Chapter 13: One Step at a Time


May 30th. Around 5 PM.

(Small Office. Koubuin House.)

[Maya]


"Well, I am the one with better grades in math." Shion said as she rose a finger.

"However, I scored better numbers in our last tests, didn't I?" Mion narrowed her eyes at her, her lips rugged like a hill's complexion.

"I can explain it better and clearer." Shion retorted, placing a hand atop her books.

"But you tend to omit details. And you also don't take into account that Takeru doesn't yet know as much as we do." Mion tapped her pencil onto the papers where she was doing her homework.

"Oh, is that so?" Shion smiled, showing Mion her teeth. Why must these two always quarrel in such way? Me and Mana did usually clash, but not so openly. "Then, let's ask him."

"I couldn't agree more." Mion arched her eyes as if she were about to pounce on prey.

They frowned at each other and turned to look to the corner of the table they were sitting at. In unison, both opened their mouths as soon as their sights made contact with their target.

"Takeru, who do you want to help you in-"

"Is this right, Maya-nee?" Takeru looked at me, ignoring the cousins' quarrel.

I coughed, glancing at the two. Shion puffed one of her cheeks as she gazed at Takeru, Mion's brows lowered and she started to play with her pencil as she also looked at him. He… didn't even register the exchange. Sigh… Takeru being Takeru. I went to his side and took a look at his homework, and was surprised when I saw the exercises were resolved correctly.

"Yes… Yes, this was the correct answer Takeru. Good work." He smiles, then goes back to his next assignment.

The cousins cannot hide their surprise either, they then ask Takeru whose help he wants as they were planning to do. He replies that both can help him, thanking them with a smile, which then makes both of them raise a brow at him. Sometimes I do not know whether his obliviousness is a good or a bad trait. That being said…

…What has been happening in the dojo? Why did Father ask me whether I had taught Takeru something besides the basics? As if I would do such a miss, Takeru might have potential but I wouldn't push him further.

However, there is no denying Takeru hasn't been as contrarian as usual these last few days. From what his teachers have said, he's been showing some measure of progress even if he's still lagging behind what they expected him to know as of now.

And now this. To impress Father despite still not being able to land a single hit… Just what is Takeru doing in the dojo? I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary these last few days. And I know his form is not yet as polished as it should be to impress Father.

"Maya-nee, is this one like this?" Takeru again calls for me, making the little ones again stare at him with narrowed brows.

"Hm? …No, remember that the lines shouldn't drop Takeru. When only one value changes, the point remains on the same point in the axis until either the X or Y value changes as well. So, you should draw a line until the this value changes, not drop it to zero."

"Hmm… Okay." He pursed his lips as he erased what he had drew and took another look at the numbers from his equations.

This is something odd as well. Takeru never enjoyed math, yet he's now somehow reaching the right answers without my help. The questions now have more details into them, and yet he's managing fine.

"Mmgh… These dumb numbers and these dumb equations…" Despite his incessant complains, that is.

"Takeru, you should not voice your inner thoughts."

"Huh? What did I say?"

"You were speaking your thoughts out loud once more. I know you dislike math, however please do remember to mind your manners."

"Yes, that's true." Mion said as she looked up from her pages. "The teachers will get very upset at you should you say that in class." He pouted at her, she giggled at him.

"Imagine if he started complaining as he usually does." Shion smirked at him with a finger on her cheek. "You would get expelled in a week with that attitude, Takeru."

"What did you say? It's not true, I'm saying the truth. Look at all these numbers and stuff!" He picks up his page and shows it to them, furrowing his brows. It is true that what he's seeing now is more complex than what he was being taught before… However, even that pales in comparison to what Shion shows him in her paper.

"Hehehe… If you don't stop complaining, you'll never catch up to us, silly."

"That's enough. You should be studying, not bickering among you over this menial matters." I tap my glasses as I look at them both. They lower their gazes, however Shion is still smiling at him.

"Grr… You'll see one of these days, you dumb pickle." Takeru puffs his cheeks and goes back to drawing the graph he was making as Shion giggles at him.

As the hours passed, the three of them kept asking for my advice from time to time, Takeru more than the other two, as they finished their math homework and moved onto the next assignments. With Shion speaking as loosely as she does when he's around while Mion kept trying to help Takeru when she could, today's break went by rather fast.

Despite his pursed lips and narrowed eyes, Takeru did manage to do more than in past days. And not only more, but also better. As I took them to the dojo, he was complaining about how he doesn't get another day off to read or play. Sigh… Harsher teachings or not, he's still as simple as before. They keep being as noisy as usual when they're together, teasing each other and making jokes as we approached the dojo. Once we got to the door, they grew quiet. I managed to observe Takeru as he gulped, softly folding his fingers inwards and making a fist.

"Now, let us go in. No more noise from here on out." They nod and I open the door.

Father was already here, as expected, and I left Takeru in his hands as I accompanied the two to their changing room. As they got into the sparring gear and were ready to train, I delayed our exit for a moment.

"You two, I have a question. Have you been aiding Takeru in his studies outside of the time we spend after you return from school?"

"No… I haven't done anything, Maya-nee." Shion said, then I looked at Mion who shook her head. "Did something happen?"

"…No, I was merely making sure you weren't going out of you way to aid him."

"We can't help Takeru anymore?" Mion asked as her hands played on her bamboo sword's hilt.

"Of course you can help him, but not at the expense of your studies. So, you haven't seen him outside of the late afternoon breaks?" Both shake their heads. If it's not them helping him… Then, how did Takeru manage to produce such progress in his studies? "Well, let us not waste more time." I open the door and guide them outside of the room.

As they took their poses, I looked towards Takeru. Father was coming out of the changing room along him, while Takeru fixed his head gear in position.

As the training began, I took a look towards Father and Takeru while the cousins sparred. Father was as calm and precise as he usually was, but Takeru somehow was now managing to fend off his swings. Takeru… wasn't attacking him now, he was taking a countering pose. Father was not being serious by any means, yet this meager display was enough to break Takeru's balance before. What changed in these days?

I take a different position to watch Shion's and Mion's bout, while also being able to see how Takeru fares. As the cousins engage each other as well as usual, despite Shion being in the lead, I observed from the corner of my vision the other duel.

Father was pressing him as usual, yet Takeru managed to not be overwhelmed this time. His footing seems to have improved drastically, and his slashes… now actually follow a decent pattern. However, the greatest difference is that he is keeping calm. He isn't following on pointless attacks… or any attacks for the matter. He's trying a reactive approach, only attacking every now and then instead of charging ahead as he always preferred to do.

During the course of the training, while Mion and Shion were evenly matched with only a slight advantage towards my sister, Takeru had been sent to the floor more times than I could count. However, he did not complain once and he also didn't allow Father to knock his sword away.

