ERIA LOUIS
At the edge of town, Eria got to see the stage for the first time as the other performers scurried about the place. "An impressive venue." Mitsuhide commented. "Our patron went all out for us! It's no surprise. Because for everyone here, this is the performance of a lifetime!" Kamekichi smiled. The 'patron' he was referring to just happened to be the daimyo of the territory. The same one that may be about to rebel against Nobunaga. "This'll be our biggest performance yet," Kamekichi spoke, turning his gaze on Mitsuhide, "so if you'd like to help us hammer out the details, Mitsu, we'd appreciate it."
Mitsuhide smiled back at the older man, "It would be my pleasure." A genuine look of happiness flooded Kamekichi's expression, though Eria startled when she noticed him looking at her- "Miss Eria, would you like to join our dancers and demonstrate what you can do on stage?" What Eria would 'like' to do was find time to practice alone, not wishing to embarrass herself. Mitsuhide had taught her enough dancing to be able to get by… But the few lessons on the road were not enough to prepare her for showing off to the troupe. Or on stage for that matter.
"Oh... Um… I-" Eria stuttered, her mind desperately racing to find a way out of this situation. But suddenly- Mitsuhide tugged Eria into his arms, her hero- faux hero. "As much as we appreciate the gracious opportunity, my wife is still an apprentice, you see." Mitsuhide explained. Kamekichi gave a small nod, "We can put her in the back if she'd be more comfortable there. Speaking of comfy, you two sure do love each other." Eria blinked, startled by the assumption. Though before she could say anything, Mitsuhide spoke- "...Yes, well, we are newlyweds."
Kamekichi burst out with one of those full-bellied laughs, while Mitsuhide leaned in and pressed his cheek to Eria's. "Eria, don't tell me you're blushing? There's nothing to be embarrassed about." He smiled. Eria furrowed her brow as she wore a strained smile, though realization hit her, '...Two can play at this game.' She leaned against his touch, placing her hands on his arms as she smiled- "You're right… I'm just... not particularly fond of public affection. Surely, you know this, Mitsu?"
Eria chose to ignore the way her cheeks flushed and the beating of her heart. After all, there was nothing between her and Mitsuhide. Though, it was certainly a whirlwind 'romance.' Having only known each other a month. And with the beginning of that month having Eria thought Mitsuhide was the one behind Nobunaga's attempted assassination. Yet just the previous week, they'd announced their fake engagement. Something Eria only went along with to buy time, so she could figure out if he was truly a traitor herself.
Eria drew herself from her reverie as she listened to Kamekichi introducing them around. "...We're glad to have you two!" one of the musicians spoke. "It's only until the festival, but we're happy to be here." Mitsuhide replied, seeming as though he was in his natural element. He moved around the camp so easily, like he would back in Azuchi talking about war and politics. Though here, the talk was all friendly. Mitsuhide was friendly too, openly engaging. He looked like an authentic traveling performer. Eria didn't have to worry about his cover. He was flawless.
"Oh dear, did something happen to your leg?" Mitsuhide asked one of the musicians. The man nodded, "Yeah…caught a stray arrow as we were fleeing battle. Good thing I'm not a dancer, 'cause I won't be walking on it again." Mitsuhide frowned, "...I'm sorry to hear that. If you ever need a hand getting around stage or otherwise, just call me." One of the dancers laughed, "Better be careful you don't show those good looks off to everyone or you'll be breaking hearts during the show!"
"No more than you, certainly! I've never seen a better-looking troupe of performers!" Mitsuhide replied. "And what about their boss, huh?" Kamekichi questioned. "...Why? Didn't they get their good looks from you?" Kamekichi burst out laughing, "Good one! No wonder you're a performer, Mitsu!" Laughter and smiles seemed to bloom so easily around him. It was… amazing. Mitsuhide blended in so easily.
Before they left, Eria did some research into the traveling performers of this era, to prepare for her role. Most of the entertainers came from the lower class, or they were those unfortunate enough to lose their livelihoods due to war. Nowhere else would accept them. This sort of work was the only way they could survive. Just another sign of just how desperate and cruel something like 'status' was. Despite that, Mitsuhide didn't bat a single eyelash at the mere thought of treating them as equals.
