#if you want to know more about what happened ask matsuba he was there

[cursedmystic]

Clair describes diseased Dratini and the heartbreaking scene it makes in his mind makes Matsuba reach out to sink his fingers into the smoke-gray fur of Zorua between them. The pale blue smoke rises more insistently at the mention of misfortune, setting a hazy tone to their conversation.

"I'm not surprised it first affected you in Saffron City. It's still recovering from the effects of the blight. I think it will be for years to come."

His mind lingers on Neo-Rocket, on Sabrina's insistence that they had released Black Fog to kill the people of Saffron City, and finds it difficult to connect them to the ruffians who had harassed the Kimono Girls back when they were very active in Johto.

It makes sense that they would target more profitable places than Ecruteak City, but going after the entirety of Saffron City. . .

"I do think it's all connected. Neo-Rocket had its hand in Saffron recently, but Sabrina chased the rest of them out. We don't know where they are right now, even if they're certainly somewhere in Johto."

He tucks his face into his scarf, feeling the exhaustion acutely at the back of his mind.

"I've not been sleeping well for a long time now. The dreams come and go, but they've been consistent since October. A lot of it is not recognizing myself in a mirror or taunting my failed goals, but recently I had a dream when I was still. . .awake. I'm pretty sure I was awake. There was a figure in my room waiting for me to close my eyes. Considering my proximity to the Fog when we went to confront the problem, I think something might be more deeply wrong than I first thought.

It just wants to eat. It doesn't care what it has to do to do that -- but it just wants to consume things. Neo-Rocket wanted to use it for abject destruction, so they have some sort of. . .plan that affords them that sort of destruction."

@cursedmystic (continued from here)

Clair focuses on the playful Zorua stretching by her feet as Matsuba offers a predictably measured response, some of the tension draining from her shoulders upon hearing the fellow Gym Leader's thoughts.

As playful as he and his Pokemon could be sometimes, Matsuba had proven to be quite the dependable confidant whenever the need arose. (And in this moment, Clair is grateful for his listening ear. There's a feeling of relief as well, in knowing that she seemingly made the right decision to wander into her colleague's spectral realm.)

Still, it's surprising to hear that Matsuba has also been suffering from nightmarish afflictions. (If he can't control them, what hope does she have?) Clair turns to give him a quick once-over, face contorting slightly with concern as she takes in his tired gaze and sallow complexion. Subtlety has never been her strong suit.

Letting loose a hearty yawn that morphs into a sigh, Blackthorn's pride leans back against the flowers, azure hues squinting towards the cloudless sky.

"...I woke up in a Saffron hotel," she recollects after a hesitant pause. "The...the ceiling tore open, and all of these diseased Dratini started to fall on me. All of them infested with parasites." Clair gulps, blinking heavily as she recalls the terror of the moment. "I couldn't move. They kept raining down...they were burying me, and then--when I thought I would suffocate and die--I...I woke back up. Still exhausted. Like I hadn't slept at all."

Clair can't look at Matsuba anymore, her face flushed with equal parts shame and embarrassment. She usually isn't one to divulge her dreams like this, and her stubborn dragon's pride is roaring in protest.

But she needs to share this out. The vivid nightmare has been haunting her ever since, sitting like a crushing weight on her chest. Tired eyes take in the sky once more.

"I have been researching mutated Dratini recently. There's a lot of them near Goldenrod, where they're being regularly poached by Neo Rocket agents for sale at the Game Corner," she mutters, fists clenching at her sides. "I'm going to stop them. That's why I went to Saffron, to learn more about their original downfall...and Saffron is where I had the first nightmare."

"All of these things--the nightmares, the Saffron location, Neo Rocket involvement--seem to be connected. Somehow," Clair reasons, finally turning to peer back at Matsuba, gauging his reaction with her usual air of intensity. "Hm. What happened last October...do you think it's related to what's happening now?"

[itskristal]

JOURNAL 17. LOCATION: ECRUTEAK CITY

<<I'm doing way better today. Bill and my mom keep checking in on me, so that's been nice. I've just decided to slow down, take my time, and explore the different areas around Ecruteak. I'm loaded up with Potions, and Minerva is making sure we all get our training in. I have to be better prepared and more careful, in case something happens again.

When we were exploring, I honestly was really scared. I didn't want to battle anybody--but Minerva and Lumi assured me that everything would be okay. I put my trust in them, and so we've gotten some good sparring matches against the routes' trainers. We're getting stronger. Slowly. But I'm not charging ahead anymore, not without a plan.

Bill asked me to catch more Pokemon for him, to test the limits of his Box system--so of course I agreed. And I don't know what's happened, but my catch luck has really turned around lately. So far, I've managed to catch these 'mons for storage:

SCRATCHY the Meowth (ROUTE 38) - Attempted to sneak up on me and demanded...money, I think? She was hissing and brandishing her claws, but I managed to catch her after luring her closer with some Poke coins. Is that fair? I mean, it worked...

SNACKS the Aipom (ROUTE 42) - Fell out of a tree and tried to snatch some Berries from my pack...but Minerva said no way. She's definitely a sneaky one...

Also, I went to see a show at the Ecruteak Dance theater! Whitney treated me, and we went with her Gym trainers. It was so incredibly magical--if you're still reading this, and we somehow find each other someday, I'll definitely take you. It'll change your life. I promise.

As part of this show, I even got invited (well, FORCED, by Whitney) on stage to do a couple battle demonstrations with the Kimono Girls and their Eevee partners. I was so incredibly nervous at the start, but my team covered for me...and we won in the end! The girls all battled so well and so gracefully that I honestly still feel the butterflies, but when Miki backed us into a corner, Mira evolved into a Gyarados. Right there in the theater!! Mira--in her new Gyarados form--finished the fight and I recalled her before she could tear the place down defending me. (The theater director was so impressed that he gave me another hidden machine--one that will let Mira surf across the water...)

Hope (my own Eevee) popped out of his Pokeball and was watching all the Kimono Girls battle with more focus than ever. I wonder if he's thinking about what form he'll take...?

They say that the fourth Gym Leader--Matsuba--is busy in the Burned Tower ruins across town with some researcher. With Mira and the rest of my team by my side, I think I'm finally ready to go meet him. (I never thought I would actually ever train a Gyarados. I mean, can you believe it...?)

My Pokemon, my mom, and all the people that I've met--Bill, Whitney, Kurt and Maizie, even Ralph...just knowing that they're all looking out for me makes things a little easier.

Let's do this.>>

[fantranslatorbychoice]

Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi Volume 6 Chapter 4 - Secret Girls' Night-out

T/N: Hi y’all, it’s me again, it took a bit longer because I did my best to beta-as much as I could, but if it’s still wonky, I apologize, it's not like I get paid to do it lol also it's rather challenging when I had to convert my brain waves from Japanese to English to my native language and however those combinations work just to spew all of these out in sufficiently passable English. So I hope you all don't mind stuff like typos or inconsistencies with the tenses srsly even the original text has that and I just literally gave up evening out the tenses, like really apparently it's no biggie to have an entire paragraph in Japanese that both has past and present tenses (they mostly don't have future tenses) but if that happened in English some would just nitpick that shit out. I mean, yeah, for sure when I do editing and get paid for it I would, but if I'm just reading fanfics from writers who don't have English as their native language I just don't give a hoot, as long as the story's good, to heck with grammar, spelling and syntax. Srsly some non-native EN speakers get turned-off or even scared when nitpickers hit on their imperfect spellings or grammar or dictions, srsly honestly just give them a break, they worked hard to learn another language. I felt this even more so when I started learning Nihongo, like srsly as long as a person gets to say what they want to say even if it's not perfect in anyway, then that's more than enough for me.  srsly I am forgiving like that. Also this chapter has more notes than usual, especially regarding Nihongo and stuff, so if you don't like it you can always move along lololol Also I gave up, I'm keeping the titles and roles in Japanese i.e. Odanna-sama, Wakadanna-sama, Bantou-san, etc. I'll just stick in more notes instead lol

Also if you like this translation, you can heart it, share the link, reblog, I just respectfully ask that DO NOT REPOST ELSEWHERE. This is my contribution to the scant English content of this fandom, and I worked really hard to finish this thing, it’s not like I just copy-pasted everything. I even had to build the kanji in Jisho one by one. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.You can rave about this, rant about this, but if possible please link back to this page. If you’re unsure how to do that, just copy the web address of this page. If you’re on a blogsite just insert the web address as a hyperlink as a link back to here. Honestly if this light novel was officially-published in English, I wouldn’t even be doing this right now... And if it did, I’d take this offline to support the publishers and Yuuma-sensei. Creators support creators, is what I believe in. As previously-mentioned in earlier chapters, if you stumbled upon this one, the two seasons of the anime covered volumes 1-5, so other than the extra details, you didn’t miss much stuff. OK, with all of that out of the way, here's Chapter 4 now. P116 "Th... These are... The Southern Lands' cultured Japanese amberjack**... A bundle of Kiseki beef.. And there are so many other local products from the Southern Lands too. Ah, there's even the coconut oil that I always wanted!" So many extravagant ingredients have been hauled into Yugao, and I was flabbergasted by them all. There were also so many cans of various contents as well as dried fish and other products stuffed inside. Canned tuna and other canned stuff were considered as high-end products in Kakuriyo, and I am very grateful. Ginji-san and the Daruma gang from the kitchens delivered a box packed with so many ingredients to Yugao, and we had no idea why. "Well, the Dog said that these are their repayment to our kindness. It's because a while ago, Ranmaru came to Tenjin-ya." "Really, Ranmaru from Orio-ya?" "Hatori-san also came too, with him." In some way, Ginji-san's mood was good. For a while now, his nine fluffy tails were wagging from left to right. "It's from our head accountant Byakuya-san, Aoi-san's rewards for your achievement, and for Tenjin-ya's cooperative business venture and all sorts of other demands that were deemed justifiable, and because they wanted to give other things as a way of expressing their gratitude, they brought in many other souvenirs and products as well. They also exchanged with us various other information." T/N: This is related to tuna fish, but don't ask me how they cultured it. Probably in the open sea, like in sea cages. Yes, that's a thing, and yeah I was also in the fishing industry at some point in time, if you're wondering. Also if you're wondering why I rarely use "you" in the dialogues of the translations, it's because in polite Japanese conversations, instead of saying ANATA or OMAE= you, one's name is mentioned instead. In the original text, when people are talking to each other, rather than say "you" they say the other person's name or occupation + san instead i.e. bengoshi-san= lawyer san, Ginji-san, or if it's a username because they don't like using their true names- USERNAME-san. Because using "you" in any way, shape or form in conversations is deemed rude AF. So the next time you chat with Japanese people, please remember to address them by their name, or occupation, unless you've established rapport with them. I forgot to put this explanation in my earlier posts, but it's one of the most important stuff I learned in my Japanese classes, the Japanese folk won't care so much on grammar but more on being polite and taking care of remembering social status stratification aka just be polite by using polite terms. I actually experienced this first hand after chatting with some of them, they just told me not to use Google translate and just chat with them with whatever I know. They're very grateful when people could talk to them in their native tongue, especially when the honorifics are used. This note's long AF but I did say that I'm gonna drag you all with me in this whole learning Nihongo thing, and I'm doing just that. P117 "That friendly Ranmaru did that? Doesn't he hate Tenjin-ya?" "Hee hee. Well, don't take this too seriously, OK?" Even though saying it that way, I imagined that Ranmaru's horrible words and demeanour were probably due to his circumstances. Orio-ya sees Tenjin-ya as its rival, it's hard to imagine them having an image of humbly bringing over souvenirs. And the business dealings, I wonder what those are...? "Oh that, Ranmaru saw that you had a strong sense of duty. He wanted to particularly express his gratitude to Aoi-san." And thereupon, these ingredients from the Southern Lands. Stuff I rarely get hold of, especially something like that one round amberjack, and I unconsciously grinned. "Even so, if the circumstances allowed, he would have stopped by and said it himself** ..." "It was before Aoi-san's business hours, and Ranmaru is also busy it seems, so he had to go back immediately. Even I wanted to take our time since I thought it was fine, but it can't be helped... Because Ranmaru is the Southern Lands' Hachiyo." "Ha ha. Then what happens next is that if it's possible, Ginji-san will go to Orio-ya, won't he? Nothing's stopping you two from visiting each other now?" "Aoi-san...." Up until recently, Ginji-san and Ranmaru's long sibling feud previously ended sometime ago, and the long-standing so-called inn rivalry and clash between Orio-ya and Tenjin-ya has been cut. T/N: aisatsu=挨拶=greeting, introducing one's self, improving relations by dropping by every now and then, can also mean like popping up to say hi or whatnot. I don't know how to directly translate it since aisatsu has more of a sense of how a supervisor pops up in the work place or a teacher suddenly appears in a class just to check, it's not as informal as a neighbor dropping by the house just to have idle chitchat. Hweh. P118 But after the ceremony, the changed relationship between the two has been noticeable. "Oh, that, I see. Someday soon, I will take a break and go visit him too." "Yeah, I agree, that's great. Oh, I wonder if everyone's doing well... Hatori-san and Tokihiko-san, Hideyoshi and Nene, the cute twin chefs.. And Nobunaga." "It seems that everyone's doing fine. The twins Kai-san and Mei-san, Orio-ya profoundly realized that they're really suited to be chefs, and everyone seems to cheer them on, Hatori-san was still the same as ever, but sometimes he returns to Shumonzan. He says that he bickers with Matsuba-sama as always, but one way or another they've become in good terms with each other." Ginji-san asked Ranmaru, and he told things about Orio-ya's management staff. I see, everyone in each of their own way have been doing their best to move on forward. "Oh, and somehow Hideyoshi-san and Nene-san seems to have been engaged." "Whaaat? Why that fast?" Wait a minute. Hideyoshi knew that Nene-chan has decided, that she likes Ranmaru, wasn't it? But that's what Hideyoshi said... My astonished face must have looked funny, and Ginji-san turned away his face and giggled. "It's surely shocking, isn't it? Why, it's amazing, Hideyoshi was especially honest and manly. P119 I simply cannot..." Ginji-san let out a tiny laugh again. What is it about his old haunting grounds, being delighted at the many changes in Orio-ya? At any rate, I was surprised with Hideyoshi and Nene's engagement. Firstly, congratulations Hideyoshi. You thought that your unrequited love has been going on for so long, it was outside your thoughts early on, but now your love bore its fruit. I'm glad, as I'm rooting for you on from the sides. What the heck, behind my back, how did they get involved in that, that was surprisingly an unusual story, if I meet Nene this time I need to get information from her. "But the when the trustworthy Waka-danna** and Waka-Okami** get married, Orio-ya will surely become peaceful, and Ranmaru will also be pleased. Certainly after the marriage, their organization will grow even stronger. He'll get exhausted if it's just Ranmaru holding everything together." "Isn't Tenjin-ya also reasonably solid?" "I guess, although the position for Waka-Okami easily changes. Originally the person in that position is supposed to only resign once, but right now Kikuno-san has temporarily retired as the Young Mistress and supposed to come back. However, there have been circumstances in her family, and she immediately relinquished her seat as the Waka-Okami." "Ehh, like that?" After showing my disbelief, Ginji-san sadly nodded.

