Firestone Hot Springs kutsurogi no jikan

a last stick of pale green willow.

"i only attend shinjou-sama." kaede remains as she was: nestled in attentive sit upon the ground near the pool's base.

he speaks of himself again. he boasts. the lady bows her head as if to accept his wisdom aimed at the foolish girl he believes her to be.

but this man with his oil on the face of the steaming water is an arm of akashita masa. kaede knows she does well to court his attention. "i am in need of a strong home, one that does not wander always."

a pause comes now, one meant to coax. "then i will marry." there is no mention of the lord, a purposeful choice kaede intends to bear fruit.