The Shogun and the Traveller

Chapter 3: Secrets of Konda Village

The traveller was quite intrigued with the promise of a new adventure and so inquired further.

"There is something here in Konda village" Kazari explained, "a barrier that needs to be lifted but, it's hidden behind a secret. I'd like to entrust you to investigate it and lift that barrier."

"Investigate?" the traveller asked.

"Yes. It may be some trouble, But I'm sure you'll reveal the truth in the end."

"Well that sounds like a lot of work, will there be payment?" Paimon questioned.

"Hehe... Of course." Kazari responded, "'To those who seek shall just reward be given in proportion to their wisdom and work.' " She paused for a brief moment. Those words... they were so familiar. "...That's what she used to say anyways so, no, there is no need to worry."

"She?" The traveller prodded.

Kazari lowered her head. She said nothing more. The scene became silent as we pondered that one pronoun. I remember those words quite well. They were those of an old friend. I remember many stories of her but that was quite a long time ago, longer than Kazari would have existed.

"I see. We should get a move on then." the traveller roused.

Konda village has been part of Inazuma's history for almost as long as the nation existed. With such an abundance of time, this place would have had one thing to hide at the very least. We wandered about and searched where we could. Unfortunately, our investigation had left us empty handed; there was simply little of interest. Finding a low wall to rest, we wallowed in our lack of progress.

"Ugh! How long have we been searching!? Paimon's tired." she groaned, dropping into the traveller's lap. If anyone had the right to complain it was the traveller, being that they were performing a majority of the search and did so with intensity.

"Aww... does Paimon need a nap after just floating around?" The traveller teased, ruffling Paimon's hair.

"Rrggh! Paimon doesn't need a nap!" She shouted, thrashing around in the traveller's arms.

Ayaka and I looked to each other. She smiled warmly. Unamused by the display in front of us, I lowered my eyelids partially. The two outlanders continued to bicker.

"Well maybe if we knew what we were looking for, WE'D BE DONE ALREADY!" Paimon wailed.

"PFFTH! We know what we're looking for," the traveller retorted, "It's the barrier and anything the village is hiding. they're...uuhhh..."

the traveller pondered in silence.

"You know, we could always ask around if the villagers know anything." Ayaka suggested.

"You know what? That's a good idea." the traveller answered, "Alright, new plan: let's split up and look for clues."

And so we did just that. Ayaka and I went on alone; the traveller and Paimon would leave as a duo.

My search started from nothing therefore, the first thing to be collected was information. With such, my goal should become clear. I scanned my surroundings for anyone who could hold any knowledge of  the secrets of Konda village. As I walked around, the inhabitants were now leaving their houses. Many waved to me and were quite pleased to see me. My good reputation would no doubt be pivotal to this investigation and great care was to be taken not to tarnish it. I simply walked by without saying a word or making eye contact, hoping this would not negatively affect their perception of me. They did view me as the silent one after all. I had a seat nearby to carefully consider my next course of action.