Kagome marveled at the sight of Takeda Castle before her, her cerulean gaze taking in the grandeur of the structure, its height so high, she felt almost intimidated to approach. There were various flags situated around the garden, the emblem of the Takeda Clan embellished upon the cloth, and as far as she saw, there were no servants loitering in the area.

Despite Yuuta distracting two locals sauntering past the wall, completely unaware of Kagome's presence just above, she watched quietly as they disappeared in the distance before flashing Yuuta a relieved smile.

"Are you sure about this, Kagome? If you're caught…" Yuuta began, his expression concerned for the young girl whom he'd come to look after for weeks.

She nodded. "I'll be back before you know it."

Turning away from him, she shifted her gaze towards the gardens below her, its entirety spanning around the entire castle. There was a large pond surrounded by many flowers situated a short distance away, a cute wooden bridge which spanned across it. Lofty green trees resided together in a small group of twos or threes in various places while the majority of the garden consisted of a large assortment of colorful flowers such as Asagao and Kiku.

It was breathtaking, seeing such a beautiful garden well-tended to and laid out, and yet, as she smiled at this, she couldn't help but look directly down. Well, now that she managed to climb the wall and with Yuuta's help, how was she suppose to drop down without hurting herself?

Kagome mused. Okay. Getting up here wasn't too bad, so getting down couldn't be that difficult. Maybe there was a ladder nearby she could use or maybe something she could jump onto. And yet, as she searched the entire gardens, there was nothing in sight. Her eyes flashed towards a large and lofty tree a short distance away, its branches large and perhaps sturdy enough to hold an individual. Maybe, that could work?

Nobutora gleamed elatedly as he bounced his kemari ball from knee to knee, the hide shaped ball white with decorate patterns etched into its exterior. He was alone in the manor, practicing so he could one day play the other royals as well and someday best his father whom was well-known in his expertise in the game.

Yet, as he continued bouncing the ball, using his feet to keep it in the air, he lost control, the ball swiveling in another direction and across the room, bouncing before is laid stationary near one of the retainer's feet. Sighing, she ran over towards the ball, the retainer handing it to him kindly. "I just can't seem to get it right. Father makes it look so easy."

The retainer smiled, despite the young boy's hopes slightly deflating. "In time, I'm sure you will best your father. You just need a little more practice, Lord Nobutora."

He nodded. "You're right. Maybe, once father has finished his meeting, he will play with me."

A chuckle suddenly resounded, the sound low and husky. As Nobutora turned, he saw his father leaning up against a wall right next to an open door, smiling at him amusedly.

"Father!" Nobutora excitedly exclaimed, running over to him with the ball held against his chest. "I thought your meeting wouldn't end for a few more hours."

"I ended it early so I could spend time with you," He replied, patting the child's head softly.

Nobutora gleamed at this. "So, can we play together out in the gardens?"

His father nodded. "I'm free for the entire day, should anything arise. Come," He replied, his hand held out for his son.

As Nobutsuna ushered the retainer away, he led his son out of one of the many rooms within the manor and into the main halls on the second floor. Beautiful tapestries decorated the walls and black vases aligned each corner of the halls, there were also porcelain vases imported from China here and there some with flowers planted within and others without.

"Father, have you seen mother lately?"

He mused. "Your mother is away with her maid servants at this time. I do believe she is visiting her family."

Nobutora nodded. "Oh, I see. It's been a long time since her family last visited. We should invite them over often, father. It would make mother really happy."

"Indeed."

Truthfully, his mother was not born with noble blood. Despite only knowing her as his mother, who was a concubine to his father, he often heard stories whispered by the servants in the manor. Apparently, his mother derived from a poor family, miles away from Edo, and was selected as one of the many candidates suitable to become the Daimyo's concubine eight years ago. A selective process took place and there were at least fifty suitable women from across the neighboring provinces whom the Daimyo would choose from, but in the end, he chose his mother, despite her humble background. When it came to Daimyo's owning concubines, it was normal to have as many as one hundred, but father chose only his mother. He said it was love at first sight, and although he never married her, they cherished each other dearly.

