How do they act towards each other?
Kotori was wary of her new master at first due to his icy glares, constant scowling and harsh remarks but slowly found herself warming up to him as she got to know him better. As for Zennosuke, he only took her in solely to use her skills to his advantage so he was very cold towards her. As time passed by, respect turned into trust and eventually into love.
Kotori is wholeheartedly devoted to Zennosuke and wishes for nothing but his safety and good health so although she knows how skilled he is as a warrior, she constantly worries about him. Although Zennosuke eventually sees her as his equal and urges her to do the same, Kotori could never bring herself to stop treating him in the highest regard and with the utmost respect, having been a servant most of her life.
Zennosuke cares about Kotori so deeply to the point of being possessive of her. He was used to getting any woman he wanted so he was surprised when Kotori rejected his advances and although it hurt his pride, he respected her wishes and tried to be patient with her until she became more comfortable with the idea of being his lover. And although he tries to take it slow with her, he can’t help but sometimes tease her on purpose just to see her flustered face.
Kotori is wholeheartedly devoted to Zennosuke and wishes for nothing but his safety and good health so although she knows how skilled he is as a warrior, she constantly worries about him. Although Zennosuke eventually sees her as his equal and urges her to do the same, Kotori could never bring herself to stop treating him in the highest regard and with the utmost respect, having been a servant most of her life.
Zennosuke cares about Kotori so deeply to the point of being possessive of her. He was used to getting any woman he wanted so he was surprised when Kotori rejected his advances and although it hurt his pride, he respected her wishes and tried to be patient with her until she became more comfortable with the idea of being his lover. And although he tries to take it slow with her, he can’t help but sometimes tease her on purpose just to see her flustered face.
How do they address each other?
Kotori addresses Zennosuke as "Zennosuke-sama" or "my lord" even until they become lovers.
Zennosuke simply calls her "Kotori".
Zennosuke simply calls her "Kotori".
Where is the story set?
The story is set in Feudal Japan. Battles between the two sides usually occur in open fields, away from towns and villages. Although the towns are generally peaceful, both sides have attempted at taking over each others' towns in the past. At present though, they are more interested in taking over the whole land itself which not only includes the towns and villages but the farms, fields, mines and more.
What type of chores does Kotori do?
She does common household chores such as: doing the laundry, cleaning the house, mending Zennosuke's clothes and the like. Although she is supposedly in charge of cooking as well, she is a terrible cook but that doesn't stop her from practicing anyway. Zennosuke, who has surprisingly become adept at cooking after living on his own for a while, prepares their meals whenever he's free. Ironically, Kotori is skilled at creating hand grenades, poison, and healing balms; things that require preparation similar to cooking.
If Kotori does the household chores, what does Zennosuke do when he's not in the battlefield or reporting to his lord?
If not training in their home's spacious backyard, he spends his time lounging around the house or drinking sake/smoking his pipe by the koi pond. He has an average tolerance to alcohol and gets drunk once in a while. When he gets drunk, he becomes rather aggressive and doesn't hesitate to do things he wishes to do but can't while sober, much to Kotori's dismay.
Where do they live?
Although Zennosuke has the privilege of staying in the castle together with the other high ranking officers due to his position, he prefers to stay in a humble home away from it as he enjoys the privacy it offers compared to staying in a room within his lord's castle. The house is composed of a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/dining room and a small spare room (which Kotori eventually occupies). Although the house itself is quite small, the backyard is large enough to provide a suitable area for training, a garden and a koi pond, which Zennosuke enjoys gazing at while relaxing at home. Due to Zennosuke deeming housekeeping as something "troublesome" and "a waste of time", he tries not to get anything too dirty due to not wanting to clean up after himself. Because of this, a layer of dust has accumulated all over the house and the garden has sprouted weeds everywhere. However, the only area he bothers to maintain is his beloved koi pond and the area surrounding it.
Who are their lords and how are they addressed?
Zennosuke's lord is called "Lord Amagi". Everyone refers to him as "Lord Amagi", "my lord" or "Amagi-sama" while Zennosuke rudely calls him "old man". Although Lord Amagi gets highly irritated when he is addressed in such a manner, he begrudgingly allows Zennosuke to do as he pleases because he is a valuable asset within his army as well as like a son to him.
On the other hand, Kotori's former lord is called "Lord Matsuda" and is referred to as "Lord Matsuda", "my lord" or "Matsuda-sama". Amagi's side simply calls him "Matsuda".
On the other hand, Kotori's former lord is called "Lord Matsuda" and is referred to as "Lord Matsuda", "my lord" or "Matsuda-sama". Amagi's side simply calls him "Matsuda".