Lady Samurai

Chapter 25

After parting with Anna at the inn, Lord Takeda directed his horse towards the Lord Matsuda's residence. He knew that Lord Hayashi Akira, the Shōgun's representative, and his whole entourage were accommodated as guests of the local Lord. He hoped to somehow meet Saitō and make sure that attacks on Anna would stop.

Officially, if he even would need to explain himself, he was visiting to thank Lord Matsuda for his hospitality.

Luck must have smiled upon him this day, because as he entered through the gate, he noticed both Hayashi and Saitō crossing the courtyard.

Hayashi certainly looked his part as the Shōgun's lead negotiator, dressed with elaborate care and with all symbols of his status prominently displayed. From the top of his oiled and fashionably arranged hair to the expensive layers of his kimono, he exuded power and dignity.

Next to him, Saitō projected a slightly different image. Although also dressed in elegant and very expensive silks, his clothing seemed to be more practical. He wore dark hakama trousers and a short kimono topped with jinbaori, a short surcoat decorated with his family crest. Despite his small frame he strode with confidence and self-assurance in his every step. Although still relatively young, perhaps around Takeda's own age, he was a powerful supporter of the Shōgun's regime. It was rumoured that he relentlessly climbed the steps of power, destroying anybody who had the misfortune to stand in his way.

Takeda reined his horse, dismounted and confidently strolled towards them. They both stiffened, seeing him approach.

"Lord Takeda." Hayashi nodded slightly. "What a surprise. What brings you here?"

"I was visiting my old friend, when I found out, with dismay, I might add, that you decided to bend your necks and negotiate with Gai-Jin... It must have been a hard pill to swallow." He was baiting them mercilessly.

"I thought you were not interested in politics?" Saitō said with seemingly mild curiosity, but his eyes threw daggers.

"I am not." Takeda's eyes shone dangerously. "But I was deeply shamed by the rudeness in delaying your arrival for so long. You made Gai-Jin wait for over a week! I wasn't going to allow them to think we were all without manners and so I decided to entertain them on your behalf, in order to cover your misconduct."

"And is that also a reason why you took their interpreter to bed?" Saitō narrowed his eyes.

"Oh, this was a special favour. She was so bored." Takeda smiled ironically, shrugging with indifference. "At least now she will have a good impression of the Japanese."

"I heard that there were some disturbances." Hayashi changed the subject. He didn't wish for any serious confrontation with the Emperor's relative and Takeda wondered briefly, if he had been even aware of the plot against Anna. "Has this been resolved?"

"Oh, yes." Takeda drawled, staring directly into Saitō's eyes. "We know exactly who was behind it... And should a need arise, I will not hesitate to personally keep him accountable!"

At that moment Lord Matsuda arrived, notified about his friend's presence.

In the commotion Takeda moved very close to Saitō. "Know that: if anything happens to her, you will pay dearly!" He stated with a cold glare.

Saitō's eyes narrowed again in anger, but he composed himself and just walked away.

"My Lord Takeda." Matsuda came closer. "I am trully sorry that your visit came to an end. I wish you a safe and speedy return north."

"Thank you." Lord Takeda bowed. "As always, you were a very generous host. Until next time." He mounted his horse again.

"Until next time, my friend."

With a last nod Lord Takeda turned his horse and rejoined his entourage, waiting outside the gate.

He hoped that his promise would be enough of a threat and that Saitō wouldn't dare to try anything else. But he knew that only time could answer this question...