T/N: Waka-danna=young master, Waka-Okami=young mistress P120 "If it comes to that, when a new Waka-Okami doesn't hold the position for very long, we can say that there's a gifted person in Tenjin-ya, and it's only a little issue.** Likewise, during that matter with Orio-ya, we in the management staff really wanted the former Waka-Okami O-ryo san to come back and give it another go. Her abilities are very outstanding." "Even I too... I was shocked to see O-ryo completely doing her job well. Even Nene, one way or another admires her so much." "Yes, I agree. But, oh well... O-ryo-san returning to her former position, it's already a huge chance and a necessity. Right now she's drifting away from supporting her fellow waiters and waitresses, well, O-ryo-san must be intending to. To me, she seems to be enjoying having lesser responsibilities and more carefree in her current position." "Well, that's for sure..." Based on how Ginji-san talked about it, lately it seems that O-ryo has no obsession on the position of Waka-Okami. A little bit until recently, she seems, to have returned the bearing of her Waka-Okami decorum, but lately she's wholly just wanting to eat and eat, when she finally gets some free time she goes to Yugao, and lately has been persisting on going out hunting for marriage partners. However, I could say with confidence that she seems to be taking advantage of being relieved of her position as a Waka-Okami , and surely Tenjin-ya will realize that they need O-ryo's abilities. O-ryo's strength, is diligently doing her duties in that position. "Anyway, Aoi-san. I was preparing and building up the Autumn Festival here in Tenjin-ya at the end of this month, and I was thinking of using pumpkins, is it possible for Yugao to make Autumn foods and sweets for us?" T/N: Honestly double-triple negatives are a pain in the ass, srsly it's like inception to the nth power, I had trouble deciphering this line and almost this entire page in the original text so if it doesn't make sense, meh, I did my best within my current abilities. P121 "Pumpkin? Of course. It's gonna be fun, like Halloween." "Oh, right! There's a foreign festival called Halloween in Utsushiyo, but I thought it's impossible to recreate that here in in Kakuriyo, though I could imagine it to be made into a Pumpkin Festival." "Oh, not at all, we can make that same Halloween theme here because Tenjin-ya is mostly full of Ayakashi." A Japanese Halloween that doesn't use costumes... "But certainly, this year's pumpkins are delicious, so Pumpkin Festival sounds good, doesn't it? It's also a great idea to give out candies to our young guests." "We can probably decorate with paper lanterns and pumpkins too. We can place ogre-fire inside, and make them float all around Tenjin-ya." "Wow! That's very much like Utsushiyo's Halloween!" Why, the Autumn Festival goes well with the Pumpkin Event and our imaginations ran wild. "Also, Aoi-san. Pumpkins are not Odanna-sama's favorite." "..." Abruptly, the topic on Odanna-sama popped up, and I stiffened a bit. Some days ago, we came back from the orchard park date. I remembered being hugged in the airship's deck...** "How are you feeling, Aoi-san? Why is your face all red?" T/N: **insert lenny face here** You can't stop me wahahaha P122 "Hm? Oh, it's nothing, this is nothing. Odanna-sama not liking pumpkins, I wonder if I somehow  asked that before..." "Oh, right. I saw that Odanna-sama often puts a lot of his boiled pumpkins in Byakuya-san's small bowl." "...really, isn't Odanna-sama unbelievable?" "Yes, he is. I don't know when Byakuya-san patience will end, but I want Odanna-sama to overcome his distaste for pumpkins." "You're right. His pickiness for food would not end... In this event I will feed Odanna-sama with the pumpkin cuisines I wanted him to try..." I haven't yet known what Odanna-sama likes, but I know what food he doesn't like. It wasn't at all regretable to make fun of Odanna-sama, but this time I got surprised. "Aoi-sama-- Manjuu-steaming has been finished!" Ai-chan's face suddenly popped out of the kitchen. She seemed to have established her affairs in Hyakumeyama, and she has changed her appearance to that which she made herself. Her time before returning to the pendant is still short, but she's working hard right now as a newly-hired employee. "You were steaming manjuu**? I thought I was smelling something good." "Yeah. Just a while ago Dr. Saraku was asked by Tenjin-ya to do some manufacturing trials for a new souvenir product.** T/N:  Steamed bread with bean jam filling. They’re really good, try them when you can!

when I write souvenir product, it's translated from omiyage=お土産= something that you take home for your friends or family when you go have fun somewhere like a national park or a museum or amusement park. Like when you buy takeaways -  T-shirts, food, keychains, etc. and bring them home or something. Is there an English equivalent for this? Because I don't know. In my native language we have an equivalent, well, for most Asian languages I guess. Don't know about others though.. Hm.... korewa....*inhales* O_O

P123 "We're still only in the middle of improving it, but once we're done we want Ginji-san to be the very first to try them out." "Wah, that sounds fun. When Byakuya-san saw the special products from Orio-ya, he also also saw the need for Tenjin-ya to make new specialties and other famous products, and he's going to be considerably sensitive about it." "Uhm.... But we have no confidence to meet that expectation..." If we couldn't get to sell all of the products that we made, what will we do if Tenjin-ya gets struck greatly by that? What will we do if Tenjin-ya's status and popularity crashes down? With regards to that, we had to think very hard. For Yugao as a small establishment it is a challenge, and the pressure feels a bit different. "It's alright. With regards to hit products, through time and through fads, luck always has a greater control. To me, the only thing needed by Dr. Saraku are failures no matter how many times, in his division. That is why it is important to fail when tackling new challenges." ".. Ginji-san..." "Because I think, we become stronger, don't we?" Ginji-san's relieving smile is so bright, even today it's promising. Having his support, for today as well, I will work harder for Yugao's business operations. P124 The next day, around noon. Tomorrow Tenjin-ya will be closed for a break. Since today Tenjin-ya's business operations will end and all shall check out at the same time, everyone's waiting to be free of work. Today, Yugao also has no business transactions, so tonight I was making up my mind to call all of the ladies to make hotpot. I was thinking of calling out all about to all the members who could attend, I only need to walk to the inner garden. "Oh, it's Kasuga." I noticed Kasuga first. On the other side of the log bridge, she was under the ginko tree. I was about to call out "Hey Kasuga--" but she seems to be talking to someone and I stopped. Behind the base of the ginko tree whose yellow leaves were slightly changing color, what the... Kasuga is usually cheerful but her face now weirdly has this blank expression. "Isn't that..." Beside her, it was Chiaki-san, the doorman in charge of the footwear. A Bake-Tanuki like Kasuga. Normally he doesn't get involved with her much deeply, but this time their dialogues seem to be at a crossroads. I thought that the young man was humble and modest, somehow trying his best to look cool, but somehow he is speaking to Kasuga with a harsh expression, the atmosphere doesn't seem good in there, the impression is very different from the usual funny and light. What is up with those two. These two were different from how I knew them. "Oh, Aoi-chan." P125 From far away, Kasuga noticed me, her Tanuki ears popped up, and rushed towards me. "Aoi-chan, are you going to the main building?" "Ehhhrm, yeah. That was weird, seeing the two of you." "You think so? Chiaki is my relative you know. We were just talking." "Oh, I see..." I don't understand but, I wonder what's normal for those two. "Speaking of, Kasuga, tonight, uhm, won't you come to Yugao after work?" "To Yugao? To make me eat food?" "Yeah. I was thinking of actually holding a ladies-only hotpot banquet. I'll set up the kotatsu, and there's also mountain apple liquor. Let's have a girls' night-out once in a while." "Girls night-out..." Kasuga said "That sounds so much fun" with a wicked Tanuki face. I wonder if she's recalling amusing stories she got out of everyone. "I was thinking of calling O-ryo and Shizuna-chan too. I'm going out to meet them now." "If you say so, I'll go tell them. I'm roommates with Shizuna-chan, and I'm assigned to the banquet hall with O-ryo sama." P126 "Oh, is it OK to ask? Sorry about that." "It's fine, it's like the usual running of errands." Smiling like a beast, Kasuga nimbly dashed away. Under the deep autumn air that feels cold, her fluffy Tanuki tail swings left to right. "..." Looking back at the ginko tree, Chiaki-san the chief doorman wasn't there anymore. I wonder what the two talked about. He seemed to have casually listened to the girls night-out plan. The strong mountain apple liquor, lend me your strength... "Aoi-dono" "Wah, Sasuke-kun!" Without warning, Sasuke-kun the O-niwaban fell down beside me. He has a long scarf hanging down his neck, ninja-style from sunrise to sunset. Normally, during the day he usually wears a monk's robe as he sweeps the garden. "What's up? Something happened during work?" "I am patrolling around. Lately, there has been some disturbances." "Well, tomorrow the inn will have its break, it must be difficult. Are you hungry?" "Ah, my stomach is..." P127 Grrrrrmmmmm. Sasuke-kun's hungry stomach made some noise. "My stomach is probably hungry..." "Hee hee. When your duties are done, while on break come to Yugao. We received a lot from Orio-ya, blessings from the sea. The Southern Lands were also grateful to Sasuke-kun, would you want anything?" "Is that true?" Sasuke-kun always had a cool expression, but when it comes to food his eyes sparkle with joy, like  a child's. Realizing that he's let out his enthusiasm, he cleared his throat and hid his mouth with the scarf while saying "Well then, until later," and he disappeared into the wind. Sasuke-kun is just as always very earnest, it's adorable. "Nevertheless, some disturbance..." I heard about that by accident, recently. The disturbance, it's shady, things don't look good, among other things. I was working and doing my best in Yugao, and whatever lurks up in my surroundings I don't notice anything at all. But, at the moment I don't know about  the things that have started happening, and I got more anxious and worried. P128 Today is a secret girls; night-out, no guys allowed. It's going to happen after Yugao's working hours, a hotpot party will be opened for the ladies of Tenjin-ya. Today it's not at Yugao, the venue will be at my room at the back, and I will bring out the kotatsu. Tonight's dinner will be amberjack shabu-shabu. We'll make a light konbu/kelp dashi amberjack shabu-shabu from the many seafoods from Orio-ya. "We'll use the top shelf kelp to make the konbu dashi for the seafoods of the Southern Lands. It's a hotpot filled with crunchy mustard greens and thinly-sliced daikon, Welsh onions and enoki mushrooms, I'm going to fill it with amberjack as much as I want." "OK--- Let's eat!" Despite it being after work, the ladies' eyes will get fired up. I wonder if that's the case when they get hungry after working hours. I immediately placed in the fatty slices of amberjack in the hotpot's boiled  konbu dashi, and let it cook. I will add in here some ponzu for that single tingly flavor.** "Ahhh, what is this luxury. It's been a while since I had amberjack shabu-shabu..." "O-ryo sama, eat the vegetables too. Adding the thinly-sliced daikon makes this a shabu-shabu." "Alright, I get it..." O-ryo just ate only the amberjack, and Kasuga sneakily added in the vegetables. She also placed some of the boiled enoki, and placed a lot of the dashi along with the fish slices, placing all of these together she took a bite. T/N: Sour-tasting soups are best with fatty meats and fish, so I'd get that Aoi would do this to cut the fat and make the shabu-shabu taste even better and also to cut the fat and greasy feels. P129 The two closed their eyes in contentment. Certainly, when the raw amberjack was cooked over a flame, the entire flavor of the fish changes. Instantly the soft slices of amberjack became tough, and over that ponzu was added,  this was entirely different when eaten as sashimi or with pickles, it can be an enjoyable, extravagant yet healthy food. Well, not really, it's just the season to eat hotpot deliciously. "Speaking of, what time is Shizuna-chan coming?" "The bath hours haven't ended yet, I think she'll come over after fixing and cleaning up the bath houses. She's the only one from the management staff, and she has to stay in her working area up until the end of business hours." "Oh, yeah. I see. Shizuna-chan is part of the management staff." I lightly glanced at O-ryo. O-ryo was a former management staff member, but she seems to be unaffected by my words. It seems that the person in question enjoys whatever working position she's in right now, and is drinking carbonated water as well as the mountain apple liquors equally. Somewhat it's like being that annoying single office-lady... "Perhaps I should say it- did you know? Orio-ya's Nene is married to their Waka-danna?" "No, aren't they just engaged? It seems like that for the time being, before getting married?" P130 Uhm, Kasuga and I looked at each other. But O-ryo wasn't listening. "Hmmph. That young girl, she'll be suffering so much marrying so young. That Waka-danna called Hideyoshi, that tiny squirt, he'll noisily scold her." "You think so? I've seen that Hideyoshi, he seems good enough. Well, he is pretty noisy. But he seems to like Nene very much, I think it's wonderful that he got his feelings through." I feel like an aunty who's earnestly chatting away about her relatives. If I could talk about it better, those two make a cute, tiny couple. "Gah! Enough chatting about a guy's love for some girl! I am not interested in the happiness of other people!" With a thud, O-ryo slapped her empty wine glass on the kotatsu. "Ahhhh, O-ryo sama don't start complaing about envying other people..." As always, Kasuga started telling her off with her "good grief!" pose. "I'm sorry I'm late--" A breath of fresh air, Shizuna-chan has joined the party.** Shizuna-chan takes care of the bath houses and bears the task of keeping them in order, and is Tenjin-ya's sole management staff for that purpose. "Shizuna, you're late! The battle has already started!" T/N: well the transliteration of the original text was "Shizuna-chan has arrived in the battlefield", but I think this has the same feel, from RPGs honestly IDK anymore lol anyways IMO food parties are always a battlefield so wth it's the same gahaha P131 "Ah, yes--? I'm sorry, ehhh, a battle?" After that, even if O-ryo was just a waitress who glared at her instantly, Shizuna-chan humbly apologized. It seemed that she had no idea what O-ryo meant with her words of choice. Shizuna-chan brought a box for us, filled with so many delicious sweets.This seemed delicious to eat as dessert. "Shizuna-chan, come sit beside me. Say, do you like amberjack shabu-shabu?" Shizuna-chan rarely visits here. I did my best to take care of whatever she needs. "Well, it has been a while since I had some amberjack shabu-shabu, how nostalgic..." "Oh, right. When you were young, you were a staff at Orio-ya. During that time, did you ate a lot?" "Yes, it was my favorite. Shishou-sama** made a lot of it for me..." Talking while bashfully fidgeting, Shizuna-chan started to eat with a lot of etiquette. Suddenly, O-ryo started looking at Shizuna-chan like a sister-in-law. "I say, uhm, Shizuna? There's someone in Orio-ya like you, who's also nice and has good vibes?" "Yes? A person with good vibes?" "Hey, weren't you explicitly pursued here in Tenjin-ya? Who was it.... That guy who looks withered up, called Tokihiko. You like someone who looks bitter and glum, don't you? It's illogical and unadult-like. Don't think that somehow you're under the shadow of that guy.. *hic*" T/N: I don't know how to call the main artist or the one who takes in a lot of disciples or students or apprentices so this is the next best thing, I guess? I mean, it’s directly translated as Master=師匠-Shishou, but it can mean other stuff, not just like sensei though. P132 "Oh, uhm.. that.. Shishou-sama.... he is uhm..." Shizuna-chan's face started blushing, like she had some beer or whatnot. Once that conversation was started, she immediately got perplexed. "Wait a minute, O-ryo! Shizuna-chan just started eating, don't ask her such direct questions, her throat might block off the shabu-shabu." "You're loud Aoi! Shut up, what's more important than looks are the uses**, you crazed-cook!" "What the.." Whom on earth did she think this hotpot party was prepared for? When O-ryo drinks liquor, she always blurts out unapologetic things. "Haaahhh... Aoi may be crazy about cooking, but in the end, eventually she'll get married to Odanna-sama... He'll pick up an excessively-expensive palanquin for you, you won't understand how miserable I am..." "What the heck are you saying... I'm doing my best to avoid being his fiancee." "But Aoi-chan, didn't you and Odanna-sama went out, and you were away for more than a night?" "Hold up, Kasuga, it's a weird, story, it can't be helped. We were captured by the mountain's Kaku-zaru." "Ah, but.. Odanna-sama pulled you out of a pinch, didn't that made you have a change of heart? Or some progress?"

