My Soul Will Find Yours 132 It's The Only Way You'll Be Pardoned By The Shogun

"So now that you know I'm still here your conversation a while ago is forgotten?" I eyed him disapprovingly.

"We…" he started to say but didn't finish his sentence.

"I-is that the shogun's son?" number two asked nervously.

"Yes," I replied with my chin held in a so-what manner. "He is the firstborn of the current shogun."

The two men gulped and looked at each other nervously.

"Now are you going to help us escape or are you going to tie us up again?" I asked authoritatively although deep down I was really scared and praying that this impulse decision of mine was right.

"The shogun's army far exceeds that of the imperial palace," number one said. "Even if the crown prince surrenders, everyone involved will still be tried and punished."

"Lord Kiris.h.i.+ma didn't bat an eyelid when he killed the elders of his second wife's family," number two added. "Punis.h.i.+ng us is nothing to him."

"That's right," I nodded my head, taking advantage of their worries. "Kaname-sama is ruthless to his enemies. If I were you, I'd turn my back on the crown prince and escort us out of here. It's the only way you'll be pardoned by the shogun."

The two guards whispered amongst themselves for a bit more before deciding on whether to save us or not.

"Y-you're his personal guard, right?" number one was sweating profusely, the pressure of making his decision was affecting him so much.

"Ma—" Riku started to speak but I covered his mouth. His face was buried on my chest the entire time but when he heard number one's question, he lifted his head to answer him. When he saw my face, confusion immediately clouded his features.

"Don't be confused," I whispered to him in my original voice. "Mama is just pretending to be Jin-san."

Being a child, he accepted my explanation without needing more details. He nodded his head and hugged me tighter.

"Yes, I am Musas.h.i.+ Jin."

"M-musas.h.i.+!?" number two paled. "You're the son of one of the country's legendary swordsmen!?"

Wait, what!? When Kaname told me to use that surname, I didn't think much of it and just agreed. It turns out that it bore heavy meaning. After quickly recovering from my shock, I nodded my head.

"All the more reason to help you out!" number two said before lowering his head in respect. "Musas.h.i.+-san, I am Manabe Ryouta and this is Watase Iori."

"We know every corner of the palace grounds, we'll definitely get you out safely!" Iori said, copying the form of respect Ryouta was showing.

I was internally jumping for joy and thanking G.o.d for answering my prayers, but because I had to make a show of being the shogun's personal guard, I had to pretend that this outcome was to be expected.

"It is good to see that you both know what is best for you," I remarked. "Is it safe to go now?"

"Hai!" they chorused.

~~~

"That stable is for the old and sick horses of the imperial family, its retainer has finished his duties for the day. We are currently in the southwestern part of the palace grounds, aside from us, no one comes here at this hour," Iori said while leading the way.

"But just to be safe, let's take the most inconspicuous route," Ryouta told him.

"Alright," he agreed.

As another means of not attracting attention, they extinguished their torches. We were now only relying on the moonlight and their memory to find our way out.

The southwestern end of the palace almost seemed like an abandoned area. There were no other guards patrolling or guarding it, even the plants and trees were left to grow or wither.

"Why is this place unkempt?" I asked as I put Riku down. I couldn't carry him anymore because we were now walking through a garden with wisterilooking flowers hanging above us. The plant has grown wildly and was extremely th.o.r.n.y. I had no choice but to let him walk than risk getting him hurt.

"A visitor from China once said that this was a inauspicious area," Iori replied, slas.h.i.+ng at the overgrowth as he walked. "The emperor, being the superst.i.tious person that he is, believed him and decided to make this a forbidden area."

"Oh."

After roughly half an hour, we reached a rotting gate. Like the rest of the area, it was abandoned. Even if this move could cause a security breach, no one was guarding it even if it looked like a mere kick could put a hole through it. Ryouta opened the gate without much effort. When I saw what was behind the gate, I was surprised to see a placid lake. I couldn't help but mock Nagahito in my head again. He left us in the most abandoned part of his castle with only two men guarding us. Did he really think those chains were enough to secure us? This gate could be barely called a gate and behind it was a body of water an enemy could easily utilize when attacking secretly.

"It will take days, a week even, for us to probably reach Edo on foot," Iori said while looking towards the vast lake. "Forgive us, the horses in the stables are dying. Even if we force them, we still won't be able to reach the shogun's city riding them. They'll probably die on us in just a few hours."

"Lord Kiris.h.i.+ma has loyal subordinates here in the Kanto region. All we have to do is find them. They will definitely give us a hand, especially since we have to ensure the safety of young master Riku," I told them.

"Musas.h.i.+-san, you're not going to betray us, are you?" Ryouta asked nervously. "You will tell the shogun that we helped you escape, right?"

"My apologies for being vague," I lifted Riku in my arms, wincing a bit because my leg was starting to become more and more painful. "I will personally inform the shogun of your help as soon as I can. You have my word."

"Thank you, Musas.h.i.+-san!" he replied while bowing several times.

"We are forever grateful," Iori echoed his thanks.

"I also have to thank you both," I lowered my head slightly.

"D-do you want me to carry the young lord for you?" Ryouta asked, his arms outstretched and ready.

Upon hearing him, Riku shook his head multiple times and whimpered.

"The young lord does not trust people easily. Even if I were to agree, he will fight and struggle in your arms until you let him go."

"Pardon me, young lord. I didn't mean to upset you."

I patted Riku's back until he relaxed while giving Ryouta an a.s.suring gaze.

"On the way to Edo, we will pa.s.s my village. I will ask my parents for some food and change of clothes, I know you're both hungry but don't worry, if we're fast enough we will be there in three hours," Iori grabbed a stick and handed it to me. "I noticed that you're limping. This will help support you."

I thanked him and grabbed the stick. Finally, we started walking.