Wrapping Things Up

Pfft! Another member of the Tojo Family was dead.

He was a young man who probably thought he couldn't bear a life of hardship and decided it was better to settle his account early.

Suicide was one of the cultural hallmarks of the Japanese. They'd take their own lives over inconveniencing someone, a failed career or romance, stocks hitting their limit down—or, damn it, the Chinese were about to invade! (╮(╯＿╰)╭1945). Whenever they couldn't think of a way out, they'd inexplicably end their lives.

Tokyo Swordsman had no choice but to snatch his short sword back, putting a stop to the suicide contagion that was about to set off a chain reaction. He hurriedly said his goodbyes, grabbed his check, and made himself scarce.

The other fighters did the same. They pocketed their money and left one after another, wanting nothing to do with the mess between the Tojo and Naito Families.

Julie, the female mercenary who had defected alongside the monk from Aomori Prefecture, looked awful but had no choice but to leave. She'd been branded a "traitor," and neither side would look kindly on her now. Staying might bring trouble.

All in all, this perverted female knight had come off worst of all the fighters. She'd gained nothing and gotten herself mixed up in a nasty mess. Not only had she earned the least, but But Less Monk hadn't delivered on the benefits he'd promised, and she'd acquired a bad reputation. Once word got back to the place where she'd made her living, she'd likely never find work again.

For mercenaries who prized their reputation above all else, Julie's actions were tantamount to ruining her own future. What she'd thought was a clever choice now seemed like a terrible mistake.

The losing side was enveloped in gloom, mourning