In the slightly cold, fresh air of the morning……

(......I'm bored.)

(Why are things that never change so boring?)

A mountain of untouched letters is piled up on the writing desk in front of me.

Even though it was the aftermath of war, the extraordinary amount of work had left Kanbei completely bored.

(If I put my mind to it, I could finish it quickly...... but it's far too bothersome, and I have no motivation to do it at all.)

This disposition has remained unchanged since childhood, and I continue to seek change in everything.

(I feel like I'm still a child who always wants new toys.)

As I rested my chin on my writing desk and gazed at the scenery outside, light and cheerful footsteps approached from the hallway.

Mai: Kanbei-san, I'll come in. I brought you some tea.

Having already guessed from the footsteps that it was his beloved lover, Kanbei turned his gaze toward her without changing his posture.

Kanbei: Ah, it smells wonderful. It helps clear my mind.

Mai: A change of pace…… but it doesn't look like your work is progressing……

Kanbei: You're sharp. That's exactly right.

Receiving the tea from Mai, who gives a wry smile at the mountain of letters, Kanbei moistens his throat.

Kanbei: So? Did Hisahide tell you to come check on my situation?

Mai: Huh...... how did you know that?

Kanbei: Because there is no one more suitable to keep an eye on me than you.

(If it had been someone else, I could have evaded them and gone out......)

(Because when it comes to you, I have no choice but to obediently comply.)

Above all, I can't bring myself to trouble Mai, who has such a strong sense of responsibility.

Kanbei: Hisahide-sama is exceptionally quick-witted when it comes to work. It's troublesome.

Mai: Fufu...... Hisahide-san naturally has a bit of a workaholic side, doesn't he?

After saying something that was probably not meant as a compliment, Mai leaned her body against Kanbei.

Mai: Um...... Kanbei-san. I have a suggestion.

(Hm?)

Mai, who cautiously began to speak, was looking up at me slightly.

Her cuteness makes me want to push her down without thinking......

Mai: When this work is finished, I will grant one of your wishes.

Mai: So please do your best and finish it.

(Oh...... it seems you're trying to bring out my motivation with a reward.)

Kanbei: Anything?

Mai: Of course, something too difficult would be impossible though.

Mai, her cheeks flushed, seemed to genuinely want to encourage Kanbei.

(You shouldn't so easily make promises that could be taken advantage of by a villain.)

(Because there is a man like that right in front of you.)

Taking advantage of Mai's kindness weighs heavily on my conscience.

However, Kanbei smiled gently.

Kanbei: Then wait here for about half an hour.

Mai: Huh............

Kanbei: I already have a wish that I want you to grant.

Kanbei, smiling gently, picked up his brush and dipped the drying tip into the ink.

(Well then, shall I finish this quickly and dote on Mai?)

Half an hour later——

Having finished his work as promised, Kanbei rode a horse with Mai and traveled through the peaceful scenery.

Mai: I never expected that Kanbei-san's wish would be to go out with me.

Kanbei: The weather is perfect today. It's just right for going somewhere far, isn't it?

Mai: But...... was it really okay to leave behind that ominous note?

(Was she still worried about it?)

"Please don't look for me."

Thinking of the paper with those words written on it, Kanbei's lips curled into a smile.

Kanbei: It's true, so it can't be helped. Even if I finish my work, another task is brought to me right away.

Kanbei: Then I have no choice but to escape with you.

Mai: Escape...... you'll get scolded for doing whatever you want, you know?

Kanbei: It's nothing new that I'm selfish, is it?

Mai: Fufu, that's certainly true.............. I was kidnapped by you, after all.

Mai turned around and smiled at Kanbei behind her.

That lovely smile warmed Kanbei's heart.

(It was worth finishing my work quickly.)

After that, they tied the horse nearby and sat down in the warmth of the sunlight.

Mai: What a beautiful view...... The breeze feels nice too, so this is the perfect place for a picnic.

Mai: Ah, a picnic is...... playing outdoors.............. or something like taking a walk?

Kanbei: In other words, it's an activity where you enjoy nature?

Mai: Ah, something like that.

Kanbei: Then I shall enjoy a "picnic" with you as well.

Mai: Yes.

I quietly savor the expression on Mai's face as she nods happily.

(She seems to have become quite accustomed to life in the palace.)

Considering that she was once in an opposing position, she must be making a great effort to become accustomed to the shogunate.

Kanbei brought her outside like this because he hoped it would give her a chance to relax.

(Because I want to see your carefree, true self now that you have been freed from life as a hostage.)

