Chapter 62 The Oni Walks Beside the Blacksmith
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”This… this is the Arcane Gun ‘Elingium,’ built especially for me. Remarkable—the balance, the weight, the power in its internal mechanisms. The system’s identical to the ‘Auto Eizul,’ or rather, this one is the original, isn’t it? The acceleration spell formula doubles the output of the ‘Auto Eizul,’ and the muzzle velocity is sixty-four times that of a standard Arcane Gun—pure madness. They say the mithril rails can’t handle the strain, that the destructive power drops under that load, but this version reforges the rails themselves. Reinforced. Perfected. Accuracy, efficiency, reliability… this is craftsmanship at its peak. A weapon’s worth lies in trust, and this—this is Tatara Julon quality.”
”Let’s eat before it gets cold.”
”Ah—right.”
Ethelena’s quiet authority could silence even Dahlia’s morning lecture on firearms.
My father once said whoever holds the stomach holds the home. He wasn’t wrong.
After a shower, the first person I ran into was Yohira. She drifted closer when I greeted her and wrapped her arms around me. Surprised, I returned the hug, brushing her hair with my hand.
The sight of us like that, in the morning light, was… unusual. When she left for her usual training in the garden, her ears were still red. Guess she wasn’t used to it either.
Next came the foolish fox.
After saying good morning, she tilted her head forward expectantly, so I rubbed it with both hands like I would a big dog. She didn’t resist—just wagged once and headed out to train with Yohira, fur now a complete mess.
A few minutes later, Ethelena stepped into the living room, hair still damp from her shower. We kissed good morning before starting breakfast together.
Her tail brushed around my leg, but I let it be. It was too cute to interrupt.
By the time we’d finished setting the table, Yohira, the fox, and Miss Hinagiku came back in from the garden.
I hadn’t noticed they’d joined training while I was cooking. When I greeted her again, Hinagiku smiled warmly.
Then Dahlia appeared, awake and alert for once. Before breakfast, I handed her the long coat–style armor I’d prepared, along with the ‘Elingium,’ and—
”So this is my new weapon… the mana-focusing Arcane Cannon ‘Sazanka.’”
Yes—the second weapon I’d made last night in the workshop. It was designed just for Dahlia.
Instead of firing pure mana bullets, it condensed her own energy into a neutral magic projectile. Unlike Ethelena’s ‘Lonisera,’ which consumes a fixed amount of mana for a fixed output, this gun scales its power with the user’s magic attack strength—an extension of their own ability.
If I refine the design further, I’d like to make something similar for Ethelena too. Once ‘Lonisera’ is upgraded, it might even reach the same level.
”As expected of my master,” Dahlia said, eyes gleaming. “To craft a weapon optimized so perfectly for me—this is true genius. Unlike standard Arcane Cannons, this one reproduces the entire magical process. It’s an artificial spell in itself. The mechanism draws out every bit of a user’s magical power. For us Automaton Maidens—beings unable to use magic naturally—it is a long-awaited miracle. Our base attack becomes our magic power, and our traits can further amplify it. Against undead that shrug off physical strikes, we’ll sweep through them like grass before the scythe. Even the armies of the Netherworld will crumble before us! We must mass-produce it—together, Tatara Julon and the Automaton Maidens will conquer the Seven Worlds!”
”Seven? Are there really that many worlds?” I asked.
”Probably doesn’t matter,” Ethelena murmured.
I only knew of the Human Realm, Heaven, the Demon Realm, the Netherworld, the Divine Realm, and the Abyss—six in total. Maybe there was another, but the academy usually lumped them together anyway.
”So, Dahlia’s only missing a long weapon now?”
”What about her Arcane Armor, master?”
”Still pending. I’ve been balancing materials with the others’ equipment. Honestly… we’re short on iron and steel.”
”Can’t you buy some?”
”I could, but every time I show up in the business district to buy ore, the merchants complain. Maybe I should just trade a kilo of mithril for a mountain of steel?”
”I advise against it,” she said smoothly. “You’d crash the mithril market.”
”Yeah… good point.”
And probably earn a furious scolding from the city mayor too. Guess I’ll just keep gathering the old-fashioned way.
