VOORPRET | Celebratory Offering

001 : mikazuki munechika [short story]

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twenty-two days more to go.

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Miharu couldn't believe her sheer luck at all. She was just at the mere beginning of her journey as a new sage to swords that would be granted mortal vessels and one of the very first swords she smithed was the one and only Mikazuki Munechika.

The gracious fortune of primarily owning one of the revered swords of Japan nearly brought her down to her knees and thank all her lucky stars. (But she had a dignity to look after, so she didn't literally get on her knees; however, only metaphorically.)

To describe her immense joy in words... It cannot be done, to be honest. It's simply too overwhelming for her and the ecstasy she relished filled her soul to the brim.

Of course, in just an instant, Mikazuki Munechika became her most beloved and cherished sword (whilst not exempting the other swords).

Her responsibilities around the citadel weren't easy ones. Aside from being the leader, Miharu also had to be a mother, a nanny, a cook, a doctor/nurse, a cleaner, a gardener, a teacher, among many other jobs. She was just beginning to expand her collection of sword boys but with small experience, she knew (reluctantly) she had to take everything slow.

But at least she had Mikazuki already.

Ah, yes, the sword that's loved to be graced by the moon in the night.

Whenever the shining, silver celestial body came around the skies, Mikazuki never failed to look out the window. He can't just calmly and reverently gaze at the moon, however. He also looked upon his company who stays across his room, his master, Miharu. Almost every night he looked out the window to enjoy the serene presence of the moon, his master would do the same from her own quarter, although, on her own accord. But coincidentally, no soul was up and awake during the times they leered up to the mean separately.

It was as if... As if...

Moving on, it was another successful day and Miharu felt accomplished of what she had done. She taught the tantous how to maintain their room and the hallway that connected to their room. She taught the newcomers, two uchigatanas, how to cook and help around the kitchen whenever Kasen or Shokudaikiri wasn't around. She taught two new other wakizashis on how to wash the sheets she bought using her pocket money since the government limited some resources in her province for some time.

Despite feeling triumphant about the productive day, she also felt weariness and tiredness. Her body ached badly from the work, but she felt somehow embarrassed to admit to her swords she would like a day-off from being their master, even just for a day.

Miharu didn't feel like sleep was coming to her, though she felt tired. Once she turned to the corner, she only sat at the low ledge of the engawa, in front of her room. She saw a soft shadow cast upon the soft earth, so she looked up and saw the murky figure of the moon. Dark clouds were covering the celestial brilliance and she sighed.

The one thing that could bring some peace and serenity to her for the night was being blocked away.

Oddly enough, she had developed the habit of gazing out the window or looking up to the dimly-lit night sky to bring her to sleep. But she truly had the best sleep whenever she got the chance to lovingly stare at the silver body in the night.

That was because it fondly reminded her of someone so dear. For the past two months, he had been such a delight to have around. His shenanigans and playful remarks never ceased to lift up her spirits when they got the chance to interact within the busy day. His quirkiness aroused humor and Miharu never missed a good chance of comical banter, which would bring a charming, heart-warming smile and laughter from the old man. His shimmering azure eyes would gleam as if they're laughing, too.