The Samurai Sighs

(She booked up the whole inn?)

(For me...and Aldo... Just the two of us?!)

P-Princess? Erm... Doing all that for me is honor more than I deserve... I should be punished, not praised...

So you reject my generosity?

Oh, of course not! I could never reject your wishes, your highness!

Then do as I say, and be grateful for this gesture. Even Aldo has said he'd like to accept the offer.

It has been a long trip, Azami. Wouldn't it be nice to take a little rest?

(He hasn't thought this through at all, has he?) (Honestly, he can be so dense sometimes...)

O-Okay.

Good. Then spend the night at the inn.

Though it's still a little early. Hmm...

I know, why don't you take some dinner in the tavern? I'll have your rooms prepared in the meantime.

Sure, sounds like a plan.

Doesn't it just? Now, enjoy your evening, you two.

Right, right.

Something wrong?

I almost forgot. There's something you should know.

There have been reports of suspicious characters pacing around town, seemingly scouting the place.

I'm sure you two will be fine, but take care anyway.

What?! Then this is no time to be relaxing! If such fiends are on the loose, I should be by your side, protecting you!

No need to be so nervous. They have caused no violence thus far.

Besides, I can't have you guarding me right now.

Why not?!

You said it yourself, you are being punished, officially. Even I can't have you near me when I've ordered you to travel.

But!

Obedience was never your strong point. I do admire your passion, but it can be a little much, Azami.

I really would like you to rest. Otherwise, you won't stop until you've run yourself into the ground.

......

Besides, you've no choice in the matter. So enjoy your stay! Farewell.

The princess is so thoughtful. She really cares about you.

Yes, she's the best master in the world, who I would willingly risk my life to serve. Which is why I'm so distressed that I cannot protect her in person.

I understand how you feel, but if she truly is the best master, then maybe you should listen to her?

So why don't we go to the tavern like she said? I am pretty exhausted.

Fine.

That was delicious. You were right, there really are a lot of tasty foods in the east besides dango.

(Thinking about it again, should I really be doing this?) (I want to be by Aldo's side, I really do. But...) (I only wanted to get over my love- sickness because it was impeding my ability to guard the princess.) (This feels like I'm just messing around for my own sake...)

Azami? What's wrong? You've hardly touched your food. Are you worrying about the princess?

Huh? Oh. Yeah. I suppose I am.

I know that you're not allowed to be with her right now. So all we can do now is keep our eyes peeled for these suspicious folks around.

Yes, perhaps you're right.

So you may as well enjoy your dinner. It must be a long time since you've eaten food from your country.

It is. I've missed the taste of it. I never thought the day would come when I'd be having such a dinner with you...

Just you and me...

Huh?!

What is it?

(Is this... Is this a date?!) (Aldo is so close to me...)

(I get to be this close to him all evening?!)

(And when we retire to the inn... I'll spend the whole night next to him?!)

Uh, Azami? You've frozen up again.

You've barely been eating.

Are you feeling unwell again? I hope you're not coming down with a fever.

If you'll let me just...

A-A-Aldo?!

Whoa! You're burning up! You must be feeling pretty bad.

No, honestly, it's nothing. So j-just...

Ouch... Are you okay, Azami?

Urgh... I'm fi, What?!

I...

I'm so embarrassed!

M-Many thanks. I lost myself for a minute there.

No, I'm sorry...

(Wh-What an experience. I still haven't caught my breath.) (Was this my outfit's doing? Maybe the power within really does work?)

So you're not unwell?

No. Sorry for worrying you.

Then maybe you're just exhausted.

Either way, we should get you to bed. Why don't we head back to the inn? You might feel a little better after a good night's sleep.

The inn? So the time has finally come...

Welcome! You must be Aldo and Azami, our exclusive guests for the night?

That's us.

The princess's messenger told me you were coming! Your rooms are ready for you, so go on through whenever you like.

Thank you. Then we'll go get some rest.

What's wrong? Let's go, Azami.

Coming!

She's walking kinda funny...

(It's no use... Now that I'm here, my body simply won't do as it's told.) (I can't let him see how badly I'm trembling!)

You really are exhausted, huh? We should get you settled down as soon as possible.

Phew. You finally caught your breath?

Y-Yes... (I've been in this room before, yet Aldo's presence alone makes it seem so different!)

(The two of us, in a private room, breathing the same air, but a few feet from each other...)

(Th-This is so scandalous! It's driving me insane!)

(Just how powerful ARE these clothes?)

(Will I even be able to leave this room?!)

Now then, Azami...

Wha?! What are you doing?

I'm sorry to rush into this. But I can't wait any longer.

Wh-Wha?

I think maybe you feel the same way...

Y-You do?

Yes. We shouldn't have to hold ourselves back anymore.

W-We shouldn't? Wh-What are you suggesting, exactly?

I know it's early, but why don't we go to bed?

Bed? You mean...to go to sleep...right?

