Sesshomaru’s family remained in Kumari’s estate for two more days, enjoying the pleasant weather. On the beginning of the eighth day from their arrival, they were set to leave.
“Thank you for the hospitality, Lord Kumari.” Sesshomaru was serious as always.
“It surprises me that you didn’t want to stay longer, like your previous visits.”
“These lands are not ours anymore, and it is not appropriate that we require lodging in another noble’s house for long.”
“Still, you will always be welcome here,” Kumari assured them. “You can keep using this house as your summer residence. I will be honored to have you here at anytime. And, Lord Sesshomaru…”
“Yes?”
“I’m grateful to you for the time spent caring for my family. I make you now a new oath: As long as your lineage subsists, you will always have a Kumari as your ally.”
“I thank you for your kindness. Goodbye.”
Sesshomaru turned around and took the route home, but Yume and her children stayed back to say goodbye properly.
“Thank you for everything, Lord Kumari,” Yume said. “Now, if your oath is sincere, I would really recommend you to start looking for a good wife, and work on the next Kumari,” she suggested, winking.
“Thank you for the advice, my Lady.” Smiling, he took a quick, very significant look at Sazume. “I’ll look into it.”
“Thank you once more for having protected me.” Sazume bowed to hide the blush that Kumari’s look brought to her face. “I hope to meet you again soon.”
“Me too, Sazume-sama.”
“Sazume-san,” she corrected him. “You are a free man now.”
Mother and daughter said goodbye to the young noble and followed after Sesshomaru. Kumari caught himself admiring Sazume’s beauty as she walked away, until the back of his head was hit by Ichimaru’s fist.
“Don’t even think about it,” he warned, walking away too. Still, he stopped for a moment, looked back and grinned to Kumari before going after his family, followed by his hunters.
Kumari smiled back, and took a look at his home. It would be a great responsibility to administrate all these lands alone.
“Well, there is much work to be done now.”
He headed back to the castle, wondering when Sesshomaru’s family would again pay him a visit.
