Where the sun rises but never sets
Over the course of a couple months, Renoir spent most of his time reacquainting himself with the language and trying not to step on any toes. Although, anyone would have completely lost it if they were forced to stay inside. All the time..
Being a rebel would only be that much more fun. So, just as soon as Earth' and her 'family' began to fall asleep the fence became a worthy option. Technically, she did not live in the port town, but in a smaller town deeper in the mainland. It would be utter foolishness if Renoir went out without a disguise so as a back up he brought along a stupid looki- excuse me I mean an old mask and some cloth. At the moment, most of the town was asleep, so Renoir could afford to walk around without a different outfit.
His eyes shifted, analyzing the surrounding town and quickly got a map of the area.
"I'm going to try to be back tomorrow, Earth, and if not then maybe the next day, who knows." Renoir said his goodbyes-without-meaning to the quiet mansion walked down the dirt road path. Fortunately for Earth, he was intercepted at the corner.
"Ah, ohh! Hello there uh-"
The interlopers were a pair of gentlemen, not samurai, carrying important looking packages. It was apparently too dark for anyone to get a clear look at Renoir, either that or the two men were too tired to actually respond to it.
"You're one of the residents of the Shigotara household, correct?"
Renoir questioned himself before answering, "Yes, I believe so."
The two men took a look at each other then passed Renoir a letter of sorts.
"Please pass this on to the young lady living there. Our lord from the town over is inviting all respectable ladies from the neighboring towns to a large party."
This makes sense; Renoir has heard rumors about this through screen doors. He had an idea that Earth would be included in this mass of affluent women.
"Sure I will let her know," like a gentleman Renoir saw the two men off. Once out of sight he let out a sigh.
"Earth is going to have me scolded I know it, after all that talk about not leaving the house. I could just go," he looked down the road but then rethought this decision, "that would be rude to the man that went out of his way to invite her though."
"You should instead thank the heavens that it was too dark outside for you to be seen well!" Just as expected the air was intense with emotion. The invitation lay on a small wooden table in the room as it was being discussed as well.
"I just happened to go out for a midnight stroll. Why am I the one getting scolded anyway? You're the one who is going to a party the warnings should all go to you." Renoir redirected his gaze at the door, knowing that he was the one who had gone in the wrong. But he spoke the truth; parties like the ones in Europe are fun but should be cautioned for Earth at least. Earth was half-Japanese so she already stood out. Not to mention that they both were inhumanly white.
"If that is what you are concerned about, do not bother. This is less of a party and more of me establishing ties with surrounding lords and ladies." Renoir had his right to be concerned for his cousin of course though.
Earth was incomparably pretty for only being sixteen. She had long black hair that flowed down her back. She looked Japanese enough to only was only considered a little foreign so she was seen as a potential wife for many without suspicion.
"You cannot just leave me here in hopes that I stay put like some caged animal! Besides why else have you had me practice my Japanese? Was it only in hopes that I use it with you?" The objective had just become to wear Earth down and then hopefully her opinion would change.
"What do you even want me to say, I can tell you want me to say something even though you have been warned against going out on many occasions-"
"I am a social type, I am a man Earth!" Arguments typically spiraled out into nowhere like this. It is not even like they are attempting to get anything talked about, just arguing for the sake of talking, and of course for entry to a party that all the cool people are going to.
"You must tell me how I look, Earth" It was the next day and the two have already hired servants to accompany them to reach the town over. The discussion earlier ended with Renoir winning, but of course he had more experience in debate because he was older.
"You look fine, I suppose but do not take it off for fear of reaction at least. This is a public meeting." To solve the conflict so Renoir could travel around with Earth, he simply wore a mask. It worked perfectly, for the servants did not even notice a difference other than in some word misusage.
"Just keep your eyes open and stay away from large groups of people," Earth of course didn't trust Renoir half as much as she said she did but at the moment there was more important things to tend to.