Eito Hidenori's Story

Mayumi's eyes opened after a few minutes as she watched various servants hurry around. She wondered how long she would have to wait. But wait she would, all day if necessary. She was still getting paid, so she didn't especially care if she really did anything to earn it. Finally, she heard footsteps echoing through the nearby hallway.

Perhaps this is him, she thought. None of the servant's steps would echo like that since they wore cloth shoes. It really was interesting just how many precautions the upper class took to make sure that servants were seen and not heard. She turned to see a young man with red hair enter. He was dressed in a white shirt, and a black and gold vest, and a red neckerchief was around his neck. This must be the governor's son, Eito Hidenori.

She walked over, bowed just enough to not be disrespectful, and said, "You must be the young Hidenori-sama. I am called Mayumi Saya. You can just call me Saya-san. I am to be your bodyguard." She looked at his face. He was slightly taller than she was, but not so much that she had to crane her neck to look into his eyes. He had a look in his eyes that spoke of pride. Mayumi guessed that he was spoiled and used to getting what he wanted. She inwardly sighed, waiting for his reply. Hopefully he isn't just a full grown brat, she thought, almost smiling but managing to keep a straight face.

Mayumi listened indifferently as Hidenori-sama talked. Even his voice sounded snobbish. When he turned to look at his tutor, talking about her as if she wasn't even there, Mayumi crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

"Are you good with the sword?"

"I manage," she said firmly. His tutor shouted at him and she watched with a disinterested look on her face, scanning the room. She saw that several of the ladies of the court looked offended, many were chatting together in little groups, fans fluttering. Though her eyes were elsewhere, like a good bodyguard's should be, Mayumi was intently listening to every word. Despite her growing anger on the inside, she kept a calm exterior. She looked liked she dealt with this kind of thing every day when in fact, she hadn't been sure anyone could be so totally spoiled. She turned and watched as Hidenori stomped over to talk to someone. The tutor then walked over and began speaking to Mayumi.

"Forgive my lord. You didn't deserve such slander. I hope you still will accept the position of being his body guard still."

"I can't say I didn't expect it. And of course I am still accepting the position. I just hope he isn't always like this," Mayumi said with a chuckle, glancing in Hidenori's direction.

The tutor gave a little chuckle, "He is always a bit disagreeable in the morning. He usually starts to come around after breakfast though. In any case, though you probably already know all this, it will ease my mind if I can go over it one more time."

Seeing Mayumi's nod, the tutor proceeded. "To fulfill your duties as bodyguard, you will arrive here every morning before the breakfast bell and wait in this room. Once my lord has come in, you will merely follow him during the day, keeping watch over his activities. If any threat arises, you have full license to do as you see fit in order to nullify the threat. You are not responsible for Hidenori-sama's actions, but should do your utmost to prevent him from any harmful activities, though he is stubborn." he said, mumbling the last part under his breath. "Your duties end after the dinner bell sounds and my lord is back inside the castle. The castle guard will be his protection from that point. Do you have any questions?"

Mayumi simply shook her head, waiting to see if the tutor would say anything else. He just nodded and walked over to where Eito was, Mayumi following behind.

...go on this hunt. I've been stuck here for far too long. I'll lead her to the gardens."

Mayumi managed to pick this out as they approached. She watched as Hidenori bowed to the captain and walked away. She nodded to both the tutor and the captain and hurried after him into one of the hallways. She carefully observed where they were going, marking each hallway in her head. She wondered what he wanted to tell her when they arrived at the gardens. What would he tell her about this hunt? Was it something he was wanting to do? She was pretty sure that hunting wouldn't fall in the realm of "harmful activities" as the tutor said, but she also doubted he would approve. She decided she would just ask Hidenori about it. Maybe it would catch him off guard. She smiled at the thought, looking at his back as he quickly and confidently walked ahead of her. After all, he probably thought she hadn't heard anything.

"Hidenori-sama, what is this you were saying about a hunt? I didn't take you for someone who would enjoy hunting," she said in mock surprise, beginning to loosen up slightly out of the grand court room. "Perhaps you slay the beasts of the forest with your fancy swordplay?"

She was already having fun teasing him, even without hearing his response yet.