What else would I mean? You seem pretty drowsy. And besides... As I told you before, I'm pretty tired too. So why not go to bed early tonight? We've got to look after ourselves if we want to keep traveling after this.

Yes... You're right. I agree.

Okay. Then I'll just turn out the light.

Eastern futons are pretty comfy. Night, Azami.

Yeah...

...... Aldo...are you awake?

Hm? Yeah, sorta. What is it?

(Darn it, why did I say anything?) Oh, um, oh yeah! You know this afternoon, when you told me I'll always have you? That made me really happy.

Haha. Well of course you will. You always do so much for me. Long...may it...continue...

Aldo... I hope so, too...

......

Aldo?

......

Are you asleep? (He must really be tired. Well, I have been dragging him from this place to that today...)

......

(What if his face is right next to mine?)

(Close enough to touch if I reached out my hand!)

(What do I do?)

(What should I do?!)

(What do I want to do? I just don't know... But my body won't move!)

(I... I...)

...ldo... Al...do...

Hmhm?

Aldo... Aldo... It's morning!

*yawn* Already? Morning, Azami.

Already? The sun's already risen well above the Pekari trees...

That's what they say in the west, yes? Well, whatever the phrase, daybreak has long since passed.

Daybreak? You were awake at daybreak?

You're a real early bird, huh.

I am not. You just overslept!

(An early bird? I suppose I was awake before the birds today.)

(Since I didn't sleep a wink all night!)

Well, sorry if you had to wait for me. Okay, should we get ourselves ready and head out?

Good idea. I'm all ready, so I'll wait outside and take in some fresh air.

Got it.

What now? They were fully booked, so we couldn't attack her in her sleep like we planned.

We'll never get another chance. That samurai has her wits about her.

It's why I said we shouldn't pretend to be people. We should go invisible, then attack.

And I keep telling you, it won't work. We already failed at it before. If anyone sees us, imagine the commotion! She won't hold back on us.

She hunts specters like us. We don't stand a chance in a clean fight. We need a plan to deter her from fighting. A good one, too.

Ugh. What am I doing? I can't protect the princess, I can't rest...

I hear she's got a real soft spot for the princess.

So why don't we take the princess hostage? That'd make her lose it, for sure.

Quiet! Behind you!

Hm? Ah!

Let's go!

What was all that about? Those two seemed mighty suspicious. And did I hear them say something about kidnapping the princess?

They intend to hurt her highness?!

Sorry for the wait. Oh, what's wrong? You seem a little flustered.

Aldo! You're just in time. Come on, we must hurry! There were some strange men here before. I think they're after the princess!

What?! Then we need to catch them before they get to her!

Do you know where they went?

That way!

Okay, let's go!

Darn it, there's too many people around! Do you remember what they looked like?

Not really. I only got a brief glimpse at their faces.

Is that you, Azami?

Princess! Thank goodness you're safe!

Why Azami, you look so pale. How was your night?

Now is not the time for that! I saw some suspicious guys heading this way! I just know they're the people you told us about!

What?!

Just as we planned. Let's do this!

What the?! Specters?!

Oh no! Princess!

Azami!

You foul fiends!

Me?!

Ngh!

What?!

You want me to... To...kill...Aldo?!

But...I can't do that to him...

Ngh... For a samurai, duty is life. But Aldo's... Aldo's...

Stop!

Oh... ......

I don't have any other choice...

Aldo... Forgive me!

Azami! Oh no! Is there nothing I can do?

Azami! Sheathe your sword! You must not kill that man! I never ordered you to do so!

Princess? Why would you say that? I've already made up my...

Now's my chance! You're doing great, Azami! You've really got 'em on their toes!

Who said that?!

Honestly, what a mess. You needed a better plan.

Now!

Gah! Princess, are you okay?

I am. Thank you.

And as for you, are you prepared to answer for the chaos you've caused?

I am fine. But never did I think such a thing would happen to me. I must reflect on my lack of caution.

Phew, that was a close one! At least it's all sorted now.

And I'm glad nobody got hurt. Right, Azami?

......

Azami?

I-I'm sorry about before. For trying to kill you.

Don't be silly. That was the monsters, not you. There's no need to apologize.

I thought you'd say something like that. But I don't deserve your kindness. I can never undo the fact that I pointed my katana at you, my friend and trusted companion.

But you had no other choice at the time. So...

But what if there are other times? If put in the same situation again, I would still make the same choice. That is the way of the samurai. I have dedicated my whole life to this principle.

......

(Which is why I know this love will never come to be.) (I must stop wearing this outfit, these clothes imbued with my own selfish desire.) (I'll once again don the funeral clothes my duty requires.)

Your highness...

Yes?

Those fiends were after me. It was all my fault that this misfortune befell you. I should just end my life here... But you would not allow that. So if nothing else, I will vow to you once more... When I return from my travels and serve you again... I will forsake all else and protect you with my life!

