Chapter 11: Uyu Tei

"Let's see what gift Ayaka has sent me."

After seeing Thoma off, Teiyu couldn't wait to sit down and open the gift from Ayaka. The large package was stuffed full, clearly containing many items.

"What's this?"

As Teiyu unwrapped the package, he found a neatly folded, dark navy-colored kimono and a letter bearing the Kamisato family crest.

The pattern was the distinctive camellia, or "snow camellia" design, unique to the Kamisato family. In Inazuma, recognizing people by their patterns was common.

The "snow camellia" is the Kamisato family's exclusive mark, not something others would dare to imitate. While ordinary people in Inazuma generally avoided using camellia flowers as symbols due to their association with bad luck and "beheading," the Kamisato family, being nobles, revered the camellia for its symbolism of "clean and decisive" endings, making it their family crest.

"So this was the ancient version of anti-counterfeiting," Teiyu mused.

He decided to read the letter first. Breaking the seal, he opened the envelope, and a fresh scent of camellia wafted from the paper, enchanting him.

Lines of delicate script appeared on the page:

**To Teiyu,**

How have you been?

It's been over six months since you moved out of the Kamisato residence. I wonder how you're doing now. Are you eating regularly? Are you resting well?

Thoma told me that after you moved out, you faced many difficulties and setbacks at first. I wanted to secretly help you, but both my brother and Thoma insisted otherwise.

Brother said, "Living independently in society isn't easy, and not everyone has smooth sailing. Everyone needs to endure some hardships and face setbacks... Experiencing some difficulties might not be bad for him..."

Although I understand this reasoning, whenever I secretly checked on you, I often saw you with a lost and troubled expression.

Living alone is never easy. Your challenges are even harder than most, without the comfort of family, constantly struggling to make ends meet.

I cannot fully experience your pain, but I empathize...

However, after every storm, there is a rainbow. Thoma mentioned that you've recently opened a ramen stall and that you're busy and fulfilled every day. That's good. My heart has also lightened with this good news.

Even now, I often think of you.

Recently, I discovered a new path. When the flowers bloom, everything is pink. From there, you can see the fireworks. There's a small eatery nearby… If you have time, I'd like to take you there.

I believe you're currently working hard toward something important, right? Moving forward every day, each step more meaningful than the last… That's why we can achieve our goals.

There must be something in this world that only you can do.

I'm the same, standing in my own place, earnestly doing every task.

Please don't overexert yourself. Take care of your health.

...

Your clothes are all patched up. I noticed you haven't worn new clothes in a long time. So, I made you a kimono. I hope you'll accept it. If the size isn't right, please let me know.

Also, I have a small request… It might be a bit selfish, but on my birthday, I'd really like to see you. If you don't mind, could you meet me under the cherry trees that night? The moonlight is always beautiful this time of year… I'd like to enjoy it with you.

Kamisato Ayaka

"..."

Am I… crying?

After reading the letter, Teiyu realized that his eyes had unknowingly welled up with tears.

...

Ever since he crossed over into this world, only he truly knew the struggles he faced. From the initial confusion of not understanding the language to gradually learning it and realizing his situation, to deciding to live independently rather than relying on others. The journey was full of ups and downs that only he could fully comprehend.

Wiping his eyes, Teiyu couldn't help but feel a sense of realization. Ayaka had always been silently watching over him. This gentle, graceful girl always quietly cared for those around her without saying much.

"Was she doing this to protect my pride?" Teiyu thought with a slight smile. I'm not that fragile.

Indeed, at the beginning, when Teiyu first moved out of the Kamisato estate, he felt a bit resentful that Ayaka hadn't come to see him. But after reading this letter, all his misunderstandings disappeared.

To protect his pride, Ayaka hadn't appeared before him, instead choosing to quietly observe him from a distance.

After all, when one is down on their luck, they often prefer not to see those who know them best. It's just human nature.

...

Ayaka's concern was silent, gentle, like a soft feather falling into the calm lake of Teiyu's heart.

Through the letter, Teiyu could almost see the girl's serious expression as she wrote, her snow-white hair, and her delicate, caring eyes...

"I do like Ayaka, don't I?"

Lying down on his bed, Teiyu thought.

...

In matters of love, he was selfish and greedy. He wanted to cherish this kindness, this gentleness, and not let any other man touch it, even if...

...

Next, let's take a look at the kimono.

He unfolded the kimono carefully. The garment was entirely dark black, clearly made from the finest materials. The center of the clothing was also embroidered with the Kamisato family's unique snow camellia pattern.

Teiyu reached out and gently stroked the fabric, feeling the fine stitches crisscrossing the material—it was both comfortable and fitting.

He could almost see the image of a girl, working by candlelight, meticulously sewing the garment with a gentle, graceful demeanor.

"I'll wear it well,"

Teiyu whispered in his heart, carefully putting away the kimono and letter.

...

Inazuma City, Uyu Tei,

Uyu Tei, a small but well-known tavern in Inazuma, had recently opened across from the local hot springs. Known for its delicious small dishes, including the famous tofu and grilled skewers, it was an ideal spot for discussions or a casual meal with friends.

Today, Teiyu and his editor, Onodera, decided to meet here for a meal and a discussion.

"Boss, bring us 50 skewers, 2 servings of tamagoyaki, a jug of Yumemiru Sake, and one of Inazuma's finest sake. Oh, and a few plates of tofu as well."

"Got it! Erika, we've got customers—get the food ready," replied the gray-haired owner, Okazaki Rikuo, as he deftly wiped down a table and called out to the kitchen.

"…"

"You're really not holding back, huh?" Teiyu shook his head helplessly. Onodera was always like this—ordering a ton of food before even sitting down.

Teiyu couldn't help but express his disapproval of this extravagant behavior, but Onodera just chuckled.

"Hehe, it's not every day that Rainy Night Sensei treats me. Of course, I'm going to order as much as I can," Onodera said, his plump face creasing into a grin as he poured himself a cup of sake.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Rainy Night Sensei, you're still underage, aren't you? You can't drink alcohol… Boss, do you have any non-alcoholic beverages?"

"Hmm… Since this young customer is underage, how about some refreshing cucumber juice?" suggested Okazaki, who had now settled into a seat, sipping on a small cup of sake with a look of utter contentment.

"This boss really doesn't have the demeanor of an owner—drinking while on the job," Teiyu thought to himself, slightly exasperated. "Uh, no thanks…"

He had a bad feeling about this cucumber juice. Kamisato Ayaka's older brother had a peculiar hobby of offering people strange-tasting "liquids," and Teiyu had fallen victim to it a few times before. He had developed a bit of a psychological scar from the experience.

That older brother, just like that fox Yae Miko, enjoyed seeing people's discomfort.

——

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