Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 104

　"Hehehe, now, Miss Tamaki, please don't hesitate to indulge. There's plenty more if you desire."

　"Y-yes..."

　The lady with purple hair sitting at the head of the table smiles warmly, her eyes slightly narrowed. Hotoya's young lady, while perplexed by her teacher's kindness, bows and accepts the sweets offered to her, cautiously reaching out her hand. She takes a small bite and chews, the taste of the confection, soaked in black sugar and honey, undoubtedly delicious. Girls have a weakness for sweets, and Tamaki, a girl in her prime, is no exception. However... unfortunately, Tamaki can hardly taste the rich sweetness. There is no room for such luxury.

　"..."

　Tamaki looks at the peach-colored princess sitting to her left. She has remained silent since earlier. Leaning on her elbow, she rests her cheek on her hand with a composed expression. However, the atmosphere surrounding her feels heavy, almost as if she is in a bad mood. The half-youkai servant standing behind her cowers in fear.

　"..."

　Tamaki looks at the purple-haired princess, her senior disciple, sitting to her right. She, too, has been silent since earlier. Although she was actively engaging in conversation with Onitsuki's second princess just a while ago, she has now been commanded to remain silent, her eyes brimming with tears.

　...Her legs must have become numb from sitting in seiza for so long.

　"Oh, Miss Tamaki, is something the matter?"

　"N-No... there's nothing."

　The lady at the head of the table mocks Tamaki's nervousness as if nothing is wrong. Tamaki's expression twitches slightly, but she gently brushes it off. She concentrates on consuming the sweets in front of her, escaping into a realm of illusion. By the way, Suzune, who is standing behind Tamaki, does the same. She tightens her lips and remains silent, a single bead of sweat rolling down her forehead.

　"Oh my, what a delightful appetite. Now, would you like some more tea? Sweet flavors can make one thirsty, you know?"

　At Onitsuki Sumire's signal, as she taps her spoon on the tea utensils, each teacup and teapot begins to move on their own accord, dancing and swirling in a choreographed serving routine. A teacup filled with pleasantly warm green tea springs toward Tamaki, landing on the saucer with a gentle thud. Remarkably, despite its lively performance, not a single drop spills over.

　"Th-Thank you very much..."

　"You're welcome. ...Hehehe, indeed, a journey with many companions is quite enjoyable. It's not as boring as traveling alone."

　Smiling in response to Tamaki's slightly awkward gratitude, Sumire complies. She nonchalantly comments on this heavy journey, presenting it as something pleasant.

　"Traveling alone, is it? I heard you had been away from the house for a long time..."

　Inquiring about it as if she suddenly remembered, Tamaki glances at the princess sitting to her left, sensing an unsettling aura emanating from her. She becomes nervous, thinking she might have said something inappropriate. As for Suzune, who has a low resistance to spiritual pressure, she trembles in surprise.

　"Yes. Due to certain circumstances, I traveled outside the country of Fusou. My daughter must have felt lonely because of it. I apologize, Aoi."

　Beside her, Sumire seems unconcerned about the atmosphere her daughter exudes. She closes her eyes, displaying a melancholic expression, and finally, she calmly apologizes to her daughter.

　"...Please don't worry, Mother. I understand the circumstances, so please don't let it bother you."

　After a brief silence, Aoi politely responds. However, her words lack any emotion, and she doesn't even make eye contact. It seems like a mechanical reply, at least that's how it appears to Tamaki.