Though, Eria knew why. Mitsuhide had once been a part of the lower class, among people like this. He had worked his way up to becoming a powerful warlord. It wasn't hard to imagine him doing such a thing. He had an amazing talent for worming his way into others' confidence. '...Perhaps, we are more alike than I originally thought, Mitsuhide.' Eria was thankful for his chaotic neutral abilities. It was thanks to him that they quickly found themselves at home within the troupe. Although… Eria quickly found herself often forgetting that they were 'pretending' to be married.
After a round of conversation, Kamekichi turned to Eria and Mitsuhide. "Normally, we camp out where the land will have us, but our patron's rented an inn for us this time. You two will have your own space, don't worry! I've already sent your things ahead." the troupe leader explained. "We appreciate it." Mitsuhide replied. One could only guess at the sleeping arrangement for 'the two of them.'
It was little to no surprise that the room was one for newlyweds. Neat and comfortable, though with only one futon. They had slept on their own during the trip there, which Eria had been thankful for. Though this setup left them no privacy. "For last minute additions, we've been given quite a warm welcome. I believe we've joined a good troupe, Eria." Mitsuhide commented, smiling. Eria crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, "Mmhm.. So 'thoughtful'... Having us share the same bed."
Mitsuhide shook his head, "Do not fret. The futon is yours." Eria raised an eyebrow, "And where do you plan on sleeping then?" "...Why, beside you in 'your' futon." he answered. Eria's face flushed red at the mere thought, "No. We're… we're not doing that." "Why not? We're married, aren't we?" She stared at him in disbelief. He couldn't be serious, could he? "...A fake marriage. After our fake engagement… Is there really any reason we should act married in private?" She shook her head, scowling, "...Whatever. Do as you please. I'm going to go talk to the inn keep."
Eria found herself muttering, rambling off nonsense. As if her brain was locked in a busy battle with her heart for control of her voice. "...I've been rejected again, it seems." Mitsuhide muttered, a sad smile playing on his lips. Eria's heart quivered, '...He's not actually sad. No. He can't be.' It was the stage makeup, or perhaps the shadows in the room. Something- Eria just couldn't really be seeing Mitsuhide so… forlorn. She just told him that they didn't need to act like they were married. '...Why is he still acting? He… IS acting… right?!'
Eria felt an overwhelming lump in her throat. She didn't want to think of the implications were he not acting. It was much too complicated. "...You only say that if you like the person. There's no way you have feelings for someone like me. So cut it out." Eria mumbled, frowning as Mitsuhide just looked at her, quietly. Though that look only served to drive her insane. "Stop… Stop pretending to be married to me. Stop acting like some ideal… this… loving, sweet husband! You're driving me… crazy…!"
He was too good at lying. At teasing Eria. She could spend eternity shaking her head at him, smiling and… dreaming. "Eria…" Mitsuhide mumbled, his gaze wide. Eria felt the wet warmth that trailed from the corners of her eyes. '...Why am I crying? He's… He's not worth my tears.' She blinked, though the hot tears that welled in her eyes were too much to hold back. "...I've gone too far, it seems." Mitsuhide said as he clasped her cheek; his voice tender and apologetic. He kissed her eyelashes, dotting his lips with her tears.
"I'll be with the troupe. Come find me when you're done with the innkeeper." He whispered, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear and turned to leave. "...You do know these moments are why I hate you, right?" Eria whispered, her voice weak. "And that is why I find you unbearably precious." He replied. "You...! Just go." Eria grit her teeth, grabbing her hand towel and chucking it at him. Though it only bounced harmlessly off the door as Mitsuhide closed it behind him. Alone, Eria sank to the floor, her hands cupped over her face.
'I hate you. I hate you. I hate you…! I hate you so, so much…!' Love and hate, one could not exist without the other. Existing as two sides of the same coin. Though Eria's coin only held one side. She would scratch the other out if she needed. Because…!
Eria waited until her face was no longer puffy nor red before returning to the troupe. Though when she arrived, everyone seemed overly excited about something. They all seemed to be looking on stage, but it was hard to see with such a large crowd. Finally, Eria caught a glimpse of three men on the stage. Each dressed in the richest of fashions this era had to offer. Though it proved difficult to make out any other details about them. "Here, Eria." Mitsuhide found her and helped guide her to his place beside Kamekichi.