......

Your highness?

......

You can't do that!

Huh?

I cannot permit you to make such an oath!

What?!

I don't intend to make light of your resolve as a samurai.

But you cannot forsake all else! That's not just a turn of phrase for you, is it? You really do intend to abandon everything but me?

Well...

The thought of entrusting my life to someone who has given up on all else doesn't sit well with me. Someone who has abandoned all that once supported them may someday abandon me, too.

Though it may be a little selfish of me to order this of you...

Selfish?

Be happy.

Happy?!

It is not in my nature to demand selfless devotion of you. Someone who protects those they love is someone I can trust to protect me for five or ten years to come.

In that sense, you're already...

What is it?

You like Aldo, don't you?

Wha?! H-How did you...

Please, it's clear as day. Though it looks like you didn't take advantage of your time in the inn...

If he is what's important to you, then all the more reason why I cannot let you abandon him.

Instead...well. I can trust him, too. So...

So?

Why don't you ask him to marry you?

Y-Your highness?

You have my seal of approval. And I'm sure your father would accept him with open arms.

I-I never thought you'd give me such a scandalous order, Princess...

Are you doubting my honor?

O-Of course not! I would never even dream of...

Then tell him how you feel as soon as possible.

Just take him somewhere nice and be honest with him. You're so cute, how could he turn you down?

Now, off you go!

Everything okay, Azami? That looked quite the serious talk.

Y-Yes. Everything is fine.

Good. Well I'm glad you're looking a little better than before... But just so we're clear, I honestly don't mind about what happened, okay?

Th-Thank you...

What did the princess say?

Oh, that? Uhhh...

Why don't we go somewhere else? I'll tell you there.

Somewhere with a nice view...

Ah, how about by the castle, overlooking the moat?

Sure, if that's where you want to go.

Good luck, Azami. Make yourself happy, then come back to my side.

Why so formal? What did you want to talk about?

Well...um... Erm...

Aldo, will you... Will you...

Will I what?

Oh! (Why? Why can't I say it?) (This is not my first duel between man and woman... And what I have to say is good, just like last time!) (Why can't I just spit it out like I did in Rinde?!) (Just thinking about being w-wedded to Aldo...)

Ugh! (No, I have to say it. A poor samurai I'd be if I couldn't say it.)

Azami?! Are you okay?!

I-I'm fine. Would you...

Would you...do me the honor...

Honor? What honor?

Of... Of...

Going over there!

Huh?! But you're the one who brought me here in the first place!

Well I changed my mind! I need some time alone with my thoughts!

Oh, okay. Look, I don't know what you two were talking about, but I'm always here if you need any advice.

No! Just leave it alone for now. When the time comes, I'll talk to you about it. Definitely.

If that's what you want. But something's clearly got you bothered, and I'm worried about you. Don't push yourself too much. You're still sick.

You're right, I am still sick. But it doesn't impede on my ability to fight. Rather, it gives me the strength to fight even harder.

Is that really a thing?

Anyway that's why, so would you mind waiting at the gate?

Sure. But you don't have to take whatever this is on your own. Remember that.

He is a true friend. But this is one thing I can't ask for his advice on...

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait one minute!

What is it?

What are you doing?! You're unbelievable!

It's you!

Actually, I was just thinking about how I wanted to thank you. If you hadn't helped me back then, I...

That's right. I helped because I couldn't bear to see your love go unrequited and yet! Why didn't you tell him how you felt? I thought I told you, you have to make him love you while you can!

I apologize...

Agh, I really thought the power I put into those clothes was working at maximum output. That's how it seemed at the tavern, and at the inn. The scene was set, but...nothing. The princess even gave you her approval, and yet here you are, not doing anything.

You saw the whole thing?

Of course I did! Honestly, you are so frustrating. Why can't you just do it already?

But I thought you had magic powers for that?

I told you. My power is to manipulate fate. And fate is nothing more than chance. I can't give you someone's heart. To make a chance reality, you have to reach out and take it yourself.

I have to reach out?

Yes. Take this moat, for example.

All I can do to help is fill it in. But...

There's still aaall that castle left to contend with! If you want to take the keep, you have to do it yourself.

I understand what you're saying. And you're right. But...if that's the case, then I can't just waltz right in there now.

Why not?

I'm not ready yet.

I've realized that I'm still but a novice when it comes to love.

As a samurai, I would never consider setting foot on the battlefield feeling this unprepared. So only when I know in my heart that I'm truly ready will I tell him how I feel.

At times, the stronger the feeling, the less able you are to admit it. You'll need to be prepared.

Do as you wish. But don't let the chance pass you by. You'll only regret it.

And don't forget, you can always count on my help.

Thank you. I will keep that in mind.

*sigh* I guess this sickness won't be going away anytime soon. ...... I like you, Aldo. How come it's so easy to say when he's not here? Wait for me, Aldo. Someday, I'll be able to say it to your face.