ā ā¦Takaya, did you not just hear Motherās story?
ā I did. Your family and ancestors have suffered so much because of this sword.
ā Then why the hell are youā¦
ā Wellā¦
āI would like to make it clear, Master, that this girl is not ready to wield me in her current state. She is obviously scared of me.ā
Moonlightās words finally reached me.
Stillā¦
ā I just think it would look good on you.
ā ā¦What did you say!?
Everyone in the room looked shocked, even the object without a facial expression.
ā That was my first impression of you. A beautiful girl with an impressive talent to handle swords. Iāve always admired your skills.
My face is too red to comprehend what Iām saying. But I know every word is true.
ā So what?
ā I know you donāt want to hear this, but itās thanks to your guidance that Iām here. Thanks to you, I was able to save Shimazu. I believe all of this was intended. You were meant to brandish this sword.
ā Thatās it? Thatās your stupid reasoning?
ā Yeah, thatās basically it. One day, I want you to come to my rescue using Moonlight.
ā ā¦Akane, decide. The choice is yours. Accept Takayaās request and leave the island, or stay here and live with us.
ā Motherā¦
ā You can live at the residence too if you want to.
I bowed my head to Akane once again.
ā Please, come with me to the Royal Capital. Moonlight has objectives to fulfill, and I canāt do it by myself. Alsoā¦
ā āAlsoā What?
ā I donāt want to be separated from youā¦
I could list many reasons to persuade Akane, but as embarrassed as I am to say it, that was the most important one.
ā Oh my! This kid is gold. (Yuri)
ā Mother! Takaya, you littleā¦
I held Akaneās trembling hands.
ā Donāt worry. Iāll always be by your side. I might not be the most reliable person, but we can always support each other.
ā ā¦
Akaneās heart has been broken for a long time. Ever since she realized how powerless she is.
But with everyoneās help, weāll be able to slowly repair it.
ā ā¦Really? Are you guys okay with someone like me?
ā Yes.
ā Iām still the coward I was during the incident. Just looking at the sword makes me tremble.
ā Thatās fine.
I turned towards the two people at the door.
ā I know you said you wanted to quit, but as your Grandmaster, Iām supposed to look after you until youāre able to look after yourself. That, and I kinda owe Fuji some moneyā¦ (Ever)