T/N: hanayoridango=function before looks, like buying food first before buying flowers, yeah that’s the literal meaning of the phrase. P133 "...what?" A while ago Shizuna-chan got asked the same kind of questions. Suddenly, the  three girls gazed at me. What the, what's up with their eyes, those three? They look like hyenas having an eye on their prey. "I.. I didn't mean it that way! Uhmm... Odanna-sama just.. gives his all as he saves me..." Speaking of progress, what on earth is progressing right now? My first-hand experiences weren't much, and even using those as my basis, I still don't understand. In the end, somehow despite never having an idea on what occurred, the warmth I felt when I was hugged just abruptly pops back again into my mind, and ultimately my face remains blushing, as I chattered and gritted my teeth in silence. I really don't understand this, I wonder... what is this feeling? "What the heck is that..?" "Yeah, what gives? It's weird, Aoi-chan's face is so red, why is that?" I could hear Kasuga and Shizuna-chan somewhat breaking the silence with their hushed conversations. "OK--- that's enough talking about sweethearts and whatnot--  That's every last one of them--" "Yeah, I heard you, I heard you!" O-ryo had enough of the topic already, and she rolled down into the kotatsu with an angry and dead-drunk expression. She probably got one-punched...** T/N: Yeah I feel you O-ryo, when everyone has some special someone and you're the lonely third wheel I mean, I can't blame you girl, I really can't. It's worse than getting one-punched by Saitama, but... Still lol tho sry my bad P134 "O-ryo sama, with that middle-aged man attitude such as yours, you'll miss your chances of getting married." "Kasuga? With the romance that a little girl-chama like you would know, wouldn't have an idea on what love is like, there's no such thing as an immediate fated encounter. Really esteemed women like me, wouldn't have to rush in choosing.There's no leeway for mistakes--" "Yeah, yeah. But regarding myself, I have a first love..." "What, that story about when you were young? Yeah, yeah, sure, that story that smells of inexperience is good enough. Kasuga, go pour me some more.." "Y-yes... Good grief..." The esteemed woman bully lied down again. And as the junior poured more liquor for her, she drank heartily, again. "But Kasuga, speaking of that, during the day, I saw you being with the Gesokuban** Chiaki-san. What on earth were you two chatting about?" "....uhm..." I suddenly remembered it, and without thinking I asked. Kasuga's facial expression slightly changed. "Reallyyyyy?! What the, Kasuga is with that Chiaki?!" Hearing that topic, O-ryo suddenly bolted upright. She kicked her legs inside the kotatsu, and Shizuna-chan let out a tiny, pained "ouch". "What is it, O-ryo?" "Chiaki may look sloppy and gaudy, but so many waitresses are eyeing on him. Not only does his face look good,

T/N: Gesokuban=下足番= doorman in charge of the footwear, normally in Japanese inns or hotels the footwear are kept outside the halls to prevent dirt from coming in. I think elsewhere in the world this is a practice, there’s a thing called indoor and outdoor slippers or shoes. P135 but being a Gesokuban, he's pretty much a member of the management staff. If he gets married, it's easy to dominate him. That's what I understand from hearing other people. Kasuga, he's also your type?" "...what are you talking about, O-ryo sama? Chiaki is my Uncle. Simply put, my father's younger brother.**" "Whaaa... Really?" Everyone got shocked. Everyone in here seemed to be unaware of that fact. Kasuga went "Uh-oh". Her face spelled out "I shouldn't have said that." "It's probably due to this liquor.. I may have said too much..." Kasuga was scratching an itch on her temple. Taking the opportunity, Shizuna-chan suddenly seemed to have remembered something. "Speaking of that... Kasuga is taking a long vacation to go back to her parents' home, and at the same time, Chiaki-san probably won't we working too, isn't it? Could it possibly be that, he's going home with you?" Somehow, a lot of suspicions and doubts started rising up, and Kasuga started clamoring and wailing. "Geez... stop it already! What I told you is already enough! More importantly, hotpot! Look, the mustard greens and onions, and the tofu had all boiled down.The umami of the vegetables and the amberjack have already dissolved into this precious konbu dashi, and it's considerably better now. Aoi-chan, how are we going to divide this?" With dexterity, Kasuga started distributing the contents of the hotpot into smaller bowls, but I was still determined to press information out of her. This girl is pushily taking charge over the hotpot... T/N: I don't know about you guys, but in some families due to the age gaps between the siblings, some of the nieces and nephews ar more closer in age to their aunts and uncles than the aunts and uncles have to the children's parents. I was actually raised by an elder cousin, and her eldest brother was around the age of my father, so yeah, I could understand how this whole thing with Kasuga goes. P136 "Ok, with this, it's definitely udon!" "Udon!" "Yeah let's do that" Shizuna-chan gratefully put her hands together, and O-ryo's sparkling eyes were on standby. Immediately, the udon balls were brought in, and these were dunked into the deliciously-filled dashi stock. After boiling it down, we only had to wait for the noodles to absorb the flavors. "By the way, you all, what do you think of the single guys in Tenjin-ya?" "Yes?" "Do you have anything funny about them to talk about?" While O-ryo poured some newly-opened liquor, she drunkenly pushed the question at me. This woman, sets herself aside and starts gossiping about Tenjin-ya's male army. "First of, let's start with Akatsuki. That guy's the youngest male in the management staff, he may have a promising future, surely being young his composure isn't yet enough, I think. Well, in desperate times I could say that he's adorable, but he's the type that holds grudges, and it's not a good thing that he easily snaps out. For certain, I think he doesn't have a girl." "It seems that O-ryo sama has a problem with the Bantou** -sama snapping out at her words and deeds, don't you?" "Shut up Kasuga--" "Owwwww" T/N:Bantou=番頭=head clerk, or the head receptionist