"...What's going on?" Eria asked. "Our patron has come to observe the stage. And he brought a very important guest." Mitsuhide explained. "Not JUST important!" Kamekichi interrupted, "It's a miracle people like us are getting the chance to even see him in person." "Ah. So, who is it?" Eria asked. Kamekichi wore a bashful look, "...W-Well, we don't know, exactly. We've just heard that he's very important. This whole festival is being held in his honor!" '...It sounds like Nobunaga, but that can't be. Who else could be that important?'
"Hm... I'd like to see if I can get a better look." Eria muttered. "I'll go with you." With Kamekichi warning them to be careful of crowds and some assistance from Mitsuhide, they managed to maneuver through the crowd until they stood close enough to get a good look at the stage. One of the men, clearly dressed to impress, led conversation as he gestured around. It was obviously a daimyo. Eria couldn't make out the specifics of his words, but it appeared as though he was explaining the upcoming festival.
'...He looks more like a proud uncle rather than a man plotting any bloody rebellion against Nobunaga.' Eria thought, but suddenly, the daimyo's gaze seemed to land on Eria out of all people. '...Maybe he was just looking at someone behind me.' she rationalized. Regardless, the daimyo's focus returned to the man who stood center of it all. But as Eria looked at him, she felt a sense of terror. He gave the intimidation that he thought highly of himself, with chin-length raven hair and a sharp dark gaze.
Just looking at him caused Eria to feel as though something was very wrong. 'That look in his eyes… He gives off the impression that he's some stuck-up asshole, believing everyone is worse than the dirt beneath his feet…' Eria turned away, a small shiver running through her body. That was when she noticed Mitsuhide. He was staring at the man, or more specifically, glaring at him with such intensity. Did he recognize him? Eria was about to ask when she was caught off guard by the quiet, third member of their fanciful party.
'Is that… Yoshimoto?! Why is he here?!' Eria was confused. Wasn't Yoshimoto an ally of Sasuke's, therefore a member of the Uesugi-Takeda alliance? Why wasn't he with them, or in Echigo? '...Is he here for the alliance? Wait, no… Wouldn't there be news of this region aligning with Kenshin and Shingen?' Eria turned to inform Mitsuhide, but he was nowhere to be seen. Mitsuhide was gone. "Mitsuhi…Mitsu? Mitsu!" Eria called out. "Hey, Eria!" Kamekichi called out, coming through the crowd with a friendly smile on his face.
"Mitsu said to tell you he had some last-minute shopping to do before the market shut down." Kamekichi told her. Eria smiled and nodded, "Ah, yes. Okay, thank you." 'So, he slipped out to gather information. That bitch…' Eria figured that since they were no longer in Oda territory, Mitsuhide didn't feel the need to worry about watching her so closely. But he could've easily told her right there rather than getting Kamekichi to. '...Does he feel bad for our… transgression in our room?'
"The rest of us will be filtering on back to the inn soon if you'd like to go ahead and rest?" Kamekichi suggested. "Mm... I believe I'll do just that." Eria smiled. "The show's the night after tomorrow. So, make sure you're ready to dance your heart out at practice in the morning." Kamekichi informed her, Eria nodded and then turned to leave. Her mind raced, '...I think I was too harsh on Mitsuhide. Maybe I shouldn't have told him I hated him… It's not even true. It's because I can't hate him that I keep falling into problems.'
Eria let out a sigh as she walked, '...I need to get better at shaking his jokes off. Maybe have a little fun with them or play along. Maybe I'll greet him with a "Welcome home, dear!" It'd be nice to see that fluster him…' She continued along the path back to the inn, only for- "You there, woman! Halt!" Eria's mood was immediately soured. She hated being addressed like that, or being told to halt as if she were some criminal. She turned to see a well-adorned warrior heading her way. "You were just at the stage, were you not?" he questioned.
Eria blinked, "Erm... Yes, I was." '...This isn't Oda territory… And I'm not acting as an Oda princess right now. I doubt I need to put on the prim and proper act with this guy if things go astray.' "A certain nobleman saw you and wishes to invite you for tea," the warrior said. Eria stared at him, that didn't make any sense. "Come along." The warrior said, not so much asking but rather demanding. Eria shook her head and stepped back, "I'm afraid I'm a little busy at the moment-"
"Is that a refusal, dancer? Come along!" The warrior shouted, grabbing Eria's arm and beginning to drag her. She could've easily fought back, but a dancer trained in self-defense may have raised some suspicions. She had to play it cautiously. Especially since this man had a sword on his person. Eria winced, "...I ask that you let go. I'll follow you." The warrior chuckled, as though he'd won, "You should have agreed in the first place." He was quick to loosen his grip on her. Eria frowned, but began to think over his words- '...Back at the stage… An invitation to tea... "Certain noblemen…" Could that be Yoshimoto?'
