Nadeshiko Gokumon Was Here

The first thing I ever saw was the blaze of cremation.

I don't know why, but I remember perfectly the color of the fire that consumed my body.

An old loudspeaker crackled, "The sun is beginning to set . . . "

The melancholic song served as a gentle warning signifying the arrival of dusk.

That was the time when people risked being devoured.

It advised everyone to return home before it was too late out.

A young girl was absentmindedly listening to the melody fade into the evening darkness.

She looked down upon the town resembling a brightly lit go board, her feet stepping on the red hue that dampened the stone pavement.

Nadeshiko . . . Nadeshiko Gokumon.

Upon hearing her name called by the man in the kimono, the girl turned around.

She was a young lady of extraordinary beauty.

She appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen. Her milk tea-colored hair, garnished with a small hair clip shaped like a dianthus flower, barely touched her shoulders. Dressed in a sailor uniform, it highlighted her skin which was as white as porcelain, as well as her clear, red eyes.

However, her doll-like beauty was now painted with a mysterious red hue.

You're more of a beast than a human.

. . . I hate it when you say that.

She wiped the reddish stain from her face with her finger and brought it to her lips, looking displeased.

I tried not to make a mess. But . . .

As Nadeshiko twirled her tongue around her wet finger, she scanned her surroundings.

They were on the outskirts of Kyoto City, near Imibiyama, once known as Toribeno. The dense mountain forest, long feared as a dwelling of demons, was a place no human would dare venture into.

An abandoned broadcasting tower fell silent behind Nadeshiko, its disaster prevention broadcast complete.

There was nothing I could do . . . it put up quite a struggle.

Where Nadeshiko pointed, a bizzare carcass laid scattered where she was pointing. Broken horns, six crushed eye sockets, and four torn arms indicated that the creature was once something supernatural.

You're like a feral cat . . . You're sorely lacking in grace.

The man in the kimono tsked in disapproval and slowly emerged from the shadows of the trees.

Every time he moved, there was a sound akin to rustling dried leaves.

I told you to clean up the local monsters, not make a mess of them.

He was incredibly tall, with long brown hair and dusky grey eyes. His neck was completely wrapped in bandages.

A cluster of talismans veiled the left half of his face.

As he spoke, the talismans fluttered, rustling even though no wind was blowing.

You animal . . . I've told you time and again to at least behave like a human.

You don't have to put it like that, Kirihito . . . If you don't need anything, could you please leave?

Nadeshiko shot a light glare at the man, Kirihito Gokumon, and then bent over as she began to efficiently gather the scattered heads and limbs of the inhuman creature into one place.

Actually, I do have something to discuss . . . unfortunately.

Well, well . . . but if it's boring, I won't hesitate cut you off, all right?

Hmph . . . what would you do if you could have a free meal?

Eat it.

Kirihito's lips curled into a smile at Nadeshiko's enthusiastic response.

Well, then . . . I have a tempting proposition perfect for a big eater like you.

He thrust a letter towards Nadeshiko.

Written on the label of the fancy envelope, were the words:

To the esteemed Gokumon family.

in elegant yet somewhat shaky handwriting.

. . . Why would someone go out of their way to send us a letter?

Nadeshiko skimmed the contents and calmly brought the stationery closer to her nose.

Suddenly, her red eyes gleamed in the twilight, and peculiar sharp teeth peeked out from the graceful curves of her lips.

Hmm . . . interesting.

I thought you might think so. It's certainly the kind of thing you enjoy.

Kirihito snickered, his words sounding almost like a scoff.

A tall tale like this perfectly suits someone who devours bottom-of-the-barrel slop like you.

. . . Don't be rude. If it tastes good, it doesn't matter, right? Besides, it's not like I enjoy . . .

The sound of a twig snapping interrupted her. Immediately, the two Gokumons spun around.

Huh, it could be a stray cat . . . or a survivor?

Kirihito inquired in a low voice. A number of eyes peered out from behind the rustling talismans.

Nadeshiko began to walk forward without a word.

As silent as a carnivore stalking its prey . . . even the sound of her footsteps was absent.

Peering into a nearby thicket, the faint sound of someone, or something, holding their breath could be heard. A man in hiking gear sat there alone, his face pale, looking up at Nadeshiko.

Oh, dear . . . Are you okay? Can you get up?

The man pushed away Nadeshiko's extended hand with a look of desperation.

