The Bride Of The Sacred Forest God
Chapter 34. The Blessing of the Faithful Foxes
At the Aragaki residence, he was staring at the cherry blossoms from the outside engawa in front of his room.
“Ryoko...Is there anything you want to say?”
The sound of footsteps rang out and as he looked, it was his loyal follower.
“Aragaki-sama.”
“Nushi-sama, what are you doing?”
“Nagi, Ginko. I was looking at the cherry tree in front of there.”, said Aragaki while holding the petals of cherry blossoms that previously flew towards him
“Is there something with the tree?” ask Nagi
“I smell Ryoko when the wind blows her petals.”
“Ryoko-san?” both are confused
Indeed, they always believe that the spirits and spirits of those who have died since 200 years ago reside in the cherry trees that are considered sacred and eternal.
“Nushi-sama, maybe Ryoko-san misses his little son. After all, it has been 200 years that Ryuunosuke did not go to see Ryoko-san's grave because it was forbidden by you.”
Aragaki. He recalled what he had just done to the little fox.
"I just made her cry. I think Ryoko saw everything and rebuked me. If he were still alive, he would definitely scold me as hard as ever."
The ruler had put on a faint smile. The two youko looked at each other in confusion and they began to try to talk to the master.
“Aragaki-sama, maybe it is time you allow the little fox to see Ryoko-san's tomb. I understand that Aragaki-sama did not want to make the little fox sad because it was left behind by Ryoko-san. But, after all she remains her mother.”
“Nagi's right, Nushi-sama. Since Ryoko-san was buried 200 years ago, it was only then that Nushi-sama allowed him to go to his grave. I'm sure Ryoko-san came to you for missing her.”
“Do you think so?” ask Aragaki
“We are sure. Lately, the little fox also often cried calling his mother.” Nagi added
It wasn't a lie, but mostly it was because Aragaki did or said something bad to Reda. The two youko knew it but did not say everything.
They seem to have other plans.
“I understand. I think I should also visit Ryoko's grave with my little fox. Can you call him now?”
“Pardon us, Ryuunosuke has not returned.”
“Not back? Where is he?”
“The little fox went with the village girl to shop.”
“…”
Aragaki. He forgot that his little fox had indeed said something similar before.
“So, yes already. Later if he comes back, please deliver to my room ya.”
“Good. We will patrol and go to the forest first, Aragaki-sama.”
Hearing Nagi's permission like that, Aragaki became even more confused.
“Why to the forest?” ask Aragaki
- Deg
Nagi and Ginko become confused and panic. Cold sweat came out of their hands and forehead.
“We...we mean..”
“We want to hunt forest rabbits again!” Ginko immediately makes excuses spontaneously
“Rabbit of the forest again?”
“Really! The skewered meat that was eaten three days ago is very tasty and we intend to catch it again. In the depths of the forest must be many forest rabbits. Nushi-sama also likes that grilled skewer meat, right?”
Aragaki fell silent and nodded softly in embarrassment to admit it.
“Good. If you can, bring a lot yes.” said the employer to the two with a friendly smile
Hearing that, the two did not need much time to leave from there. They ran and jumped over the roof of the residence towards the forest.
Once it made it to the depths of the forest and stopped, the two took a breath first.
“I've been worried Aragaki-sama will ask you a question of sorts.”
“But the one I just thought was scary enough, Nagi. I guess you'd say that we'd be looking for wild vegetables for Reda-sama.”
“Woi! Don't say it here!” Nagi made a panicked face and lowered her voice
Ginko just fell silent.
“ Anyway I did this not because I received the village girl.” Nagi still insisted on refusing to admit it
“I get it, I get it. Now besides wild vegetables, it seems we should look for forest rabbits as well.”
“That's all because you're not talking!” nagi
“But, it's good if it does manage to get the meat. We can eat meat skewers made by Reda-sama. You also heard that Nushi-sama likes it, right?”
Nagi was silent and looked embarrassed.
“I too..quite liked the cuisine of the village girl.”.
“Nagi, about what Nushi-sama said...how do you think?”
