Vol. 5 Ch. 2 Ep. 7: Snow Country

Ah... It's cold. How did it get so cold? We didn't even travel that far!

I told you to dress in layers, but you didn't listen.

The cold air from the north gets trapped at the mountains nearby, causing snow and...cooler temperatures.

It reminds me of a famous opening line: "The train came out of the long tunnel into..."

"...the snow country!"

It's so beautiful...! It's magnificent! I've never seen anything like it!

Sensei, Sensei! Did you see that? A white weasel is dancing across the snow...

...Yukari, your nose is running. Blow into this tissue.

M-My goodness! How embarrassing!

...It's a beautiful village. I'm surprised to see that it's so close to the Great Snowfield.

No. At the time, I was so focused on finding Ayame that I didn't even think to rest.

...In retrospect, I could have drastically shortened my trip if I had thought to take the train.

Duly noted.

More importantly, where are the Artifact Spirits? Do we just wait until the sun goes down...?

President Niya promised that someone from the Ebisu School would guide us.

Our train was on time. They should be here...

Such exquisite haori! You must be the Hyakkaryouran!

Greetings! I trust your trip went well?

Are you from the Ebisu Satellite School...?

Indeed. I am Habu Azami, President of Ebisu Satellite School's Self-Government Committee.

...And by "president," I also mean the sole remaining member.

That sounds like a lot of work...

She admirably guards her school, all alone in the chilling tundra!

Heehee. You are much too kind.

Frankly, most days are rather boring. Meeting you five is the highlight of my week!

Speaking of, you must be Schale's Sensei?

President Niya told me some astounding stories about you. I'm honored to meet such a courageous person.

Niya isn't known to exaggerate, is she?

She told me you boldly ran across a field, fully exposed and baring your soul!

Heehee. And you're so humble, too.

I've heard rumors that you put out a raging fire at Central and defeated some...frightful spirits by rallying the formerly-disbanded Hyakkaryouran Council.

And now that Sensei and the Hyakkaryouran are here, I'm sure our paranormal problems are soon to be solved!

We were told that you were being plagued by shapeshifting Artifact Spirits.

Where were they last seen?

Oh...I've heard so many reports all over town. I can't give you a precise location.

But they don't show up until nightfall, so why don't I give you a tour in the meantime? We should cover MANY sighting locations.

I would be honored to show you all our lovely village!

Sure! That's a great idea!

Our next adventure awaits! Let us venture forth!

I suppose the tour might provide some clues...

"Lead the way, Azami."

Delightful. This way, please.

Here's our shopping district. We have a small inn and a lovely promenade.

While I know it's nothing like the Hyakkiyako's bustling district, I'm sure you see its inherent charm.

Oh, look at this glass snowflake in the shop window! It shines like a fine jewel!

Indeed. The Ebisu District specializes in artisanal glasswork.

Many of our glass blowers have been working here for generations.

...In fact, it was a glass blower who encountered the first Artifact Spirit. They were opening their workshop at dawn.

And what did this spirit look like?

I didn't see it, but I heard it resembled a white weasel...

...White weasel? I thought these things were supposed to be scary?

Well...

Oh! The artisan is here! Why don't we ask him directly?

Good morning, sir!

Huh...? Who are you?

I'm Habu Azami, President of the Ebisu Satellite School's Self-Government Committee. Did you forget me already?

...That school has STUDENTS?! Ah...my memory isn't what it used to be.

...Sir, I talked to you yesterday.

My friends here would like to hear about the monster you met two weeks ago.

...Monster? Ah, oh! You mean the white weasel!

I remember it like it was yesterday! It was a treacherous thing!

I've always hated weasels, those nasty little creatures. One bit me on a childhood camping trip...I was traumatized.

It was the crack of dawn. I was opening my shop and I saw a weasel, right in front of me! I was so spooked that I dropped a glass bottle!

But oddly enough, that wretched weasel wasn't scared by the noise. In fact, it kept walking to me, right on top of the scattered glass, no flinching, no blood.

