Genji plays truant less, stops entertaining visitors of a more provocative nature; he even obeys Hanzo’s orders, when the mood strikes him. He keeps Zenyatta at his side, lets the monk pour his tea, asks his opinion on difficult matters and trivialities alike. The monk’s platitudes and quick wit please Genji just as much as his body, and even garner respect from the elder Shimada heir. Rather than a prisoner, Zenyatta acts as a guest.
Gabe wonders why Zenyatta doesn’t flee. Maybe the life of a monk had been thrust upon him, or perhaps he is enamored by the young lord as many were before him.
Gabe’s curiosity deepens the longer Zenyatta resides within the castle. Genji, prone to short attention and opulent fancies, settles into a somewhat mature routine. Sometimes Gabe even finds the young lord meditating, and he chuckles at the sight, awed by the sway the monk has over his master.
Cyberrat Writes 