Volume 8 3 — Part 1(2/2)
Even if it was a person they owe great gratitude to, they wouldn’t let strangers walk on their own around the main compound after all.
While thinking about this, Shin realized that since he had entered the Kujou domain, every time he left the Saegusa residence he was accompanied by someone.
“Well, I guess that’s obvious.”
He whispered this to himself and looked towards the large gate, when he saw someone other than the guard before it.
“It’s been a while, sir Shin.”
“Sir Kankurou..you have business with lady Haruna as well?”
Kankurou, who was dressed the same way as when he fought Shin, shook his head.
“No, I simply had some free time, so I was taking a walk, and I perceived your presence. I do not have very much time, but would you join me for some conversation?”
“No problem for me, but what about you Karin?”
“That is fine for me too. I see sir Toshiro is here too, what about you?”
“I do not have any pressing duties either.”
In the direction, Karin looked at stood Yaejima Toshiro. He was not wearing armor, but only grey and deep green formal wear.
“However, if time allows it, I would like to ask sir Shin for a match.”
“A match?”
Ever since they first met, when Shin was with Karin and Kanade, he hadn’t felt any amity coming from Toshiro. What he felt almost made him feel like he was considered an enemy instead.
He was slightly surprised, then, to be challenged to a duel in such a direct manner.
“I have heard the rumors. You are receiving lady Karin’s teachings in the way of the sword, yes?”
“There are such rumors?”
Shin raised his eyebrows at Toshiro’s words.
Karin was the Saegusa family’s first-born daughter and the 3rd seat of the Hinomoto Brave Ten. If word of her teaching a stranger the art of the sword spread, it would definitely cause a commotion. Shin would have hated to return Karin’s favor with trouble.
“I don’t think I spoke about it with anyone though.”
“I have not heard a word of it either. By the way, Toshiro, recently you seem to strangely disappear rather often, don’t you?”
After hearing Karin and especially Kankurou’s comments, Shin casted a suspicious glance at Kankurou, thinking that he might have been spying on them.
“I just heard it from lady Chiyo! I was told not to say it to anyone else, nor have I any intention to!! I am just all too env-ahem!!!”
The more they talked, the more Shin’s opinion of Toshiro changed.
“Ehm..sir Toshiro?”
Karin looked puzzled at Toshiro, she didn’t seem to have noticed his affection for her yet.
“In any case!! I shall put you to the test and see how much your skills have grown!!”
“My apologies. Toshiro is infatuated with lady Karin, and you see..”
“Oh, yes, I kind of realized it too.”
“T-that has nothing to do with this!!!”
Toshiro yelled at Kankurou and Shin’s whispered conversation.
“?”
Karin, who had not heard the conversation, looked even more confused.
Shin thought that maybe, this Yaejima Toshiro wasn’t a bad person.
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