The Apothecary and The Warrior | F!Y/N as Shinobu Kocho | Apothecary Diaries

🌷The Ballad of Enlistment 🌷

Second Person POV

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If you do not have anyone to go in place of you. You will have to go yourself or pay a fee."

'father won't have enough to pay the fee...' you thought, remembering that he barely has enough to even pay the bills despite being a notorious apothecary.

The soldiers stood patiently in the silence, waiting for Luomen's reply. All the while being completely oblivious to the two girls eavesdropping in the other room.

Having snuck into the house through the back window, the two girls awaited their father's response. Wondering what will occur next.

"I do have two apprentices. Though, it will be their choice as to whether they will be enlisted. I expect that there will be in no way any harm caused on them as well." Luomen answered, sternly but simply.

"Well where are they righ-" one of the two soldiers started to ask.

"Father, we're home." You interrupt mid-conversation, acting oblivious to what you had just heard.

"Ah Y/N, you and Mao Mao have come back from the fields. Did you get any good medicinal herbs today?"

"We stopped by the market near the Verdigris House and before heading to the fields, and received some more supplies for you." Mao Mao replied.

"That's good, you two heard what these men said right? Y/N I think that you would be more suitable for the role since Mao Mao is still young." Luomen suggested.

"The training regiment will take part in 10 different stages before you can pass to receive the first ranking. Though there is no current war occuring, the emperor asked that we recruit more people in case of the need for more soldiers." The soldier explained.

'Wait so are they actually thinking of enlisting me? I mean I'm fine with that but I'm a gir- Oh shoot they don't-' You think, realizing the two soldiers don't notice that you are actually a female due to your overall strong build and mostly hidden appearance, 'I mean this could benefit me in a way to gain access to both the palace and the pleasure district...eh why not'

"Father, you're okay with me going yes?" You ask in confirmation.

He simply nods in response and you turn back to the two soldiers.

'I guess I'll see where this goes..' You thought, curious as to what'll happen in the near future. Considering your a female

You agreed to their terms. You were to leave in a week.

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"Nee-san, are you going to the Verdigris House?" Mao Mao questioned

You nodded getting ready to leave, "I need to go get some stuff to pack."

half of the week had already gone by, you'd spent the past few days spending time with your father and Mao Mao. Awaiting for the time of your departure.

Mao Mao ended up tagging along with you in case you needed an extra hand in carrying everything. Which you didn't really need, but let her come with you anyway.

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Location: Verdigris House

"Pardon the Intrusion.." you say entering the fancy building

you head over to different rooms, with Mao Mao trailing behind. Gathering the things you wanted to bring with you. From medical supplies to weaponary gear, mosly just anything you wanted to have on hand since you wouldn't have easy access to them.

" Oh it's you two, I heard you were going to be serving in the palace Y/N." you heard a vice from behind.

"mhm, what's funny is that they don't even know that I'm a girl."

Honestly, you didn't really care about what you did in life. You mostly did the same thing every day anyway.

"You're leaving soon aren't you? You better bring some clients since I won't be able to make you a courtesan." The Madam says bluntly

"Yes, yes, I know. You better not do anything to Mao Mao either." You threatened as Mao Mao peaked from behind you looking at the granny

"Ehhhh, Y/Ns leaving?? I wanted to play more go with her though..."

You felt weight on your back and felt a pair of arms wrap around you, "hey Mei Mei, yeah I will be serving in the palace for a bit. If I work hard enough, I'll be able to leave occasionally. We can play go then."

"Hmm ok"

"Be careful alright?" said Pairin

you nodded simply and continued to converse for a while.

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The day for you to leave had come fairly quickly, you had handed your packed items to the man in the carriage and were currently saying your final goodbyes.

You had already said farewell to almost everybody, you walked over to where your father and Mao Mao were standing.

"I'll see you in a couple of years probably. Take care of yourself alright?" You say to your father.

"You too, and remember what you've learned up until this point. Be careful alright?"

You nod and turn to face the smaller girl next to your dad.

"Take care of dad and don't get yourself into trouble. I'll send letters okay?" you said, patting her head.

Mao Mao nodded in signal that she was alright. Even though you were leaving, everyone knew that you were going to be back in the future. So whatever happens, happens.

You soon got into the carriage that was going to take you to your destination. You wondered what your future held, and hoped you were prepared for it.

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A/N

Hello all, 

Sorry for the late chapter, I was a bit short on time these past few week. I've been meaning to publish this draft and didn't have the time to finish it.

I will try to publish the next two chapters a bit earlier for compensation.

Thanks for Reading!

word count: 907