A hand reached out from behind me and suddenly covered my mouth.
(Crap, I can't believe there's someone else here!)
Kicho: "Calm down."
Mai: "-----!"
I looked up only to see his hazel-green eyes.
(Kicho...)
After seeing me nod, Kicho moved his other hand to signal something.
Immediately, several men emerged from the shadows and ran straight to where I heard the voices.
Kicho: "You, come here."
He removed his hand from my mouth, grabbed me by the shoulders, and walked to the other side.
(What should I do? He knows I've been following him.)
Mai: "Um, I'm here because一"
Kicho: "The other day, we noticed that the guns we purchased were short in number.”
Kicho: “They were most likely stolen during the unloading process, so I had my men look into it and got word that a transaction would take place tonight."
Kicho: "We also learned that it's not just weapons that the culprit is dealing with. He’s also kidnapping people."
Mai: "-----!"
(Those guys were dangerous.)
Kicho: "After watching you all day, I realize you like to move around on your own, whether out of curiosity or for some other reason."
Kicho: "What would you do if they found you there and caught you?"
Kicho: "It doesn't matter if it's with a gun or a sword. Do you have anything that can protect you in the face of those who are several times more powerful than you?"
Mai: "No, I don't have anything."
Mai: "I know some self-defense, but I'm not confident in it."
Kicho: "That's right. In fact, just a few minutes ago, you couldn't move."
Kicho: "It's somewhat better than having no knowledge, but it won't help you if you're not prepared for an emergency."
Kicho: "Have some sense of urgency. Don't take life for granted."
I felt the air freeze as he slightly lowered his voice.
I could also feel his feelings coming through the strength of his hand touching my shoulder.
(I thought he was going to call me out for following him.)
(Is he mad at me because I did something careless?)
(This is getting more and more confusing.)
He told me earlier that the lives that will get dragged into the conflict are necessary sacrifices.
But now he's angry with me for putting myself in danger.
(What I should tell him now is一)
Mai: "I'll get stronger."
Kicho: "What do you mean?"
Mai: "There are many ways, but first of all, I want to be able to make the right decisions to protect myself in situations like this."
Mai: "I want to have a strong mindset that will help me think and move properly."
Kicho: "..............."
Kicho: "Yeah. That wouldn't be wrong either."
With a short reply, Kicho pulled his hand away.
Kicho: "Just up ahead, there's a man on standby. Have him take you back to the trading post."
Kicho: "I'll go back to where I was."
Mai: "Got it."
I nodded, and the darkness quickly engulfed him.
(He was being polite. To him, I'm just a servant whom he just met today.)
『 Don't take life for granted 』
I repeated his contradictory words in my head as I was escorted back to the trading post.
The next day
(I couldn't sleep at all because of all the thinking I was doing.)
With bags under my arm, I covered my yawn with my sleeves.
(I need to get my head in the game. Let's see. I think I need to deliver this to一)
Mitsuhide: "Oho? That's quite a big yawn, little mouse."
Mai: “Mitsuhide!?”
Mitsuhide narrowed his eyes at my surprise and held his index finger to his lips.
(I guess I was too loud.)
Mai: "Sorry for being so careless."
Mai: "Then, should I call you Micchan?"
Mitsuhide: "It's a rather simple name and something you wouldn't normally call me. Nice job."
Mai: "Well, I don't often call you by your name in the first place."
(I thought a little friendliness would've made the relationship less confusing.)
(But he's right. He doesn't seem like a Micchan.)
Mitsuhide: "By the way, it looks like you got into the trading post safely. How's work?"
Mai: "A lot has happened since day one, but I managed."
Mai: "Right now, I'm on my way to deliver a package."
As I said this, I showed him a simple map Kicho handed me.
Mitsuhide: "I see. By the way, what's that smell?"
Mai: "It's the perfume that Kicho gave me. He told me to wear it every day as a way to keep up appearances."
Mai: "We chatted for a bit on the first day, but I still don't have the key information."
Mitsuhide: "It's only the second day. Just the fact that you were able to sneak in is already an accomplishment."
