ERIA LOUIS

That morning, Eria was quick to get out of her futon, stretch, and open the windows for some fresh air. It felt... strange, still, to hear birdsong rather than trains and to see a clear sky rather than clusters of skyscrapers. But, these were the warring states. Not the modern day Eria was accustomed to. It had already been several days since she'd begun her brand-new life in Azuchi Castle. And what an experience it'd been so far-

Her gaze flickering from the strange woman to Nobunaga, she smiled, "...I won't let you down." That day, she set her resolve. She'd survive her time here, and make it back to the present. Looking up to meet both their gazes, the woman and Nobunaga looked equally satisfied. "I plan to take very good care of you, Eria." Nobunaga spoke.

From that very moment onward, Eria became the chatelaine of the Oda forces. A role she'd been appointed to by Nobunaga Oda himself. What exactly did that role entail? A wondrous question, indeed. Yet no tasks came her way and no one would tell her a thing. Just fantastic. But today was the day, the day she was determined to do something, anything. Eria dressed in one of the kimonos she had been gifted and styled her hair in a messy ponytail. Supposedly, she could spend three months goofing off and doing nothing. But she still had her job waiting for her back home, she had to keep a serious attitude.

Eria roamed the empty halls, searching for a maid to potentially ask for any sort of task to assist with. Instead, she came across trouble. "Eria, what have I told you about your hair?" came the familiar voice of Hideyoshi from behind her, causing her to tense and slightly groan in annoyance. 'Seems HR is on my ass again.' She took a breath and then turned to face Hideyoshi, wearing a smile, "You said to wear it normally... And this style is quite normal for me, it's what I've worn nearly every day of my life. It's also quite popular in my time peri-... place. My... place, hometown."

Hideyoshi's gaze narrowed, "Whatever your place was, you're in Azuchi now. You should think harder about how to fit in." he looked her up and down for a quick moment, his gaze pausing once more on her hair, "And find some way to get rid of that streak. Lord Nobunaga has made you a princess of the Oda clan. You represent him. And you should comport yourself like a princess." Eria grit her teeth, hand coming up to cover the singular black streak in her blonde hair, 'Sorry Hideyoshi, but that's been there 23 years of my life. It's not going anywhere anytime soon.' "...I shall endeavor to do my best."

Just yesterday, Eria had put her hair up in a messy bun, thinking that maybe that was a normal style here. But that just led her to getting teased by Mitsuhide and Masamune. "Hideyoshi, what should I be doing? I'm pretty sure I have a job here so- What did your previous chatelaine do?" Eria questioned. Hideyoshi's gaze remained impassive; his tone cold as he spoke- "We didn't have a previous chatelaine. Which is why your job is to stay out of everyone's way. I still don't trust you, and I'm certainly not giving you free access to the castle or its staff."

Eria glared at him. Just how idiotic could he be? She never asked to be here. She ran the first chance she got. And if Eria had thought it was smart, she'd most definitely do it again. Eria crossed her arms, in a very un-princessly way, her gaze firm as she held her ground against Hideyoshi. "Perhaps we should let her take your job if you plan to spend all your time babysitting her, Hideyoshi." came a new, but still familiar voice, one that caused Eria to freeze as her blood ran cold. Danger alert screamed through her mind.

Suddenly, Mitsuhide spoke- "You'll damage them if you keep squeezing so tightly." He lifted up one of her hands, now clearly pointing out that she'd been squeezing her hands so tight, the knuckles were white. But suddenly, he took her borrowed hand and pressed a kiss to it. Causing her to step back. "What do you think you're doing?" she asked, accusatory in her tone.

But his smile remained neutral, "Trying to calm you down." he said. She narrowed her eyes, "For your information, you failed." she spoke, not an ounce of kindness to be found. "I beg your forgiveness." he replied, though his tone didn't sound even the slightest bit of sincere.

Eria still wasn't sure what Mitsuhide Akechi was capable of. She was even more unsure of whether he'd actually betrayed Nobunaga or not. Last time she and him were together, he kissed her hand. Not dangerous, per say, but it still made her uncomfortable nonetheless. "I'm watching her closely for the sake of everyone's safety." Hideyoshi's gaze narrowed, "Speaking of people I need to keep my eye on, why didn't you show up to council yesterday, Mitsuhide?" "I had an important errand," he answered, seemingly honest in the vaguest way possible.

