A game of Shogi

[Sol]

"It's... ti-time for your medicine, Taiyouji-sama," Kubota respectfully bowed to the wrinkled, white haired man, who was sitting silently on a bed, in thoughts. A couple of lanterns shone dimly on the vases of flowers, bronze and gold statues, illuminating which looked like a very rich bedroom.

Taiyouji made a gesture towards Kubota, who immediately walked over to a small chest. From inside it he took out a box of pills, then filled a glass of water from the pitcher nearby. He bowed respectfully and offered the medicine and water to his master.

The old man took the pill, with fingers slightly shaking. He put it on his tongue, taking his time to hate its taste, then swallowed it with a few sips from the glass. His hand, as if following the pill's journey through his neck and then his chest, slid over his body to caress over his heart. He sighed, "Are you sure it was him, with that devil Arai?"

Kubota bowed and answered as if he was taken over by a great sadness, "Hai, my lord, I am sure it was your son..."

Taiyouji shook his head, his breathing getting faster, puffing angrily out of his nose, "That... good for nothing son of mine..." he said between his teeth, the shake of his body was getting more and more uncontrollable.

His attendant Kubota held on to his shoulders, bowing even deeper, "P-please, calm down, my lord... Y-you should not get angry!"

The lord kept on sighing and breathing loudly for a while, trying real hard not to get angry. After he looked as though he calmed down a little bit, Kubota asked this time, with doubts if it's the right time, "W-what should I do my lord? Th-that amount is... a lot... a-and... I will always remain loyal to you, my lord!"

Taiyouji looked down, now seriously thinking about it, scratching his chin, "Hmph... Act like you're on his side, for now, and send him the money. Let's see what he has in mind..."

Kubota's eyes shining for a second he looked up, but then bowed down respectfully once again, "H-hai, my lord... I'll do as you wish..." he then received another gesture from his lord, which bade him to leave him alone. He did so, walking backwards with small steps, remaining in the bow, until he was out of the room.