Serving One's Nation

Raid Event: Fortune from Afar

Episode 3

Serving One's Nation

Previous Quest

Field Trip into Town

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The War of Soba Noodles

Summary

With the shopping concluded, the prince takes up Ieyasu's suggestion to decorate the castle and celebrate New Year's. During this time, he learns more of Ieyasu and Botan's relationship—including how they were once childhood friends, but now are no longer...

Dialogue

We're back! Thankfully, we didn't have any trouble getting ingredients. Thanks, everyone. Now I'll be able to make some real kick-butt chow! Anyways, sorry to rush off, but I'm gonna use your kitchen. Just you wait—this is going to knock your pantaloons RIGHT off! *sigh* She's as reckless as ever. Master Ieyasu, I will also be going to the kitchen to prepare for the feast. Understood. I'm counting on you, Sazanka. Would you take issue if I set about decorating your castle's hall for New Year's, Euden? I think it would help you feel the true atmosphere of Hinomoto. What say you? By all means. In fact, why don't you let me give you a hand? I would be grateful for your assistance, and yet do not wish to impose. Think nothing of it; I can't very well sit around while all of you are working. Then by all means, I will take advantage of your generous offer. Also, you have my apologies for all the fuss Botan caused. It must have been quite the bother for you. Don't worry about it. Although I AM curious—you two know each other, right? Yes. When we were quite young, we were both pupils at the same dojo. While other pupils gave me a wide berth due to my social standing, she would oft speak to me without concern. Heh. She doesn't seem like one to be concerned with titles or pedigree. Indeed, one might even say she's not the type to be concerned about anything. Ouch. That's pretty harsh. Mmm, perhaps so. She was my one and only friend, after all, so such lighthearted banter comes easily. Or rather, it used to. Did something happen? Yes. I took on a greater role as a member of the Twelve Wyrmclans. The moment I took over my family's estate as a candidate for shogun, I ended my relationship with Botan. Why? A candidate for shogun is a servant of the nation itself. As such, it would not do to become mired in overly personal matters. I understand that, but I still don't see why it means you have to cut ties with friends. Surely Botan doesn't think that should be the way of things? She does not—and yet, it is the only way. For I could not bear to see her sad... What does THAT mean? My apologies. I've said too much. It's nothing you need burden yourself over. It is far more pressing that we commence decorating the castle; we must be finished before the soba noodles are done. I suppose so. (Why would his becoming a potential successor to the Shogunate be a sad thing for Botan? And why did HE look so sad when he was talking about it?)