Sayuri

Mizuki Hino

[Sayuri's Pov]

The Lord and Tadashi did not speak a word after we left the pavilion, it was only upon entering the forest, did they start talking again.  

Perhaps they feel that they're far enough from Masamune's watching eyes and it was safe to talk. 

"Did you tell Hiroshi-Sama about the engagement between Minori-Hime and Kage Shimizu?" Tadashi asked.

There was a paused before the Lord replied. 

"Of course not! You know that son of mine, he's loyal to Masamune-Sama. If he knew what I had planned, he would most definitely stop me."

At least someone's decent in this family.

"But...the wedding, My Lord. How is that going to work?" Tadashi questioned.

Leaning against the window, I waited for the Lord's reply. That's what I've been wanting to know! How is it even possible to marry Minori to Kage Shimizu?! The two clans aren't allies and most definitely won't ever be one. This marriage will be seen as treason. 

When Ren was in power, anyone who committed treason against him resulted in the execution of the entire household.

What if I get dragged into this mess?

"It will be done quietly." The Lord replied.

Is he in denial?! Everyone knows the first marriage of a Bakufu is celebrated throughout the clan. How can it be done quietly? 

"Don't worry, Tadashi. Everything is going according to plan. Since Kage Shimizu agreed to the marriage, he will be on our side if anything happens. Besides, I still have Shirayuri to take care of Masamune-Sama." 

"My Lord, you shouldn't underestimate Masamune-Sama. He is not one who would fall for a woman's beauty." Tadashi warned.

"Not this time." The Lord asserted.

Why does he sound so confident?

"Have you seen the way he looks at Shirayuri? He's never shown such interest in anyone before." He continued.

Moving back from the window, I thought about what he had just said. 

It was a fact that Masamune showed no interest in courting ladies but I believe it's because he had other priorities. Thinking back to the interactions we had, I don't think he did anything to show that he likes Shirayuri?

The Lord must have wished for it so badly that he's seeing things.

For the rest of the ride back, they continued to talk about things that didn't interest me.

I wasn't sure when Masamune would arrive the next day so I woke up at sunrise and have been waiting at the gates since.  

As I waited for Masamune to arrive, I remember the Lord saying that Minori and the evil lady were supposed to be back after their discussion with Kage Shimizu, but they have yet to return. 

The sound of galloping brought me out of my thoughts, and I look towards the direction of the sound, making out his silhouette in the distance. 

"Finally!" I stated.

As he got closer, I realised something was wrong with the picture.

"Why are you waiting for me outside?" He questioned as soon as he stopped in front of me.

"Y-You..." I spoke, pointing at the horse. "You brought one horse?!"

He looked down at his horse and back to me. He and his jokes never end.