Chapter 08 – Moon Heart
After brunch, the east town became lively with the sounds of the festival again.
This place was also a popular tourist destination. Especially the hotspring district, which was always crowded.
Sumia was glad that they had chosen this day to visit.
After the cookout, and cleaning up, it was approaching noon. Since they had come all of the way here, she wanted them to enjoy the day.
Yukito and Iria. When looking at them, she felt a slight pain in her chest.
But at the same time, she realized that it was not a bad feeling.
There was something very beautiful about their relationship… And so she felt envious.
“Ms. Sumia?”
Iria called, and Sumia turned around in surprise.
“Is something wrong? You looked a little dazed… Is the crowd making you feel dizzy?”
“Ah, no. Uh… Oh, there is a famous souvenir store over there.”
Sumia shook her head. She was determined to fulfill her role as guide.
She wanted them to have as much fun as possible.
Iria was kind, pretty, strong and cool.
And likely…
Infatuated with Yukito.
Whenever she looked at him, her eyes seemed to sparkle.
And when she had that expression, that emotion in her eyes, they were more beautiful than any precious stone.
Sumia knew that she had no chance.
Her emotions were not strong enough to look at him like that.
Indeed, what she was feeling was not love, but mere admiration.
(I see…)
She envied it.
And yet…she wanted to be friends. With both of them.
After this conclusion, Sumia felt the weight and pain fade away.
◆ ◇ ◆
“Here…”
“Yes. The best smithy in the town.”
Yukito thanked Sumia as he looked up at the building.
It looked quite ordinary, without even a single sign up front. Even if it was a store, you would not know it from the outside.
(Moon Heart?)
While there was no sign, there was a name plate by the door. Was that the name of this place?
As he wondered this, he put his hand on the door.
A moment later, he moved away while staying protectively in front of the others.
Immediately after, the door exploded into pieces, and a shadow rolled out.
“Get out of here! I have nothing to sell to the likes of you!!”
It was a person. A man with blonde hair sat on the ground as he looked at the store.
The man had a sword on his belt… Could he be a Hunter?
After that, a man wearing work clothes stepped out. He was very thin, but had a rough air about him.
“You can treat me like this! You filthy wajin…!”
“Hmph! Now you reveal yourself. Now get lost. I don’t sell my blades to those who lack skill.”
“What!”
The man stood up with an expression of rage. His hand reached for his weapon.
“Teacher.”
Iria was about to take a step forward.
‘It’s fine.’ Yukito reassured her.
And just as the man began to unsheathe his sword….
“Stop!”
Someone shouted, and the smithy was surrounded by people.
About six. They all wore traditional clothing and wielded katanas. It was clear that they were from here.
“Put away your sword. Or you will be cut down.”
“…!”
For a second, there was a nervous atmosphere.
Like the air was freezing. But it only lasted a second.
Without making a sound, Yukito walked over to the man and took his hand.
“Oomph.”
And like that, the man went flying into the air.
Before anyone could react, the body slammed back to the ground with a thud. And his sword was now in Yukito’s hand.
“…Arrest him!”
Someone shouted, and the men rushed forward.
It all ended in an instant. And without a drop of blood spilled. The spectators that had been watching from the sidewalk all cheered with admiration.
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
“Not at all. …Uh, who are you?”
Yukito asked as he shook hands. The man who appeared to be their leader, laughed.
“We are disciples of the Itto-ryu school. There was an urgent message from the smithy.”
Itto-ryu school. He muttered.
“Still, we are grateful. To be honest, we would not have been allowed to hurt him.”
Obviously.
Within the empire, if someone unsheathed their weapon at you with the intent to kill, then fighting back and killing them was just self-defense. However, when it came to outsiders and imperials, it could become more complicated.
(Though, I hear it all depends on the judge…)
Yukito glanced behind him.
Sumia looked rather pale. While Iria would have been fine, it was a good thing no blood had been shed.
“Well, we must go now. …Alright, let’s take him in.”
And like that, they dragged the bound man away.
“Ah… Uh… Thank you.”
The owner said as he scratched his head apologetically. Then he offered his hand to Yukito.
“By the way, what’s your name?”
“Yukito.”
“I see. I’m Tougoro.”
Tougoro? Yukito looked back at the door plate.
“It’s the shop name. I suppose it could be used as my last name. But I’ve never had a last name.”
Yukito nodded, and then Tougoro looked behind him.
“It’s been a while, Ms. Sumia. Could it be that you had some business with us?”
“Ah… Hello. Yes, it’s been a while. I came here as a guide for these two.”
“If they are guests that you brought, then they are very welcome. Besides, he has also helped me. Please, come in.”
Tougoro said with a laugh, and then he invited them into the store.