#hispov

Azuchi was a hive of frantic activity. The Oda lord’s near death experience, and the lucky charm that pulled him from the fire were on everyone’s tongue. Mitsuhide could barely track the rumors that swirled through the castle and town. A mysterious princess, a ghost woman, even a kitsune pretending to be a maiden . . . no one seemed to know who the chatelaine was, where she came from, or how she wound up in Honno-ji the night Nobunaga almost died.

It was vexing to not know more than the common rabble. Mitsuhide could not credit any of the stories, but he had nothing better to explain the girl’s presence. He knew a few things for certain. One, the girl was surely the only reason Nobunaga escaped the burning building. Two, she was quite beautiful. And three, she was not from Azuchi or any nearby village. Her accent and mannerisms were strange to him. Her behavior was even more bizarre. A heady mix of naivete, bravery, intelligence, and profound ignorance. 

Mitsuhide suspected her appearance at Honno-ji was no coincidence. She was working with someone, but to what end? He did not know. Clearly, she had an agenda though. She was forging contacts with lords and their servants, setting suspicions to rest. Gaining their confidence as any good agent would.

Tonight the chatelaine sat with Masamune and Ieyasu, laughing and chatting as if she was used to the company of warlords and princes. And she had them wrapped around her little finger already. All of them, saving perhaps, Oda Nobunaga. He sat at the head of the table, his flat, dark eyes always watching.

“You shouldn’t have so many sweets before supper,” Ieyasu scolded. “I told you to stop bringing her treats, Masamune.”

“The lass likes them. Besides, it was only a bit of rice and fruit.”

Ieyasu turned to look the chatelaine in the eye. “If you need something to settle your stomach, don’t come running to me. You did it to yourself.” Then, added in a barely audible grumble, “Ginger tea helps.”

“Thank you, Ieyasu.” The girl practically beamed. The two warlords were wholly enchanted. 

Mitsuhide watched this same dance every night. Wherever the chatelaine sat was the center of the table, with warlords jostling to sit near her. Each catered to the girl in their own way, seeking her favor. Well, except for Mitsunari. He read at the table, his nose buried so far in a book that even the prettiest maid could not pull him out of it.

It would be out of character for him to pander to the chatelaine, though it might be the simplest way to interrogate her. Without riling Nobunaga, anyhow. Truthfully, he would have tried but every time Mitsuhide approached her, the girl practically ran to escape him. While he was chasing rumors of her, she must have heard rumors about him. Her door was closed to him, and he saw no way to open it yet.

“Why are you staring at the chatelaine?” Hideyoshi glowered at Mitsuhide from his seat beside Nobunaga.

“It is my job to gather information for our lord. I am surprised you are not watching her more closely yourself.” Mitsuhide arched a fine, silver eyebrow. It had the desired effect.

“I - she’s - don’t change the subject!” 

Hideyoshi was always fun to tease. His straightforward manner and mind made him an easy target. Now he was flustered and unwilling to admit his own obvious interest in the girl in front of his lord. 

Mitsuhide smiled. “I see. So you are keeping her under watch?” 

“To keep her safe!” 

Nobunaga kept his gaze forward, but spoke only loud enough for the two nearest him to hear. “Enough. Sit back and eat, both of you.”

“Yes, my lord,” they agreed almost in unison. Mitsuhide let the moment pass. There would be time to pursue the mystery of this maiden later.

Next: Interrogation Interrupted