Chapter 33: Autumn Rain
Takumi Residence
The sky hung heavy with grey clouds, spilling a steady curtain of rain over the Takumi estate. By the window, a young maid sat in silence, a stick of unlit incense between her fingers. Her eyes watched the rain fall, each droplet washing over the courtyard like nature's quiet lament.
Her thoughts seemed far away. Though her breathing was light, her chest felt tight.
From behind, soft footsteps echoed. Hideo Takumi, just finished with his training, paused briefly at the doorway before walking toward her.
"What's on your mind?" he asked gently, his voice far removed from the arrogance it once carried.
Startled, the girl stood up and bowed quickly. "Young Master…"
Hideo pulled out a chair and sat beside her, his legs crossed casually. He studied her face—one he had passed countless times without notice. But now, something had changed.
"I asked again, what are you thinking about?" he repeated, this time with surprising warmth.
The girl inhaled slowly. Her voice was soft, almost blending with the sound of rain. "The Autumn Festival… it's almost here. Three years ago, on this very day, I went with my parents. We bought lanterns. Laughed. Ate plum candies…"
Her words trembled. "Father… Mother…" Two silent tears traced down her pale cheeks. She couldn't go on.
A faint blue light flickered across Hideo's eyes.
"Skill Activated: Learn (~)"
"Scanning target…"
"Status Appraisal Active"
A semi-transparent panel appeared in his vision, glowing faintly.
Status Window
Name: Rin
Race: Human
Age: 15
Job: Merchant (F)
Current Status:
• Mana: F
• Strength: F
• Intelligence: D
• Speed: E
• Endurance: F
Skills: Inventory Sense (F), Basic Negotiation (F), Efficient Movement (E)
His gaze softened. He didn't truly know this girl—not the current him, at least. But distant memories stirred—fragments of another Hideo's cruel neglect.
He reached out and gently stroked her hair. "You've stayed up long enough. Get some rest. I'll step outside for a while."
Rin turned to him, alarmed. "Young Master? But… it's pouring. What if you catch a cold?"
"I just need some time alone," he replied with a faint smile. He grabbed the bamboo rain hat hanging by the door, placed it on his head, and stepped outside.
Cold wind met him first, followed by the sting of falling rain. As he walked away, Rin watched his retreating back—worried, yet unable to stop him.
And for the first time, something unfamiliar stirred within her. For a brief moment, her Young Master seemed… human.
Central City, Aurelia – Main Street
Hideo wandered slowly through the rain-soaked streets. The roads were empty, the dim yellow lanterns flickering like tired stars. Shops were shut tight. Raindrops drummed steadily against rooftops, thunder rumbling in the distance.
With every step, a sense of isolation grew.
"This body isn't mine… but its burdens, its history—they're mine now."
His feet brought him to a narrow alley, where the scent of aged wine floated from an old building. A bamboo sign hung crooked above the door. The place was quiet—too quiet. But something about it felt like it was waiting for him.
He stepped inside.
The interior was dim, warm, and oddly comforting compared to the storm outside. Most tables were empty.
In the corner, a middle-aged man sat alone. He hadn't removed his rain hat, and most of his face remained hidden.
Hideo chose a separate table and quietly ordered two dishes and a jug of wine. He poured himself a drink and took a slow sip.
Time passed.
"You drink like someone used to heavier burdens," a warm, steady voice broke the silence.
Hideo looked over. The man lifted his cup.
"It's just the two of us here tonight, braving the storm. Mind if we share a drink?"
Hideo offered a faint smile, taking off his hat and setting it by the wall. "A meeting under autumn rain—how poetic. Please, be my guest."
The man stood and joined him. His face, now partially visible, bore the signs of a seasoned life—tan skin, sharp chin, trimmed stubble, and eyes that saw far more than they let on. His clothes were worn, yet clean. His presence—refined, but undeniably dangerous.
"Not many young nobles walk into places like this alone. Which house are you from, if I may ask?"
Hideo tilted his head slightly. A ghost of a grin tugged at his lips. "I'm no one important. In this grand stage of the world, I'm just another background actor."
"I see. Forgive my curiosity." The man chuckled, sipping his wine. His movements were calm, even graceful—like someone who'd danced with death many times before.
Hideo said nothing for a while, but silence didn't weigh heavy between them. In fact, it was almost comforting. As though both understood that not every conversation needed words.