Then, as I thought that perhaps it was time to stop our training and send the cousins to have a bath…

Takeru took some steps back from Father and assumed a different pose. Similar to the Kasumi stance, but with his back slightly arched and his knees bent just behind the end of his feet. As if he were readying himself to run, as if he were ready to pounce upon Father. His sword above his shoulder, he doesn't seem to have done this on a whim.

He then advances onto Father, hitting the floor with his heels as he tries to surprise Father with a low slash.

Yet, my shock was short lived. For even if he continued to fight as nimbly as he was, now Takeru was trying to connect his attacks and steps awkwardly as he still tried to stay on the defensive, leaving me as blank as a cloud, as if I again was under a waterfall. How… When was it that he learned to move in such fashion?

Shion delivered a strike to Mion's abdomen, the duel ended in her victory. Around the same time, Father managed to once more overpower Takeru's frail defense, with him ending on the ground again.

"Well, that shall be all for today." I say, making the two near me to stand in attention.

The cousins bow to each other, and then relax their posture as they look towards Takeru, who was sitting on the floor as he rubbed his arm. I approach them slowly, Father looks towards me, folding his arms.

"Uuh…" Takeru was groaning on the floor, slowly getting up.

"Father, I believe this was enough for today."

"I am the one who decides when it is enough. You three may leave now."

"…May I have a word with you before?"

"I suppose."

As Mion and Shion got closer to Takeru, all of them taking their headgear off, and began to talk with him, making him raise his voice at their teasing, me and Father went to a corner of the room. He took of his head gear and after a sigh, looking straight into me, his complexion turned draconian and hostile.

"Maya, I suppose you saw what he did. Do you still pretend to be oblivious?"

"I know not of what you speak, Father. I did not teach those movements to Takeru, I only taught him the basic poses and nothing more. I never taught him to fight in this manner."

"Then, how did he learn to do such moves? To develop such footing, even if frail he did an earnest effort to make that defense. How did he achieve this change?"

"Perhaps by imitating you."

"Hmm… It is rare. I have been holding back on him… And yet the patterns he employs now… I do not move in such a way, and neither do you."

"If he's showing progress… Shouldn't you be satisfied as a teacher?" Father narrows his eyes, scowling at me.

"You still support him becoming a Guard, Maya?"

"Why refuse his dream? In the end, whether he does or not won't change the fact that he is our fellow."

"Sigh… I still am against this." He then looked at the three little ones, who were sitting on the floor as they talked.

"Why must you be so stubborn, Father? If Takeru is showing signs of progress, why not praise his efforts?"

"Because I do not wish to see him regretting his decision or suffering from the burdens that he will have to face." He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Well, you should be going your way. I shall continue to train with him."

"Father, Takeru also needs to have proper rest. He might end up fatigued if you continue to push him in this way every day."

"Do you think he'll be spared the work if he ever becomes a Royal Guard? If this is too much for him, he might as well give up now. And regardless, he is the one who insist on training as much as he can."

I look at Takeru as he talks with the other two. It is true, he won't receive special treatment and he will need to improve much. However, it is also true that time is against him. I gulp and inhale slowly through my nose, relaxing my coiled hands.

"…Understood. However, please do remember to look at the time. Yesterday he was ten minutes late for dinner."

"I will not hear your complains no longer, Maya. I am in charge of-"

"Yohime-sama told me to relay this message to you, she does not wish Takeru to be late again. That is all." I bow to him and move towards the girls. They and Takeru had taken their head gear off, and were discussing something about the homework they had made before. "Takeru, you'll stay here for some moments more. Do you think you can keep going?"

"…Yeah." He rubs his nose and nods. His eyes sparkle with the spirit of a stallion, ready to gallop through plains for hours. It is true he might not be in peak condition but his fighting spirit hasn't been undermined by these hours of practice.

"Well, we shall be going ahead of you. Shion, Mion, go take off your gear." They nod and go to their changing room.

I stand near a wall as I watch Takeru spar with Father once more. His form is still not polished enough, but he has improved in this short time he's been with Father. …Why did I not incite such a change in him? Is the time limit pushing him to overcome the trials? And even then… the way he chooses to move in now… Why did he suddenly try to stay calmer? His face does tell me he is most upset, yet he manages to restrain his anger for now.

When the two girls came out, Takeru was sent to the floor again. Yet, he stood up quickly, ready to begin another round despite the obvious delay between breaths he was taking.

…I suppose trusting in him is all I can do now. Father wouldn't do something as foolish as harming Takeru, knowing what Yohime-sama would say about such a careless action.

I leave with the two little ones in tow, towards the baths.


Around an hour and a half later.


"You're going to turn into a prune, Takeru." He puffs his cheeks at me as we leave the bath.

"But it feels nice."

"Even so, overstaying inside the bath is not good for your health either." I tap my glasses as he moves his arms in circles. "Well, let us go. Dinner should be almost done."

"Where are the pickles, Maya-nee?"

"First, you should stop calling them in that way, Takeru." He narrows his eyes at me as we start to walk. "And they're already in the dining room. Let us make haste."

"Okay. So, what did you think of today's training, Maya-nee?"

"…Regarding that. Takeru, how are you studying as of late? You seem to have improved much in these last few days."

"How?" He tilts his head, raising one brow. "I just read the books and practice."

"But what has changed these last few days? A week ago your current performance would have been but a dream."

"Hmm… I've just been reading at night. Nothing much different."

"At night?" He then tells me he stays awake for some moments before sleeping, rereading his lessons and exercises to make sure he still remembers them. Managing his time, he called it. "So that's how… And what about the lessons in the dojo? Surely you're not practicing Kendo in your room, are you?"

"Of course not!" He puffs his cheeks as much as he can, narrowing his eyes at me. "I just try to move and counter Kazora-sensei. If I can only hit once, I have to win with that hit. So, since I can't get all angry, I'm trying to keep my distance now. But he still beats me everyday, I can't even hit him once." His gaze sails away and sinks in between his feet, his tone creaking like splintered wood after a wave came crashing down onto it.

So he's merely trying his best, huh. However, it is good to see that there is still a lighthouse behind the mist in his eyes, a ballad by the bonfire in his words, and the force of waves crashing against the cliffs in his every step. His spirit hasn't waned, at all.

"Well, you seem to be improving as of now. Do not be discouraged now of all times, Takeru."

"Yeah, I know." He looks up, his gaze still sunken but now both of his hands were coiled tight as he nodded.

We reach the dining room, but this time it seems Yohime-sama and Yuuhi-sama were not present. I left Takeru on the table as I went to aid the Chamberlain to bring the dishes.

"Chamberlain, might I ask where is Yohime-sama?"

"She will have some important meetings tomorrow morning, so she and Yuuhi-sama have eaten earlier than usual, and have already returned to their private chambers. Forgive me but she hasn't mentioned anything else to me."