That was when Dahlia took out the ‘Elingium’ and started her little ‘weapons sommelier’ performance—the same one that opened this morning’s scene. Frankly, I’m amazed Ethelena held her patience this long.
”Tatara and Torakuma aren’t coming today, right?” Ethelena asked.
”Yeah. I’ve been joining on and off lately, but this is the first time Yohira’s skipping, isn’t it?”
”That’s right. The only time Torakuma ever skipped exploration was that one day we trained at home.”
”Then our physical offense will rely on Tatia. She’s got the new weapon, but she might need a warm-up round.”
We chatted like that while washing dishes together—me and Ethelena, moving in quiet sync, anticipating each other’s motions.
It felt good, like our thoughts were aligned. Heart to heart.
”Oh, and don’t forget your cape today,” I said.
”I know. I promised to wear it whenever Tatara’s not around.”
I’d reminded her before, but it never hurts. She can be careless, too trusting—and that scares me sometimes. She’s not that strong physically; if someone tried to restrain her…
no, better not think about that. Maybe I should just bind her with a spell of devotion—kidding… mostly.
”You worry that much about me?” she asked softly.
”Always. When you’re out of reach, it’s like a piece of me goes missing. I know you’re fine, but… I still get anxious.”
”Because you don’t trust me?”
”No. It’s more like what you called the ‘lonely type.’ The feeling that I always want you nearby.”
”I see,” she said, smiling. “That’s kind of sweet.”
She leaned closer, wings folding around me in a warm, feathery embrace.
”Tatara, you really do love me, huh?”
”Of course I do.”
She laughed, soft and musical. “So quick to answer.”
”I love you enough to say it without hesitation—’I love you.’ If that bothers you, I’ll stop.”
”Don’t be silly,” she said, pouting. “You always lose confidence at the weirdest times.”
Her lips formed a tiny pout, and before I knew it, I kissed them—just a brief touch.
She blinked, startled, then threw her arms around my neck and kissed me back, longer this time. I wrapped my arms around her waist in return.
”…It’s nice to see such passion in the morning,” a voice interrupted. “But perhaps refrain—Tatia will be here soon.”
We turned. Yohira stood there, trying for a wry smile, though her eyes looked faintly lonely.
”Ah, right. I should get dressed anyway,” Ethelena said easily, stepping away and heading to her room. She’d need to change not just her gear but probably her underthings too.
”…Tatara,” Yohira said softly. “If you only dote on your official wife, it makes the rest of us a little lonely.”
”Don’t say stuff like that out of nowhere,” I murmured, pulling her close. She pressed her face into my chest, and I stroked her hair until she sighed and hugged me back.
”You’re usually so dependable,” I said. “But right now, you’re acting like such a spoiled child.”
”I didn’t think I could be like this either,” she whispered. “Jealous of Ethelena… me, of all people. What am I even doing?”
I stroked Yohira’s hair again, gentler this time. She hugged me tighter, the strength in her arms quietly saying she didn’t want to let go.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Ethelena peeking out from behind the door, smiling mischievously. So she hadn’t really left—she’d only pretended to, just to spy on Yohira’s reaction.
Typical. She couldn’t resist something that cute.
”Yohira,” I asked softly, “do you ever… want to be with me? In that way?”
”Sometimes,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “There are nights when I feel lonely, and your face comes to mind. But… not yet. I must do things properly—follow the right steps with the Torakuma family. Only after that.”
She pulled away from my arms, her expression calm but firm, eyes clear with resolve.
”Whether I leave the Torakuma house to become your wife or invite you into ours, there are preparations to be made,” she said. “And there’s still the unrest Tatia mentioned. It would be wrong of me to seek your child before all that is settled.”
”…You’re really reliable, Yohira.”
”I try,” she said with a proud tilt of her chin. “During exploration, I help you make decisions—or drag them out of you when needed. In daily life, I support the parts of you Ethelena can’t. Tatara, you need both of us to stay balanced. I fully intend to trap you in this swamp of affection!”
”Don’t say it like that,” I said, laughing despite myself. She was too good at disarming me.
She grinned, clearly pleased.
”Mhm, I feel much better now. Maybe this is what Ethelena meant by getting my daily dose of ‘Tatara energy.’”
”Oh no, not you too,” I groaned. “She already said it was a ‘nutrient.’”