Yet Hideyoshi didn't seem convinced in the slightest, "And what errand is more important than a summons from our lord? Tell me where you were." Despite the sudden interrogation, Mitsuhide remained calm, "To tell you the nature of my errand would turn it into an error." "I'm not here for word games!" Hideyoshi shouted, anger quickly radiating from him. Eria thought she saw a vein bulge on his brow as he grabbed Mitsuhide and yanked him forward. "Ah-! Hideyoshi, no strangling 'til-! I mean. No strangling him in general!"

Hideyoshi still kept his grip on Mitsuhide, yet he seemed content to just glare at him for the time being. As for Mitsuhide, he seemed perfectly calm. Like no threat of violence could affect him. Just observing them here, Eria figured it probably wasn't too heartbreaking on Hideyoshi's part to hunt him down in the original aftermath of Honno-ji. Yet, that was in the timeline where Nobunaga had died due to Mitsuhide's betrayal- Eria's original timeline. No one had died here, and she certainly didn't want them to start now.

But before the fight could ensue any further, a voice from the courtyard created an interruption. "...Coward! You dare show your face here?! I hope you're ready to pay for your treachery with your life!" "Wait…please!" A timid voice begged. The furious outburst seemed to cause Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi to forget their very own confrontation. It certainly seemed as though the castle today was... extra lively.

One of the vassals had his sword drawn; fully prepared to strike down on a frightened-looking boy. He looked no more than 18, with his dusty pink hair and wide stormy-gray eyes, he scrambled back for cover. Finally dashing towards Eria and hiding behind her sleeve. "My lady, you have to help me! Please!" the boy pleaded, tears pricking his eyes. Eria stared at him in confusion. Sure, she was willing to help, but who even was this boy?

"My my. It appears our wayward child has finally found his way home." Mitsuhide commented. Concern flashed through Hideyoshi's golden gaze as he stared at the boy, "Ranmaru? Ranmaru, you're okay?!" he sputtered. Eria froze. She'd only ever heard of the name 'Ranmaru' in Sengoku history once, and it just so happened to be the name of Ranmaru Mori. He was Nobunaga Oda's loyal page, a boy who chose to die alongside his master at Honno-ji, also known for being painfully beautiful.

Eria glanced back at the young man who hid behind her. A part of her agreed that he was indeed painfully pretty, and all she wanted to do was wipe his tears and comfort him. But someone was currently trying to kill him. "Princess Eria, I ask you to release that traitor. You need not defile your reputation by shielding him!" the vassal insisted. Surprised that this vassal even knew her name, Eria chose to remain silent, allowing him to speak his case.

"Ranmaru abandoned our lord during the fire and fled like a coward! The punishment for treason is death!" the man hissed. "If death is my sentence, so be it. But please, I beg you! Let me see Lord Nobunaga first! I have to apologize to him…!" Ranmaru pleaded, harsh tears flooding down his beautiful face. Eria was appalled, appalled that they were so serious about killing him. She stood her ground, putting out her arm to properly shield him. "Put down your weapon!" Eria demanded, glaring harshly at the vassal.

Eria wasn't sure where the attitude came from, but she found herself commanding the vassal with both Hideyoshi and Ranmaru seeming shocked. While not impressed, even the seemingly and utterly unflappable Mitsuhide took notice. Eria didn't know how people here presented themselves or any of their rules, maybe killing Ranmaru made sense to them, but- "Ranmaru had every reason and opportunity to keep running, but he chose to come back. It's clear that he's sincere in his apology. Isn't it worth it to at least hear him out? Does it do any good for the Oda forces to kill a useful ally? Can't you be pleased that he's still alive?"

"My lady, as a princess and a woman, you may not understand, but a man and warrior has responsibilities, he has to-" the vassal tried to explain, reaching a hand out. Only for Eria to slap it away, "Don't give me that bullshit!" she shouted, anger seething from her tone, "Class, gender, sex, race, health, age, whatever- absolutely none of that matters when you're talking about a life!" Hideyoshi stared at her, still wide-eyed, "...Eria? You really feel…?" he mumbled. But a sudden laugh erupted from Mitsuhide, sending a strike of unease into Eria. 'That's. certainly a laugh. Could you... perhaps stop? I'm trying to be serious here.'

Hideyoshi stepped forward, his gaze narrowed with a frown, "Sheathe your weapon as she commands." "But Lord Hideyoshi-!" the vassal began, only to be interrupted. "Ranmaru's fate is for Lord Nobunaga to decide. Meanwhile, I'll take custody of him." Hideyoshi decided. The vassal's shoulders slumped, a look of defeat across his face, "Yes, my lord."

