@melatoninburst (moving our thread to the new editor)
The reluctant, tired expression on his face persisted. Her offer to let him discuss his troubles with, the changes Nobunaga had gone through since the start of the war... he could not accept it. Not now when there were more pressing matters to address. No, he did not need to burden anyone else with his problems.
“It only seems so because you are unfamiliar with Shinga’s history and culture. I am sure you would have been able to come at least this far if you had Nagahide-san helping you,” Mitsuhide commented quietly, though he did have to admit to himself that it likely would have been a little more difficult to get Nagahide to answer her questions rather than just try to do everything himself.
He probably would have decided it was less effort to work on his own, that Nagahide.
“That is true, it could be something pertinent. Himemiko-sama is clever but she is also difficult to predict and full of surprises. It would not be unlike her to do something like this solely for her own amusement, crisis or not.”
They would find out one way or another. Nodding at Shanice’s assurance that going down the path was indeed necessary, Mitsuhide stepped away from her. He led them down the path until they found a small clearing among a forest of flowers, dark beneath the flowering trees with the sun perfectly illuminating the clearing. A singular grave stood by itself, covered in moss. Next to it was a broken wooden plaque. It looked old, at least as old as the cherished historic plaques of Yamato Seishin or Nakatomi Gennosuke, the ancestors of Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. The plaque had been split in half, some of the characters missing as Mitsuhide picked it up.
“This is a wish for Himemiko-sama’s happiness. It reads much like a proposal, however, promising to forever be by her side. It looks as if it this person did not leave their name.”
“I am unsure if it was Himemiko-sama who brought the plaque here or not or if she was the one to break it.”
