Seiun wo Kakeru Chapter 72-73

Chapter 72 – The Night and the Return

It was night.
Well then, shall I go to sleep? – Eiji and the rest were able to borrow rooms, however, as he was, about to go sleep, the creaking sound of a door opening was heard.
The sound was small, and it wasn’t coming from this room.
I wonder who’s sleeping next to me? – At the time he thought so, there was only a single person.
That was Fran.
Rising up from his bed, he followed after her.
*Gigii* – The sound of creaking, heard directly, was noisy.

Perhaps it was due to Eiji’s eyes being accustomed to the dark, but the outside looked unexpectedly bright for him.
Since he first arrived on this island, he would be astonished every single night at how many stars there are.
The sounds of waves reverberated in the distance.
*Za za* – In addition to that, sounds of quickly walking footsteps were heard.
And then, the sound of a horse breathing and trembling from the cold followed.
Eiji directed his sight toward the sounds from inside of the darkness.

Fran was riding on Yan under the starlight.
Hugging Yan’s neck, she looked very relaxed.
Her eyes were closed, and her gentle expression was spellbound.
Fran’s appearance was unlike her naive one, and yet again, different from her usually energetic figure.
It was another side of her, which Eiji hadn’t known.
To think that she was able to make such a face.

– Fran?
– What’s up, Eiji?
– Why are you at outside?
– I can’t settle down and sleep whenever I’m inside a house.
– You can’t sleep? That’s why you are together with Yan and Yun?
– Gyusu and the rest are my family. What’s more, I can’t calm down myself when I sleep on a soft bed.
– Does it…. also happen when you’re together with Dylan and Chiara?

Eiji asked timidly.
Could it be that Fran didn’t consider humans as her family?
Not wanting to hear the expected answer, Eiji’s throat became dry.
He gulped down his saliva frantically.
Fran nodded without hesitation.

– When I’m at home, there’s Gyusu next to me.
– Is that so….? I guess, it’s really alright then?
– It’s fine. Good night, Eiji.
– Yeah, good night.

Usually, there tends to be a barn attached to each household.
In that case, it’s certainly true that Gyusu would be next to her.
However, her reply felt a little bit sad.
Even though Fran was living together with Dylan and Chiara, where did her heart wander?

Provided, she cannot constantly maintain her relationship with humans….
Despite that, being told to stay together with humans after spending one's life with animals must feel difficult.
Dylan and Chiara, who had raised her together as their own child, as well as Fran herself, must have it tough.

It was a type of problem to which Eiji had no answer.
Fran and her parents could only search for that answer.
Eiji kept silent as he returned back to his room.
Not feeling in the best mood, for some reason, it took him more time to fall asleep.

———–

The next morning.
Eiji and the rest arrived near the boat which was already loaded with cargo
The direction of the bow was switched and ready to embark on.

– Hey, Eiji-kun.
– What?
– No, it’s not like I don’t believe you, but, is it really possible for us to go upstream?
– Fernando-san, have you ever swam in a river?
– I guess there were times like that.
– Then, were you able to advance when swimming against the river?
– Yeah, I was.
– In that case, it’s simple to understand it’s possible for us to go upstream, you see. If you can swim against the river, then it’s the same for the boat.
Fernando seemed to be anxious.
Even if he understood what Eiji said, going upstream with a boat was hard for him to imagine no matter what.
Fernando would take control of the rudder and Fran would raise up the anchors.
Eiji quickly spread the sail and operated the oar.

– Well then, we are moving. The wind is okay!
– The rudder is okay!
– Raise up the anchors!
– We are departing!
As the anchors were raised up, the boat received some recoil from the added weight.
The boat gradually moved as it began to leave the coast.
Receiving the wind in its sail, the boat produced a dull sound.
At the beginning, it was really slow.

And then, the boat advanced steadily and favorably.
The distance between Marina and Auman could be covered within a day.
Despite the terrain being the same, the outlook was quite different.