Knowing all this, Nobutora never uttered a word to his mother. He knew his mother was ashamed of her humble background and uncomfortable with the constant whisperings within the manor and outside, and as such, often closed his ears to all of it, for fear he might see his mother differently. And yet, Nobutora didn't mind it. He loved his mother, just as much as he loved his father.

Despite being lost in thought, Nobutora's eyes shifted towards the windows, viewing the majestic gardens, his eyes turning back to his father elatedly. There was even a little skip to his step, but he paused, stopping suddenly before swiveling his head back towards the window.

Noticing this, Nobutsuna paused as well, and blinked at his son. "What's the matter?"

Nobutora blinked. Had he imagined it? While he'd been walking through the halls, hand in hand with his father, he noticed someone standing on the outer walls of the manor, someone with long black hair dressed in a pale blue kimono. Pulling away, he bounced over towards the large windows and peeked out.

Right there. A girl was balancing on the wall, her hands held out to steady herself. What was she doing. Although this was a first in his life he'd seen such a thing, he couldn't look away. Somehow, it was fascinating. "Father…"

Although he hadn't noticed, arching a curious brow at his son, Nobutsuna approached the window, his eyes watching his son curiously. "What has caught your attention?"

Nobutora pointed against the glass. "There is a strange woman on the wall. Look."

Bewildered by his son's words, Nobutsuna gazed out the window and to his surprise, there was indeed a woman balancing herself on the walls, walking cautiously across it. He didn't recognize the woman, and as he accessed her state of dress, she was most likely a commoner, someone who possibly resided in the poor district of Edo. "What in Kami's name is she doing?" He asked allowed, also mesmerized like his son.

"Do you think she is trying to get over the wall?" His son asked curiously, blinking a few times as he pressed his face closer towards the window.

That could very well be a possibility, and yet, he wondered how a small girl could even manage it. "This is certainly something you don't see every day." He wondered how long she was out there for and why none of the soldiers had noticed.

"Do you think she is a spy, father?"

He shook his head. "Climbing our wall in broad daylight? I doubt it, my son."

Not a spy? Nobutora mused. "Then, do you think she came to visit, father?"

He suddenly laughed at this. "Well, I am not sure. Why, do you want to meet with her?"

Nobutora mused. "Do you think she will want to meet with me?"

"And why do you say that? You are my son after all," He laughed.

Although he found the strange situation humorous, he heard his son intake a deep breath and gasp, both of his small hands against the window.

"Oh no! She almost fell!" He replied.

Nobutsuna turned his head quickly at this. The village girl must have lost her footing for a moment, but she was still holding onto the wall. Despite being a woman, her strength to overcome such a serious fall easily fell away as she leveraged herself back up the wall and onto her feet. "What is she trying to gain by doing this…" He muttered to himself, stroking his chin curiously.

"Maybe we should call for the guards?" He wondered. He was worried the girl might hurt herself if she did fall.

Nobutsuna considered this. "Let's see where this goes first. I do not see anything suspicious about her yet."

Nobutora and his father continued watching the strange girl. At one point, she completely stopped and looked behind her, and although they couldn't hear what she was saying, it seemed like she was talking to someone. And the next thing they knew, she was looking back into the gardens, unsure of what to do.

"She can't get down, I think," His son replied. "Maybe she lost something over the wall?"

The girl's eyes were focused on a large tree in front of her, the tree just near their window, and yet, she had yet to notice she was being watched. Despite already knowing her intentions, Nobutsuna squinted his eyes. He was expecting her to make the leap across. He wasn't sure if she was conflicted, since she was still so far away, and before he knew it, her hands went to her obi tied around her waist, untying it slightly so it was much looser on her. What was she doing? Before he could question it, she suddenly jumped.

From beside him, he heard his son gasp, his eyes widened in awe, and as the Daimyo watched the girl, her long raven locks billowing behind her, and her light blue kimono suddenly moving against her petite body. To say she landed beautifully was an understatement. She truly did, but in the process of it all, her kimono was in disarray, one sleeve hanging off her shoulder and the entire front exposed before him and his son, so much so, he quickly covered Nobutora's eyes.

