The Shogun's Verdict

As soon as they left the store and walked a little distance into the street, Naoki's forehead creased into a frown as he tilted his head to the side.

He was unable to bear them walking on foot.

'What sort of nonsense is this?' Naoki questioned angrily within himself.

His anger had risen from the fact that there was a horse and they couldn't use it. It just didn't make sense to be whiling away time when there were still a lot of things to do.

He had endured walking with him from the outskirts of the city to the medicine store and now they had to walk back home?

Feeling the heated gaze on him, Daisuke tilted his head to the side.

'D-Did I do something wrong?' He pondered, without stopping in his steps.

No sooner had the thoughts gone through his mind than he heard Naoki's voice loud and clear.

"Stop," Naoki commanded.

Instantly, Daisuke stopped in his steps while still holding unto the reins of his horse as he waited for further instructions.

"I want my horse now."

A few moments later, a sigh escaped Daisuke's lips as he stood at the same spot and watched his Master riding off into the distance on his horse.

Such was life.

Releasing a deep sigh, he walked twenty steps forward before taking a turn to his left.

At least, he knew he had no choice but to get Naoki's horse back if he wanted some peace to himself.

*******

The evening was crisp already, the last of the sunset, just a fading pale strip in the western sky.

Normally, this was the time for traders and merchants to enjoy the boom in sales for the late-night market, unfortunately, the story was different today.

Everyone was packing their goods and closing down their stores after learning of an emergency announcement about fifteen minutes ago.

In a short time after the Shogun's verdict was posted in front of the government's office, the content of his message was passed across to the people.

Not just in the capital city, but to the ends of the country. The Daimyos who returned to their governing cities replicated whatever that was happening in the capital.

The Shogun passed a decree for all the young ladies between the ages of sixteen and eighteen to assemble at the city square before the time it took for an incense stick to burn out.

The instruction was so sudden that everyone who heard it tried quickly to pass the message across.

There was no time to waste and no one wanted to be found defiling the orders of the Shogun.

Daisuke pulled on the reins of a black horse as he walked on the busy streets when a few soldiers came into his line of sight and his gaze darted around.

Recognizing them as the guards in the Shogun's private army, his entire face was contoured in a frown.

What were they doing in the streets?

As if that was not enough to worry about, he overheard two women closing down their stall, talking about the Shogun's sudden verdict.

Immediately he learned of the sudden command, his eyes flew wide open.

Without wasting time, he mounted his Master's horse which he had never dared to ride before and rode it toward his castle.

He could sense danger and there was a need to report it to Naoki as soon as he could.

Knowing the Shogun, it was safe to say, he wasn't to be trusted.

*******

~The Ito Family Residence~

"Brother, it's time," Haruka whined as she came to find her brother at the back of the house.

Kenji turned away from the sword he was polishing to glance her way.

"I am aware."

It was only because of her that he was there cleaning his sword just so he could have a good fight with her.

Haruka's gaze followed his arms to the katana he was currently wiping with oil.

"How long will it take?" She asked a bit impatiently as she watched his actions intently.

They had an appointment for that evening, but here he was still polishing the swords.

With the way her body was itching for a duel, she didn't mind combating with blunt swords at the moment.

"It's done!" Kenji announced as he got to his feet and flashed the well-polished katana in her line of sight.

Haruka's eyes glistened in amazement as the sharp sword came into her view.

"Brother, we are going to have a good fight," she announced as the corners of her lips curved into a smile.

"And I will grant your wish," Kenji replied, offering his hand to her.

Taking it, they both walked out to the front of the house right in time to see their father jumping off his horse and taking large strides toward the house.

"Father…" Kenji drawled with slightly furrowed brows as his gaze remained on the man.

Mr. Ito slowed down on hearing the familiar voice and turned to see Kenji standing at the side, holding Haruka's hand.

Immediately, he called them inside in an urgent voice before hurrying inside.

Exchanging worried glances at each other, Haruka and Kenji quickly stepped into the house as one question remained in their mind.

What happened?

Along the short corridor, they heard their father's order, "Ruka, get ready, we are going to the city square as per the Shogun's command."

Without waiting for her reaction, he disappeared into his sleeping chambers.

A bolt of surprise flashed past Haruka's eyes as different thoughts ran through her mind.

'Why did she need to go to the city square? Why did the Shogun give out that command?'

Even with all the thoughts running through her mind, Haruka could not come to a better conclusion as to why her father behaved this way or his command.

Turning to her brother, she asked, "Brother, father is not going to find me a suitor, right?"

"I don't know," Kenji said with his facial expression turning serious. "Go and get ready first."