”Well, it’s a special ability only women in love with Tatara can feel. Limited edition,” she teased.
Let’s just hope she doesn’t get as addicted as Ethelena, who once said she’d die without her daily dose.
As we joked, the doorbell rang.
That must be Tatia. Before I could move, Ethelena—still lurking by the doorway—answered cheerfully and ran to open it.
”Good morning, Tatara,” Tatia greeted when she stepped inside. “I’ll be borrowing Ethelena and Dahlia today.”
”Got it. Make sure they come back safe.”
”Of course. I stake my honor on it.”
We exchanged a knowing grin, and then the girls left for the Dungeon.
After a while, I had an early lunch, then set out myself. Yohira was officially invited, but I brought two guards along as well—it wouldn’t look right if my escorts skipped the meeting.
”I’m surprised the foolish fox followed without a fuss,” I said as we walked.
”Even I understand my duty as a guard, degozaru,” she replied proudly.
”True. You even set traps around the house to protect it.”
”Fufun! Master could praise me a bit more—no harm in that, degozaru!”
”Don’t push it,” I said, poking her forehead lightly. She laughed, bright and carefree. That look suited her best.
”Looks like Ichika’s really taken a liking to you,” Yohira remarked.
”Well, it’s hard not to like someone who accepts me so openly, degozaru,” the fox said.
”I can’t argue with that,” Yohira said, folding her arms with a nod. “I rather like that side of him too.”
I chuckled. “Guess that makes sense.”
”You’ve completely tamed the foolish fox,” Yohira added.
”She’s harmless enough. Mostly.”
Though, honestly, her odd speech habits can be a lot sometimes. Even her normal words sound like weird quotes—especially when tea is involved.
”To be honest,” said Hinagiku, the other guard, “I wasn’t very positive about this assignment at first.”
”Well, sending someone from the Emperor’s personal guard for something like this is… unusual,” I admitted.
”Indeed. But the request from above was for someone who ‘wouldn’t get lost.’”
Ah. That was my fault, wasn’t it?
”The Torakuma household has a reputation,” she continued. “Many of our retainers tend to lose their way—literally. So, those holding key positions are always people who can’t get lost. With enough endurance to survive long journeys, the strength to fend off attacks, and a role that can tolerate absence. That left… me.”
”Uh, let’s stop there. I’m starting to feel bad.”
Poor woman—she really was my victim in all this. I should at least buy her a good meal later.
”This was my first long journey,” she said. “The foolish fox came along, but we ran into one incident after another. We barely managed our travel funds. I’m used to sleeping outdoors, but between bandits and beasts, it was dangerous. And whenever we tried to find a cheap inn, the fox insisted on staying somewhere expensive. Though… the hot springs and baths were nice.”
Somehow, I had a feeling Hinagiku herself caused part of those “incidents.” And the expensive inns? Probably because they were traps set by kidnappers or something.
She’s strong, but… naive—a powerful, sheltered type.
She could fight, sure, but traveling must’ve been a real challenge.
”…Still,” she said with a soft smile, “I’m glad we came. Yohira-sama looks healthy, the fox smiles easily, and I get to eat delicious food. This is a wonderful place.”
”…I’m glad to hear that.”
The last part sounded the most honest. I’d seen her eat before—maybe that’s why I could tell.
If it just slipped out naturally, though… what a beautiful but hopeless woman.
We kept chatting as we walked and eventually reached the central district. At the reception, just as I was confirming our identities, Calmys arrived and led us straight to the conference room.
They seemed puzzled that I’d brought two guards, but when I explained it was better to show they were fulfilling their duties, they accepted it. After all, Yohira and I trained together every morning; unless someone accused her of overindulging like Tengu does with food, there shouldn’t be any issue.
The conference room was empty at first. Then the City Mayor entered, followed by the Chief of Foreign Affairs and two people I didn’t recognize.
”Sorry to keep you waiting, Tatara. And the Torakuma princess as well,” the mayor said. “I’ve brought two more officials today—the Head of Judiciary and the Treasurer.”
Seriously? Four department heads in one room?
”I don’t believe we’ve met,” said the older man who stepped forward. “I’m the Head of Judiciary—just an old man doing his job. Pleased to meet you.”
