Swallow's Moon Selection

Hmm... I'm glad we now have four of the five treasures, but we still haven't had any luck with the fifth...

What even is a swallow's cowry, anyway!? And what's a shell doing in a swallow's nest in the first place!?

I've been known to partake in the occasional "swallow's nest" dish myself... Does that mean this so-called shell is a swallow that is eaten like a shellfish!?

No, no, I doubt it's anything as awful as that.

In The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, the five treasures are precious things meant to be impossible to obtain.

The swallow's cowry is a shell that a swallow happened to pick up and carried back to its nest, where it served as the base for the nest.

It's easily the most realistic of all the five treasures. The catch is that finding one is all a matter of luck.

I see. So it is something born of coincidence that can never be acquired through necessity.

Well, if our only choice is to rely on luck, there is little point in dwelling on it.

Master, might I suggest we visit the hot springs to clear our heads?

Then we have no choice but to wait for the right time.

Yes, why don't we go bathe in the hot springs? They say that refreshing one's spirit can also raise one's luck.

Fou, fou!

？！

I see. You have been doing much to aid this inn. I have nothing but admiration for your willingness to help.

I had no idea it was in such dire straits. That is why I have been here indulging myself in these hot springs since lunchtime.

Compared to all of your valiant efforts, I may as well be an evanescent cloud in the autumn sky.

Ha ha ha ha.

Fo fo fo fo.

All that aside... Five precious treasures, you say? What a fiendishly difficult task. And yet, something seems amiss.

You say this was the bamboo cutter from the tale of the same name?

According to that tale, his adopted daughter Kaguyahime said the following to the five men who came from the city to seek her hand in marriage:

"I cannot understand why any of you would wish to marry me, when you know nothing of who I am."

"If you wish to take me for your bride, you must show that your love for me will never fade."

She told each only to return after they had found one of five impossible treasures as proof of their love.

Each of the five suitors set off to find the treasures as best they could...

...but not a one succeeded.

Which is why I find it strange that this bamboo cutter claimed to possess all five of them.

？！

I never expected that you would now be undergoing the same trials depicted in that old tale... Indeed, I am surprised you have time to luxuriate in the hot springs yourself.

I wish I could help you, but alas, the only thing I am good at is swinging a pole.

Unlike the rest, I soar not through the sky, nor spark flashes of light, or any other remarkable deeds.

As such, all I can do for you is rattle this cowry and pray for your success. Forgive me.

？！

Yes? What is it, Lord Fujimaru? Is there something you wish to know about my rare seashell accessory? (Showing it off)

Fou, fo fooou!

Hahaha. Forgive me, I could not resist my poor attempt at humor.

I always thought it was strange why an insignificant Servant like myself found my way to the Enma-tei...

...but now, I finally understand. Here. I am happy to let you have this shell.

？！

I am not so poor as to draw my blade over a single shell, nor so quick to anger that I would challenge another over it.

Now then, I think I shall be on my way. My only regret is that I never got to duel the madam during my stay.

I would have liked to know if my secret sword is strong enough to stand up to that sparrow...

...but alas, I will have to hope that question is answered another day.

Fou, fou...

Kee. Ook eek. Ook eek eek.

Fou!?

Eek! Ook eek!

Fou... Fo fo fou...

？！