The Reason I'm Here

Hey! That's...!

Komachi? I have to get in there!

Hey now, hero!

It's Komachi's fight, don't be rude. That's an insult to her craft!

Dammit...! Let's get outta here!

Aldo, hello! This is a surprise.

I was just passing through. Nice work with the spear back there, by the way.

No, I overextended by two moves, I must continue to refine my technique.

Diligent as ever.

Hello. I don't think we've met...

Call me Pio! I serve in the Unigan Guard alongside Komachi. Pleasure to meet you.

Likewise. I'm Aldo, a traveling swordsman. Are you out on a job?

Yes! We're escorting the lady here to Unigan from Rinde.

I'll come with you. These roads can be pretty dangerous.

Much appreciated!

Are you all right, miss? This way, if you please...

Unigan! Safe and sound.

Thank you, dears. Oh, I hope I'm not imposing on my son and his family, coming all this way...

Of course not! A child's heart always leaps for joy at the sight of their mother.

Hee-hee... Were only all children like you. Are you and your own mother close?

Unfortunately, my mother passed away when I was quite young, so my memories of her are faint. I can't imagine she's too pleased with me, though! I've hardly been a dutiful daughter, and fled the family home.

Oh my... Forgive me. I shouldn't have assumed.

It's quite all right! You're certain you don't need an escort to your son's home?

Oh no, this is far enough. Thank you all so much.

It would be no trouble in the slightest. The streets can be quite...

Come on now, you heard the lady! Consider yourself off-duty. Let's get going!

Psst. You two, over here!

You're here! I'm so glad you arrived safely...

I'm sorry we couldn't come fetch you ourselves. The journey wasn't too tiring...?

Not at all. The Guard were so attentive. Why, when we were on the road...

Come on, grammy! Let's go home!

Yes, yes. Lead the way, dear.

Looks like they've headed off. Sorry, Komachi, if we'd stuck around, her son and his family would've felt like they had to entertain us. Why put them on edge? No sense getting in the way of the reunion.

It is I who should apologize. You noticed her family was nearby searching for her, didn't you? I regret that I wasn't as observant. I clearly have much to improve...

Hey, no big deal! Since we're finished, I'm going to go and report this to headquarters.

We should all get dinner after this! I'll meet you at the tavern?

Right. Let's wait for her there.

Komachi...?

Komachi! It IS you, thank heavens!

Impossible... What are you doing here?!

This is such a relief! I wasn't sure I'd even be able to find you in the city...

Someone you know, Komachi?

Yes, as I have mentioned... This is Fukaku. The foolish gentleman who believes himself to be my betrothed.

Must you be so harsh? I hardly deserve it. Your father, Lord Henjoh himself has approved the match...

Oh. You there. Might I ask...what is your relationship to the young lady?

(This is perfect! If he believes Aldo and I are involved, he might finally quit pestering me!)

Ahem! Yes, allow me to introduce...

Aldo, a traveling companion of Komachi's. It's nice to meet you.

I...see. Right. The pleasure is all mine.

(Aldo! You honest fool!)

What business brings you all the way to Unigan?

Searching for you. I happen to have come with your Lord father. ...It is his wish to bring you home, so we can proceed with our arrangements.

You...what?!

The long boat journey was taxing on him, and he is resting at our accommodations in Rinde. He will be calling upon you here tomorrow.

He need not bother! I will go nowhere!

It's what your Lord father has decided. And if I'm to understand...a promise was also made to your late mother. When do you plan on facing your responsibilities?

......

I must get back to Rinde. I wanted only to give my regards before coming with your father. I look forward to having you back with us. Please make what preparations you need. I suspect he will wish to depart right away.

What should I do, Aldo?!

Let's try to stay calm for now. Why don't we head on to the tavern, and see what Pio thinks?

Y-Yes! A s-samurai...must remain level-headed at all times..

(She's shaking like a leaf...)

Playing the "family first" card, are they? Same old spiel... And they want you home TOMORROW?! Honestly, can't they appreciate that you've built a life here?

Having dealt with a similar situation...what do you advise?

What do you mean?

Well, like me, Pio came here from the east... She's from quite the distinguished family, in fact.

Right. But I cut ties with all that nonsense! I wasn't going to make it through another dreadful matchmaking session.

