They stood near the heart of Kokishibu Village, where a gentle breeze stirred the hanging lanterns and the scent of old wood mingled with blooming herbs. The air was quiet—just the occasional sound of cicadas and a few distant villagers tending their day's work.
Mireyna glanced subtly at Isao, who stood silently with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. He had the kind of presence that didn't need words—stoic, grounded, distant.
He's only a few years older than me… just three years apart, she thought. Not that far, really.
Her gaze lingered a moment too long.
Without even looking at her, Isao said flatly, "Yumeko isn't someone who likes crowds. She usually trains alone in the Yue estate's inner grounds. Nerve-strike techniques. She's precise."
"Nerve-strike… techniques?" Mireyna echoed, intrigued.
Shion, more expressive and quick to speak, answered before Isao could. "It's a style the Yue family is known for. Our families are closely tied, so we've learned some basics too. But the Tatsuki line—we focus more on kenjutsu, pure katana combat passed down from our ancestors."
Mirae turned to him. "And the Yue family? They don't focus on swordsmanship?"
"They do—just the fundamentals. But their true strength lies in traditional medicine and nerve manipulation. They know the human body better than anyone. A strike from them can disable someone instantly."
She took in the explanation, nodding. "So Yue for nerve techniques and healing. Tatsuki for kenjutsu."
"Exactly," Shion confirmed with a proud tilt of his chin. Isao gave a small nod, saying nothing more.
Then, an idea lit up in Mio eyes. "Big sis Yumi is training right now, right? Can we go see her?"
Shion's expression shifted. "Uhh… her estate's private. Only villagers she trusts can enter the grounds. Outsiders usually aren't allowed." shifting his eyes towards the two bodyguards.
Mireyna looked over her shoulder at her two loyal bodyguards, who were standing a few paces behind, watching everything in silence.
She walked toward them and said softly, "I don't think they'll let you both in. Why don't you help Obāchan in the backyard instead? You two like gardening, don't you? Especially her precious bonsai trees."
One of them frowned. "Miss Mirae, going alone-"
She cut him off with a rare firmness. "Kokishibu is peaceful. Besides, Obāchan really needs the help more than I do right now. And I won't be long. Promise."
After a pause, the guards exchanged glances, then bowed slightly. "Understood. Please be safe."
Mireyna turned back to Isao and Shion, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "Alright. Lead the way."
Isao didn't speak. He just turned and walked. Shion grinned and motioned her to follow.
Soon, they reached the gates of the Yue family estate—tall, silent, and hidden behind a veil of wisteria and shadowed hedges. Something about it felt sacred.
The Yue residence stood before them like a painting dipped in shadows—serene, still, and eerily silent. Unlike the rest of Kokishibu Village, filled with laughter and warmth, this house seemed to breathe solitude.
Mireyna looked around, her brows slightly furrowed.
"Is it always this quiet here?" she asked, turning to Isao. "Does she… live alone?"
Isao didn't meet her eyes. His voice was calm but distant.
"The Yue family has always been like this. Reserved. Quiet. They don't laugh or mingle like others in the village. Their household values silence and tradition above all else. They rarely attend festivals or celebrations. Everything they do like training, rituals, even meals is done in the privacy of their estate. It's how they've lived for generations."
Mireyna nodded slowly, then hesitated.
"Is it okay for me to go in? I mean… I'm technically an outsider."
At that, Isao finally glanced at her. His expression unreadable.
"The Yue family doesn't mind if someone watches Yumeko train—so long as it's not a man from the village. Believe it or not, many of them have begged us to sneak them in, just for a glimpse of her techniques. Of course, we never let them. But it's rare for a girl to be curious about her."
He paused, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he looked at her again.
"…Unless you're not just curious."
Shion and Mio both turned toward her with raised eyebrows.
Mireyna blinked. "Wait… why are you all staring at me like that? What's wrong?"
Isao raised a single brow.
"Perhaps… you like girls?"
Her jaw nearly hit the floor.
"Wha—EXCUSE ME?! What kind of question is that?!"
Isao looked back ahead nonchalantly.
"It's just… most people interested in Yumeko are men. You're the first girl I've met who wants to see her train or talk about her this much. I was just wondering."
Mireyna opened her mouth, then shut it again. Her face flushed.
"That's not what I meant! I don't like her like that. I just find her… interesting, okay? She's mysterious. Strong. I admire her. Like how you admire a celebrity! Not romantically or anything!"
Isao glanced at her sideways, lips twitching ever so slightly—not quite a smile.
"Admire, huh? Doesn't admiration usually come with feelings?"
Mireyna groaned and buried her face in her hands.
"There's admiration and then there's… admiration! The normal kind. I'm just a fan, alright?! Don't girls admire her too?"
Isao shook his head, eyes returning to the looming Yue estate.
"Most of her admirers are men. Women especially the young ladies of the village tend to avoid her. Jealousy, mostly. They think she tries to steal their boyfriends or husbands."
Shion chimed in with a nod.
"Yeah, there are rumors. People say she's too beautiful and aloof, and that makes her a target for gossip. That's why she rarely leaves her home. Every time she does, some uncle or random guy tries to strike up a conversation. Then their wives get mad."
Mireyna's eyes widened.
"Seriously…?"
Mio, ever cheerful, added,
"But even so, Yumi sis isn't hiding on purpose. She just doesn't want unnecessary drama. She still goes out sometimes like when she's with us."
Mireyna's gaze shifted toward the gate once more, her curiosity deepening.
Yumeko Yue…
Who are you, really?