Lady Samurai

Chapter 61

From this day onward Hikaru started paying more attention to his sister's behaviour. He quickly realised that Mariko participated in their training sessions only if Nabutada was there. At other times she had always an excuse ready and returned to her rooms. Watching them together, either sparring or interacting socially, he confirmed to himself what Lottie had suggested: that both Mariko and Nabutada had feelings for each other, but that both strived to conceal these feelings from everybody else.

Nabutada was one of his most loyal samurai. He served as his chief bodyguard and adviser and as such he earned his Lord's trust. He came from an honourable family of Takeda's retainers, whose lineage went back to the battle of Sekigahara, some two hundred and fifty years ago, when they fought beside their Lord. He was an honourable and honest man. Lord Takeda could easily imagine him as his brother-in-law, but... wouldn't it set up a precedence?

He thought about it at length and eventually agreed with Lottie; he couldn't forbid Mariko something that he had himself: happiness. Regardless of what anybody would think.

He visited his sister in her rooms after sending Nabutada away on some unimportant errand, confirming to himself that, without samurai present, she would yet again absent herself from their daily training.

Mariko was surprised to see her brother in her rooms. After all, he now spent all of his time with his foreign favourite. Then, when he sent all of Mariko's attendants away, her surprise faded and gave way to an unusual feeling of unease. "How can I be of service to you, My Lord?" She bowed, offering him some refreshments, which he declined.

"Sister, you must forgive me that I have been remiss." He started with a serious expression. "But Ana-San brought to my attention the fact that you are of the marrying age and by my neglect I perhaps deprive you of a true happiness."

Hearing that, Mariko paled visibly. But struggling to control herself, she said quietly: "Is Ana-San displeased with me in any way? Is that the reason she wants to remove me from her..." She stumbled. "...and your presence?"

"Not at all." He assured seriously. "She merely commented that by keeping you here I prevent you from having a family of your own. She always has your best interest in mind." He added.

A flash of resentment appeared on Mariko's face at his words, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Have you considered anybody for my husband, My Lord?"

"Yes." He nodded gravely. "But first I wished to hear your opinion on the subject. Have you thought about getting a husband?"

Her cheeks coloured slightly. "I will do anything you will deem appropriate for me, My Lord." She bowed, indicating that she accepted his right to make decisions considering the future of the clan.

"Of course." He agreed, trying to coax her to admit her true feelings. "But I do not wish to force you into something that would bring you unhappiness. Perhaps you do not want to take a husband and think yourself more suited to a religious life?"

Mariko clearly struggled to control her face. She was torn between her feelings and something she considered her duty of obedience to her Lord.

Hikaru couldn't force himself to torment her anymore. "Mariko, I know everything." He laughed. "Just tell me what is in your heart." She looked at him with shock and fear, unable to retain an impassive face. "You are my sister." He continued to put her at ease. "I have your best interest in mind... As does Lottie. Whatever reason you have to dislike her, you are wrong. But now tell me the truth. Do you want a husband?"

"Yes." She whispered.

"Am I to guess his name? Or do you want to tell me?"

"My Lord..."

"Mariko," He stopped her. "I am your brother. I want you to be happy."

"I..." She stumbled. "I value greatly... one of your samurai." She managed to whisper.

"Name him."

"Nabutada-San." She barely breathed the name.

"And he? Does he return your affection?"

"I... do not know."

Hikaru sighed deeply, trying to conceal his amusement. Mariko, usually so confident and sure of her position, behaved like a little naughty girl, as if caught red-handed in some mischief. "But would you like him for your husband?" He continued patiently.

"Is that possible?" For the first time she looked at him.

"If you wish so. In that you are more fortunate than I am." He smiled with a hint of sadness.

"I will be very happy to become Nabutada-San's wife." Mariko bowed. "If he will have me. You will not force him to marry me?" This sudden thought made her blush again.

"If what I suspect is true, I will not have to. But you have my word I will not order it against his will."

"Thank you, Hikaru." She very rarely called him by his given name.

He just smiled and left her.

Mariko stayed in her room for a long time after his departure, thinking about everything that had happened. She was so happy that Hikaru would respect her wishes. But had she Ana-San to thank for that? Once again she considered her brother's concubine. With an objective mind this time.

Anna was obviously a foreigner, but could this be held against her? Mariko tried to imagine the reception she herself would receive in any faraway western country. Would she be treated as someone inferior just because of her looks? Quite possibly.

Apart from her origins, there was nothing bad that she could say about Anna. Gai-Jin was absolutely loyal to Lord Takeda and many times demonstrated that she was ready to lay her own life to save Hikaru or members of his family. She was honest and unpretentious, brave and uncompromising. She was a very skilled warrior. And, above all that, she made the Lord very happy. She did not try to take Mariko's place or assert her own influence. She did not crave power and more often than not she displayed a slight embarrassment at being so highly favoured.

No, Mariko had to admit there was nothing bad she could say about Ana-San. However... She still felt jealous about her. It was an irrational yet powerful emotion. One that Mariko could not entirely suppress.