The morning indoor tea gathering ended quickly.
For most of it, you chatted with the women of the various families or joined the other children in their card games. Occasionally, you exchanged glances with Lady Mei, but you always felt that the way she looked at you was a little strange, as if it carried a faint... distaste?
By afternoon, you were allowed to spend time outdoors. In reality, though, most of them remained absorbed in their card games.
The first to leave the side hall was Mei, who had remained silent the entire time.
Wearing wooden sandals, she changed into a light outdoor haori, took up a bamboo sword, and went alone into the courtyard to practice her swings.
After playing a few rounds of cards, you also stepped outside. From the entrance beneath the eaves, you could clearly see her swinging her sword.
A fragrant sheen of sweat formed on her forehead, yet Mei's movements remained crisp, decisive, and fluid.
Beichen Heng instinctively wanted to bring his paws together and applaud her.
But recalling the look in her eyes that seemed to carry disdain, he simply stopped his restless hands.
As he continued admiring her lithe figure, Beichen Heng suddenly had the illusion that their entire group had been isolated by Lady Mei alone.
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate.
Before long, rain began to fall outside.
Izumo was like that. Rain fell often, frequently accompanied by thunderstorms.
People always had to keep an oil-paper umbrella on hand, while women also needed to carry cosmetics so they could touch up their makeup whenever the rain ruined it.
Once the rain grew heavier.
Escorted by a retainer holding an umbrella, Mei returned to the entrance beneath the eaves.
They stood several paces apart, neither saying anything.
Because of the