Saving Touma

Chapter 1.E - Mountain Spirits

"Please don't do this. You're all going to die up there."

"I won't let that happen."

Ryo went back to the dining room after that gut-wrenching conversation. He couldn't conceal the increasing anxiety on his face, but he appeared resolute in his decision.

"Sensei, What took you so long? Did something happen?" Yukimura asked.

"Oh, nothing. I just got some air...to sober up a little."

Morning. Everyone was packing up.

Despite his resolve, Ryo couldn't shake off the anxiety welling up inside him. Last night's conversation with the inn manager seemed to weigh heavy on him. He sat on the engawa, gazing into the distance, contemplating calling off the journey. 

But he couldn't. He was bound by his duty. To himself. His boss. And the country. The boys knew that. They were all in the same boat.

In the kitchen, Himiko sat quietly in a corner, opposite the kamado. The servants kept their distance, knowing she was worried about the guests and didn't want to talk. They suspected she trying to avoid seeing off the boys.

Ryo looked back for the last time, hoping Himiko or the servant would be there waving goodbye. None of them came out in protest. He understood and went on his way, the boys following behind him. 

They took a detour into town to buy some supplies, including spices and preserved meat and vegetables. They never knew when hunger would strike and if there would be wild animals to hunt. 

Ryo told the boys to wait under the shade of a tree at the end of the block while he purchased goods from a store ahead.

While waiting for his order, Ryo heard a commotion from a distance. A man in a fine kosode seemed to be telling off a vendor on the side of the road. 

It was apparent from his appearance and demeanor that he had some sort of stature. Curious, Ryo asked the owner of the store in front of him who the man was.

"Oh, that's Shinjiro, the scumbag," the store owner said nonchalantly, making Ryo smirk.

"Scumbag?" Ryo asked.

"Yes, he's a real piece of work."

"And why would you say that?"

"You can see how he treats people here. Those vendors are only trying to make a living. But he keeps shooing them like animals. What a jerk."

"Yeah, I guess each town has a bad apple."

"He hasn't always been like that."

"What do you mean?"

"He was a regular merchant, like us."

"Then, what happened?"

"That I don't know. But what I know is that after that incident many years ago, he disappeared for several days. Then weeks later, he bought two stores."

"What incident?"

"That accident in the mountain."

"Mountain."

"Yes, those poor hikers. . .Wait a minute. You're not from around here, aren't you? Never mind."

"Hold on. Let me hear it. I'm curious. What does he have to do with that incident?"

"Well, he seemed to be the first person to spot the survivor at the paddy."

"Really? Hmmm... Interesting."

"Here you go." The vendor handed over the pack of goods Ryo purchased.

"Thank you," Ryoresponded before quickly shifting his gaze toward the boys. He called Shinjiroand handed him the goods. He also told him to wait a little longer as he neededto buy other supplies. Then, he went over to the unsuspecting merchant.