Irika and Emariya emerged from Hawukase’s house and said, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Demba, who had been caught up by Ikurui wanting to know the details of the previous events, turned around. “It took a while. What were you talking about with the elder?”
“Well, just a few things,” Irika replied with a mischievous smile, brushing her silver hair aside. “Anyway, it’s over for now. It was tough, though.”
Emariya shook her head. “No, it’s not over yet.”
—
A few days later, in the village of Kotan in Ebetsu Yubeotsu, villagers gathered in the square.
“What’s this about, being called by the general Karuheka?”
“Is it another directive from the elder?”
“Things have been noisy ever since those people came from the mainland.”
People murmured among themselves.
In the very back of the crowd stood Jironza, looking at the murmuring crowd with a detached expression.
(Hmph, I wonder if Samayikachi’s movements are finally going to be exposed.)
(It would be interesting if it were about Hawukase’s death.)
Imagining this, he couldn’t help but grin.
From the house, the village chief and Karuheka came out, followed by a girl with silver hair and a tall black man. The girl was holding what seemed like a long stick.
(Huh? The girl and the black guy are still alive. Damn, Samayikachi messed up. Oh well, I’ll think of the next move. Wait a minute, that stick, I’ve seen it somewhere before…)
“Everyone, quiet down,” Karuheka raised both hands, and the murmuring gradually subsided.
“Emariya of Kotanpa, come here,” he called the girl to the center, and she raised the stick.
“Everyone, there is blood on the tip of this spear. Can someone who can taste it come and confirm? It is not poisonous.”
At this sudden request, people looked around at each other. Karuheka pointed to a middle-aged man at the edge of the crowd.
“Hayashi, you’ve been a hunter for a long time. Come and taste it.”
The called man pointed to himself and looked around. The men next to him nodded. Hayashi stepped forward, took the spear from the girl, and brought the tip to his mouth, cautiously sticking out his tongue for a taste.
After a moment of silence, his brows furrowed. “This is… bear blood, no mistake. But I’ve never heard of someone spearing a bear…”
“Indeed. No one hunts bears with a spear. So why is there bear blood on this spear?” her clear voice echoed.
“No way,” Hayashi looked at Emariya’s face, who nodded.
“This is the blood of a bear from an iomante ceremony.”
Jironza’s face stiffened.
(That… why does she have it…)
People began to murmur again.
Karuheka stepped forward. “Emariya, tell us where you found this spear.”
The girl turned to the crowd, her gaze moving until it settled on Jironza, pointing the spear directly at him.
“Jironza. I found it behind his house.”
The crowd turned their faces to Jironza in unison, whose face turned pale.
“L-lies. I-it’s not mine!”
His voice cracked as he shouted.
“Pointless, Jironza. Kanga can distinguish the scent of animal blood. I know what kind of person you are. You wouldn’t be troubled if the iomante bear died. You might suffer losses if dealings with Mito go well. You have connections with Matsumae and can speak to mainland thugs. There is no one else, Jironza. You killed the bear.”
Everyone’s gaze grew harsher. Jironza backed away, people advancing step by step towards him.
Something inside Jironza collapsed with a loud noise.
(Dream. I am the king. Ishikari is… mine.)
People closed in, their cold, staring eyes. Jironza was finally surrounded.
“Stop… please stop. I, ugh… aaaaah!”
—
“We will consult the elder for details, but he will likely face severe punishment. He may not be able to stay in Ishikari,” Karuheka said, watching Jironza being dragged away by the men.
“He might end up going to Matsumae,” Emariya murmured, standing beside Demba and Irika. Karuheka shook his head.
“Who knows? If he has connections with Matsumae, there may be those there who would prefer he stays silent. It’s uncertain if he can stay even in Matsumae.”
“Blinded by immediate greed… such a pitiable man,” Emariya said softly, a hint of sadness in her voice. Irika shook her head.
“Thanks to him, we went through a lot. He got what he deserved.”
Demba and Kanga remained expressionless, simply watching the receding crowd.
“It’s finally over this time,” Irika said, standing next to Demba. He muttered in agreement.
“Are you returning to the ship?” she asked.
“Yes,” he nodded. “Our task is complete. Now we just need to report back to our lord.”
“Hmm,” she looked somewhat unsatisfied.
“What will you do now?” he asked, looking at Irika.
“Well, first, I’ll go home,” she replied, pouting slightly.
Demba just nodded. Irika glanced at his face.
“Don’t you have anything else to say?”
Demba’s eyes showed a hint of confusion. Irika turned away abruptly.
“No, it’s nothing. Emariya, let’s go.”
Emariya, who was standing next to Kanga, turned around. “Oh, wait. Goodbye, Kanga.”
She raised a hand and started walking.
“Yeah, see you,” Kanga replied, sounding somewhat deflated.
The two waved and started walking towards the edge of the village.
Demba and Kanga stood there, watching them leave.