He smiled kindly, his wrinkled face softened by the expression, though his sharp movements and straight posture gave him a surprising vitality. His hair was thin but neatly kept, showing a sense of discipline.
When he offered his hand, I shook it—his grip was firm, strength coiled beneath the frail exterior. A tricky one, this man.
”I’m Tatara Julon, currently responsible for the Torakuma lady’s care,” I introduced myself.
”Oh? Not the Chief Crafter?”
”I’m still a student,” I said evenly. “I haven’t been formally appointed, so I can’t use the title.”
”Ah, my apologies.”
Yeah, right. That question was a test—to see if I’d claim authority I didn’t have.
If I had, he’d have gently warned me, then flagged me as someone with a questionable sense of legality. Sharp old fox.
”I’m meeting you for the first time as well,” said the next person—a woman with glasses and a severe air. “I handle the city’s finances. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
She looked to be in her late twenties, early thirties at most.
Black hair with a faint blue sheen framed her face, and when she turned, I caught sight of pointed ears among the strands—likely a long-lived race. Judging by her coloring, she might be from the so-called Night Forest, a region that never sees daylight.
She didn’t offer a handshake, so I kept my hands at my sides.
”It’s a pleasure,” I said with a polite bow. “I’m Tatara Julon, caretaker of the Torakuma lady. I look forward to working with you.”
I introduced myself with a polite bow, lowering my head. When I straightened, the treasurer’s eyes widened slightly behind her glasses—perhaps she’d expected a handshake.
”Tatara,” the City Mayor began, “the reason these two are present—”
”Likely because of two matters,” I replied. “The disturbance my guards caused, and the currency issue. The treasurer’s here to handle reparations and payments tied to my patent agreement. The Head of Judiciary is here for the foolish fox’s immigration incident. That about right?”
”Correct,” the Mayor said.
”…’Foolish fox’?” the old man echoed.
”Yes,” I said, nodding. “That’s what we call her—and it fits.”
”Kyun… such cruel words, degozaru,” the fox whimpered. “But true, so I suppose it can’t be helped, degozaru.”
Don’t mix catchphrases in the middle of official business—and seriously, stop accepting that nickname so easily.
The Head of Judiciary looked unconvinced but kept studying us with sharp, judging eyes. The very image of a man who guarded the law.
”If the honorable law-grandpa isn’t satisfied,” the fox said smoothly, “I do have a proper name—Ichika. Feel free to use it, degozaru.”
”Hoho, then I shall do so,” the old man chuckled. “Miss Ichige, was it?”
”Indeed, degozaru. And one more thing—please don’t stare at my master like that. It’s irritating.”
”My apologies,” he said immediately.
For a heartbeat, the fox’s speech lost its playful tone, her voice serene and clear. So this is her real self?
Maybe the “degozaru” act is something she keeps up on purpose—but even then, she seemed relaxed about it. And… was she defending me just now?
”I’ll call you Ichige as well,” said the treasurer.
”I don’t mind, degozaru—money-vault lady.”
”Ki—!” The treasurer froze.
”Hey! That’s way too rude!” I barked.
”Kyau!?” yelped the fox as Hinagiku’s fist came down hard on her head, sending her face-first into the floor. The treasurer blinked, clearly wondering what she’d just witnessed. Honestly, I was wondering the same thing.
”My foolish fox was out of line,” Hinagiku said, bowing gracefully. “Head of Judiciary, Treasurer—I serve as royal guard to His Majesty of the Imperial Capital. My name is Hinagiku. It’s an honor to meet you.”
”How courteous,” said the old man with a genial nod. “I am the Head of Judiciary. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Hinagiku.”
”I—I’m the Treasurer,” the woman added hastily. “Likewise.”
The treasurer’s gaze kept darting toward the fox, who was still groaning on the floor. Can’t blame her—anyone would stare after that punch.
”My apologies for the delay,” Yohira said then, stepping forward. “I am Yohira of the Torakuma house, youngest daughter of my family. A pleasure to meet you all.”
She bowed elegantly, and for a moment the treasurer hesitated, caught off guard by the formality. The Head of Judiciary, on the other hand, bowed back instantly.
”How gracious of you, Lady Yohira,” he said, bending deeply. “I am honored. I look forward to our cooperation.”
