Volume 5 Chapter 5 Ryuu Seirei and Fuu Senkou, Having a Tea Party
──Meanwhile, Seirei and Senkou──
Seirei and Senkou were relaxing in the Kou family's reception room.
On the table, the tea brewed by Hakuyou was steaming.
Senkou lifted the teapot with her small hands and admired it.
After taking a sip of tea, her eyes sparkled with the flavor, and she nodded repeatedly.
She looked just like a curious child.
To Seirei, Senkou seemed about ten years old.
Her height was shorter than Seirei's.
Her outstretched hands were hidden in the sleeves of her robe.
It was remarkable that such a young child was recognized for her talent and made it all the way to Hokurin.
Seirei thought that was amazing.
The long journey from the Toukaku of Eastern Town must have been tough for her.
(What was I doing when I was this child's age...?)
At ten years old, Seirei was in Tanetsu of northern town.
In that town, Seirei and the others were avoided by the villagers.
Everyone disliked her silver hair and red eyes.
So Seirei always felt like she was by the side of her parents from the Ryuu Family.
She hardly went outside and stayed indoors.
(Back then... I hadn't met Tenhou-niisan yet)
I thought the outside world was full of scary things.
I didn't even know about love.
I never thought I'd fall in love with someone.
(But... Senkou-sama chose to know the outside world. Even though she is much younger than me.)
When she thinks of her determination, she feel a surge of respect for her.
"Seirei-sama is Kou Tenhou-sama's younger sister, isn't she?"
Suddenly she realized that Senkou was staring at Seirei.
"I didn't know that Kou Tenhou-sama had such a beautiful sister. Someone like you... makes Kō feel intimidated."
"There's no need to feel hesitant."
Senkou smiled as she said that.
"After all, Senkou-sama was recognized for your talent by my brother and went to Hokurin, right?"
"Y-yes, that's true, but to Kō, Seirei-sama is just so dazzling..."
"...Eh?"
"Because Seirei-sama is like a princess from a story. I've never seen such a beautiful person..."
"Senkou-sama is cute too, you know?"
"N-no, no! I'm like this..."
"And besides, Senkou-sama has talent. I've heard from my brother that you're really smart. I'm so envious. If I had that kind of talent, I could help my brother more..."
"W-well, hearing you say that makes Kō feel shy."
"S-same here..."
"Um..."
"Umm..."
Seirei and Senkou look down in embarrassment, blushing.
To change the mood, they both pick up the tea set at the same time.
And then──
"...Let's talk about my brother."
"...I agree!"
"My brother is someone who really values talented people."
"I understand. He also really appreciate Kō."
"What did he say to Senkou-sama?"
"Oh, yes. 'I don't want to give Kō to anyone else'."
"He should choose his words more carefully!"
"Huh?!"
"Oh... sorry. I didn't mean to offend you..."
"...no, no"
"More importantly, I'm talking about my brother."
"Yes, Kou Tenhou-sama is a fine person. I only met him recently, but I can tell. He's not just a strong martial artist... he's kind, trustworthy..."
"I understand, I understand"
"Kou Tenhou-sama has 2 masters, and both of them seem to take great care of Kou Tenhou-sama."
"Raikou-sama and Gen Shuuyoku-sama, right?"
"Yes. I heard that Kou Tenhou-sama's senior disciple lives in the town of Hokurin."
"You're talking about Sui Kaou-sama, right?"
"Kō haven't met them, so... what kind of person are they?"
"They are someone I can respect. I've always hoped they would stay friends with my brother."
"I'd like to meet them."
"I think you'll be able to meet them soon. Kaou-sama always trains at Raikou-sama's residence. If Senkou-san is recognized by His Highness the King's brother, you might get the chance to meet face to face."
"But, I'm not sure if His Highness the King's brother will acknowledge Kō..."
"It's okay. My brother has a keen eye."
"Besides, Kō keeps failing. I might cause trouble for Kou Tenhou-sama. If that happens, I might end up being disliked..."
"It's alright, Senkou-sama."
"Huh?"
"My brother wouldn't dislike you for something like that."
Seirei squeezed Senkou's small hand.
"Actually... I also caused my brother trouble before."
"Seirei-sama did too?"
"Yes. I almost got kidnapped... and my brother helped me."
"W-Well, Kō has had similar experiences. Kou Tenhou-sama helped me catch my parents' killer."
"He did that?"
"Yes. I can't tell you the details unless he give me permission."
"Oh, so that's how it was..."
Seirei nods and smiles at Senkou.
"Maybe Kō-san and I are similar."
"Kō and Seirei-sama?"
"Yes. I was saved by my brother, and he took me out into the wide world."
"Oh...Kō too, yes."
"We look similar"
"Ehhhh"
"Hehe"
Seirei and Senkou look at each other with calm expressions.
(Senkou-sama is really amazing. Even though she is still so small.)
Suddenly, Seirei begins to think.
If only she had had the courage to step out into the world when she was 10 years old...she might have met Tenhou sooner.
If that were the case, she could have spent more time with Tenhou.
(But... I'm glad Senkou-sama is still so young.)
Seirei and Senkou are somewhat similar.
Both were helped by Tenhou and have stepped into the outside world.
So it's possible that Senkou might have the same feelings as Seirei.
Like Seirei... with all her heart, she could come to care for Tenhou.
However, Senkou is still young.
Understanding love is likely something far in the future.
So──
(Before Senkou-san becomes an adult... I just need to become a worthy woman for my brother.)
It will take a few years until Senkou reaches the same age as Seirei.
Let's get married before that.
She will become a worthy woman to be by Tenhou's side.
(Well, that's still a story for the future... For now, I just want to get along with Senkou-sama...)
Thinking about such things, Seirei brought her tea to her lips.
After a while, a voice was heard outside the door.
It was Hakuyou's voice.
It seemed like she had brought a refill of tea.
"Excuse me... Oh?"
Seeing Seirei and Senkou's condition, Hakuyou smiled as if relieved.
"Seirei-sama and Fuu Senkou-sama have become very close friends."
"Yes, Hakuyou-sama. I want to become closer friends with Senkou-sama"
"I, Kō, would also like to know about Seirei-sama."
"...oh my"
After putting down the tea utensils, Hakuyou covered her mouth,
"You two have become really good friends. You're in perfect sync."
""Is that so...""
"Yes. From Hakuyou's perspective, you look really close. You're like sisters. If this were a story... you might make a vow to be step-sisters here."
"A vow to be step-sister..."
"I'd be honored, but I don't think that's possible"
Seirei looks surprised, and Senkou waves her hands in a panic.
And──
""I (Kō) feel unworthy to claim to be this person's sister, so I'm quite nervous...""
Seirei and Senkou spoke in unison, uttering such words.
"Eh?"
"...Ah."
"Excuse me?"
Seirei tilted her head in confusion, while Senkou realized her slip and covered her mouth.
Hakuyou watched this curiously.
And thus, the Kou family's tea party was set to show a new development.
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