"Father, why are you covering my eyes? I want to see! Is she okay?"

"Not until you're older…" He sweat dropped. "Son, I think you should return to your room for now," He replied, uncovering his son's eyes and turning him towards him. "Do not speak a word of this to anyone, as this will only be between us."

Nobutora nodded, and despite wanting to see if the girl was alright, he did as his father instructed and returned to his room. Looking back towards the window, he watched as the girl shimmied her way down the tree, and with that, his eyes narrowed and he turned away.

Kagome breathed a sigh of relief, as she quickly fastened her kimono properly. She unfastened it so it'd be easier for her to get some leg room and make the jump. Finally, she managed to get over the wall and down into the gardens with little to no trouble. She was sure no one saw her, except Yuuta who must have been shocked to see her jump, and yet, it was quiet. 'Alright, I just need to find a way inside to meet with the Daimyo. I just hope he doesn't have me imprisoned.'

It shouldn't be that difficult, she was sure. After all, if the gardens were empty, she was pretty sure the manor was mostly empty, at least, she hoped. As she slowly made her way through the gardens, passing the cute little pond, she peeked around the corner, her eyes noticing two soldiers guarding the entrance within the manor. Well, she obviously couldn't use the front entrance, so now she was left hiding in some bushes.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she mused. There had to be another way into the manor than simply slipping past the guards. Maybe she could cause a distraction, but she was sure that wouldn't work. This was a wealthy house, and there were no doubt servants loitering to and from. Maybe, there was a back entrance behind the house the servants used.

Breaking off a stick from the bush she hid behind, she drew into the dirt at her feet. "If this is the front entrance, I came all the way from this side…" She drew the wall, the position in which she climbed the wall, the location in which she jumped into the tree to where she was now. "The guards are stationed at the front…" Kagome drew a circle behind a huge box labeled manor, and squinted her eyes. That's where she needed to go and from there, she would make her final judgement.

Unexpectedly, another stick came into view behind her, and despite being caught up in her musings, kagome watched as another circle was made to her drawing and it was on the furthest left side of the manor. Kagome blinked at it.

"Actually, the servant's quarters would be here beside the well," Came a husky voice behind her ear.

Kagome blinked again. So, if the servants' quarters were there, then she just passed it up. "How did I miss that?" She replied, sighing suddenly. As her eyes looked at the location marked on her drawing, her eyes shifted towards the second stick, one which was attached to a hand that wasn't her own. Wait a minute… Realization finally struck her, and she turned suddenly, her back pressed against the wall of the manor.

A man was knelt down beside her, both hidden behind a large hedge enclosed around the entire manor. He was slightly smiling at her, his eyes shifting towards the dirt drawing and her face in curious wonder.

"W-where did you come from?" Was he a noble? Was he servant? Was he going to rat her out to the guards?

He chuckled at her startled reaction. "I should be asking that myself. I've never seen you before."

Kagome nervously swallowed. "Well … I've never seen you before either…"

Judging by his unexpected smile, he didn't seem angry, so that was good, so far. As she continued looking at him, her gaze sweeping his features up and down curiously, she couldn't help but feel hesitant. This man was probably in his late twenties, dressed in a dark maroon kamishimo, with a black long-sleeved kosode worn beneath his hakama pants.

The Takeda emblem was embellished into each part of his broad sleeves, and she couldn't help but remember Yuuta's words. He must be a noble, judging by how he was dressed. Even his hair was pulled back into a high topknot, but surprisingly, the sides of his head wasn't shaved. He had kind dark eyes, somewhat pale skin, a sharp jawline and yet, she couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked.

Now that he was face to face with this mysterious woman, Nobutsuna couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. From her face to her hands and feet, she was entirely fair, unlike other villagers who held darker complexions. Yet, as he looked upon her, perhaps a bit too closely, he noticed her large blue eyes; it was something he'd never seen before in anyone. Who was she?

