35 Its a date (2/2)

”Fine.” He sighted eventually, admitting defeat.

”Why do I need to dress like this, and where are we going?” Harumi asked after she put on Lin-chans kimono and was following Nobunaga to his quarters. Nobunaga himself was also wearing simple peasant like clothes.

”It's a suprise.” Nobunaga smiled. He grabbed her hand and dragged her along. When they arrived in his bedroom Nobunaga walked to the far wall. There was a heavy bookcase covering the whole wall. With a thud he opened one of the panels that opened up to a door.

”A secret hallway?” Harumi asked exited.

”Yes, this will lead to to a tunnel, that will lead you out of the castle. There are only a few people who know of it and even fewer how to open it.” Nobunaga said while grabbing an oil lamp, igniting it and stepping into the dark hole. It didn't take long before they arrived at a staircase leading down. Harumi could tell from the air that they were underground. The floor of the tunnel was bumpy and the light Nobunaga had brought wasn't bright enough to light everything. She almost tripped over a few times but luckily Nobunaga had managed to catch her every time.

After what felt like forever they finally reached the end of the tunnel. Harumi had to blink a few times to let her eyes get used to the brightness outside. In wonder she looked around. A little bit up the hill was the castle and not very far away the castle village.

”I try to check up on the village as much as possible but you know how packed my schedule is.” Nobunaga said while they walked to the town.

”I like to disguise myself and come her on marked days.” He continued while they stepped onto the main road leading up to the village.

”So, right now we aren't Nobunaga and Nohime. We are just some people from a few towns away, here for a visit. You can't call me Nobunaga, my alias is Nagahiro, you can choose one for yourself as well.” Nobunaga said.

”Harumi.” Harumi answered almost immediately.

”Haha, looks like you already though about it.” Nobunaga laughed. ”Harumi, beautiful springday. A bit weird but very beautiful.” Nobunaga praised her. Harumi began to blush by hearing Nobunaga saying her real name out loud. She hadn't realized how much she had missed the sound of her own name. She knew she couldn't tell him so for him to call her that for today was enough.

Once they entered the town Harumi didn't know were to look. There was so much to see! Shops opening up, street sellers readying their goods. Everything was so colorful and there were so many friendly people. Almost everyone they walked past greeted them with a smile. Once they arrived at the towns center she couldn't believe her eyes. Everything looked so cute. The square was packed with stalls. Everyone selling something different. Some were selling cloth, others vegetables and another one was selling live stock.

”Here, it's delicious.” Nobunaga said while he handed her a skewer with some meatballs on it. She blowed on the food to let it cool a bit before she bite one off the stick.

”This is so good!” She exclaimed in excitement.

”I'm glad you like it.” Nobunaga said with a smile while he carefully pulled her closer so they wouldn't loose each other in the crowd.