Please, stay back . . . !

He bolted from the thicket like a deer, desperately running for his life. Nadeshiko watched as his figure quickly vanished into the darkness, her hand still reaching out.

. . . Hey. Don't tell me you're about to say something annoying like, "he was injured," are you?

Ignoring Kirihito's apathetic comment, Nadeshiko lowered her arm.

She closed her eyes, and a familiar hue flashed before her retinas. The brilliant, leaping red shadow . . . she instinctively recognized it as the color of the cremation chamber.

It flickered each time she blinked, even invading her dreams.

. . . What next?

Her whisper was carried away by the fall wind, along with the fallen leaves.

The Yatsuzakijima family was a well-known lineage within certain circles before World War II.

Within this circle, they were known as a muyashi family, a group of Exorcists that could see through the dubious veil between the living and the spirit realms. The Yatsuzakijimas were renowned for producing muyashi from generation to generation.

The lineage was infamous, even within the muyashi ranks.

They were known to curse people, regardless of status, if requested. They would even curse those they just plain disliked without provocation.

But one day, the Yatsuzakijima family simply disappeared.

Perhaps they suffered the consequences of their indiscriminate cursing.

All sorts of rumors spread about their fate, but eventually, their existence was nearly forgotten.

Seeking the house of this elusive family, Nadeshiko made her way to the nearby city of Uji.

She crossed the Uji Bridge shining with the elegance of ages gone by, and passed Byodoin, a heavenly land upon the earth.

The mansion she was searching for seemed to be located in the farthest reaches of the city.

I wonder if it's around here . . .

Nadeshiko examined her map, and turned at the fourth intersection of an unremarkable residential area.

Suddenly, she felt a shift in the air.

The scenery hadn't changed much faded white lines, accumulated dead leaves, and rusted signposts.

However, upon closer inspection, the letters on the signs were crumbling. The haphazard characters elicited a strange chill just looking at them, causing a dizzying sensation.

I get it . . . so that's why it couldn't be found.

Nadeshiko looked at the unusual signpost as a faint smirk crossed on her lips.

So, it's in the In-Between.

The In-Between was a place that lies at the boundary between the human and spirit realms.

Ordinary people without spiritual abilities weren't even aware of its existence, and not even a muyashi could enter easily. It appeared that the Yatsuzakijima family had concealed themselves in this unseen realm.

Just like my home at Imibiyama. You've got to have some nerve to do this right at the foot of Byodoin.

Where are you headed, young lady?

A rich alto voice echoed from behind her. Her eyes widened as she looked up.

Their eyes locked.

Look. It seems like it will rain soon, doesn't it?

The exceptionally beautiful woman seemed to be in her early twenties.

Her striking black hair was neatly gathered at the base of her neck. Her nose was slender and regal, and her eyebrows stretched into a flawless arch. Her coral lips stood out against her luminous, pearl-like skin. She was truly radiant.

For some reason, this unmatched beauty was perched in a tree.

She smirked and raised a closed ebony folding fan above her head.

If you don't have an umbrella, it'd be wise not to take any detours.

. . . Rain?

Yep. Rain.

As Nadeshiko looked up, the late fall sky was a faint blue, with cotton-like clouds drifting by. Squinting against the glare of the setting sun, she sniffed the air. There was no hint of rain.

It might even turn into sleet. However, it should stop by the time the moon appears . . .

The woman snapped her fan open and then shut again."What a bother," she sighed, her tone echoing her words.

What an odd woman. Nadeshiko didn't particularly want to get involved, but her presence here suggested she was no ordinary girl.

. . . Thanks for the warning.

For now, she decided to play along.

So if it's gonna rain so soon, why are you in a tree?

I'm just enjoying myself up here. It's not so bad getting wet once in a while.

. . . You'll catch a cold.

No problem. I'll be fine. I'm not as weak as I look.

Nadeshiko watched the woman carefully as she shrugged her shoulders.

She seemed to be taller than Nadeshiko, and her body radiated feminine allure. She looked quite at ease with her legs sprawled across a thick branch, her back reclining against the trunk.

She wore a black full-length coat, black boots, and carried a black shoulder bag. At first glance, there was nothing particularly unusual about her.

Are you also a guest of the Yatsuzakijimas?

. . . Sure. Something like that.

With a modest confirmation, the woman slowly rose to her feet.

