Hashira Loving Demon

Eighteen - Answers

Kyojuro Rengoku

I had finally convinced Rika that I would never be unfaithful to her. That my loyalty was to her. Yet she was still unsure about Mura. She fell asleep in our bed and I decided to let her rest.

I walked from the room and Kocho was just coming back into the house. Had Mura spoken to her? Our conversation earlier left me surprised. He told me of his intention of walking away from the relationship. That he couldn't remain married to her because of something being in the way. Was it something, or someone?

"Hello, where is Mura?" I asked.

"He's gone to Ine. He said he had to do something there. And he wouldn't allow me to go with him." She said.

Ah, so then I had my answer. I knew why he was going. I smiled at her and I wished I could reassure her but there was nothing I could say.

"I see. Perhaps you could come and eat. There are rice balls in the sitting room. I think you should take a moment to relax." I said.

She nodded and tears welled up in her eyes. I sighed and pulled her into my arms for a hug.

"I understand it must be difficult, Kocho. But-"

"Fuji." She said.

I closed my eyes. She would continue to call herself Fuji. I wondered how Mura would respond.

"Right. I know it must be difficult, but you can both get through this."

So long as he keeps his eyes in the right direction. If he had done as he said he was going to, then he was no longer tied to Kocho. Which meant he was free to do as he pleased.

I could renounce my vows, yet I would still be loyal to Rika. I loved her. More than any woman, and even if Rika decided that she didn't want me, I would still never have another woman.

"Come into the sitting room. I need you to eat something. You are carrying a child and need to keep up your strength. I already know that you are tired from your trip here." I said.

I led her to the sitting room and she sat at the table, staring at the rice balls.

"I didn't make them, so you don't have to worry." I said.

She picked one up and took a bite, then smiled.

"There. Thank you for eating."

"He doesn't love me anymore." She said.

I didn't know how to respond. If he left things this way, then he didn't go about it right. He shouldn't have left her without answers. He needed to be honest with her and tell her how he felt.

Perhaps I needed to go to Ine once more. To find Mura. This time not for Rika. To convince him to talk to her and tell her the truth.

I smiled at her and sat at the table across from her, grabbing a rice ball. I looked into her eyes and saw pain. I didn't like seeing a comrade in such shape.

"I need to call on my swordsmith. I damaged my sword in my last battle and he's going to be furious. I dulled the edge on concrete." I said.