It was the only logical conclusion. Yoshimoto would've recognized Eria, and possibly waited until she was alone to reach out. After all, no one else atop the stage had any reason to call Eria out. 'Yoshimoto would be a good source of information here… Perhaps I could also find out why he's here.' She narrowed her gaze on the warrior, "What are you waiting on? Lead on." "...Uh, v-very well." The warrior grew confused at Eria's urging him on. But how could she not? This could prove to be a great opportunity. She wasn't particularly fond of the idea of going alone, but the man would've just dragged her had she resisted.
'..Perhaps I can also give Mitsuhide a pleasant surprise alongside flustering him when I return…' But that was only if she got back within good time. Eria felt a little anxious at not telling Mitsuhide where she was.
"The girl has arrived at last." A man said. Dread set in as Eria looked around the room, 'You're… None of you are Yoshimoto.' In the center, sat a familiar man- 'Oh my god, it's shark-eyes.' The daimyo glared at Eria, "What are you standing there for? Greet Lord Yoshiaki." he demanded. "Um… Good… evening, sir?" Eria mumbled. He said nothing in response, just sat there drinking, not even bothering to look at Eria nor acknowledge her presence in the slightest. It felt like a new level of rudeness.
'Yoshimoto's not here. What do these two want with me?' Eria pondered. The daimyo wore an unpleasant smile as he looked Eria up and down- several times. 'Well... He switched from proud uncle to creepy uncle fairly quick.' "Um… About that offer-" The daimyo laughed, "You didn't think you were really invited for tea, did you? Hahaha, this one really is as naive as she looked!" His grin was wide, though he was the only one to laugh at his dreadfully humor-lacking joke. "I am granting you the privilege of being Lord Yoshiaki's bed companion this evening." The daimyo told Eria.
Eria froze, 'Hold on! Does he mean- s-sleep with this guy?!' Not a single thing the daimyo had said wasn't highly disgusting. "She's certainly… lacking in some areas," the daimyo spoke, his eyes seeming to linger on Eria's chest, causing her to subconsciously cross her arms. "But she has a pretty face. What do you think, my lord? Will she be sufficient for a night's pleasure?" the daimyo asked. "...Perhaps." Yoshiaki muttered. The daimyo smiled, "Of course she will need a bath and some more… suitable clothes. But I think we can make this meager dancer presentable." "...Anything's possible." Yoshiaki mumbled, keeping his gaze to his drink.
'..Who the fuck does this guy think he is?' "If you are able to please the illustrious Lord Yoshiaki, woman, you will be well rewarded. The others we've gathered from town failed, but they all lacked the proper grace and courtesy. You just might do." The daimyo spoke. At the faintest sound of praise, Yoshiaki finally looked up at Eria. It felt as though he was up on stage again, and Eria was standing in a pit beneath him- one intended for trash. '...I don't think I've ever been so insulted by a look before.'
"Hold on-" Eria began, unable to hide her frown any longer, "You think you can insult me, talk about me to my face like this, and then demand me to sleep with some man I don't even know?" she questioned, glaring intensely at the daimyo. "...What…?" the daimyo muttered in disbelief. "And the fact that you claim to have done this to more women than just me is so incredibly repulsive! I hate to inform you, but women aren't objects." Eria hissed. "Do you know in whose presence you dare raise your voice?!" The daimyo shouted, shaking with anger.
Eria glanced at Yoshiaki and scoffed, "I don't know, nor do I care. You two can enjoy each other for 'a night's pleasure' for all I care!" Eria felt herself shaking with anger as she stood. "I am done. Send this one away." Yoshiaki said, as if he hadn't even heard her. "B-But my lord, if she insulted you, we can-" "Do not mistake me for being offended by the baseless mewling of some dirty flea. It is simply that I will not defile myself by having relations with this half-bred creature." Yoshiaki spoke.
Eria froze at his insult. But he only took another sip of his drink, as if nothing he had said was wrong. Yoshiaki smiled, "Such a low-born, valueless chaff has not the right to taste the sake that has touched my lips. Not that a woman- especially one of her kind- can possess value." "You- You think all women- no… You truly believe everyone born outside of your outdated as fuck classifications of 'nobility' have no value?! And what the fuck do you mean by 'one of my kind'?!" Eria shouted.
