*Knock*Knock*
"Cominggggg!" <Misomi>
While feeding her sick mother, Misomi heard a knock on the door.
"Mother, I'll be right back." <Misomi>
Too weak to say anything, her mother just nodded.
Misomi put the bowl of soup on the side table and went out to open the door.
"May I help y-!" <Misomi>
As she opened the door half way through, she suddenly realised who it was.
"Yo!" <Shin>
Seeing Shin, Misomi got surprised. Her eyes were wide opened in shock.
"What's with that face? Didn't expect to see us?" <Shin>
"Ah, eh? N-No no! It's just... Just that I didn't expect you guys to come back so fast...?" <Misomi>
"Really? Or did you expect us to not return at all, hmm?" <Shin>
"..." <Misomi>
Hearing Shin say that, Misomi felt troubled.
What he said wasn't wrong. She had little hope that they would return. The request she had asked was a very dangerous one. Most people who she had asked in the past either gave up or died. Shin was no exception. So having them returned safely was new to her. She did not know how to react.
Even more, she did not even tell them that the cave was cursed and their life could be at stake. Since no such warning was given, it is certain that the party will get mad at them and demand an insurance or some sort.
So now that Shin is implying that she had purposely sent them to their deaths, she have no choice but to apologize. And even more, compensate to them for risking their lives in one way or another.
Thinking of such things made her really troubled and depressed.
Seeing her make such an expression, Shin felt kinda bad. He did not mean to deprive her that much. He just wanted to tell her that she should be honest when it comes to such things.
"Alright, that's enough. Shin-Sama, that was a bit mean, don't you think?" <Iris>
"Yeah... I went a little bit overboard, my bad." <Shin>
To erase the weird atmosphere suddenly, Iris stepped in to the conversation.
"Misomi-San, can we come in? We would like to talk inside if you don't mind?" <Iris>
"O-Of course! Please come in..." <Misomi>
As they entered, they made their way to the dining table where they had their meal earlier and sat down.
After everyone was seated, Misomi realised there was a new face among them.
Shin noticed that Misomi was curious of Kagura.
"I will introduce her to you later. For now I would like to talk about the request you gave us this morning." <Shin>
"Y-Yes..." <Misomi>
She instantly hung her head down after knowing the topic that they were going to discuss now.
"Well then, I wanna ask, did you know that the cave where the Obnova flower is located was cursed?" <Shin>
"Yes." <Misomi>
"May I know why you did not tell us that?" <Shin>
"Well... To be honest... It's because I-" <Misomi>
As Misomi was about to explain her reasons, something came out of her.
"Please wait! It isn't Master's fault!" <???>
The one that appeared was someone that looks exactly like Misomi.
"Oh?" <Shin>
That newcomer was none other than Misomi's clone.
From her speech, it sounds like the one that had brought them to this house.
"I was the one who told Master not to tell about the dangers of the cave. Master at first forgotten about it but then she wanted to chase you to inform after you left. But I stopped her. I thought it isn't necessary since if you die then nobody would know, since the cave is cursed, the chances of returning is near 0." <Misomi's Clone>
"But we returned. So what will you do now? Since that is the case, I have the right to demand something beyond an apology, right? If it was an adventurer, they might kill you for lying, you know?" <Shin>
"If Shin-Sama is unhappy, please punish me only. It was all my fault." <Misomi's Clone>
"No, wait! I'm the master, punish me instead!" <Misomi>
"No, Master, let me take on the blame." <Misomi's Clone>
"Ok, ok, stop! I get the jiz of it. There isn't gonna be any punishment. And I don't need compensation. We returned safely and we were not hurt, so you don't have to feel bad, ok?" <Shin>
"But-!" <Misomi>
"Anyway!" <Shin>
Shin just cut in to not let her continue blaming herself.
"Continuing, do you know anything about why the cave is cursed?" <Shin>
"Well... I heard from the village chief that a legendary cursed sword lies deep within the cave. After a long period of time inside the cave, the evil aura it emits had spread all over the cave. Hence, the cave is what it is now." <Misomi>
"Correct. Then what about the Obnova flower? How did you know it exist inside the cave?" <Shin>
"Regarding the flower, when I asked around inside the adventurer's guild, someone told me that the Obnova flower is the only thing that could save my mother and that it can only be found inside the cave." <Misomi>
Hmm...
"Did you know who it was that gave you the information that the Obnova flower is found inside the cave?" <Shin>
"Ahh... No...? I don't know her name or whi she is. She was a nice person who said she would love to help but it was too dangerous for her. That's why I put up a request instead." <Misomi>
If this person knows that the Obnova flower exist inside the cave, then she must have went inside the cave before... And to go that deep to be able to see the flower, she must be an exceptional adventurer...