"I see." I did not hear anything about this so I suppose I should not know.

I give her a small bow, I do wonder what this is about. For Yohime-sama to say so little to her Chamberlain. She and me then took the food to the table and she excused herself afterwards.

"Maya-nee, where are Yuuhi and Yohime-san?"

"They won't be eating with us today, Takeru. It seems tomorrow will be a busy day for them."

"Eh?! Why? Are they alright?"

"Yes, do not worry. They merely needed to go to sleep earlier today. Now, let's eat."

After giving the proper thanks, we started eating. The kids talking about their studies, with Takeru making some jokes when Shion complained about her lessons in school. I would normally scold him for making fun of a teacher, but Shion does welcome his humor. And the man is also not someone who should be taken seriously, he's all bark. Mion took a moment of pause as Shion drank to mention how my sister was left out of the day's PE class for using too much force during volleyball practice.

"It's not my fault they can't block my serves." Shion puffs one cheek, avoiding Mion's gaze.

"Shion, you would do well in learning to manage your strength. Not all kids your age are as strong as you."

"That's not true. Takeru plays with us all the time without complaining."

"Yeah, but even then I always lose when we play." Takeru furrows his brows at her, she smiles widely at him.

It is true these three like to play as if they were wrestlers from time to time, and even then Shion always wins despite her slender figure, even if Takeru does try his best to outdo her. I do wonder if it will remain the same once they grow up.

"If she didn't have long hair one could confuse her with a boy, with how Shion speaks as of late and how strong she is." Mion smiled at Shion, who now frowned at her.

"I'm not a boy!"

"But it's true that you're too rough sometimes, Shion." Takeru said, which made my sister recoil back. She then squinted her eyes at him.

"Even so I'm a girl, and I'm prettier than Mion."

"What?! That's not true!" Mion arched her brows, a small pebble ready to fly at her cousin in her tone.

"Well, one boy confessed to me once. How many boys have confessed to you?" Shion rose a finger and smiled widely again, letting her teeth be visible.

"Uuh… Well…" Mion took a brief look towards Takeru, then she returned her attention to her plate. Twisting her lips, she was slightly swaying from left to right. She gazed at Shion, a small smile on her face.

Shion also looked at Takeru, her arms getting closer to her body as her lips also twisted in an odd, slow way. What is the meaning of these reactions? Why did their quarrel about who was prettier suddenly stop? And why are they looking at Takeru?

"…Say, Takeru." Shion stole a glance towards him, as fleetingly as a hummingbird pecking for food. "Who do you think is prettier? Me or Mion?"

"…Hm? Who?" Takeru tilted his head, looking at her. Then he looked at Mion. Then closed his eyes and leaned back onto his seat. "I dunno." He then continued to eat without a care.

"…Come on, you could answer something." Shion didn't want to let the question go.

"Shion, might I ask what's troubling you?"

"Eh? No… It's nothing."

"Has someone told you that you are not… feminine, perhaps?" She looks down, playing with what was left of her food.

"One girl in my class… told me I'm too frontal and lack delicacy, that I resemble a boy more than a lady."

"You should just punch her."

"Takeru, that is no way to resolve your problems." I glare at him and he flinches. I know you mean well, but you can't resort to violence for every little argument you face. "Shion, regardless of what anyone says, you shall grow into a well honed woman. Pay no heed to those words, you are pretty and will only grow more beautiful with time. The fact that someone did confess to you is proof enough." They are merely children, they're just playing around. But even so, these matters should be tackled swiftly. What seems like a minor annoyance might become a severe complex with the years.

"You really think so?"

"Yes, I do. The same could be said for Mion. If anyone insinuates that you lack charm, simply ignore those buffoons."

"…Nobody ever said anything nice to me, however." Mion looked down this time, her lips growing smaller.

"Yeah, some in our class say she's boring."

"…That's just mean." Takeru raises a fist into the air. "Mion is really funny to be around, what are they saying?"

"Well… They said I'm not too interesting to be around. Once they finish asking me questions about our classes, they all leave."

"In that case you should simply look for people you have common interests with. Forcing yourself to be nice towards everyone will only tire you out."

Mana was the same when she was younger. Even if she was asked to form part of many groups in our school days, she eventually learned to trim her innermost circles to only a handful of trustworthy people. Without her here, it falls on me to deliver this teaching to Mion.

"Yeah, you don't have to hang out with those dummies. You're not boring, Mion." Takeru smiled at her and Mion recovered a slight smile.

"That's true. You're the only one who can match me in PE so our games are always fun." Shion points a finger upwards again, nodding to herself.

The three kids then start to talk about PE and what school is like, telling Takeru what to expect in it. To think there was one day where this would have been nothing but a dream. No, I wouldn't even have dreamed about this. I would have remained cold and uncaring, only focusing on the results I could obtain in my duties. Shion and Mion would have remained being hostile towards each other, being nothing more than rivals. Now they not only have a healthier relation, they also have someone to share their worries with, someone they can trust.

It seems Takeru was more than just Yuuhi-sama's confidant, Yohime-sama. It would do him good to be more attentive to the feelings of those around him, but I suppose he'll grow in time.


Next Day. Near Noon.

(Koubuin House. Small Office.)

[Native Takeru]


"That will be all for today. Remember to reread what we covered today."

"Yes, Sensei." I bow to him and he leaves.

Maya-nee, who was already in the room, got closer as I put my notebooks into my bag. Once I put everything in place, she grabbed the books I was using for the class and returned them to their proper place. Then, we leave the room.

"Maya-nee, is Yuuhi going to eat with us?"

"No, she is by Yohime-sama's side today. They have a very important meeting."

"Mmgh… But we can only play together on Sundays…"

"Sigh… It is what it is. Come on, you need to leave your bag in your room first. So, how was today's class?"

"…Kinda well."

"Takeru… You do know history is important, do you?" Maya-nee taps her glasses as her hold on my hand becomes a bit stronger.

"Yeah, but there's too many dates and names sometimes."

"Did you receive more homework?"

"No, Sensei told me to reread what we saw today."

"So… you finished every assignment during the class?"

"Yeah."

"…I see."

Maya-nee stays looking at me for a second, then she sighs. She's been sighing a lot recently. While at first it was hard, Mion gave me some pointers on how to read the books and how to try to remember things better. And thanks to Masahide-san's advice, I can now study well without having to stay up late.

Instead of just memorizing where stuff goes into a chart or in the questions, I talk with myself to see whether I can answer my own questions. Sometimes, Sensei says I speak weird even when I'm right but I am getting the right answers so I don't care. It's still a lot of stuff, and I do miss some questions sometimes. But it's not as scary as I thought it would be.

