In the town of Kaiten, the breeze brought forth the sound of
tinkling glass.
Fujime: “These are splendid windchimes. It’s exhilarating to
see so many of different patterns and colors.”
As their geta clogs clopped down the road, three princes
walked beneath a display overflowing with colorful windchimes.
Nayuta: “The town is decorated with them this time of year.
Just listening to them allows you to be met with a refreshing breeze, and isn’t
it relaxing being able to listen to them all the way to the onsen?”
Nayuta walked a step behind Fujime, smiling at the people he
passed with his tale swaying in satisfaction.
Fujime: “Yes, it truly is wonderful. And not just the onsen,
but this road itself seems to be structured so as to wipe away the fatigue…
this is what I’ve been wanting.”
Nayuta: “I suppose that’s because of all the entry
applications you’ve sent without hesitation. It was worthwhile to approve
seeing as it’s made you this happy. Didn’t you say you were done with
proofreading?”
Fujime: “Yes! I’ve been released from my duties, so I
decided coming to Kaiten to heal myself of the fatigue was the next best step.
I’m very much looking forward to this!”
Nayuta: “Haha, it’s just rare that someone is so willing to
apply to come here for themselves.”
Fujime’s eyes were lit up, which Nayuta caught a glimpse of
as they walked side by side.
Nayuta: “You can feel free to enjoy yourself just like
Fujime, alright Azuma?”
At Nayuta’s words, Azuma looked up from the pamphlet he held
in his hands.
Azuma: “Freely huh. That’s going to be difficult. Even if
you tell me to relax, I honestly don’t know how…”
As Azuma flipped through the pamphlet that served as a guide
to the town and onsens of Kaiten, his brow wrinkled in concentration.
Nayuta: “Come now, there’s no need to think it’s that hard.
There’s a great example over here, see?”
Fujime: “Oh my, are you speaking about me?”
Fujime gave a look of exaggerated surprise as Nayuta turned
towards him.
Seeing that, Azuma turned his extremely serious expression
on Fujime.
Azuma: “Please allow me to use you as a reference. What
plans do you have after this then?”
Fujime: “Let’s see… there’s a mountain of places I’d like to
visit. I’d like to enjoy some of the different onsen, and since we’re in
Kaiten, I want to try the food. Ah, and I’d like to grab an evening drink. And
then I need to look for gifts…”
Azuma’s eyes went wide at Fujime’s endless stream of plans.
Then, his expression relaxed a little, and he smiled
slightly.
Azuma: “Ha… there’s just one thing after another.”
Fujime: “Well of course. After all, right now…”
Fujime suddenly stopped walking and looked up to the display
of colorful windchimes.
Fujime: “This view… and this place. It’s all such a
delight.”
Mimicking Fujime, both Azuma and Nayuta looked up and,
following a gust of wind, the windchimes proudly sent their crystalline notes out…-.
Azuma: “…”
At that refreshing sound, Azuma’s expression relaxed into
one of calm.
Azuma: “…indeed, I should take a page from your book.”
Fujime: “Happy to help. Since we’re already here, it would
be a waste to not have some fun.”
Nayuta: “You’re rushing a bit too much I think.”
The light sound of their laughter was carried off on the
wind.
The wind carried with it the scent of the onsen and the
notes of the windchimes, swirling around Kaiten and bringing a healing touch to
many people.
END