Tetsu no Sosuke kept working with his hands and nodded slightly.
"So we came up with a way to restore your body's vitality and rekindle what has been depleted," Tamayo said. "It may leave you somewhat weak, since it will still draw on your own reserves rather than an outside source. We'll need to supplement it with medication. Only by combining the two might it work."
Tetsu no Sosuke glanced at her. "What's the method?"
"Well... medicine." Tamayo smiled. "Want to give it a try?"
Tetsu no Sosuke sighed. "Patients don't have the right to choose."
"Good." Tamayo nodded. "Tomorrow, the Insect Pillar and I will prepare the first dose. If it works as we hope, we'll give the formula to the Flower Pillar."
"Thank you," Tetsu no Sosuke said sincerely.
"You're welcome." Tamayo looked at the rice balls taking shape in front of Tetsu no Sosuke. "Those look delicious."
"Want to try one?" Tetsu no Sosuke offered her one.
Tamayo hesitated, then shook her head. "No, thanks."
She turned and left. Tetsu no Sosuke ate what he had made, and soon his empty stomach was full.
They still tasted good.
It had been a long time since he had made them, and the kitchen was short on ingredients, but he could still taste the flavor he remembered.
With his stomach full, his mind seemed a little clearer.
Tetsu no Sosuke couldn't sleep, but he didn't want to wander around aimlessly. After some thought, he decided to visit Noro Kira.
Come to think of it, he hadn't seen the man since that day.
He had promised to give Noro Kira a chance, but after everything that had happened, Tetsu no Sosuke had no intention of keeping that promise.
Why should he keep his word to a demon?
Some might call