It was a perfect bow, almost ceremonial in depth, chosen in an instant—instinct born of experience. So that’s what cunning looks like in practice.
”I—I too am honored,” the treasurer said quickly, bowing just as low.
Given the hierarchy, it wasn’t strange.
The City Mayor was their superior, and showing deep respect to a noble from another realm was proper decorum. If the Mayor herself bowed like that, though, it would mean something far more serious.
”All right,” the Mayor said briskly. “Introductions are done. Time to begin. Face the screen.”
I hadn’t realized how much time had passed. When I turned, the crystal panel on the wall lit up, forming a clear projection.
Soon the image of the Acting Head of the Torakuma family appeared, seated beside his wife. Her joining from the start was… unusual.
’It’s been a few days, Tatara-dono. And City Mayor—how have you been?’
’It’s been a while,’ the Mayor said.
”Thank you for asking,” she replied aloud. “We’re doing well. You both seem healthy.”
”Glad to see you safe,” I added. “Here—Yohira.”
”Father! Mother!” Yohira called joyfully.
’Ah, Yohira!’ her father said, beaming.
’…Oh?’ her mother murmured, tilting her head slightly.
Her father looked overjoyed, but her mother’s eyes sharpened. Something had caught her attention, and my chest tightened with unease.
’Yohira, has something changed?’ she asked.
”M-Mother? Not particularly, no…”
’I see. It’s just—you have the look of a girl in love. Or rather, a maiden who’s just found her first lover.’
So sharp!?
We’d grown closer, yes, but to notice that from her daughter’s expression? Mothers really are terrifying.
”…Mother,” Yohira said quietly, “could we… talk about that privately later?”
’Oh my, my—Yohira, you’ve grown,’ her mother said, smiling knowingly.
She glanced between me and Yohira with a look that said she understood everything.
Yep. I was doomed.
’Well, best let mother and daughter talk without interruption,’ her father said lightly. ‘What about you, Tatara-dono?’
”If I intrude on that kind of conversation, I’ll get torn apart. I’m staying out of it.”
’Understandable,’ he said with a smirk.
Somehow, the air between us had grown… oddly casual.
’And how are your guards doing?’ he asked. ‘I trust they’re serving you well?’
”They’re a big help,” I said. “Especially the foolish fox—she’s been setting up anti-intruder traps around the house, so our defenses are stronger now. The other day she even cleaned the whole place, every corner spotless.”
’Ichige did that?’ he said, surprised.
”Yes. She’s quite good at housework. I take it she wasn’t, back home?”
’Ha! When she was here, she was famous for her laziness. Talented, but a troublemaker.’
”Well, she’s not fond of vegetables, so cooking can be a struggle. But she’s a good one, really.”
’So she’s found a place where she belongs,’ he said softly.
There was relief in his expression—she must’ve been quite the handful in their household. Here, at least, she could breathe.
”Oh, right,” I said. “About the mana reactor we discussed last time—”
’Ah, that device…’
”I finished a prototype. I thought you might want to see it.”
’We also have—eh?’
”Wait, Tatara—what!?” the Mayor blurted.
I reached into my inventory and set the household mana reactor on the table in front of the screen. The moment the wife saw it, mid-sip of her tea, she choked and spat it everywhere.
”I just finished this yesterday for today’s meeting,” I explained. “It’s only a prototype, so the output’s lower than expected, but I’ll improve it over time.”
I barely got the words out before something smacked the back of my head—a stack of papers, wielded with deadly accuracy.
”Tatara!” the Mayor shouted. “Why didn’t you tell me you completed something this dangerous!? You gave proper notice when it was the ‘egg’ project!”
”I tried, but the bird-shaped golem I use for delivery hasn’t come back yet—”
”Use your brain! That’s an S-class hazard! They’ve been researching this back home for years, and it’s still a decade away from completion!”
”Wait, really? That long?”
”Do not assume the world moves at your pace!”
It’s just a prototype, I thought, rubbing my head.
’Ahem,’ the Torakuma wife said, clearing her throat. ‘Tatara-san, would that household mana reactor be available for acquisition?’
”Not yet,” I replied. “I plan to test it locally first. Once it’s stable, I’ll send a refined version.”
’I see… Do you know the cause of the reduced output?’