Her jet-black coat billowed in the wind. A moment later, she was on the ground.

So you're going to that mansion, are you? Are you one of those so-called muyashi? Despite your cute appearance, you've chosen quite a dark profession.

Oh . . . so you're not a muyashi?

Nope. I'm just a normal human. Merely invited to the mansion . . . that's all.

The woman chuckled dryly, gesturing towards herself with her closed fan.

She had amber-colored eyes. There was a tiny mole near her left eye, which only further accentuated her allure.

My name is . . . for now, let's go with Amana Ichijiku.

For now', huh . . . ?

Nadeshiko crossed her arms and looked over Amana. Then, she lifted the corners of her rosy lips into a captivating smile.

I'm Nadeshiko Gokumon. Nice to meet you.

Nadeshiko . . . Nadeshiko, huh? I see. It suits you. You're as lovely as your name suggests.

. . . Huh?

Nadeshiko blinked in surprise, her red eyes wide open. Amana raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Hm? What's wrong?

. . . You don't know the name Gokumon?

Nope . . . should I?

Well . . . I guess it doesn't really matter . . . So you really are just an ordinary person?

That's what I've been saying, isn't it? What you see is what you get.

Amana gave a nonchalant chuckle and snapped open her fan with a swift flick of her wrist.

Even though . . . you're in a place that no ordinary human could possibly enter?

I was invited. If you receive an invitation, you can come in, right? That's why I'm taking the opportunity to look around. How's that? Pretty ordinary, right?

With a graceful halt to her fan-waving, Amana smiled cheekily.

She was beautiful, yet her grin had suspicious undertones to it. Nadeshiko rubbed her neck restlessly, her brows knitted in thought.

. . . So you were up in a tree for sightseeing? That's pretty innovative.

Yep. You don't usually get to see a place like this, so you might as well enjoy the view, right? Anyway, it looks like it's gonna rain soon. You should get a move on.

Nadeshiko watched Amana retreat with a sharp gaze as Amana casually began to stroll away.

What about you?

I'll probably continue looking around a bit longer. I don't mind getting wet.

The figure of Amana and her fluttering fan disappeared beyond the intersection in an instant.

Nadeshiko stared in her direction for a while before letting out a small snort.

What kind of spell is she under? She has no odor at all.

When Nadeshiko focused hard, she could faintly perceive her perfume.

However, there was no smell from Amana herself. She was like smoke wafting from an incense burner in human form. There was no physical presence.

I can't even tell if she's human or monster . . . huh?

Sensing a steady rise in humidity, Nadeshiko looked up at the sky.

The sun was gradually becoming obscured. The clouds enveloping it grew in number, and the sky shifted to a dull grey color. Soon, a raindrop as cold as ice landed on Nadeshiko's nose.

. . . What a strange woman.

Nadeshiko let out a deep sigh and was about to start running. She suddenly put a finger to her lips.

She's rather charming, though.

◇◆◇

The light rain continued to drizzle.

I thought they were a lost clan, but . . .

Tilting her folding umbrella slightly backward, Nadeshiko stared at the gate before her with a somewhat incredulous expression.

Even the gate was castle-like. On the large nameplate, "Yatsuzakijima" was inscribed in bold type.

Looks like they're very much alive and kicking, after all.

Curling her soft, pink lips, Nadeshiko rang the doorbell.

There was a brief silence. Then. . .

Yes . . . ?

The gate opened as a reply came from inside.

Are you an Exorcist, perhaps . . . ?

The man who peeked out cautiously was a frail-looking individual in glasses, his shabby suit hanging over his emaciated frame. Upon seeing Nadeshiko, a puzzled expression crossed his face.

Sorry I'm late. My family's not exactly used to being invited anywhere . . .

But, you don't look like . . .

The man with glasses appeared understandably perplexed.

The vibrant red scarf, camel-colored duffel coat, and sailor uniform adorned with a school emblem— the ensemble of the girl standing before him was unmistakably that of a high schooler.

Maintaining her composure, Nadeshiko presented the invitation to the man with glasses.

You did invite us, didn't you? The Gokumon family, that is.

Everything progressed smoothly after that, and Nadeshiko followed the man through the gates of the Yatsuzakijima residence.

Beyond the imposing entrance, a peaceful garden unfolded.

To the left of the main gate, there was a pond filled with swimming koi, with a cobblestone path extending in front. White pebbles densely filled the surroundings, with intricate checkerboard patterns etched into the sand.

