Yamiyo no Hotaru

Volume 8 Epilogue

　Deep within a valley submerged in snow. The time is around two hours past the sixth hour of the rabbit (Around the time of the sixth hour after sunrise.). In a corner of a fog-covered early morning village, she was there.

　Onitsuki valley village's long-established confectionery tea house, "Hanamizuki House," starts its mornings early. As confectionery making begins around the time of sunrise, steam from the cooking had been leaking from the shop's chimney since about two hours ago.

　"Phew. It's still cold after all."

　Momiji, the signboard girl of the shop, grumbled while blowing white breaths onto her chilled palms during her water duties. Despite her complaints, her expression was bright.

　It was only natural. The shop's sales, which had once been considered disastrous, had been gradually recovering lately. It was all thanks to putting up new products inspired by foreign sweets that were trendy. Although her father and the other craftsmen were somewhat dissatisfied, they eventually compromised when their daughter earnestly persuaded them. Her father, too, understood that if this situation continued, they would have to close the shop. In the worst case, their family's future would be uncertain. Momiji absolutely did not want to be sent away to the city.

　The decisive factor was the order for the new product from the Onitsuki Estate. The opinion of the honorable madam adviser was the first. With that recommendation, orders also came from the Uemon and the branch family's Ayaka. The villagers heard the rumors and came to enjoy the feast. And thus, the flow of customers was returning.

　"All thanks to that person, right?"

　What crossed Momiji's mind was the presence of a customer from some time ago. Somehow, in this village in the countryside, his wise advice and knowledge about food and trends were like a powerful medicine—in a good way. Opinions that even newcomers on the opposite side of the road couldn't come up with were truly akin to divine help.

　"Thanks to him, our shop is finally at ease... I wonder if he'll come again?"

　Come to think of it, when he visits next time, she asked him to taste the new product as well, Momiji reminisces and mumbles. She waits eagerly for that customer, smiling with delight.

　...Suddenly, the sound of a horse neighing echoes from within the fog.

　"...?"

　Who could it be at this hour? A fast horse? In this thick fog, it's dangerous. Momiji hurriedly retreats to the side of the road, but when she realizes the identity of the figure that appeared in the thick fog, she can't help but rush towards it.

　It's because she recognized that distinctive coat.

　"Ah! A customer! A customer! Long time no see!"

　"Eh...!?"

　The customer leading the horse showed a momentary dazed reaction to her call. However, he quickly remembered and looked at her.

　"Right... you're from the 'Hanamizuki House' staff, right?"

　"Yes! Thank you for the other day!"

　"No, no. But meeting at this hour is quite surprising."

　Momiji smiles at the fact that he remembered her. Then she continues.

　"That's my line. To come out so early in the morning... You must have left the nearby inn or checkpoint in the middle of the night, right? It must have been cold this winter, especially when you're riding."

　"Haha. Yes, well..."

　As she inquires while looking at the large horse he's leading, he responds with a wry smile. From the looks of it, it seems like it wasn't his own decision to come here. No, it might have been a forced order from above. Well, that makes sense. Considering he's been given an unfortunate dark-blue horse, it further supports that idea. Momiji sympathizes with him.