Because there is an answer. I just have to find my way to explain what I read. But… But on the dojo is not the same. No matter what I do Kazora-san always beats me, he always looks at me with those same scary eyes… It makes me feel as if someone put snow into my shirt from my neck.

We arrive at my room and I leave my bag on it, and then, after I change my clothes, we go towards the dining room. I wonder where Yuuhi is or what she's doing. Well, I can play with the pickles for today.

Entering into the usual dining room, I see that those two were already here. They can sleep until late on Sundays since they don't have classes, they ask me about my studies as we eat. They didn't believe me when I told them I finished all the exercises, those dumb pickles.

Maya-nee let us stay in the room talking for a while, then told us she had to go work and took us to our usual room where we play and read. And then we started to play games.

"So… What are you gonna do, Takeru?" Shion smiled, showing me her teeth, as she twirled her hair with two fingers.

"Uuh…" I narrow my brows as I think about whether I should draw a card or pick up the one she discarded just now. I decide to draw, I got a five of swords. So, I throw away an eight of golds to the pile.

"Ah! Lucky!" Mion picked it up, discarding a six of swords. Damn, even if Shion doesn't pick it up I'm gonna lose it.

I have a four and a three of swords along the five. But the other four cards in my hand are all different numbers, so I can't match them up. I have to hope Shion or Mion don't get the two of swords, or that I can make another match before they end the game.

Shion passes up the six, drawing a card from the deck. She doesn't seem too thrilled about it, and discards it immediately. A four of cups, I do have a three of cups on my hand. It's better to have that one than to have all these other scattered cards anyways.

I pick up the four and discard a seven of woods. Mion smiled as she saw what I discarded, picking the card up and discarding the ace of cups. Shion also smiled then and picked it up, discarding an eight of swords.

I don't really need that one… I draw a card and get the ten of gold. I won't discard this one. But… Which one do I discard?

Mion seems to be going for either sevens or woods, and eights or golds. So I can't throw away the ten of golds I just drew. Then, I discard the ace of woods that I had in my hand. Since Shion seems to be going for those, this should be good. Mion passed the ace and drew a card.

"Oh! Game!" She slammed a card with it's back facing upwards on the discard pile.

She presented her game to us. Three eights, and wood cards from the four to the seven. Mion giggled as she swayed from left to right.

"I won this round! So, what did you have in your hands?"

"I only made one match." I show them my hand, with only the sword match in it.

"I had two matches of three." Shion pouted as she presented her hand. Three aces, save for the one I discarded, and three nines. "So, Takeru is the one losing as of now."

"Oh, shut up." Since I had four cards left without matching, I gained four points.

I had a total of eleven, Mion had eight and Shion six. The first one to reach twenty loses, but we're just playing to see who gets the candies. Mion grabbed some candies and ate them one after the other, smiling all the while. Shion gathered the cards and shuffled them again.

"These chocolates are so tasty…" Mion's smile was like a flower, blooming brightly and widely.

"If you end up with another stomachache we won't listen to your complains." Shion puffed her cheeks as she looked at Mion, who stuck her tongue at Shion.

Then, the door opened and Maya-nee, this time in her red samurai dress, entered the room.

"Shion, Mion, Yohime-sama calls for you."

"Eh? Did something happen?" Shion asked.

"No, your presence is required by Yuuhi-sama's side."

"What about me?" Maya-nee gave me a stare, silently looking at me like when she knows I broke something but didn't tell her.

"Takeru you shall remain here."

"Eh?! Why?"

"I'm sorry, but this is an important matter. You'll have to stay alone here."

"Don't be mean, Maya-nee!" I get up and get closer to her, puffing my cheeks and narrowing my brows. "I only can play with them today. Where are they going?"

"Sigh… Please Takeru, you can't come with us."

"Why?"

"Because your manners are lacking." She taps her glasses and looks away from me. "Shion, Mion, let us be on our way."

The pickles stand up and come closer. I tighten my fists, then I feel a hand on my head.

"Do not be so distraught, Takeru."

"You're so mean, Maya-nee. Why can't I go with you?"

"…Because you would end up being rude to our guests."

"Uuh…"

"Come on, now. Takeru, what are you going to do until I come back?"

"…I'm gonna cry."

"Huh?"

"If you don't let me go, I'm gonna cry until you come back."

"Do you think you can threaten me with-"

"Sniff… You're so mean. Why won't you let me go?" Maya-nee flinches, pursing her lips. She remains staring at me for a moment, then she taps her glasses.

"You promise you will behave?"

"Yeah! I won't be rude, and I won't speak up."

"Truly?" I nod twice. "Very well, I will trust in you. However, if you cause trouble I won't let you play on your Sundays anymore."

"Yay! I love you, Maya-nee!" I give her a hug and she again pets my head.

"E-Enough of that. Come on, you three. We wasted enough time already." I let her go and we all exit the room together.

I wonder who's our guest. Maybe an older samurai? I mean, Maya-nee told me to not be rude, so it must be someone old, right? Then, I felt a poke on my arm. The pickles were looking at me with fire matching their hair color coming out of their eyes.

"…Takeru, you love Maya-nee?" Shion asked.

"Yeah, of course."

"Huh… And, what about us?"

"I like you two a lot, too."

"'Like', is it?" Mion narrowed her brows. "So you don't love us?"

"…Why are you so upset?" I don't get it.

"You three, do not start quarreling." Maya-nee said, in her old scary voice as she looked back at us. "You have to behave properly from now on. Otherwise, I will truly punish you this time. Was I clear?" We all nod quickly.

"Maya-nee, who are we going to meet?" Shion asks, tapping her fingers together.

"Yohime-sama wishes to introduce Shion and Mion as the next trainees of the Tsukuyomi Family to the person she's meeting now. However, you cannot display your usual manners in this meeting. You all need to be polite and proper, since this is basically a formal presentation. Consider this another duty you will need to partake in as Royal Guards."

"Huh? Do samurais go to many meetings?"

"Indeed they do. So Takeru, can I count on you being on your best behavior now?" She taps her glasses as she narrows her eyes, looking straight at me.

"Yeah, I just have to be polite, right?"

"…You say that as if you showed politeness in these last days." She sighs again, a hand caressing her hair.

"I can be polite when I have to. It's just too bothersome to speak like that all the time." Maya-nee narrows her eyes at me, gets closer and in a flash she grabs my ear and pulls it, but not too strongly.

"Takeru, you should start behaving as you should! No more of this contrarian act, not in front of your teachers at the least."

"Let me go! I know that!"

"Then, start acting on your words. Will you behave well in the meeting?"

"Yes, I will!"

"Alright, I will trust in you this time." She lets me go and pats my head. "Takeru, this is something important for both Yohime-sama and Yuuhi-sama. I will take you out of the room if I see you misbehaving."

"I know. I have to be good, I got it."

"It's 'Understood', Takeru." I can't help but to pout at her. "Well then, I believe I've been clear enough." She then turned around and began to walk faster than before.