At the end of the path, eerily silent like a graveyard, two towering five-tiered stone lanterns stood on either side.

Beyond them loomed an intimidating mansion reminiscient a castle.

The bespectacled man guiding her introduced himself in a voice barely louder than a whisper.

Mononari Nikai.

Since you're in this house, does that mean you're a muyashi?

Oh, no. I'm just a hired hand. A regular person, really. I can't see or hear anything unusual. Honestly, I have no idea what's going on around here . . .

He seemed extremely timid. He couldn't maintain eye contact, speaking with his gaze fixed on the floor. His eyes kept darting towards Nadeshiko's hand.

While she casually responded to Mononari's comments, she took several whiffs of the air.

Her sense of smell was incredibly sharp.

Can I ask something?

O-of course! I'll answer anything I can . . .

What time is dinner?

. . . D-dinner?

Yeah, when's dinner? I've been smelling delicious broth for a while now and it's making me restless.

Um . . . if all the preparations go smoothly, it should be around 7:00 . . .

Understood. That's all I wanted to know.

O-oh, I see . . .

With a restless air about him, Mononari sighed, scratched his head, and opened the front door.

The interior had a modern design to it. The ceiling was high and the area was illuminated with a soft, indirect light.

I apologize for the inconvenience . . .

Mononari seemed genuinely apologetic as he shrank back. His gaze continued to lock onto Nadeshiko's hand.

We simply started contacting everyone on the guest list . . . to be honest, I have no idea how many people will arrive. I'm also completely unfamiliar with the customs of the muyashi . . .

Yeah. That sounds rough.

Yes . . . the plan was to close off the guest list when it seemed appropriate. I apologize to those like you, Ms. Gokumon, who are coming directly . . .

Nadeshiko.

I-I beg your pardon?

Nadeshiko gave a graceful smile as she neatly lined up her loafers with the other numerous pairs of shoes.

Please, just call me Nadeshiko. Ms. Gokumon isn't nearly as cute, is it?

R-right . . . very well, Nadeshiko . . .

Nadeshiko nodded at Mononari's hesitant response and began to walk down the corridor.

But suddenly, she spun around swiftly. Mononari squealed.

Eek!

He recoiled at her sudden movement.

If you don't know how many people are coming, what if you run out of food?

W-we've made sure there's plenty. I believe you'll be quite satisfied.

Satisfied, huh . . . ?Well, I hope so.

Nadeshiko replied with a vague remark and took a look around.

Air fresheners that looked like artificial flowers, a quiet slipper rack, vibrant modern art pieces . . .

. . . My uncle said that the Yatsuzakijimas were a distinguished line of muyashi.

Nadeshiko couldn't help but voice her thoughts as she looked at all the objects brimming with life.

Apparently, they were adept at controlling spirits and monsters. So what exactly transpired for the Yatsuzakijimas to seek monster extermination help from other muyashi?

I can't say . . . I'm not privy to the specifics myself.

Mononari shrugged, adjusting his askew glasses.

However, the master of the house has declared that there's no longer any magical power in the Yatsuzakijima family . . . Yes, the parlor is just ahead. The master will explain the rest . . .

As Mononari modestly continued the tour, Nadeshiko sucked in a sharp breath.

The loss of spiritual abilities . . . the phenomenon muyashi feared the most. If that's what happened to the Yatsuzakijima household, then their abrupt exit from the spiritual realm made sense.

But something seemed amiss.

The Yatsuzakijima family was notorious for their curses. They must've had countless enemies wishing to retaliate. Could they really have evaded such vengeful individuals?

Nadeshiko subconsciously rubbed her neck and furrowed her delicate eyebrows. Moreover . . .

. . . Something smells fishy.

It was as if they were encircled by corpses.

The stench of death was so overpowering, it seemed to envelop the entire mansion.

No air freshener could eliminate it. It was as though the walls, floors, and ceilings were crammed end to end with bodies. The stench was that vivid and intense.

It was as if decayed hands were reaching out from every corner. Nadeshiko shrugged her shoulders.

. . . Well, it's not as bad as my place.

◇◆◇

Mononari opened the door and before their eyes, a sight resembling a costume party revealed itself.

A man dressed in business attire, a monk with sutra inscriptions covering his face, an elderly woman in gothic lolita fashion, a man with a bear's head, a fluorescent shrine maiden . . .

