The world of Type-Moon starts with saving Altria!

She also followed Ian's example and put her clothes aside.

"That's indeed what happened."

"If Suisan hadn't agreed to my request yesterday, or if you had backed down like this now, I would probably have looked down on you for the rest of my life."

"The current Toshizo is the Toshizo that I recognize."

"It feels like you're saying I'm just stupid," Ian muttered. "But it doesn't matter."

"Xiaoyong, let's go."

"it is good."

[So you bid farewell to the Kondo family's mansion, and you and Kondo Isami set off on the streets of Aoba Castle.]

[This is no longer the insurmountable gap that it was for you in your childhood.]

【Not to mention that you guys now look like you've been practicing martial arts for a long time.】

【At the same time, I also have concerns about Okita Souji. 】

【so--】

[Compared to the time it took to get back to the city in the past, this time it took you a lot less time.]

【but……】

[The moment you actually set foot in Qingye Castle, you are stunned by the scene before you.]

【because--】

It was an unprecedented scene, a scene of shared grief across the city.

In the huge Aoba City, all the shops were hung with white flowers and mourning flags that symbolized sorrow.

Whenever the wind blew through the streets, it would stir up a vortex of strange colors that sounded like a wail.

From time to time, you can hear people sighing, which is a sigh from the heart - the head of the Okita family was such a good old man, how could he die so suddenly?

Yes.

No one thought that a funeral of this scale was excessive, and no one thought that Okita Souji's father did not deserve a funeral of this scale.

Yes, it’s just a prayer from the heart.

From this we can see that this old man did a lot of good things during his lifetime, which is why he received this level of recognition.

"fine……"

Kondo Isami looked at her white clothes - that was what she had asked herself and Ian to change into before going out on a whim.

If I were to dress like before, in this atmosphere of mourning throughout the city, it would not only be a conspicuous bag, but at least it would attract a few more glances.

"But then again..."

Kondo Isami looked at the ground covered with white paper and white flowers, and couldn't help feeling a little emotional.

"Okita's father must be a very good man, otherwise, how could he receive such treatment?"

"Yes."

Ian nodded, confirming what his good friend Kondo Isami said.

"You're right. Okita's father is indeed a very kind man. Even our family has received his kindness."

"..."

"Really?" Kondo Isami nodded. "Then it seems like you and Okita have had this kind of bond for a long time, right?"

"Ah, yes."

Ian smiled bitterly.

"I've known her since I was very young—I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, Xiaoyong, but I got to know her after drinking the porridge at her house."

"so……"

Realizing that there was not much point in delving into this issue, Kondo Isami quickly and cleanly ended it all.

Then she asked again:

"In that case, where should we go next?"

"..."

Kondo Isami's words pulled Ian back from his memories, forcing him to face the reality of the moment.

yes……

Where to go now?

We can't go to Okita's house, right?

Ian thought so, and then suddenly he had the answer.

"correct!"

Ian took Kondo Isami's hand.

"Xiaoyong, let's go back to my house first! My brother and sister-in-law might know something!"

"Eh?!"

[Before Kondo Isami agreed or not, you took her back to your home.]

【only--】

[The moment you step into the house, you suddenly realize something.]

[The person who hasn't been home for a long time is not only Okita Souji, but also you. ]

"Brother! I'm back!"

Ian, who was standing at the entrance, shouted inside.

After several years of hard work, the originally declining Hijikata family finally began to make some progress thanks to the efforts of Hijikata Kiroku (Ian's brother).

The "debt" owed to Okita Souji was also repaid in this process.

of course.

This is also related to Ian's reputation outside.

after all--

A person who knows the eldest daughter of the Okita family and has a master-disciple relationship with the swordsmanship master Kondo Shusuke, no matter how you look at it, must be a very trustworthy "living signboard", right?

"Sai San, you're back!"

Hearing the long-lost voice, Hijikata Kiraku hurried out of the house.

Just like Ian hadn't seen him for a long time, this brother whose hair had turned mostly gray had also not seen his younger brother for a long time.

"It's been a long time since I saw you!"

"..."

Looking at his brother who was getting older but still in good spirits, Ian's heart was in turmoil.

I should have my share of taking care of the household chores, but now...

"Brother, I..."

"Don't be so polite." Hijikata Kiraku laughed, "You have things you want to do, and I have things I want to do."

"As long as you have a clear conscience, I have nothing to complain about!"

Hijikata Kiroku's words brought Ian back to his senses from his guilt, and he nodded.

"Well, I have a clear conscience."

"That's good."

Hijikata Kiroku rubbed his hands, which showed traces of work left on them.

Then, his attention shifted to Kondo Isami who was standing next to Ian.

"Who is this--"

"Oh, I'm Toshizo's friend." Kondo Isami changed his usual slightly rude demeanor and rarely showed the reserve that a girl should have.

"My name is Kondo Isami, and I'm the daughter that Uncle Kondo adopted. I'm also trying to understand the 'Natural Reasoning Style'."

The girl's eyes fell on Ian who was standing beside her.

"Just like him."

"Oh……"

Hijikata Kiroku nodded thoughtfully.

"So that means he's a classmate of Sassan, right?"

"Yeah." Kondo Isami nodded softly.

"Okay! Hahahahahaha!"

Hijikata Kiroku was overjoyed and burst into laughter.

It was a smile that came from the heart, and he looked very happy.

"Madam! Sui San brought a friend back with him! Let's order a few more dishes and treat him well!"

"understood--"

"That……"

Hijikata Kiroku's gaze returned to Ian and Kondo Isami.

"Will you please come in?"

"Ah."

[Under Hijikata Kiroku's "lead", you and Kondo Isami arrived at the depths of the house.]

You discovered that during your absence, the house, which had been somewhat crowded and dilapidated, had been renovated by your brother, Hijikata Kiroku, and now looked completely different from before.

【Efforts will really pay off.】

【You can't help but have such thoughts in your heart. 】

"Wait a moment."

Hijikata Kiroku took Ian and Kondo Isami to a deep room.

"I'll get some wine."

Having said that, Hijikata Kiroku suddenly paused and looked at Kondo Isami.

"Ayong, you can drink, right?"

"Of course, brother." Kondo Isami still spoke softly, "I can drink, so you don't need to take special care of me."

"Okay, that's fine!"

Hijikata Kiroku left happily.

Ian and Kondo Isami were the only ones left in the room.

"Why are you suddenly like this..." Ian couldn't help but complain about Kondo Isami, "You didn't talk like this before, why are you suddenly a different person today?"

"Isn't that just to avoid embarrassing you?"

Kondo Isami had already prepared his own speech.

"If your brother knew that your friend was a rude girl, he would be very worried, right?"

"Eh?"

Ian blinked.

"So this is your purpose, Xiaoyong?"

"What else?" Kondo Isami looked at Ian unhappily. "You don't think I like this way of speaking, do you? Squeezing your throat and all, it's so uncomfortable!"

"Uh...thank you so much then."

While they were exchanging pleasantries, Hijikata Kiroku also returned to the room.