Minehime nodded and smiled softly in return. “Yeah, Lord Ieyasu has been generous, told me I could leave early today.” She said, taking a seat beside him.
He smiled a bit more, "That's really nice of him." His hair had grown a bit longer, longer than she remembered Hidemune's being, "How's your horn? Does it still hurt...?"
She touched the horn on her head that had been removed while in Akihime’s care. “Not as much, Ieyasu-sama was kind enough to allow his personal doctors to care for my horn.”
"I uh...I asked Ieyasu-sama if I could use the forge to um...to make you a new cap and I..." He stood and pulled a simple iron cap from his wardrobe, "I...it isn't as pretty as the one Hidemune made for you, but...I thought you would still like it..."
Minehime’s eyes widened, and she gently took the metal horn cap from him, tears filling her eyes as she looked it over, then looked up at Daihachi. “No, it’s perfect.” She said softly. “Will you help me put it on?”
She smiled once he had fixed it onto he head, the weight was perfect, and the slight pressure actually lessened the pain in her horn. “Thank you, Daihachi-nii... it’s perfect.”
"Hidemune..." He said, more confirming the name for himself, "He was Masamune-sama's son, wasn't he? Maybe we could..." He made a noise, "I'll get your old horn cap back from Akihime." He said firmly
“Daihachi-nii, it’s too dangerous there!” She protested. “I’ve heard she even captured the Fugaku with Motochika and Lady Motochika, please, don’t try to go back there..!”
When they entered, some of the soldiers were inside enjoying their lunch breaks. Ieyasu was there, enjoying food with his men; he always believed in an equal setting for him and his men.
As always, Ieyasu was surrounded by his friends and comrades, leaving only the putter most tables open, but Minehime didn’t mind; she really didn’t like being stared at anyway.
Minehime felt her heart skip a beat, and already her hands were sweating, but she simply followed Daihachi over to where Ieyasu was sitting, taking a seat beside him.
Minehime looked up, wringing her hands. “Yeah!” She avoided looking at anyone else, feeling the back of her neck and ears growing hot. People were staring.