I gently tickled Mai's cheek with my finger as she was gazing at the flowers blooming around us.

Kanbei: Which color do you like?

Mai: Hmm.............. Among these, I like the white flowers.

Kanbei: Ah, this delicate flower, right?

I picked one flower and placed it in Mai's hair.

Mai: Does it suit me?

Kanbei: I can't help but be captivated by you.

Mai: Fufu, I'm happy.

Mai smiles shyly, like a flower bud beginning to bloom.

Kanbei reached out his hand as if drawn to her......

Mai: ......Ah, it's hot..............

He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and sought her small, peach-colored lips.

Mai: Ah, what's wrong...... all of a sudden......

Kanbei: Because you were so cute.

Yes, there was no doubt that she was cute.

But before I could think, my body had already moved.

Kanbei, who had never acted on impulse before, was surprised inside, but felt no sense of discomfort.

Kanbei: As your lover, I have the right to look at your face more closely, don't I?

Mai: Hm...... What are you saying...... ah............

He gently pecked her upper lip, then slipped his tongue between her slightly parted lips.

Mai: Ah, fu.............. Kanbei-san..............

(Her earnest attempt to respond to my kiss is also so endearing that I can't take my eyes off her.)

(Show me more of your various expressions.)

Kanbei placed Mai on top of his body and put his palm behind her head.

Feeling the heartbeat and warmth transmitted from her body, I savor Mai as if drowning in the moment.

Mai: Haa...... Kanbei-san..............

Kanbei: You don't have to worry. There is no sign of anyone nearby.

(I wouldn't mind even if someone saw us, but you would care, wouldn't you?)

(No, perhaps I would care as well. Because I don't want anyone else to see your completely melted expression.)

Mai nodded, her skin growing warm and her eyes becoming moist.

Kanbei continued to seek her lips, which were becoming sweeter and sweeter, driven by his desire.

The time when the sky was dyed a deep indigo——

Kanbei did not return to the palace, and took a room at an inn along the road for him and Mai to stay.

Mai: It was a small festival, but it was fun.

Mai: The senbei, dango, and candy crafts were so delicious that I ended up eating too much.

Mai: The village play and the dances were wonderful...... and above all, the lanterns lined along the approach made it feel so magical......

Remembering the scene of the festival they stopped by before entering the inn, Mai murmured dreamily.

(She was quite excited even during the festival......)

Kanbei: It seems you really like festivals.

Kanbei: Next time a festival is held nearby, I'll let you know.

Mai: Eh......

(Hm?)

Mai, sitting on Kanbei's lap, which had become her usual place, tilted her head slightly.

Kanbei: Was I wrong? Your eyes were shining quite brightly.

Mai: I do like festivals. But the reason I had fun was because Kanbei-san was by my side.

Mai: Let's go together next time as well.

(I see, so you really do have a special affection for me.)

The pleasant, clear voice whispering near my ear makes my heart grow warm.

Kanbei: Then, I shall hold a festival in the utopia so that I can enjoy a secret rendezvous with you.

Mai: Ah, are you really going to hold one just for me? Isn't that spoiling me too much?

Kanbei: I want to spoil you more than anything, but there is another reason as well.

Kanbei: In the utopia, there are many people who suffered because Kyoto was devastated by war, as well as those who were driven into a corner in other lands and fled here.

Kanbei: To create a festival, everyone needs to work together. In other words, it makes it easier for a sense of unity to form.

Mai: Ah...... so it creates interactions between the original residents and the people who joined later.

Kanbei: Yes, guiding the people in that way is my duty. And above all,

Kanbei placed his hand against Mai's smooth cheek———

Kanbei: Because I want to see the look on your face when you're happy.

(It may look like I am granting your wish, but in truth, I am simply following my own desires.)

As he gazed at her with a smile, Mai's eyes turned red with blush.

Mai: That's a wonderful idea. I would love to participate in that festival with Kanbei-san.

Kanbei: It's decided. Once we return, I'll start moving forward with the plan right away. I'll have you, the "Princess Who Brings Good Fortune," help me as well.

Mai: Yes, of course!

(By starting something new with you, I won't have to be bored.)

A world different from the excitement of devising strategies for war seemed to be unfolding before my eyes.

Mai: But I'm glad that the villages and towns around here are safe.

Kanbei: Hm?

Mai: If the war between the Oda army and the shogunate had intensified, this area would have become a battlefield too, wouldn't it?

(She seems to understand it well.)

As Mai said, this road is a key transportation point leading to Yamato.

Kanbei: If things had gone even a little differently, it would have become a sea of fire and everything would have been burned away.

