SLBP - Date Masamune Act 1 -

Episode 2: The Taste of Salt

My first night in the castle, I leave my room and follow a delicious aroma.

It brings me to a place where I have been warned never to go by the other servants.

[Kojuro]
"Just what do you intend to do here?"

Lord Kojuro demands, his voice a low rumble in my ear as he holds me with one arm from behind.

I look up at him.

At the feast, his eyes had looked so kind; now, they were ice.

[Me]
"W-well, I. . .um. . .that is. . . !"

I'm so shocked and nervous that I can hardly speak.

I feel something cold at my throat.

[Kojuro]
"Did no one tell you never to come here?"

(Damn it. . . I can't believe I was so careless!)

[Kojuro]
"Answer. Now. If you do not, I will take you as a spy and kill you where you stand"

[Me]
"P-Please, wait. . . !"

Finally, I am able to speak just enough to beg.

Though my voice shakes, Lord Kojuro shows no sign of backing down.

I have no choice but to press on.

[Me]
"Forgive me, milord. . . I didn't realize I was even getting close to the forbidden part of the castle. . . !"

[Kojuro]
"What do you mean, you didn't realize?"

[Me]
"It's so dark, I didn't know. . .and I'm sleepy, so hungry. . ."

[Kojuro]
". . ."

[Me]
"So, when I smelled something so delicious, I just followed it! Please, forgive me. . ."

I know it sounds like excuses at best, but it's all I have.

[Kojuro]
"What would you have me do, Lord Masamune?"

Lord Kojuro asks into the dark, over my shoulder.

[Masamune]
". . ."

I hadn't even noticed Lord Masamune had moved, but there he was right in front of us.

[Me]
"It's true, please believe me. . . !"

I plead desperately with Lord Masamune.

His eyes narrow in the dark as he tilts his chin up slightly to appraise me.

[Masamune]
". . . Just bring him in here for now, Kojuro"

(Bring me. . .in?)

[Masamune]
"Question him first. Then we'll decide what to do with him"

[Kojuro]
"As you wish"

Sheathing his sword, Lord Kojuro takes my arm to bring me after Lord Masamune.