The men and a few women spoke to one another in contentment; Nasu and Yoshitiro ate peacefully. Nasu glanced at her betrothed occasionally; he noticed her but nodded his head in response. Yoshitiro was mysterious and didn't express his emotions and thoughts, which was common among samurai. However, in her view, Yoshitiro was not like any of the other samurai she had met. He was more reserved but had a way with words; he was convincing. 

It excited her so.

Nasu finished eating her meal, as did Yoshitiro. The samurai turned to clan leaders, "My Lords, with your permission. I would like to take Nasu-san to the gradens; we would like to be more acquainted."

The clan heads looked at one another and smiled. "Of course, it is a grand idea. Yoshitiro-san, do bring my daughter back in one piece," said Masamichi.

Everyone in attendance laughed; Nasu giggled as she tried to hide her blush. Yoshitiro was expressionless, but he bowed, stood up, and walked to Nasu; he extended his right hand. The attendees were silent as they watched Nasu grab Yoshitiro's hand and stand. The betrothed couple bowed; Yoshitiro led the way as Nasu followed. When they were longer in view, murmurs echoed. Isamu laughed, "They look good together! It is a match made from heaven!"

"I agree. Those two will not only bring the clans closer but will bring prosperity. Kanpai (Cheers)!" cheered Tsumataka.

Everyone brought their small sake cups and drank. Daisuke only brought his cup halfway, as he didn't look too thrilled like his clansmen. Throughout the banquet, the young man noticed how quiet and uninterested his master was. Usually, a samurai would be honored to marry a woman from the Inaba Clan since they had connections to the Shogunate. If Yoshitiro married Nasu and got in the good grace of Masamichi, he would be brought to the Shogun's attention. Daisuke theorized that Tsumataka planned for that to happen. However, Daisuke couldn't help but wonder if his mentor truly wanted the engagement and if he would hold feelings for his betrothed. 

Meanwhile, Yoshitiro led Nasu toward the compound's gardens. Some servants had finished planting and feeding the fish and birds; they bowed and left the couple alone. "I imagine your clan has a wonderous garden to behold?" asked Yoshitiro as he crossed his arms.

"Yes, we have more of a magnificent garden, but it is because I asked my father if he could make ours bigger. I have a weakness for flowers." Although Shimadzu's garden was beautiful, it was plain compared to her garden. "What about you, Yoshitiro-san? Do you like flowers?"

Yoshitiro was silent but eventually stepped down one of the small stone steps beneath the building. "I do not know if you find this comical, but I enjoy seeing flowers. Whenever my mind is at a crossroad, the mere sight of a flower brings me at ease." He turned and motioned out his hand again to assist Nasu in getting into the garden. Yoshitiro let her go and led her to get a better view of the flowers and ponds.

"I must admit that I never met a samurai such as yourself, Yoshitiro-san. How can an intimidating-looking man like yourself admit to liking flowers."

"I am a man full of surprises, Nasu-chan. Apologies if I cannot express myself fully; as a samurai, one cannot be allowed to be read."

Nasu giggled as she looked at the flowers. "No need for apologies. I cannot help but be mystified by your character. If I may be so bold, I do not like to express myself too much, either. You and I are from prominent clans and we cannot be viewed as weak. One can never know their enemies."

Yoshitiro crossed his arms as he looked at the pond's waters, observing his reflection. He didn't remember the last time he smiled. Being a samurai was an honor, but Yishitiro couldn't help but think he was missing something. It was a feeling he hated. "I agree, Nasu-chan. It is difficult to be in our position; it is difficult to trust those around us. Well, we needn't speak of an ill topic. Which flower do you like?"

"I enjoy the sakura blossoms. They only bloom in spring, and when the season arrives, their beauty outshines other flowers. What about you? When you are crossed, which is the flower you love to see?"

The samurai slowly walked to the garden's furthest part and looked at a particular flower. "This one."

The young woman followed her betrothed and noticed the flower he looked at. "The white apricot? Of all the flowers, why such a small flower? I would have thought that you would have admired the camellia; they represent noble death of samurai."

"Indeed they do. It would have been obvious that I and other samurai would choose such a flower. However, I do not choose such a flower because it reminds me of my duty. The apricot is a small and simple flower. It represents faithfulness, elegance, and purity of heart."

Nasu smiled, "Is that how you view yourself? Do you like the flower for it shows who you truly are?"

Yoshitiro was silent momentarily but eventually turned to look at his betrothed. "I believe it is time that we return. I know you and your clan will need to rest. It would be best to have more time to speak another day. Would you agree, Nasu-chan?"

"Of course." 

The two climbed back to the compound hallway. Yoshitiro looked back at the apricot, and the image of Renjiro entered his mind. He looked forward and walked back inside the compound.