MANJUSHAGE: "The Eternal Vow" 【KNY】

『 V 』

Recollection V
— " Glimpse " —

Taisho Period (1912–1926)
City of Mito, Japan

There used to be times where (Y/N) would hear about various stories regarding the cities beyond her simple hometown. Whether it would be the way of life of the people who resided there, or the common presence of new technologies far from the traditional norm, the young (Y/N) could only imagine how those cities personally look like. The city of Mito isn't an exemption from that, given that it was one of the nearest cities to the place of her upbringing.

Like the core cities of the country, Mito was also recognized for its flourishing culture and secured commercial power. At every angle, one can already view a sense of grace, beauty, and prosperity in its territories; the very reason why it was established as the capital of the Province of Ibaraki, becoming its focal domain of operations when it comes to manufacture of goods and transport.

"...Charming, isn't it?"

(Y/N) glanced towards her client and friend, Emiko, who was busy sipping her tea in peace as they sat at the terrace of one of the most prominent cafes in the entire prefecture. The terrace that they occupied, in particular, was a spot favored by most of the opulent due to the scenery that can be seen from it. Considering that Emiko was a part of that social circle, it was only normal for her to be able to secure a place on the cafe's finicky line of reservations.

"Well, not as extravagant as Tokyo or Yokohama, but I do prefer modesty and comfort, no?"

"I suppose so..." With both hands, (Y/N) humbly took a sip from her own tea of choice; her calm composure masking the little bits of discomfort that she still felt from all of the grandeur that surrounded her. Although she knew nothing of those other cities that her friend had mentioned, she merely expressed her acknowledgement with a soft smile on her lips. "It is charming in its own way."

The cool air of the afternoon breeze visited them for a brief moment, signalling the imminent wake of the night. It wasn't a disturbing factor on their quiet sight–seeing, as the two of them wore thicker clothes that are just enough to protect them from the cold. Emiko, with her western-style dress accompanied by a long scarf made of fur that was laced around her arms, wasn't bothered by the wind throughout their stay on the open terrace. The same went for (Y/N), who still wore a kimono-- though unlike her previous ones, it was beautifully patterned and new; accompanied by a knee-length haori piece of her favorite colors dyed upon it, which was draped around her shoulders.

Yesterday, Emiko had expressed her concern over the young female's lack of luggage. Apparently, (Y/N) wasn't able to bring a lot of her possessions, given that she requested for the young Takahashi to fetch her belongings during her recovery. And since he didn't stay that long due to his wariness with Airi who remained unrespondent following the events of the incident, he was only able to give her things that she could only repeatedly use every week. Such a notion was able to freak out her affluent friend as soon as she heard about it; thus, before (Y/N) could even protest, Emiko decided to drag her around the day after, purchasing clothes after clothes without fearing for the expenses.

Nonetheless, the day ended with them only buying an amount that seemed just enough for (Y/N), yet not for Emiko. Although the latter offered to buy her friend some sets of western garments as well as other, rather expensive fineries, (Y/N) had firmly denied the opportunity. Aside from the discomfort that she felt from relying too much on the other, she was actually a keen admirer of traditional fashion; a trait that she had brought with her ever since she was young.