Same exact situation, then.

If push comes to shove, you gotta throw your parents' expectations to the wind, I say! It's the only way to live free and happy, best decision I ever made.

...I could be less busy at work, though. Did you know Komachi here will sign us up for literally any old job?

It is a warrior's duty to help those in need.

Very noble. Isn't that "warrior family honor" the whole reason you're in this mess? What do YOU want to do, Komachi?

I...do not want to bind myself to a person I don't know or care for! I want to send that insufferable man packing! Is there no way we can persuade him to leave me alone?

Wouldn't it be easiest to just tell him you've found someone else here? You just need a guy friend to play the part for a bit.

Or...maybe not. I get the feeling Aldo here would make a terrible actor.

He's hopeless! He has already proven himself unsuited to the task.

Ouch... I can't deny it, though.

We'll need a plan B... I know! Why don't I seduce him? He hasn't seen me with you yet, he'd have no idea! And don't worry. I know how to turn on the charm. If his lordship saw his precious little son-in-law turn his head over me? Bam! Engagement over.

And if he really falls for you? He can be quite persistent...

It's fine, I know how to handle guys like him. Just you watch, I'll have him wrapped around my finger!

Are you sure about this, Komachi?

You think it won't work?

No, just... I'm surprised you'd go through with something so dishonest.

......

It is not merely the choice of betrothed that I object to. The things I've experienced in my time away from home have only shown me how much I have yet to learn about this world.

I know I can excel as a member of the Unigan Guard! I want to be a real help to the people of this town! The east is my home, but there are many things I still wish to do in this land. So much I need to achieve before I can return.

If that's how you feel, you ought to tell him that.

You...have not met my father. He thinks me naive. It will be difficult to get a man like that to take me seriously. The reason I left home in the first place was that he and I just could not see eye to eye. Even now, I worry I won't be able to face him, when the time comes...

...... Hey, you don't have to decide right away, y'know? It's a big leap to make.

She's right. We have until tomorrow at least. Take some time to think it over. I could head over to Rinde, if you want, and try to see what your dad's up to.

I'll tag along. If we're lucky, there could be a chance to start buttering up our suitor.

I...please. Let me come as well.

Are you crazy? You do realize what will happen if they see you, right?

I would not reveal myself! Obviously! I could prepare a disguise... I just...wish to understand what my father and Fukaku are thinking.

You'd better know what you're doing... Please tell me you at least have a disguise in mind.

If we're doing this, we'd better go now. Let's get over to Rinde!

She really cares about you, doesn't she? It's nice to see someone go so far for a friend.

Yes! She is very reliable, and it's been nice to have a companion who understands my background. Getting on with her has come naturally. We have our differences, but always seem to understand each other well.

Though...something has been troubling me about her. She claims she did not come to Migleina by boat.

Huh? Then how did she...

She said that while fleeing home, she encountered a peculiar sort of hole in the nearby woods... ...She was pulled in, and then found herself on the Serena Coast.

But that means...

What's more, when we were growing acquainted, I noticed she seemed strangely out of touch. She was practically clueless about trends and happenings in the east, even from just the past few years.

Do you think...she came here from the past? If she stumbled on a wormhole...

I can hardly believe I'm saying so...but yes. I do. With all that I've seen on our travels, I'm forced to consider such things possible.

What're you two doing back there? We gotta go!

Let us speak of this another time. Quickly, to Rinde!

Well? How do I look?

Just perfect. They'll be none the wiser.

Good, you made it! So I asked at the inn, and it sounds like they just left for dinner. If we head to the tavern and snag a nearby table, we might be able to do a little eavesdropping.

Is that him?

Yes. Lord Henjoh...my father.

And that's your fiancé with him? Hey, at least he's not bad on the eyes!

Anyway! Aldo, he's seen you before, so you need to stay hidden. Better stick behind me so he can't catch your face.

Right...I'll be careful.

So we have Henjoh, and Fukaku... Say, I was wondering. "Pio" doesn't really sound much like other eastern names.

'Cause it isn't one! It's not my real name, obviously.

What?! Explain yourself!

Shh! Shout it from the rooftops, why don't ya? I just made it up. I wanted something easy for people around here to get behind. It's a hassle otherwise.

Anywho. Enough about me. They're talking, shush so we can listen!

