Year of the Boar, Fifth Month, Day 27.

I have decided that the best way to navigate the castle grounds as I make my escape, will be to have done a practice run first. My latest plan is to sneak out within the next day or two and see how the land lies so to speak. I shall see if I can get to the gates without being caught. It will be a great risk but I do not see that I have any choice; if I simply try to leave on my first attempt, I might get into dreadful trouble....I will test out the route and then I shall try it a second time but I shall mark out the trail somehow in order to facilitate a swifter departure. Once I have thought of a suitable way to mark the way, that is. I have also been giving the matter of a lantern some consideration and I believe that I have no option but to take one with me. The light may call attention to me, which of course is not desirable, but on the other hand, the advantage of being able to see the road beneath my feet and any others who may be abroad during the night, will, I believe, make carrying the lamp, worth the risk. It is too late to send another bird asking Nanami to add a lantern to the clothes I have asked for, at this point, so I think either I will have to stay awake and watch for any potential servants bringing clothes to my window during the next few nights and ask for a lantern aswell - which will interfere with my plan to go out and mark a trail for myself- or, I will have to begin keeping the candle ends from my room and hope that they will suffice. For every decision I manage to make, another two or three present themselves... I am beginning to wonder if I should not just leave without bothering to make any preparations at all...