Case 01: Acupuncture Demon

Case 01:
Acupuncture Demon

 

HEIAN WAS THE CAPITAL of the human realm. It was the most prosperous city in the realm: a singular case of a capital that covered an entire island. There was currently a massive construction project underway to make all the streets of Heian conform to a grid, which meant that Glenn and the others were able to disembark at the port and take a single road to the Litbeit home.

Souen had arranged for his subordinates to take their luggage, so they carried only the gifts they’d brought for their hosts.

“It’s a strange town, isn’t it?” Tisalia muttered to herself as she looked out over the town.

“There are shops…but no fields or factories.”

“Yes, the capital is home to the emperor who rules the human realm. The council of statesmen resides here as well, as do their staff, and the marshals, the shop owners… The people who live here are all either nobles or merchants who do business with the nobles. The towns where commonfolk live are scattered throughout the surrounding islands, separate from this place.”

One unique characteristic of the human realm was that each city was literally an island unto itself. Heian was the administrative center, and that was where those involved with the central government lived. There was an island for long-term visitors, an island for tourism, another for agriculture, one for industry, and so on.

Aluloona got off at the tourist island. She didn’t have any business at the Litbeit home, and felt she’d probably be better off wandering around on her own, though it was hard to believe someone as important as her had come all this way just to go sightseeing.

“So…your family lives here as well?” Tisalia asked.

Glenn nodded.

Sapphee continued, “The Litbeits are prominent figures in the commercial alliance. The doctor’s family is in the shipping business.”

“Sh-shipping…?”

“In other words, they’re merchants who control all of the ships around here. Since there are so many islands in the human realm, the Litbeits have turned this into a thriving business.”

“Oh, it’s the same as my family!” Tisalia said, clearly pleased.

That was the reason the Litbeits lived in the capital, the seat of power. Shipping destinations were often determined by political needs.

“Yes. You could even call them merchants to His Majesty.”

“Then their position is very similar to Scythia Transportation, the lifeline of Lindworm.”

“True,” Glenn chuckled, “but I haven’t been involved in the business at all.” He was always conscious of the fact that ownership would pass to his brother, Souen. He’d made his choice when he decided to become a doctor specializing in the care of monsters.

“I thought you had a proper upbringing, Doc, but you were actually rich.” Arahnia exclaimed. “I can brag that my husband is out of my league!”

“N-no, that’s not the case.”

Arahnia snickered. “Heh. No need to be modest. Anyhow…I’d heard things were getting better for monsters here, but there’s still a hell of a lot of staring.”

“Of course there is. This is the capital. Almost everyone here hates monsters. Though, I want to believe it’s getting better.”

“You used to live here, Sapphee?”

“I did,” Sapphee answered, “but I barely ever left the house. There was no telling how I’d be treated if I did.” She’d been a hostage, shortly before the war ended. It wasn’t hard to imagine what might happen to a young monster girl walking around Heian at that time.

Everyone here was human—the carriage passengers, the load-bearing workers, the warrior marshals. Those riding in the cattle and horse carriages on the main roads. All of them looked at the monsters as if they were freaks.

Even Glenn stood out in Heian, just by wearing his western-style jacket and tunic. But he didn’t feel like trying to blend in. He wanted to feel like a doctor at all times.

“What is that…a horse body?”

“That’s a centaur.”

“Oh, a monster?”

“Look, there’s one of the wet women and a weaver.”

“Who’s that man?”

“His clothes are weird.”

“Isn’t that the Litbeit boy?”

“You mean Souen?”

“No, dummy. Souen is the older son. There was a child named Glenn in the middle.”

“Why is he dressed like that?”

The people in town weren’t exactly whispering, and Glenn’s group could hear everything they said. But this was the human realm, known for its frank and straightforward nature. Opinions weren’t whispered here, and voicing prejudice against monsters was commonplace.

Arahnia shrugged. “The east never changes.”

“I-I’m sorry…”

“No need for you to apologize, Doc. At least no one’s throwing stones at us. Someday, Skadi will fix this all up for us.”