Kagome blushed under his gaze, a hand moving beneath the nape of her neck to be sure her kimono hadn't moved. Why was he looking at her like that? "Um…"

He snapped out of it quickly, shaking his head as he chuckled. "I presume you're trying to sneak into the manor. Might I ask why that is?"

Again, she hesitated. Who was he and why was he acting friendly? What was his motive? "Listen … I…"

Kagome wasn't sure how to explain herself. Likely, this man was playing a game with her just for his own amusement, and after he grew bored, she was sure he would turn her in. Everything inside her told her to run away, but even so, she didn't have a ladder to get back up the wall, something else she failed to realize before it was too late. Should she play into his game and get onto his good side? If so, what would happen after?

He must have noticed her hesitance, and realizing she was extremely uncomfortable, he sat back, awkwardly laughing. "I didn't mean to make you nervous. Actually, I couldn't help but notice you were climbing the wall…"

Again, she blushed. "Oh gosh … did you see that?" He must have seen her kimono fly open, if that was the case. He must have gotten a good look at her undergarments.

His face slightly reddened in recollection and he nodded. "Yes. I was afraid you might fall, so I ran out here quickly, but I see you are just fine."

"I hope … you aren't angry…"

He mused. "Well, you haven't done anything to warrant any aggression, at least, not as of yet. Why did you do it?"

She paused. "It's … personal…"

He noted her flushed expression as she said this, and couldn't help but arch a dark brow as he leaned in slightly closer to her. "Could it be … you've fallen in love with the Daimyo and have come to see him?"

Kagome wasn't sure how much redder her face would get, but she quickly shook her head at his reply. Fallen in love? He had to be kidding. "No. It's nothing like that, but I won't deny you're correct on your last statement."

He smiled at this. "I thought so. I thought perhaps there must have been a motive to climbing the wall, despite risking your life. You wish to meet with the Daimyo. Although this is rather strange, you must have your reasons?"

She nodded. "You don't have to worry about any hidden motives," She replied, causing him to arch another brow. "I just need to speak with him about something important," She replied, suddenly catching his knowing look. "And no, it has nothing to do with any feelings involved," she sputtered embarrassedly.

He suddenly laughed at this. "I'm only teasing you. Rest assured, I will not speak a word to anyone of this matter."

Kagome was taken aback. What? This man, whom was obviously a noble and a stranger to boot, was willing to keep this all a secret? But why? He didn't know her. How could he trust someone who climbed a wall and was obviously making plans in the dirt to get inside? It didn't make sense. Maybe he was slightly weird and overly friendly? Kagome couldn't be sure.

"If you need help getting inside, I can help you meet with the Daimyo."

Kagome narrowed her eyes at him. "But why? Why are you doing this for me, for someone who is a stranger? How do you know I'm telling the truth?" Could it be he was the brother of the Daimyo? Did the Daimyo have a brother? She wasn't sure; after all, she wasn't that good at history.

"Reading people's true intentions comes quite easily for me. I can tell just by looking at you. I don't see someone willing to hold a dagger to this household, and you must have a reason to be here. Why don't you tell me first what that reasoning truly is?"

So that was it? Her gut was telling her to trust him, but her mind was telling her to run back to Yuuta. Still, he didn't seem like a liar to her, and he honestly seem genuine in his words. "Alright. Well … I've traveled many days to get to Edo to speak with the Daimyo. You see, my village is not doing too well, in fact, we're facing starvation."

Nobutsuna's eyes narrowed at this. What? Starvation? How was that possible when he's been told by his advisors that his people were well taken care of in his lands? "Could you elaborate?"

Kagome sighed. "That's just it. We're suffered many things over these past few months, ranging from droughts, a demon attack, bandits, losing our harvest and going days with little to no food. I couldn't just stand back and watch this any longer, despite reaching out to people who were willing to help us, but I was pointed towards reaching out to the Daimyo to explain our situation. I tried to meet with him, but I was turned away and threatened, saying the Daimyo was too busy to meet with a mere commoner…"

Hearing her words, and seeing the expression of sadness and worry on her countenance angered him. She wasn't lying, that much he noted, but why had this happened? He was always willing to meet with his people, no matter their status, and yet, she was turned away. "I see. That's why you climbed the wall. I understand now. I'm sorry you and your village have suffered."