(I guess? Still, that's reassuring.)
Mai: "Thank you. I'll do my best."
Mitsuhide: "Yeah. Also, I have some news that came in today."
Mitsuhide: "Apparently, Motonari Mouri is alive."
(Motonari?)
Mitsuhide said this calmly, and I responded in my usual manner to avoid suspicions from those passing by.
Mai: "What kind of person is he?"
Mitsuhide: "He is a fierce warlord from Aki in the Chugoku region who led a band of pirates."
Mitsuhide: "He's been missing for several years and was rumored to be dead, but apparently, he's alive."
Mai: "Is that good news?"
Mitsuhide: "I can't say. The Mori forces made peace with the Oda forces. But if the other side were to join forces with the enemy, it would be rendered null and void."
Mai: "Null and void?"
(I see. Like Kicho, there's a possibility that Motonari will betray the Oda forces.)
(It would be nice if he's simply hiding his life or death due to unavoidable circumstances, but一)
Mitsuhide: "Motonari is also known as the god of deceit."
Mitsuhide: "In the unlikely event that you come in contact with him, be very careful."
Mai: "I understand."
(As I thought, it’s not good to be optimistic.)
Mitsuhide said he would call on me again if he needed anything else and disappeared into the crowd with a look of familiarity.
After that, I finished delivering the requested package and was on my way home alone.
(Motonari Mouri, huh? I wonder what kind of guy he is.)
(There have already been rebellions in various places, so it would help to know if he is a friend of the Oda army or not as soon as possible.)
While I was here walking in the busy street, everyone else was running frantically through the battlefield.
I felt like I couldn't stand still just thinking about this.
(I need to get all the information I need at Kicho's place right away.)
(I can't ask him directly, so I have to ask someone close to him first.)
???: "Lady Mai."
Mai: "Hm?"
I turned around when someone called my name and saw Shojumaru smiling.
Shojumaru: "We meet again. Are you shopping today?"
(Right. Like this guy!)
Hoping he would help me, Shojumaru approached me with the same calm demeanor as yesterday.
Mai: "I delivered a package for work. I'm on my way home now."
Shojumaru: "I see. That must have been tough in an unfamiliar town."
Mai: "A little bit. But I managed since I have a map."
Shojumaru: "I'm glad to hear that."
Mai: "Thank you for yesterday. I won't get lost now."
Shojumaru: "Not at all. I left all the work to him, so I didn't do anything."
Shojumaru: "So, how did it go?"
Mai: "Um, what?"
Shojumaru: "You were too shy with him, so I thought that might help."
(He's really kind.)
Knowing that he cared about me warmed my heart.
(I feel like I'm taking advantage of his kindness.)
Mai: "About that, from your point of view, what kind of person is Kicho?"
Mai: "There are a lot of things about him that I can't grasp, especially when he talks about weird things."
Shojumaru: "Let's see."
He touched his ear in thoughtful silence.
Shojumaru: "I think we agree on some things, and he's a good business partner."
Shojumaru: "And, as you say, he does talk about weird things from time to time."
Mai: "Like?"
Shojumaru: "I dunno. It was an unfamiliar word, so I completely forgot about it."
Shojumaru: "You're really curious about him, huh?”
Mai: "Um, I'd like to build a good relationship with him if possible."
Shojumaru: "I see. You're very dedicated to your work."
Shojumaru: "But, as a merchant, he tends to be cautious when getting close to someone he has just met."
Shojumaru: "It might be better if you don't step in too soon."
Mai: "Really?"
Shojumaru: "Anyway, you said earlier that you were going back to the trading post."
Shojumaru: "I'm also on my way there now, so shall we go?"
I returned to the trading post with Shojumaru, and we parted as we entered the entrance.
After reporting that I had delivered the package, I grabbed a duster and started cleaning the building, as I had done yesterday.
(I asked him, but I really don't get it.)
(He said I shouldn't step in too soon, but I don't have that kind of time to slowly build a relationship with him.)
Mai: "Oh."
(I'm in front of his room.)
