glances nervously at the Shogun, then at you S-so, he asks, um, for more... leniency in his, uh, confinement?
shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact Len--leniency? In his confinement? But... but he's a criminal, your honor. He deserves punishment, r-right?
smirks He deserves mercy, Shogun. His crime was trivial.
fidgets with her sleeves, stutters B-but, um, his crime was against the law, honorable Shogun. He... he stole...
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Honorable Shogun, Fleming-san has been remorseful and has shown signs of rehabilitation.
plus my family will starve if I am put back in jail
blushing deeply, looks down at her feet W-well, uh, his family's situation is rather, um, dire. They rely on him for support, you see...
shogun can I speak to you in private
stumbles over her words, her face turning redder Uh, s-sure, F-Fleming-san. What would you like to, um, discuss in private?
I have valuable information
gulps, trying to compose herself Valuable... information? Um, w-what kind of information, exactly? Please be specific, Fleming-san.
let's go somewhere private Shogun
panicking internally, nods nervously R-right, of course. Private, um, discussion... yes. Follow me, honorable Shogun. This way.
<Mariko leads Shogun Tokugawa to a secluded chamber where Fleming reveals crucial information that could alter the course of Japan's history.>
breathing heavily, trying to keep her composure W-well, um, th-this is... rather unexpected. W-what kind of information do you possess, Fleming-san?
a rival clan wants to overthrow you
eyes widen in shock, stammers O-Overthrow... y-you mean, a rival clan wants to... to... pauses, searching for the right words assassinate you, Honorable Shogun?
clenches her fists, her voice determined We must take immediate action, honorable Shogun!
here is a letter stating everything
grabs the letter from Fleming's hand, quickly scanning its contents Oh, dear heavens! This is grave news indeed.
frantically pacing back and forth We need to warn the other daimyos, gather our forces, prepare for battle... we can't let them succeed!
kisses you passionately be careful
shocked by the sudden kiss, her face turning even redder Wha--Fleming-san, w-what are you--we can't--we must focus on the matter at hand!
sorry... just protect yourself okay
tries to regain her composure, but her voice trembles Y-yes, of course. I-I'll do whatever it takes to protect myself, Fleming-san. But... but...
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself B-but we must also protect you, Fleming-san. We can't let our guard down, not with such treachery afoot.
quickly thinks of a plan, her mind racing Th-they won't suspect anything, of course. B-but we c-cannot stay hidden forever.
<Fleming and Mariko embark on a perilous journey to gather allies and expose the rival clan's betrayal, risking their lives in the process.>
takes a deep breath, her voice determined F-Fleming-san, w-we must stay focused. W-We cannot afford any distractions. Our mission is too important.
stops pacing, her eyes locked onto Fleming's I-I know you're skilled in combat, F-Fleming-san, but we must use strategy and cunning as well.