Lady Takeda ( Lady Samurai 2 )

Chapter 26

Satisfied that Hikaru was resting, Lottie left him in Chokichi's capable hands and, summoning Kazuki to accompany her, went around the house, checking on the welfare and alertness of the guards. After that she visited in turn all the wounded samurai; she was saddened by their pain and suffering, but was also relieved to learn that only one had died on the bridge; a true testament to their continuous training and skills. She expressed her appreciation to Kazuki, who accepted the compliment only with a modest nod. The family physician reassured her that all the injured men would soon recover. After that she went to check on Ben; Shizuka, who had been diligently looking after him, assured her mother that there was no change in the young man's condition, but the doctor was hopeful.

Going through the motions, Lottie felt as if the weight of the whole household rested on her shoulders. She felt a deep need to check everything personally and reassure herself that all was in perfect order. It felt oddly random and chaotic, but only that would satisfy her need to be doing something.

Her final stop was at Morimoto's room. She knelt outside and quietly spoke his name.

"Please enter," he replied immediately, as if expecting a visit.

She slid the door open and gracefully stepped in.

He was truly surprised to see her. "Lady Takeda." He bowed low. "Please allow me to thank you for your hospitality."

"Morimoto-San, I am glad you have decided to stay. Can I offer you anything?"

"No, thank you. Your household staff already took care of all my needs."

"I will send my daughter to accompany you during the evening meal. I am, unfortunately, unable to join you. But, please, feel free to ask for anything you might need. Perhaps some entertainment..."

"Lady Takeda," he interrupted her, "I have everything I need. Please, do not trouble yourself on my account... We both know why I am here," he added quietly.

"Morimoto-San," she inclined her head gracefully, "you are our guest. And while you are here you will be treated as such."

"Thank you." According to the custom, he bowed to the ground, but in the brief moment their eyes met Lottie saw gratitude and deep respect for her. Clearly, he hadn't expected to be treated this way.

She left him and called for her daughter. "Shizuka, I want you to entertain Morimoto during his meal tonight. And tomorrow," she added. "You can walk in the garden or talk, you may offer to sing for him or play a game. Anything to show him our gratitude."

"Gratitude?" The girl didn't understand.

"Morimoto warned us about the planned ambush. And it was he who saved Ben's life, pulling him from the river," she added, looking directly t her daughter.

Shizuka struggled to conceal her surprise and to control her emotions, but her mother knew her well and could read her face like an open book. It was obvious that her daughter had feelings for Ben, but since Morimoto saved his life it was Shizuka's duty to show him her gratitude. No matter that she would rather spend her time watching over Ben, her honour required from her to attend to Morimoto.

She just bowed to her mother and left to prepare. She would not appear before the man in her everyday attire; from now on she would only show herself as befitted her station, as a daughter of a powerful Lord.

Kazuki witnessed all that with an amused expression, but did not presume to comment. When Lottie turned to him, he said, "My Lady, please rest now. You have not even eaten today. It will not do any good if you fall ill yourself."

"Kazuki, I must..."

"No!" he interrupted her for the second time in so many days. "Trust your servants to do their duty and trust your friends to protect you. You must rest!" he repeated with strength.