Arc 1: Kumoshima Part 14
1907 Words
CHAPTER 14
Kazuyuki traveled early in the morning to the military post he set up in the outskirts of Silver Rain City a few days ago.
Ever since the discovery of the blacksmith den, his father ordered to tighten the security surrounding Silver Rain. The mere fact that a hideout full of the enemy country's blacksmiths was in their territory, was disturbing.
Even if a person from a powerful family like Lord Fei was behind it, to be able to act on their desires in the Ouchi Family's territory held suspicion.
The guards greeted him upon arrival, "Young Master, the scholar is waiting for you at the tent."
Kazuyuki nodded, "Ready the report and bring it in."
But just as he was about to turn towards the direction of the tent, someone jumped on his back. He felt the wind got knocked out from his lungs as this person clung to him like a baby monkey who found its way back to his mother.
Kazuyuki felt his veins popping out on his forehead, "Hiro, are you a toddler?!"
Just then, a weird fishy-like scent hit Kazuyuki's nostrils. Amused, he laughed, "Stupid! Why do you smell like fish sauce!" This person probably clung to him because of this!
Katsuhiro's laughter rang across the field. Some of their soldiers' training nearby looked their way. But Katsuhiro seemed like he didn't care at all. "Yuki-kun! Are you this heartless? Do you remember how long it has been since you went to the capital?"
Kazuyuki rolled his eyes. "This is the reason why those scholars always kick you out during banquets."
Hiro let go of him, "Who cares about them? Scholar-bureaucrats are already falling in decline in the higher courts. Sooner or later, the military will take control of the court. Most of the ministers are just sitting while waiting for their salary," he mumbled as he fixed the creases of his plain cotton kimono. "Anyway, my smell turned like this by accident. I stopped over at Spring Blossom Town on my way here because I already stank. They were selling detergents there so I bought one. However, the container was similar to my fish sauce container. You can guess what happened next."
Kazuyuki felt like something seemed off but wasn't able to give it much thought as he tittered. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. His friend has never been this careless before.
Kazuyuki turned towards him, "You've changed so much." he commented.
Hiro took the fan from his obi. He opened it and flaunted it on Kazuyuki's face. The fan has a pink lotus in full bloom painted on the side. Blue streaks running below the lotus leaf, flowing to the other side forming a river. There was very neat and beautiful calligraphy painted in the middle which says:
?'?? ???? ???? ???, ???????
?????? ??? ??? ??? ??? ????
??? ???????? ???? ?????
"See," Hiro proudly fanned himself as he looked at Kazuyuki, "I'm still the best scholar you know. Just not a puppet anymore," he grinned. "Let's go. I want to see all those things you mentioned in the letter."
Katsuhiro entered the tent without even waiting for his reply. Kazuyuki shook his head in amusement as he followed him.
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Nephrite breathed a sigh of relief when he learned from one of the servants that Kazuyuki left early in the morning. He was still not ready to face the young master after what happened last night. He involuntarily shuddered as memories flashed in his mind.
"Are you alright, Young Master," the servant worriedly asked.
"I'm fine. I'm fine, don't worry," Nephrite quickly denied. He then looked down at the letter in his hand, "You said it's from my father?"
"Yes, the person who delivered it was an old man who sold cabbages in the main street."
Nephrite remembered Uncle Shibata. He thanked the servant for bringing the letter and his breakfast. He checked the letter right after he settled down.
The calligraphy on the letter was indeed Keichi's own.
Nephrite was told that Keichi rushed out the day they left the manor, leaving only a vague "Tell Keisuke not to worry about me."
This rash personality was just too much like Keisuke, Nephrite thought. No wonder the father and son duo were both caught in trouble during their original lifetime.
It turns out his father went out to gather information about products sold in the marketplace after he heard about some unusual products. He wanted to buy some to bring back to Rose Valley. Keichi also found a toymaker. He already commissioned some toys for his nephew and just needed to wait until all the toys were done.
At the mention of his nephew, Nephrite felt worried. He doesn't know when that key event occurs. However, he guessed it won't take long. He must make sure everyone that caused Keisuke's family to vanish gets what they deserve.
Aside from those, Keichi mentioned that was still looking for the source of the famous laundry detergent. It wasn't available in Silver Rain City nor at Rose Valley but was already popular in other towns and cities near the capital.
Also though he did not want to bother his son. However, he hoped Keisuke could help him find the supplier since his mother will love the scent.
Putting it that way, Nephrite couldn't ignore this request anymore. He knew how much Keisuke loved his mother. He put away the letter and slowly ate the food before it went cold.
In the middle of having breakfast, another servant called out by the door.
"Young Master Keisuke, a messenger from the Sugimoto family arrived. Their Young Master asked if he could invite you for a cup of tea this afternoon."