”For now, it’s the internal materials.”
I began disassembling the mana reactor slightly, exposing its core and the cradle that held the “egg,” letting them see the inner structure on screen.
”As you can see,” I began, pointing to the exposed core, “the pedestal is made of mithril to maximize mana transmission. The wiring, however, uses reinforced copper. It’s second only to mithril in conductivity, but still falls short. Because of that, mana loss is higher than expected, and the current model can only sustain about eight hundred households—down from the intended thousand.”
’I see… still, that’s substantial,’ the Acting Head of Family said thoughtfully. ‘Two hundred units’ worth of power is no small difference.’
”Right. I’m researching ways to solve this technically and materially,” I said. “But if we went all-mithril, even with a friendly price, it could cripple the Torakuma family’s finances.”
’…That, I cannot deny,’ he murmured.
”At present,” the Mayor added smoothly, picking up where I left off, “we’ve estimated a cost of roughly five billion per unit. Even with one given as a gift at a discounted rate, producing more than two or three would be difficult.”
The Treasurer stood beside her, already discussing exchange rates and payment terms. Clearly, the financial talks were about to begin.
Ah, right—before I forgot.
”Head of Judiciary,” I said, turning to him. “I’d like you to include a few key clauses in the negotiation.”
”Oh-ho? You’d send this old man into that den of wolves?” he said, smiling.
”It’s about the patent. Something that might attract unwanted attention from the homeland.”
”Go on.”
”Yes. The Mayor’s aware, but I want to ensure two conditions are set in stone: first, ‘Torakuma’s mana reactors may only be sold within Hizuru’; and second, ‘exclusive distribution rights belong solely to the Torakuma family.’”
”Hmm… quite reasonable,” he said.
”And,” I added, “I want the penalties for breaching those terms to be as severe as possible. Within the bounds of our law, of course.”
”…You’re suggesting we draft legislation here and now,” he said with a glint in his eye. “To prohibit any sale, export, or licensing of production to foreign states—restricting patent use fees, royalties, and rights entirely to our nation.”
This man was terrifyingly fast. He’d already laid out half the legal structure before I finished speaking.
”Yes,” I said simply. “Otherwise, the homeland’s ‘Whirlwind’ faction might turn hostile. I’m still young, and that’s the best safeguard I can think of.”
”Then it’s enough,” he said. “If you can think that far ahead, leave the rest to me.” He smiled gently. “I’ll see to it, Chief Crafter.”
And just like that, still smiling, he walked over to the Mayor’s side. The warmth in his grin didn’t fool me—every instinct said I’d barely survived that conversation.
Still…
there was another matter hanging over me—the proposal I’d promised to raise, about the joint investment between the Torakuma family and the Imperial Treasury. Ugh.
’Oh my,’ said the wife, her tone amused. ‘Tatara-san, you look restless. Bored with the chaos you caused?’
”Not at all,” I said wryly. “Negotiation just isn’t my thing.”
’Honesty suits you,’ she said. ‘You’re very straightforward.’
”I’m just a kid, really. I can come up with ideas, but I’m not sure I can sell them.”
’Oh? For instance?’
”Well, as I told the Head of Judiciary—Torakuma’s mana reactors would be exclusive to Hizuru, with all distribution rights held by the Torakuma family.”
’That’s… quite a major decision,’ she said, eyebrows raised.
”If they sold abroad, the homeland’s Whirlwind division could take it as an act of aggression,” I said. “I want to be able to visit Yohira’s homeland freely—so I need this deal to hold.”
’And funding? What of the costs?’ she pressed.
”I’ve got one idea—if we drop the ‘friends’ discount,” I said with a grin.
’Go on.’
”Using that same condition, we bring Hizuru’s central government in as a partner. Split the patent royalties with them. That way, we can sell reactors domestically at a fair price while reducing the Torakuma family’s burden. Any central requests would be full-price purchases, meaning the family’s costs drop further. It’s… a child’s simple logic, really.”
’Hmm. A naïve plan indeed,’ she said with a faint smile.
”I know,” I sighed. “I’m a crafter, not a negotiator.”
’Perhaps,’ she said, her tone softening, ‘but in some ways, you have a negotiator’s gift.’
”…Huh?” I blinked.