"Hehe, you got scolded." Shion smiled at me widely, moving a finger at me.

"Shut up, you dumb pickle."

"Takeru, Shion, I said no quarreling."

"Yes…" We both say, Mion giggled at us as we walked behind Maya-nee.

…I do wonder where is Mana-nee, now that I think about it. She hasn't come in all this time I've been here. Maybe she's the one we'll go meet now? And anyways, why are they calling the pickles to their meeting?

Looking at them, it looks like they also don't know what's up with this. I take a deep breath, feeling as if I was playing with sand on my hands. No matter how tightly I close my hands, it feels as if something were slipping through my fingers, tickling my palms. I mean, I know Mion and Shion are really good with a sword… And they are the real family of Maya-nee… So, who's waiting for us? I don't want to be left behind, but what if it's someone scary?

We went all the way to Yohime-san's room, there were a lot of samurai on the hallways for some reason now. Maya-nee stopped behind the door and instead of opening it she spoke up, asking for permission to enter. Yohime-san says she can enter from inside, and she looks at us moving one hand. We get closer and she opens the door, and we follow behind Maya-nee.

"Good afternoon, Yohime-sama." She bows down and we also do the same.

In the room there was Yohime-san, Yuuhi, the old woman, a man in a black suit with lines of white who looks kinda old, and another little girl. She looks to be older than me, she has long, black hair combed backwards and a pair of cerulean eyes, and she's wearing a… frilly cream blouse, I guess? Or is it a full dress? Dunno if that pink thing is a skirt or part of the whole thing. She looked at us as she sat side by side with the old man, eyeing us one at a time. Yohime-san seemed to look at me for a while before she smiled as usual.

"Welcome, you four. Now, why don't you introduce yourselves?" Yohime-san said, waving a hand our way.

Mion and Shion stepped forward and introduced themselves speaking really formally. Giving a bow to the two guests, each one finished their words. Maya-nee looked at me and I took one step forward. I gave them a bow and inhaled through my nose.

I know that many people here don't like me because I don't speak like them. Well, they're going to be surprised! I'm not that dumb, all I have to do is speak how Maya-nee always tells me to for some minutes. I can do it!

"Good afternoon, my name is Takeru Shirogane. It's a pleasure to make your…" How was the word I had to use instead of friend… Aqua-what? Oh, right. "Um.. acquaintance." I rise up and take a step back. They… don't seem to be angry or anything. Maya-nee seemed to be relaxing as she closed her eyes. And then she sighs again.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all." The old man said, giving us a small bow. "I am Yukito Hikami, and this is my daughter." The girl smiled at us and also gave us a bow.

"My name is Arisa Hikami. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She's as formal as Yuuhi, though. But she's kinda cute, too.

Yohime-san called for us to sit by their side. Maya-nee went to sit to her left, while Yuuhi moved her hand to call for us three. The pickles tried to sit by Yuuhi's side but she shook her head and pointed at me, so I sat to Yuuhi's right while to pickles sat to my right.

"Hello, you three. How are you faring?" Yuuhi is speaking weird again.

"I'm good." Yuuhi nodded at my answer, the pickles answered in a more polite manner.

The adults then talked of some boring stuff, it reminds me of what Mom and Dad did whenever they watched TV. Maya-nee did tell us we had to remain quiet, but why did they call us if we're just going to be sitting here? I don't get it.

Then, as if my inner question made it happen…

"Well, I suppose these two are the next ones in line to bolster the ranks of your retainers?" The old man said, looking at the pickles.

"Indeed." Yohime-san replies softly, without her usual nice tone. "Mion and Shion have been excelling in their respective schools and training courses. We all believe they shall become fine Royal Guards."

"I see…" The man picks up a manju and softly eats it. Then he looks at me, his eyes becoming kinda serious, like when the teachers take a look at my exercises. "And what of this boy? I do not recognize his surname."

"Shirogane is… a new recruit." Yohime-san said, closing her eyes. Why is she calling me Shirogane? "It has been only a few days since he has been training here officially."

"I see. However… Hmm…" The man keeps staring at me, I furrow my brows a bit. What's up with him? "He does not look as what one of your trainees would resemble. He seems… normal, almost."

"Shirogane is rather… peculiar in his manners, is all." Why… is she still calling me like that?

"Well, might I ask how he was inducted? Shirogane, do your family serve the House?"

Maya-nee and Yohime-san gave me a look, both of them looked tense. I know that stare, I bet you're thinking I'll raise my voice and tell him to call me Takeru. Hehe, not today! I can be polite when I have to, I can tell Yohime-san is kinda worried even if I don't like how she's calling me. So… Wait, did Dad serve this house? …I don't really know.

"Um… Dad told me he was a fellow of the sa… Royal Guards that worked here."

"Hmm… It seems you are a commoner." The man nods while holding his chin, slightly narrowing his eyes as he stares at me again.

"Is something the matter, Hikami-san?" Yohime-san said in a slow, scary voice. The man opened his eyes and smiled weirdly, leaning back.

"No, forgive me. I didn't expect such looseness from him, is all. So you allow commoner inductees to be so close to your highest servants' heirs… I suppose his father was a good fellow to you."

"Indeed he was. Well, perhaps it is time to move onto the business talks." Yohime-san said again with the scary voice as she stood up.

The man nodded once, looking kinda tense now. Then Yohime-san looked back at us, without that usual sweet air she has. She looked like a tree in autumn, yellow and uncomfortable.

"Chamberlain, please accompany me. Maya, do look after the children while we're gone." They nod and agree to Yohime-san's words, and then she leaves for the garden alongside the old man, with the old woman following behind and some other samurais also following close.

Why did she call me like that? Maybe… it would have been better if I wasn't here? Maybe… I really am a bother to her…

As they left and I looked down, Yuuhi pulled my arm.

"Takeru, are you feeling well?" She said in a whisper as she leaned closer.

"Yeah…"

"Please do not be down. Mother told me this was a very important meeting, so it is expected she would speak of you using your surname. I didn't knew you were going to come."

"Oh, I just insisted. I didn't wanna stay alone in our room. You think I was a bother?"

"Of course not. You're one of us, there's no reason for you to think so." Yuuhi said giving me a smile. "I am astonished to see you could articulate such proper phrases, however."

"Yuuhi, stop talking weird." She giggles at me, I can hear the pickles doing the same.

"Forgive me. So, how have your studies been these days?"

"Oh, it's going alright. I could finish all my exercises today."

"Is that so? That is good to hear. Then, will be able to play together after this meeting?"

"Yeah… But we were already playing something before."

"We could always restart the game if you wish to join, Yuuhi-sama." Shion replied, now speaking weird too.

"If you do not mind, then I would very much like to join you." Yuuhi smiled, now without that weird tension on her face, as she gave a nod.

