Chapter 9: Sworn to the Catena
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In this context, I would like to refer to her as Omi, in accordance with her own wishes.
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Omi, entrusted by Ichiro to take care of Kuroe and Kuroa, the Tezoro Brothers, remained in the Old Capital (Bienetta) alongside Anon. Anon, eager to discuss matters as comrades in the Sealed Domain, was filled with determination. However, both Kuroe, the Clan Master, and Kuroa, the Vice Master, remained unconscious in the Infirmary, showing no signs of waking.
Frustrated and burdened with other tasks, Anon implored Omi, “I’m sorry, but would you mind taking care of the two of them?” Without a hint of displeasure, Omi replied with a firm expression, “Leave it to me. You should focus on your own responsibilities.” Yet, she soon regretted her decision.
After all, she had always struggled with silence and had a somewhat restless personality.
To distract herself, she began to perform radio calisthenics, despite being in the Infirmary, and then transitioned into a graceful dance. Just as she finished, she hummed a popular Japanese tune while mimicking the gesture of wiping a window—engaging in a solitary play that would raise eyebrows if seen by a third party.
As she sighed inwardly, “I wish they would wake up soon,” she suddenly sensed a presence stirring from the bed. Kuroe was beginning to awaken, and Omi’s face softened with a smile.
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“Have you awakened, Kuroe?”
“You are—”
“Just as you are. Don’t force yourself to get up.”
She was concerned for Kuroe, who was trying to sit up too quickly.
“No, this is necessary. Omi-san.”
Kuroe sat up, her expression filled with warmth.
“What is it?”
“First, I want to apologize for initially brushing off your request so coldly.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“And thank you for helping Kuroa.”
Kuroe bowed deeply, exposing the nape of her neck.
“It truly doesn’t matter… But if you wish to apologize—”
Omi’s expression turned playful, resembling a mischievous cat.
“Please say ‘thank you’ to the Son-in-law.”
You hadn’t said it yet, had you? She smiled alluringly.
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“I promise. I will express my gratitude to him.”
Omi nodded in satisfaction at Kuroe’s response.
“By the way, who exactly is he—Row?”
“I can only say that the ‘Son-in-law’ is the ‘Son-in-law.'”
Omi chuckled lightly, “He possesses a rare item that even royalty cannot obtain, and he uses it generously without hesitation. Moreover, he claims he doesn’t want any rewards. I would have gladly offered everything I have if he wished for it—”
“Regardless of what the Son-in-law is, such trivial matters do not define a person. After all, everyone carries one or two things they cannot share with others, right?”
“Indeed… That is true.”
A shadow crossed Kuroe’s face. Normally, she wouldn’t have shown such an expression over something so minor. However, given her current state of mental exhaustion, Kuroe inadvertently wore a bitter look.
“Kuroe, what the Son-in-law needs most right now is not wealth or fame. What he truly requires is a trustworthy relationship, something that is essential for someone as worn out as he is.”
And so, Omi continued.
“Please be an ally to the Son-in-law. I can vouch for his character. He may be a fool, but he is not foolish; he is a genuinely kind-hearted person.”
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Kuroe called for her subordinate to bring the sword that had been left in the office.
“This sword is the Demon Sword Catena.”
Omi’s unexpected statement took Kuroe by surprise, causing her to gasp.
“And this is the Unique Catena? I’m astonished. I’ve only seen the Craft Catena once… So that’s why it’s associated with such a dangerous thing as the Eightfold Curse—”
As she spoke, Omi seemed to have an epiphany and clapped her hands together.
“Why do you know that—”
Kuroe swallowed her words midway and shook her head three times.
“No, I won’t pry further.”
“Kuroe, you and the others have certainly endured considerable hardship.”
At that point, Omi’s mischievous side sparked an idea. She lifted the corners of her lips in a playful smirk.
“Now, Sleeping Beauty—”
“Wha—!!”
Hearing this, Kuroe flustered, took a deep breath, and managed to calm herself. Omi beamed like a child who had successfully played a prank.
“Ahem, it’s fine. Omi-san, you should understand how important this sword is to me. This sword is a part of me.”
I saw the Azure Flame ignite in Kuroe’s eyes.
“Therefore, I swear on this Catena! No matter what hardships Row may face in the future, I will stand by him and lend him my strength, even if it costs me my life!”
Kuroe declared, raising the drawn sword high. Omi watched with satisfaction as the moment unfolded.
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This interlude has come to an end, and the next chapter will focus on the protagonist’s side of the story.