Becoming the Early-Dying Wife of the Sun-Breathing Ceiling - Chapter 5

“The water in the jar is almost running out,” he suddenly said. “Where should I go to fetch water?”

I put down my spoon. It was a little embarrassing to admit, but there was no water well at my house.

“You really don’t have to…” I set down my bowl, “…go to such lengths, do you?”

He was being so good to me that I was flattered beyond belief.

…It seems I have gained a new understanding of the concept of a “good person.”

“I have only done something trivial,” he said, lowering his eyes with an indifferent expression.

“That may be so, but I still have to thank you.” My index finger traced the air, mimicking his image. “You are different from what I imagined; you are a very warm person.”

I smiled at him. “I am very happy to have met you.”

I had completely changed my internal perspective; I no longer viewed him as the invincible samurai of legend, but as a shy, easygoing person.

He raised his clear eyes, which seemed to brighten for an instant, with a mysterious brilliance flowing within them, making them look incredibly beautiful.

“When are you planning to leave, Yoriichi?” I asked, testing the waters.

“I should stay until the wound on your hand is healed.”

“Suddenly, I sort of hope my hand never heals,” I shrugged, speaking half-jokingly and half-seriously.

Today was the most relaxing morning; even though we’d started a bit late, there was no need to rush around handling chores, and breakfast was already cooked.

It felt as though the burden on my shoulders had suddenly been lightened by more than half.

I found myself growing attached to this feeling, and it wasn’t just because of my fear of demons anymore.

“If Miss Hui wants me to stay…”

Wait, what did I just hear?

I turned my head to look at him. “Hey! You said you could stay?”

He repeated himself, “If you agree…”

“Of course I agree!” I was so happy I nearly jumped for joy!

“You won’t go back on your word, will you?” I looked at him.

He shook his head. “I will stay until you no longer need me.”

The invincible samurai is going to live with me! What a sense of security this is!!!

Hasn’t this super, super, super high-risk world just suddenly switched to easy mode?

Encounter a demon? Heh, heh, heh sorry! You’re standing before the man who will defeat the Demon King and slash over fifteen hundred times in an instant! I suggest you hurry up and run away~

I was instantly exhilarated!

“This is truly wonderful!” I couldn’t help but clap my hands, my face glowing with joy. “Not need you? That’s impossible! Not unless you can eliminate every demon in the world.”

He asked me with a somewhat bewildered expression, “Does Miss Hui truly believe there are demons in this world?”

Although his expression didn’t change, I could tell he was very suspicious of my mental state.

I did, indeed, notice that thought.

…I thought about it and decided to keep my mouth shut. Forget it, no need to scare him ahead of time… even though he’s probably the one who’s actually scary to the demons.

“Mm, I’m just very timid! I grew up listening to ghost stories, often have nightmares, and often face the darkness alone after waking up in the middle of the night.”

I deliberately made myself sound pathetic, and sure enough, he revealed a hint of pity on his face.

Kind, and easy to fool.

I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself.

But then I recalled how devastated I was when I first arrived, even attempting to commit suicide to return, though I ultimately managed to survive.

He watched me very quietly, as if he could see right through my heart, and we arrived at the Tomoda family’s home.

Mrs. Tomoda opened the door for us and looked at my companion in surprise. “Oh my, who is this?”

“His name is Tsugikuni Yoriichi, and he will be staying at my house for the time being.”

He put down the buckets and bowed very respectfully.

“Oh my, that is truly too polite. Please, come in, come in…” As she spoke, she stepped aside to make room for us.

After laughing with Mrs. Tomoda, I turned back to look at him. His expression had become very flat again; I knew he must be nervous again. I quietly tugged on his sleeve, covered my mouth with my hand, and mouthed, “It’s okay, just stay close to me.”

“These are eggs just laid by the chickens at my place.” I handed the eggs to Mrs. Tomoda.

She said, “Hui, you should eat them yourself,” looking at my thin arms. “You must take good care of yourself.”

“But things will definitely get better and better in the future…” While I was talking to Mrs. Tomoda, he leaned in tightly against me.

“The well is right over there; please, help yourself.”

While he was away, I told her that Tsugikuni Yoriichi was a displaced person I had taken in.

She was very understanding, as this era was filled with people displaced from their homes.

“What a handsome child!” Mrs. Tomoda withdrew her gaze, a smile hanging on her lips. “And he looks very honest, too. Life should get easier for you from now on, Hui.”

It seemed she had misunderstood something, but this would also make them pester me less, so I was too lazy to explain.

Tsugikuni Yoriichi walked back, and eventually, under my persuasion, Mrs. Tomoda accepted the eggs.

Tsugikuni Yoriichi was usually someone with very little presence… and Mrs. Tomoda’s impression of him was also that he was “honest.”

His presence only exploded when facing demons. I turned my head. “Are you okay? Mrs. Tomoda is a good person; you don’t need to be too nervous.”

He paused for a moment and gave a very soft, very light “Mm.”