>>5525875 >>5525920 >>5525957 >>5525967<span class="mu-i">...Doublecrossing is dangerous. Particularly when Kanekatsu is involved. I would decline and pretend this never happened..</span>
「I was thinking the same. I'd rather not get on the bad side of anyone here.」Takigi lowers his head slightly. 「Thank you for the offer, but I'll pass. I have a family, so...」The woman nods. "Understandable. Give me a moment and I'll draft up a reply for your boss." She turns the letter over and scribbles something on the back before handing it back to Takigi. He glances at the reply.
「...What does this word mean?」"Imbecile." An awkward pause. "You can just tell him I declined, if you prefer." Takigi latches onto that lifeline. 「That's what I'll do. I'll be taking my leave then.」As he stands up, the apothecary chimes in one more time. "You were rather useful before, so I'll give you some advice. Don't get too close to Kanekatsu. He's the same as his father - too focused on gains and losses. Not the worst I've met, but not someone I'd want as a partner."
「I'll keep it in mind.」
Upon arrival at Kanekatsu's home, Takigi informs him of the apothecary's refusal of his offer. He maintains calmness on the surface, but after sending Takigi out you can barely detect an annoyed groan from the office. It seems that whatever is going on, that it will be bothersome.
Takigi returns home, and consumes a dinner of stewed meat and vegetables. It is much more nutritious than the old fare. You sense great contentment. Not just with the food, but with this life. After dinner he cultivates. A month passes.
Through observation of the going-ons in Kanekatsu's home, the source of the unease felt among the village's upper-echelons has come to light. The village head's health has declined. Up until now the strength of his body as a cultivator of the 5th Tempering had sustained him, but time affects all men. At the age of 81 years, the flame of his life has begun to wane. As for whether it will last for another few months or another few years, it is not yet known. Regardless, the nearing struggle for power has sent the dozens at the top of the village into a scramble, strategizing and scheming to try and benefit from the matter.