"Alright, then we'll restart the game later."

"…How lucky you are, Takeru. You were so close to losing, after all." Mion moved her brows up and down a few times, holding her mouth as she giggled when I puffed my cheeks at her.

"Ahem…" Maya-nee made us look at her, she tapped her glasses and we grew quiet, then she walked towards the other girl. "Hikami-sama, would you like some tea?"

"Yes, if you would be so kind." The girl… Arisa, was it? She gave Maya-nee a bow, then she looked towards us and stood up, getting closer. "If you wouldn't mind me asking, about what kind of game were you speaking about?"

"Oh, about a card game. See, we all draw seven cards and-"

"Takeru, mind your language." Maya-nee sent a glare my way, pursing her lips. Now what? I can't even talk normally to her? She isn't an adult. And as if reading my mind, Maya-nee tapped her glasses and narrowed her eyes. I puffed a cheek back at her.

"Allow me to explain it." Mion caressed her hair as she looked at Arisa, then began to explain to her what the game we were playing was about.

"I see. It sounds fun. Koubuin-sama, would you like for us to play this game while we wait?" Arisa said while sending a hand to her hair, some strands of it now in between her fingers.

"I suppose…" Yuuhi looked at us, then she remained for a moment staring at me.

"I won't say anything rude."

"No, that wasn't what… Ahem… Then Maya-san, could you bring the cards here, please?"

"If you so wish, so I shall do." Maya-nee is back to weird words, too. She then also sent me a gaze, I nodded while narrowing my eyes.

I know, don't be rude or anything. She's just a girl, though. Hmm… But maybe she'll get mad and call her dad like those dumb girls back at school do with the teachers when they come bother us and we scream at them. Yeah, then I can't make trouble for Yohime-san and Maya-nee.

"Um…"Arisa tilted her head, tapping her fingers together. "How skilled are you at this game?"

"It is not so much about skill. Timing and luck are great factors in this game." Yuuhi said, again kinda tense but still friendly. "It is why is so fun, one can never know what will happen."

"I see. I somehow expected you to favor Shogi, being from the nobility." Arisa replied, now entwining her fingers.

"I do enjoy Shogi as well. However…" Yuuhi pursed her lips, giving us a look.

"Is something the matter, Koubuin-sama?"

"Nobody can beat Yuuhi in a Shogi match." The pickles nod at my words.

"…That is not true. You all could best me if you truly tried." Yuuhi sulked as she looked at us.

"You say that…" I look at the pickles and raise a brow.

"Yeah… I don't see myself besting you anytime soon, Yuuhi-sama." Mion said, to which Shion agreed with a nod and a hum while crossing her arms.

"Hehe, you all seem to be in very good terms." Arisa smiled at our words, softly like a cat rolling in it's sleep. "However, may I ask why you refer to Koubuin-sama in such an informal manner, Shirogane-sama?"

"Why? I mean, we're friends… Right?" I look at her and Yuuhi nods. "Is it that weird, Arisa?"

"Huh?"

"What?"

"No… Um… Why did you use my name?"

"…I mean, it's your name."

"Well, that is true…"

"Um… Was that rude?" I look at the other three, the pickles' brows move down as they give a nod. Yuuhi moves her head slightly, but nods after a while. "I see… So we can't be friends with her, huh." That sucks… This really sucks…

"Um, why do you say so, Shirogane-sama? I thought the meaning of this meeting was to foster friendliness between us?"

"…Yuuhi, what does foster means?"

"It means to encourage something." She said with her usual smile.

"Did you… not know what that word meant?" Arisa looked at me like how I look at Sumika when she comes up with some random explanation for something.

"What? Do you know every word in the dictionary?" I lower my brows and puff one of my cheeks at her.

"Well, no… Forgive me, I did not meant to insult you." She gave me a small bow, holding both of her hands close to her chest.

"You're really weird. First you don't let me call you Arisa and now you're bowing. I'm not an adult, why are you doing that?" She comes back up, tilting her head and bringing a hand to her chin.

"Eh? But, weren't you offended?"

"No? So, you're here to be friends with us, right?"

"…Yes, that would be the best outcome for this meeting Shirogane-sama. Therefore, I-"

"Then, stop calling me Shirogane-sama. I'm not an adult, Takeru is fine."

"Eh? Um…" What's up with her?

"Takeru…" Yuuhi pulls my sleeve. "Hikami-sama is not acquainted to such open displays of friendliness. From her eyes, you're being rude when you propose such a thing."

"Huh? But… Is it really that rude?"

"Yes, while I am used to it, for the rest it is not a normal occurrence to be called by their names by a stranger."

"I see…" So I'm the weird one here… The 'stranger'…

"Please do not take it badly." Yuuhi gave me a smile. "It is nothing but a different custom."

"Um, forgive me Shirogane-sama. I did not meant to make you uncomfortable." Arisa again gave me a bow. Why is she still doing that?

"Yuuhi, why is she bowing again? Aren't I being the rude one?"

"Well…" Yuuhi looked away, her hands coming together. It's so weird…

"Um… Arisa? You don't have to apologize."

"No, I was also rude towards you. I did not mean to refuse your offer, it just… caught me by surprise how you addressed me. I didn't expect the son of a noble to be so forward in his ways." She makes a small smile, playing with her hair.

"…What does she mean by son of a noble?"

"Huh? Are you not a son of a Royal Guard?"

"Oh! So that's what you meant. Yeah, my Dad was a samurai."

"…Your father, I see. However…"

"Ahem… Takeru refers to the Royal Guards as samurai sometimes." Yuuhi comes to my side, and then she steps on my feet. She comes closer and whispers then. "Takeru, did Maya-san not tell you to refer to the Royal Guard as such?"

"Yeah… Did I say something wrong?" I answered in a whisper too.

"No… I am merely looking after you like Mother asked me to." Yohime-san did? I don't get it, what was wrong with what I said?

"Um…" Arisa had her lips twisting, a hand on her chin as she seemed to slowly sway from left to right. "I did not meant any insult. Could be perhaps start over, Shirogane-sama?"

"…I guess. Say, you really can't call me Takeru?"

"Huh? Well, I suppose I could… Is it truly alright?"

"Yeah, I don't like to be called by my surname. So… Can we be friends, Arisa… -san?" I extend my hand towards her, she again curved her brows and lips but then she took my hand, and I shook it softly.

…Her hand is so soft. And small, too. She finally smiles, without looking forced or scared for some reason. …She does look really cute.

"Ahem…" Yuuhi puts a hand on my shoulder and pulls me back, ending our handshake. "So, while we wait, what would you like to talk about, Hikami-sama?"

"Oh, how about literature? What kind of books do you all read?"

We sat down again and talked about books for a while, waiting for Maya-nee to come back with the cards.