And that's when I knew that this wasn't your typical weasel... It was unnatural.

...A white weasel that emerged at dawn.

That's...a unique fear.

Oh no... What a pity that you lost your glass bottle.

Just looking at this flower vase shows me the depth of effort you put into your creations.

Haha. Sweet girl, it was just a milk bottle! No sense in crying over it!

But you like my vase, do you? It's nice to finally meet someone with taste!

But the REALLY great stuff's behind the counter. Do you want to come in and look?

I'd be positively delighted!

And these verdant fields are where we grow our produce.

We regularly supply corn, potatoes, and carrots to the Hyakkiyako festivals.

While I'm sure the Hyakkiyako chefs prepare delectable meals, nothing compares to freshly-picked produce!

Here, this corn was harvested this morning. Try it!

All right...

Wow! It's so sweet, like you put sugar on it! And that crunch!

I had no idea corn could be so...flavorful!

Heehee. I'm glad to see that the Council approves.

Did any Artifact Spirits appear here?

Indeed. It came in the shape of a giant bear...

That's right! Big as a house!

I was plowing my field and a chill ran down my spine. I looked up, and this ferocious bear was hunched, staring right at me!

I shot it with my hunting gun, thinking it was the one that wrecked my field a few years back. It didn't flinch. It was...eerie.

And that's when I knew this wasn't a real bear. It wasn't alive...so it couldn't be killed.

One shot? That could hardly be expected to stop even a typical bear.

Wait, you said there was a bear before. Does this happen frequently?

We had a drought earlier this year, so they'd come down to forage. They'd usually go for the potatoes and turnips on the truck.

...Not that I blame them. My potatoes are sweeter than yams!

You wouldn't believe how good it smells when I roast a rack. I suppose even the monsters wanted a taste!

Actually, I have some here in my lunch box! Would you like some?

Yes, please!

It's so sweet...and with a soft, cake-like texture. It's like eating a gourmet dessert...

It's so delightful! Ah, the charms of the farm!

It's good to see you students eat so well! Ah, it's been so long...

Wait right here. I'll boil up some potatoes and corn!

This place is...

The wharf! Home of countless varieties of beautiful and delicious sea life!

While it may look small, our waters are blessedly abundant. We deliver seafood to all of Kivotos.

Your Hyakkiyako festivals are known for their roasted squid, correct? Those are all caught here, in Ebisu!

And I suppose someone also encountered an Artifact Spirit here?

Indeed. It was a fisherman returning from his morning trip. He spotted a giant spider crab!

...A spider crab? Truly?

And I am to understand that a fisherman's greatest fear was...a crab?

I thought the same...but I suppose a spider crab looks like a spider, right?

And many, many people are scared of spiders. Also he said it was quite large.

Is this frightful fisherman available? I would like to interview him.

Unfortunately not. He's deep-sea fishing and will be gone all day.

Then why are we here? Time is short, so let's see the other regions...

Well, truthfully, I brought you here because there's a delightful cafe nearby. You MUST try their grilled fish.

It's nearly lunchtime, so why don't we stop for a meal?

Grilled fish...?

Yes. It's another Ebisu specialty!

Here, they fry the fish until crispy, and, halfway through cooking, they pour on a miso marinade, wrap it in foil, then steam it!

It's currently mackerel season... The thick skin mixed with the miso seasoning provides a savory, crispy taste that can't be beat!

...

But, I understand. If the Hyakkaryouran is on a tight schedule, then I'll take you back to the satellite school and we can get some onigiri out of the vending machine...

Well, we've already come so far.

There's no sense in turning down a good meal, especially if we'll be working tonight. And we've been walking all day...

Huh? We mostly took the train. This is barely a stroll!

I have walked enough.

And I think it would be wise to at least sample the grilled fish.

I wholeheartedly agree!

That's a consensus! Very well. Let's eat!

Night has fallen.

The witnesses all claimed to encounter the Artifact Spirits under cover of darkness. Shall we start our patrol in earnest?

N-No! I couldn't possibly make you work more! You've been traveling all day!