Tomorrow, my boy... We will finally be on our way.

With my daughter back at home, and you at her side...I know my house lies in good hands. I expect great things from you.

I intend to rise to those expectations, milord.

Bwa-haha! Relax, son. But I know how you feel. I was once in your very same shoes. You're a fine young man, and I have no more to teach you. You'll be able to adapt to whatever life sends your way.

Thank you, sir!

But first...tomorrow. If we are to proceed at all, we must find a way to meet with Komachi. ...I promised her mother I would see this though. It is for her sake as well.

...... (I see... Mother wished this marriage for me after all.)

Forgive me, but I think I'll turn in for the night. Don't linger too long. We've a big day ahead of us.

Of course! I shall see you tomorrow.

......

*Sigh*

Whoa. How long was he holding THAT in?

Talk about stress wrinkles... I guess this is my cue!

Hey, handsome. Why the long face? You were happy as a clam just a minute ago!

Hm? N-no, I'm perfectly...

Come on, no need to put on a show! It's just us here. If something's weighing on you, you need to let it out! It's easier to be candid with strangers anyway, dont'cha think? ...I happen to be a good listener. And it looks like we've got similar roots, if that helps.

I...suppose it doesn't hurt, from time to time. The tale's a bit long. You don't mind?

No, I've got all night!

Right. Well, to begin...I was born into a rather distinguished family.

I didn't want to say it, but I guessed you were noble! You've got that air about you.

Well, it's in lineage alone. My house no longer stands. We fell into decline during my grandfather's time, and by the time I became aware, our prestige had vanished entirely. My parents died quite early. I had no other relatives to turn to, so at a young age, I was left utterly alone... A certain Lord Henjoh, however, a man of great standing, has since graciously taken me under his wing.

Hm. The gentleman you were just with?

Yes. He had done business with my parents...and it seems they were quite close. He's even offered me his daughter's hand.

Goodness! That's so generous.

She would beg to differ. But it'll work out, I suppose. I'm not thrilled either. No one WANTS to marry the stranger chosen by their parents. But that's simply how things are done.

I'm just playing my part. I feel like a fool... But I must. My family name is at stake, isn't it?

Hm...

If I'm being honest... It's exhausting. I don't even want to see her tomorrow.

Do you WANT to rebuild your house? It doesn't sound like your heart's really in it.

True, I was too young to understand when we lost our fortune, I never knew the pride of a noble lineage. But it's the only thing I have. I inherited nothing else. It must be the right thing to do...or at least, that's what I tell myself.

That's not a life, that's a weight around your neck.

Forgive me. I don't want to put a damper on your night. Would you like a drink? It'd be my treat.

Oh! If you're sure...

Phew... Sorry, I didn't mean to get so caught up chatting.

Your performance was incredible, Pio! Thanks to you, we've earned valuable information. I had thought him simply bull-headed... I had no idea Fukaku had such reasons for insisting on the engagement.

At least we know he didn't want the engagement, either. The family politics just forced him into it.

If your father knew this, Komachi...do you think he'd call off the engagement?

It's still the same. Betrothed to Fukaku or not... ...My father will still want to bring me home.

True. And Probably just to find you a new suitor once you're back.

I do not wish to be selfish. I do grasp my father's heart. Since I left home and have crossed the seas, I have had many enlightening encounters. And I've seen the depths of a parent's love.

......

He wishes to ensure that I'm established, that I am able to marry and start a family at home, sooner rather than later. But to leverage Fukaku's own misgivings against these wishes...feels underhanded.

If you wanna air people's feelings, it's better to stick to your own.

Well said. And Fukaku hasn't done anything wrong. We shouldn't jeopardize his future. I like a tortured soul as much as the next girl...but he's probably been through enough.

Things have changed so quickly... I will need some time to think.

Okay. Let's head back to Unigan.

Lord Henjoh is coming today, right? ...Where's Komachi?

She said she wanted to collect her thoughts. I think she went out to Karek Swampland.

What to do...

(In the end, I didn't sleep a wink... And I'm out of time.) How can I make Father relent...? And without dishonoring Mother's love?

Hm?

These are the flowers from the east... We'd searched high and low for them back then. There are so many of them now...

Heehee... Not bad, right?