– Well, we are getting close to Auman.
– Fran, soon we will be reaching your place, so be prepared. Sigh…… even though we hurried ourselves, it will still become a problem, won’t it?
– We don’t know. The only thing we can do at that time will be to apologize in all sincerity.
– Don’t worry! Fran did it because she wanted to.
– Hey hey, there are some people waiting there again.
– They’re Dylan-san and Chiara-san……

As soon as Eiji and the rest came alongside the riverbank, they dropped the anchors.
This time again, Dylan and Chiara arrived to welcome them under strange circ.u.mstances.
There was a considerable distance from the river to the village.
If it was not for them waiting here everyday, it would be, by no means, a coincidental meeting.
Eiji looked at Fran’s face. On which, there was no sign of surprise visible.

– Fran, can Dylan-san and Chiara-san communicate with horses as well?
– Not to Fran’s knowledge?.
– Then, how did they know despite Fran not being here?
– Perhaps Gyusu called them.
– Is it possible to treat a horse’s call as an information about our arrival?
Fernando-san, can you believe it?
– I do.
– Still, I can’t place my trust on that….

As one would expect, was such a thing possible?
It isn’t something doable unless you completely have your faith in the senses of a horse.
Could it be that a family living together with horses had this much trust placed in their horses?
As soon as Eiji and the rest disembarked, Dylan and Chiara dashed toward them.

– Dylan-san, we are here to return your daughter.
– Fran! Just when we were worried about your whereabouts, you went out with them!?
– Thank G.o.d…… I’m glad you were safe.
– Since we knew about your personality, we usually wouldn’t be that worried, but, because Gyusu was left at home this time… you had us scared. You should’ve told us before departing.
– I’m sorry.

Dylan and Chiara embraced Fran.
Chiara was trembling, so she was most likely pretty much worried.
Eiji felt like he truly did something inexcusable. Perhaps, he should’ve returned Fran that time.

– I’m truly sorry. I thought about hurrying up with her return after we had finished lodging.
– No, it seems that my daughter has caused you trouble on your boat.
– Once we noticed, she was already with us. We were debating on whether or not we should return her immediately, but, we also had our next destination ahead of us, so……
– I can imagine that, since she disappeared right after Yun and Yan had left the village. A long time ago, Fran would wander off many times.
– I told Eiji that I wanted him to let me sail together.

Once Eiji bowed down, Fran began with her explanation.
Dylan shot a fish eye glare in her direction.
It was as though Fran’s body turned stiff within a moment.

– Fran, inform me before you intend to go out.
– Sorry.
– Good grief, don’t make us worry.
– Sorry, Mama.
– After that, you need a good lecturing.
– Auu…..

Chiara showered Fran with her kisses,
Eiji didn’t know how far she reflected on her actions; nevertheless, the problem seemed to be no longer relevant to him.
However, if possible, he wanted it to happen only this time.
Though Fran caused few problems during this trip, the most important thing would still be sincerity.
Eiji felt relieved.

————

As soon as their water supply was restored, they prepared to resume their sailing.
With just food and water supplies for their return trip, Eiji and Fernando had no intention of making any long stays.

– See you, Eiji! Fer!
– Yeah. Treat your parents well, got it? Dylan-san, how was the saw?
– I tried it out right away, and the work became truly convenient. I’ve already managed to make shelves and a desk.
– Is that so? I’m glad.

Gently waving back toward Fran, who was waving broadly with a smile on her face, Eiji asked for Dylan’s impression about the saw.
If feasible, Eiji wanted to ask for an impression from every single village; nonetheless, it was probably better to leave it for the next time.
Was Fernando thinking about arranging a carpenter for Auman? A hard expression surfaced on his face.

– Regarding a carpenter, I'll figure out something later.
– Before, I tried to invite Eiji enthusiastically, but what about you, Fernando? Won’t you come to Auman and join us?
– No, thank you for your consideration, even so, I’ve got lots of things to do. Maybe I should forward you somebody from our village….. perhaps, my subordinate, Thomas? …..Still, I am unable to make a prompt decision.
– Yes, I don’t mind. I'm greatly looking forward to that. Hopefully, I can count on you before my house falls down.

At Dylan, who was smirking, Fernando replied with a smile.
——-

The boat has been progressing for 2 days.
Eiji and Fernando wanted to advance while depending on the moonlight during night as well, however, they gave up as there was the fear of running aground.
As they continued their sailing from the early morning, they finally reached the halfway point.

