After riding around for several days in a Kakushi-operated private transport, Xia Xi finally arrived at the legendary Swordsmith Village.
The village's central area was small. Most of the swordsmiths lived scattered throughout the nearby mountains, each choosing a spot they liked to settle down.
Overall, it was much more relaxed than an ordinary town.
Since he had arrived rather early, the thin mountain mist had yet to disperse, but wisps of cooking smoke were already rising from the eaves of the houses.
Xia Xi's hearing was sharp enough that he could even catch a few scattered clangs of hammering.
This competitive?
They're already working first thing in the morning.
Standing at the entrance to the main street, Xia Xi quietly surveyed the old buildings, so distinctly Japanese in style.
The Kakushi member beside him gave him a slight bow.
"Lord Dawn Hashira, if there's nothing else, I shall take my leave."
Xia Xi said, "Huh? Aren't you my attendant?"
Seeing that the man had brought him into the village and seemed to be waiting for instructions,
Xia Xi had assumed he would stay in Swordsmith Village and help him out with things.
Ah, I've gotten too used to being waited on hand and foot in the Northern Region.
Easy to get used to luxury, hard to go back to frugality...
Xia Xi suddenly found himself missing Persimmon.
With that deputy around, he could leave all the everyday chores to him.
The Kakushi was a little embarrassed. "Well, Kakushi members aren't allowed to remain in Swordsmith Village without a reason."
"Mr. Hotaru has already arrived ahead of you."
"If you need anything, Lord Dawn Hashira, simply let Mr. Hotaru know..."
Remembering the rumors that Xia Xi apparently liked putting ordinary Corps members through military drills,
the Kakushi added something else.