"...Is it still making noise?" Yoshiaki mumbled. Something inside Eria seemed to snap. He didn't even recognize her as human. Rage nor sadness couldn't even begin to describe it. She felt as though she'd completely lost herself. With just five pathetic words, he'd managed to wound Eria tight and shatter her. "Take it away." Yoshiaki demanded. "Yes, my lord!" the daimyo said, turning to look at Eria, "You, begone with you!" Holding together what little resolve she had left, Eria's gaze narrowed, "Gladly. My sincerest sympathies to any woman who must endure a night with the likes of you." With that, she turned and left.
Eria doesn't recall how she found her way back. She just walked. If she dared to stop, it felt like the pathetic strands holding her together would fall apart. "Eria! There you are!" Mitsuhide called out, running up to her. He clasped her shoulders, feeling that she was cold. 'I... How long was I walking for?' "I've been searching everywhere for you! Where have you-? …Eria?" She blinked a few times, barely focusing on Mitsuhide or even fully hearing his words. "What happened to you?" he asked. Slowly, he coaxed her back to reality. The concern that wavered in his gaze, the warmth of his touch, the panic that laced his voice.
Eria could look at him. She could feel him. She could speak… "Mitsu…hide… I… I just… got back from…" she muttered, her voice shaking before the tears flooded. Without any further words exchanged, he pulled Eria into a tight embrace. He just let her cry as he caressed her back gently. '...Nothing… Nothing I could've said or even said affected that bastard! "It." He'd called me an "it." I... I have a name, I'm not some object! Fuck-' No one should have ever had to endure what Eria did. But in that uncomfortably and disgustingly posh room, everyone was stripped of value and dignity before Lord Yoshiaki.
Not even the possibility of worth would be dangled before someone. In their cold, harsh gazes, it was unattainable. The worst part was… Eria felt it. In the end, she felt herself losing what she believed- no, knew could never be taken from her. 'He's wrong. He's just a stuck-up, sociopathic ass that thinks status only matters! I. I hate him…' For the first time in years, Eria felt herself sobbing. Hiccupped, pitiful cries of defeat. "...Eria…" Mitsuhide whispered. When everything had been taken from her… It was her husband- her awfully problematic tease of a fake husband- who had been the one to search for her until he lost his breath. Not a single lie could obscure that powerful truth.
"Let us get you home. You can tell me everything there." Mitsuhide whispered, his tone a soft and tender one, "I can't leave my dearest out here to cry…"
Mitsuhide held and gave Eria water until she was well enough to speak. The inn had fallen silent by the time she concluded. "I see," Mitsuhide muttered, a frown clear on his lips. He had cast no judgment, only listened quietly; even as Eria stumbled and hiccupped through her miserable tale. "...I've... I've experienced people talking down to me before but… Never on that level… I… No one has ever chastised me for being half-Japanese or… a woman." she mumbled. "Never?" Mitsuhide questioned.
Eria leaned into Mitsuhide's tender embrace, all the while he continued to pat her back in large, warmth-filled circles. She focused on the reassuring presence that was his hand, her voice cracked and dried as she continued. "...They are still people who are racist or misogynist in the future but… most would acknowledge their worldview as wrong and stand up against them." She explained. "I'm glad you lived in better times than these." Mitsuhide mumbled. "It's… it's a big difference. I hate that I couldn't even defend myself while he treated me as less than the dirt…" Mitsuhide brushed a lock of her hair back.
Eria sighed sadly, "...Nothing I could say would get through to him. I… I can't get over that." Her eyes felt hot and itchy again. Yet every time they threatened to spill, Mitsuhide would gently brush them away with a small towel. "...He's wrong. Yet it's people like him who have all the power in this world." She grit her teeth, "I hate that there's nothing I can do to make them see me- or anyone as human." Mitsuhide narrowed his gaze, "Eria, that is-" "It's- It's horrible. So many in this world get stepped on like that every single day. And none of them have any more recourse than I had…"
Once she finished, Mitsuhide remained silent. It hadn't fully sunk in for her that, with very little exception, most were treated that way in this era. And people just accepted it as reality. No one said a single negative word as Yoshiaki looked down on them from atop the stage. The troupe was full of good people, the town too. They were going as far as to put on this show for him, a special guest. Yet that special guest was an entitled prick who didn't think of any of them as human. "...It's… It's so unfair. No one should have to live like this!" Eria hissed.