– Looks like the wind is gone, isn’t it?
– Shall we disembark the horses and prepare for pulling?
– Who’s going to come down?
– I’ll keep my eye of the rudder. Eiji-kun, take care of the horses.
– Got it. Stop the boat for a moment.

Eiji landed Yan and Yun from the boat.
It seemed that the top of the ground, which gave a sense of stability, was more rea.s.suring than the top of a shaking boat. For that reason, the horses trembled repeatedly and moved their legs back and forth while making sure of the surface below them.
He put belts on the horses and tied them with a rope in front. The belts were chest-type ones, called harnesses, used to attach plows and harrows.
The boat and the horses were connected.

– Excellent, let's move forward. Fernando-san, raise the anchors! It’s fine not to spread the sail. If we don't pay attention to small adjustments, it will be dangerous.
– Understood!
– Yan, Yun. I’m relying on you. If you are troubled, don’t hesitate in telling me.

Eiji spoke while looking in their eyes.
Yun and Yan’s big pupils were glittering and shining as they gazed at Eiji.
Perhaps, they can understand one’s emotions when staring fixedly at that person’s eyes….
Was that really so?
Nevertheless, Eiji didn’t plan to be forcible.
Were he to exhaust these horses with hard labor, he would probably feel very sorry for them.
The boat once again started to progress

They would take a considerable break every hour.
When the horses became tired, they would even rest for 30 minutes.
Anyway, it was essential to return back steadily without wearing them out.

However, this speed was clearly dull.
At this rate, their journey would take them 120% longer.

Were Yun and Yan exhausted from their daily pulling job? – Eiji thought.
However, he soon noticed it wasn’t true.
As they continued to approach the highlands, the river stream became clearly fast.
The water wheel in Siena would move with an unusual power.
Even the river’s flow toward Tal was remarkably quick.
Eiji forgot that the upper river was quite strong.

– Fernando-san, once you can leave the rudder still, please come down and help me.
– Understood. I’ll be there immediately.
– Yan, Yun, are you okay?

Wearing leather gloves, Eiji pulled the rope next to him
the gloves were obtained through a trade. Even if Eiji was to make a mistake, he wouldn’t get injured.
Holding the rope, he could feel the resistance pa.s.sing through his hands.
Incredible, so they were pulling a heavy thing like this.

Carrying the rope on his shoulder, Eiji walked forward.

Placing it from his hands to his back, Eiji could feel the profound weight of the boat.
Each time he stepped on the pebbles, his steps would produce a sound.
Following that, Fernando dashed over to support Eiji.

– Let’s go, Fernando-san. Fight!
– Hm?
– That was the signal to start!
– I don’t get what you’re saying!
– d.a.m.n, this is indeed heavy.

Could it be that commercial slangs don’t work?
Making a wry smile, he continued to diligently pull the rope.

———

– We have arrived
– Really?
– You'll probably remember once you see it, it’s the watermill.
– Ah, I’m glad….. Both my shoulders and lower back are already at their limit.

It was a long trip.
Both the horses and the people were exhausted.
Eiji thought that the first part of their trip went a little bit too smooth; nevertheless, it seemed to be canceled out by this.
As much as he would look, Fernando’s face returned to its original shape as well.

They both gave up on approaching near the coast from which they first departed.
If it’s near Eiji’s workshop, the boat shouldn’t cause a big problem.
I’ll recover it another day. – He thought.

Having the familiar scenery in front of them, they lost strength.
It didn’t look like they would move a step more.

– Finally, we have arrived, haven’t we?
– Yeah. Guess I’ll have to figure out how to return for the next time.
– Good grief.

Eiji felt like agreeing with Fernando.
I wonder if, starting next time, we should cease going together on the trade expeditions. – He thought.

Chapter 73 – After the Return (first part)

Once the cargo was disembarked from the boat, Eiji fully loaded the wheelbarrow with rice bags and advanced his way back to home.
With this, we will be able to savor rice each day from now on.
While thinking so, a smile formed naturally on his expression.
In order not to be considered a weirdo, Eiji needed an immense amount of effort so as to control his emotion.
Despite saying so, everyone seemed to be busy as he didn’t meet anyone along the way.

