Uwah...I am a Rarity?! (Reincarnation) Editing

Chapter 27

It had been nearly 2 months since the talk in the cave. Yet in that time period, many things had changed.

Yuki, who had previously been shunned and feared by everyone in the village now ran around freely, playing and mingling with the other kids of the village.

Something about Shureii claiming him as her own and having that claim publicly validated by the Chief already put the young boy into a more positive light. Not to mention, after a few squabbles (mostly from Yuki's side), Eiji--who Shureii quickly came to know to be a highly respected and loved member of the village--became something like a protective guardian/brother-figure for Yuki.

During that time period, Shureii had also been welcomed with warm arms by the villagers. While they had been slightly wary of the mother of a child whom they had thought to be a demon, they quickly came to like her. Her popularity particularly went up when her healing and cooking abilities came to light, making many of the women of the village clamor after one another to learn from her.
ㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡ
Watching Yuki run about, playing chase with the village children filled Shureii with warmth as she took a break from helping the women sort out various herbs. Hearing the sound of footsteps, Shureii looked up and saw a familiar face.

"Eiji." She greeted with a smile. "Welcome back."

"How have you been, Shureii?" He answered, settling beside her.

"Good." She said, turning her head to look back at Yuki. He was currently tagging someone.

"How was your hunting trip--ah never mind."

She stopped when she saw the large buck and boar with several rabbits and birds in the pile she knew was brought in by Eiji.

"Successful as always, huh. You must've been quite impressive today."

"Ah...not really." He said modestly. "All the hunters did well today."

Shureii's lips curved up into a smile as she caught sight of a certain group of people.

"Not according to what they think. Uwah...I'm being hated..."

"What?"

Whipping his head around to look at what she was talking about, Eiji calmed down when he realized it was just his fangirls. Sweat-dropping when he realized how much they were glaring at Shureii while sending love-struck gazed at him, Eiji let out a slightly forced chuckle.

"Ah...sorry about that."

"No worries." Shureii said lightly. Both she and Eiji knew that the fangirls were too kind to actually do anything to hurt her. Not to mention, ever since Shureii's cooking and healing skills were exposed, the women of the village took a liking to her and often scolded their daughters, telling them they need to be more like her. Sure enough, the fangirls were soon scattered as their respective mothers came to drag them away.

"Why are you wasting your time here?"

"If you want to rest like Shureii, then be as good as her!"

"Goodness! You can't just sit around gazing at Eiji! Go work and impress him!"

Were comments that could be overheard by Shureii and Eiji, causing both of them to chuckle when they were out of hearing range.

Calming down from her laughter, Shureii turned to Eiji.

"You must be hungry, do you want something to eat?"

At this a broad grin split across his face as he accepted the sweet stuffed bread from her.

"Thanks Shureii."

Shureii smiled and watched him as he ate.

They had become close over the past 2 months and Shureii had come to know that he was 17 just like her. Yet, unlike the boys in her old world, he was slightly more disciplined and reserved. That didn't mean he wasn't fun as he had a friendly attitude and gave Shureii good company.

Thankfully, he never brought up the topic of marriage again, but her astute eyes did not miss the way he looked at her when he thought she was not looking. However, she chose to ignore it and pretended to be oblivious to it.

After all, it would be embarrassing to confront him about it...and...as selfish as it sounds, I really do like him as a friend....(despite our ages) She finished drily just as Eiji finished up eating.

"Thank you, Shureii. That was delicious as always."

Giving him a closed-eyed smile, Shureii replied, "Thanks for the compliment."

Lying down on the grass, Eiji was quiet for a bit. Then...

"Shureii...you aren't going to stay here forever."

It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes." Shureii answered softly, wanting to be truthful to the person who had become a dear friend to her.

Her initial intention of totally avoiding the Veldhuizen Kingdom had become something she knew would be dangerous in its own way. Somehow she knew that now was not the time to totally detach herself from that kingdom. If she tried to do so, her fate or whatever it was that brought her here would make things harder for her. She couldn't risk that. Not with Yuki.

"I thought so."

There was silence once more, then he opened his golden eyes, staring up at the sky.

"Say Shureii, I don't have any right to stop you, nor will I if that is what you really want, but will you let me know when you leave?"

"...If that is what you want, then sure. Besides...I don't think Yuki would want to leave without saying goodbye to you at least."

At this Eiji let out a smile. In a fluid movement he got up to his feet. After dusting himself off, he picked up his sword-like blade, which Shureii learned was called the kcimta.

"I have to go to report to my father now. See you later, Shureii." He said with another smile.

"Okay."

After a few steps, he stopped, as if he remembered something. Turning back, he spoke.

"Oh, and Shureii, even though I said I wouldn't stop you from leaving, it doesn't mean I won't try persuading you beforehand. My intentions are still the same as ever. See you." He said so matter-of-factly that Shureii didn't register the full meaning of his words until he was away from hearing range unless she shouted.

Mou...Shureii facepalmed. I did it again...I jinxed myself...*sigh*...I knew I shouldn't have thought of  Eiji not mentioning marriage!
ㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡ

That night as she absentmindedly stroked Yuki's ears, Shureii was in deep thoughts. I don't know when, but I know I won't be able to stay here forever...Looking down at Yuki's sleeping face, her eyes took on an affectionate look. If possible, it would be great to stay here longer...Yuki seems to happy and...Shureii forced herself to acknowledge the truth...So am I.

With those thoughts in mind, Shureii fell asleep.