This is only the first night, and you must be tired. Please, take this dormitory. We have plenty of room!

Thank you, but we do not require it. I, for one, am not tired.

Oh! I know! Why don't you enjoy the hot springs? They're right outside.

I've had them all to myself for so long. You really must take a dip!

Hot springs?!

This dorm has...a hot spring?

Indeed. It can fit roughly ten people. The Ebisu Satellite School students used it communally back in the day.

I'll prepare dinner while you're in the springs, so please relax.

Ahh... Relaxing in the hot springs with my girls at a sleepover...Now, THIS is enjoying my youth!

Let's get moving! It's girls' night!

Renge, this is an official Hyakkaryouran mission, not a sleepover.

I'll be reading in my room, so you guys go ahead.

Aww... Don't be such a party pooper.

Kikyou, please. I've long dreamed of a night of leisure spent with my beloved seniors!

That may be true, but...

And I'll brush my teeth...and even floss! And only have one ice cream a day.

...You already promised that.

Kikyou, pretty please?

Very well, for an hour. And not a minute more.

Then what are we waiting for? The water's hot!

And we can have fruit milk after!

Lovely. Do you four require...bathing suits?

Oh, um... Yes, if it's not overly troublesome.

And Sensei... What will you do?

Very well. Then we shall see you in the morning.

Ah... Now, THIS is relaxing...

My body's warm, but the cool air braces my lungs. I could just melt...

What a privilege to enjoy such a natural wonder! Look at that view!

This is my first time in a hot spring. And with all of you, it feels more like playing than bathing!

...

Kikyou, what are you doing? You'll freeze up there!

Come on in. Don't tell me you're scared of drowning?

Scared? I will have you remember that I am a Hyakkaryouran officer!

...Clearly, I am simply enjoying the hot springs on my own terms.

Experts say that it is best to enter...gradually...to minimize shock. Did you not know that?

Please! I like the shock! Sometimes you just have to jump in, Kikyou!

Isn't that right, Nagusa?

...Yes. The warm water is quite soothing.

There are certainly worse ways to end the day.

We didn't do much. We were essentially tourists.

Tell me about it. At least the kid had fun, right?

...Renge!

It's true! I did!

The streets at the shopping district were charmingly quaint, it was fun talking to the locals, and the grilled fish was exceptionally delicious.

However...

You seemed quite preoccupied, Nagusa. Are you well?

...Preoccupied?

I tried to be polite, but of course I noticed how...serious you seemed. Even more than usual.

...Is this about the Great Snowfield?

Maybe you sensed some Artifact Spirits?

No, I wasn't bothered by any of those things.

However...

The weasel, the bear, the crab... I kept wondering how MY fear would manifest.

And I further wondered if I would be courageous enough to pull the trigger. After all, I possess the Authority.

Your greatest fears, manifested. Clearly, that's not something pleasant to think about.

Renge, what do you think yours would look like?

Oh me... Hmm, what am I afraid of...

...Perhaps a leaking bento box with a loose lid. That happened once and it ruined my bag!

What in the world are you talking about?

You know what I mean! You lift your lunch, and you see soup dripping down your hands, broth pooling in the seams... Ugh! It still haunts me.

I think about it every time I pack tonjiru or curry... I can't get over it.

I would hate to fight a giant leaking bento box! Imagine the stains!

Honestly, I think you all need to straighten your priorities. A bento box, truly?

Sure, Kikyou. Then what would be good enough to appear for you?

Well, if it were to happen to me, which I find unlikely...

Oh, I know!

Kikyou fears loud noises and screaming, like from a heavy metal concert!

Perhaps Kikyou would see an aggressive rockstar clad in white makeup and bearing a screeching guitar?

Yukari, as I have told you, I am not scared of loud noises. I simply find them quite irritating.

As an officer of the Hyakkaryouran, how could I be afraid of loud noises, especially with you all firing guns constantly?

WAAAAAAH!

?!?!

See? THAT got her.

Renge!

...Ha. Well played.

I only hope that I can be as brave as you all.