As soon as the vassal had left, Eria felt all the adrenaline that had been pumping through her veins drain away. "My lady! Thank you! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you soo much!" Ranmaru said, a bright smile replacing his teary eyes. "Oh... W..Well, it was Hideyoshi who…" Eria tried, but she trailed off. "No. Thank you for standing up for Ranmaru, Eria. Truly. And I owe you an apology." Hideyoshi lamented. "...Huh? For what?" Eria questioned. "I misjudged you. I'm sorry." he answered.

Hideyoshi bowed to Eria, almost as low as he would to Nobunaga. A flush of embarrassment tinted Eria's face as she stumbled back, "H-Hey! Stop! Come on now, Hideyoshi! I don't need that sort of treatment." She had seen the girls at the gate, she knew he could be friendly. Yet she'd never expected such an earnest apology from him. "I misjudged you as well," Eria admitted, "So, raise your head. Perhaps we could start over, as friends?" she suggested. Hideyoshi did as she said, a warm smile formed on his face, "Hey there! Don't steal my lines before I have a chance to say them."

His smile was so much more friendly and warm than she'd ever seen before, but she was brought back to reality by the way he patted her head. Just like that, the days of antagonistic bickering were to be long past. "I'll have to give you a full apology later. For now, I need to take Ranmaru to Lord Nobunaga," he explained, turning to face the boy in question, "Ready?" he asked. "Yes..." Ranmaru answered, his smile falling. Then he looked back to Eria, "Lady Eria, was it? I promise, I will never forget what you did for me!"

Eria smiled, shaking her head, "It's nothing." "...You may not have to remember for long, Ranmaru." And just like that, the atmosphere was ruined. Ranmaru shut his mouth at the grim comment. Hideyoshi and Ranmaru left, taking the passage up towards the tenshu, a loft where Nobunaga chose to reside. It might not have held much meaning, but after hearing what Mitsuhide said, Eria found herself praying for Ranmaru's safety. Praying to whatever false higher power there may be that Nobunaga would show the boy any ounce of compassion.

"Praying to God never works, I'm afraid." Mitsuhide commented. "Huh-?" "Action will serve you better. Why not write a petition to our lord to spare Ranmaru's life? Though the result may be the same." he suggested, a teasing element to his tone. Eria frowned, "...Do I want to know how you knew what I was thinking?" "Have you heard of the mythical creatures called satori?" Mitsuhide asked, then continued- "They live deep in the mountains and can read people's minds." Eria crossed her arms, ".Mhmm. And let me guess. You're claiming to be one?" 'I think that's the biggest bullshit I've ever heard him spout. Satori? What a joke.'

"It's that hard for you to believe?" Mitsuhide inquired. 'Oh. Ha ha. What's next? He's gonna tell me whether satori hurt people or not?' "Fear not, little one. We only eat those who mean us harm- or who reveal our identities…" He placed a hand on Eria's cheek, but the gesture wasn't even the slightest bit comforting. Eria had never felt so threatened by a caress in her life. Eria brushed his hand away, laughing, "You think me that foolish? As if I'll believe that such a creature exists." Mitsuhide smiled, "It would seem you saw right through me."

"Here I thought you were so innocent and trusting despite these turbulent times. But it would seem you do carry some caution. But even so, you do possess a most beautiful heart." Mitsuhide said. "...You're mocking me." Eria stated. "Good girl. That's very clever of you to realize." he praised, though it sounded just as fake as his 'compliment.' He patted Eria's head like a copied caricature of Hideyoshi's earlier gesture. Yet his fingers were paler, longer, and much smoother.

Satori or not, Mitsuhide Akechi was a monster. "Wonderful conversation, but I'm done with you now." Eria gave a fake smile and turned, quickly walking down the hallway to her room. But she could still see that grin in her mind. His laughter followed too, but it was softer. Like a whisper, a whisper on the winds throughout satori-haunted mountains.