Everything remained the same since his departure from the village.
Has it been just a little over a month? Eiji felt nostalgia welling up inside him.
The door of his house was opened wide.
In this neighborhood, people had no sense of crime prevention. As such, his door being opened was not out of place.
Even though houses were distributed between each household, most of these families were like branches of a larger one.

I wonder if Tanya-san has been doing fine?
Hiding his footsteps, Eiji entered inside the house so as to surprise Tanya a little bit.
Because the door and the louver windows were opened, the interior was bright thanks to the sunlight flowing in.
He quickly discovered Tanya’s appearance in the right side of their home, near the part with the barn.
Compared to one month earlier, her tummy had grown bigger.
It was already the seventh month for her.
Eiji wanted Tanya to start resting soon; nevertheless, despite thinking so, he was the one who had put her in charge of house-sitting, so he couldn’t firmly express what he thinks.
Despite her receiving aid from the neighbors, there were lots of tasks she had to do, such as cooking and washing.
Using her slow movements, Tanya was also taking care of their livestock.
There were many things, like collecting animals feces in order to maintain hygiene, supplying livestock with water and fodder, and simple grooming of animals.
Right now, she was giving food to b.u.t.ton.
While moving her hands, Tanya spoke toward b.u.t.ton.

– b.u.t.ton, Eiji-san is surely late, isn’t he?
– Puhi!
– It’s lonesome to sleep alone during night.
– Puhi Puhi!
– You’re saying that you’re with me? Thank you, but I guess b.u.t.ton won’t become a replacement.
– Puhi……
– Did I make you feel down? Sorry for that. I’m glad that Eiji-san strives as a worker, but, feeling lonely just because he can't be next to me due to his job feels complicated.

Seeing Tanya, who was speaking to b.u.t.ton with a gloomy face, Eiji couldn’t bring himself to call out to her.
He knew that he would make her feel lonely, but not to this extent.
Eiji felt he wasn't considerate enough.
To think that Eiji would make her like this while he was simply enjoying doing trade with new villages and making discoveries.
Keeping silent, Eiji waited for Tanya’s next words.

– This won’t do. If Eiji-san finds out that I’m sad like this, he will start paying more attention. I’ve got to make sure that he can leave home in a positive and relieved mood. After all, protecting one’s home is a woman’s job.

Fine, let’s become lively!
Seeing the appearance of Tanya becoming aware and turning energetic, Eiji couldn’t bring himself to play a prank on her now.
Not being aware of Eiji’s presence, Tanya’s words were most likely genuine.
Were he to pay attention and decide to return back tomorrow, Tanya would probably notice his true motif sooner or later even if she was to be happy at first.

He himself wasn't the type of person that would be glad from becoming someone else's hindrance.
Reflecting a bit more on what a family is, Eiji felt he had to strive to do better in his work, far more than ever before.
That, should be possibly the best return gift from him towards Tanya’s expectation.

Not feeling like he can leave, Eiji went back to the entryway while hiding the sound of his footsteps.
He took a deep breath and calmed himself down.
I’ll pretend that I didn’t see and make it looks like I’ve just returned.

– I’m back!
– Eiji-san?! Welcome back.

Tanya, who was pregnant, rushed over to the entrance with a quick pace.
And then, lightly hugged Eiji immediately after approaching him.

– Welcome back. Thank you for your trouble during this long trip.
– I’m home. Weren’t you lonely while I was away for a long time?
– I’ve been doing fine thanks to everyone treating me well.

Hearing the words from Tanya who was acting firm, Eiji felt an unmanageable sensation gushing inside his chest,
He thought he was already loving this person plenty enough.
Despite that, Eiji fell more and more affectionate toward her.
I’ll make her happy. – he thought.

– Is that so? I was feeling lonely, but…
– Eh? really? So Eiji-san is a person that becomes easily isolated. Still, I really wanted to meet you. Being able to see Eiji-san’s face makes me glad.