“Which one?”
“Soal Ryoko-san and sakura just now.”
“I think Ryoko-san did come to Aragaki-sama. He must have seen what the little fox was complaining about. You heard it in the kitchen that time, right? He whines to call his mother and complains how upset he is to Aragaki-sama.”
Ginko fell silent and thought.
“If Ryoko-san is still alive, I believe she will definitely like Reda-sama. No candidate ‘bride’ can make Ryuunosuke so spirited and cheerful like that.”
“Ryoko-san, did you hear all Ryuunosuke's cries? I hope you also gave him the strength to fight for the things he loves.”
“This time, we are thinking of supporting your little son. I hope you will also give all your support, Ryoko-san.”
Nagi suddenly invites Ginko to talk.
“Ginko, did you notice the ribbon the village girl was wearing?”
“Ya.”
“That's Ryoko-san's ribbon she used to wear while she was alive, right?”
“True. Ryuunosuke seemed to give that to Reda-sama. But, I have to admit that Reda-sama is very pretty so the ribbon really fits her.”
“I guess if Aragaki-sama allowed the little fox to see Ryoko-san's grave, he would definitely take her as well.”
“I also think so.”
Inside the forest, the two youko began to gather wild vegetables and mushrooms. They also find themselves looking for others.
Ginko apparently found a forest apple falling on the ground. As it was impossible to carry him alone, the two alternately drove everything he found into Reda's hut.
They did this continuously for a long time.
“I think this is enough.” Nagi said when he was in the old hut
He looked around at what was inside the hut. Old Tatami and thin futon with shabby cloth as a base, neatly folded clothes on the side of the room and freshly washed cutlery.
“She lives in this place.”
Inside the hut was the strong scent of the girl. He's on the other side. In the back, he saw sun-dried clothes and an old wooden bucket to fetch water in the well.
Nagi went back in and saw the items given by her and her three friends were kept very neatly in the corner of the room so as not to be damaged.
“That girl is really keeping this place for it to live in. I remember the last time this place was inhabited by ‘bride’ candidates before, they destroyed everything and threw things inside here.”
“But he really survived by living here alone without enough illumination. If an ordinary girl would probably make an attempt to escape.”
Nagi became quite impressed with Reda. Who would have thought that he who brought the girl to this place with full of rejection, now just became so compassionate and began to admit it.
“Now I understand the feeling of that little fox. He has the right instinct. I don't think that country girl is a bad candidate for ‘bride’.”
“Again?” Ginko came carrying some other vegetables. “Why are you so long? I was waiting for you but you didn't come, so I brought this.”
“Ginko..”.
“What's up?”
“Maybe this sounds crazy. But I feel maybe..it would be better if the girl really becomes a candidate ‘bride’ Aragaki-sama real.”
“Nagi..”.
Another thought from a fox demon who clearly disliked humans long ago. Nagi who has a pretty hard nature becomes the next person who thinks so.
“Again, you are late to realize it.”
“You mean?”
“I and Hakuren already have such thoughts. Seeing little Ryuunosuke so familiar with Reda-sama, I know not only her beautiful face.Reda-sama has the beauty and warmth that Nushi-sama needs.”.
“Warmness required Aragaki-sama..”.
Nagi recalled the sentence the girl had said the first time she faced Aragaki.
[I don't care if I have to die after 3 months like the others. But, at least I will try to melt the hatred in Aragaki-sama's heart. I will serve Aragaki-sama until there is a human who will be your true love]
Nagi smiled remembering that.
“Ginko, do you think we can all trust the girl completely?”
Ginko smiles. “Sure, Nagi. Reda-sama is the only candidate for ‘bride’ that we can trust. I wish she could be happy even though she can't be Nushi-sama's wife.”
“No, you're wrong.”
“…”
“I hope she becomes the girl destined for Aragaki-sama.”
Ginko looks surprised to hear Nagi say that. Unable to hide his delight, Ginko nodded and gave his best smile to his best friend.
After they finished with the wild vegetable, the two began hunting to keep their promise to the master.
****