Epilogue:
Flowers Bloom in Spring
THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS were in full bloom in Souen’s village. It had still been plum blossom season when they arrived in the east, but the weather was warm this year, and the cherry blossoms bloomed earlier than usual.
Perhaps they’d even come to bid farewell to Glenn before he went back to Lindworm.
“Everyone, thank you for everything,” said Saki, who had come to see them off. Souen was standing next to her, arms crossed, looking important. “It was thanks to all of you that we were able to capture the Black Widows and help reduce prejudice against monsters in the east. Thank you very much.”
Saki’s expression was bright. Ever since the Black Widows incident, the council of statesmen had begun discussing whether those with Demonitis should be granted the same rights as humans. Naturally, Souen was the one leading those discussions. It was thanks to monsters that the Black Widows, who had been terrorizing the capital, were captured. It was thanks to Souen’s village. Their reputation was fast gaining traction in Heian.
They had proven that those who were ostracized for their horns—even demons like Saki—were no different from humans. It felt like they would be able to live as equals someday.
That would be the day Souen and Saki could marry and live as husband and wife.
“It’s not like Brother Souen to splurge for a boat like this!” Sioux declared from where she stood next to Glenn, looking pleased.
At the port on Souen’s hidden island was the newest model cargo vessel. Their trip back home would be comfortable, to say the least. As people in the shipping business, the Litbeits made it a point to procure good boats.
“What? The alraune sake did very well. I wanted to show my gratitude.”
“There you go again. Look at your little brother and tell him directly that you are grateful.”
“I will do no such thing. I don’t know when he’ll be unfaithful with you again. Glenn, just go home.”
“I wasn’t unfaithful!” Glenn reacted to the accusation without thinking.
Without a word, Saki gave Souen a jab in his stomach for the rude comment. Souen let out a strange grunt.
“Nooo, I don’t wanna gooo. I wanna play with the eastern boys!”
“The Draconess ordered me to bring you back, Aluloona. Don’t be difficult.”
“I haven’t been able to play at all!”
“That’s a selfish thing for the second most powerful person on the city council to say.”
Glenn turned around to see a massive bulb being dragged toward them. Aluloona was whining, continually trying to plant her vines in the ground, but apparently, she was no match for Kunai’s strength.
“C’mon, Mother.”
“You’re acting like a child.”
“Well, she is like a child.”
“That’s true.”
“She probably can’t even tell us apart.”
“We’re the result of her irresponsible sexcapades, after all.”
“I wish she would at least learn our names.”
Her daughters were giggling at her expense. Aluloona continued to resist, but Kunai dragged her onto the boat.
“Kunai, the council of statesmen are rushing the survey of the items collected by the Black Widows. However, they haven’t found any blueprints for creating an undead human yet.”
“I see,” Kunai responded casually. “Well, it was just a rumor anyway. It can’t be helped.”
“It seems they have more stashes where they kept stolen goods. If we find it, I will contact you.”
“Yeah. Thank you very much,” Kunai said, dragging Aluloona the rest of the way onto the boat.
Souen stared at the scene before him as if unsure how to describe it.
“The authorities and their attendants in Lindworm…are all like that, huh? Free to be themselves.”
“Uhh…well, yeah.” Glenn struggled to respond. Well, Aluloona might be behaving this way now, but she was still capable of working hard.
“There’s still so much I don’t understand…but it must be a good place for you and Sioux. Be well, Glenn.”
“Yeah. You too, Brother.” Glenn laughed.
He still had his qualms about his brother, but Souen had really helped Glenn on this trip. Even if he didn’t trust him, Glenn could trust Saki, and trust that Souen would obey her. As long as Saki was around, he was sure his older brother would be okay.
“Make sure to write.”
“I know…”
Glenn didn’t want to make his parents worry anymore. He promised himself he would buy stationery as soon as he arrived in Lindworm.