>>5536981"You're growing up so fast..."「Uh, I gu- ah, no, mom, don't hug me here-」10 seconds later a frowning Kinzou emerges from his mother's arms. Takigi clears his throat. "Proud of you kid. You're definitely ahead of where I was at your age." Takigi trails off, a bit unsure of what to say. "Well, uh, I guess what I want to say is don't overdo it, and I'm sure you'll be a fine young man in another five years. We're both proud of you." With that Takigi passes over an ink stone to his son, and slowly steps back.
"The giving of gifts is now over. Now, if everyone can sit down, we will continue with the feast..." The children and their families take their seats at a long set of tables, laid end to end with quite a bit of food. The spread isn't meager, nor is it luxurious - it's enough to feel like a celebration for the working class without being a burden on the village's coffers.
"Alright, to start off, everyone take their cups. Fathers, fill your son's cups with wine. Mothers, do the same for your daughters. Good. Now on the count of three, everyone drink. 3... 2... 1... cheers! To growing up!" A scattered applause breaks out, which the man leading the ceremony interrupts. "Wait, wait. Don't think I don't see you there- one drink, one drink! Wait until you're 15 if you want more!" Several girls and boys guilty stop what they're doing. "Good, well then, the formalities are over. Now dig in!"
The warmth of summer begins to fade, and the autumn chill replaces it. While the festivities of the coming of age ceremony were of note, not much has changed afterwards. Well, save for Kinzou making an Ousatsu board in his spare time, and then proceeding to lose against you every single time. Your current record stands at 90-0 against Kinzou, and 11-1 against his father.
「What was it like in the north?」Kinzou excitedly accosts Brynn, who is eating his lunch. "Not t'different. Colder. More complaining 'bout the empire. Full ove big animals." He stops to swallow a piece of bread. "Round where I lived there was lotsa white stone, so the walls of my hometown were built out ove'it. Only ever 'ad to use them once 'gainst raiders. Even though we paid tribute to the empire, they didn't do shit - said the threat 'ad already passed. Ya get the worst of both worlds, really, living that far north. Better living within the empire."
The two talk for some time, before being interrupted by Jin Mao. "Hey kid. You can take the rest of today and tomorrow off. Brynn, Kain's caravan is back in town. I'll need your help later on counts." Jin Mao leaves after saying that, returning to his work.
"Well, that's that. See you in a couple days kid." Brynn dismisses Kinzou, who takes his leave, slightly annoyed.