Kagome nodded. "I just need to meet with him and maybe he can help us. I fear, once winter arrives, our village…"

He shook his head. "Say no more. I'll help you inside." He replied before looking through the leaves of the hedge to be sure no one was nearby. To his relief, the garden was still empty. Standing up, he reached out a hand to the young girl. "Come."

Blinking, she couldn't help but smile back as she took his hand, allowing him to guide her through the gardens. There were a couple instances where a few servants were walking to and from the garden, until they managed to sneak within the manor, passing through without being seen until they arrived upstairs. The entire manor was mainly empty, no guards here or there, and it made getting to one room to another that much easier.

Eventually, it wasn't long before this handsome noble led her to a large shoji door, with beautifully painted leaves decorating its exterior. As he closed the door behind him, Kagome made her way into the simple and yet slightly decorated room, sunlight peering in from high windows. A simple and polished wooden table greeted her, with a small black vase with blue and pink orchids placed within. It was a flower she loved very much, simple and yet, it held a certain elegance within its stem.

As she made her way across the room, she couldn't help but notice a petite figure of a woman standing before her, a tray in hand and dressed in a dark green kimono, her long raven hair pulled back behind her in a white ribbon, her blunt bangs framing her oval face. There was a look of surprise from the young woman, but her eyes softened on account of the man behind Kagome, and she offered a small bow of her head.

"Good timing. This is my guest, so do not feel alarmed," He explained, hoping to soothe the maid's worries and confusion. "Fetch us refreshments, if you will."

She obliged, nodding her head once more before stepping out of the room with her tray. The maid only turned once to look back before opening the door and sliding it shut behind her.

"If you will, have a seat there," He explained, guiding Kagome towards a large gray pillow; it was flat and quite wide, and yet, its cushioning soothed Kagome's aching knees.

"Thank you."

Pleased, he took a seat across from her, on a slight pedestal with a large cushioned chair behind him, with embellishments of banners behind him, with spears and swords hanging from the walls in a fashionable manner. There was even armor sitting off to the side of the room, glinting in the sunlight beside her.

For a moment, they sat there, both looking at one another. At first, it felt comfortable, and Kagome couldn't deny her anxiousness to meet with the Daimyo. Yet, this man had yet to fetch the servants to bring him. Then again, maybe the Daimyo was busy still, so he was buying some time. "Thank you again for doing this. It means a lot."

He merely nodded, his eyes glimpsing her briefly more before smiling. "You're welcome. I don't even know your name yet?"

"Kagome."

His eyes scanned her a moment longer. "You wouldn't happen to have a surname, would you?" He asked, and at his inquiry, she blinked. "These days, many peasants have taken on surnames, though it is simply a small majority as of now, with the exception of samurai families."

"Higurashi…"

He blinked. So, she did indeed have a surname. Higurashi? How interesting; he'd never heard of such a last name. "It's a pleasure to meet you Higurashi. I am Nobutsuna. Takeda Nobutsuna."

Kagome's eyes widened at this. Wait, he was the Daimyo? Immediately upon hearing this, she lowered her head to the floor, much to his surprise. "Forgive me. I didn't know you were the Daimyo." This entire time, he must have humored himself without telling her, and for that, she felt embarrassed.

A chuckle resounded within the room, the Daimyo finding the woman quite amusing. Pulling out a small book from his sleeve pocket, he reached for a brush at his table and slathered its bristles in wet ink beside him before jotting down some kind of note into the book. "Please sit comfortably, Higurashi. It is just us here, so you may relax."

She pulled her face away from the floor and sat up, though she couldn't help the fact that her body was trembling, her knees shaking beneath her. Kagome felt nervous, and yet, there was no reason to be. Sure, she'd been told to respect nobles during her stay in the Sengoku Era, especially by the villagers, Kaede and especially Yuuta. Still, this was her time kneeling before someone of great power, and in her history books no doubt. His ranking was higher than even Sango's father; and yet, despite his status, he treated her with kindness.