"After a world-shattering experience, your heart still goes out to others, doesn't it?" Mitsuhide smiled, hugging Eria close to him. Her tear-stained cheek felt flush against his cool skin. "I've always held that there is no such thing as purely right or purely wrong. But Eria- Everything you've said, including your rage, is right." Mitsuhide murmured. 'Does… Does he really feel that way?' "You don't need to accept other people's judgments, regardless of how powerful they might be. Everyone has a different point of view." Mitsuhide explained, then smiled- "Those noblemen have theirs, and Lord Nobunaga has his. Even Hideyoshi, with his somewhat insufferable opinions."
A small smile formed on Eria's lips. "You know what is right to you. Don't you?" Mitsuhide asked. "Mhm.. I do." Eria muttered. She believed, regardless of where she found herself in time, that taking another's life for any reason was wrong. She believed that one should not be judged on any basis that was not their actions. She knew that others wouldn't always agree. She knew she may find herself where others would argue that she's in the wrong.
Eria recalled that first battle. The sound of the firearm as Mitsuhide shot the general, the look in his pale golden eyes. She knew her beliefs may waver at times… Eria recalled her own hands as she gripped the trigger, the overwhelming power over life and death she felt course through her. The fear she felt at that time only proved that she hadn't thrown her beliefs away. Mitsuhide reminded her the reason she'd come to value her beliefs, why they were of high importance to her. Even if she'd formed them in more… peaceful times.
The Sengoku would not be the place that broke Eria or her beliefs. They were hers to keep, hers to forge stronger. "In a way, this world is a battlefield of ideals," Mitsuhide began, "We do not know, day to day, who will come out on top. But- That does not give anyone the right to negate yours." Eria breathed in his words, letting them flood her mind. "...I'm not going to cry when it happens. I refuse to give such people that kind of pleasure," she mumbled. Eria wanted to believe in herself again, to be someone others could believe in.
Mitsuhide smiled, "There you are. You're very strong, you know." His whispers were sweet as he patted Eria's head. She used to think he did this just to mock her, and even now his tone still sounded a little patronizing, but… Eria needed this. "H-Hey… You're gonna make me cry right after I swore not to." She laughed. "If you cannot show weakness to your husband, who can you show it to? You can cry safely whenever you're with me." He told her. "...Safe…" she repeated.
His gaze served to melt the barriers that surrounded her heart. Yet the first thing he did upon gaining access to Eria's most vulnerable part was to heal her… She tried to keep a 'safe' distance since first learning of his treachery, but the distance she felt safest was in his arms. She rolled her eyes, "There you go, calling yourself my husband again… I'm hoping that doesn't mean everything you've said is a lie..." "And why is that?" Mitsuhide asked. "...Because I want to believe what you said. Every last word…" she murmured.
"Even with what I know, I still hold onto this… strange version of you that I think is great… and that I've chosen to trust more than anyone." She admitted, blushing. If the pieces didn't match, call Eria crazy. She chose to side with the 'good' Mitsuhide rather than the 'bad' one. For a moment, it seemed as though he was going to say something. But it dissipated as his gaze softened and he whispered, "You should get some rest…" 'No answers? I guess I should've expected this...'
Mitsuhide gently lifted her and tucked her into bed. He then sat at her side; the tear-stained towel ready in his hand to dry the last of her tears. "Good night, Eria. Pleasant dreams." He said. "...Goodnight, Mitsuhide. Also- …Thank you." She whispered, bringing a smile to his face. Seeing no more tears, Mitsuhide set the towel aside. Then brushed Eria's eyelids closed, his hand resting comfortably and cool over her reddened face. 'I... I like this...' She could feel him nearby. Not just physically. 'I'll... I'll be okay.' That of which she'd lost was returning to her, under his guard. Safe with Mitsuhide, Eria fell into peaceful slumber.
MITSUHIDE AKECHI
He watched over Eria as she slept, unresting himself. "...I hope they are aware; they've incurred a great and very dangerous debt by making my wife cry…" He whispered, a sinister smirk playing at his lips. His pale golden eyes appearing to burn like a ghostly foxfire in the darkened shadow of night.