Tanya and Eiji embraced each other for a while.
After the two of them gently put their lips together and made sure of each other’s warmth, they slowly separated.
Tanya suddenly noticed the rice bags.

– What is this big luggage?
– These are the best result of this time’s trip.
– Oh my, what’s inside of them?
– It’s rice. It’s considered the main diet in my country. Even if it's just partially, it seems that I can have Tanya-san. as well, savor the previously mentioned dishes from my hometown.
– I’m looking forward to that. But, is it possible to eat all of these?

Tanya’s concern was understandable.
Despite saying that they were trade products for personal use, all of the rice, which he exchanged for, were his.
An amount of rice which consists of 100 kilos is probably not something that can be easily finished.
Providing that they both consume it together, it will be 50 kilos for each of them.
This much would be roughly equivalent to 80% of a yearly amount for an average person in modern j.a.pan.
In other words, a.s.suming that wheat remains their main diet, they won’t finish off the rice even within a single year.

– Once we know of any delicious food preparation using this rice, shall we share with the people from our neighborhood?
– You don’t know of any food preparation?
– I wonder about that…

He felt hesitant in his reply.
Eiji used to have everything prepared automatically by his rice cooker, therefore, he didn’t know of any cooking method concerning rice.
His only experience of cooking rice with a fire with cooking utensils was his memory of the distant past when he attended his outdoor school.
What’s more, if possible, Eiji wanted to eat rice after he crafts an iron pot instead of using cooking utensils.
Even though the rice variety was different, there was probably no food that couldn’t be eaten after cooking.
Being able to make things comfortably at any time might just be the biggest side benefit of being a blacksmith.
It’s a job that allows one to move from one place to another, and make things whenever they’re needed.

– As soon as you learn any method of rice cooking, please teach me. I too, will do my best to come up with something and make a tasty food.
– I’m looking forward to that.

Eiji decided to depend on Tanya’s kind proposal.

——————

Later, while having a meal, Eiji talked with Tanya about interesting events that took place during his trip.
Tanya’s homemade cooking fell behind in comparison with what he had on his trip due to raw materials; nevertheless, the taste, which he was used to, and the calm atmosphere gave him the feeling that the food was more delicious than anything else.
I guess, taste isn’t something that can be sensed with just the tongue – Eiji thought.
After finishing their dinner and presenting Tanya with some souvenirs, Eiji went to sleep immediately.
He lost a lot of stamina from his return by upstream.
If he was to have a slow discussion, then perhaps it would be after he recovers his energy the following day.
Starting from the next time, it will probably be more efficient to set up a stop in their middle way and carry in luggage using land routes.
Or rather, I certainly want to do it. – He thought.
Again it will require efforts from the villagers, however, for the sake of performing regular trades, it should be incorporated as the next idea for improvement.

Once Eiji slept overnight and recovered his stamina, he moved toward tribal chief’s house.
There were lots of things he had to talk about, such as giving a report of this time’s trade, discussing present countermeasures, and suggesting points that need to be improved from now on.
As soon as this is over, Eiji will finally be able to head toward his workshop and ask for the details from his disciples.
He looked forward to how much Pietro, Dante, and the others had grown over the past month.
Eiji wanted to finish this bothersome report as fast as possible.

Inside the house of the tribal chief, all the village executives lined up.
Besides the tribal chief, Bona, there were Mike, Jane, Philip, Giorgio, and Bernardo.
And then, this time, Tanya too was partic.i.p.ating as a listener.
Eiji had heard before that Tanya had received lessons as the tribal chief’s granddaughter, so it wouldn’t be that strange; nevertheless, it was perhaps the proof that this time’s negotiation was of importance.
Indeed, it’s troublesome – Eiji changed his way of looking at things.
– Well then, has everyone gathered?
– Fernando-san hasn’t arrived yet?
– Sorry for making you wait.
– You just came at just the right moment. Then, let’s begin the meeting without delay. What you exported for the trade were furs; textiles; leather products, such as leather belts and leather boots; iron-made tools; blankets; and woolen goods. Was there anything else besides these?
– We also brought alcohol and soap.
– I guess it was so. And then, what you obtained were all high grade products, like olive oil, salt, spices, horses, gold and silver tableware, correct? To think that, in this one trip, you would yield the equivalent of this village’s annual revenue in foodstuff alone……..
Having a dumbfounded expression, yet being unable to suppress her joy, a smile appeared near her mouth as she uttered.
The other members have probably not yet realized what Eiji and Fernando acquired.
Putting a similarly shocked expression, they began to talk with the people next to them.
The only ones who were calmly grasping the situation were Bona and Tanya.