Glenn nodded. Trade between the east and west had begun, and someday, the discrimination would end. For now, they just needed to say hello to his parents and hightail it back to Lindworm. It was beyond a small-town doctor’s power to change the way the entire human realm thought.

“Did people throw stones at you, Arahnia?” Glenn asked.

“Hmmm, I don’t remember,” she said, embracing him. “All I care about now is whether or not the Doc likes me!”

Glenn smiled, despite the fact that Arahnia’s affection made it difficult to walk. She’d been quite direct with him about her feelings lately. She was normally the least forthcoming of his fiancées, so he was happy to see her expressing how she felt.

“We’re almost there. Off of him now!” Sapphee said sharply.

Arahnia begrudgingly released the doctor—more proof that she genuinely cared about Sapphee’s feelings.

“There you are, Glenn. With your wives,” Souen stood at the front gate of the huge mansion, arms crossed. Uncharacteristically, he was dressed in a formal eastern coat with the family crest.

“We’ve been waiting!” Glenn’s sister, Sioux, was also dressed in eastern attire—an expensive kimono decorated with a hydrangea pattern. The two of them had arrived early to handle all of the preparations for the meeting.

“Sioux, you look adorable!”

“What a wonderful outfit! But you looked good in the patrol team uniform too.”

“Tee hee! Kimonos are hard to move around in, but this is such an important day for Brother! I decided to get all dressed up for once!” Sioux giggled. She wasn’t hiding her horns at that moment, but Sioux, who’d been stricken with Demonitis, knew that she’d never truly be accepted in this realm. She’d seen passersby whispering about how there was a monster or a demon in front of the mansion and the curious stares grow stronger and stronger. She wondered what sort of rumors would soon be doing the rounds.

“Don’t worry. You’re from the distinguished Litbeit family, revered for generations. The grumblings of common folk are nothing to you. Sapphee probably felt the same way when she came here as a hostage.”

“Hmmm…”

The Litbeits held tremendous influence in the human realm, due to their firmly established, generations-old reputation as merchants. Just ask Souen, the current head of the family.

“The east must change,” Souen said. “If not, I will have failed.”

“You’re right,” Glenn said. “I’ll leave that to you, Brother.”

Souen wanted to marry a woman with Demonitis. That was why he’d gotten involved with the council of statesmen, hoping to change the way the east thought about monsters.

“I never intended to leave this work to someone else. That’s why the Litbeit family welcomes monsters in our home.” Souen bowed his head. “So welcome, all of you. Thank you for taking care of my younger brother.”

Sioux bowed as well. Their manners displayed their well-bred upbringing.

“Obviously, I don’t care about any rumors the common people might spread. Now…” Souen sighed. “Our father, Vaclav Litbeit, is a strict disciplinarian and very sensitive about gossip. But most of all, he dislikes what he considers unreasonable behavior. None of you need to worry, but please be on your best behavior.”

“We know.” Sapphee smiled.

The Litbeit patriarch hated it when unfavorable rumors circulated about his family. This was a natural attitude for a merchant to have, but it meant he’d also been against his son attending the Monster Academy. Glenn’s relationship with the man was strained, to say the least, but he’d have to rein that in for this visit.

Sapphee had once lived in this very mansion herself, Tisalia was a well-brought up lady, and Glenn was sure that his father would like Arahnia—with whom Glenn got along the best—well enough. In other words, it was Glenn’s own actions that would determine Vaclav’s mood.

“Please don’t run away, okay? Doctor?”

He really did want to, though.

Sapphee wrapped her tail around Glenn’s ankles as if she had read his mind. She knew him too well.

“I-I won’t.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Glenn mentally prepared himself.

His father was the family member he got along with least, but that was precisely why he needed to face him. Still, he couldn’t stop the sweat from pouring off his brow.

“I’m here with you, Doctor,” Sapphee whispered in his ear.

Glenn nodded, a nervous expression on his face.

***

 

Servants were waiting for them when they entered the mansion.