"Forgive me for keeping this from you until now," He apologized, placing his book open on the table beside him, his paint brush beside his ink slab. "Now then, why don't you tell me in full detail exactly what happened?"

Nodding, she reached into her kimono sleeve and withdrew two rolled up parchments before standing up and approaching his table, offering them to him with both hands, her head down, eyes staring at the floor. "One is from our High Priestess and the other is from Lord Shako of the Demon Slayers," Kagome replied before returning to her cushion to kneel before him.

He took both letters and looked at her with surprise. Even the Demon Slayers? If this young girl's village even concerned them, then this was surely something to look into with deep scrutiny. "I see. Give me a moment."

As he looked over the parchment given to him by her High Priestess, Kaede, his eyes skimmed each word carefully; the letter spoke of great detriments the village endured the past month, beginning with a serious drought, bandits raiding their village, burning their huts and capturing their women, all while destroying their poor harvests. Such a situation led to a misunderstanding with a demon which had housed itself into the body of one of the bandits, the leader to be more precise; in the end, it was this woman here who helped vanquish the demon.

His eyes looked up at her once more, searching her petite form up and down for answers as to why and how it was possible she could vanquish a demon. She seemed no more than an average peasant, despite her beauty.

The door slid open during his reading, the maid servant from before sauntering in with a familiar tray in hand, a steaming pot, two cups and two plates of what appeared to be cookies, colorful in appearance. As she set down the tray upon a small table, she reached for a small surface and pulled it close towards the two, before fetching the tray once more. After filling each ceramic cup with sweet smelling tea, and setting a tray of delectable beside Kagome and the Daimyo, she exited the room once more.

Kagome's eyes shifted towards the tea and cookies, but she held back from eating, not wanting to show any disrespect. As her eyes looked over to the Daimyo, she noticed his serious expression, his eyes following every word. Did he believe what Kaede wrote? Would he really be willing to help the village?

Nobutsuna continued reading, his mouth slightly in awe at what he was reading. So, it seemed Kagome Higurashi discovered her spiritual powers after destroying the demon, and the High Priestess soon learned the woman was of Priest and priestess descent. He noticed the seal of the High Priestess at the end of the letter, confirming her signature, and he placed it down upon the table. So, all of this happened, despite hearing how well his people were doing in the lands?

Despite casting the girl, a saddened look, he reached for the other letter, this one written by Lord Shako, and unraveled the parchment. His eyes skimmed the end, noticing the familiar seal of the Demon Slayers, and it was then, he read through the letter.

Similar to Kagome's letter, it explained Kagome's visit, her discussion with the Lord and his daughter concerning her village and reaching out for help. Lord Shako explained he was more than willing to offer support to the impoverished and suffering village all before Winter. He also explained that there was something aloof with regards to the taxes placed upon Kaede's Village, their sum coming to 80 mon yearly, despite the tax collectors accepting only 40 mon half of each year, and how it was difficult for the village to meet ends meet, especially with little to no food surrounding their infertile lands. The letter also mentioned how Lord Shako did a bit of investigating on the matter, sending out several of his men to check with the village leaders of several villages in the area concerning the matter of their taxes, and similar to Kaede's village, two of out eight were also suffering from the same.

All in all, this left Nobutsuna stricken with guilt and anger, and he lowered his head apologetically to Kagome, his hand clenched upon his lap. "Again, I apologize for all you and your people have suffered, Higurashi. I had no knowledge of any of this, but I'm glad you've visited to speak with me on this matter."

Kagome lowered her head. "Thank you."

"I've finished reading both letters. It would appear Lord Shako had several of his men investigate upon the issue with taxes in the nearby villages, and similar to your village, Higurashi, there are others facing hardships."

She looked up at this. So, she and everyone else weren't alone? Something had to be done. "Milord … I must be frank about this."

He nodded, allowing her to speak freely.

"Although I was fairly new to the village starting out, I noticed their struggles. Day in and day out, the villagers put in so much effort in their fields, despite the drought, but when it came time for the fields to be inspected, I could only look on from a distance as the men berated our people, disregarded our wares and their disappointment with the harvests. I heard from Lady Kaede how the tax increased considerably, but because they could not manage to pay such a large sum, the collector said something along the lines of 'if you want the continued protection of your Daimyo, you should do all you can to pay back the taxes, or else, you're on your own.'"

