Riku After Story

“Olympia, I came to deliver something from Shura-dono. Please receive it.” That day, I was terribly intimidated. It’s not my first time to visit her hideout but… a week from now, I won’t be able to reach her.

(opens the basket) “It’s a book that’s as bulky as it is interesting and there are sweets that Shura-dono baked herself. ‘It will last for a long time, so eat it on the island, it doesn’t contain poison.’ the message says.”

“Kya! It looks delicious! It’s not called the island’s sweet for nothing, I want to eat it right now!”

Wrapped in dark blue silk cloth is a cookie with walnuts and dried grapes on it. There’s also a pound cake boiled in chestnut skin. Until today, I didn’t even know that she (Shura) could make sweets. I wonder if she likes it that much.

“From me, it’s dried meat and fruits. The food is okay over there I heard but at least think of this as the thought that counts.”

“Hehehe, don’t worry too much. I have lived there until right before my 5th birthday. Also, the house has been revamped beautifully.”

“I know that, of course. But not being allowed to do anything… I can’t do it…”

And when I thought she was going to put the basket on the table, she suddenly hugged me.

“Oi!!”

“Thank you, I really love this side of you. I hope a week could pass soon.”

It is the first time we have a “White” wedding on Tenguu Island. Douma-dono, Jigen-dono, Shura-dono and the rest of the chiefs have discussed how to proceed and exchanged ideas.

As a result, before the wedding, she and I were told to go to our birthplaces to cleanse ourselves, and today is the day of farewell. No, ‘farewell’ is a strange way to put it.

But even when we don't “date”, I see her almost every day passing through Kunado. Not being able to see her for 7 days and 7 nights ….. I would be lonely for sure.

“I hear that Douma-dono will serve as the boat keeper… But those whirlpools, will they really let me through…” A week later will be a full moon. At last, I will board the “Moon Boat” that Fuze has mentioned. It will be a ride.

“Tsukuyomi said it will be okay, and I believe in the ocean too.”

She is not only the goddess of the sun, but has also received the protection of the male god who can control the seas, according to Tsukuyomi.

In the old tradition of the country “Japan”, the names Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, Susanoo and Hiruko would appear. I wonder if it was a complete coincidence.

If I tell her that story, she’ll just laugh at me as I’m just a human being. Just a human being… I wonder if I can be with the sun.

“Riku, this will be your first time visiting Tennyo Island. But it’s okay, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“Being afraid is not helpful… No, it is indeed a little scary. I heard Shura-dono and Tsukuyomi-dono threatened to punish those who are not worthy to set foot on that island.”

“You were just being teased that’s all. Because I’m the ‘White’ who has chosen you! Of course you are worthy!”

(flashback to Shura’s words) “Riku, there was a man who lost his life on that island in the old days. Don’t incur the wrath of the goddess of the sun.”

Even while saying such things, Shura-dono anticipates our wedding very much. It was clear that she was. I’m going to lead the women and take care of them, like they’re my real mothers.

(flashback to Shura saying this to Riku) “My dearest Riku. Please be a good leader. It’s okay, you can definitely lead the Blue.”

Women on this island are like forgotten grass. They have always dreamt that I would be the leader. The fact that I was a Hazushi’s child made me feel like I’m always left behind. Now, I hope to show myself that I have become a leader. To my adopted mother, and to my birth mother too.

“If you say so, I will have to do my best even more in the future. For the Blue, and for this island.”

“Do you think you’re doing your best until now?”

“.... I have not been informed when I’ll officially succeed as the leader of the Blue. And Shura-dono is still healthy, there’s still a lot to learn from her. I'm not in a hurry but the fact that she hasn't talked about it shows that I’m not yet acknowledged by her.”

While in my arms, she gave me a puzzled look.

“Rest assured, I don’t hold it against her. I have talked a lot with Akaza. We concluded that we would get old if we waited for the day we catch up to Jigen-dono (and the others).”

“Hahaha! The goal is too high. To be honest, I also think I can never surpass those lords but… we have to try~ Because someday I have to be the White’s leader too.”

When she came out of the mansion, I did not give it much thought. It was something obvious. That she is one of the few “White”, and to protect that precious colour, she will have to lead.

“You see, I have been told by Shura-dono. There has been no record of marriage between the chiefs of this island. Until now, it was not elegant for a woman to stand at the top. Therefore, the noblewomen will test your actions.”

A soft groan seems to leak out. It wasn’t just about baking sweets, I was telling her such heavy words while we’re about to part.

“I’m motivated by the opportunity. From now on, I want more women leaders to appear.”

This time, I almost laughed. That’s right, it was sorrowful. And so, I love her for the type of woman she is. If it’s with her, this island can change for the better. We’ll support each other, encourage each other and move forward.

“For now, I have talked to Douma about this. But Tennyo Island has always been extraterritorial, so I think we can’t lead using Tenguu island’s way. So I have no choice but to trial and error… When that happens, can you let me consult with you?”

“Of course.”

While stroking her back, I suddenly feel like I’m floating. Maybe this is what Shura-dono has anticipated as the training to become a leader. To change to a different yet new way of thinking.

(flashback to talking with Shura) “I don’t think I am going to challenge what you’ve cultivated and built. However…. I do think there is something to change.”

Well, to say such a thing to that person, I would be scared even now. But I have no regrets. I have her and my friends who won’t leave me, even though they know everything about me. There must be something I can do, coming from a Hazushi origin.

“You have preparations to do too right? Then I should excuse myself…” “Wait, Riku.”

She lightly pinched my sleeve. Her white cheeks that were never burned by the sun are slightly dyed red.

“I will never… Never let you be lonely. It will be only a week, and we’ll finally be husband and wife. But before the temporary farewell…. I want to kiss your lips…”

Her words and expression shattered my reason for a moment. I’m off duty from today on, and I’m returning to the Blue’s instead of the military quarters. Even if it gets a little late, I will be forgiven.

“I…. don’t think we’ll finish with just kissing.”

“Eh? Kya…”

I embraced and carried her to the bed by the window. While the sun is bright, she is embarrassed to be hugged but I cannot leave without doing anything.

“I pray that the Moon Boat will not sink. Be sure… Be sure to pass the whirlpools safely.”

“I will pick Irohana flowers while waiting for you in Tennyo island.”

I let her take off her blouse slowly while overlaying me. Love and greed must be directly connected. Before she left the Douma mansion, I thought it was a good thing that I don’t care about the opposite sex. But only she… only she can make me this crazy.

“Ah… Riku…Mmm”

Every time she lets out her sweet sigh, her pearl-like hair begins to turn blue. When I can no longer tell the difference between mine and her hair, I’ll feel so embarrassed that I can only ask to disappear then.

“I love you, my bride…”

I placed my lips all over her trembling body. In a place only I know about, in a place she happily shows me… (T/N: I’m officially dead while translating this…)

“Riku… I love you…. Mm…”

The sun is still high. I gave countless kisses to my beloved bride.

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