6 ❀ Summer Citadel

[konnosuke]

Beach. Everyone has been working so hard lately so why not take a break and enjoy the beach? You can make sand castles, play in the water, and there are even umbrellas for those who'd rather just relax in the shade. There's a nice row of water melons ready to be smashed later in the day and when the sun goes down, that's when the sparklers come out. Suffering. It's the hottest time of the year and the citadel doesn't have central air conditioning. The few air conditions that were installed have given up on life after being used so much and now, we really have to make do with what we can while the Konnosuke try to fix it. There's a limited number of fans, plenty of ice cream to go around, and the citadel should be built to circulate air, right? ... Right?! Spooks. In Japan, summer is a time for horror. Gather around the camp fire and hear some spooky ghost stories or maybe head out into the woods just outside the citadel for a good ol' fashioned test of courage. It's all good, harmless fun! Of course, with so many spirits gathered in one place, what's to say a stray or curious outsider spirit won't join the mix... Rain. Summer is also known for sudden and torrential downpours of rain. The clouds always seem to grown and darken suddenly and the next thing you know, it's raining sheets and the ground is shaking from thunder. Once it starts, it never seems to stop. Maybe you were caught out in the rain or maybe this is day 7 stuck inside. Other! It's summer and there are tons of things to do. Go to the general store and stock up on ice cream, wake up in the middle of the night uncomfortable with heat, or run around screaming because cicadas are dying and flying at your face.

 

Comments

[youwillbeunequaled]

Good! We shall be well-matched as partners, then.

But, before taking to the court, perhaps you should rest a bit longer. We have all day here, after all. There is no rush.

[candlestickslayer]

I wonder if the others know how kind Tonbokiri's caretaking is.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[--!
Tonbokiri opens his mouth, then closes it slowly, his face warming.]

Ahh... Surely this much is not worthy of comment.
... Perhaps, a handful of people may know... Although, not because they themselves were damaged.

[candlestickslayer]

I think your kindness should always be praised. You do so much... and I appreciate it myself.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[Wh-what? How did the conversation turn to this? He is glad to have earned Shokudaikiri's appreciation, but he is hardly so praiseworthy.]

Not at all... Thank you for your kind words, but this one has done little.

[candlestickslayer]

Little? I don't know if I could agree with that. Even if it's something you see as "little" it could make the world to someone else.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[He smiles shyly.]

The way that your care of us through making meals means the world to us?

[candlestickslayer]

I'm glad for that... It always touches my heart when I see the smiles on all of your faces after you've had something I made...

[youwillbeunequaled]

You are very thoughtful, Shokudaikiri-dono.

Mm, I look forward to sharing that kind of experience once you teach me how to make daifuku.

[But now it occurs to him,]

Thinking of new experiences-- Do you happen to know how to play volleyball? [He rubs at his cheek thoughtfully.] I have some impression of being able to pass to your teammates, and not letting the ball fall on your side of the net, but I'm afraid I don't really know the rules.

[candlestickslayer]

I don't really know much more than that other than the person you previously touched the ball can't do it twice in a row which is why one needs the teammates to pass to.

[youwillbeunequaled]

Mm...
Well! That should be enough rules to work with then. I just want to play a fair game.

[candlestickslayer]

As do I. just enjoying the game with my companions is enough to make it enjoyable for me.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[He nods in agreement, then allows curiosity to be voiced,]

If I may ask, what other pass-times have you come to enjoy with your companions, now that we have this form?

[candlestickslayer]

Mmm, besides cooking? Well, another hobby I sort of starting trying was sewing. I was inspired by Aruji who's made some things for some of us in the past.

[youwillbeunequaled]

Oh, how admirable! I'm certain that will be a very useful skill.
Have you made anything yet?

[candlestickslayer]

Well, I'm almost finished making something, but it's slow coming.

[ He may be good in the kitchen, with with a tiny little needle... he's been poking his fingers quite a bit. ]

[youwillbeunequaled]

Good luck. I hope you will be satisfied with the results of your hard work and patience.

[candlestickslayer]

When I'm more confident, perhaps I can make something for you.

[youwillbeunequaled]

I would be honoured to receive something made by you.

Knowing you will soon become more confident, I look forward to it.

[candlestickslayer]

Is there anything specific you'd like me to try or would you rather a surprise?

[youwillbeunequaled]

Ah- That is very kind of you to offer. But I don't mind a surprise.

[He feels like he can trust Shokudaikiri's taste.]

[candlestickslayer]

I can't promise my surprises will be as good as Tsuru-san's though.

[youwillbeunequaled]

[He chuckles lowly, deciding to say aloud what he thought just a moment ago-]

I trust your good taste, Shokudaikiri-dono. It is perhaps for the best that there is only one who tries to surprise the way Tsurumaru-dono does.

[He tilts his head curiously, noting the relatively casual form of address.]

I did not realize that you know him well. Have you known him a long time?

[candlestickslayer]

In the past, it wasn't for long, but I remember him being with us in the home of my former master.

[youwillbeunequaled]

That is nice that your paths could cross in such a way, short though it may have been.