It's you, the florist! I had not seen you in town, so I thought...

I've been busy on those flowers of yours! It wasn't easy, lemme tell you. They're really growing now, though. Like night and day, right?

It's wonderful.

You know this flower reminds me of you a bit, Komachi.

Huh?

Well you came here from the east, and now fight for others as a knight of Unigan. So in a way, you've taken root here, just like this flower. That tenacity, that adaptability is what reminds me of you.

（What was I thinking...?) (All this time, I have been afraid to face my father...) (But what is there to be ashamed of? I have not been running. On the contrary...)

Thank you! Thank you so much!

Huh? Hey, wait!

Aldo, Pio!

There you are! Where have you, Huuuh?!

What is that you're wearing?

It is my mother's bridal gown.

Hmph. You're finally ready to face this, then.

What's going on?

In some parts of the east, wearing the bridal gown before the wedding is a way of asking to delay the courtship.

My father will understand the gesture. It's a statement he cannot ignore. Words only do so much. Just like my flight from home, it is better to speak through my actions. I'm not asking that he give up on his dreams for me...only that he trust me, and leave me to face them when I am ready.

You have our support. Want us to back you up, just say the word. We've seen how hard you're working here.

Darn right! We're right behind you.

You have my thanks! Please, let's hurry to Rinde.

...Aldo?

Yeah?

I... Th-thank you very much!

Uhh...

H-Hey, wait up!

Shoot... Komachi, look!

F-fiends! What is the meaning of this?

Uh-oh... Those beasts have got them surrounded.

I shall show them no mercy! Stand aside!

Komachi!

That dress... Why have you...

Such talking can wait. We must see to the danger at hand!

We had merely meant to draw their attention away from that man on the beach... Please, let us get to safety. I don't want to take any chances.

No. I will deal with them myself. ...I am not the same girl you knew, father.

Exemplary.

On your guard! They have reinforcements.

I know you can handle them, but still, you've got my sword. I'm right behind you! You're not just strong enough to stand alone, you're strong enough that others choose to stand with you. Right?

Aldo... Right, with me!

Phew.

Nice one, Komachi!

...!

W-Wait a minute. You...!

Ha...haha... Hey! Funny seeing you here.

Thank you for coming to our aid. I see you've progressed splendidly with your spear. Now then...Komachi. I trust you understand the gravity behind those robes you wear.

I do. Since setting out on my own, I have had many encounters, traveled many lands, on my path here to Unigan. My journey has taught me much, most important of all that I still have much to learn.

There are things in this land I wish to accomplish. And I can't return until I have seen them through.

I wish to tell you I have no intention of becoming anyone's bride until I have mastered my art!

I wear this...to show you my resolve!

......

Father. I will continue my journey. I am going to reach great heights. And before it is done, I intend to find a partner who is worthy of me.

...Therefore, sir Fukaku. I cannot pledge myself to you.

You would leave me to...

Enough, please. I would leave you to live your own life, not one in the shadow of your name. If you truly cannot face your forebearers, you may say it was my own stubborn, selfish doing...

...I see you told her. Remarkable. As a true friend should.

Oh... Well, of course! (Sure, I'll take the compliment.)

I... Thank you, Komachi. I shall try to do just that.

Good to hear!

Father... I know perhaps it is not what you or mother had envisioned for me... But I ask for your support.

Hmph. And you're sure you can see this through?

Without a doubt. I would not be standing before you otherwise.

...Very well.

Aldo. And Sha, forgive me. Pio, was it? I trust you two will keep an eye on her.

Of course, sir. But how do you know my...

Hmph... How, indeed?

Komachi. Seeing the prowess you demonstrated and the respect you command... It is clear how far you have come since you left home. You have made remarkable strides. I heard even in Rinde of your reputation with the guard. Your name is spoken with true admiration.

......

I am heartened to see you face me with such confidence. Truly...children grow up before our very eyes, and yet we do not notice. You have done well. As the head of our house, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge your skills.

Father...!

I wish you safe travels.

Thank you! I shall make you proud!

Hmph. Shakuya...you've gotten your wish, after all.

Hm? What do you mean by...

Pardon me, good folk... I wished to give my regards. On the shore... If those monsters had set upon me, I don't know how I'd have managed.

