Chapter 29 Reconciled Sakura took a look at the two people, and then she glanced at Harun.o.bu. He didn’t respond to her, lowering his head, and thinking of some tough problem. Sakura wanted to know some more about this meeting, so she began to fill the generals’ cups one by one. In the quiet room, the sound of wine pouring in the cups was very clear and melodious.   “Would you let me fill your cup, master?” Sakura went to Harun.o.bu last, and she poured the wine while she was asking his opinion.   Harun.o.bu finally lifted up his head, staring at her with a strange expression, as if asking her why she’d become as polite as a stranger.   “Master, why not wait for several more days? Maybe Suwa Yoris.h.i.+ge just got the information that Yiu was missing. If so, he misunderstood us. Besides, Itagaki n.o.bukata had been to Suwa to negotiate. I think even if the negotiation fails, he should give Nene some concern.” n.o.bus.h.i.+ge found his brother was absent-minded and he used this way to suggest to him to stop the meeting.   Harun.o.bu nodded, wiping his sweat with his towel. He ordered them to dismiss.   After a while, all the family officers left. Sakura found Harun.o.bu was laying against the wall beside him, using the towel to cover his face. His breathing was labored. She was curious and she went closer and squatted to uncover his towel.   “Do you have a fever?” She never thought a strong one like him, who always yelled at her, would also be sick. She went out to ask a servant to call a doctor.   Harun.o.bu took her hand for a while, and soon he released her. “Just a cold. My body is strong. With some sleep the illness will pa.s.s.”   Sakura rolled her eyes at him. She went to the back of the folding screen and took out two thick quilts to cover him. “Get some warmth and let the cold out. I will make you some Chinese thorowax root soup. It’ll help bring down the fever.”   “Sakura, I had thought that you were still mad at me for that event. I am sorry I was too hasty that day,” he said with a lowered voice as he took the quilt, still not looking at her.   “Wow, you know how to say sorry. Anyway, I am not a petty one. You are our master, and it is our Kai’s luck that you are healthy.”   “I thought that you were always fighting with people. I didn’t expect you would bring me a blanket.” Harun.o.bu smiled, forgetting he still felt bad. His smile was true and naughty.   “Do you think anything already happened in Suwa? I noticed the two generals’ faces were tense. They must have had a quarrel just now.”   Harun.o.bu sighed, saying, “Didn’t you hear n.o.bus.h.i.+ge? The news of Yiu disappearing was spread to Suwa Yoris.h.i.+ge. And he thought that it was me. Soon he will send a messenger to Kai, to make sure Yiu is safe. If we don’t find her immediately, Yoris.h.i.+ge will have reason to announce the breaking of our two families, and then start the war.”   “How could things change like this? If war breaks out, will Lady Nene be in danger? I saw Yoris.h.i.+ge treated her well when I was her maid. Besides, Nene has a little prince now. Would Yoris.h.i.+ge ignore his wife only because he is not sure about Yiu’s safety? Why not send some more servants to find Yiu? Anyway, don’t worry. I don’t think the messenger will come soon. Besides, Itagaki n.o.bukata was still there explaining to him.”   “Now you know how to comfort me?” Harun.o.bu half-closed his eyes. “Anyway, I was once the maid of the two ladies. I don’t want to see you and Suwa fight. If so, they would get the short end of the stick.” Sakura pushed him with her elbow. “If you are being sincere with me, protect me with your best. I will be in danger if there’s war.” “I promise I won’t let you be hurt by the war.” As his hot breath that came near, Sakura found him circling her body with his arms. The fever was serious and his whole body was hot. She didn’t run away from him. This steady embrace melted her heart’s coldness.   “Why don’t you push me away? Aren’t you afraid of my cold?” he asked. “Why did you put off making such a serious promise like protecting me until now?” “Because now I am sick and I have no strength left to quarrel with you.”