When I met her gaze, her eyes held an intensity that caught me off guard.
’To move a room—to change the rhythm of conversation—that’s the mark of a negotiator,’ she said. ‘If you’d revealed that reactor a little later, the balance of power here would’ve shifted to your favor. And telling me about your terms early? That was a tactical misstep.’
”…Right. I kind of forgot you weren’t just Yohira’s mother—you’re part of the government too, aren’t you?”
’Indeed. But more than that, I am Yohira’s mother,’ she said sweetly. ‘So I’ll let that slide.’
She was teasing me, definitely.
Yohira must’ve sensed it too, because she gently clasped my hand. When I squeezed back, her mother’s smile turned sly—so sharp I could almost hear it glint.
’Ara ara… so, Tatara-san, you chose Yohira after all?’ she purred.
Judging from her tone, this woman wanted nothing more than to see us together. The Acting Head had mentioned worrying about Yohira’s “delayed marriage,” after all.
”…I’m sorry,” I said, meeting her gaze squarely. “The one I love is Ethelena.”
’Oh? Yet you two seem rather close,’ she said, amusement flickering in her eyes.
”Mother,” Yohira interjected softly. “I was hoping to tell you that myself.”
’Oh? And what happened, dear?’
Yohira closed her eyes, inhaled, then opened them again with calm determination.
”I love Tatara,” she said. “But his heart belongs to Ethelena. His love is hers alone. Even so, I couldn’t let go—and Ethelena granted me permission to stay. I may only be second in his heart, but I’m allowed to live by his side. So… I’ll be with him, always, Mother.”
Her mother’s eyes widened, then softened into a radiant smile—like a flower blooming in sunlight.
’So, you’ve found happiness, Yohira.’
”Yes! Tatara is my happiness!” Yohira beamed.
’Then that’s all that matters. Oh, and do come home once before the wedding—I’ve already prepared your dowry.’
”I will! Once things settle here, I promise.”
’Good girl… now, Tatara-san.’
The warmth in her voice vanished, replaced by a heavy, dignified gravity that pressed down on me like a physical weight.
”Yes, ma’am?” I said, straightening unconsciously.
’You wear devotion like armor,’ she said quietly. ‘I saw the fury in you when someone called a child a pawn. You’ve wrestled with this choice, haven’t you?’
”…Yes,” I admitted. She’d read me completely. There was no hiding from a mother.
’Then I’ll say only this,’ she continued. ‘Make my daughter happy. Don’t make her cry.’
”…I’ll do my utmost,” I said solemnly. “I can’t promise she’ll never cry—but I’ll try with everything I have to keep her happy.”
’Oh? Why can’t you promise that?’
Her question was soft, but piercing. I met her gaze.
”…Because,” I said, “I’ll probably make her cry from happiness at least once.”
’My, my…♪’ she said, smiling brightly.
Yohira’s hand tightened in mine, trembling faintly. I glanced at her, and she was blushing, eyes shining.
’He’s a good man, Yohira,’ her mother said fondly.
”Mm… though he has a bad habit of charming others without realizing it,” Yohira muttered.
’Even so,’ her mother said, ‘your meeting was a blessing. As a wanderer of fate, be grateful you found the path meant for you.’
I rubbed the back of my neck, embarrassed by the praise.
’Oh, and Tatara-san?’ she said suddenly.
”Yes, ma’am?”
’You may call me Mother.’
”Wait—what!? That’s way too soon!”
She laughed, bright and carefree, while I just stared, speechless.
Notes:
• Dahlia – The automaton.
• Yohira – Torakuma’s first name.
• Hinagiku – A tengu woman as Ranka’s potential companion. She stays with Tatara’s group after travels. Joins household scenes only. Linked to Ranka by shared gluttony jokes. No direct tie to Tatara beyond cohabitation. Cheerful eater.
• Calmys – War God’s knight, Mayor’s guard chief, whip-master hiding as a swordswoman; sharp tongue, big-sister vibe to Tatara, grants him and Ethelena church protection.
• Ichige – Fox youkai ninja who sneaks into the city illegally. Captured after Hinagiku and Julon subdue her during an immigration clash caused by her infiltration. Serves Torakuma clan but disobeys orders. Calls Julon “Master.” Clumsy and childish.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply