31 Strings

A retainer knew to give his master space, but he also knew he shouldn't stay far. Keeping Ryoma safe was Saizo’s top priority, so even if he had to neglect his training, he had to investigate his Lord’s mysterious recent escapades.

The ninja observes Ryoma wait by a tree outside the castle like he's been doing the entirety of the past week. At this rate, it's safe to assume he's waiting for the same person as yesterday, and the day before, and the one before it. That very same person that always, without fail, arrived late. It infuriated Saizo that anyone could waste Ryoma's time in this manner.

"Oh, Azama, over here!"

"Lord Ryoma! There you are, good day."

"Good day to you too."

The reasons why Ryoma would put on a smile so bright upon seeing Azama were beyond Saizo's comprehension.

"Late again?"

"Setsuna slowed down our pace during morning duties, for a change. That woman is unredeemable, afraid there's not much even I can do."

Didn't he plan to offer an apology?

"If only she could pay more attention to her surroundings. Would meditating help her focus?"

"No, I'm positive that would be no help, that's just how she is and how she will always be, that poor, clumsy thing. At least she's useful with a bow if not with anything else."

Of course, he didn't.

"Certainly. As long as nothing too serious happens to her."

"I'm sure she will be safe; Lady Hinoka is there to keep an eye on her. But, oh well, what are we doing standing around here talking about trivial matters? We get going."

"As you wish."

Saizo knew what followed next. Azama would lead Ryoma to some part of the nearby forest, close to the river, and then they would sit to meditate, at which point the ninja would leave them be and watch the surroundings instead. Nothing unusual, he guessed. And yet, it bothered Saizo how close the monk got to Ryoma during the past few months. It was probably Azama's off-putting demeanor that worried him, how he was unable to moderate his words even with Ryoma. The Prince got used to Azama's tone astonishingly fast, though, not that weird considering his unending patience. But to be willing to listen to the monk's chatter so attentively after that, the rumors that the man was an enlightened had to hold some truth. Why else would Ryoma show so much interest, summon him so often, want to expend hours and hours of his time with him?

"Azama."

"Wha– Ah, but if it isn't Saizo, good evening, you gave a quite a scare there. And what's with that look? You look absolutely pissed, what's the matter?"

"I'm not here to talk. I'm here to tell you to keep your word and show up at the arranged time, stop wasting Lord Ryoma's precious time."

"Uh? Wait, you've been spying on us? Oh, my, that won't do, Ryoma isn't going to like this."

"I'm never too far. You know that well and so does Lord Ryoma, he shouldn't have a problem with that."

"Right, you're right, but I thought you were supposed to be training at these hours? Guess Ryoma forgot to mention the change in your schedule. Eh, no matter, if he's fine with that then so I am."

"What?"

"Either way, I'll try to be on time tomorrow, no promises, though. And if that was all, I'll be departing, see you around Saizo!"

Something wasn't right here. Did Azama just imply that he thought he was alone with Ryoma this whole time? Why would Saizo's presence be a problem either way? He could conceal himself enough that he wouldn't be a bother to their activities. No, there had to be something else. He had to keep a closer eye on them tomorrow.

But come the next day, their routine is exactly the same, the only difference being that Azama manages to be there early. Once they find a spot to settle, instead of beginning with his meditation, the monk starts to speak.

"Hmmm, is that some sadness I perceive?"

Ryoma sighs, laughs weakly. "I just can't hide anything from you, can I?"

"No, not really, come on, what’s troubling you, my dear? Is it your brother again? Did you have a fight?"

My dear?

“Yes, I don’t know what’s wrong with him all of a sudden. We’ve been growing apart, and it seems my words don’t reach him anymore. Perhaps it’s me who isn’t paying enough attention?”

“No, or well, yes, but how he feels it’s not entirely your fault.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s comparing himself to others. He’s comparing himself to you. Takumi needs to understand that, ultimately, comparing his strength to that of others is useless. Not only isn’t he the same, but there can always be someone better than him, than you, than me. And what will whatever amount of power be in the face of our inevitable deaths? Honestly, he should not worry."

“Maybe, yes, but I don't think he'll listen to that. Even I can't fully understand the way you think, sometimes."

The monk chuckles, not in a mocking manner, to Saizo’s surprise. "Don't you worry dear, that's quite fine, that’s what makes things between us interesting, isn't it? Now–" Azama changes his position and pats his lap "–come here."

Ryoma lies his head on Azama's thighs, and the monk starts singing nonsenses to him, playing with his hair.

This must be some sort of bizarre dream. No, not a dream. A fucking nightmare. A hallucination. Anything but the real life. Maybe Ryoma was under a spell. He couldn’t be reckless enough to get romantically involved with one of Lady Hinoka’s retainers. With Azama, of them both. Saizo couldn't watch another second of this unfold, but for his Lord’s well-being, he wouldn’t confront them right now, he would have to confront the monk later, alone, and convince him to stay as far as humanly possible from Ryoma, he would resort to violence if necessary.

"Azama!"

"Ah, Saizo, good afternoon friend."

"Don't act so nonchalant with me, I know everything."

"Of course, you do, you told me so yesterday."

“No! I didn’t know it all!”

“Really? Well, it appears that you do now! I bet Ryoma will be thrilled. Maybe he will finally relax.”

"You–! Are you even aware of the consequences this could carry?"

"I am, and so is Ryoma, if not we would not be making this senseless attempt at keeping this under locks–”

A knife is pressing against Azama’s throat before he can say another word. “No, I don’t think you understand at all, and I refuse to believe he does, either.”

“W-well, that’s just how love is, a rather confusing thing, don’t you agree?”

Saizo had to commend Azama’s efforts at keeping calm. “No. It should be clear when things aren’t going to work between two people, when it could endanger them both, for example.”

“And you should know a thing or two about that, yes?” Saizo gives Azama a sharp glance, presses the knife enough to draw blood. “A-alright, alright! Touchy subject, I got it!”

“You’ll break things off with Lord Ryoma and end on as good terms as possible tomorrow, and from then on, you’ll not come within a 100 meters of him unless strictly necessary, you heard?”

“Fine, fine, I heard. J-just quit poking me with that thing.”

Saizo sheaths his knife and disappears without another word.

“Hey! Don’t go yet! Bah, alright, he would’ve probably killed if I told him that wasn’t a promise again.”