A Blessed Master

A Blessed Master

• Related Event: Fortune from Afar/June 2019
• Release Date: June 30, 2019
• Featured Characters: Botan, Sazanka, Addis, Ieyasu

Dialogue

Then I bundle your hair together and... There. Finished. Aw, it looks GREAT! Thanks, Sazanka! You are quite welcome. But whatever made you ask me to style your hair? You are more than capable of creating this look on your own now. Yeah, but you're better at it than me. Plus, having you fiddle with my 'do sorta reminds me of old times. I mean, it's been a while since you worked your magic on my noggin. Yes, it has been some time indeed. You were yet quite small, as I remember. For me, it brings back memories of how we played together when you used to come to Master Ieyasu's mansion. You have no idea how worried I was when you up and left here of your own accord. I am glad the both of you are all right. Yeah, sorry for worrying you like that. If anyone ought be apologizing, it is I. Why's that? Because I knew information you did not—including that those who lead the Wyrmclans have shortened lives. ...... Yet I chose to prioritize Master Ieyasu's feelings over your own. I cannot say enough how sorry I am; I knew you would be hurt, yet did nothing. Sadly, I did not even do anything to help Master Ieyasu himself. What do you mean? He has been a model Wyrmclan leader since he took on the responsibility. Yet I could not help but notice a tinge of loneliness hidden beneath his smile. Heh. Trying to shoulder every burden by his lonesome HAS always been one of his bad points. Doubtless that is how he believes a leader should behave. But when he chose to bottle up his fears and doubts, I could do nothing to ease his suffering. This makes me a true failure as a retainer. I could see all of it happening, yet did nothing to help. Hey, I'll be back in a bit, okay? Hmm? Where are you going? I'm gonna smack Ieyasu on the head! You are going to...what?! Botan, wait! Don't try and stop me! He made you super worried, and that is UNFORGIVABLE! And there's nothing better than a dope slap for a dope like that! Stop this instant, or it is YOU who will be receiving a...um..."dope slap." Eeep! Okay, I stopped! I am, of course, pleased that you are so concerned for me, but this is simply a consequence of my own ineptitude. You must not blame Master Ieyasu. Yeah, okay—but if I don't blame him, then you don't get to blame yourself! How do you figure? Because I think respecting his decision and just silently watching over him was what he actually WANTED. Meanwhile, I was just thinking of myself like a big selfish jerk-o. Perhaps so—but I think that selfishness helped him more than you realize. It has been quite some time since I last saw him so truly happy. I owe that to you, Botan. Oh, please! I just did what my selfish little heart told me to do. ...Buuuut if that DID end up helping him, then maybe coming after him wasn't such a bad choice after all. I am very happy that you did. Heh. He really is a LOT of work. Still, since making work for you is apparently my jam now, can I ask a favor? What is it? Keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't bottle everything up again. You're the one who's closest to him, so you seem like the right lady for the job. Of course, Botan. Happily. I'll not let him be burdened by sadness ever again. Aw, I knew I could count on you. Oh! You're making rice porridge for dinner tonight, right? Lemme help. I need to do SOMETHING in return for you helping me! There is no need for you to thank me. Also, you are not the most...adept of chefs. Aw, c'mon! How hard can it be? Just lemme help, okay? Pleeeease?

...... Eavesdropping on young women is not exactly gentlemanly behavior, Addis. Yeah, but since you're standin' here, I'm guessin' you listened as well. I did not intend to—I simply could not help myself. I was not aware that my behavior was distressing the two of them so. Sazanka's been keepin' peepers on you for a long time now. No surprise she'd notice a change. You're lucky to have her. I am indeed. Hey, and not to take a page outta Botan's book, but keepin' everything to yourself ain't exactly the best idea in the world. That's what you got us for. I shall strive to remember that. Good. Now, let us go forth and undertake our next trial together: Botan's cooking. I'm hopin' Sazanka secretly does all the cookin' and throws her stuff out. Ha ha ha! I am truly fortunate to have such fine retainers and friends. No man is an island—and indeed, I am as mighty as a continent with the three of you at my side. The End