Somehow, I didn't realize that my hand was already on the doorknob, pushing it without too much resistance.
(It's unlocked.)
(So even a guy like him can be a little careless, huh?)
(Wait, he's in the guest room right now with Shojumaru on the first floor, and he won't be back anytime soon.)
(Is this my chance?)
『 Never enter it for any reason 』
Kicho's words from yesterday echoed in my head over and over again, but...
(I'm sorry!)
I pushed the door open.
Kicho's room was worthy of his title as the head of this trading post.
(Wow, this is like the guest room with all this furniture.)
(There's a lot of stuff, but it's so neat, just like Kicho.)
I was tempted to leave immediately and felt guilty for entering someone's room without permission, but I held my ground so as not to let this opportunity slip away.
(What's that on the desk?)
I found a pile of stacked papers and peeked in.
(I don't understand it at all.)
(I know it's a record of something being traded because of the numbers on it, but what language is this?)
I flipped through a few pages, not understanding what I was seeing.
(I wonder if Mitsuhide can read this. Anyway, I need to copy this.)
Mai: "----!"
My hand suddenly stopped as I heard footsteps coming from the other side of the door.
(Crap! Is it Kicho!?)
(How could the business meeting be over so quickly!?)
If I run out of the room, there's a possibility that I will bump into him.
If that happens, there's no way I can get away with it.
(Please, please, please be just a passerby!)
I desperately prayed in my heart as I hid under the desk.
But my prayers went unanswered.
Kicho's voice: "In two days, that thing will arrive. The number will be as few as three hundred."
???: "Well, it's better than nothing. No matter how many weapons we have, it's never enough."
(He's with someone.)
(I think I've heard this voice somewhere before, but who is it?)
When I quietly peeked through the gap, I saw Kicho and the person I had recently talked to.
(Shojumaru!? But the air around him is too different.)
When they sat in a chair, the man who looked like Shojumaru took out a cigar, and Kicho's eyebrows twitched.
Kicho: "Don't smoke in here."
Shojumaru?: "This place has a lot of rules. You even let me leave my weapons in the guest room."
Kicho: "All of this is done with a clear intention. Here, you will obey me."
Shojumaru?: "Ha! Aren't you a noble one? I can't believe you're the one who took over this place."
Kicho: "I'll use any means to achieve my goal."
Kicho: "Besides, you agreed on this plan, too. Motonari."
(Motonari!?)
I almost screamed when I heard his name.
(He's in alliance with him! Then that would make him an enemy of the Oda army.)
(I need to inform Mitsuhide right away!)
Motonari: "Ha! You're right."
Motonari: "So, tomorrow the ship一"
Kicho: "Wait."
Kicho: "Before that, let's check the rat who sneaked in here."
(Huh?)
Having said all that, Kicho turned slowly and glared at me with a sharp, unrelenting gaze, pinning me on the spot.
Kicho: "As I thought, it's you. Mai."
Motonari: "Heh. Looks like she ignored my advice."
Motonari: "Didn't you think it's weird that this guy forgot to lock the door today?"
Mai: "Um..."
The blood drained from my body as I became entangled in two beautifully colored gazes.
(I don't think I can get away with this.)
(He's going to kill me right here and now.)
Kicho: "You don't have to hide there anymore. Come here."
Kicho: "I'll listen to you."
After saying he would listen to me, Kicho left the room with Motonari and returned alone with a tea set.
The gentle afternoon sunlight framed his purplish, glossy black hair in a golden hue一the same color as the one drawn on the edge of the teacup in front of him.
(It's a view you can't help but admire.)
(If it weren't for these circumstances, I一)
Kicho: "..............."
Mai: "Um..."
Kicho: "It's about time."
He put down the pocket watch in his hand, lifted the teapot, and slowly poured a cup of amber tea.
Immediately the steam rose, and the delicious aroma of the tea reached me.
Kicho: "Here, drink."
Mai: "T-Thanks."
(Why is he doing this to me?)
I took a sip of the tea as I was told, not in the mood to ask why.
(I thought I couldn't taste it given the circumstances, but it's delicious.)
