Simple but Cozy

Following the vendor's direction, Rihyon started looking for the village leader's house. 

"I suppose this is the place."

The house is not that much different from others. The size is basically the same.

*knock* *knock*

"Just a minute!"

Answered the sound behind the door.

"How can I help you?"

Ask an honest-looking middle-aged man as he opens the door.

"Hello, my name is Rihyon. I've just arrived here with the caravan. I have several questions about the village, and the uncle who sells apples tells me to find you, the village leader."

"Issei told you to find me? Well, I'm indeed a village leader. Come inside first. We'll talk in my living room. Hitomi! We have a guest."

Said the village leader while he gestured Rihyon into his house. 

The interior of the chief's house reflected the simplicity of life in this era. 

Sliding paper doors open to reveal rooms with tatami mat floors. When you enter the house, you can see the living room and kitchen.

As Rihyon entered, the chief motioned for him to sit. 

"Welcome! Make yourself comfortable, Rihyon. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kojuro, a village chief." 

Rihyon took a seat as Kojuro's wife, Hitomi, served them hot water.

"Sorry for only being able to welcome you with just this. The tea has been too expensive in the past two months. Now, what brings you here?"

"It's okay. You see, I got a bit lost. The apple-selling uncle mentioned that you might be able to answer some of my questions." 

Rihyon explains after he thanks Mrs. Hitomi for the water.

"Lost, you say? Well, that's quite unfortunate. So what are the questions you want to ask?" 

Kojuro nodded thoughtfully. 

"First, I want to know where this village located?" 

Rihyon asked after he took a sip of water. 

"Well, our village is close to the Grass Nation border. The nearest town is about… I would say two days journey, maybe."

"So, what's the clan in charge around here?"

"It's the Kitamura clan. I heard that they're going to wage a war with Nagai clan to the south."

*Sigh*

"The price of things will go up again. Luckily, it seems unlikely that the war will spread near here soon."

Kojuro complained.

'Hmm. Traveling around in this environment with my current strength seems dumb. I should find somewhere to settle for some time.'

With his strength around elite genin at best, he won't be able to put up much of a fight if he encounters a squad of clan ninjas. 

Especially when he's still unaccustomed to his body and unable to fully grasp his bloodline limit ability.

Finishing his thought, Rihyon engaged in a casual conversation with Kojuro, sharing bits of their own experiences. 

Kojuro began recounting the village's recent events and the hardships its inhabitants had endured. 

This village was only recently established. About half a decade ago, refugees from nearby places gathered around. Together, they founded a new village that was quite remote to stay as far away from the dispute as possible.

'Here is quite a decent place to settle for a while.', Rihyon thought.

They chatted for half an hour, bringing them much closer as if they were friends for a long time.

"Um...chief Koju-"

"Just called me uncle Kojuro. What's the matter Rihyon?"

"Well, uncle Kojuro, are there any vacant houses in the village? I plan to settle in this village for some time."

Hearing this, Kojuro, who still looked carefree a moment ago, turned serious. 

"Why do you plan to stay here in this rural village of all places?" 

Kojuro stared into Rihyon's eyes as if to look inside his soul.

'It seems he is still on guard against me, a stranger who looks like a rouge ninja.'

"I have nowhere to go right now, but I can still hunt to help supply the village with meat at a lower price."

"Didn't you say the price of goods is higher than before? There's no harm, isn't there?"

With the arrival of war, the price of goods started to rise as ninja clan skirmishes plumed the security of the area. Because of this, there will be fewer caravans. 

And if the war reached a desperate point, the ninjas could start plundering villages for provisions or cash to buy more weapons. 

After contemplating for a while, Kojuro said in a deep voice.

"Are you in a pursuit?"

Rihyon grinned. 

"I was."

*Sigh*

"Okay then, you can live in the house near the forest on the outskirts of the village. Even though you look like a decent lad, I still have to be careful."

Replied Kojuro as he thought that Rihyon would be offended.

"Hahaha, don't worry! I don't mind at all. Everyone would do the same if they were in your position."

As Rihyon and Kojuro chat, they're interrupted by the aroma of food that envelops the room. 

They glanced toward the scent direction to see Hitomi walk to the table, set up the plate, and prepare for dinner.

Rihyon stood up and prepared to leave.

"Why don't you have dinner here, lad? You don't have anything to do after this, right? Join us. It's simple, but I assure you that Hitomi's cooking is quite good."

Kojuro invited.

"Yeah, anyway I already made a portion for you."

Hitomi adds.

"Sorry for bothering you then."

Rihyon smiles as he helps the couple set up the table.

When the table is ready, the trio moved to the dining area, where warm lantern light illuminated the room. 

The low table was set with bowls of steaming rice, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables adorned the table. 

Seated, Rihyon tasted the first bite. The flavors weren't anything extraordinary, even a bit plain, as salt is expensive. But you could feel the comforting warmth in each bite.

They talked about various things during the meal. 

Because of Rihyon's inquiries, Kojuro talks about what they do for a living, recent events, and trivia about the village.

It turns out that Kojuro is mainly a farmer. He owns a plot of land outside the village. 

Hitomi does all the chores and sometimes helps her husband's farm work during the sowing and harvest season. Both of them are in their late twenties. 

They said that usually, the village wouldn't be this lively. Kojuro would busy himself with tool maintenance, field maintenance, and trivia stuff like chopping firewood. 

As for Hitomi, she mostly spends her time sewing, pickling food, and weaving baskets.

Overall, a proper feudal life.

Time with chopsticks clinking and occasional laughter echoing in the old tatami-floored rooms. 

After the meal, Hitomi gave a kind smile. 

"Hope you enjoyed the food, Rihyon. If you need anything else, just ask." 

Rihyon, genuinely thankful, replied, 

"The meal was great, aunt Hitomi. Thanks for your kindness." 

Kojuro who leaning back contentedly, turned to Rihyon. 

"Now, as the night gets on, you're more than welcome to crash here. You can sleep in the living room floor. We'll get you a mattress." 

Rihyon, accepting the offer, expressed his thanks. 

"Thank you, uncle Kojuro. I'll gladly take your offer then."

After the couple has gone to sleep. 

Rihyon lay on the mattress, appreciating the beauty of the moon through the open window. 

He gradually slips into a dreamland from the fatigue of the events of the past four days.