His eyes narrowed at this. "And so, he took with him several young women and children to work for the money in Edo."

Kagome nodded. "Yes. Milord … the inspector who visited our village and took from us—"

"Was Takeo," He replied, sighing and shaking his head irritably. "Yes, he is the Financial Advisor of my household, as well as our lead inspector. I'll surely investigate this matter myself. With this letter, Higurashi," He held up the one from Lord Shako, "I'll certainly get to the bottom of this, and I'll do what I can to help you and your village regain all that you've lost. You have my word."

Her eyes alit at this. "Thank you!" She quickly bowed before him. Maybe now, good things will finally return to the village. She hoped so.

"That reminds me, Higurashi, did you travel all this way on your own?" He couldn't help but ask out of curiosity. He wasn't sure it was possible for a young woman, such as herself to travel without being burdened by roaming bandits, wolves or demons, but then again, her High Priestess mentioned something about her spiritual abilities surfacing.

Hearing this, she softly smiled. "Oh no, I traveled with—" Kagome couldn't help but gasp suddenly, her eyes widening in realization. "Oh, I almost forgot about Yuuta."

"Yuuta?"

Kagome nodded, bowing her head once more. "He … my husband whom I traveled with from our village. He must still be outside waiting. I'm afraid he must be worried…"

The Daimyo nodded at this. So, she did indeed travel with another. It made sense, after all, how could she guarantee protection for herself and those letters? "I see. Himari," He loudly called.

At his voice, the shoji screen door opened, and the maid from earlier stepped inside, bowing her head respectively. "Yes, Milord?"

"Go out and fetch the man named Yuuta. He should be outside the walls. Bring him in through the front gate." Since there was no point in using the servants' door to sneak Yuuta in, he'd simply have his maid bring him in through the front entrance. Should there be any problem with that, he would intervene.

"Of course, Milord." With that said, she left once more.

"You can blame me, Higurashi," He suddenly said, his smile faltering suddenly, which earned confusion from Kagome. "This is my fault, after all. I should have been more aware of my people and their welfare, but instead, I relied on the words of my advisors. I honestly thought my people were doing well, both financially and substantially, but I see now I was misled."

Kagome didn't say anything to this; in fact, she wasn't sure what to say. Partly, he was correct in thinking so, but he was also being lied to and manipulated by his people who were supposedly closest to him. She was sure he was feeling much guilt, as she could read from his perturbed expression. "I'm sorry…"

Nobutsuna shook his head. "Don't be. I should be the one apologizing." He sighed once more. "I'll handle this matter and I'll do what I can to release your people from forced slavery. It may take a matter of days and maybe even months. I only ask that you and your people remain patient," He replied, earning an understanding nod from the young girl. "Lord Shako will ensure the safety of your village for a time, as well as its reconstruction. You will rely on him while I sort things out here."

Kagome nodded once more. "Aside from that, there is also something else I wanted to discuss with you, Milord…"

Pushing such depressing and irritable thoughts in the back of his head, he gave Kagome his utmost attention. "And what would that be?"

"Well … while on our journey to meet with Lord Shako and yourself, I've thought a lot about all that's happened to the village, as well as the encounter with the demon."

He nodded. "Ah, it was mentioned in the letter from your High Priestess your spiritual powers awakened and you saved your people from a terrifying ordeal."

Kagome nodded. "Yes. Lady Kaede spoke with me on the matter and that it would be wise to train myself. Even Yuuta and Lord Shako agreed with what Lady Kaede had to say. And, I've given this matter much thought, and I would like to give it a try. I want to be helpful to everyone, and help them."

Although she despised the village long ago, after being held captive for a time, she couldn't help but feel sympathy for them, as well as compassion. She was ignorant to this time period, and she was ignorant as to why Kaede and her village treated her like a threat in the beginning, but she understood now.

"I would like to become an official priestess."