>>5539364 >>5539494<span class="mu-i">I will make certain that your son is in safe hands. Do you know aught of your punishment?</span>
「No. I'll have to go back to the county seat for trial.」 A flash of nervousness. 「...I guess I'll find out what is to happen then.」
The two embrace for some time before they're interrupted. "It's time to go." The swordsman gestures towards the wagon. Reluctantly, Takigi raises his hands and begins slowly walking towards the vehicle. The man takes hold of his hands and leads Takigi into the wagon. A few seconds later the driver strikes his reins against the horse, and the wagon begins to move away.
Kinzou is left with a cloud of dest and a pitying glance from the long-haired man as the carriage disappears into the distance. He stands there for some time, even after activity in the surrounding area resumes.
<span class="mu-i">Your father may be gone, but-</span>
「Shut up.」Kinzou doesn't explain further, but you get the feeling that he wants to think. So you stop yourself from transmitting anything and leave him to it.
After standing there for the better part of an hour, Kinzou finally continues on his way. First he wanders through the village, before eventually moving towards home. Halfway there he pauses, and steps off into the nearby forest.
<span class="mu-i">Your mother may get worried.</span> 「That's fine. I want to be alone for a while.」With that the two of you return to silence, Kinzou absentmindedly walks to and fro throughout the forest. Sometimes he cries, and sometimes he just blankly stares at his surroundings. Occasionally he'll get close to a hut, or some other sign of civilization, and then wander off in the opposite direction, seemingly afraid of meeting anyone else.
<span class="mu-i">It is getting dark.</span> There is no response, but Kinzou does begin moving towards home. Once he arrives there he stays outside for some time, circling the forest around the hut for nearly an hour after it gets dark. Then, finally, he steps inside.
「I'm home.」Kinzou's mother rushes over. "Where were you?! You're so dirty - you're ok, right?" Kinzou strains a nod.