MITSUHIDE AKECHI

His crafted smile grew the slightest hint of bitterness, then vanished. He frowned, speaking to himself, "It is a rarity to find someone so untouched by the world. Free of corruption, yet both open and cautious to others." Closing his pale golden eyes, he recalled the smile she'd so freely given to Hideyoshi, who had recently chastised her. For Ranmaru, whose return did nothing but invite suspicion. "...Doesn't she know that innocence is naught but the lack of knowledge?" His tone dropped, lament buried deep within, "Her kind are not long for this world…"

ERIA LOUIS

Several days later, Eria received her first job-

"Do be careful, Eria." said Mitsunari. "You don't need one of us to go with you? I mean, I wouldn't take Mitsunari for obvious reasons. Or me- because I don't want to." Ieyasu started, but Eria brushed him off. "I appreciate the concern, Ieyasu, but I'll be fine. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this." Ieyasu's tone shifted, "...I never said I was worried. I just don't want to be the one to have to arrange a search party for you when you get lost." he grumbled. "That means make sure I can find my way back, right? Thank you, Ieyasu, I'll keep that in mind." Eria teased.

"Ugh. It's like being woken up by the sun because you forgot to close the windows..." he complained. "I'm sure Eria never forgets, which must be why our lord entrusted her with this task!" Mitsunari suggested.

Ever since pleading for Ranmaru's life, Eria's own life in Azuchi had been subjected to drastic improvements. Turned out that the 'scary' Hideyoshi was nothing more than a big teddy bear, and had gone out of his way to ensure everyone knew Eria was really a good person. Ranmaru, having been reinstated in his former position, came to visit Eria almost every spare moment and it wasn't long before the two became friends. And it was thanks to them that Eria had gotten on well with the others as well.

Now she was attending feasts and dining with the warlords, all while learning about them and their various quirks. Whether it be the past or present, reaching out and making friends was still the best way to open all sorts of doors. Yet some doors were better remaining closed. As such, Eria always made sure to keep the door firmly shut any time she saw Mitsuhide. Some instinctual part of her psyche always shouted to run whenever she saw him. "Eria, you've gone quiet. Is everything alright?" Mitsunari asked. Concern evident in those violet purple eyes of his.

"Oh, I apologize for spacing out. I should get going on my errand." With that, Eria gave a bow in farewells and left.

Thanks to Hideyoshi and Ranmaru showing her around, Eria had slowly gotten more and more familiar with the castle's town. One location she'd been sure to remember was the clothier- the place her errand happened to be. One of the bolts of silk caught her attention, however when she reached to touch it, she instead made contact with fingers that were silky smooth instead. "Could you be…?" the man mumbled, looking at her surprised. Looking up, Eria was met with golden eyes she hadn't seen since the night of Honno-ji.

It was the 'fine piece of work' guy from the cliff, one of the men who'd been with Sasuke. Eria stared at him, desperately searching her memory for his name, '...Kenshin? No... no, that was the blonde one. Uh... Shingen's the flirt. Yuki? No. Hmm..Ah! Yoshimoto!' "What a strange coincidence to run into you here. You were from Azuchi?" he questioned. "...You're from here too?" Eria asked. He shook his head, "No. I'm merely visiting for pleasure. And I suppose I was tasked with delivering a message as well." he explained.

Eria remembered how in history he'd constantly been described as beautiful, drop-dead gorgeous even. Yet seeing him face-to-face now, it felt like history had exaggerated. He was mediocre, at best. "You said visiting for pleasure first… Aren't you meant to indulge after work?" Eria questioned, crossing her arms. "Why would anyone do that?" Yoshimoto smiled, "Beauty inspires and improves life. I couldn't imagine doing a job if I was always putting off pleasure." It sounded as if he was used to a life of leisure, as if that's all he'd ever experienced.

Although both elegant and graceful, it was this strange nobleman's innate charisma that was most eye-catching. ...As could be seen by the not-at-all-subtle crowd of onlookers that seemed entranced by his appearance alone. "Are you interested in this fabric too?" he asked, gesturing to the bolt of silk. "Oh, yes, I was. The colors are subtle, yet they blend together so beautifully to create a bold harmony."

"A fellow aesthete. I was thinking the same thing." Yoshimoto commented. Everything from his voice to his appearance gave off the feeling of cherry blossoms right as they began their fall. Yet Eria seemed to be the only one in vicinity not entranced. "Yoshimoto, we've been looking for you." "Figured you'd be off trying to enchant more women." Eria froze, surprised to hear the voice of Sasuke, who seemed equally surprised to see her. "Eria, is that you?"

She nodded, "Yes. And the guy you're with, he's-" "It's the boar woman!" Yuki exclaimed. Eria stared at him, eyes narrowed, "...What." "Yukimura, this is Eria." Sasuke said, then turned to Eria, "Eria, let me introduce you. The one who doesn't know how to speak to women is Yukimura. The one who does is Yoshimoto. They are my…" his voice trailed off, quietly added- "associates."

