne chuckled. "Ah, to most it wouldn't make sense. He did it for love."

"Love?" Maria was clearly confused.

"Apparently he fell in love at first sight with Lady Ichihime. He wanted her. Caesar is or rather was a huge womanizer always chasing after skirts, but even this is a bit far for him. I would have thought he would just take her, but... I believe he really did fall in love."

"I see... And what are your plans for him?"

Charlemagne gave her a look. "And why are you so interested in him?"

Maria looked down. "...I want to know everything I'm up against..."

Charlemagne wasn't convinced, but didn't press further at the moment. "I would like to get him on our side once again..."

"I see..." Maria looked away. "He is very mysterious..."

Charlemagne chuckled. "It's the mask."

Maria turned back to him and smiled. "Ah, it really does give that impression. He is also quite handsome too."

Charlemagne gave a dry laugh. "Yes and that face of his caused a lot of heartbreaks of young women. Not to mention that smooth tongue of his did its fair share."

Maria looked down at her lap and thought back to the vision she had when she first saw Caesar at the duel. Her vision was of him ruling the Azai, but things seemed mighty strange... "Lord Caesar..."

At Owari...

Everyone important was in the throne room. Nobunaga was sitting there as normal while everyone else was below him. "What is it, Mitsu?" Nobunaga demanded.

Mitsuhide took a deep breath before looking up at his best friend. "An attempt on Caesar's life was made."

That got everyone's attention.

Nobunaga narrowed his eyes. "How's Ichi?"

"She's fine, and Caesar will recover."

"I figured as much."

Mitsuhide ran his hand through his hair and flipped it before speaking further. "I believe we should request Ichihime-sama to return for her own safety."

"No," Nobunaga declined immediately.

Mitsuhide was taken aback. "Why not?" he demanded.

Nobunaga sighed and looked away; he was still very unhappy with Ichihime's departure. "If we did that Caesar would attack. Ichi is the only reason we are still here." He didn't want to admit it, but it was the truth.

After a moment Mitsuhide regained his posture. "Of course. I wasn't thinking clearly."

"Hm," Nobunaga sounded. "Alright, dismissed!" And with that he quickly left.

Jeanne was watching him as he did and decided to follow him. She found him by the tree that Ichihime loved to watch.

"What is it, Ranmaru?" Nobunaga questioned without even turning to her.

"You really miss your sister, don't you?" Jeanne commented.

Nobunaga didn't say anything.

"It's alright too..." she said softly.

"She'll be fine," Nobunaga stated after a moment. "Yes, she'll be fine."

Jeanne looked at him with sympathy. Usually she couldn't understand him, but she understood that he did miss her and was worried for her. And perhaps a part of him wanted to get her back, but he knew he couldn't.

Mitsuhide was watching Nobunaga and Jeanne. After a few moments he sighed as he turned to the comb Ichihime had given him. "What was I thinking? I really wasn't thinking straight at all to demand that..." he then grasped the comb tightly as he held it to his heart. "Ichihime-sama..." he whispered. "One day though, I will rescue you," he vowed.

At Kai...

"The buttons go through the holes that match up to them," Caesar instructed his wife. Ichihime was trying to assist with dressing him, his top half anyways, and she had no clue what she was doing. She had managed to get his shirt on, but the buttons stumped her. He chuckled at the look of determination on her face. She looked like she was going off to war against the buttons. Ah, she was so adorable!

Ichihime was really struggling to get the buttons through. The holes weren't much bigger than then buttons, so it wasn't the easiest shirt to do. She let out a moan of frustration. Caesar chuckled as he reached up to assist her. "No, don't help!" Ichihime admonished as she gave him a stern look. "You are hurt and I will do it."

Caesar chuckled. "As you wish, my dear."

Ichihime gave him a look to stress her point and then went back to work. Secretly the main reason she had such a determined look was she was trying not to look at her husband's chest. He really did look good... Her face immediately lit up when she unconsciously took a peek.

Caesar chuckled once more as a sly smile formed on his lips. "Ah, what's the matter now, my dear?"

"Nothing," Ichihime muttered in a small voice. "Got it!" Ichihime exclaimed as she did a button. Normally she wasn't one to proclaim her victories no matter how big, but she was hoping that this would distract her husband.

"Well, done, my dear," Caesar praised and kissed her. Oh, he would let her distract him in this way... And as long as she didn't protest too much he would keep stealing kisses at any and all opportunities.

Ichihime's blush returned full force. "C-Caesar-dono..." she breathed and immediately lowered her head to try to continue her task. Once she got the hang of it, she was able to do her task fairly quickly. Though she was blushing the whole time at seeing his toned chest and abdomen...

"Now what?" Ichihime questioned as she turned her attention back to her husband.

"My vest, my dear," Caesar instructed and pointed to the article with his good arm.

Ichihime nodded and once she had retrieved it helped him into it. It was easier to fasten than the small buttons, and so she was able to do it just fine upon his instruction.

"My cravat," Caesar instructed next and handed it to her. Ichihime took it, but was thoroughly confused by it. "It goes around my neck, my dear," he instructed and leaned over.

"Oh!" Ichihime blushed in realization. It was what that red stone he wore was on. She put it around his neck, but definitely didn't have a clue for what to do next. Caesar guided her as best as he could, but she was definitely having difficulties. Ichihime pursed her lips as she tried to do it right.

Caesar chuckled. "Don't fret too much, my dear, you're doing fine."

Ichihime paused and blushed as she looked up at him. "But..."

Caesar lightly shook his head. "I was awful at doing it when I first started. It just takes practice."

"Okay..." Ichihime nodded and went back to her task. When she was finally done, it was crooked... very crooked. She was pouting at her handiwork.

Caesar chuckled. "It's perfectly fine, my dear."

"It's not," Ichihime's pout deepened.

Caesar smirked and took her in arms. "You did wonderful for having never done it before." And with that he gave his wife another kiss. Yes, he would definitely use all windows of opportunity to kiss her.

After the kiss Ichihime blushed and played with his vest. "Caesar-dono..."

"I will be back as soon as I can," Caesar gently told his wife.

Ichihime nodded. "Just try not to push yourself too much," she softly instructed.

"I will try my best," Caesar promised and gave her a quick kiss. "Be back soon." And with that he was gone, though not without one last glance at his wife.

Ichihime put her fingers to her lips and blushed. She felt like she would never get used to this kind of affection. She was trained on how to obediently follow a cold and distant warlord, not a man who would shower her with affection at each opportunity. "Caesar-dono..." she whispered with a girlish smile.

"Ah, there you are, Lord Caesar," Brutus stated as soon as Caesar stepped out of his chambers. He paused and stared at the extremely crooked cravat that his lord was wearing. "Even when you're hurt it's never that crooked," he mused.

Caesar chuckled. "Ichihime helped me get dressed. She did it."

"Oh," Brutus reacted. "It's very... good... for her first time," he cautiously spoke. "It's awful for even that," is what he kept to himself.

Caesar nodded with a smirk. "It is. She was really adorable when she was doing it. Ah, she is indeed perfect."

Brutus shrugged and followed his lord.

A/N: Okay, there are more historic references here and it's mainly to do with Maria. In the game she is called Maria Kyogoku, but since in this she isn't married I decided to have her surname be her maiden name. She was Azai Nagamasa's sister, and her birth name is unknown. Another interesting fact is that historically Hatsu married her son.