NOVEL WEB Chapter 64: CHAPTER 64
Koyuki let out a soft sigh. "They treat me well, respect me, but… I'm more like a figurehead. A symbol. Sometimes I think I was freer as an actress. Oh, they still arrange filming in secret under a pseudonym, so it's not that I can't act. But as a daimyo… if I can't genuinely participate in the governance of my own country, then what's the point of holding the title?"
"You mean the Snow Ninja?"
"…Yes."
"Your Highness, we should return," a voice called out from behind. A masked Snow ninja, clearly acting as her bodyguard, had stepped closer. If Koyuki said anything more, he might overhear.
"Oh, alright. I'll just wash my face first."
The guard respectfully turned his back. Her Highness was always so approachable—it was admirable. But crouching by the river like a commoner lacked the dignity expected of a daimyo. He resolved to advise her more tactfully in the future.
Once Koyuki was out of sight, Kimimaro murmured to himself, "People in this world really become friends fast. She actually invited me to talk again tomorrow night… Well, in that case, we're not leaving until the day after tomorrow."
The first law of the Shinobi world: Talk-no-Jutsu is undefeated.
Once your words resonate, even strangers become allies.
The next evening came quickly.
Kimimaro followed the address Koyuki had given him.
"A bar?"
He hadn't expected that to be the rendezvous spot. The place was small and tucked away, with only a handful of customers.
Kimimaro sat down in a dim corner and ordered a simple cocktail. He waited quietly. Nearly an hour passed before the door creaked open.
Koyuki entered, wearing dark sunglasses and a hooded jacket. If he hadn't been looking closely, even he might have missed her.
She browsed the menu confidently, placed her order, then slid into the seat across from him.
"I didn't notice it yesterday, but… you're much more handsome out of the water."
"Then it wouldn't be fair if I were ugly, since you're so stunning, Sister."
"You're quite the smooth talker." Koyuki gave him a sideways glance, a playful sparkle in her eyes that made his heart skip.
Kimimaro quipped, "How do you know unless you try?"
Koyuki chuckled. "Oh? Didn't expect you to be this bold. But don't forget who I am. If I wanted to 'try,' would you dare?"
"Haha. I might be brave, but I doubt you'd really go that far. Tell me, Sister Koyuki, do you come to bars often?"
"I got used to sneaking into bars when I was still acting. After I returned to the Land of Snow, I still do it sometimes—just for that thrill. I know they always send people to tail me, but as long as they don't interrupt, I don't mind."
"Drinking alone isn't exactly a healthy habit."
"That's why I asked you here. I enjoyed our chat yesterday. So I postponed my return a day, just to share a drink."
"Then I'll do my duty and keep the princess company."
"I'm not a princess anymore," she said, but then added with a smile, "Although… 'princess' does sound nicer."
Outside, on a rooftop across from the bar, two Snow Ninja crouched under the moonlight.
"She snuck out again," one muttered.
"Nothing new. She's the daimyo. If she wants to sneak out for a drink, we can't really stop her."
"I just worry someone might approach her with bad intentions."
"Don't forget—Lord Yukikawa placed a seal on her. If anyone threatens her, we'll know immediately. Plus, she's wearing protective charms."
"Lord Yukikawa's gone to great lengths for her."
"Of course. He'll lead us Snow Ninja into a prosperous future. Once he marries Her Highness, the Land of Snow will be fully under our control."
"…What if she refuses?"
"Why would she? Lord Yukikawa was the first to stand by her side after her uncle's regime fell. He's done everything for her—and for this nation."
"…You're right."
Their eyes gleamed with certainty.
Back inside the bar, Kimimaro repeated the name he'd overheard. "Yukikawa Himiko?"
Koyuki nodded. "He's the current leader of the Snow Ninja. He was the first to pledge loyalty to me after my uncle Dotō was overthrown. He helped eliminate the remnants of Dotō's supporters."
"That sounds like a good thing."
"It would be… if he didn't have other ambitions."
"Let me guess—he wants to marry you?"
She looked away, slightly amused.
"I remember hearing some townsfolk yesterday," Kimimaro continued. "They were talking loudly about hoping the daimyo would settle down and have children soon. That wasn't random chatter—they were planting the idea in your ears, weren't they?"
Koyuki offered a bitter smile. "…You're surprisingly perceptive."
"Heh, to make me feel the will of the people!" Fubuki downed a glass of sake in one go. Her expression twisted into a wry smile. "Yukikawa Himiko... Objectively, he's capable and charismatic. If he'd just come clean from the start—told me plainly he wanted to marry me and co-rule the Land of Snow as equals—I would've respected that. Maybe, over time, I might have even said yes. But..."
She poured herself another half-glass and sipped it slowly. "Instead, he wraps everything in layers of loyal flattery. Always acting like he's just a humble retainer, always insisting his affections are 'secondary' to his duty. Hah. I'm an actress. What I hate most is people who perform off-stage. Kimimaro, tell me: if you liked someone, would you pretend it's just official business and claim you had no choice but to be around them?"
Kimimaro smirked faintly, something rare for him. "Forget liking one—if I liked several, I'd just say it outright. Why pretend? Who could stop me?"
Fubuki blinked, surprised, and then burst out laughing. "You're interesting! You're not drunk, are you? Multiple loves? You're bolder than I thought. Why not say you like me too while you're at it?"
"You're the one who's drunk, Sister," Kimimaro replied calmly.
Fubuki narrowed her eyes. "So you don't like me, then?"
"That's not what I meant..." Kimimaro looked away, uncharacteristically flustered. "We've only just met. Feelings don't spring up instantly—not genuine ones."
"Tch, you're pretending too," she shot back. "Men are always drawn to beautiful women, especially ones who talk like me. Maybe we won't see each other much after this and you'll forget me in a few days—but dare you say, looking at me now, that you're not even a little bit moved?"
Kimimaro sighed inwardly. She was drunk—but her words weren't entirely wrong. She was beautiful, and unusually candid. Even he, conditioned by suffering and discipline, wasn't made of stone.
He raised his glass slightly. "Sister, you understand men too well."
Fubuki leaned over the table, her face just inches from his, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Then prove it. Kiss me. If you're really moved, stop pretending."
"Huh?" Kimimaro blinked.
"Don't dare? Then you're just like the rest—acting."
Provoked, Kimimaro rose halfway from his seat. "Sister, you're playing with fire. You think I won't?"
Just as he leaned in to brush her forehead, Fubuki suddenly threw herself backward onto the sofa, laughing uncontrollably.
"Hahaha! So serious! Did you really think I'd let you kiss me?"
Kimimaro sat down again, deadpan but with a ghost of a smile. "You're dangerous when drunk."
"That's what makes me interesting."
Visit patreon.com/ShiroTL to gain access to 40+ chapters