Himari
HOW COULD HE end up this way?
The ninja I once knew as Haruya Fuuma was loyal and devoted.
If it wasn’t for the weight of our parents’ expectations and the example set by my brother, who was always honing his skills, I would never have become a master ninja. It was thanks to Haruya that I had the skills to protect my master.
“Money’s good, Himari. It keeps you safe, and it doesn’t betray you. Loyalty? Well, that’s just an illusion that makes life easier for those who seek to control us.”
As my brother uttered those words, he looked like a stranger.
What pained me most was that I didn’t sense a trace of deception in his voice. He truly had lost his sense of loyalty—the single most precious value he had taught me.
“Our uncle is just one of countless members of the Fuuma clan who have lost their lives on the battlefield. But look at his face—see how peaceful it is?”
Amid the turmoil that engulfed our nation, our uncle laid down his life to shield his master. When I was just a girl, Haruya showed me my uncle’s body with profound admiration.
“I hope I look that peaceful when I die. To perish for the sake of your lord… For someone who has lived a life of devotion, there is no greater joy.”
My brother’s fists trembled. Without shedding a tear, he showed me the depth of what it meant to be a Murasame ninja.
We didn’t refine our skills for our own gratification. We did so for those we’d lay down our lives to protect, and for the pride of the Fuuma clan.
Day after day, Haruya subjected himself to the most grueling training of all our siblings. His body bore countless cuts and bruises. I was certain that one day he would make a name for himself as the head of the Fuuma clan.
“Himari! I’ll board the big ship heading to Ashbrugge! Once things have blown over, flee south!”
“B-but Haruya, they’ll shower your boat in gunfire! I’m coming with you!”
“You fool! You’ll only slow me down! You’ll be killed when you must live! That little boat is perfect for a novice like you!”
When we were fleeing our country, my brother forced me onto a small boat, demanding that I travel in the opposite direction from Ashbrugge. He volunteered to act as a decoy, just to keep me alive.
All our other siblings had been killed, having failed to escape quickly enough. Just as we were about to depart by sea, he made a brave declaration.
“Himari, you have to survive, whatever the cost. Promise me you won’t die. Let me save at least one person I hold dear.”
I’d always believed those were his last words.
He saved my life. Sacrificing it for him in return could never be a mistake.
He might have changed beyond recognition, but he was still the only blood relative I had. No one could ever sever our bond.
I’d served admirable masters, right to the very end. How lucky I was.
With his unwavering logic and resolute spirit, Prince Osvalt of Parnacorta reminded me of the greatest warriors of Murasame. He was a lord deserving of respect. Lady Philia was so pure and noble that she altered the way I saw the world. She was the true embodiment of a saint. People like them were rarities, even in the annals of history.
Having served not one, but two such masters, I had nothing left to wish for. It was time to stand by the last of my kin and accept whatever fate awaited us.
“Prince Osvalt, Lady Philia…”
When I closed my eyes, I could see the two of them walking side by side in bliss.
I wished them both happiness for many years to come.