In other words, there was no trace of serious grooming anywhere on her body.

Neither wearing jewelry nor makeup.

It felt like it was time, so I changed my clothes, tightened my clogs, and then went out.

However... it happened to be this simple-looking woman who made Kinoshita Mai gain a rate of return that was hard to experience in ordinary times - and this was just because she stood beside him...

In terms of appearance, although Sanako is more beautiful, Kinoshita Mai is not much worse than her.

But in terms of temperament, they are far apart.

In terms of temperament, Kinoshita Mai is just an extremely ordinary girl.

Because she is introverted and not good at communicating with others, she exudes a gloomy aura from time to time.

As for Sanako...she doesn't need to say more.

No matter where she appears, she is the most eye-catching shining presence, like the elegant moonlight in the dark night.

After looking at Sanako for a few more times, Kinoshita Mai silently looked away, a looming darkness flashed in her eyes, her shoulders tightened, her right hand raised, tightening the skirt of her kimono, and her eyes unconsciously looked in front of her toes.

of ground.

"……What’s wrong with you?"

Sanako noticed something strange about Kinoshita Mai and asked aloud:

"Why do you look so depressed all of a sudden?"

She never thought that her abnormal state would be discovered by the other party, nor did she expect that the other party would ask her... Kinoshita Mai, who was suddenly pulled into the "encounter", hesitated:

"I...I...nothing...just thinking about things..."

Kinoshita Mai, who didn't want to talk more about the matter, abruptly changed the topic:

"Ah, by the way, it's a rare opportunity now. Tell me - what did you want to talk to me about before?"

A look of confusion appeared on Sanako's cheeks.

"What do you mean by 'What did you want to talk to me about before'? Have I ever talked to you before?"

The confused expression shifted to Kinoshita Mai's face.

"Didn't you really want to chat with me a while ago? On the day when Qingto challenged the martial arts school, Miss Okita said that you had been lingering in the same place and wanted to come over to chat with me, but you were hesitant."

Before Kinoshita Mai finished speaking, Sanako staggered and almost fell to the ground.

When she stabilized her figure, she immediately said quickly:

"Nah, that, those are all lies from the Chief Secretary!"

"I, the reason why I was wandering not far from you was because...because...because I was bored, so I took a walk in place!"

"As for being so close to you...it's just a coincidence!"

"I didn't notice your existence until the general manager came to you and played with you."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't even know you were not far from me."

Looking at Sanako who was explaining hastily, Kinoshita Mai blinked, her expression gradually becoming complicated and unspeakable.

After a while, she turned her head away and murmured:

"Is that so...I thought you didn't actually hate me..."

Although her voice was as soft as a mosquito's moan, Sanako still clearly heard her emotion because the two were so close.

Suddenly, Sanako's eyes flickered, and he looked at the girl in red in front of him, and then at the ground at his feet, with an expression on his face that he was hesitant to speak.

At this moment, Kinoshita Mai suddenly raised her head:

"Huh! Forget it! Anyway, I don't have time to chat with you now! I'm busy!"

After saying that, she cast a look that seemed to show off to Sanako.

For some reason, being given such a look by Kinoshita Mai made Sanako feel inexplicably irritated.

Driven by this irritability, she also snorted coldly and said:

"That's a coincidence, I don't have time to chat with you!"

Then, provocative looks appeared on their pretty faces.

Immediately afterwards, they shouted in unison:

"Tachibana-kun is waiting for me!"

"Qingden is waiting for me!"

quiet……

An indescribable silence enveloped the two of them.

…

…

Edo, Koishikawa Kohinata Yanagi Town, Imperial Guard Hall, Hall——

"Tea, please."

The chief butler of the Shinsengumi - Inoue Genzaburo - handed the freshly brewed hot tea to the knees of Kondo Isamu's biological brother...Miyagawa Otogoro.

"Oh! Brother Inoue, thank you very much!"

Miyagawa Otongoro raised his smile, showing his healthy teeth.

He and Isamu Kondo are indeed brothers from the same father and mother, and both have mouths big enough to fit into a fist.

He grabbed the tea cup and took a big sip without fear of burning it.

"Oh! What a tea! So delicious!"

As he spoke, he licked his lips, raised the glass again, and drank it all in one gulp.

Miyagawa Otogoro's appearance is a very standard "peasant face".

He has an unkempt beard and a very dark, rough face due to his long association with the sun and strong wind.

In addition to his appearance, his behavior is also full of roughneck style.

I'm not used to sitting on my knees, so I cross my legs covered with stubborn dirt, but that's understandable. Aoden, Souji and others don't like to sit on their knees either.

After passing the tea, Genzaburo Inoue sat back next to Isamu Kondo. In addition to the two of them, there were also Hijikata Toizo and Soji - both of whom were familiar with Miyagawa Otonoro.

From a legal point of view, Kondo Isamu, who has long been the adopted son of the Kondo family, and Miyagawa Otogorō are no longer brothers.

Moreover, whether it is identity or social status, the two of them are now worlds apart.

But... even though he has reached great heights, Kondo Isamu has never treated his relatives and friends in his hometown differently.

He has always had a close connection with Tama (the hometown of Isamu Kondo, Toshizo Hijikata and Genzaburo Inoue), especially his deep friendship with his brother.

Miyagawa Otogoro was invited to attend the recent "Inheritance Ceremony for the Fourth Generation Head of the Natural Rishin-ryu Clan" and the more recent wedding of Isamu Kondo.

"Hmm? Where is Mr. Tachibana? Why didn't you see him?"

Miyagawa Otongoro looked around and asked.

The Director-General replied:

"He went out. He said he was going to pick up something from Mr. Sheng."

"Mr. Katsu?"

This time it’s Hijikata Toshisan who answers:

"That's the minister who is currently responsible for organizing the navy and building battleships, Katsurin Taro."

"Oh... the navy and battleships..."

Miyagawa Otongoro nodded thoughtfully.

Coming from a farmer's background, he didn't quite understand what "navy" and "battleship" meant, but it turned out to be that.

At this time, Kondo Isamu interrupted:

"Brother, what's the matter with your unexpected visit today?"

"Oh, it's nothing serious, I just wanted to give you something!"

"Send something?"

Miyagawa Otongoro put on an energetic expression and a spirited tone.

"A Sheng, I bought you a unique knife!"

*******

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Please give me a monthly vote! Please give me a recommendation vote! (Leopard Head Cries) At the expense of the last leave request of this month, the update time of this book has finally become normal (Leopard Head Cries)

Those who are usually very introverted and socially anxious often have rich inner activities - Leopard Leopard said this empathetically.
Chapter completed!