– They’re Horses. Wifey, I wonder which ones are more handsome between ours and Jean’s.
– Who knows. I could care little as long they will help with our labor. With this, the land reclamation will progress, won’t it?
– Right right. If we don’t treasure them, it won’t do. Don’t you think so, Ber?
– Giorgio, you can take care of them, right-be?
– Obviously, I can.

The horses were the center of attention.
Since horses were unusually expensive, they were probably objects of adoration.
It was decided that once a stable is quickly erected, Bernardo and Giorgio will be looking after the horses.
Bona, who kept a short distance from the hustle and bustle, seemed to prefer observing this village’s affairs with a calm att.i.tude til the end.

– Well then, can I have you tell me about what we need to improve from now on, and what you have noticed? Also, if there are any agreement you have made during your trip, can you report it to me?
– Fernando-san?
– I’ll explain regarding the carpenter’s stuff. About the promises you made, it should be fine for you to report.
– Understood.

Then, what kind of promises did I make?
To begin with, Eiji recalled villages which he visited.
First, they went to Tal.
Then, they sailed to Mostori where they met with Pierro.
After that, they were welcomed at the river by a party of people, and lastly, received a warm reception from the village of Marina.
….Til here, there should be no mistake about the journey.

I guess a piece of paper would be desirable at times like this. – he thought.
Was a parchment supposed to be made from a goat’s skin just like its name suggests?
Next time, I’ll try asking if there is any ink or parchment.

– The first problem will be whether or not we should tell Tal about the manufacturing method of the distilled alcohol. Provided we do, what will be the equivalent value for that?
– Eiji, what’s your opinion?
– In this village, there are no redundant people. I think I wouldn’t mind telling them on some conditions.
– Fumu……if possible, we would rather monopolize the alcohol, but… So what are the conditions?
– We could request them to send us a regular amount of foodstuff, like wheat, each year. Or perhaps, we can possibly have them make drugs from the distilled alcohol at the same time and determine Siena as their first trading partner?
– What’s your motif behind that?
– It will increase the population of people in the villages. What’s more, improving living? conditions, as well as decreasing famine and illnesses will be the first step toward strengthening the capacity of the villages.
– Fumu, furthermore, if we alone get our hands on lots of foodstuff, we won’t starve. As for me, I’ve no objections. How about the rest?

Bona looked around to the surrounding people.
Philip, Tanya, Bernardo, and Giorgio nodded without showing any protest.
On the other hand, Jane was pondering about something, and Mike suddenly raised his hand.

– Yes, yes. I do.
– What?
– There’s no problem in us making our own alcohol after telling them the method, right?
– In the end, it’s just the method that we will pa.s.s.
– Then, I’ve no complaint.
– Tribal chief, may I?
– It’s fine, Jane, you may talk.
– I don’t particularly mind about telling them the method, but it won’t be funny if the alcohol is recklessly ma.s.s produced. Is there any equipment required for making it?
– There is.
– Then, how about we sell them the equipment without telling them how to make it?
– That’s a good idea.

I see – Eiji thought.
With this it's possible to control the amount of production, and therefore, continue their business management.
It will be as also easier and more natural to impose conditions, so there doesn’t seem to be any problem.
– Eiji, what do you think?
– Understood. Just like Jane-san said, it’s probably better to sell them the still each time.
– I guess this matter has been settled. How about your business outside Tal?
– No, there wasn’t particularly….ah, there was.
– What?
– It’s a talk which puts n.a.z.ioni in the center, about the ruler. Because it’s also related to Mostori, I’d like to bring up this whole topic for discussion later.
– Is that so? Excellent, then please continue.
– Yes

There were lots of issues they had to decide on.
It looks like the meeting will take a while.