A Broken Promise

A few months later, a decree went out to all the villagers across the lands, that all fruits and vegetables must be inspected before being bought for local consumption. The merchants that passed the inspectors standards are the only fruits that can be sold. Anyone caught buying or selling items that were not inspected and did not have an inspection badge, would be charged and brought before the royal court.

This degree was signed by the shogun, Minato no Sano. Posters and signs were posted all over the area and one of the posters made its way to the Ackermann family.

Trying as hard as they could, the Ackermann family were unable to get their fruits or vegetables to pass the inspection tests. All their fruits or vegetables were deemed unfit for consumption as they always had some fault to them. They even ventured to different inspection facilities and the results were always the same for their fruits and vegetables.

In the end, Mr Ackermann was forced to visit the kingdom and speak to the Shogun, Minato no Sano.

Mr Ackermann stood humbly before the shogun and his closest council which included the sorcerer. He stated how he was unable to get his produce to pass the inspection and that this was affecting him and his family greatly.

The shogun's right hand man, Sakemoto said I know you are a man of your word so the shogun wants your word, before the court that you would retract the betrothment to the blacksmith's son and give your daughter's hand in marriage to the shogun.

Remember, a broken word to the shogun is punishable by death. However if your word is fulfilled, we will look into why your produce are not passing inspection.

With tears in his eyes, Mr Ackermann thought about his family and the money that he needed to take care of them. They were unaware that their savings were almost depleted.

He turned towards the court and after biting his lips, he said, "You have my word!"

Though the words left his lips and his mind accepted the outcome, his heart ached for the loss of an honest and respectable son in law.

Sakemoto replied, splendid. Don't be dismayed. It is a great honor and a privilege for a maiden to be chosen and married to the shogun. You and your family will be taken care of. I am sure that the son of a blacksmith can find another woman to wed, who is more within his 'class.'

Now go. Return home and tell your family the great news. A carriage will come in five days to bring her to the kingdom. Spend those days with her.

Shogun be praised! Sakemoto shouted with the court as everyone cheered.

Mr Ackermann's head looked towards the floor as the shogun sat upon his throne with a smile on his face.