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The sigh that passed Toranaga’s lips was lost to the sound of the pouring rain. It had come out of nowhere, settling in late in the evening, and much like himself, it showed no signs of stopping. He sat at his desk, pensive, pondering his next moves. He would’ve thought that at his age, his struggle against turmoil would be over, but it appeared to only be beginning again. All this talk of peace and the council would only be satisfied if his head were included with it.
He nearly missed the faint sound of shuffling footsteps were it not for the fact that he was anticipating them. The doors carefully slid open and he glanced over to see the young maid bowing before entering. She was still new to the castle, having arrived around a fortnight ago, but from what he heard, she was quite observant and picked things up quickly. The senior maids have taken a liking to her and coming from the countryside, it appeared she was adapting to life in the city well.
“Pardon the intrusion, Lord Toranaga,” she said as she rose. “I have brought you your tea.”
“Thank you. Bring it here.”
Toranaga watched with half-hooded eyes as she entered his room. She set the tray down and served him his tea, which he took with an appreciative nod. His eyes snapped open, though, when he was met with a spicy scent. He looked down at the amber liquid in his cup and frowned, turning his attention to the maid that remained kneeling before him. Her gaze was downcast and he could see her hands clutching at the fabric of her kimono.
She knew.
“This is not matcha.”
He heard her inhale sharply. “It is not, my lord,” she said carefully. “It is ginger tea.”
Toranaga hummed. “Would you care to explain why you have brought me ginger tea instead?”
“We are out of matcha, my lord.”
“We are out?” he asked with an eyebrow raised.
“Yes,” nodded the maid. He saw her glance up at him, studying his reaction as she continued. “There is a shortage and the chefs assumed you would prefer to ration our supply for any guests we may welcome. Our stores should be replenished by the end of the week.”
“A shortage, you say,” he mused.
Toranaga looked down at the cup and back towards the maid. It was clear she was anxious, but even so, she remained firmly in place before him and he had to laugh at her audacity.
“I did not expect you to lie so brazenly to me,” he finally said.
She bowed lowly, forehead pressed to the floor. “My apologies, Lord Toranaga,” she said. “I will see to it that I am disciplined properly.”
“No. Sit up,” he commanded.
Toranaga watched her body stiffen before slowly sitting up. She still refused to meet his gaze, but he could see the way her brow was furrowed in thought.
“Tell me what it is.”
The maid’s eyes snapped towards him. “My lord?”
“I know there is something you wish to say to me, so tell me.”
Toranaga would be lying if he said he didn't find this amusing. The little maid was clearly worried, waiting for him to snap. But even so, she managed to steel herself and he found himself admiring her bravery. Or was it blind confidence? He had yet to know the answer, but he looked forward to finding out. He could see her eyes waver, conflicted, but eventually, she sighed and spoke.
“Would it not be best for you to rest, Lord Toranaga?”
Toranaga raised an eyebrow. “Rest?” he asked. “Much like how this war will rest?”
The maid shook her head. “No, but it will do you no good to exhaust yourself like this,” she explained. She sat straighter now that she realized he was willing to listen. “Many people rely on you, look to you for your strength and leadership. To see you like this will do nothing but worry them. What faith can one put in a weak leader?”
Toranaga stared at the maid for a beat before shaking his head, chuckling to himself. How amusing. It has been some time since he was last scolded and while he wouldn't go so far as to refer to this as a scolding, it wasn't often someone felt bold enough to tell him off, let alone a maid.
“And yourself? Does your faith in me waiver having seen me in this state?”
His tone was teasing, but his curiosity was genuine.
“No, it does not,” she answered without hesitation. “It would take more than that for my resolve in you to falter, Lord Toranaga. I know you are stronger than that.”
Toranaga snorted. “Even though we have scarcely just begun?” he mocked.
“I know enough,” she quipped, her confidence growing with every word. “And something I do know is how little you care for your own well-being. I understand your priority is protecting us, but as I mentioned, we worry for you too.”
Her gaze was strong and he could see the worry in them. She was very expressive, he noted. A soft heart like that would surely get her killed and the foolish bravery that went with it didn't help, either. But even so, Toranaga couldn't find it in him to be offended.
Instead, he nodded, musing upon her words and took a sip from his teacup, the warmth of the tea running down his throat. She watched in silence as he finished it before turning to address her.
“Very well,” he said. “I shall finish my tea and rest, as you say. You may go.”
She sighed in relief, shoulders sagging. “Thank you, Lord Toranaga,” she said as she bowed. “I will be by in the morning with your matcha.”
At this, Toranaga couldn't help but chuckle as she hurried off, struggling to hide her own smirk. Very amusing, indeed. What a bold little maid, he thought, to outright say such a thing. Again, he couldn't find it in him to be offended, only further intrigued.
Perhaps he will request ginger tea tomorrow night as well.