The Heartwood 名誉の重さ

Woooops! I totally forgot about that thread!

The repulsive little creature was, of course, still present—it had now become part of Lady Kaeda-san’s entourage. At every moment, Shinjou wished the vile Kitsune would simply vanish; he had even longed for the courage to nudge fate into doing its work. But should the cursed spirit catch him in the act, it would surely be the end of him.

Throughout the journey, the black-hooded samurai had taken great care to keep his distance. He had even ventured off alone to explore before quietly rejoining the convoy.

At last, they came to a halt. Shinjou made his way back along the line, carefully avoiding the fearsome Kitsune’s gaze. He couldn’t help but click his tongue in disdain as he skirted past it—and Kaeda-san. Then he moved closer to Masa, who had already been graced with a handful of berries, a delicate offering from the young lady.

Hmph.He observed quietly, then turned toward his lord. This place is crawling with gaijin. He could smell the fetid stench of the packs.

Shall we await you while you settle your debt, Masa-dono? That, after all, was the reason they had come—was it not?