The world of Type-Moon starts with saving Altria!

Ian became excited.

"So we just need to go and report to him?!"

"That's probably not a good idea..." Okita Souji looked hesitant. "'Becoming a disciple' is a very serious matter after all. I think I need to prepare some goodies before visiting Uncle Kondo. Maybe some fine tea or jade."

"what?"

Ian was stunned for a moment, and his expression became a little embarrassed.

"Isn't that expensive..."

"I think so." Okita Souji nodded. "After all, we need to show our sincerity, right?"

“Oh…I see…”

You and Okita Souji didn't say anything more for the rest of the time.

[Being able to become Kondo Shusuke's apprentice is a very tempting thing for both you and her.]

【only--】

If, as Okita Souji said, you really need to prepare so much to become a disciple, then this might be your hurdle.

The crossroads of Aoba Castle.

Ian and Souji Okita's homes are in opposite directions, so they have to separate here.

"Okita, when you go back, just blame everything on me."

"Anyway... your sisters can't possibly come and settle accounts with me, right?"

"Is this really okay?" Okita Souji's gray eyes showed some worry, "I always feel so sorry for you, Toshizo."

"Oh, don't bother with me about this."

Ian said carelessly.

"With a relationship like ours, why are we still using those polite words from adults?"

"..."

Okita Souji's face flushed slightly, and even his breath became a little warmer.

"Yeah." The girl nodded.

"Well, think about it tonight—tell your family about 'apprenticeship' and all that. Then I'll see you tomorrow!"

"okay, I get it."

"Then I'm going back."

"Ah."

As he watched Okita Souji walk away to the far end of the road, Ian's expression gradually became heavy.

If you don't feel the feeling of poverty when you are playing in your daily life, then at this moment it can be said that it is as real as the remains of the beams of a house after a fire.

Yes.

My family is very poor.

"I'm back--"

Ian said this as he walked to the door of his house and pushed it open.

Unlike Okita Souji, who was born into a privileged family, the boy's family was not as good as imagined. Not only were they ordinary farmers for generations, but his father and mother both passed away when they were very young.

Because of this, my eldest brother became ill and overworked. He contracted a serious illness a few years ago and passed away in his sleep.

Now, it is the second brother Hijikata Kiroku and his wife who bear all the expenses.

In this way, life is naturally tight.

"Sai San, you're back."

The second brother Xiliu said this and then came forward.

Although he was only in his early thirties, he looked as haggard as if he were in his forties or fifties.

"Why are you back so late?"

"..."

Ian couldn't say a word, but just scratched his back subconsciously - that was the place attacked by "Yanluo", and it was a little itchy now.

This action quickly attracted the attention of his brother Hijikata Kiroku.

It wasn't long before he noticed the bandage on his brother's shoulder.

Xiliu's expression changed instantly.

"Sai San, what's wrong with you?!"

"Why is there a bandage?!"

His brother's anxious look made Ian even more nervous.

"No, it's nothing!"

"It's just a few minor frictions - a kind uncle has already helped me fix it!"

"..."

Xiliu's expression was surprised at first, but then relieved.

He seemed to have misunderstood something.

"Why did you get into a fight with someone again? Haven't I told you many times not to do that?"

"I'm sorry, brother."

"Ah..." Xiliu patted Ian's head and sighed, "Forget it, it's good that you're back."

"Go wash your hands and come eat."

【A meal swept away everything in a flash.】

The main dish on the table was still the cheap salted radish—the best thing a family of seven or eight could choose.

You feel it is becoming increasingly difficult to speak.

【But you didn't notice that your brother Xiluo was watching you the whole time. 】

【He...seems to have realized something.】

After meal.

In the darkness, Ian lay on the tatami, looking at the old ceiling above his head with mixed feelings.

This is the only thing our parents left to us brothers. Previously, it was taken care of by the eldest brother, and now it is the turn of the second brother Xiliu.

Can’t tell...

I can't tell you at all.

I can't even say I want to pay to become a disciple.

A swipe.

The door was opened.

Brother Xiliu came in holding an oil lamp.

"Sai San, I want to ask you a few questions."

"Eh?"

Ian was already worried, and when he was suddenly called out like that, he naturally sat up immediately.

"What, what's the problem?"

"that is……"

Xiliu closed the door, sat down, and then placed the oil lamp between the two of them with a heavy expression.

"Did you do something with Okita again?"

"..."

"Speak—is everything all right? Brother wants to hear the truth."

"..."

Knowing that he didn't get an answer, his brother would never let it go.

Ian did not hide it any more and told Kondo Shusuke that he and Okita Souji wanted to be his apprentices.

"This……"

Hijikata Kiroku's expression changed.

"Saizo, you're serious, right? Master Kondo wants to take you as his disciples?"

"Yes, yes..."

"But there has to be a reason, right?"

"Uh..." Ian couldn't answer that question.

"..."

Seeing his brother like this, Xiliu realized that he might have some unspeakable secrets.

After thinking it over, the brother with gray hair asked.

"Sai San, can you assure me it's true?"

"It's true! I'm not lying!" Ian said quickly, "But don't worry, brother - I'm not interested in that! You don't have to worry about it!"

"How could you not care..."

Xiliu sighed.

"That little girl from the Okita family will definitely go, right?"

"Then let's do this..."

Xiliu reached into his clothes with trembling hands, took out a bag that looked a little dirty, and handed it to his brother.

"Take this money and when the time comes, buy something for the Okita family to become their apprentice, and you can just make do with one portion."

"..."

Ian admitted that he was tempted for a moment, but soon he shook his head.

"impossible!"

"This money is very important to my brother!"

As he said this, the little boy wanted to push the purse back.

But Xiliu used greater strength to let his brother hold the purse.

"Sai San, this money is of course important to me."

"But...you are also very important to me."

"You finally have this opportunity to meet such an amazing person. How can you just give it up like this? I'll feel guilty for the rest of my life."

"elder brother……"

Ian bit his lip.

"I will definitely study hard!"

"Well, come on."

Xiliu coughed a few times and hugged his brother.

[You finally accepted the money from your brother Kiroku.]

You swear to learn kendo from Kondo Shusuke.

【but--】

【However, the development of the matter was somewhat beyond your expectations.】

the next day.