"..."
Mayoi stared blankly at Ubume before her. At that moment, she completely believed Ubume's words. How could an aunt like this have killed her mother for no reason?
Lady Yae Sakura had been right. She had wrongly blamed her aunt. The one who killed her mother had been the yokai that her aunt had slain.
"Alright, the misunderstanding's been cleared up! And now Ubume has come for you. Mayoi, go back with Ubume! Don't run off on your own anymore. Next time, I might not make it in time to save you."
Seeing that the misunderstanding had been resolved, Yae Sakura stroked Mayoi's head and spoke to both her and Ubume with a smile.
"Huh? Go back with Auntie?"
Mayoi froze, not expecting Yae Sakura to say that. Though she believed Ubume was not her enemy, she did not want to leave Yae Sakura and the others. She had felt very happy by Yae Sakura's side these past few days.
Ubume, too, looked at Yae Sakura in surprise. She had not expected Yae Sakura to speak up for her. Besides, Yae Sakura was stronger than she was. If Mayoi wanted to stay with Yae Sakura... she would not force the issue.
"I know what you're thinking, but you're still too young, Mayoi. It's too dangerous for you to follow us. How about this? Let's make a promise... Once you've grown up and become strong enough, come find me again. For now, go back with Ubume and practice your swordsmanship properly!"
Mayoi's thoughts were written all over her face, so it was obvious what she was thinking at a glance. But Yae Sakura truly was not suited to keeping her by her side. Unlike Kagome and the others, Mayoi did not have an immortal body.
Mayoi had mentioned before that