Gintama; Takasugi X Reader (part 2) [Save Me]

Chapter 2 {Y/N}

It becomes more quiet when we travel further. The buildings on either side are wider now, probably belonging to those closely acquainted with the Mayor. Security guards stationed on each resident eye us as we pad through the paved pathway.

I have a hard time matching up with Senya even though she's walking at a casual place. When she finally stops I almost collide into her back.

     "We're here," she says. She steps aside my view.

A giant tori gate stands high and mighty on its crimson pillars. Wooden fences stretch from both sides, acting as a barrier between the Mayor's property and the public. Stone lanterns line the pathway that leads deeper inside until the road ends in a curve. Tall healthy bamboos decorate the outer garden.

     "Going down that way should lead to his office," Senya says beside me. "But first," she holds up a hand before I move on, "we need to state our purpose."

I follow her gaze and am surprise to notice for the first time a wooden shelter situated nearby. A man peers at us questioningly from within through the square window.

Senya proceeds toward the shelter. "Sir, my friend here would like an application for the Lord's employment," she says as I stop next to her. "Would you mind to permit us entry?"

The man's eyes flick to me. "Where are you from?"

I exchange a short glance with Senya before saying, "I'm from Edo, sir."

     "And your purpose here is?" he questions, though not in a hostile manner.

     "I'm coming here to stay with my friend." I gesture to Senya. "And I'd like to work for the Lord to sustain our living, sir," I say the obvious, wearing a smile that expresses anymore questions aren't favored.

The guard raises a brow. "All right then," he says after a short consideration.

I exchange another victory look with Senya. The man vanishes from the window and reappears outside dressed in a western-clothing. A katana rests at his waist.

     "Come with me," he says to me, then to Senya, "And in the meantime, wait here."

At my distressed look, Senya offers an encouraging nod. "Good luck."

I try to muster up confidence and return the gesture. The guard leads me inside.

We move through the winding pathway until the bamboos gives in to trees that bend together from both sides. I suspect they're cherry blossoms. This place would look spectacular in spring. The ground is ornamented into the traditional stone courtyard. I hear the distant tick-tock of the two-bamboo fountain.

Soon enough, a structure looms head, isolated from the rest of the estate that stands behind. When we approach close enough I realize that the screen-doors are pushed open. Two figures at either side of the entrance slowly comes into my view along with another two inside.

The man urges me toward the entrance. I remove my scandals at the ground and ascend into the surface. The first person I see is a young man seated in the middle of the room, writing some documents on the low table. Another one is an elderly man remaining behind him at a respectful distance. He regards me with sharp eyes as I walk in.

     "Shounou-sama, this woman requested for the vacant position at your honored estate," the guard says to the young man, already on his knees.

I haven't expected to be hired personally by the Mayor.

I quickly lower myself down to the standard procedure of greeting. The familiarity of the act almost makes me choke on my words. "It is an honor to meet you, my lord," I manage.

     "You may rise," says a richly tender voice.

The guard and I sit up at the same time. My eyes meet  a pair of warm brown. At this range I can figure out the reason behind Senya's fangirling over him. He has a pale oval face set with high cheekbones, exposing sharp jawlines. Charcoal black hair falls slightly over his forehead. His lips form a welcoming smile.

The guard silently excuses himself away, leaving me alone before this unknown man. A chill goes down my spine as nervousness kicks in.

     "No need to tense," the Lord says, the easy smile still on. "I'm only going to ask you a few questions."

I try not to sound too rigid. "Certainly."

He places the document he has been writing aside and intertwines his hands on the table. "As you might already know, I'm the current Mayor of his village. My name is Shounou Ryougen," he says. "So first, I'd like to know your name."

I wet my lips and answer politely, "My name is Y/F/N, my lord."

     "What makes you interested in working here?" he asks. I start to get the impression that he's questioning out of curiously than for business. Because, this in fact is not a business-related role.

     "I wish to support my friend who is living here. My hometown is Edo but I will be staying here with her over an amount of time," I say with a lowered gaze.

He considers it. "If you don't mind, what is your friend making a living out of?"

     "She picks herbs and medicines for the apothecary," I answer. His assistant, the elder man, assessed the session quietly.

     "Are you not required to return back home?"

     "No, my lord," I lie. Then not wanting him to prod any further, I bring my forehead down in another bow. "Therefore I hope you would take my request into consideration, my lord. I will offer you my best servitude."

The Mayor doesn't respond yet. The silence stretches on by the minute, twisting my stomach in suspense. My hands are beginning to numb underneath my head. I inwardly plead for the favorable word.

     "You may work here, Y/N," he finally says.

The weight lifts off my shoulders as I sit back up. "Thank you, my lord," I say, beyond pleased to have one thing gone in my favor.

And now that it does, I'll be able to start a peaceful living again. Thanks to it, I'll have a reason to let go. Even if I can't promise myself that I can.