"I really didn't see that coming when they went to the swamp." I nod to myself, remembering how the fourth book of the pirates went during the second chapter.

"Neither did I!" Arisa smiled, making not-tightened fists. "I didn't expect them to use a duck to defeat that thief."

"Sometimes I wonder if that could actually happen. How could anyone be afraid of ducks?"

"Actually, that is a real phobia." Arisa said as she played with some hair by her ears. "The proper term would be anatidaephobia, or perhaps a form of ornithophobia. Considering the thief got his nose eaten by a duck, I do think it isn't so hard to believe."

"I see… I didn't know that. You're so smart, Arisa."

"No, I was merely curious after reading the book so I read about the matter at a later date. However, what I truly did not expect was the ending of the Atoll arc. To think they would use the puppets to cause that cannon blast… What did you think of it, Takeru?"

"Yeah, that was so crazy. Even more with those two parrots that found the right rock. Though, the image of the thing… I dunno, it looked really funny. It didn't seem like a powerful weapon at all." A human body, a monkey head and a pirate hat. It was more like one of my drawings, to think that thing had such a powerful magic spell on it…

"Indeed. It goes to show one must never judge a book by it's cover. I am still rather scared of that whole voodoo magic affair thanks to these books." Arisa says, slowing down her tone as she closes her eyes and brings both hands closer to her chin.

"Yeah… Some stuff in the next book is really scary." I once told what happened in the fifth book to Sumika and she punched me to the skies while she cried. Sure, seeing her stunned face was really funny… but that punch hurt like a lot.

"Ahem… Forgive me for interrupting…" Yuuhi coughed again, lowering her brows and plucking her lips. …And there's the blue fire again. Now, what is she is upset about? "However, me and Shion have not read those books. What do you say of speaking of another series?"

"Well… I guess. Oh, Mion you did read them, right?" She curved the inner part of her brows and looked away.

"…I didn't like the fifth book, so I stopped reading."

"…You got scared, didn't you?"

"W-What? That was really scary! I can't believe you were laughing about it."

"I mean, the face of the old rich man was hilarious. And the end with the giant robot was awesome, too!"

"Indeed." Arisa nodded while clasping her hands. "For being a story that began with a lonely pirate, it definitely surpassed all my expectations. And I agree, the ending was very good."

"Right?!"

"…You two, could you kindly stop talking of this story?" Yuuhi smiled as she narrowed her eyes while tilting her head. Like the book said about that voodoo spell, her words were scorching petals fluttering into the wind, burning all greenery around with the slowness of a rocking ship. Why is she so angry? "Now then, what other books do you favor, Hikami-sama?"

"Well… I do like poetry much."

"Oh, I do too!"

"Truly? What kind of poetry do you read, Takeru?"

"Well, I only read two or three books of the same author. The first one I read was just a basic book, though. Signs of Golden Rain was the last one I read."

"Oh, I know that one!" She smiles again and nods, making her long her flutter around. "I read it last year in my classes. What did you think about it?"

"It was harder than the ones before. It had some nice poems, but the stories on the final part were kinda hard to understand."

"I see… Yes, I can see what you mean. Depending on how you understand them, they can either shown hopefulness or a bittersweet feeling."

"…Ahem." Yuuhi again interrupted us, now clearly frowning. "By the way Hikami-sama, have you read Sun's Teardrop by any chance?"

"Yes, I have." Arisa smiled again. "It was truly a beautiful read… But the ending was truly saddening."

"I agree… It really makes you ponder if the characters made the right choice." Shion jumped in, and then the three of them started talking between themselves.

I haven't read that one, so I have no idea what it's about. I feel a pull on my arm and I look back. Mion was staring at me, brows low and lips made a small circle.

"W-What?"

"Takeru, you shouldn't monopolize someone in such a way."

"…What do you mean, Mion? And stop talking weird."

"I meant that you shouldn't only talk with Hikami-sama. You should try to have all of us talk as well. That's why this is a meeting." She rose a finger and moved it a bit, reminding me of how Mana-nee was when I came to the dojo when she still was here.

"I see… Was that rude, too?"

"Yes, really rude. So, don't do that again or I'll tell Maya-nee." She sounded kinda scary, like Maya-nee when she pulls my ear. I nodded once and she smiled at me. "Please, think of how we feel…"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Huh?! Did… Did I say that out loud?"

"How you feel, huh?" So… maybe they got lonely because we left them behind? Yeah, that was mean. "Sorry Mion, I'll try to not do that again. We're all friends, so we should all talk together. Right?"

"…Yes. Friends… Yes, that's right."

"What's up?" She has as much energy as a dandelion lost in the air.

"Nothing. So… Let's go back to the conversation."

We then talked with the rest for a little while, and then Maya-nee came back. After asking us how we were, and giving me one good look in silence as she always does, she organized the game and we sat down in a circle. We explained the rules to Arisa again, and then we shuffled the deck and got ready to play.


Around half an hour later…


"And with this… Game." Yuuhi placed a card with it's back facing upwards on the discard pile. "Everybody, how did you fare in this round?"

"I made two matches with three cards." Shion said.

"I did so, too." Arisa replied.

"I did a four card match this time." Mion showed her hand.

"Takeru, what about you?" Yuuhi asked while putting a finger on her cheek.

"…I only did one match."

"So that's four points, huh?" Shion smirked evilly at me, letting me see her teeth again. "That's seventeen points for you, isn't it?"

"Shut up! The cards never come when I'm close to making a second match." I haven't won a single round yet! What's with this horrible luck?!

"Complaining will do nothing for you, Takeru." Mion also smiled as she ran a hand over her hair.

"Uuh… You'll see, I'm gonna turn this around!"

"Ahaha… You all truly do take this very seriously." Arisa giggled again as she saw our exchange of stares.

"Now, you three. Stop quarreling already." Maya-nee gave us a glance and we nodded.

"Oh, what are you all doing?" Yohime-san had returned with Arisa's Dad behind her.

Maya-nee gave them a bow and explained what we were doing. Both of them smiled while looking at us, getting closer.

"Did you enjoy yourself, Yuuhi?"

"Yes, Mother. It was a pleasant afternoon." Again talking weird, Yuuhi gave Yohime-san a bow.

"Arisa, did you behave well?" Her father grasped his chin again as he looked at her, she nodded as she got to his side.

"Yes, Father. I had much fun in their company."

"I see… That is good. Well then Koubuin-sama, it has been a pleasure." Both of them gave Yohime-san a bow, that she and Yuuhi returned.

"No, I am pleased to hear this meeting was a fruitful one. I hope we can one day meet again in such a favorable atmosphere."

The old man then thanked the old woman that's always by Yohime-san's and Yuuhi's side. Are they… leaving? Mmgh… We won't get to finish our game then.

