He couldn’t have her having second thoughts. That was the last thing that he needed between the two of them. And he certainly didn’t want her to feel like she had to proceed with the marriage because they had announced it to everyone in the house. He was sure after that she’d spoken with the seamstress that others knew about it in the village, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything to him.<br/><br/>What meant something to him was her happiness. Her overall happiness meant everything to him.<br/><br/>He closed his eyes and listened to the sound of her silky voice. Her voice seemed to be filled with a bit of anguish and uncertainty. Kyo had done an excellent job with bringing up those feelings. He would be sure to thank him for that later. However, right now he knew that it was up to him to give her some sort of reassurance. Chikage wasn’t certain exactly what he could say that would make her feel any better about herself other than something that he felt she already knew.<br/><br/>He truly wished that she wouldn’t allow someone like Kyo to bother her about such things. The man is very fickle. Honestly, he might actually be a bit upset because Chikage won’t be participating in the things that he used to. He wouldn’t be divulging in the women or having extravagant parties which involved activities that he would only participate with Mishiko.<br/><br/>But that was something he would have to discuss with Kyo. And right now, he had to settle things with her. “Listen to me, Mishiko. I don’t want you to believe that one person’s opinion is the end all be all. I want you both to understand each other and respect one another. I know where you’ve been, I’ve seen it in your eyes. I’ve seen it in how you interact with everyone and how you carry yourself around me. I know. I know it’s been a very long time since we were last here together. It’s been a long time since we last stood in each other’s presence, breathing as one.” Chikage exhaled and took a step toward her, only filling the space between them by a fraction.<br/><br/>“But know this: It doesn’t matter to me. I don’t care what he says. You deserve respect. You were right to defend yourself. You are a very honorable woman or else I would never have pursued you or asked for you to be at my side for all eternity. Those girls have taken a liking to you and we’ve but taken care of Natsu. What else could possibly stand in your way? A subordinate? My right hand?” The blond chuckled as he said this.  The only reason he found humor in it was because he was standing before a woman who he knew was willing to give everything up for him and he would do the same.<br/><br/>“You shouldn’t worry about Kyo. He knows that if he bothers you again, then there’s no way that I can stop you.” Chikage reached out to her and embraced her from behind. His chin rested on her shoulder and cheek nuzzled against her skin. “And if you wish to take your time to get to know everyone before proceed any further, I told you I can wait. I’ve waited this long to see you again and I will continue to wait for however long you desire.”