Perhaps because she was relieved that such a tragic situation had been avoided, Mai let out a sigh.

Mai: I knew it. I'm glad the war has come to an end......

Kanbei: It was your own strong will that prevented it. You should be proud.

Mai: No...... It's because Kanbei-san was there for me. I couldn't have done anything on my own.

Mai: From now on, I can't just keep relying on you. I need to become someone who can handle things on my own.

Mai: ......After Mai fell silent, she tightly grasped Kanbei's sleeve.

Mai: But...... regardless of that, could you stay by my side forever?

(Mai.....)

Mai's eyes trembled as she asked in a faint, wavering voice.

I could guess the reason behind her anxious expression.

Kanbei: Is it because the fact that we were lovers disappeared once that you still feel uneasy even now?

Mai: Eh, how did you know that......

(I knew it. I hate the fact that the person who made you look like that was me, the one who was once your lover.)

Kanbei, of course, has no memories of that time.

When using changes to the past as a strategy, it was fascinating to create a situation where even the one who devised the plan would lose sight of the strategy.

Because if the outcome of a strategy is too predictable, it is nothing but boring.

(But when it comes to you, the fact that I forgot it makes me angry.)

(The one making you feel uneasy is not the me from before the alteration, but this current me alone.)

Mai: Mm, uh..............

When I forcefully kissed her lips, a sweet voice escaped from her.

Kanbei: Mai, do you want me to stay by your side forever?

Mai: Ah, of course......

Kanbei: You're such an honest, good girl.

While seeking her lips, I traced my fingers from Mai's nape down her back.

Mai: Ah, uh......

Kanbei: Then, I shall make you that promise.

Kanbei: Even if changes to the past occur from this point onward, I promise that I will use all the power and talent I possess to hold on to my feelings for you.

Kanbei: I have no intention of letting you go ever again. So please, rest assured.

As he whispered while their lips were pressed together, Mai held her breath and nodded repeatedly.

(To put it another way, even if the day comes when Mai comes to dislike me, I will not let you go.)

(Poor thing, but since you have been loved by me, it can't be helped.)

Although I respect Mai's thoughts and morals, this is the one thing I cannot compromise on.

Kanbei: Ah, that's right. I promised that once I finished my work, I would grant any wish you had.

Kanbei: Perhaps I shall have you fulfill it tonight.

Mai: Eh, you already fulfilled it, didn't you? You listened to my wish and came out with me like this......

Kanbei: Taking you out was simply me granting your request.

Kanbei: I still have the right to ask something of you.

Mai: Ah...... That's unfair.

(A strategist deceiving their opponent is only natural, isn't it?)

Mai squirmed shyly in response to Kanbei narrowing his eyes.

He restrained her movement with one arm and traced his tongue along Mai's defenseless neck.

Mai: Ah...... haa, uh..............

Her shoulders jolted, and Mai's skin instantly flushed with warmth.

(You're so innocent that it almost makes me worry.)

Kanbei: My wish, no matter the time or circumstances, is to love you.

Kanbei: Let yourself be cherished to your heart's content.

Mai, frowning, forcibly cupped Kanbei's cheeks with both hands and met his gaze.

Mai: Then please grant one wish of mine as well.

Mai: Love me a lot until morning...... Kisses alone aren't enough.

Kanbei: Was the kiss we shared during the day not enough?

Mai: ......You already know.

Kanbei: Fufu...... I don't think I'll ever get tired of you.

Mai: ..............Mm, ah...... Kanbei-san............

He undid her obi and traced her exposed white skin with his lips and fingertips, making it melt away.

Mai's breathing became shallow as she clung to Kanbei.

(I want your smiling face, your crying face, and even the face you make while enduring pain to be caused by my own hands.)

Kanbei: I love you, Mai.

Kanbei: It is an ordinary and commonplace word, but this is still the only word that can express my feelings for you.

Mai: Even if it's a common word, even if it's an ordinary one.................. it's the most precious word.

A melting smile and a voice raised with passion draw out the human emotions hidden within Kanbei.

(This smile will belong only to me for all eternity.)

(I have no intention of ever showing it to anyone else.)

A maddening desire and obsession.

The feelings I thought had nothing to do with me undeniably exist deep within my heart.

(Humans are foolish and lovable.)

(I realized that I, too, am one of those humans.)

Even with clairvoyance, I could not foresee a future where I would come to love someone this deeply.

It was a surprise and a joy, and I could not take my eyes off Mai.

Kanbei: You're adorable. Try entrusting yourself completely to me.

In the silence, my feelings grew even stronger......