The colorful nightmare in the moderately sized parlor turned to face the new entrant all at once.

Nadeshiko nodded politely and took a seat at the farthest end of the back row.

She could feel countless intense stares. It seemed that everyone in the room was desperate for a chance to curse their detested business rivals to death.

Adults are so annoying . . .

As Nadeshiko murmured to herself, the door to the parlor screeched open with a sound resembling a scream.

. . . Thank you all for waiting.

A monotonous voice filled the room, followed quickly by the man behind it.

He had speckled grey hair and tortoiseshell glasses. An oversized polo shirt hung from his slender frame. His skin was an ashen hue, and a lifeless expression stared out from his black eyes like hollow pits.

He clearly looked unwell, or perhaps cursed.

The man shuffled into the parlor and practically collapsed into the chair by the door.

Mononari rushed to the man's side in a panic, bringing him a jug of water and a glass.

My name is . . . Kagemi Yatsuzakijima . . . the current head of the Yatsuzakijima family . . . I need . . . help . . . with our . . . storehouses . . .

The storehouses? What's wrong with them?!

The woman's shrill voice echoed through the room.

Kagemi heaved a deep sigh, his glasses reflecting the indifferent faces of the assembled muyashi.

There's . . . a demon.

The assembled muyashi stirred uneasily. Nadeshiko's red eyes narrowed.

According to Kagemi, the Yatsuzakijima residence was surrounded by three storehouses:

One to the south, one to the east, and another to the west. They were all large buildings passed down through generations, but their upkeep had been neglected. Various books and items had been left untouched.

. . . So they're just the same as back when you all still had magical skill?

Y-yes, exactly . . . I've looked myself, and there are many tools I can't comprehend.

Mononari responded with a troubled expression to the question from the man in the sukajan jacket.

Heh heh. So there's a treasure trove, huh? And you say there's a demon in there?

Mononari nodded to the muyashi who was sitting impatiently with a mischievous grin, and continued speaking.

The Yatsuzakijima family has lost their spiritual abilities a long time ago now. As a result, they decided to demolish these unused storehouses. But upon inspecting the inside for the first time in decades . . .

A demon . . . appeared . . .

Kagemi gazed blankly at the ceiling, whispering in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

Ever since then . . . it's been tormenting me . . . constantly . . .

What kind of demon is it?

A question came from the man from the second row in the business attire.

Dressed in a crisp suit and wearing sharp silver-rimmed glasses, the man adjusted his position slightly and directed a cool gaze towards Kagemi.

Pardon me. I only recently started out in Kanda cleaning evil spirits . . . I probably have less experience than everyone else here. So I'm interested in knowing the specific characteristics of this demon . . .

It's big . . . and it's ugly . . .

His gaze did not move from the ceiling. His eyes looked as if they had been drained of all life.

It makes this skittering noise . . . the sound is so piercing, it's like it's stabbing into my brain . . . like it's mocking me, even now . . . Skittering . . . it just keeps skittering . . .

Kagemi's ashen face turned even more pale with fear. His body was convulsing as if the monster was right in front of him.

Mr. Yatsuzakijima?

Ah . . . I apologize . . .

Kagemi reached for his glass with a trembling hand, but he was shaking so much all over that he spilled most of the water.

As you can see . . . it's controlling me . . . I can't fight it anymore. Please . . . I beg you . . . save me . . .

His bony shoulders shook erratically as his voice continued to drone on.

An old man in a gas mask let out a muffled, derisive laugh.

How pitiful . . . is this the fate of the Yatsuzakijimas, a family that once rivaled our own?

I'm sorry . . .

Alright, alright. We'll save you. But in return, you have to meet our demands. We're dealing with a demon here. Maybe it's not as troublesome as the Hashihime that once haunted this land, but it's still a menace . . .

Exactly! I expect my compensation to be handled properly!

The sharp voice rose from the girl in the fluorescent shrine maiden outfit seated near the center of the front row.

With her colorful pigtails, star-shaped sunglasses, and a rainbow-colored unicorn plushie.

She was by far the most eccentric and visually-jarring individual in the room.

Hey, isn't she famous . . . ?

The bogus fortune teller who was screeching out horoscopes all morning . . .

The muyashi murmured among themselves. Even Nadeshiko, who was relatively unfamiliar with worldly affairs, vaguely recognized the shrine maiden's name.