"And what's your relationship to Sasuke?" Yukimura questioned. "Sasuke and I are… friends. We come from the same hometown. Until I got 'swept off' to Azuchi Castle." Eria explained. Both Yukimura and Yoshimoto gave her a look of surprise, "You live in Azuchi Castle?" Nothing she had said prior had come off to them as odd, until she mentioned Azuchi Castle. The temperature around suddenly dropped to chilling degrees. "Eria, can I have a minute? Yukimura, I'll catch up with you later." Sasuke intercepted.

Yukimura shrugged, "All right. If she's a friend, I guess you've got stuff to talk about. Come on, Yoshimoto." "I will catch up with you once I've finished browsing this merchant's exquisite wares." Yoshimoto insisted. Only for Yukimura to say- "No, you won't! You're coming with me!" before dragging him away. Sasuke remained stone-faced as he watched them go. "...Was it something I said?" Eria asked. "You did nothing wrong. Don't let it bother you." Sasuke answered, "I was going to visit you soon, as there was something I had to tell you. I stopped you because now seemed like a good time."

"What is it?" she asked. Sasuke let out a breath, meeting Eria's gaze straight on, "The Oda forces will soon be going to war." Eria froze, 'I'm sorry- Did he just say WAR?!' Before she could question further, Sasuke stepped back, "I can't explain further. I can only advise you to find a strong ally and stick close to them. Not even Azuchi Castle is completely safe. Your best bet is getting the protection of one of Nobunaga's warlords."

Eria let out a groan of annoyance, "They're all problematic in their own ways, but I'm sure I could find a good candidate. But how do you even know there's going to be a war, Sasuke?" "I'll explain next time. I'm sorry I can't protect you myself. No matter what, let's survive and return to the present together." After that, he disappeared before Eria could get another word in.

YOSHIMOTO IMAGAWA

"So, the war is finally starting," Yuki muttered. "Yes. It is a shame." Yoshimoto frowned. "A shame?! Watch it, Yoshimoto…" Yukimura warned, glaring at his ally, "My lord and I have been waiting for this. It may be the only opportunity we have left!" "I know. I'm well aware of the many trials you and my cousin have been put through." he replied. Yukimura cast his gaze aside, frowning, "...Yoshimoto, if you hate the idea of battle that much, then why even volunteer to be a messenger…?" Despite the grim atmosphere, Yoshimoto still found it in himself to smile, "Azuchi is one of the treasures of our age. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see it. …For once the heartless fires of war consume it, no one will see its glory ever again."

ERIA LOUIS

Eria frowned as she walked the halls of Azuchi Castle. She hadn't even gotten the opportunity to ask Sasuke how soon is 'soon.' She had made her purchases and deliveries, her thoughts swirling around the upcoming war. She tried to convince herself that the russet-gold sky bleeding over the castle walls looked nothing like fire. Just like the smell of dinner wafting from the kitchen smelt nothing like smoke. In truth, it was hard to believe that there would be a war.

"There you are, Eria. Been looking for you." Eria, startled by his voice, turned around to meet him, only to freeze. "...Masamune, I haven't seen you in your armor since… since Honno-ji." she mumbled, a mournful tone to her voice. The One-Eyed Dragon smiled, "Yep. We've got another battle on our hands." It felt as though she'd swallowed an entire chunk of lead. "Anyway, war council's about to start and Lord Nobunaga's called for you to attend." Masamune explained. "...Nobunaga wants me to attend war council? Why?"

"You're our new Goddess of Victory. The lucky lass who's going to help us win, aren't you?" Masamune said. She could have argued. And she wanted to argue. But Masamune grabbed her hand and started walking. Masamune had been the guy who snuck her homemade sweets throughout the day and would grin like a big cat when she expressed liking them. So, she had stopped thinking of him as the scary warlord who'd thrown her over his horse. But now-

Tigers were big cats, too, and they could kill you. All much too easily. Eria felt as though she was looking at a different person now. "Masamune… are you… excited about battle?" Eria asked, dreading the answer as the malevolent words left her lips. "Are you kidding, lass? This is the part I live for." he answered, "A good war is a rare opportunity. As is the chance to take down both the tiger and dragon and earn everlasting fame." 'The tiger… and the dragon? Don't both of those easily describe you?!'