Chapter 8

Shinobu gives you a look of puzzlement. "Oh? You've met him, Ryuu-san?"

"Yes, during my previous mission."

Shinobu's eyes widen, coming to a realization of a sort. "My," she says. "That is truly a coincidence. Perhaps both of you are connected by fate as well."

"I hope you're joking, Shinobu-san."

The man's face rapidly purples as you and Shinobu continue to talk, rendering him into a piece of grass swaying in the background. You try to remain pokerfaced, but it's hard to contain your petty satisfaction.

The servant beside him is sweating bullets. He eyes his master like he were a wild creature on the verge rampaging. Taking pity on him, you direct the conversation back to the young master. "Pardon me, Kinoe-san, but how should I refer to you?"

"You two have met but don't know each other's names?" Shinobu covers her mouth in surprise. "Perhaps an introduction is in order."

The man's fury seems to dissipate at her words. "Well said, Shinobu-san." He gives you a disgruntled look, his nose in the air. "Given my rank, it's appropriate for me to go first. Any objections, Tsuchinoto-san?"

You shake your head, wearing a patient smile. Seeing that you don't offer much else, he barely refrains from rolling his eyes. His attitude proves your suspicions. He was definitely baiting you into an argument. Unfortunately for him, it is within your expectations he would pull rank.

You actually find his method more than a little hilarious. Does he not realize the absurdity of bringing up status in the presence of the Insect Pillar?

The man gives a deep bow, his ponytail bobbing. "I am Ichiro Fuji, the tenth generation master to the Wisteria Family."

You find yourself impressed by his poise and noble bearing, even though it's for Shinobu's benefit. You bow back equally deeply. "Kuroshio Ryuu, Tsuchinoto of the Demon Slayer Corps."

"Kuroshio..." A smile suddenly appears on young master Fuji's face. "It seems I have been lacking in manners. I hope you can find it in yourself to accept my late apology."

You wait for him to continue. What could he be apologizing for? The only interaction he's had with you was when you'd first met in the artisan's shop, and from the delighted grin he's wearing, you're certain his sudden apology has nothing to do with it.

Seeing your confusion, he gladly continues, "If I'd known you were acquainted with Shinobu-san, I wouldn't have agreed to the joint venture proposed by the two merchants. Truly impolite of me." The smile he directs at you is genuine in its pity.

Your brows knit into a frown. "That..." He's mocking you.

You take in a breath to rein in your loosening temper. While both of you were conversing, people had gathered to watch. They must recognize him, and it reminds you of where you are. You can't make a scene. Not on his home territory.

"It's no trouble at all," you force yourself to say. "I accept your apology."

"I wouldn't mind helping you establish contacts with other available merchants. The idea you came up with is truly great. This town is big enough for a rival, and I've been saying for years that holding a monopoly over the trade here is not ideal for progress. I hope I'm not presumptuous in asking you to continue doing business here, Kuroshio-san."

The people gathered here exchange smiles full of emotion. Looking at them, you swallow the petty words you'd planned to unleash. Fuji was certainly a man worthy of the Wisteria family's mantle. He'd already grasped the hearts of the townsfolk, picking a fight here would end badly no matter which party was in the right.

"There's need for you to waste your energy, Fuji-sama." You plaster a polite smile on your face. "My idea was simply that, an idea. If executed successfully, it would be due to your merit. Don't worry, I will absolutely continue to do business in a prosperous town such as this one."

Fuji spares you a nod and turns to Shinobu. Without the ugly contortions of anger marring his face, he looks completely different. His handsome, elegant features are further enhanced by a gentle smile. In other words, a face truly befitting of a wealthy young master.

"Forgive me for my earlier brashness," he tells her. "I should have been more understanding of your circumstance. Though our meeting is cut short today, my invitation still stands. Should you want to meet, simply send a letter and I will send a carriage to pick you. Ryuu-san, feel free to take advantage of my offer as well."

"Understood," you say, nodding.

How magnanimous of him, your mind drawls sarcastically. If only he'd been so polite when you'd first met.

You watch Fuji drag Shinobu into further conversation and awkwardly turn your gaze away. You can't help but detest his reversal in attitude. He'd obviously reached the understanding that being openly hostile will not endear Shinobu to him, and pivoted to match her tastes.

You have a feeling this is not the last you'd see of him. You'd seen the gaze he directed at you earlier, and you think back on his words. You're not stupid. You can read between the lines, and his true message is not lost on you.

He sees you as a rival for Shinobu's affections. It's absurd.

Your head swells at the daydream of courting the insect pillar, but it deflates when the reality of it quickly sets in.

No matter how he's treated you, he's still leagues above you. His surname, Fuji, is a reminder of how the Wisteria family is a benefactor to the Demon Slayer Corps. You might have more wealth than an average person but Fuji's likely eclipses yours.

You don't think Shinobu would choose a person simply by wealth and status, but it's undeniable Ichiro Fuji is a far better prospect than you'd first realized. Arrogance could be tempered, snobbishness could be hidden, and once those negative traits disappeared, what could you claim to hold over him?

You mull over this revelation in silence, doubt taking seed in your mind.