Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 923

In short, none of them had the time or inclination to continue paying attention to her.

that's true.

The tears shed at farewell were meant to give meaning to a period of time that had passed.

If you don't participate, you become an outcast.

Everyone is saddened by the disbandment of the group; not being sad is considered indifference.

It's wrong for someone who's already a member of society to be so naive.

"Then, then I..."

Yui Yuigahama panicked upon hearing that she might never see Hiratsuka Shizuka again.

She never imagined that her teacher, who had always been by her side, might get married.

The man she married seemed to be a nobleman who had always been very popular.

Even though this is a good thing, Yui Yuigahama couldn't help but feel sad—she might be the only one left in the future.

Like her father and mother, she also had to work, and when she had free time, her only conversation partner was her teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka.

She used to be unable to help but express her worries and fears, but now she's slowly getting used to the world, and now her teacher is leaving... She's so scared.

I'm also very reluctant to part with it.

"Well, just wait and see. If the treatment on my end is good, I might be able to get someone to send a message back."

Hiratsuka Shizuka interrupted Yui Yuigahama with a smile.

She doesn't really know what the future holds.

He also understands very well that he cannot give Yui Yuigahama too many assurances.

Therefore, let's just part ways as simply as we did when we graduated.

"Yes! Teacher Jing, you must be happy."

Yui Yuigahama, wiping away her tears, gently stepped back, breaking free from Shizuka Hiratsuka's comforting pat on the head, and bowed solemnly to her.

Hiratsuka Shizuka's expression was complicated, tears welling in her eyes, and she remained silent.

"I'm sorry, teacher is too useless, I can't protect you anymore..."

Besides Yui Yuigahama, there were actually a few other familiar students I met after coming into this world.

The problem is, she simply doesn't have the power to manage the men, since they're all laborers. Many women aren't fully aware of the situation either, but it's generally not looking good.

That's just how her status and position are.

Indiscriminately seeking information can very likely cause a lot of trouble for those around you.

Therefore, in the end... all Hiratsuka Shizuka could do was try her best to protect Yuigahama Yui, the student she had met and who happened to be by her side.

However, today has finally come the day of parting.

What will the future hold?

Hiratsuka Shizuma is really confused.

Having a keen understanding of the social rules of this world, she knew all too well that she could only go with the flow and act according to the instructions of those in power.

As for what kind of freedom one wants, that depends on whether the conditions allow it.

At least in this era where everyone from top to bottom likes to practice collective punishment, we should think twice before we act.

After a while...

The woman who had brought the incense returned, and Yui Yuigahama tactfully left.

Hiratsuka Shizuka sighed inwardly, hoping that this trip would go better.

In this way, there is still hope of helping the only student who can be protected.

There's nothing else we can do.

Forcing oneself to do things beyond one's capabilities and social standing is something Hiratsuka Shizuka simply cannot do.

My parents, who were so happy then, will actually cry...

"I'm a coward, no, a cowardly woman... no, no, I'm not married."

Hiratsuka Shizuka, who was inexplicably depressed, was suddenly confused by some trivial matters.

The perspective shifts to the other side.

Kyosuke Kosaka was sitting on one side with Mafuyu and Miharu, chatting while looking at the beautiful scenery outside.

The weather is still a bit cool today.

Although it is springtime, the wind still chills you to the bone.

Because the door was open, the group was huddled under a large quilt.

It's not that you can't use magic to create a barrier that only blocks the cold wind, but that would inevitably lose some of its charm.

You can only truly feel the atmosphere outside by facing it directly.

"Lord Kyosuke, my hands are a little cold..."

"Ok."

Seeing Miharu looking at him expectantly, Kousaka Kyosuke smiled and took Miharu's small hand in his.

Meeting Meichun's shy yet earnest gaze, he knew that what he had to do was to fulfill Meichun's wish.

When he held Miharu's small hand, Kousaka Kyosuke also held Mafuyu's small hand.

Mafuyu let out a puzzled "Huh?" with a look of panic and confusion.

How did I end up holding her hand?

Noticing this, Miharu looked completely at ease and earnestly explained, "Sister, Kyosuke-sama treats us very fairly."

Since we've been living in this world for almost a year now, we definitely need to adapt.

Then, the husband is fair in all aspects, especially in treating the two sisters the same, so there will never be any conflicts.

This is a good thing.

There's no need to worry too much about the rest.

"Understood. I have no objection to that..."

Seeing Miharu's expression, Mafuyu didn't dare to argue.

On the one hand, her sister was right; on the other hand, she had never been able to deal with her sister, who was a perfectionist with obsessive-compulsive disorder, since she was a child.

Fortunately, her husband excels in everything, otherwise it would have been a bit of a headache for her.

“Eh?!”

Suddenly, Mafuyu felt a tickle in her palm.

She immediately realized that Kyosuke Kosaka was tickling her palm, and a strong, shameful, itchy sensation traveled from her body to her heart.

Mafuyu suddenly felt like asking Kousaka Kyosuke, "Do you treat Miharu the same way now?"

No, no, what if I don't have it? Wouldn't that make Miharu find out and hurt her?

Hold on! You have to hold on!

"—?!" At the same time, Miharu's eyes widened slightly.

"Is scratching someone's palm a special way of communicating between partners? Wouldn't it make Kyosuke-sama very embarrassed if I asked?"

As a student with excellent grades, Miharu excels in all subjects.

The same applies to history.

Knowing that her older sister taught world history, she worked hard to catch up and became very knowledgeable about the history of various countries, especially her own.

Therefore, it is quite normal to understand one's own country's folk culture, and to know that the culture of shame in this era has already begun.

The most typical example is romantic relationships between men and women.

For example, aristocratic women who followed the rules and virtues lived behind a curtain, and it was considered improper and shameful to show their true faces to men outside their families.

Similarly, aristocratic men also place great importance on face and dignity in these aspects.

Meichun wondered if she had broken any taboos.

What if I upset my husband? Wouldn't that be terrible?

Was she planning to commit suicide to express her remorse?

"Matsuyuki and Miharu, don't you two feel itchy when I tickle your palms?"

Seeing that the two sisters both looked timid and turned their heads away, Kyosuke Kosaka couldn't help but speak up.

Did he do something wrong?

"I don't understand. Isn't this a special way of communicating? Like whispering?" Meichun breathed a sigh of relief and readily spoke her mind.

Similarly, these are also Mafuyu's true feelings.

Mafuyu stared intently at Kousaka Kyosuke, her face filled with curiosity.