P137 O-ryo pulled out Kasuga's cheeks. Kasuga's cheeks stretched out so much. "Akatsuki-san's face is a bit scary, but he is a hard-working employee, in my opinion. But, well... I'm not interested in someone younger than me..." "That's right Shizuna, you have an older guy fetish don't you?" "Yeah, the guy has been living for 500 years now, yes..." Shizuna-chan just casually blurted out that she wasn't interested in Akatsuki. She's probably a bit drunk. She's drinking the mountain apple liquor on the rocks... "Akatsuki, you say... When I met him he shouted like he was going to kill me, that guy gave me the impression that he was the worst but... Now I think he's a really good chap. One way or another way though, he's not someone who likes taking care of others. I remember her younger sister.." That child** comes here to Yugao, his eyes may look evil but he's a caring person. Surely, I think that he's concerned about troubling his younger sister Suzuran and grandpa, among others. "Oh, and by the way..." At this point, Kasuga secretly pulled out a notebook and started telling us the stuff that she wrote. What the... What the heck, that is scary. "According to my research, the Bantou-sama doesn't have a woman's touch on him. He's aloof, and he easily and earnestly gets resentful. It also seems that despite the lady waitresses asking him out to have fun, he always doesn't go with them." "As expected..." T/N: the term Yuuma-sensei used for Akatsuki is mame=マメ=bean, but can also mean a child, a little person, etc. Honestly it's not wrong, Akatsuki is an actual precious bean IMO lol protect that spider bean lelz P138 "But that guy, a little girl once invited him to play with her..." Surprisingly, I thought this was a bit rude. Most likely, Akatsuki is sneezing a lot right now. "Wah, udon, udon--" Finally, the udon has been boiled enough. Everyone started putting udon on their bowls. "Gahh... This is it. The udon to finish the hotpot."** "Cooking this in the dashi makes it yummier, doesn't it?" The udon has surely absorbed the umami and the fatty flavors of the amberjack. I added the refreshing taste of the Sudachi Ponzu in mine. This went smoothly down the throat, and this perfectly wraps up the the meal. No, I mean, this is a work of art. "Hey Aoi, you only drank one glass of the liquor? You go drink some more..." "Sorry but, I dont drink more than a cup. Previously, drinking made my eyes hurt when I look at things." A cup of that liquor tastes great. But I dread getting drunk if I drink more than my limit. But everyone was just drinking heartily, so I guess it's fine. The mountain apple liquor also has another nickname, it's called "Easy Bandit-Killer". "Well then, next is the Waka-danna sama's turn" O-ryo continued the conversation where we previously left off. "Waaat? Even Ginji-san?! But.. Isn't Ginji-san perfect? No, a perfect Youkai? I couldn't find any fault with him." T/N: Just in case you're wondering how this works, it's rather easy.. After eating all of the ingredients in the Japanese hotpot, like taking out the veggies and meat, there's a lot of soup left. It's easier to just drink the soup but in Japan, they add stuff to help it go down easy. Choices are either noodles or rice, and the young ones love putting the noodles in. It actually tastes good either way, but I prefer noodles. I think in Persona 5 they also had this same dilemma lol Also yeah Ginji is just the ball, perfect ball of fur lol but he also has this shadowy and mysterious side so if you want a dude of mystery, Ginji's your man gahahaha P139 "Eh. You don't understand, Aoi. Seeing no faults or imperfections is that person's shortcoming-" An adultish smile floating up her face, O-ryo started spinning her glass around. "Waka-danna sama is, well, fanstastic. When you look at him he's handsome, he is well-mannered, and is skillful at his job." "Yeah I get that. He's very sweet, and he always lends a hand... But for sure, Ginji-san seems to have no interests in romantic relationships..." Even I haven't unraveled the reasons to why Ginji-san is still single. But I'm not surprised that he's well-liked. "Oh, well, based on what O-ryo-san was saying, Ginji-sama has no chink in his armor, doesn't he? When a little girl couldn't get any confidence from everyone and has to hold it together by herself, when that perfect Ginji-sama sees that person, his voice would probably not break so easily." "The Waka-danna sama isn't a greedy type, but look, what Aoi-chan is saying is that the Waka-danna seems to have no hobbies or interests. Aoi-chan doesn't understand how, but among the employees he seems to be the type that only admires one person. In that case, his attraction for this one girl could unfortunately end. And she won't be pursued relentlessly." Oh, I get it... Shizuna-chan and Kasuga pointed this out, and I could understand it better. "But after that thing with Orio-ya, somehow the air around the Waka-danna sama has changed, didn't it? T/N: OK I just translated from Japanese what I'd say if I was fan-girling over Ginji, srsly arrrghhh does a guy like this exist? I'd want the extra tails and the transformation powers but I'm OK without those as long as he's into romantic stuff.. Does he? Does he not? I don't know yet lol are there any Ginji fan-fams here too lololol P140 I heard it from the lady waitresses that aren't easy to talk to. That person, he has undoubtedly became likeable. And then, the Waka-danna sama, didn't he take care of you in your condition?" "..." With a wicked face, O-ryo was testing me with her words. But to me, up until now I think that Ginji-san is likeable, and in that case it's not even a joke. He hardly comes to Yugao now, and because of that it's gotten lonely... "On another point, among the Waka-danna sama's nine tails, the third one below, from the right seems to be the most unique.That is somehow a weak spot." "Kasuga, how did you know such information?" It's scary... Kasuga's information is creepy. Even though she's drunk the power of her research skills scared all of us. "Well then... Choubachou** Byakuya-sama--" "O-ryo, don't you dare take another step over there--" We suddenly exercised caution with Byakuya-san. If we speak rudely of him, we feel like we're going to get cursed.** "I honestly couldn't remember a time when he got angry..." "Me either..." "Me too..." T/N: OK so my bad, Byakuya’s supposed position ranges from accounting to reception, but I just previously translated his position as head accountant because it’s what I got before. But he’s more or less the chief of management operations, which includes accounting. Anyway... Hey, I mean, if Byakuya can kick Raijuu's ass then it's justifiable that Byakuya is always in a sour mood, and it's bad to talk about him rudely. Raijuu's a pain in the ass for sure. Arrrgh P141 In the end, this girls' group had nothing more to say. We shuddered when we remembered stuff, and inside the kotatsu we all curled up. Though we were only just talking about him, his pressure on us made us feel defeated even in here. "H.. However, Byakuya-sama stealthily spoils the pipe cats living at the back of the mountain..." "Kasuga, nobody knows about that yet. Don't talk about it, if that gets leaked out we'll get killed." Well, in short, Byakuya-sama pours all of his love to the pipe cats. "Geez, we've wrapped out heads too much on these puzzles, and my hands have lost all feeling. Like Odanna-sama, he also exists above the clouds." "That's because Byakuya-sama is Odanna-sama's good old wife." O-ryo and Kasuga opened the box that Shizuna-chan brought for us, and while munching on these they were sloppily chatting. "Good old wife?" Isn't Byakuya-san a guy? as I tilted my head. "Since long ago, he has assisted in the running of Tenjin-ya. Odanna-sama is able to go here and there freely for work, and Byakuya-sama was staying in Tenjin-ya and presides over it. He has long been in good terms with Odanna-sama, and Byakuya-sama could readily and frankly give out his opinions to him." Come to think of it, before Odanna-sama and I went out, him and Byakuya-san were talking about something one way or the other. P142 In that case, other than the other employess and executives, nobody sees it like an older wife giving encouragement to her husband. "And for sure, when the Oo-Okami** sama isn't here, Byakuya-sama also takes in that role as well, doesn't he?" "Oo-Okami?" Shizuna-chan was drinking the last drop of the sweet liquor, she was reminded of her old home and started talking. "Ougondouji-sama is currently residing in Orio-ya. Previously, Ougondouji-sama was asked to be the Oo-Okami. She holds the same position and rank as Odanna-sama, therefore ever since Ougondouji-sama left Tenjin-ya,the position has been vacant." "Oh, I see... If that's so, with regards to that old tale, I have asked Ginji-san about that." And with that, Byakuya-san also holds the position of Oo-Okami. "Haaaahhh... That weird chat about the Oo-Okami has been a bit too much already." "O-ryo sama, didn't you tell me back then that you'd focus intently on becoming Oo-Okami ,once upon a time?" "Shut up Kasuga! It's a harsh fact that I have to live with!" With O-ryo and Kasuga's conversation, my ears grew eager to listen. "But isn't that.. O-ryo already has no interest with the Waka-Okami position?" "Whaaat? Aoi, you're asking that question? Did't I tell you that I won't get into the position of Waka-Okami again?" T/N: Oo-Okami, Mistress of the House, or something, like the big lady boss.

P143 "R..Really?" "It's fine, really it is. My enthusiastic, indomitable personality is dead. I want to enjoy living a carefree life. I plan to marry a rich guy, then immediately stop working--" "..." Somehow, the atmosphere became tense. Could it be possible that, among all the people in here right now, we're all thinking that O-ryo didn't really want to give up that position? Especially Kasuga, she was shell-shocked, and her face looked troubled. I felt that the mood has changed, so I tapped my fist in my hand. "Oh, right, right. I brought some large-sized grapes from the fruit orchard park, and I made some grape tarts. Let's eat some? I added a lot of grapes on it, it's a custard cream dessert." "Kasstard? OK OK let's eat--" It seems that nobody understood what I meant, but everybody nodded their heads excitedly. Grape tart. I made the crust with the coconut oil from Orio-ya and baked it, and by adding the large grapes called Daishisui that I gathered with Odanna-sama yesterday, the tart looks like a sparkly jewelry box. On top of the crust, I laid down an easily-made custard cream made of Cassowary egg and some wheat flour, with cow's milk and a bit of sugar, P144 and these buried the grapes cut in halves, which I later baked in the oven. After baking this for a while, I topped everything with raw grapes and pure cream. These were arranged as such because the tightly-packed grapes beneath this layer cannot be seen. "Woooooow!" Those dynamic-seeing eyes, everyone's eyes were sparkling. I sliced the large tart in front of everyone, and when the neatly-arranged grapes were cut through, Shizuna-chan let out a regretful-sounding "Awww".** There wasn't any fork, we used kuromoji, special wooden chopsticks** normally used for Japanese sweets or just ate them using our bare hands. "Uwahhh this is juicy-- What is this, I thought this food has raw grapes, but this tastes is like it was meant to be a baked dessert!" "This is the first time I ate something that tastes like this, but the grapes' sweetness stands out, it's really delicious--" O-ryo eating with her hands and Shizuna-chan using a kuromoji, they fell into a trance like typical ladies who love sweets. "This is generally called a fruit tart, and with the rich taste of the eggs in the custard cream, it blends well with the sweet and sour freshness of the fruits, and together these really bring about the best-tasting combination. The sweetness gets reduced, and the sourness becomes mild." As I was explaining how the mild taste came about, Kasuga haven't taken a single bite of the grape tart, and while propping her chin with her hand, she was observing it quietly. T/N: Lol I feel you Shizuna-chan, I feel the same when a freshly-bought ice cream tub looks so neat I don't wanna cut through it lol that's why ASMR of perfectly arranged anything are famous bahaha

Kuromoji=黒文字= Japanese sweets are eaten traditionally by using tiny wooden chopsticks, to cut and skewer them. You can check them out via search engine or smth P145 "What is it, Kasuga? Don't tell me, you don't like grapes?" "Hmm? No, it's not like that.. I really love grapes. That dessert you called tart, I was thinking of something." Kasuga ate held tart like it was a hard cookie, and bit on it heartily despite doubting what it was, before chewing on it. She filled her cheeks with the grapes, the custard, and the fragrant crust. "Mmmm, I wanted to eat some more. The grapes are heavy, and they burst in my mouth." Just a while ago we were enjoying some amberjack shabu-shabu, but we still had room for dessert, and all of the girls ate as much of the grape tart to their hearts' content. "Aoi-dono--" In that moment, came a boy's voice that can be heard from inside Yugao. "It's Sasuke-kun. I told him that I was going to give him something to eat after his working hours." The three ladies around me went "It's.. Sasuke-kun?", and they looked at me from the side. "Say, Aoi, tell Sasuke-kun to come here too." "Really? Even if today's a no-guys-allowed girls' night-out, it's OK to call him in?" "Yes, it's totally OK. Sasuke-kun is an adorable and good boy." "..." Even though there was a nagging feeling, I went outside of Yugao and called out to Sasuke-kun. "Sasuke-kun, thank you for your hard work. We were just having a hotpot party inside but, P146 I'll also add something for you, OK?" "Hotpot, is it? Is it because it has already gotten a bit cold?" "Come in. Everyone's waiting for you. I'll go and prep up." "I understand." Sasuke-kun unknowingly trudged toward the innermost room, and opened the door. "?!" No sooner than opening the door. Sasuke-kun the ninja couldn't react fast enough, and he was dragged into the room. "Gyaaaaahhh! Aoi-dono, Aoi-dono---" Sasuke-kun, the innocent and sweet Sasuke-kun, he was preyed upon by the ladies starved of men. "I- I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun. I'll make you a delicious hotpot, OK?" I feel guilty that he gets harassed, and using another earthen pot I added dashi stock, vegetables and the amberjack slices, and hurriedly went towards the innermost room. Please, please let Sasuke-kun be OK! "..." Sasuke-kun was already pestered by the drunken ladies, here and there he was grumbling being urged to drink liquor, P147 his hair has been tousled and his scarf stretched out, it was horrible, but he was being coddled and spoiled. "Aoi-dono--" Poor Sasuke-kun, he was crying out of fear. He was unprotected, and the swarming girls were getting their fill, it was another shabu-shabu over the kotatsu setting. They're feeding him too much. While he's eating delicious food, I will protect Sasuke-kun.

Despite the determination of that bunch, just like turning off a lamp, the girls suddenly collapsed. 

Zzzz.... The effects of the mountain liquor came at last, and the intense sleepiness has struck. "Aoi-dono.. What on earth, were you doing here?" "Hmm? It's a secret girls' night-out, Sasuke-kun." "Secret girls' night-out..."

It's really too much to handle drunkeness. The true intents and personalities of the girls, were hidden and unseen, in this empty room these must not get out. Everything that they spewed out, they'll probably forget in the morning. And that was the so-called, girls' night-out.

End of Chapter 4, Volume 6. Previous - Intermission 1 Next - Intermission 2

References:

Wonderful site for the youkai references

Other stuff I used to do this: Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Dictionary (you can buy here, I’m not sponsored btw). I was about to buy the older edition but then the newer one came out 2013 so I bought that instead. Worth buying since I was able to find nearly all of the words I needed just by stroke pattern alone.

Merriam-Webster's Japanese-English Dictionary (the red-covered 1996 version is apparently out of print right now). This is what I have been using for a very long time, I bought it when I was still a fetus (yes I am old so what lol), and after so many years, when compared to newer editions, I still prefer this one since its entirety is Japanese-English, the English to Japanese gloss are just 16 pages tops, so you get more Japanese words for your buck. But that’s just my opinion, maybe other people prefer the Jap-En x En-Jap IDEK.

Basic online dictionary, Jisho. Knowledge of verb conjugations  and other words are necessary since not all have entries.

If you can read Japanese, you can buy the whole set in Amazon Japan, they’re shipping worldwide now, I think.