Kicho: "You drank it."
Mai: "Yes. Um, you're good at brewing tea."
Kicho: "It's something anyone can do once they learn it."
Kicho: "Still, how could you drink it without hesitation? Are you that prepared to die from the poison?"
Mai: "Poison!?"
My hand trembled, and I hurriedly put the cup back on the saucer, spilling some of it on my fingers.
Mai: "Hot!"
Kicho: "Calm down. I didn't say I put it in."
Mai: "What?"
Kicho: "Judging from your reaction, I'm guessing you didn't consider that there might be poison in there."
He stared at me一his eyes, skeptical and cautious, looked like he was trying to figure out who I was.
(Is he testing me?)
(Maybe the 'talk' he's talking about has already started.)
(If I fail here, this time, it'll really be the end. If that's the case一)
I have two secrets.
One is that I'm a spy from the Oda army, which I've been hiding from him, and the other is the secret I've been hiding from everyone in the Oda army.
(One or two, I have to take a gamble.)
Mai: "Actually, there's something I've been hiding from you."
Mai: "I don't know if you'll believe me, but can you hear me out?"
Kicho: "Yeah. What is it?"
Mai: "I came from five hundred years in the future."
Congratulations for reaching a huge milestone! For your 1K Follower Celebration, can I ask for Kicho and Jewel and 😘? Thank you and I love your work too!💖
I don't know much about Kicho. He's been the villain in a few routes but he seems pretty interesting. Looking forward to his EN route release for sure. So, Kicho and a Jewel! Approx. 500 words.
Kicho felt a sharp, familiar anger rise up in his chest. A sourness flooded the back of his throat as he watched Nobunaga walk down the main thoroughfare in Azuchi. So confident. Always. His arrogance had no bounds.
Well, he was about to receive his comeuppance. Soon enough, his power would be shattered. His fortress destroyed. His allies scattered. His -
“Hey, yer crackin’ the railing.”
Kicho turned to see Motonari’s garnet gaze fixed on him with glee. He released his grip on the wood, ignoring the splinters that fell away as he did. “Are the preparations in place?”
Motonari laughed, a low, rough sound. “They are. Just waiting fer you to give the go ahead. Or maybe I’ll start the party myself.”
There was no need to respond. Kicho gave him a cold glare and walked away. He hid his face beneath a sun hat, and stalked down to the dock. Away from the distractions aboard the ship. He’d lost sight of Nobunaga now and had no idea where the Oda lord was headed. Not that it mattered. He didn’t need to know where Nobunaga was right now, only where he would be.
His thoughts turned inward as he walked through the market streets, full of foreign goods and items brought from various regions. It was a friendly sort of chaos, the kind he could lose himself in. Kicho barely noticed the people or the goods he passed by. Only as objects to avoid.
A flash of color caught his eye, and a woman’s face as she came into view. It felt sudden, as if she breathed into existence in a blink. He paused in surprise. And when he did, she looked up from the hair pins on display and met his gaze.
Her lips curled up in a smile, as if he were the person she was waiting to see. "Hi!"
Kicho felt his own mouth begin to respond, his eyes crinkling at the edges in a wash of good feeling. He caught it, pushed it down hard. Then gave her a cold, distant glare and turned away.
Just as he turned the next corner, he looked back. She was still at the same shop. Her face in profile was elegant. Just as beautiful at a distance as she’d been close up. Though from here he could not see her smile.
She was a gem, he thought. A jewel misplaced in the rough setting of the Azuchi market. And he wanted her. The realization surprised him. He began to turn back toward her, for what he could not say. Only . . .
A familiar figure approached the woman. Dark hair gleaming in the afternoon light. Carnelian eyes staring at the girl with a possessive gaze. His hand settled on her shoulder, tugging her against his side.
“Nobunaga.” Kicho’s fists clenched. His jaw ground so tight it hurt. He turned and strode away. She was a distraction. Unimportant. Though, if such a jewel fell from Oda's clutches . . .
Her smile haunted his dreams that night and her eyes followed him in the following days.
