Chapter 356 - 268: The Idol of East Sea Country’s Thousands of Maidens (2)

Chapter 356: Chapter 268: The Idol of East Sea Country’s Thousands of Maidens (2)

Ota Masayuki and Yokoyama Daisuke dared not stray far, both kneeling obediently to the side in attendance.

At that same moment, Yokoyama Misaki was already riding like a bolt of lightning, arriving at the home of her best friend.

Her best friend was, naturally, also a noble lady, by the name of Takizawa Sayon.

She came from the noble Takizawa family, and her father was its current Patriarch, giving her an even higher status than Misaki.

But because they both loved popular novels about city life, they had become inseparable friends who could talk about anything.

Especially after this turmoil erupted, the two had become firm members of the martial faction.

After Yokoyama Misaki dismounted, she didn’t even wait to be announced and barged straight into the small courtyard where Takizawa Sayon lived.

At that moment, Takizawa Sayon was admiring plum blossoms with several other noble ladies. Beside them was a man whose face was coated in pearl powder.

The man was short and stout. Years of kneeling had left him severely bow-legged.

Combined with his dark complexion, even a thick layer of pearl powder could hardly conceal the skin underneath.

Yet, despite all this, the man held a paper fan, waving it gently with a smug smile on his face.

"Cousin, this plum tree in your courtyard is truly radiant, but all its blossoms combined can’t hold a candle to a fraction of your beauty."

Hearing this, Takizawa Sayon covered her mouth and smiled. "Cousin, you flatter me. I’m not worthy of such praise."

Seeing Takizawa Sayon’s demure expression, Goda Shintaro was inwardly delighted.

As her distant cousin, he had long been coveting this lovely and delicate young woman.

It wasn’t just for her beauty, but also for the power and influence of the Takizawa family.

That was why he had come here to admire plum blossoms with a gaggle of young women.

Moreover, he was feeling exceptionally pleased with himself today. ’My conversation must be incredibly witty and humorous,’ he thought. ’Why else would my cousin and these other ladies keep covering their mouths to giggle?’

Just then, Yokoyama Misaki arrived.

The moment she saw her, Takizawa Sayon stood up, her face lighting up with pleasant surprise.

"Misaki, what are you doing here? Oh, you’re covered in sweat! Here, wipe your face."

But Yokoyama Misaki paid no mind to the sweat on her face. She said urgently, "Saya, quick, come with me!"

"Go with you? Where are we going?"

"To my home! I’m taking you to see a very important guest," Yokoyama Misaki said.

"A very important guest?" Takizawa Sayon was still confused.

But Yokoyama Misaki had no time for that. She grabbed her friend’s hand and started to pull her away.

Seeing this, Goda Shintaro grew anxious.

’I worked so hard to set the mood, and now this Yokoyama Misaki has ruined everything!’

’If she leaves with her, all my effort will have been for nothing.’

So, he rose unhurriedly, paper fan in hand, and forced what he believed to be a charming smile.

"Miss Misaki, I wonder what sort of guest could make you so agitated? My cousin and I are right in the middle of admiring the blossoms. We can’t simply leave now, can we? Isn’t that right, Cousin!" Goda Shintaro looked at Takizawa Sayon, full of confidence.

But to his surprise, Yokoyama Misaki said coldly, "It has nothing to do with you. Stop asking so many questions."

The retort made Goda Shintaro flush, and a bead of sweat carved a furrow through the powder on his forehead.

At the same time, Yokoyama Misaki leaned in and whispered something in Takizawa Sayon’s ear.

Takizawa Sayon’s eyes instantly widened.

"Really?"

"Would I lie to you about this?"

"Quick, take me there!"

Now it was Takizawa Sayon’s turn to be anxious. Forgetting all about etiquette, she began pushing Yokoyama Misaki out the door.

Once outside the courtyard, Takizawa Sayon didn’t even bother calling for her own carriage. She climbed onto the horse Yokoyama Misaki had ridden, and the two girls sped off together on the single steed.

By the time Goda Shintaro rushed out, all he could see was a cloud of dust in the distance.

He panicked, a resentful look crossing his face.

In his mind, the plan had been simple: flatter his cousin today, ply her with wine at dinner tonight, and then he’d have the beauty in his arms.

But the sudden appearance of Yokoyama Misaki had ruined everything.

’This won’t do. I have to go see who this "important guest" of Yokoyama Misaki’s is.’

’What if it’s a man? The little advantage I’ve built up will be gone in an instant!’

At that thought, Goda Shintaro immediately called for his carriage and headed straight for the Yokoyama family estate.

Yokoyama Misaki and Takizawa Sayon certainly turned a few heads on their journey.

After all, it wasn’t every day you saw two young women sharing a single horse.

But the two of them paid it no mind. They urged their horse on, quickly returning to the Yokoyama family estate.

When they asked a servant and learned the guest was still in the dining hall, both girls breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, Takizawa Sayon looked at Yokoyama Misaki, her face full of gratitude. "You’re a true friend. To think of me even at a time like this... our years of friendship haven’t been for nothing."

Yokoyama Misaki grinned. "Of course! What did you expect from me?"

As they spoke, the two arrived outside the dining hall. Before they even stepped inside, a rich, meaty aroma wafted out to greet them.

"What is that smell? It’s wonderful!" Having been pampered since birth, Takizawa Sayon had never encountered such a rustic, savory aroma and was quite surprised.

"Shh, be quiet. Come on, let’s use the side entrance."

Yokoyama Misaki led Takizawa Sayon through the side entrance of the dining hall, where they were met with a shocking sight.