Chereads / Soul Of The Ronin / Chapter 2 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Chapter 2

"My lady, it's time to wake up. Your bath is ready," a soft voice whispered softly.

Masami slowly opened her eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep. She lay in a large, plush bed, its silk sheets and velvet blankets a testament to her family's wealth. She turned her head to see her two maids, Kaida and Nami, standing respectfully beside her bed, their hands clasped together in front of them.

With a gentle stretch, Masami sat up, and her maids quickly moved to assist her. They helped her remove her sleeping attire, revealing a delicate, flower-shaped birthmark on her left shoulder. The mark was a pale, rose-colored hue, and its intricate petals seemed to dance across her skin.

Her maids led her to the bath, which was situated in a tranquil, adjacent room. The air was thick with the scent of cherry blossoms, carried by the soft breeze rustling the delicate paper screens. The room was a masterpiece of elegance, with walls adorned in exquisite silk tapestries and floors covered in plush, golden carpets.

The bath itself was a large, sunken tub filled with steaming hot water and fragrant oils. Masami stepped into the water, feeling it envelop her like a warm embrace. Her maids began to gently wash her, their silent hands moving with soothing precision.

As Masami layed back in the bath, letting the warmth seep into her muscles, her thoughts began to drift. She closed her eyes, letting the tranquility of the moment wash over her. Her family, the Hayamis, were the wealthiest clan in the Provence of Jihami, their fortune built upon the rich gold and gemstone mines that dotted the province.

But despite their wealth and influence, Masami knew that their world was precarious. It had been over two years since the emperor's death, and the country was still reeling from the aftermath. The civil war that had ravaged the land had, thus far, spared Jihami, but Masami knew that this peace was fragile, and that their province was not immune to the turmoil that gripped the rest of the country.

As she layed there peacefully, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of her chambers.

As Masami finished her bath, her maids, Kaida and Nami, helped her prepare for the day. They carefully dried her skin and began to style her long, silver-white hair. With delicate fingers, they wove the strands into an intricate design, securing it with two jade hairpieces that sparkled like emeralds in the morning light.

Next, they helped Masahi into a stunning green kimono, adorned with delicate yellow cherry blossom patterns that danced across the fabric. The kimono was a masterpiece of silk and embroidery, its intricate designs shimmering in the sunlight.

With her hair and attire complete, Masahi's maids escorted her through the grand estate. The Hayami estate was a marvel of luxury and opulence, with sprawling gardens, shimmering ponds filled with koi, and meticulously manicured lawns. Towering trees, their branches heavy with cherry blossoms, provided shade and beauty to the winding pathways.

The estate's design reflected the Hayami family's impeccable taste and attention to detail. Every element, from the placement of the stepping stones to the selection of the flowers, had been carefully considered to create a harmonious balance of natural beauty and refined elegance.

As they strolled, the sound of gentle fountains and chirping birds filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere. The sun cast a warm glow over the gardens, illuminating the vibrant colors of the flowers and the gentle ripples on the pond's surface.

Masami's gaze swept across the courtyard, taking in the splendor of her family's estate. The courtyard's central fountain, a magnificent stone sculpture of a dragon, stood proudly amidst the vibrant flowers.

As Masami walked through the courtyard, her maids led her towards a serene tea pavilion. Inside, her parents, Lord Shinjiro Hayami and Lady Akane Hayami, sat on intricately designed cushions, sipping tea from delicate ceramic cups.

Lord Shinjiro, a man in his late forties with a kind face and gentle eyes, smiled warmly as Masami approached. His dark hair was flecked with gray, and his dignified demeanor commanded respect. He wore a simple yet elegant black kimono, adorned with the Hayami family crest.

Lady Akane, Masami's mother, was a woman of striking beauty, with long, curly black hair and warm, honey-colored eyes. Her face was a map of gentle lines and wrinkles, etched by years of kindness and compassion. She wore a stunning red kimono, embroidered with intricate patterns of gold and silver thread.

As Masami entered, her parents rose to greet her, their faces filled with warmth and affection. "Good morning, Masami," Lord Shinjiro said, his voice low and soothing. "You look lovely today."