Glenn remembered each of their faces. They bowed deeply in greeting, which he found mildly off-putting. He’d grown accustomed to life in Lindworm, and he hadn’t been treated this way for a long time.

Glenn and the others followed Souen into the house. People in the east took off their shoes indoors, a practice Glenn hadn’t followed in a while.

“I’m so sorry,” a servant who’d been working for the Litbeit family since Glenn was a child addressed Tisalia. “We ask that centaurs refrain from entering the manor.”

Glenn furrowed his brow.

“Lady Tisalia is our guest. Why can’t she come in?”

“Little Master Glenn—” The servant used his childhood title.

“Don’t call me ‘Little Master,’” Glenn said, embarrassed to be called that front of his fiancées. He’d grown out of that title long ago.

“I am so sorry for my rudeness. But her horseshoes will damage the tatami mats.”

“Er…” Glenn realized she was right. Homes in the east weren’t nearly as sturdy as those in Lindworm. If a heavy centaur wearing horseshoes were to set foot inside, both the mats and the floor would be severely damaged. Not to mention that the holes in the floor would be dangerous for Tisalia.

“That’s fine,” Tisalia spread her arms, showing not an ounce of anger. “This house wasn’t built for monsters. May I go around from the outside? Will you show me the way?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Well then, see you soon, Doctor,” Tisalia waved her hand nonchalantly. The fact that she didn’t let her dissatisfaction show was evidence of her upbringing.

“I’m sorry, Tisalia.”

“It’s fine. I couldn’t possibly remove the horseshoes you put on for me.”

Horseshoes were secured to the hooves with nails, so they couldn’t be removed easily. This sort of problem would never occur in Lindworm.

“It hasn’t gotten easier here, has it?” Arahnia observed. “Not that I blame you, Doc.”

“Yes, well…I’m still sorry.” Glenn frowned.

“Let’s get this over with and head back to Lindworm, shall we?”

“Don’t be silly. This is your home, Doc.”

“That doesn’t mean I like it.”

The servants looked appalled at his frankness, but Glenn ignored them. Why should he like a place that couldn’t accommodate his fiancées?

Souen, who’d been watching everything, sighed. “Make sure you don’t say something like that in front of Father.”

“I know…” Glenn answered, dejected. He felt childish, but he couldn’t help it.

Sapphee and Arahnia giggled together at the sight of their sulking fiancé.

 

***

 

Vaclav Litbeit was nearly sixty years old.

Deep wrinkles lined his face. His body was lean, but he wasn’t muscular like a warrior. His dignified expression was more imposing, like a general.

He might not have been qualified to command an army, but he could certainly run a trading company.

“So you made it.”

Vaclav had risen through the ranks to lead the eastern commerce alliance through his prowess with martial arts. In this way, he was similar to Tisalia’s father, Hephthal. But there was an important difference between the two. Hephthal had started out as a warrior and then chosen to become a merchant. But Vaclav had acquired the discipline of a warrior in order to attain his goal of becoming an influential merchant.

“It’s been a while…Father.”

“Not even a single letter… Never mind. Make sure you say hello to your mother.”

“Yeah…” Glenn’s face was glum. He was in no state to discuss marriage with his parents.

Vaclav sat cross-legged at the head of the table, his arms folded in front of his chest. The impression he radiated—that he wouldn’t listen to anything they had to say—made Glenn uncomfortable.

Souen and Sioux sat on either side of their father. Souen maintained a stern expression, like his father, befitting the nominal head of the household. Sioux had a meek and obedient look, but her body was quivering. Sitting still for long periods of time didn’t suit her.

“It’s been a while, Sapphee. I trust you’ve been in good health?”

“Yes, Mr. Vaclav. I’m enjoying working in the clinic with Dr. Glenn.” Sapphee sat, her tail coiled on the cushion. Arahnia took up a seat on the other side of Glenn, looking graceful.

“And how is your mother?” Glenn’s father asked.

