Ryuugoroshi no Sugosuhibi - Chapter 22

Chapter 22: “The tear that flowed and its impact”

The three who ate up a lot of time with their detour have finally reached the estate Nagare’s master resided in. They operate a dojo in Kohma, the estate before them was a branch dojo.

The atmosphere around this place was clearly different from the surrounding. It looked like a dojo from a historical drama mixed with some unique elements, making it a one-of-a-kind. The sun was setting and the entire place was bathed in scarlet light.

When they passed through the open gate, in front of them was the dojo, to their right was the practice grounds and to their left were the living quarters. The living quarters were separated between the primary and secondary residence. The dojo’s disciples were allocated into the primary residence while the secondary residence would only be used by Nagare’s master and guests.

【TL: Primary residence = You live there most of the time // Secondary residence = Vacation home, summer home, etc】

Nagare was explaining the use of the facilities and the buildings while they passed through the gate.

Seeing everything before him, Kousuke felt that he was seeing something familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. When he was still in Japan, he didn’t live near a “samurai-like” estate. His experience here made him slightly disappointed since it was sort of off the mark.

「I’ll be guiding you two to the guest room in the secondary residence. I’ll be reporting your arrival to my master after you settle in. Please relax in the room for the mean time. Now then, please follow me」(Nagare)

Following Nagare’s lead, the three entered the secondary residence.

He took off his shoes and stowed them away into the shoe rack.

『At least this is the same as Japan』Thought Kousuke as he stepped into the wooden paneled hallway.

「So you take off your shoes?」(Viare)

At the front door, Viare was surprised with this unusual manner and hurriedly mimicked Kousuke’s action before entering.

「Kousuke-kun seems to be accustomed with this」(Nagare)

「This is a natural thing to do back in my hometown」(Kousuke)

「As expected, your hometown and Kohma are very similar. Oh, you two there, come here for a moment」(Nagare)

She called out to the two nearby female servants and asked them to escort Kousuke and Viare.

Lead by the two servants, Kousuke and Viare approached the guest room. The servants opened the sliding door and urged the two in. Kousuke’s expectation of a tatami floor in the guest room was shattered when he saw the wooden floor with a large rug on it. Contrary to Kousuke’s belief, since paper was very expensive in this world, the numerous paper sliding doors in this estate would make many consider it an upscale mansion.

The female servants briefly departed and returned with two cups of oolong tea and steamed buns. They bowed once more before leaving the room again.

Kousuke sat down on a cushion and began drinking the tea. Viare didn’t touch the tea or snacks and curiously glanced around at the unfamiliar room.

The steamed bun was filled with sweet potato paste and it matched the tea well. It made Kousuke feel at peace.

「Kousuke-san, you look relaxed」(Viare)

「It’s because I’m able to enjoy an atmosphere similar to my hometown. Being here makes me feel like I’m back home」(Kousuke)

「Why don’t you go back once in a while?」(Viare) 【TL: Ouch.. that’s a landmine Viare】

「If I’m able to go home… It’s a complicated thing」(Kousuke)

「Were you disowned?」(Viare) 【TL: How’d it jump to THAT!?】

「Something like that」(Kousuke)

Rather than his parents, it was Earth that “disinherited” Kousuke.

As the two killed time by chatting, they heard footsteps from the hallway and the sliding door suddenly opened. It was Nagare.

「Sorry for making the two of you wait. Please come with me」(Nagare)

Following Nagare’s lead, they reached the large room where the family’s head resided. Inside, besides the family head, Shizuku and a few others were also seated.

In the furthest back was a man wearing a black ceremonial outfit. He didn’t look a year past his forties. His stout build and calm demeanor made him look like he was still in his prime. Shizuku was seated next to the man, wearing a pink ceremonial outfit embroidered with various flower designs. She was seated demurely and both Kousuke and Viare were impressed by her doll-like features.

Everyone in the room suddenly concentrated their eyes onto Kousuke. Their eyes were firmly examining Kousuke and their strict expressions made Kousuke feel slightly uncomfortable.

The inconspicuous Viare suddenly realized that this was a noble’s house and slightly regretted her decision to come. Housesit at a luxury inn or come with Kousuke to a noble’s house… In the end, both seemed like a terrible choice for her.

Nagare offered the two a seat before moving to Shizuku’s side.

Once the head saw Kousuke take a seat, he stared at Kousuke briefly before speaking.

「A pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Rubidashia household’s current head, Gen’ou Amasera Rubidashia. I’m the father of Shizuku, the child you helped rescue. For your assistance in rescuing my daughter, you have my deepest gratitude」(Gen’ou)

While giving his thanks, Gen’ou slowly lowered his head. Even though the movement was simple, Kousuke and Viare almost sighed in admiration at how natural it looked.

Those around the head stayed quiet despite seeing him lower his head to a commoner like Kousuke. It made Kousuke feel that this household was quite open-minded.

「For inviting me today, I am truly grateful. As for the thanks, I have gratefully received and accepted it previously from Nagare so please do not mind. Moreover, I also received assistance in the rescue」(Kousuke)

Drawn into the room’s atmosphere, Kousuke’s tone also became firm and formal.

「Nevertheless, to be able to rescue my daughter without any issues, as a Marquis and as a father, it truly made me joyous. I cannot thank you enough for all of this. Shizuku, please give your thanks as well」(Gen’ou)

「Shankyu veri much」(Shizuku) 【TL: She has a lisp