Gratin sweet potato . . .

It's Gladiolus Satoko!

Spinning her garish pigtails, Gladiolus Satoko turned back resentfully.

It was definitely her. The celebrity who was usually on the other side of the TV screen just a few days prior.

I heard that, Ms. Nobody! You're telling me you don't know the Gladiolus from the famous "Morning Bomber Fortune-Telling TV show"?! That's impossible! .I can't believe it! What kind of an upbringing did have you had?!

. . . Wow, she's even more annoying in person.

I used to mute the TV every time she spoke . . .

Overwhelmed by the shrill screams, the rest of the muyashi seemed to forget their rivalries and started to grumble in harmony.

My career is at stake here!

Gladiolus Satoko went off on a tirade, flailing about the stuffed unicorn.

A splash echoed around the room, as if liquid was contained inside.

I'm moving away from gimmicks to hard evidence, and I'm gonna secure a primetime slot with my clairvoyance and holy water! I can't afford to sit idle! But your constant interruptions are throwing off my concentration! So stand up, Ms. Nobody, and state your name!

Nadeshiko reluctantly rose to her feet.

Sorry. I didn't intend to disrupt you. I'm not well-versed with the entertainment world . . .

Enough chatter! I'm gonna remember your name and that face . . . Oh, your beauty alone is maddening! Just state your name already, Bystander Pretty Girl A!

I'm Nadeshiko Gokumon, a freshman at Shikibu Women's Academy.

The air in the room changed in that moment, and murmurs began to spread like wildfire.

Gokumon, Gokumon, Gokumon . . .

She's a descendant of demons . . .

That can't be true!

That cursed family . . .

. . . I thought they were wiped out over a decade ago . . .

If she's a Gokumon, there should be a distinct mark on her neck . . .

Our late master warned us to steer clear of the Gokumons . . .

They skinned my great-grandfather alive . . .

The Great Demoness of the Showa Era . . .

Gozen Gokumon . . .

The Gokumons are an omen of disaster.

Gokumon, Gokumon, Gokumon . . . !

Huh . . . ? W-wait, what? Why's everyone reacting like this . . . ?

One by one, people began to ignore the bewildered shrine maiden and turn to face the girl in the back.

Looks of shock, terror, suspicion, curiosity, and avoidance filled the room . . . Nadeshiko Gokumon's mere existence was creating ripples among the guests like a pebble in water.

. . . Being famous is so annoying, right?

She felt like a lost kitten that had wandered into a rat's nest. Nadeshiko cast her vibrant crimson eyes down and forced a smile.

At that moment, an alluring voice echoed through the commotion.

There's something I'd like to ask.

Nadeshiko widened her eyes and involuntarily turned to face the familiar tone.

Somehow, before anyone knew it, Amana Ichijiku was standing by the door, arms crossed.

Nice to meet you all. I'm Tina Ha, a humble college student.

With a relaxed expression, Amana introduced herself under an entirely different name and began to walk forward.

I'm here today on behalf of Professor Jiro Sodo from the Literature Department at Kyoshado University.

Upon reaching the last row, Amana leaned over the back of the seat next to Nadeshiko and rested her cheeks in her hands.

He's a pretty energetic guy. He was really enthusiastic about participating, but unfortunately, he was held back by some unavoidable obligations . . . so I'll be standing in for him. I apologize for my unannounced visit. Though I gotta admit, this is a bit beyond my usual territory.

Amana patted Nadeshiko's shoulder a few times as she finished her rehearsed-sounding speech.

Nadeshiko, red eyes wide open, studied the woman's side profile intensely. Whether Amana was aware of the reaction from the muyashi or not, she was certainly acting awfully friendly with her.

Furthermore, no scent emitted from her body, even at such a close proximity.

There was a sweet aroma, similar to that of burning sandalwood or agarwood. However, no body odor emanated from Amana herself. It was as if only the fragrance of the smoke was present.

It was disconcerting, elusive, uncanny.

Yet, for some reason, Nadeshiko felt no impulse to shrug off her hand.

Who exactly are you . . . ?

Now, I have an important question to pose . . .

Dismissing the girl's subtle confusion like a passing breeze, Amana swiftly snapped open and waved around her black fan decorated with intricate cut-out designs, narrowing her amber eyes in amusement.

When's dinner . . . ?

. . . That question felt eerily familiar.