~ Chapter 7 ~
Six months following Mito Uzumaki's tragic "passing in her sleep"
~
In the manor's waiting area, an uninvited noble sits. His demeanor is patient, the man has one purpose- to meet with Sakuya. Sister of the groom and Oasis's so-called "Wellspring Maiden".
Though she agreed to speak with him without an appointment, the man knows he must wait until she has time. "It's been a few hours. Her errand was at the children's shelter, surely it won't be long now."
As if in a queue, the sound of a sliding stone door catches his ears. "That wasn't so bad." Standing up in greeting, his expression is affable.
"Good afternoon. I'm grateful you agreed to speak without prior correspondence-" His words were cut off by the unexpected impact of the young woman's appearance.
Theoretically, he expected himself prepared, but seeing Sakuya in person, the noble is overwhelmed. "So it's true." He whispered.
Up close and personal like this, "the Wellspring Maiden" is everything the rumors described and more. If anything he feels cheated on her behalf. That the whispers didn't do her justice. Not even close.
'Was she hand-carved by divinity?' Everything about her... Nothing feels exaggerated, overdone, or without purpose, every aspect of Sakuya's form... it's inhumanly symmetrical.
"Won't you sit down?" Asked the vision before him. The goddess in human form gestures politely to his seat.
The sound of her melodic speaking voice hammering it in all the more. His knees instinctively weaken, and the man wonders if his body is trying to bow.
'So this is what they mean by a "dewdrop" like voice.' thought the noble. Quickly positioning himself in his seat, the flustered man tries to recover his composure. "Uh, yes. Thank you so much for your time."
Clearing his throat, after exchanging pleasantries the man presents Sakuya with a small box. wrapped in a silk cloth, he urges her to accept.
"A gift for Yuukina and Reiji? How lovely. I'm sure they'll appreciate it... But I have to inquire- Why are you entrusting this to me? I don't mind keeping it safe but my brother's wedding is nearly a month away."
"Uh, no Forgive me, Lady Sakuya. Perhaps I wasn't clear. This is for you and your brothers. I'm here on behalf of a friend. A humble gift."
~
Settling out of his caravan for the night into the comfort of the campsite, the noble is in high spirits.
Staring at the collection of three blood-red crystals wrapped carefully in a silk lining, Protected from his touch, "I think "he" will be pleased." thought the noble.
"Why wouldn't he? Any man would be thrilled with irrefutable proof that they are indeed father to three magnificent specimens of pure power.'
'My master; Kyou Uzumaki is no exception.'