If You Bleed Enough, It's Not Awkward Anymore (Continued)

Saro paused for a moment. She stepped inside and saw the familiar, respected figure moving about in the room, lighting several candles.

"I'm back."

Kaguya finished lighting the last lamp, turned around, and smiled at Saro was blank.

Saro stood there motionless for a few seconds, then quickly knelt down and bowed.

"Lord Kaguya!"

Kaguya walked over to Saro, sat down, and then pulled her in front of her, placing Saro's head on her lap.

"Kaguya- Kaguya...?"

"Did you go to watch the execution today?"

"Yes..."

Are you sad?

Kaguya lowered her head, looking into Saro's eyes with understanding.

Saro rested her head on Kaguya's lap, her body stiff and reserved.

After a long while, she seemed to lose all her strength and finally lay limply down, murmuring:

"I don't know why it turned out this way. He was the one who taught me to be loyal to the general and to the country. I've come this far by looking up to his back. He has always been the person I admire and trust the most. I thought I would eventually become like him... But why did it turn out like this?"

"If you want to cry, just cry. There's no one else here."

"But..."

Even if he truly deserved to die, it's absolutely right for you to cry for him. So, cry it out.

Kaguya's gaze was incredibly gentle, and her voice was filled with heartfelt care and warmth.

Just like the maternal love that Saro once dreamed of but never had.

She bit her lip, remaining still for a long time, before finally burying her head in Kaguya's stomach under Kaguya's gentle gaze.

"Waaah..."

A suppressed sob rose up.

Tears soaked Kaguya's clothes.

Kaguya gently stroked Saro's head and sighed silently.

He was the one who intervened, which led to the massacre, but now he was the one comforting this girl who had lost everything.

Nevertheless, Kaguya would not regret it. She had always done it this way, and the lines between right and wrong had long since blurred. She would savor these sorrowful tears, and then continue moving forward.

After a long while, Kamisato Ayaka's little head peeked out from outside the door, and then she cautiously approached.

Is she asleep?

"Asleep."

"I never imagined that someone like Saro would cry."

"No matter how strong and cold they may appear on the outside, they are just like us here."

Kaguya reached out and gently poked Saro's proud yet soft left breast. Then, turning to Kamisato Ayaka, she said earnestly:

"The heart is made of flesh and blood, so it is naturally capable of joy, anger, sorrow and happiness."

"I feel like I really know her now, and I finally know how to see her. A strong and resolute samurai friend, that's the kind of friend I've always wanted."

"Oh? Saro is the friend you've always wanted? And what about me? What am I to Ayaka?"

"Ugh! Don't ask that kind of question at a time like this!"

Kamisato Ayaka blushed slightly and angrily punched Kaguya's shoulder. Then she lowered her head and gently brushed the hair from Saro's forehead as she slept, a pure and gentle smile blooming on her face.