But things in the world don't go as one wishes.
Even someone as kind to others as Keizo—there would still be people who couldn't stand him.
The grudge between Soryu Dojo and the neighboring kenjutsu school had long been Raiwan's favorite gossip.
Speaking of it, also counted as an undeserved disaster. That property given to Keizo—originally viewed by them as something in their pocket. Never expected it would fall into Keizo's hands.
Even when Keizo worked at my place, disciples ran over causing trouble. Seemed to attempt making him get fired this way.
At that time, I wasn't at the shop. Wakaba, supervising work, was too lazy to listen to nonsense. Had workers cooperate together to tie up the troublemakers. Then sent them to the authorities.
Authorities usually wouldn't manage such commoner disputes. But the Ubuyashiki clan had been passed down for hundreds of years. Also had some face in the shogunate system.
Wakaba took my calling card to the authorities. Officials immediately changed attitude. Beat those troublemakers thoroughly. Locked them up for five days before releasing.
They didn't dare come to my place causing trouble again. But still didn't let Soryu Dojo go.
But both Keizo and Hakuji's martial skills were excellent. They always couldn't gain advantage. Gradually seemed to settle down.
Similar matters—I'd seen many times before. Despicable petty people always liked using underhanded tricks.
Keizo looked like someone who wouldn't use underhanded tricks. Probably also wouldn't guard against them.
They finished work, went back to live their own lives. I also couldn't watch over them in time. Just instructed Wakaba to send people to pay more attention to movements there.
Wakaba agreed. But one year, two years passed. Nothing happened. I started doubting whether I was overthinking.
Koyuki grew up year by year. When she reached fifteen, basically already recovered her health.
First time stepping out of her room, stayed outside a whole day without getting sick. The next day, Keizo prepared generous gifts. Led her to thank me.
Actually, all Tamayo's credit. I didn't do anything.
The gifts Keizo sent, I immediately forwarded to Tamayo. Told her that girl from years ago recovered. Now very healthy. She would surely be very happy.
After her health improved, Koyuki wanted to work at my shop. Just happened Wakaba planned to open a branch store. Would transfer some staff. I let her stay at the shop.
She came to work punctually every day. When work ended, Hakuji would come pick her up on time.
However, with Koyuki working at my place, my shop also gained a regular customer. An unfamiliar youth.
He always came to my place buying confections. Sat in the shop slowly eating.
I saw at a glance he didn't love eating confections. Touching sweet food was like killing him. Reluctantly ate one piece. Then stopped eating.
Those eyes kept staring at Koyuki bustling about in the shop. When she turned around, hurriedly withdrew his gaze.
Once when I came to the front to look around, immediately discovered his suspicious behavior.
Asked others in the shop, learned he'd been coming frequently recently. Moreover, his table always had leftover confections. Could be taken back to the kitchen by everyone to share.
Therefore, these girls in my shop quite liked him coming.
But him always staring at Koyuki was wrong. Didn't he see her expression was somewhat strange? Felt like someone was staring at her, but couldn't find clues?
I simply went to ask Kyoko. She extracted time from her busy schedule to help me investigate. Finally also used a strange tone to report—that youth was the young master from the kenjutsu dojo next to Soryu Dojo. Named Tamasaburo.
Just hearing the name, you knew his parents must dote on him. But didn't he know his family had a grudge with the neighboring dojo?
When Koyuki was free, I told her, "That young master next door to your house seems to fancy you."
Koyuki asked puzzledly, "Who's that?"
See? Her face didn't even redden once. Didn't even know who that person was.
How pitiful, young master!
I said it was that youth who'd been coming to the shop eating confections recently. Always staring at her.
Koyuki seemed frightened. Couldn't help covering her chest. Thought for a moment before hesitating, "That dojo—doesn't it really dislike Father?"
Right. This kid was definitely abnormal.
I said, "He hasn't done anything disrespectful. The shop can't drive away customers... but also can't always let him so brazenly stare at you... When Hakuji comes to pick you up, tell him."
Based on Hakuji's level of importance toward Koyuki, he'd definitely immediately give Tamasaburo a profound lesson. See if he still dared randomly stare at girls!
Who knew Koyuki's face suddenly flushed red. Stammered, "Ha-Hakuji... no need to tell him. I'll tell Father."
Oh my, the little girl grew up!
I leaned before her. Cheekily asked, "What's wrong? You fancy Hakuji?"
Koyuki's face became even redder. Even her neck turned pink.
I feared her emotions were too agitated, she'd faint. Hurriedly said, "I won't say, I won't say. Definitely won't tell him."
Only then did she calm down somewhat. Voice small like a mosquito buzzing. "Yes... I like Hakuji."
I patted her head. "If you like him, like him. He may not dislike you. Since you're shy, then tell Keizo. Let him speak for you."
Koyuki nodded with a red face. Agreed to this matter.
After several days, Tamasaburo stopped coming.
Heard Keizo alone intercepted him. Had a talk with him.
After another period, Koyuki and Hakuji got engaged.
People who knew this all felt it was very normal. They were childhood sweethearts who grew up together. A happy union couldn't be more normal.
The wedding date was set for next spring. Keizo beamed with joy preparing the wedding. I also excitedly wrote to Tamayo.
That little girl you cured grew up!
Getting married! You come too! She really wants to thank you in person!
Moreover, you haven't come to see me in over ten years. Come quickly, come quickly, hurry over to see me!
If you don't come see me, I'll throw a tantrum. Won't be friends with you anymore!
Through my persistent pestering, Tamayo helplessly replied with a letter. Promised after her current research reached a conclusion, she'd immediately come.
With the letter also came a beautiful hairpin. Her congratulatory gift.
I received this hairpin. Couldn't help summoning two trusted subordinates to whisper and discuss what congratulatory gift to prepare.
This hairpin Tamayo prepared was truly beautiful. I couldn't let her outdo me.
With two strategists offering advice, I also smoothly found craftsmen. Forged a jade bracelet. Placed it together with Tamayo's hairpin.
However, this time Tamayo didn't delay. Came several months before the wedding. Prepared to spend winter with me. Also reminisce.
Her timing was unfortunate. Just happened Hakuji returned to his hometown to pay respects to his father.
But Keizo always said—if she came, must immediately notify him... No matter when, he must rush over at the first moment to thank his benefactor.
I looked—time just passed the Hour of the Dog. Not too late. Moreover, Tamayo was different from me. Going out during the day was more dangerous for her.
This time going to the dojo was just right.
I took the gifts. Went out with her. Leisurely walked toward Soryu Dojo.
Walking to that gate, my movements stopped. Sharply looked up. Smelled the scent of blood in the air.
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