(2)

The journey from Kankyuu to Ganboku, capital of Gen Province, took one whole month to cover by foot. Kouya and his subordinates took four and a half days for the journey, as they traveled by air on youma.

Rokuta obediently sat on the youma’s back while he clang on Kouya. It was true, the youma didn’t smell with the stench of blood. Kouya didn’t lie when he said that he was keeping his promise.

Until the midday sun casted its greatly slanted rays, Kouya told his tale to the point where he got appointed by Atsuyu as Rokuta asked questions.

“Keihaku (卿伯, Atsuyu’s rank. Kouya referred to Atsuyu by his rank for respect) really took us to Ganboku, and taught us many things there. The same went for rokuta -- or the Big One, as it was well fed every day. So what a blessing that the Big One don’t attack on living creatures.”
“So it didn’t attack anymore recently?”
“Not really, because Atsuyu hired me as his bodyguard. It was around three years after I was brought to Ganboku. When Keihaku faces danger, the Big One will attack humans or beasts to protect Keihaku -- I commended it to. It is my job, after all.”

Really, Rokuta mumbled. He looked down, and saw a big city bathing in the red setting sun. The city might even be larger than Kankyuu.

“That is Ganboku?”
“Yes. --Is that even more glamorous than Kankyuu?”

That was true. The city was more neatly arranged than Kankyuu, and the surrounding fields were much greener than those surrounding Kankyuu.

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