[kakuriyo-translations]

Chapter 4: The Old Tengu

Chapter 4: The Old Tengu

113.“Atatata. This is normal.” Looking in the distance, I sat in a seat looking at my face in the mirror. There was blood travelling down my forehead going along my right cheek and between my eyes. Although it is bad, it was a little amusing and I could not help but laugh. Since I have no other way to treat my wounds, I take out the ointment I was carrying around. I put some of it on a piece of paper. The bloodshed starts to stop, I tried very hard to treat it. I cannot hear the conflict going on, the only thing I can hear is the sounds of the lively festival music. “The Master seemed to handle that situation well…” I said to myself. Although, perhaps I may be kicked out of this place tomorrow? There was such a sad feeling. The Master, First Hostess and Young Hostess all looked so angry towards me. “Alright, what to do now? I made so many side dishes and I can’t eat them all by myself…”

114. I go around the counter and check the previously prepared dishes that have been laid out on a large plate. There are a few side dishes. Stir fried pork, Japanese radish fried miso eggplant and other goods. Theres also miso soup and freshly cooked rice. I was thinking about freezing it and cooking it for lunch tomorrow. I feel as if all this cooking was in vain now. For now, I may serve them in a bowl and eat alone for tonight. Ginji-san is surely being chased by work at the moment. The heat of the oven starts to warm the room. Outside there was a sound as if something had crashed into the ground. I was scared but none the less I went outside, a black lump had fallen against the willow tree. Several of the tree branches had broken. I hurried over to get a better look at the lump on the floor. I know that it was an Ayakashi, but it seemed he was having a hard time and looked like he was suffering. “A Tengu?” It was a nice looking Tengu with black wings on his back, small and light. They looked like they were on the verge of falling off. Perhaps he was one of those Tengu’s going on a rampage back at the front? It seemed he was drunk, when I was growing up I’d see my grandpa like this a lot.

115. I arranged some cushions and let him lay on them. “Why am I remembering something delicious…” My Grandfather would also go out drinking a lot with an old friend, he would often come home drunk. As he made his way home I guess his friend felt they had no choice but to help him get back as he would become quite drowsy. As I was indulged in memories the old Tengu’s eyes started to flutter open. Both our eyes met. “What is this place? I, ouch ouch ouch.”

“Mister, mister, are you alright? Would you like some water?

“Who are you?” The old man lifted the upper half of his body and I handed him the water. Even though his nose seems injured he manages to get up by himself and falls forward,

“What is this place?”

“Ah, this place is separated from Tenjin-ya.”

“What? Tenjin-ya?” The old mans eyes seem to get red when Tenjin-ya is mentioned.

116. He must have been one of the Tengu who had gotten into that big fight. It totally went over my head. In a panicked voice I added. “Ah, but it’s only me here! This place was abandoned by Tenjin-ya.”

“What?”

“Hey, Mister are you hungry? I prepared a lot of dishes earlier but might need to cook more rice.”

“…….”

“Did you not eat at Tenjin-ya?” The old man’s stomach made a growling sound, I suppose that was his answer. I started to laugh harder and harder and the old man seemed to seem confused in his sleepy state. “Is something wrong?”

“No, no. My Grandfather also got hurt when he was drunk so he’d sleep. I’d make sure he wasn’t hungry or sleepy.” What a story. My grandfather would get hungry when drunk and then would fall asleep on the spot crushing things. He’d then be very hungry after waking up. However this Tengu spread out on the cushions on the floor reminds me greatly of him. “I suppose I am hungry but I can’t eat food made by a little girl!”

“Is that right? Even the cuisine at Tenjin-ya didn’t suit your tastes.”

117. “……”

“Well, I’m going to set up the counter, so feel free to pick up some chopsticks if you want some supper.” With that said I head towards the counter and stepped inside. I washed my hands then prepared the chopsticks and chopstick rests. I also set out a bowl of rice seasoned with pickled burdock, putting it closest to where the old man was sitting. I then return to the counter to warm up the simmer pork and radish, as the pot begins to boil a pleasant smell comes out. I dip my finger in slightly to have a small taste. The seasoning has gone into the radish and it tastes very good. “Oi, girl.” After I had a taste of the dish, the old Tengu calls me over with an impatient voice. I pulled my finger out from the pot thinking he may have thought me as rude eating this way. As I step out from behind the counter I see the old man is still lying down on the cushions. “Oi, please help me to get to the counter.” In short, he wants this, ‘little girl,’ to carry him on my back. Why did this old man have to be injured? I take him over to the counter seat. “Good, set me here.”

118. The old tengu took a seat, he immediately asked for a cup of hot tea, I poured one right away. I returned to the inside of the counter careful in handling the food. He made a groaning sound. I had realized the old man was looking at the vinegar burdock root.

“Mister? Would you like some simmered pork and radish?”

“……”

“I can prepare a little if you’d like to eat something.” He seems to be in an eccentric like dazed state, although I may be a good thing that this old man is quiet, so I may do as I wish. What a tame refusal. From inside of the counter I place out bowl full of simmered pork and radish in front of the old man. Pork and radish is made by roasting ingredients in sesame oil then simmering it with soup stock and soy sauce. In this new world even Ayakashi enjoy the tastes of things sweet and light whilst being stupendously delighted. Since this is not a dish that can be accompanied with sake I set out a bowl of white rice and miso soup. I stood inside of the counter for a little while before I heard a voice call out “Hey,” followed by a chuckle.

“This isn’t enough, isn’t there anything else I can have?”

119. ”There’s stir-fried meat, eggplant and miso but it may be a little heavy.”

“Good, bring it all out!” I wonder if he was really hungry? It’s like he has the same habits as my grandfather who also ate quite a lot.

“I’m sorry, because of the limited ingredients I had here I didn’t plan to make anything great, only enough to fill my stomach. I wish I’d prepared it differently since originally I had intended to eat alone…” Whilst preparing the food and chattering to myself the old Tengu asked me a question.

“You, what’s your name?”

“Aoi, Aoi Tsubaki. I’m a human.”

“Tsubaki? Human?”

“Oh, I suppose a human being in the Hidden Realm would be quite a funny thing… But please reframe from eating me since there’s food here.” I set out the warmed meat, some freshwater, eggplant and miso in a small bowl. The old tengu stared at me from the counter.

“Eh, is what’s up? Is there something on my face?”

“You, well are you the daughter of Shiro Tsubaki?” I blinked a few times in shock. Of all places I certainly did not think my grandfather’s name would be brought up here.

120.I also gaze at the old Tengu. Unlike the eyes that I’ve been cautious of, it seemed like eyes that were looking at something nostalgic. Suddenly, a smile slipped through.

“Almost. I’m Shiro Tsubaki’s granddaughter.” 

“Oh, his granddaughter, huh.” 

“Yes, do you know my grandfather?” 

“I do. Yeah, I know him very well.” 

The old Tengu looked up at the ceiling as he was immersed in his memories. For a moment, he fell silent. And in a big voice followed by a laugh, he let out a “gahahaha.” 

“I see. At last, a granddaughter. Ahahahaha”

“M-mister?”

“My name is Matsuba. Call me Matsuba-sama, Aoi.” 

I can’t help but say it obediently when he states it so clearly. 

Certainly, this man seems to be quite a remarkable Tengu. No, just being a Tengu alone may be remarkable.

Without thinking, Matsuba-sama filled his mouth with rice and gulped it down in front of me, along with a side dish stretching his cheek out.

As I watch this grandpa eating the food so energetically and deliciously, I end up remembering my grandfather. 

 121.“How is it, does it suit your taste?” 

“Oh yes, it reminds me of my mother’s cooking.”

“You have a mother, Matsuba-sama?” 

“Of course. Even ayakashi have mothers who give birth to them.”

So that’s how it is, I can’t really imagine that. 

“For an excellent tengu like Matsuba-sama, this kind of home cooking must be boring to you.”

“No.. It’s good to have occasionally.” 

As Matsuba-sama held the bowl with a side dish, he was absorbed in deep thought. Did this person really go on a rampage at the front desk at Tenjin-ya?

“Hey, did the food at Tenjin-ya not suit the taste of tengus?” I tried asking him boldly. Without knowing what Matsuba-sama was thinking, he curved his mouth and distorted his face. 

“Hmm, I simply got tired of it.

“We, who are regulars at Tenjin-ya, got tired of the same food that is always served here.” 

“Is that so.”

“The head chef is a stubborn guy. He won’t even listen to any requests. He has the attitude where we have to consume it gratefully since he serves us.”

“There is a traditional taste..”

 122.“However, you can’t help but get tired of it. I’m just saying it honestly.”

As Matsuba-sama states that he isn’t in the wrong, he raises his chin up. ‘Well, things like that could happen,’ as I thought to myself. Anyhow, I am just an outsider.

“However, Aoi, your food is nostalgic rather than disagreeable. It’s all food that is passed down from the present world. Not only that, but it is also the taste that Ayakashi like.”

“Have you been to the present world before?”

“Of course, because tengus like human girls. There have been many occurrences where young girls from the apparent world would be whisked away to become brides.” 

“What..” That would be kidnapping… Matsuba-sama spoke as if it was a normal thing, but as expected after hearing something like that, I became hardened. Even if they are rotten, they are still ayakashi. 

“My mother was also a human girl. Her home cooking was simple, yet gentle. Just like food from the apparent world.”Around Matsuba-sama’s eyes filled with wrinkles, just for a little bit, began to become less tense. A grandpa as feeble as him also remembers the taste of his mother’s it seems. 

Even I, for a little bit started remembering my mother. But as expected, I stopped myself. Just by remembering my mother’s taste, my body starts shivering. It’s not that I don’t know my mother’s taste, but by no means is the taste of love free. Even if I wanted it, it’s something that would never be given to me.

 123

After looking at my facial expression, Matsuba-sama spoke slowly.

“Aoi, you resemble Shiro.”

“Really? A lot of Ayakashi say that, but I wonder if I resemble him that much.” I lifted my face and for some reason, pinched my cheeks. When I’m told that I resemble my grandfather, I have just a bit of a sense of discomfort. But since we’re connected by blood, it’s not like we wouldn’t be similar to each other. 

“Your faces might be similar but it’s also the same vibe that you both give off.” 

“Is that so? I always thought that I was more calm than my grandpa.” 

“Hahaha. No, no. You two have similar spiritual powers.” 

“Spiritual powers…?” I have no idea what that means. Besides being able to see Ayakashi, I never felt that I had any other special powers. 

“Shiro was a wild human. He came to the hidden realm by himself and would cause havoc with a lot of Ayakashi. Because of that, a lot of Ayakashi also were after his life.”

“Haha, that sounds like my grandpa.”

“There has been a time where I’ve also been helped by Shiro before. It’s been 50 years since then. It was around the time when he was still a boy. After getting drunk from sake, I fell into the Daikanro River, a river that crosses the hidden realm.”

 124

“Oh my.” I wonder how many times this grandpa has told this story.. Even though I think that, without words, it touched my heart. 

“I may be a great tengu who has lived for over a hundred something years, but at any rate, my iron clogs were heavy. As I was drowning, I ended up sinking too easily. My wings have also gotten wet, so they were too heavy for me to fly.” 

As if Matsuba-sama was making fun of himself, he laughed abruptly.

“Fishing at the Daikanro River is prohibited, but like as usual, Shiro was fishing there. When he found me drowning, with that fragile human body, he jumped into the river and pulled me up to the sea bank.” 

“Well, my grandpa is the type of person who did humanitarian actions.”

“No, no. He pestered me for a reward for saving my life. He was a shameless fellow.”

“Oh.. I see..” As expected, grandpa was a useless grandpa back then too. 

“So, what in the world did you end up giving to my grandpa?” As I was getting curious, Matsuba-sama looked away.

“At that time, I didn’t have anything on me. Later on, I promised to give him a treasured fan.

 125

Shiro nodded in agreement, but he ended up not showing up before me for a while.”

“Hmm, I wonder if that was when he returned to the modern world.” 

“I wouldn’t know. He was a carefree, happy-go-lucky guy. He doesn’t keep his promises, but he’s unable to ignore what’s happening in front of him. He was an irresponsible person who lived for the moment.

“That is absolutely true.” Living in the moment, or rather, my grandfather’s haphazard way of life was expressed so wittily that for some reason, made my chest burn up. ‘This ayakashi really knows my grandfather,’ I thought once again. 

“Since then, after time passed by, I’ve met him many times. But it seems that he forgot the promise. He never accepted it in the end.”

“Yeah, he probably really forgot.”

“It seems so. He’s that kind of person after all.” It’s not a seat for liquor, but Matsuba-sama still continued on about stories of the past.

Perhaps, it was as if his flood of memories was starting to overflow. If he didn’t talk, he wouldn’t be able to sort everything out. 

“I liked Shiro. The majority of the ayakashi in the hidden realm would call him a good-for-nothing human, or a lowlife, worse than ayakashi. But even that was amusing and exhilarating.

 126

“Ah, a lowlife, worse than ayakashi…” It’s not mistaken. Even in the modern world, ayakashi have also said that. 

“I heard a rumor that Shiro has a big debt at Tenjinya. He’s a good for nothing fellow.”

Matsuba-sama sipped some hot tea and let out a long breath.  

“Nevertheless, your cooking is exquisite. It’s the taste that ayakashi like. My mother knew this taste but had a hard time with it.”

“The taste my grandpa liked and what the ayakashi like are similar. Sweet, light seasoning, and plain flavors.”

“Oh? That’s strange. Back then, he used to say that the food in the hidden realm was too bland to eat.”

“What?”

“Well, his taste must have changed.” Before I could think, Matsuba-sama came up with this conclusion. It’s true that as you get older, your taste could change. Could it be that my grandfather’s taste gradually changed to an ayakashi’s. Or did he miss the hidden realm’s food..