"Koubuin-sama, it was a pleasure to meet you." Arisa bowed to Yuuhi, who again bowed to her back.

"No, the pleasure was mine. It was truly entertaining to platicate with you, and our game was also very fun. I shall be waiting your next visit, Hikami-sama." They smiled at each other, now not looking fake.

"Now… Mion-sama, Shion-sama, Shirogane-sama, it was a most pleasant afternoon. Thank you kindly for your deference. I hope we can meet again someday."

"No, the pleasure was ours, Hikami-sama." Mion said, giving her a bow too. Shion followed soon after.

"…Why are you calling me by my last name again?" I puffed my cheeks at her. I don't get it… She was calling me Takeru just now, too.

"Takeru, please be mindful of your manners." Maya-nee came towards us, tapping her glasses.

"But she was-"

"You said you would behave, did you not?"

"Uuh…"

"Maya, what is the matter?"

"Nothing, Yohime-sama."

"I just don't get why Arisa is again calling me Shirogane-sama." Not a second after I finished speaking, Maya-nee pulled my ear.

"Takeru, I told you to be polite. You cannot refer to others by their names."

"But she was okay with it!"

"Maya, peace." Yohime-san came closer, waving a hand at Maya. "Shirogane, did she allow you to use her name?"

"…Yes, since I told her she could call me Takeru. I mean, I'm not an adult. She doesn't have to use the -sama. Is it really rude?" She closed her eyes, grabbing some of her hair. She then smiled as usual when she looked back at me.

"I do not think so. Arisa, were you bothered by Shirogane's words?" Both the old man and Arisa seem surprised Yohime-san spoke to her directly.

"No, of course not. I was surprised at first, however I don't mind. I had much fun speaking with him. But even so, it would be improper to speak in such way in front of you and Father."

"Koubuin-sama, why does Shirogane… well, speak in such way?" The man was again staring at me.

"Shirogane has a bad habit of calling people by their names. Forgive him, please. He means no offense, he simply prefers a more relaxed manner of speech as opposed to a formal one."

"I see… Arisa, did you have fun with them?"

"Yes, Father. I did enjoy Shi… Takeru's company, as well as everyone else's."

"…That's good. I suppose you could call him in that way, if you so wish. Shirogane, thanks for keeping Arisa company today."

"No, it was really fun to have someone to talk about books." I smile at them and the old man does too.

"I see. Well then, we should be going." The man again bowed to Yohime-san. Arisa instead came towards us four, and again bowed to the pickles and Yuuhi. And then, she came towards me.

"Takeru, I hope we can meet again and finish this game. Maybe then we'll be able to have a chat about the ending?"

"Oh, I hope so. I don't really have anyone to talk about that one." I do wonder if I'll meet Uncle Koetsu or Mami-san again since they were the only ones I could talk with about those books, since Mion doesn't want to finish reading them.

"Hehe, I shall be looking forward to it. Goodbye, Takeru."

"No, it's not goodbye."

"Huh?"

"It's 'See you later', because we'll see each other again someday." I grab her hand and shook it slowly. She then smiled and nodded, ending the handshake.

Arisa went to her Father's side and then they went to the door, where they gave us one last bow before leaving, while I waved at them.

"…So Takeru, did you have fun today?" Yohime-san asked as she sat down.

"Yeah, it was really fun. But, why were you calling me Shirogane, Yohime-san?"

"It is merely a matter of etiquette. Worry not, I am not upset at you. So, tell me how you spent this little time."

We four sat down near her and told her of what we did. She giggled at parts of our story, explaining to me why I should try to be more polite during meetings, while patting Yuuhi's head when she again got upset for some reason when I complained of how she didn't let me finish talking with Arisa about the book.

"…Well, it looks like you truly did enjoy a pleasant afternoon. In any case, you are free to go back to your activities. Maya, take them to the dining room. And then return, there is something I need to ask you." Her tone got scary at the end.

"Yes, Yohime-sama. Well, let us go." We nod and stand up, bowing to Yohime-san as always before leaving the room.

I still don't get why they spoke so weird, or why Arisa apologized so much back then. Adults are so weird and complicated. Also, why was that man staring at me so much? Now that I think about it… I forgot to ask Yohime-san why she asked Yuuhi to 'look after me'.

"…Takeru?" Yuuhi poked my arm as we walked, while the pickles were again bickering over something in front of us.

"What's up?"

"Did you enjoy talking with Hikami-sama that much?" She looks straight at me, almost looking like the blue fire is going to appear any minute now.

"Yeah, it was really fun. I'm happy to have made another friend. Aren't you happy too, Yuuhi?"

"Well… I am happy, indeed. However… you never smiled in such a way when speaking with us." She sulked a bit, lowering her brows.

"What? You don't like those books so I have no one to talk to about them."

"Hmmmmm…"

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

"It is nothing." She again smiled, recovering her usual tone. "I am glad this meeting was a good one, and that you weren't uncomfortable in it by the end. However, you do need to polish your formal speech Takeru."

"Oh, come on. I can't speak so weird. I can do it for some time but it's really bothersome." I narrow my brows and she giggles.

"I surely hope you can get used to it soon. If you become a Royal Guard you will need to be part of this kind of meetings frequently, after all."

"Eh? Really?"

"Yes, that is the truth."

"Uuh… I'll deal with it when I get there." I puff my chest, Yuuhi again laughs quietly.

"Anyways, you truly had bad luck in our game today."

"Don't remind me. But it was good that Arisa could enjoy her first game."

"…So you did enjoy her company, did you Takeru." And there is the blue fire again, just as her tone got pouty too.

"What? It was fun, wasn't it?"

"Yes, that is true. It is… odd to see you be so friendly towards someone you just met, however."

"Well, I'm just happy to have another friend. And she was really cute, too." She was really weird at first but I'm happy she didn't think I'm rude or anything like that.

"…Cute?"

"Hm? What's up, Yuuhi?"

"…Why do you think Hikami-sama is cute, Takeru?"

"Why? Well, she has a nice smile, she was really friendly, and I think that dress looked good, too." It was like the one Maya-nee used, but all in cream instead of red.

"…I see. So you favor western clothing, huh?"

"Hm? Did you say something, Yuuhi?"

"Huh? Oh, it was nothing. Pay me no mind, Takeru. I was just… Well, enough about that. What would you like us to read now?" Yuuhi then got closer, grabbing my hand and starting to walk faster.

Catching up with the pickles, we then started to talk about what we were going to read now, with those two teasing me about how I was going to lose. Maya-nee again scolded me for being too rude, but she simply sighed, yet again, and ruffled my hair for a moment. And through all the way back to our room Yuuhi didn't let go of my hand, and when I tried she grabbed me harder.

Well, it's not a big deal. I return the grip and she twitched, but then we smiled at each other as we kept walking, debating on what we were going to do after eating.