An Unexpected Visit

321 15 15
                                    

Once again, I wake up, back at the Butterfly Estate. The mission was completed successfully, and Mitsuri and I went our separate ways, with me delivering the flowers to a Kakushi alone. Now it's another day, but with the same recurring nightmare. I'm starting to find it strange. Kanae, when will you forgive me?...

I get up from my futon and follow my usual routine: washing up, changing into my uniform, and having a simple meal. Finally, I sit on the balcony of the main hall, looking out at the garden and thinking about the mission I had with Mitsuri. That mission served more to show me who Mitsuri truly is. Well, she showed me that I was wrong about my thoughts... Anyway, it's already happened; I don't know why I'm still thinking about Mitsuri. It will take a while to see her again.

-"Kocho-San," I jump slightly in surprise as a voice calls me from right beside me. I let out a sigh and turn my head to see who it is.

-"Are you okay? You were standing there, looking surprised that I appeared... Seriously, you didn't notice me?" says Aoi, one of the caretakers of the estate. When I see her, I focus on calming myself, reorganizing my thoughts, and I smile.

-"...I'm fine, just lost in thought," I say, not showing that I was flustered.

-"...Okay then. By the way, there's a girl in front of the mansion looking for you. She has pink hair with green streaks... quite eye-catching hair," Aoi says with a slight hint of envy. Could it be Mitsuri? I think to myself, getting up immediately. I thank Aoi for the information and calmly make my way to the entrance of the mansion.

When I arrive, it turns out my suspicions were right. There she was, with the same hairstyle as always, wearing the same clothes, and now with suitcases... Suitcases? That's strange, but I approach her with my usual smile. Mitsuri, upon seeing me, smiles back and waves in my direction.

-"Hello, Kanroji-san. Can I know the reason for your sudden visit?" I was close enough to have a conversation. When she hears my question, she looks confused.

-"Haven't you seen the letter sent by Oyakata-sama?" I didn't understand at first, but after thinking for a moment, I ask her to wait. I step away from her and call my crow, who quickly comes at my first whistle.

 I step away from her and call my crow, who quickly comes at my first whistle

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

-"Did a letter from Oyakata-sama arrive?" I ask, slightly stressed.

-"Yes, it did. I tried to wake you up to deliver it, but you were sleeping deeply. I shouted and shouted, but you didn't wake up." How did I oversleep? I wonder, feeling a bit shaken. The crow hands me the letter and flies away. In it was written:

-"Dear Kocho, forgive me for the sudden announcement, but Kanroji's residence has been delayed in its construction. I humbly ask that you allow her to stay in your mansion for an indefinite period. I chose you because I feel that you both may get along better together than with others, and because you have spent more time together. I thought it would be more pleasant, and also, you are both girls. With love, Oyakata."

The Flower and the ButterflyWhere stories live. Discover now