  127. I became confused at such a thing.

“Where is Shiro now? If his granddaughter is here surely, he is coming as well? How is he? Is he well?” The look in Matsuba-sama’s eyes is fun, filled with the excitement of a small child, almost shattering. I shake my head.

“No. He’s dead. He wasn’t that old, but he fell down a flight of stairs and died. It wasn’t a pleasant thing.” The sad sunken expression on Matsuba-sama’s face after finding out that my grandfather had died felt strange. Everyone else seemed pleased with my grandfather’s death but it seems the opposite for Matsuba-sama.

“I see, he was a generous man. He was respectable even amongst Ayakashi.”

“……”

“Human beings are such fragile creatures. Most can’t even live a hundred years.” His voice was lonely. Matsuba-sama sipped his tea with a sad look on his face. After that Matsuba-sama had tried to get drunk, however a cold expression came over him when I told him there was no sake here. He stood up in silence uttering, “I’m going to go drink.” He then left, I watched from the bottom of the willow tree as he flew overhead sending the pine wood flying.

128. Ships still soared in the night sky and the festival has not yet stopped. Matsuba-sama who was also flying amongst them slowly got smaller and smaller. He was a strange visitor but thanks to him I recalled the unlucky events that had happened to me. According to Matsuba-sama’s stories my grandfather has travelled in and out of the Hidden Realm alone. No matter how much I think about it I can’t help but wonder if he was not lonely, if he wasn’t scared. No matter how hard I think about this person that is no longer here no answers manage to come out. He was deeply loved and respected by some people here, but even in this world some things have not changed. When I think about my grandfather being the person he was it is nostalgic and unavoidable. My grandfather who tried to make his own granddaughter an ogre’s bride and a debtor. This feeling of sadness is something that I cannot do anything about. There’s nothing I can do about it; my grandfather’s debt is also my own burden.

129. The next day I got up at dawn, after rearranging some of the surrounding furniture I ate a lot of the leftovers. Yesterday Matsuba-sama the old Tengu had eaten a lot of it, so there wasn’t too much trouble. I washed the cooking utensils and dishes after eating cheerfully. This is a lovely place, it’s sad that it’s going to be destroyed but it does belong to Tenjin-ya. Now it looks the same from before I used it, it can’t be helped.

“Alright.” It was about noon when I had finished with all of the work. If I cannot work in this inn I have no choice but to find work on the outside. I put on the matcha kimono for employees that Ginji-san had given me. In this world the trend of a light blue flowy dress is nonexistent. Instead everyone wears kimonos, they are still thin, light and they cover your whole body.

“Oh, right, hair ornament.” I remember the camellia ornament that was given to me by the Ogre God and take it out of my bag. I miss those pleasures of standing under the Torii bridge, overlooking the face of a demon who turned out to be the Master of Tenjinya. Thinking back on those times are almost hilarious and the hunger in my stomach ceases.

130.” Well, looks like I’m selling this to a pawnbroker.” Even if it is pretty I attempt to put the hair ornament into the depths of my bag then stop, placing it on the counter. If I’m going to venture out of Tenjinya then I will leave this here. I walk the distance towards the door. Alright, let’s do our best to find a job.

“Aoi-san!” At the moment Ginji-san came out from the back door of the main building and passed through a corridor. He is now in the form of a young man wearing a Japanese half coat.

“Oh, Ginji-san! Great timing. Could I look for a job outside?”

“Outside? What? Why on Earth… No, you can’t. Aoi-san please come here.” Ginji-san seems as if he’s in a hurry, what could be making him like this? I follow him across from the courtyard, hurried along the corridor and went to the front desk. At the front of the main building all the work has stopped and all of the Tenjinya employees are lined up. The first lady, the young snow woman, the Tsuchigomo and the chief daruma. Other than that I don’t know anything about the others and for some reason there seems to be a large dog that was rampaging yesterday.

131. When I walked in everyone’s attention seemed to land on me, I thought that something must have been wrong. Cold sweat runs down. The Master came over to me with a sublime look on his face. Looking into his red eyes is worrying.

“Aoi, did you cook a meal for the tengu?” I was thrilled, I wonder if this is all about Matsuba-sama, however I wonder if I had done something that I shouldn’t have. The thought of them being angry at me and kicking me out was chilling.

“Aoi, Aoi! I was looked after last night.” At that time Matsuba-sama was wearing a kimono with the pattern of a mountain on it as he spoke to me through the crowd of Ayakashi. The Tengu were lined up side by side amongst the Ayakashi, they all made way for Matsuba-sama. Matsuba-sama walked over to me cane in hand at the front desk. Could Matsuba-sama possibly be a respected person? A great Tengu? Yesterday he was just a miserable old man who fell under a willow tree covered in branches.

“Aoi, Aoi you helped me who had fallen and served me delicious food, you are also Shiro’s granddaughter, so I will care for you.”

“Well thank you for that.”

“Therefore, I will give you this this Tengu fan.”

 132.Matsuba-sama presented me with an eight-leafed fan. I thought of rude things such as to why I’d need such an object. The Ayakashi employees of Tenjinya all made surprising sounds when they saw it.

“Ehhhhhhh?” Their eyes raised as they all jumped up. Even the Master has an unbelievable look of surprise in his eyes.

“Here, this was originally meant for Shiro and for that reason you, his granddaughter will inherit it.”

“Huh? But is that okay? By the looks of everyone’s reactions this must be really precious.”

“It’s alright, it’s okay.” Matsuba-sama is in a completely different state from yesterday, he’s in a good mood and can look after himself. I look at my hand in puzzlement as he gives me the fan.

“From what I’ve heard you seem to be staying here at Tenjinya as a way to pay off Shiro’s debt, as his debtor. What a waste. What a pity. If you don’t want to work in a place like this come to Mount Shumon, there you will be treated with hospitality. If anything, you could even marry one of my sons. Then you will be my relative and we will pay off the debt. The Tengu will take care of such a human girl.”

As a result of Matsuba-sama’s outrageous proposal the Tenjinya employees once again stare at me in shock, I hold onto the eight-leafed fan.

133.The Master says nothing but only narrows his eyes. However, Ginji-san seems to be in a rush as he kneels at the feet of Great Tengu lowering his head.

“We cannot do that Matsuba-sama. We cannot do that.”

“Why not, nine tails?” Ginji-san continues to bow to Matsuba-sama although, I can understand Matsuba-sama’s reasoning and position.

“Aoi-san is also the Masters fiancée.”

“Ha. Fiancée? And he drove her to a place like that? A granddaughter of Shiro is my granddaughter as well.”

“Haha, yes well, that’s right, I suppose…” Matsuba-sama continues to scold Ginji-san. I rush over and stand in front of Ginji-san.

“Matsuba-sama, Ginji-san is my savior so please to not scold him so harshly.”

“Well alright, if you say so. But Aoi, please come with me.”

“Aha, Matsuba-sama I’m sorry but I cannot accept such an offer.” Matsuba-sama the Tengu standing to his side and all of the Tenjinya employees all let out gasps of surprise at my quick decision. A few voices of shock surface here and there. I can feel the Master staring at me with his red eyes, I do not know what he’s thinking.

134. Well, it doesn’t matter, I turn to face Matsuba-sama again.

“The thing is I can see that you care about me but Matsuba-sama if I go with you I know I will regret it.”

“Aoi, why?”

“Shiro Tsubaki is my grandfather and I want to fix what he’s done.” This may have been a foolish choice, but I feel as if I should clean up after my grandfather. It was for that reason my grandfather took me in after all.

“Besides, I told that Ogre over there I’d work off the debt and I can’t break that promise without his permission, and I know he’d rather I pay it back quickly instead of me bothering the Ayakashi working in the inn. However, I try not to listen to such mean things.” Matsuba-sama looks sad and disappointed, I can’t bear to watch.

“I’m sorry, I can’t accept this fan either.” I hold out the eight-leafed fan to the Great Tengu but Matsuba-sama but he slowly pushes it back towards me.

135.“Okay, but you keep that. I promised it to Shiro a long time ago, but he forgot about the eastward fan and did not accept it. Since you, Aoi, are supposed to be handling Shiro’s debt this eastward fan has been passed down to you.”

“Eastward fan…” It’s breathtaking. What does it mean eastward? Matsuba-sama stubbornly insisted that I keep it. ‘If you say so,’ I thought to myself as I hold it thankfully. However, it is difficult to think of a use for it in the first place, I have no idea what it’s supposed to be used for. Perhaps it’d look cool under a dish of some sort?

“Ogre God.” Matsuba-sama stands in front of the Master, before he was treated with great respect but now the Master smiles at him in a businesslike manner.

“What is it, Matsuba-sama?”

“If Aoi is your fiancée take care of her more. I know that you and Shiro have some history but that does not mean his grandchild is to blame.”

“Haha well, I don’t especially remember mistreating her.”

“Oh, you’re playing dumb.”

136. The old tengu turned his back to the Master and the rest of them.

“Well good because after the incidents of last night I was thinking about not using Tenjinya for a while but after Aoi’s delicious food I’ve decided to let it slide.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Well we did go a little overboard and will cover half the cost of repairing the inn.” The Master bowed his head to Matsuba-sama, other employees follow with looks of relief. It seems that I am one of the only people left upstanding. To me Matsuba-sama lowers his head.

“Aoi, because I ate your dish I became full of energy. When I eat your food, I feel powerful. You should open up a small restaurant and invite me to it.” Matsuba-sama leapt up on the spot.

“Ha? My food is just home cooking it’d be impossible for me to prepare a proper meal, let alone a restaurant.” I laughed at Matsuba-sama’s idea, however Ginji-san spoke up for me.

“Yes, that’s right! Aoi-san should open an eatery in that place. Please rethink your decision to break it down and let it belong to Aoi-san so she can be a chef. It’ll be a new start!”

137. “Ha?” Even Ginji-san thinks so, how strange. What are they thinking? I was about to laugh but I cover my mouth in a hurry.

“W-wait a second. What are you talking about? I can’t do that!” The cooking from here is a lot different from my cooking, I can understand that much. I try to refuse them. I’ll just find another job. However, Ginji-san begins to talk with Matsuba-sama about it.

“That’s right. If you do decide to please let me visit you at that place when I come to Tenjinya. If you want, you could even give it a name.”

“Thankfully, Matsuba-sama is one of our most esteemed guests. So, all of the Tengu would visit, it’d be extremely busy.” Ginji-sans business skills are a little terrible. The Ayakashi around me seem to be in a fuss about it, especially the Daruma standing in the shadows who have sour looks on their faces.

“Um, um. I don’t think I could make a very delicious meal though.”

“No, Aoi-san! You told me you’d listen to anything that I’d ask.” Ginji-san gripped my shoulders firmly and smiled at me. Eh? No, I told you to ask if you ever needed anything.

138. “That’s why you should cook at that place. This is also an opportunity for you to repay your debt.”

“……..” I can’t get out of this, I can’t get out of this. I can’t refuse, I have to pay back my debts. The inside of my head goes blank. At that time the Master speaks up.

“Please wait.” He said with a low voice, ending the flow of the conversation.

“Do not decide this on your own, I will decide. Understood? Ginji.”

“Yes Master, understood.” Ginji-san stiffens a little bit and bows his head to the Master.

“We will think about what to do with it, but for now let’s wait. For now, we have to get the inn up and running again. We can’t let it remain this way.”

I try not to panic, in that moment the Master puts his hand on Ginji-san’s shoulder, they both give me a passing glance before they stand to go before Matsuba-sama.

“Matsuba-sama, I apologize for how rudely we conducted ourselves yesterday. Please continue to use our services in the future.”

“Hm. While we’re talking about apologies for being rude I suppose we should too. Well, thanks to Aoi we accept your apology. Only for Aoi’s sake, and you remember that well.”

139. “Yes, of course.” After the interaction, the Tengu were rushed into a large conference room called, ‘Enma,’ by the first lady. The Tenjin-ya executives are also sucked into a working spree far and in-between. Whilst holding the treasured Tengu fan I watch the movements of various Ayakashi.

“Aoi.” The Master passed by and called out to me. I think worriedly to myself.

“I don’t know where you were going but know I will not allow you to leave Tenjin-ya.”

“But I thought I could look for a job outside?”

“Wait awhile, okay?” The Master grabs my hand and puts it to my head, it feels a little obscure. A black sleeve brushes my cheek and his arm passes by. I’ll wait as he says, I feel a little tired anyway.

140. “Don’t feel bad human girl.” The front desk Tsuchigomo says as he passes me. Although I don’t entirely get what he’s trying to say. With uncertainty in my mind I step into the dark corridor and sit down on the unused steps. The raccoon room hostess girl calls out to me, she sits down as she eats Manju buns.

“That old man Tengu seems to be quite fond of you.” The raccoon girl throws me a manju bun that I catch.

“Although because of it Tenjin-ya will be able to resolve the problem easily.”

“Ha?”

“Last night the Master tried to entertain the angry Tengu on one of our luxury ships ‘Kukakumaru,’ but the drunken Matsuba-sama who was not in a good mood drank too much and fell off the boat. The Tengu finished up the feast and searched frantically for Matsuba-sama but they couldn’t find him. It was a pretty big deal.”

