The letter was from Ubuyashiki Kagaya, but its contents gave Tetsu no Sosuke pause.
"The trial on Fujikasane Mountain is about to begin, and the Master wants me to oversee it?"
Tetsu no Sosuke looked at Kanae in confusion. "Hasn't someone from his family always handled that?"
"Doesn't the letter say why?" Kanae asked.
Tetsu no Sosuke coughed. "I haven't finished reading it."
He read on, then nodded. "I see. According to the Master's intelligence, the demons have been unexpectedly quiet lately. It feels like the calm before a storm. Final Selection for Demon Hunters is a major event, and he's worried something might happen at a time like this. He wants me there to keep an eye on things and provide extra protection. If something does go wrong, I'm to try to get some of the promising swordsmen out."
Kanae couldn't help sighing softly.
"What is it?" Tetsu no Sosuke asked.
"So things have gotten this tense." Kanae gently touched her belly. "If it weren't for this little one, nothing could stop me from going with you."
Tetsu no Sosuke smiled. "Don't worry."
"All right." Kanae nodded. She seemed about to say something, but covered her mouth instead.
Some worst-case fears were better left unsaid. Perhaps nothing would have happened, but saying them aloud might make them come true.
Tetsu no Sosuke didn't think much of it. After noting the date, he blew out the lamp, took his wife in his arms, and went to sleep.
For the next two days, Tetsu no Sosuke went about his life as usual. Early on the third morning, Kanae got up and prepared water for him to wash his face. She helped him into his haori, embroidered with a flaming hammer, saw that everything was in order, and walked him out.
"Tell