Ah! Please, no need. I am glad to see you made it to safety.

It couldn't be... Jiro?

My Lady! Oh, thank heavens!

You know each other?

Yes, he... He's been in my family's service for years. I don't understand, what in the world are you doing here?

I haven't the faintest notion... I had gone into the woods searching for you, milady, and passed a most peculiar sort of hole... I was swept off my feet, and when I came to it was on this shore, unfamiliar beasts all around... I had no recourse but to hide!

That's got to be a wormhole! Is this hole you came out from still around?

I believe so...

Aldo!

Right! Can you take us there, sir?

I should like to see this marvel for myself. We will join you.

Very well... It was this way, just west of here.

Here we are.

I knew it! That's a wormhole all right.

So...you can just go through? And it leads back to where it came from? The one I found disappeared right away...

It should, yes. There's no telling how long it'll stay around, though.

Hm...

Pio...there's something you should know. This isn't actually your...

Oh, I know. This isn't the time I came from, is it? We're in the future.

You... You knew?

Too many things just didn't quite add up. The idea was kinda exciting, though, so I decided to just roll with it.

But wow, it's actually true? The world sure is full of surprises... So...once this wormhole thing disappears, does that mean Jiro and I won't be able to go back to our time?

That's right.

We have to hurry then! Quickly, miss!

NO!

...Is what I would've said just a couple days ago. But I don't know... Seeing how you handled yourself today, Komachi, I'm almost ashamed to keep running. It's time I face my family, too.

All right. I'll go with you. Let's...let's go home.

I wish we didn't have to say goodbye so suddenly...

Just another part of life, isn't it? Unexpected farewells... But hey, no sad faces, okay? We'll meet again for certain. I'm already looking forward to it!

...Yes! I as well.

Say... You're welcome to join us, Fukaku.

What?

Komachi went through the trouble of givin' you your freedom. Shouldn't you use it to do something truly daring?

And as it happens...you're just my type. I wouldn't mind having you around.

AHEM! My Lady, this is highly irregular...

Haha, now there's a development. Well, my boy? The decision is yours.

This is extremely sudden... But with the lengths you've all gone on my behalf, I don't see how I could refuse.

Lord Henjoh... I'm deeply grateful for all you have done. You even sought to restore my family's name, and yet...

No need, son. Did I not say? You are ready. You will rise to meet whatever life sends your way.

Best of luck. I have no doubt you and Lady Pio will make a fine pair.

...Yes! Thank you. Miss Pio, I would be happy to accompany you.

Wonderful. Hm, first you'll be needing to meet Mother and Father... Jiro, you'll make the arrangements?

This is all on terribly short notice...but I shall see what I can do.

Before you go, miss Pio. I would hear your opinion on the lady's dress.

Hm? Sure, if you'd like...

To be honest, it's totally my style. I'm even of a mind to borrow the idea for my own bridal look someday... And Komachi, it really looks lovely on you. It really brings out your...youthful glow. It's vibrant just like you, and more than anything, you look happy in it.

I...I think you look very beautiful!

Thank you. I could not explain, but your compliment means more to me than any other.

Hehe... Aren't you sweet.

All right... Take care!

So, will you be returning home as well, Father?

So eager to be rid of me now?

N-no, I simply...

I've seen enough to know you have built a good, honest life here. I have done everything a father ought to do. Anything more would be meddling.

My duty now...is to trust you will make wise decisions for yourself.

I won't let you down!

...I'm glad. As things have turned out, I was able to honor my promise to Shakuya, as well.

To Mother? I do not understand...

Before she passed, she had insisted...that parents' expectations "be thrown to the wind."

(Hm? I feel like I just heard that...)

She requested that Komachi be left to choose her own path in life... ...But that I continue to be a scrutinizing, bull-headed father until I knew she had the confidence to do so.

So this...is what she wanted for me?

So the whole matchmaking affair...she was never serious about it?

That I could not say. She always was a woman who kept her secrets.

Oh?

In any case... Today, I'm a happy father. Though it wasn't how I envisioned, I was able to see my daughter in her bridal gown. You reminded me of your mother... Of Shakuya, the day she wore it.

Truly? I only wish she could have seen it as well.

...She saw it. She saw it just fine.

Forgive me, did you say something?

Heh. No...nothing at all.