“I see. That’s why Matsuba-sama was in that place.” Matsuba-sama must have remembered the sight of falling under the willow tree. Although it must be bad practice for a Tengu to fall from such a height. The raccoon girl continues to eat the Manju.

141. “At that point in time it had already been said that it was impossible to restore ties with the Tengu of Shumon Mountain since Matsuba-sama is the head Tengu. The Tenjin-ya executives had a meeting in the conference room this morning while everyone else was repairing the front desk area. Guests are leaving out the front gate and tonight Tenjin-ya is in temporary repair mode. Most guests have cancelled.”

I thought that no customers other than the Tengu would have been in the front anyway.

“Well then the Tengu came over and started yelling about letting go of Shiro Tsubaki’s granddaughter. ‘Bring Aoi Tsubaki to the front.’ Because of it the front desk could not be fully restored.”

“Wow, that happened?” Although it is said that leftovers are often better I didn’t know that such good things could come out of my cooking. Perhaps I hadn’t even realized it myself?

“I feel kind of blurry. I don’t even know what your position is.”

“I don’t get what you’re saying?”

“The executives are jealous that they’re taking care of a human girl like you. Especially the daruma in the kitchen which is where most things are taken care of. You better be careful.”

“It could be worse.” I only thing I’ll get worried if it becomes an extremely troublesome matter.

142. “Ahaha, but there could also be good things.”

The raccoon girl jumped off the stairs, her brown her brushed passed me. She turned to leave.

“Hey, what’s your name?” I asked for the name of the raccoon girl.

“It’s Kasuga!” Cheerfully she rushes to the brighter side of the hallway. Now I’m familiar with the situation although I thought it would have been a stupid reason that I couldn’t have understood. I nibble on the Manju. After that I went back to the small building, I sat inside in the quiet. I lie down ready to sleep in spite of the stillness of the afternoon. The smell of tatami mats is new, in saying that it’s also relieving, giving me peace of mind. I closed my eyes. I’m thankful that I have time to just simply breathe in silence accompanied by the smell of tatami mats. I fall into a short sleep.

 DO NOT CLAIM TRANSLATIONS AS YOUR OWN. You are allowed to use these translations as a base to translate into other languages WITH permission only.

Novels are bought from CDJapan

Pages 120-126 done by @Tokouru

Rest done by Kakuriyo-translations

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[truelovevoltage]

BUM: Hypnosis

“Anonymous said: yuma, Kyo and Tomoki reacting to finding out that mc have a talent on doing magic tricks? Like for example while they doing errands, a guy tries to rob them but then mc surprise the butlers by doing hypnosis on the robber which led to their escape. I hope this request isn’t hard for you, I got inspire by a movie called now you see me”

A/N: I am very aware that Kyo and Yuma’s parts are different from the request but I hope it’s okay. Also, short spoiler, I did use some of the chants from the movie but you can probably tell that I winged it after at some point. I hope you guys enjoy!

Kyo Aizawa

The two of you were going to buy a new book to read and asked him if he could accompany you, he didn’t mind because he will be able to look after you. While you were browsing the different genre of books an unknown person came running towards you telling them you to move out of the way. You can already tell that there was something wrong because there were employees and security following a few metres behind them. 

You didn’t hesitate to move in front of him and smacked their forehead as they stumbled away. “Hey! I told you to watch out! ” They yelled at you. They tried to go around you but you held them in place as you said, “Watch the watch I’m wearing and be aware of where you are right now and sleep!” After you snapped your fingers and their body went limp on your shoulders. “The next time you ever think or do something bad you will spin around ten times and forget about them.” You snapped your fingers one last time and they woke up. He felt confused as the employee and the security came to tackle him down. 

“I wouldn’t worry about him if I were you.” You told the employee and the security as they looked at you confused. “What do you mean Miss Y/N?” Asked Kyo. 

“I hypnotized him. Whenever he thinks of doing something bad, they will spin around ten times and forget about those bad intentions.” And in a few moments, he did exactly as what you said and pretended like nothing happened. 

The employee, security, and Kyo were in awe. Everything happened extremely fast that they couldn’t really grasp the situation but the employee and security thanked you for your help. 

However, Kyo was still in shock but he wanted to know cause he was very impressed. “When did you learn to do hypnosis?” 

You bought the book you wanted and told him when you learned how to hypnotize someone and who taught you. Kyo was upset that you never told him about this and he’s only finding of it now. “Kyo, it’s not really something I’d say out of the blue. That’s just weird.” You chuckled as he still tried to get more answers from you.

In the end, you were glad that the two of you are starting to get to know each other more as the two of you spend your time with him whether it’d be as your butler, or as your boyfriend.

Yuma Akagi

“Hey Yuma, would you like to come to the flower shop with me?” You happily asked him as he watered the plants outside. He first gave you a questioning look. He didn’t understand why you’d want to go to the flower shop when the mansion has lots of different flowers in the garden. The moment he mentioned that there was a flower you specifically want that they don’t have in the garden and that you wanted to grow it yourself he couldn’t say no.

The sad part was he drove you to different places and yet they didn’t have the flower you were searching for but the two of you didn’t give up. Yuma was really patient with you and you were thankful for it. In the last shop, you were overjoyed to found the flower you wanted. Be that is it may something peculiar was going on. It didn’t bother you at first when the stranger was browsing the shop just like you but something felt off. 

Momentarily the stranger went up to the cashier as was about to rob the owner. The stranger was asking for money and you felt bad for the owner. You slowly walked up but Yuma pulled you back. “It’s better not to get involve Miss Y/N.” He whispered. “Don’t worry Yuma, I got this under control.” 

As you approach the woman slowly, she took off her attention from the owner to you. “Look it may not look like it but I know you’re a good person. You don’t have to do this. Is it because of your family?” Their eyes shifted. “Did you need money for your parents? For medicine? Is it for a child? I get it you’re doing it for them but don’t you think that they’re going to be upset when they find out you stole money. Is stealing money more worth it than not spending time with your child?” 

“SHUT UP! WHAT DO YOU KNOW?!?!”

“Hey, take it easy. I’m trying to solve this in a cool, and calm situation. No need to be tensed. Look into my eyes as you hear the soothing bells outside, now and sleep! When you wake up, you’ll never do something like this again. You’re not going to risk anything that you’ll end up in prison. You will find a proper job to provide money to your family, and eyes open, wide awake.” You snapped your fingers, the woman woke up from your hypnosis not knowing what just happened. “What am I doing here? I need to lookup places that are hiring right now!” The woman ran off. 

Yuma stood there with his mouth wide open. “What just happened?” He thought to himself.

The owner of the shop kept saying his thanks and that you’re welcome to take one of the flowers in his shop as a complimentary. Even though you told the owner that it was fine and that you’re willing to pay for the flower he insisted. Therefore you got one for free and bought the second one.

Once that was done, Yuma followed you outside. “Are you not going to ask me what just happened back there?” 

Yuma shook his head from side to side. “When you’re ready to tell me about it, I’ll be here to listen. But I hope you don’t make me wait for that long cause I’m extremely curious.” He smirked. 

“Curiousity killed the cat, my dear.” You winked at him as the two of you drove off back to the mansion.

Tomoki Matsuba

You were in charge of making dinner for tonight but there were no more ingredients left in your fridge. “Shall we go to the grocery store now before it gets dark?” Tomoki suggested. 

On your way, you talked about how your day went at work and he happily listened. He too talked about what he did during the day and it was nothing out of the ordinary. 

The trip to the grocery store didn’t take that long. In fact, you didn’t expect to be out of the store in under fifteen minutes and you knew that that was a record for you. It was probably fast because you had Tomoki with you. Nevertheless, you were able to finish shopping for ingredients. 

When the two of you got out, someone behind the two of you held a circular metal behind your back. It didn’t faze you because the strangers' hands were shaking meaning they didn’t want to do this. He told you two to keep walking and led you into a darker path to avoid other people. 

“Give me all your money!” He yelled. You tried to move and turn around but he asked you not to or he won't hesitate to hurt you. “Miss Y/N please just listen to him.” Tomoki pleaded.

Just then you decided to do something you haven’t done in a long time, and that is hypnosis. You weren’t sure if it was going to work but it was work a shot. “I fear from your face that you’re free by the flow of blood that’s fluent in your veins and snap. Focus on these words as they flow and focus on my command, you got this far in life don’t ruin it by doing something futile. When you hear me snap my fingers, you’re going to forget my face as well as my companion. You will forget robbing us, and you will never rob anyone else again. You’re going to walk towards the plaza, and once you’re there you’re going to go back to normal and remember not to rob anyone ever again.” After you snapped your fingers he walked away from you and Tomoki.

Tomoki was confused, shocked and awe, all at the same time. He was speechless. He couldn’t believe what he just witnessed. “What? Cat got your tongue or something?” You grinned at Tomoki. 

“You have some explaining to do.” He glared at you. 

“Sure thing, but first let go home. I’m really hungry now!” You whined as the two of you walked back towards the main sidewalk.

[deckspair]

Stirring | Ukiyo-maemi | Trial 4.5 | RE: All

How did she expect the others to react? She had been hinting at it the whole time, she thought, growing ever more frantic and desperate for someone else to solve it for her, solve all her problems for her…but in the end, she had confessed, or something close – what was she so afraid of?

Whatever it is, she’s still afraid of it, drawing out the moment before she acknowledges her crimes in full. Breath after shuddering breath, the explanations swimming in her head don’t start to make any more sense, and the indictments only pile up. It would be efficient, proper, correct to come forward and counter their factual inaccuracies, clear up what confusion she can, but her mouth moves and nothing comes out. The half-dead eyes darting between her classmates are the most attentive, the most scared you had ever seen them, cataloguing and organizing even as nothing made any sense at all.

“Akatsuki-akira,” for she seems like a logical place to start, asking the broadest yet most irrelevant questions. “If you believe I would do such a thing to avoid conflict, you…you truly know me. Hm.” The personal jab carries none of her newfound humor, quickly forgotten again. “Unfortunately, even I will admit that I have done…something uncharacteristic of myself. Y-yes, I killed them! Both of them! Had you not – all figured that out by now, so determined to suspect me from the start? I cannot read minds, or notes that are soaked in blood…”

There’s an order she has in mind, and because there is an order, there is calm and perfection in some capacity. But one gradually slips through her fingers as she turns to her next target, and the other…the other. Her fingers tighten around the collar of her robe, pulling it around herself in a protective shell, tentacles enclosing her from behind.

“My…defense? My defense, Junshu-genko? You know I am a murderer, and I know that there is no way to change your mind, not in conceivable reality.” And there is the dark hole to which all that humor fled, of spite and futility and her own, absolute confidence. “This place was corrupting me. I could not stop thinking about that trivia game, and I realized…I did regret my actions. But not from the start – because of you and your false teachings! I had thought it would be fine, to die here…but if my last moments, my last memories belong to you…so yes, Matsuba-shinobu, I knew for a long time. But I would not have stopped you, either, if it was just the two of us, easy to forget and move on. That part was true.”

But it won’t be them, to kill her, if she stays, and the option is looking more and more appealing. Hewwo? Regret? Is that you?

…don’t know her. On with the ‘defense’, for their wonderful judge and jury.

“Enjou-tsuneo…do you truly wish or me to explain? Or for me to beg, like you said, so you may hold onto the last scraps of agency over fate by denying a desperate, dying woman her last wish, whatever it may be?” She shakes her head to disguise the flicker in her smile, the way he remindd her of…of…something she never wanted to hear again.

“I am not that woman – but if you truly are curious, it was merely chance that it was Kadoya-nonoka. I thought this motive, presented…the least chance of failure, and an opportunity for the least possible bloodshed. And she…I do not know how much we are allowed to disclose, at this point, but I,” She gestures at her own chest to emphasize the point, only I- “Can tell you with absolute certainty that Kadoya-nonoka was not Enjou-tsuneo’s target, nor either of the robots’. It was just…supposed to be her, but I missed, the first time, and then…”

She mimes the swinging of a hammer, a bit above shoulder-height for Nonoka but easily enough to clock hypothetical Law N. Oda in the face. Like that’s not morbid. “I will confess…that I do not know exactly what happened, but she was there, and Kadoya-nonoka was over there, and before I could stop it…” She was dead. “At least…she received the quick death that was meant for Kadoya-nonoka, but if she had not been such a hero, and thought she could prevent this…she could have lived, and this trial would not be happening.” It’s obvious that she still blames Law N. for all her troubles, ‘insufferable hypocrite’ to the end.

“It truly…does not matter, to me, how you vote. It is just as Junshu-genko says, I will be punished either way. For my grievous inefficiency, for the ways this word has tainted my soul, the Arm of the Ancestors will not take me back…and of course, if I die in front of all of you, my soul will be tied to yours until you forget. I do not need to reiterate how I feel about that.”

She doesn’t acknowledge Junshu’s last comment at all. If anyone is a hypocrite…but she’s only confused, not angry, and that frightens her even more.

[truelovevoltage]

BUM: Traumatized

“Anonymous said: Bun Mc is in mental hospital because she is traumatized and wont talk to anyone? (Kyo,itsuki,yuma,aoi)”

“Anonymous said: Bum when mc is kidnapped by a serial killler or something and is tortured for days before she escaped but had to go to mental institution? (Aoi,tomoki,itsuki,yuma)?”