"Hey Kagura, did you remember anyone who reached the area you were in and tried to take the flower before?" <Shin>
"Hmm... Maybe?" <Kagura>
"What's with that answer?" <Shin>
"It's just that... I spent most of my time sleeping, so I wasn't very attentive of my surroundings." <Kagura>
"But you responded when I was there?" <Shin>
"That was because Master touch me. Since Master tried to take me, I woke up. Therefore, if there was ever anyone who manage to get close to me and touch me, then I would notice someone. But Master was the first one that I ever woke up from, that's why I don't recall anyone that came inside the cave ever." <Kagura>
"Wow... You really slacking aren't you?" <Shin>
"Well, I had nothing to do so I just slept most of the time." <Kagura>
"This sword..." <Shin>
There is still a chance that this person might have entered the area where the Obnova flowers were but had to leave due to the toxic air. Still, for her to enter that deep, she should be decent. Interesting... hope I can meet her.
Misomi stared fixated-ly at Kagura. She looked young and very cute that mesmerized Misomi. In her head, she is curious of who she is. Shin hasn't introduced her yet and this is the first time they met. She wasn't with them earlier this morning but suddenly appeared now.
Furthermore, another beautiful person is with Shin. Misomi is starting to think that Shin might be a ladies man. However their interactions tells her otherwise. Shin did tell her that Shana and Iris are his wives. So maybe Kagura was too. If so, Shin might be an amazing person to be able to be loved by beautiful women.
"Ok, introductions, this here is Kagura." <Shin>
"Hi there." <Kagura>
Kagura gestured her hand towards Misomi.
"Hello. As you may already heard, my name is Misomi. Nice to meet you." <Misomi>
"Same to you, too." <Kagura>
They finally exchanged their greetings.
However, Misomi was still curious of her. She wants to know her relations with Shin.
Hearing the conversation between Shin and Kagura earlier, Misomi had heard Kagura calling Shin, Master. With that she can assume that Kagura could either be a Slave or student. But it doesn't seem like she is a slave.
"Can I ask something?" <Misomi>
"?" <Kagura>
"Kagura-San, earlier you called Shin-Sama, Master. This may be rude to ask, so erm... what's your relationship with Shin-Sama?" <Misomi>
To that question, Kagura looked at Shin on what to answer. She had been told not to tell anyone what to say.
Shin gave a nod to signal her that she can tell Misomi about her identity.
"With Master's permission, I will tell you why I call him Master. The reason is because I am Master's sword." <Kagura>
"???" <Misomi>
Hearing her identity, Misomi made a dumb founded face. She titled her head slightly in confusion.
'Sword? His sword? What?' went though her head. She doesn't understand what she meant by Shin's sword.
Seeing her clueless expression, Kagura took a deep breathe and exhaled before continuing.
"Believe it or not, is up to you. What I meant by Master's sword is exactly what it is. To be more precise, I am the Legendary Cursed Sword that resides within the Kirous Cave." <Kagura>
"Th-The Legendary Cursed Sword!? B-But you're a human!" <Misomi>
Misomi frantically voiced out her opinion.
"This is my human form. My original form is that of a sword." <Kagura>
"T-Then show me your sword form! I won't believe until I see it!" <Misomi>
"Master, what do you think? Is she allowed to see my sword form?" <Kagura>
"Of course, why not? She would have to know sooner or later." <Shin>
Shin then stood up and hold onto Kagura's hand. Kagura's body glow before transforming into a sword.
Seeing Kagura transforming into a sword before her eyes, Misomi was amazed.
"You really are a sword..." <Misomi>
Kagura turned back into her human form after that.
"There you go. I am Master's sword, that's why I call him Master." <Kagura>
"Yes. I'm sorry for doubting you earlier." <Misomi>
"No big deal. Master trust you, maybe you will also be part of his- Ouch!" <Kagura>
Before Kagura could finish her sentence, Shin went and squeeze her head with his hand.
"Quiet." <Shin>
Shin let go of her head after saying annoyingly.
"My apologies..." <Kagura>
After an awkward silence, Shin continued the conversation.
"Misomi, remember about our agreement this morning?" <Shin>
"Agreement...?" <Misomi>
"You said you will make for me Ramen if I bring you the Obnova Flower. Did you forget?" <Shin>
"Yes... I did promise that?" <Misomi>
Realising it, Misomi exclaimed in surprise.
"Don't tell me!?" <Misomi>
Understanding the situation, Misomi was filled with joy.
Since Shin had returned from Kirous Cave safely, and that he even brought along the rumored Legendary Cursed Sword as his own, she came to the conclusion that Shin should also have the Obnova Flower with him.
If he is strong enough to conquer the cave, then the possibility of him taking some of the Obnova Flower is certain.
Now that the method for curing her Mother is in front of her, she began to shed tears of joy.
"Please! I will do whatever you want me to! Just save my Mother!" <Misomi>
"Yes, of course." <Shin>
Shin stood up from his chair.
"You can cook for me another time. For now, lead me to where your Mother is." <Shin>
Misomi hurriedly got up from her chair as well.
"Right this way!" <Misomi>