Naruhito (66)
While I was finishing another dango, Hirosue and Murakano returned, bringing a wagon loaded with large dango and bowls filled with various sauces. Following behind them were Otoha, Yoshino, and Gramps. There were also four or five servants I recognized but hadn’t yet learned the names of, as well as Ikumatsu and Mutsumine. Grandpa and Muramasa had somehow slipped into the room without me noticing. Another mountain of dango had formed on the table.
"Naru, this is amazing.”
Otoha said with a joyful smile. Since I had a mouthful of dango, I could only nod in agreement.
"Which one do you like, Naru?"
Otoha asked, glancing between the small bowls. I wasn’t sure, so I tilted my head in confusion.
"I like mitarashi dango the most.”
She said, pointing to the one with the brown sauce. So that’s what mitarashi dango looks like. Hmm.
I stood up from Hiiro's lap and walked over to Gramps, who was about to eat a dango covered in yellow powder.
"I like kinako dango. It's not too sweet, which I prefer. Murashige-dono, you have quite the sweet tooth, I see."
"Indeed. I do enjoy sweets.”
"The richness of this oshiruko makes me feel truly satisfied."
Grandpa replied, while Yoshino, standing nearby, ate a dango in a dark broth. Oshiruko, huh. Is it good? It looks good.
Just then, Rikimaru entered the room, being pulled in by Hitachimaru. As I started to head toward them, Hiiro, who was suddenly by my side, gently held me back.
Both Rikimaru and Hitachimaru approached us, kneeling in front of Hiiro. They both had large white bandages on their cheeks. Were they injured?
They knelt down in front of Hiiro, placing their right hands on top of their left fists, and bowed their heads.
"Rikimaru of the Senmonin family humbly reports. I sincerely apologize for last night’s incident. We are prepared to accept any punishment you deem fit."
Huh? What happened? What did they do? Last night? I don’t remember anything from last night.
Neither Hiiro nor Hitachimaru spoke, and the room remained silent as everyone watched.
"Hiiro? I want to eat dango with Rikimaru.”
I whispered, growing impatient from waiting for Rikimaru. Even though I whispered, the quietness of the room made my voice carry.
Rikimaru raised his head in surprise and stared at me, his expression puzzled.
"There are so many flavors, I can’t tell which one I like the most.”
I whispered again.
"Rikimaru, which one’s your favorite?"
What do you think about this chapter?