A/N: Trigger Warning! Don’t read if you’re not comfortable with this kind of request! 

Prologue

You were skipping happily to your apartment. Your boyfriend announced that he had a surprise for you waiting after work. You were really excited, you wanted to know what the surprise was.

But because you were too happy, you didn’t notice that someone was following you. However, you had a bad feeling that someone was following you. You just wanted to make sure that no one was following you but when you turned around, they put a cloth over your mouth and nose.

You lost your consciousness afterward. You woke up in a dark room and the only light was the one above you. You were tied to a chair and yelled who was behind this. You threatened them that your father will make their lives a living hell.

“Tsk tsk tsk…” There were footsteps coming to your direction. “Poor little girl, don’t you know that we’re the ones making your dad’s life feel like a living hell? After all, I have you, his most prized possession.”

You struggled. But the more you struggle the more it hurts your wrist. The man who kidnapped you walked away and made a phone call. You were scared, you just wanted to get out of there.

“Mr. Ichijo, if you want your daughter alive, you better give me the ransom money I’m asking. You know the consequences if you don’t follow my orders don’t you?”

“DAD! NO! DON’T DO IT! DON’T LISTEN TO HIM!” You screamed.

“SHUT UP!” The kidnapper slapped you across your face. He slapped you hard that your father could hear it from the other line. “I changed my mind, I think I’m going to have some fun with your Princess for a bit.” He ended the call and you trembled. What was he going to do to you?

He got a whip and started to hit you with it. The first hit hurt like hell but as he kept hitting you, the pain went away. You felt numb, there were no tears coming out of your eyes either.

He tortured you in many ways. He would even use you as a punching bag sometimes if he got bored. But he kept torturing you until he had enough fun.

Throughout the days that you were kept in the room. You were thinking of a plan on how to escape. To your luck, he needed to get some groceries tonight and you took this opportunity to finally leave this place.

You used all your strength to get away from this horrible place. Your father and boyfriend were the ones on your mind and kept you going. They were the ones giving you extra strength.

Finally escaped that place, and saw a car driving by. You waved at them and since they felt sorry for your situation they took you to the hospital. They were nice enough to take you there.

Once you stated your name to the hospital, they immediately contacted your father. The Doctor and Nurses took care of you until your father came. Your father opened the door to your room. “Princess… What did he do to you?” He cried.

All the butlers were present they walked towards you. “DON’T COME NEAR ME! YOU WON’T GET WHAT YOU WANT! MY DAD WILL NEVER AGREE TO WHAT YOU WANT!” They were surprised. The Doctor and Nurse told everyone to leave.

“Mr. Ichijo, I’m sorry to say this but your daughter suffered a lot of torture and her bruises, scars are there to prove it. She was in that place for a long time that whenever someone approaches her with a black uniform she’d immediate think that it was the man who kidnapped her. Miss Y/N is traumatized by her kidnapping. It’s best for us to take her to a mental institution. If she’s there, they can monitor her and help her get better.” That was the suggestion of the Doctor. Although your father didn’t want to agree to something like this there was no choice. He just wanted his daughter back.

Your boyfriend made sure that he’ll find the one responsible for this. They won’t get away with what they’ve done to you. They won’t get away from breaking an innocent person like you.

Kyo Aizawa

His fist was formed into a ball. When he saw how you looked, he blamed himself for not picking you up from work. If only he was there that night with you, this would’ve been avoided.

He often came to visit you at the mental institute. For a person like him who barely talks, this is one of the rare times that he’ll talk. “Hi Y/N, did you know that it’s already Spring? Flowers are starting to bloom again.” He smiled.

You looked out the window as he talked to you. “Please, Y/N say something.” He cried. This has been really hard on him. He wasn’t used to you being quiet, he wasn’t used to him just talking.

Yuma Akagi

Yuma never missed a day visiting you. If only he tracked where you were fast enough, he would’ve been able to save you instead of you having to escape from that hell hole.

He wanted to see you every day because the days you were gone, he never felt scared in his life. He wasn’t sure if you were still alive when you got kidnapped. Now that he knows you’re alive, he wanted to protect you at all costs.

“Hey Y/N look I brought our photo album! This photo was taken the day your father introduced you to everyone on his birthday.” He smiled. He kept on pointing at photos and tell you what event it was taken or when it was taken.

All Yuma wanted was for you to smile, or laugh but he didn’t get anything from you. The Doctors mentioned that because you were traumatized it might take awhile for you to get comfortable with the ones you used to love.

Itsuki Matsuba

He couldn’t imagine what you went through. You must’ve been scared the moment that you were kidnapped. When he saw you at the hospital with bruises on your face and all over your arms he was pissed.

He tried to be happy for you. He wanted to show the happy go lucky Itsuki because he knew that if he looked sad, that’s not something you want. If you saw him sad it meant that he was pitying you and you hated it when people pitied you.

“Look Y/N I bought some magazines! I know you love reading these so I bought a bunch.” He exclaimed.

He’s been trying hard to make you at least look at him. But he had no luck. You were still staring into space somewhere. It broke his heart because without knowing, you were distancing yourself away from him. Although you might not know that, he knows it very well.

Tomoki Matsuba 

He blamed himself for not being there for you sooner, he knew that if he wasn’t late that day you wouldn’t be suffering right now. The moment that the Doctor mentioned about how your kidnappers tortured you, he wanted to leave immediately and take care of them himself. 

Tomoki knew that your scars will always remind you of that day and that it could be the cause of your insecurity in the future. If that were to happen he wanted to be there for you to make sure that there’s nothing to be insecure about, but that something the two of you would talk about once you’re okay. He stayed with you the entire time and would only leave once visiting hours are over. 

It took time for you to get used to his touch but you knew that you felt calmer when he was around. “I brought you your favourite flowers.” He put the bouquet beside your bed and you slightly turned towards it. 

Even if it was a small gesture it was something new. Normally you wouldn’t move at at all, nonetheless this was an improvement. Tomoki is going to make sure you get better even if it takes a long time. 

Aoi Shirafuji 

When you mistaken him as one of the kidnappers it broke his heart. What kind of torture did you go through during those times and how long did you hold on before having enough. How long did you have to endure the pain?

Everyday he’d read to you. He’d probably read five chapters each day and would give you a break from listening him read. After he reads he would paint out of now where and he’d ask you to pick out the colours for him. A ninety-nine percent of the time you won’t even respond to him but he’d observe what colour pops out to you the most. 

Most of the time the colours were out of place but it was nice that you were slowly responding to his question. “Look at our masterpiece Y/N! It doesn’t look too bad if I do say so myself.” He was pretty proud of how the painting turned out. 

You on the other hand just looked at the painting. To Aoi, it looked like you were memorizing every single detail or mentally criticizing his own art, either or he couldn’t wait to hear your voice once again. 

[truelovevoltage]

BUM: Drowning

“Anonymous said: Guys play pranks on mc and she nearly drowned but they didnt notice cuz they think shes faking it and only realize when she didnt come up”

“Anonymous said: Oh my bad about the drowning mc well kyo itsuki aoi yuma”

Prologue

The plan today was simple, you and the butlers would go swimming and have fun. Simple yet doable. There was one problem, you didn’t know how to swim, but you didn’t want to be the party pooper and disagree with their desire to go swimming in the ocean.

Thinking to yourself, you should be fine as long as you stay in the shallow part of the water. The butlers brought beach mats, beach umbrella, a small barbecue grill and a beach ball. Let’s just say they’re very excited to go to the beach.

Upon your arrival to the private beach resort that your father owns, the butlers didn’t waste a minute to take the equipments out from the van. They are really looking forward to this break.

The setup on the beach didn’t take that long, especially when all five butlers are helping each other out. Once everything was set up, some two of the butlers ran to the ocean, well the other one ran and the second one walked. And the rest stayed at the spot before following after the two butlers.

The butlers noticed that you were staying in the shallow area and asked what was wrong. “I don’t know how to swim so I’ll just stay here.”

Yuma and Itsuki offered to be your pillars of the deep area. You trusted them and held on to them with your life. Unknown that they were planning something else. Yuma and Itsuki both dived down and you followed them. The two resurfaced from the water and laughed, “Everyone knows how to swim Y/N. And you’re not an exception.”

The butlers looked at the spot where they dived and didn’t see you come up. Your boyfriend started to panic.

“Shit.” Your boyfriend muttered before going after you underwater.

Kyo Aizawa

When you didn’t come back to the surface he knew something was wrong. He dove down and saw you slowing sinking to the bottom. You really didn’t know how to swim and he was mad at himself that he wasn’t able to do anything earlier.

He grabbed your hand and pulled you out of the water. He swam towards the shore. He checked if you were breathing before he gave you cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“Come on Y/N, wake up!” He muttered. The other butlers looked worried. “Kyo, Itsuki and I didn’t mean to. It was supposed to be a simple prank.”

“Shut up! If I lose her, it’ll be your fault so you better hope that she’ll wake up.” Kyo was furious.

You coughed up the water that you swallowed and looked at the butlers who surrounded you. Kyo immediately embraced you knowing you were alive. “Y/N… We’re sorry!” Yuma and Itsuki apologized.

“I forgive you two but… I hope it won’t happen again. And Yuma, don’t worry, my dad won’t know about this.” You smiled. “Thank you for saving me Kyo but please don’t mad at them.” Your tone was very sweet and gentle.

Kyo could only sigh. He was relieved that nothing serious happened to you, the entire time he watched Yuma and Itsuki like a hawk. He didn’t want something like to happen again on this trip.

Yuma Akagi

He swam towards you and pulled you out of the water. He was relieved that you were still awake and didn't swallow a lot of water. Yuma was glad that he was there before you drowned and lost conscious.

Once the two of you were on the shore, you kept coughing. “Y/N I’m sorry.” He hugged you but you pushed him away.

“Sorry isn’t going to fix the fact that I almost drowned because of YOU! MY BOYFRIEND! You were supposed to be the one making sure nothing like that happens to me and yet look what happened! Were you trying to kill me?”

“NO! I would never do something like that to you!”

The butlers watched the two of you fight. You wanted to go inside the house. You got up too fast causing you to feel lightheaded and fainted on the beach. You were out in the sun for too long and caused your dizzy sensation.

Yuma carried you inside the house and stayed by your side until you awaken. He blamed himself for what happened to you. He’d never forgive himself if he lost you because of something he did.

You stirred awake and saw your boyfriend who held your hand. “You’re awake. How are you feeling? Do you want water?”

You ignored him. You were still pretty upset with him. “Y/N I’m sorry. I truly am. It was childish of me to pull something like that after telling us that you didn’t know how to swim. I’m really sorry, and you should know that I don’t want you to die. I would never be able to live with myself if you died because of me.” He was now crying.

“Yuma, I’m glad that you know the consequence of your action but please… If I say I’m not good a something or I don’t know how to do it... It’s because I was never taught in the first place, just listen to me and maybe instead of testing it out, you could’ve taught me instead.” You sighed.

Yuma couldn’t stop apologizing to you for his childish behaviour. He mentioned that he failed not only as your boyfriend but as a butler and he’ll do everything to make up to you.

Itsuki Matsuba 

He was in full on panic mode. He didn’t know what to do until his brother lightly smacked him for his behaviour. It snapped him out of his senses and went after you. 

Luckily you weren’t that far yet and he was able to reach you and pull you out of the water. The rest of the butlers helped you get out. He laid you down and checked if you were breathing but you weren’t. He performed CPR right away and you coughed out the excess water. “Y/N! You’re okay!” Cried Itsuki. 

“I’m okay for now but I could’ve died! What the hell were you thinking?!?” You yelled at your boyfriend. Sometimes you hated how playful he is or how he’d pull pranks on you. Usually it didn’t matter but you could’ve died with the prank he just pulled with Yuma. 

You were angry at your boyfriend and would ignore him from time to time. “Y/N please, what can I do to make it up to you? I’m sorry for my careless actions... It won’t happen again.” He apologized. You knew he was sincere and you already forgave him but you wanted to tease him. “You’re going to serve me the entire day but I will not talk to you.” 

Itsuki pouted but all he could do now is follow your orders. He didn’t want to upset you even more. 

Aoi Shirafuji 

He dove underwater and spotted you right away. He didn’t waste anytime and made his way to your waist and pulled you out of the water. The other butlers especially the two who caused the little incident wanted to help. “Don’t have to worry, I got this. I think the two of you have done enough don’t you think?” He smiled at the two but deep down he wanted to beat the hell out of Yuma and Itsuki. 

You didn’t swallow a lot of water but you just lost consciousness. They all waited for you to wake up and none of them left your side. 

You opened your eyes slowly and your boyfriend held your hand. “Alright Yuma and Ituski I’m sure you two have something to saw to our dear Y/N.” The two men bowed at a 90º angle and apologized to you. “We are sorry for our childish behaviour Miss Y/N. We hope you forgive us and we promise it will not happen again.” 

After the two apologized Aoi started to order the two and help you serve you as an addition to their apology. “I was so scared I was going to lose you there Y/N.” He whispered. 

“It’ll take more than that to take me down.” You smiled at him and told him not to worry anymore.