boketto || t. kamado

fifty-six

"L/n! I need help, please!"

I turned my head towards the voice, setting the broom I held against the wall before rushing down the hall. It was one of the younger girls, struggling feebly to pick up a large basket full of wet clothes that needed to be put out to dry. As I came closer, I could even spot tears in her eyes in frustration at her own failure.

"I've got it," I reassured the young girl, grabbing both sides and picking it up seamlessly.

She wiped at her eyes, but smiled and bowed, "Thank you so much!"

It'd been about two nights since I'd been stationed at the Yamamura house if you count the first night. It was frankly a rather homely place with kind people and women. Most of my time had been spent learning what was expected and what they needed me to do, but they'd learned rather quickly of my abilities that outdid their own. The house was almost entirely women so the fact that I had quick reflexes and strength was something they capitalized on as soon as it was known. Ironic to me, seen as I was weak within the world of Demon Slaying.

It'd even grown into me chasing a man out when he disobeyed the rules, despite being younger than most of the working ladies. He wasn't leaving and was causing a fuss, and since the house owner's husband was elderly, I took it into my own hands. I couldn't find it within myself to simply stand and watch as they got harassed, so I grabbed him by the back of his kimono and quite literally threw him from the front doors of the house.

Ironically, it had earned me a quickly growing popularity within the house amongst all the ladies. I felt like my job had gotten more difficult with how I was being asked to help with everything now. I barely had any time to ask about Hinatsuru but it was daytime anyways, so I figured I'd ask in the night.

I followed the young girl to the clothesline out back, setting the basket down as she bowed repeatedly with thanks. Frankly, it had been a heavy basket - at least for those who don't practice breathing techniques or were swordsmen in general. I'd never experienced a world without the idea of demons and swords - what a curious world they must live in.

"Thank you so much," she repeated again, smiling sweetly in the daytime sun. The town and house were always so much calmer at this time - so ironic. She blinked, then suddenly seemed to remember something and rushed, "C-Can I ask one more favor? I completely forgot - Lady Reiko asked for Onigiri and it's prepared, I just need it delivered. Do you mind..?"

I returned the smile, "I can do that."

She clasped her hands together in relief, "Thank you! You're such a big help, Ms. L/n!"

I brushed her off with my calm smile, heading back into the house and towards the direction I knew food was prepared. If anything, I found this as a good opportunity - Lady Reiko was the talk of this house, so at least I could now confirm if it was Hinatsuru or not. I highly doubted it, but perhaps I could ask about her.

The onigiri was already prepared, as promised, so I placed the plate onto a tray and began heading back upstairs. Lots of ladies were asleep at this time, but a few of us worked to keep things flowing behind the scenes. I'd made the offer, seeing as I could stay up for long periods of time anyway. At least it'd keep me busy.

The hallway was quiet. It was a very traditional building, with shoji doors and decorative walls. Everyone was wearing classic clothing in the form of Kimonos and Yakatas. Sun streamed in the few windows there were but it cast a light glow on the otherwise dim area. It was rather homely, this place. But then again, I suppose that was part of the appeal to the patrons that came. I always thought there were lots of reasons people paid for services like this, and that meant more than just lust. I even knew that Daichi had gone once - but only ever drank tea and chatted, and then gave the girls tips to try and help them get out if they desired.