Hiru led the man to a roadside stall, sat him down, and ordered two portions of oden.
"Consider it my treat. Talk."
Scattered murmurs drifted from nearby patrons. The man stared blankly at his oden for a long moment before breaking into a sorrowful sob.
Only after Hiru had leisurely finished her own portion did the man finally begin speaking, his voice trembling and hoarse.
"Niko and I grew up together as childhood friends. We were very close. My father and her father were both prominent local landowners, so we were betrothed from a very young age… Later, Niko became deeply self-conscious about the birthmark on her face. Since I wasn't the eldest son, I asked if I could marry into her family instead… Both families agreed…"
"Niko and I were very happy after we married…"
Hiru didn't rush him; he simply listened quietly.
"But everything changed three months ago. A facial tattoo artist arrived in town, claiming to enhance one's appearance without altering their features and to conceal facial imperfections." The man gripped his hair tightly, bloodshot eyes visible.
"Niko always felt her birthmark was ugly. After the tattoo artist gained fame, she mentioned it to me."
I thought it was completely unnecessary, but Niko insisted on going. So I looked into people who had gotten the facial tattoos done, confirmed there were no side effects, and took Niko there a few days ago.
Niko did get rid of the birthmark, but she's become a different person. She insists on covering her face whenever she goes out during the day—which could be explained by the skin being sensitive after the procedure—but she also constantly glares at people around her with a fierce expression, muttering things like, 'Humans are truly pitiful and ugly.'"
The man covered his face.
"And after returning, she constantly recommends that tattoo artist to everyone around her. She even keeps trying to drag me there for a tattoo. Every time I refuse, she flashes this horrifying expression and demands to know if I still love her.
Since then, Niko keeps silently appearing beside me, grinning terrifyingly and urging me to get tattooed with her. I'm truly going mad! Please, help me. I beg you! "
"What about the Swordsmen you saw earlier?"
"They were dragged off for tattoos too," the man said, looking haggard, though his eyes regained some sparkle after pouring out his story.
"But I never saw any of them come back."
"Did you try asking them for help?"
"I only saw them from afar. No, I did try once, but they were all dragged away by people who'd been tattooed." The man began twisting his fingers unconsciously again.
"None of them ever came out... none of them ever came out..."
"I understand. Let's go to your place." Hiru stood up and paid the stall owner. "We'll go see this Niko you mentioned."
"What are you going to do to Niko?" The man looked up in terror.
"Niko is innocent. She was just bewitched by that tattoo artist—"
"I need to see for myself." Hiru reached out, cupping the man's arm to help him up.
"Give me the tattoo artist's address too."
After giving the tattoo artist's address, the man offered his own home address, then whispered pleadingly, "Please, don't hurt Niko. She's innocent..."
"Enough chatter. Wait here for me."
The man stared at the gate adorned with wisteria patterns, bewildered by how he'd ended up here. He could only fold his arms and crouch by the entrance, waiting for Hiru to emerge.
When Hiru emerged again, his hair was still loosely tied with a hairband, strands falling forward.
But his usual sharp uniform had been replaced by a light green kimono patterned with bamboo, still layered beneath that pale gray-blue haori. His inherently gentle features now radiated no trace of aggression.
"This... this is...?"
"Nothing. I plan to stay at your place tonight," Hiru confirmed his direction and began walking. "Then tomorrow, we'll go straight to see that tattoo artist."
The man stood up, stumbled a few steps, then caught up with Hiru's pace. "You... aren't you bringing any weapons?"
"Hmm, not necessary." Hiru didn't slow down. "Just say I'm your friend when we get there."
"Uh... okay."
"By the way, my name is Hiru. What's yours?"
"Chijin. Just call me Chijin."
When they arrived at Chijin's home, Hiru finally met Niko—the person Chijin had mentioned. She was undoubtedly human.
"Seriously, Chijin, why have you been avoiding me all these days?"
Niko was a petite woman with a gentle yet playful appearance. She wrapped her arms around Chijin's hand familiarly.
"And who's this?"
"This... this is my friend." "Chijin's entire body stiffened as he forced a smile. "I... I only left because I heard he'd returned. He's not very good at, um, interacting with people. Yeah, that's it."
"Hello, you must be Niko-san." Hiru offered a warm smile, nodding slightly to the petite Niko. "Chijin-kun has spoken of you often."
"Oh—really?" Niko laughed. "What does he say about me?"
"Ah, Chijin-kun often brags about how you two grew up together as childhood sweethearts," Hiru replied with a resigned expression.
"That kind of happiness makes me a little jealous."
"He doesn't really~" Niko laughed happily, but quickly, that cheerful smile faded. Her eyes fixed on Hiru, and a stiff, strange curve lifted the corners of her mouth.
"But I'm surprised you came here with Chijin at all…he told me you don't like speaking to people."
"That's true," Hiru replied, seemingly oblivious to Niko's oddness.
"But I heard from Chijin-kun that Niko-san went to the facial tattoo artist to cover up her birthmark... To be honest, I also have a birthmark. It's not on my face, but I was wondering if it could be concealed too..."
Niko's expression regained its liveliness. She let go of Chijin and stepped in front of Hiru.
"That's wonderful!" Let me introduce you to the tattoo artist! She's incredibly skilled!"
"Huh? Would a referral from someone you know get me any special treatment?"
"Of course! I'll tell you..."
"I see. Then I'll leave it to you, Niko-san, tomorrow."
"No problem. Hiru, you can stay at my place. I'll have the servants prepare a room for you right away."
"That's very kind of you, Niko-san. You truly are a wise and capable woman."
"Hehe~ Not at all~"
Chijin stood frozen, watching the two women walk away, chatting and laughing, leaving him behind. The cold night wind sent a shiver through him, and he silently pulled his arms tighter around himself.
[Damn it, they're all actors.]