Samurai Love Ballad Party: A Series of Short Stories

Crazy Kind of Love: The Next Meeting Pt.1

Tokugawa Ieyasu X MC
Rating: G

It's been days since Lord Ieyasu paid our little shop a visit. I can't understand why, but I've been anxiously awaiting for the next time he would show up. He did say he would right? A heavy sigh leaves me as I'm cleaning a table just as a shadow came looming over.

"Don't tell me the mouse actually missed the cat?" Looking up, I see the smirk of that very lord I was wondering about before me just on the opposite side of the table.

"L-Lord Ieyasu!" That came out louder than intended and I bow so quickly, I hit my head on the table I was just cleaning. Rubbing my forehead, I avoid his gaze as this is the most embarrassing moment in my life. All I hear is laughing as his lordship is enjoying my misfortune.

"My goodness, how startled this little mouse is. Maybe I should visit more randomly to see what you might do next." He smiled brightly as he sat at the very table I was cleaning and then graced with my forehead. I looked around to see he was alone. "Looking for my handlers? I lost them in the crowd some time ago so there's no one to save you should I decide to cut you down here and now." He says all this with what sounds like joy that I'm not sure if I should be scared or mystified by.

"Th-That's not it at all!" I'm flailing now as the pain from the table collision subsides a little. "I just didn't think-"

"Mmnnn do you really think? That is quite a loaded question." He's certainly on a roll and this, somehow, strikes a nerve with me.

"Can I help you? Otherwise my time is for customers." That may have come out harsher than I meant it to be. And it was evident in the scowl I received in response.

It melted into a smug smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You'll bring me my usual or I'll ensure this place is closed and you're punished for your amusingly insolent tongue." He sat with the look of a cat with his prey within his sights. Like I have a choice in this. Oh, to smite him so...

Turning on my heels, I head to the kitchen and prepare everything. Of course he'd show up when the waitress was out sick. I bet he has spies watching this place just waiting to see if someone got sick or had a complaint. And of course no one did, but Lord Ieyasu isn't above bribing someone to slander. I'm so focused on my rage, I miss pouring the boiling hot water into the teapot and onto my hand. The same hand I injured the last time he was here, only now much, much worse. My cries were out before I could stifle them.

"[___], what happened?!" Mother comes rushing over to see what happened and panic set in. "Oh no, we can't let you work like this." She takes a rag from her apron and starts dabbing my hand dry. Each dab is like barbs on a vine stinging my flesh.

"I have to. Lord Ieyasu is here again and if I-" I'm interrupted when someone spoke behind us.

"Did the mouse hurt herself yet again?" The very lord mentioned was standing at the doorway with a pleasant smile that might have reached his eyes, but I couldn't be sure as I winced while my mother continued to tend to my hand in a worried motherly way, but not because of my hand. I can see the panic in my parents eyes and worry for them as this was one of those moments you're never prepared for. Ever.

"Please, milord, you needn't concern yourself about this," my father waved his hands as he tried to get the lord to step back outside.

"Oh, but you see, it does because she is responsible for bringing me my tea and daifuku." You could feel the mood shift as the silence thickened and his lordship walked towards me. Holding his hand out, mother glanced at me and I merely nodded. She let go of my hand so I could place the injury on his hand. "Good girl. You're capable of knowing commands without being told. You may yet be useful after all."

My parents blinked in unison as I looked between them and the man before me. "Mom, dad, there are other customers out there." I tried not to sound annoyed as I suddenly felt as if Lord Ieyasu was going to propose to me or something. I most certainly don't need them getting ideas. And I think it was too late as my parental units suddenly scrambled to get orders done and out to the waiting patrons.

"Smart girl. By now they must have gotten some silly notions of amorous intent," Lord Ieyasu said as he let my hand go to reach into his sleeve for something. There was a look in his eyes that hinted that he thought I might have and it made my heart skip a bit. What game was he playing here?!

"That's the last thing they would ever think of if it was you," I said to try and save face. But, did I really not want them to think that or was I denying some hidden inkling I was starting to really feel now that we were alone...

When his hand emerges, there is a small container in his hand. Looking towards me as he removes the cover, Lord Ieyasu said, "Remain still or that burn will be the least of your worries." The sickly sweet smile he wore was like a challenge or so it felt as he scooped up some of the contents. "This is a waste on you, but if you stop making what I find edible, then I'll definitely have to shut this place down." The balm has a cooling sensation to it and the pain of the burn subsided.

I couldn't help but be in awe as I smiled and sniffed at the balm. "It smells amazing!"

"Of course," he said as he closed the container and thrust it into my hands. "I'm feeling generous so consider this borrowed until you're healed. You'll pay me back with interest." Lord Ieyasu tilted his head with a knowing look. What was he up to? He reached into a pocket and produces a handkerchief and began wrapping my injury. "Now, before that generosity evaporates like the tea that was supposed to be set before me, hurry up with my order before I change my mind." He quickly tied the makeshift bandage, turned on his heels and left the kitchen. The murmurs of the patrons outside could be heard from where I am, adding to the panic my parents must be feeling as they tried to keep them from saying anything ill of the man. Could there be anything positive to say about him?

I stood in the kitchen stunned at what transpired. Looking at the container and bandaged hand, I sighed. What did I get myself into? Not having enough time, nor paying attention because I jumped a bit in surprise, mother plucked the container from my hand and dropped it in my apron. "No more daydreaming, [___]. Take this to his lordship before it gets cold!" A tray ladened with all kinds of food was held before me. Hot tea and two cups were set. Before I could say anything, I blushed at the implication and saw a nervous smile on my mother's face. "Hurry, can't leave a man waiting."

I was practically pushed out the kitchen and ushered out the front where a smiling lord rested his head on a propped hand at the same table I cracked my forehead on. A look of knowing was set in his eyes, of something up his sleeve as onlookers watched me take each step. "Sit," the lord commanded. As if I got any other choice, but I didn't mind it like I did the first time he was here. Don't tell me I actually kinda like this man... do I?

To Be Continued...