Lady Akane smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "Yes, dear, you do. Come, join us for tea."

As they sat down for tea, Masami's parents exchanged a warm glance. The samurai guards stood watchfully at the pavilion's entrance, their eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of vigilance and respect.

Lord Shinjiro poured tea for Masami, his hands moving with deliberate precision. "So, Masami, how was your morning?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

She smiled, taking a sip of the fragrant tea. "It was peaceful, Father. Thank you for asking."

Lady Akane leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with interest. "We've had some news from the capital, Masami. The prince's army has been making great strides in the east."

Masami's eyes lit up with excitement. "Have we heard from brother Kenji? How is he faring?"

Lord Shinjiro smiled, his face creasing with warmth. "Actually, we received a letter from Kenji just yesterday. He writes that the battle was a success, and they've successfully taken the Jinjo Province."

Masami's face lit up with joy. "That's wonderful news! then that means the war will be ending soon, then."

Lady Akane nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, it seems that the false emperor's army is now surrounded at Minhe. The prince's forces are closing in."

Lord Shinjiro added, "But we must remain cautious, Masami. The war is not yet won, and there may still be challenges ahead."

Masami nodded, her mind racing with the implications of the news. She felt a surge of pride and hope, knowing that her brother was fighting for a just cause, and that their family's efforts were contributing to the war effort and according to her parents their would be great prestige and reward if their chosen candidate sits upon the celestial throne.

Lord Shinjiro's expression soon turned serious, and he set his tea cup down. "Masami, there's something else we need to discuss with you."

Masami's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned forward slightly. "What is it, Father?"

Lady Akane's eyes sparkled with excitement. "The prince has expressed a desire to form an even deeper alliance with our family."

Masami's eyes widened as she guessed where the conversation was heading. "What kind of alliance, Mother?"

Lord Shinjiro's face broke into a warm smile. "The prince has asked for your hand in marriage, Masami."

Masi's heart skipped a beat as excitement flooded through her. She had always known that her family's position and influence made her a desirable match, but to be considered as a potential empress was beyond her wildest dreams.

She looked at her parents, seeing the pride and excitement reflected in their faces. "This is a great honor, isn't it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lady Akane nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "It's a tremendous opportunity for our family, Masami. To be tied to the imperial family would bring us great fortune and influence to our family."

Lord Shinjiro's expression turned serious again. "We've already discussed with the rest of the family, and we're in agreement that this is the best course of action. But we want to hear from you, Masami. How do you feel about this proposal?"

Just as Masahi was about to respond telling them that she needed more time , a servant rushed forward, shouting "Lord Shinjiro!" The samurai guards moved to intercept him, but Lord Shinjiro waved them off. "Let him through" after searching him her family guards allowed him to pass through.

" Well what is the meaning of this we'll speak up?" Her father commanded. " I'm sorry for disturbing you my lord but a messenger hawk arrived with this letter this morning from the east and it was addressed to you" he said.

Her father's eyes widened but he soon composed himself and reached out his hands for the letter. The servant bowed deeply and handed Lord Shinjiro a letter. Lord Shinjiro's eyes scanned the contents, and his face turned pale.

He dropped the letter onto the table, clutching his heart in shock. "This can't be... This can't be " he muttered.

Lady Akane's eyes widened as she read the letter, and she gasped, covering her mouth. She began to sob, her body shaking with grief.

Masami's concern deepened. "What's happening?" she asked, feeling a sense of trepidation. Lady Akane handed her the letter, her hands trembling. Masahi's eyes scanned the contents, and her heart sank.

(Giyū no tōbō wa hakaisareta. Giyū o kiwameta mono wa, shin no teikoku no seigi ni motozuku sabaki o uketamawaru bekishi.)

Translation:

"The false prince's rebellion has been crushed. Those who opposed the true emperor will soon face justice, in accordance with the true imperial court's righteousness."

Masahi's mind reeled as she processed the contents of the letter. The implications were staggering – the false prince's army, which her brother Kenji had been fighting against, had won the final battle. And now, those who had opposed the false emperor, including her family, would face justice.