Nephrite recognized Shier's surname. He agreed right away.
Perfect timing, he thought. Shier knows a lot about fragrance so he might know about this.
"They already have a detergent here," Nephrite murmured. "That's amazing."
With nothing else planned to do till afternoon, Nephrite decided to practice his staff techniques. His cheeks flushed red. He needed to perfect it soon. As of now, he doesn't want to stay alone with Kazuyuki.
Truth be told, he was completely aware of his attraction to Kazuyuki. Whether it's due to Aijin's feelings or his own attraction to Xei's appearance back in the Core, he didn't know.
But physical was physical. Nephrite longs for emotional attachment and his feelings for Agase still exist.
Shier sent the same messenger to pick up Nephrite later that afternoon. Shier's Aunt requested some last-minute help. Shier was the only one familiar with the cultivation so he had no choice but to stay.
Nephrite didn't mind it at all. He was looking forward to discussing their current situation. Of course, the free afternoon tea shouldn't be missed.
Surprisingly, Nephrite was brought to that peculiar teashop before. He saw Shier at once, manning in the lobby, his left hand holding a brush as he wrote on the scroll. He then looked under the table and gestured his hand as if counting something.
"Young Master, I'm so glad you came," Shier exclaimed as he saw them approaching.
"Thank you for inviting me, I love the green tea here," Nephrite beamed.
"Sorry for not telling the Young Master when we were here last time. I just thought it wasn't a good time to talk about such stuff."
Nephrite waved his hand, "It's alright. But it seems like you are still busy."
Shier looked down on the scroll, "I'm checking the inventory on behalf of my Aunt. I'm almost done. Do you mind waiting for me?"
"Not at all."
"Thank you, Young Master," He then turned to the messenger. "Rio, please bring the Young Master upstairs."
Nephrite was brought to the 'VIP' room on the third floor. The room was twelve tatami mats in size, it was suitable for a large gathering event. Different designs of nature, mostly images of plants were painted on the wall. Large white ceramic vases were placed on the corners of the room, with artistic flower arrangements atop.
Shier didn't take very long. He came back with a wooden tray in his hands, grinning from ear to ear.
"Young Master, I invited you because I want you to try this."
Shier put down a wooden tray with a ceramic teapot, and two cups in the middle of the table. Aside from that, there was a small bowl that contained small bags with dark brown contents inside. Obviously, these were dried tea leaves. He picked up one and noticed the bag was made of paper fiber.
"These are tea leaves I smoked using pinewood while I am waiting for my arm recovery. I would like to know your opinion about it."
Before Nephrite could even move a finger, Shier added, "Wait! It goes well with meat. Let me prepare some for you, Young Master. It might take a while. Please help yourself," Shier left as soon as he said this.
As he waited, Nephrite lifted the lid of the teapot and saw the hot water inside. He put the teabag in it. The smokey smell permitted in the air as the amber color of the tea slowly infused on the water.
Nephrite loves tea. He enjoyed the unusual smokey scent for a while before he put the cover back.
Nephrite looked in the direction where Shier went. He planned to wait for him until he came back to have the tea together but he remembered that the other might take long. Thinking the tea's taste might change once it cools down, he poured a cup and drank.
Like the scent, the tea has a distinctive smokey flavor. It tasted different from his usual ones but the relish gave a warming illusion as if he was being hugged inside. He smiled and enjoyed the little treat.
Just then Shier came back with a bowl full of grilled meat cut into thin strips.
He sat across from him. "Young master, sorry it took me a while. Here, eat this."
Nephrite glanced on his face to say thanks but he noticed that Shier was scanning the table. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing, Young Master," But Shier did not look at him. Instead, he lifted the lid of the teapot. The moment he set his eyes on the content, his face drained color. However, in contrast to his pale face, a crooked smile rose on his lips.
Nephrite noticed his reaction as he drank his tea. Wondering what could be wrong, he asked, "Did you perhaps served the wrong tea? This one tasted unusual but it is good and also calming."
Shier put the cover back and closed his eyes. "Indeed. However, I am surprised how you actually knew how to use these teabags."
Nephrite frowned, "What do you mean? Aren't teabags used this way?"
Shier looked at him. "Perhaps, if teabags already exist in this era."
In a blink of an eye, Shier was already leaning on the table, his left hand supporting himself. His right hand held his rarely used short sword, aimed at Nephrite's neck. The blade was only a thread away from his skin, Nephrite could almost feel the cold metal.
Shier's teeth baring as he stared directly into Nephrite's eyes. The rage in it was so hot, Nephrite felt burned. Caught off-guard, he could only stare back.
"Who are you? Where is my friend? Why are you inside Keisuke?!"
- Writer