“I have no idea. I left my home behind. I notified her that I’d be getting married, but all she sent in response was a brief letter telling me to be happy. I won’t be returning there.” Sapphee’s voice sounded more sulky than cold. Although it had ultimately been a misunderstanding, she still resented how the Neikes family had introduced poison into the Lindworm canals.

Tisalia opened the shoji door, so that she could sit in the courtyard and join the conversation.

“I must apologize to our guests. I’m sure you’re not accustomed to the east. I am especially sorry for the inconvenience caused to you, Lady Scythia.”

Vaclav’s expression was stern, but he bowed deeply.

“Don’t mention it. I hope to continue our good relationship with the Eastern Trading Company, and I actually don’t mind at all. I’m very pleased to meet you, Mr. Vaclav.”

“And our company appreciates doing business with you.”

Tisalia’s family worked to transport things, while Glenn’s were merchants—it was only natural they’d had some dealings. Trade between the east and west had been rapidly picking up of late.

“Now, Glenn—”

“Err.”

“Let’s hear what you came to say. I’ve heard a bit from Souen, but I’m ready to hear it from you.”

“Umm…” Glenn looked up.

“I’m going to be married. To Saphentite, Tisalia, and Arahnia. And I want to continue working as a doctor in Lindworm. I came to tell you this in person.”

“Do whatever you want.”

“Uhh…” Glenn had spent so much time mentally preparing himself, but this curt response caught him completely flat-footed. “A-are you sure, Dad?”

“Do you want me to say ‘no’?”

“N-no, it’s not that… I just thought you’d be completely against it.”

“Even if I were, I’m sure you wouldn’t listen. This is exactly the same as when you declared you were leaving home to go to the Monster Academy. Did you give up then, despite my objections?” Vaclav gazed sharply at Glenn, who shook his head. “Your obstinacy is familiar. If you’re not going to listen, then there’s no point in wasting my words.”

“Dad—”

“You will call me ‘Father,’ as an educated man should.” Vaclav straightened his posture. “Now, marrying monster girls—and not just one, but several—is not the way we do things here. Your mother was so startled by the news, she had to lie down.”

“That sounds about right…”

“But you don’t listen to anyone. Even if it was Souen that instigated it, once you decided to go to the academy, there was no changing your mind. Then…” Vaclav paused, as if searching for the precise words. “I read your report about Sioux’s treatment.”

“Oh.”

He was talking about the Demonitis findings and countermeasures.

Glenn had gathered the materials and submitted them to Cthulhy. As to how his father had gotten ahold of them…the only explanation was Souen, who’d frequently traveled between Lindworm and Heian.

Souen’s face was a blank mask.

“According to the report, the Litbeits—well, many families in the human realm—are descended from demons. If that’s the case, then we’re in no position to discriminate under the excuse that we’re different species. You should marry who you wish.”

“O-oh, thank you…”

“Besides, I suppose this truth will come out sooner or later. Given that Souen plans to take a demon wife, I doubt it will make much difference if his younger brother marries monsters in Lindworm before that.”

Souen had told their father more than Glenn had realized. This surprised him. He’d thought his brother’s relationship was a secret. But if Souen had spoken to his father about it, then that probably meant he planned to formally announce it to the human realm soon. Souen’s dreams were becoming reality, one step at a time.

“I apologize, Father,” Souen said, bowing his head.

Vaclav nodded.

“So that’s how it is. Do as you like, Glenn. Saphentite, Lady Scythia, please take good care of my son.”

Sapphee and Tisalia bowed their heads. Only Arahnia, whose name wasn’t mentioned, raised an eyebrow.

“Dad, you—”

“May I ask your name again, Lady Weaver?” Vaclav’s expression was unreadable.

“Yes. I am Arahnia Taranterra Arachnida.”

“Miss Arahnia, I’m very sorry, but I cannot agree to you marrying my son.”

“Er!”

Glenn made to stand.

“Sit down.”

He did as he was told. “Er… Dad…”

“I will only say this one more time,” Vaclav looked at Glenn with that sharp gaze he so hated. “I am decidedly against your marriage to Arahnia.”

Glenn could do nothing but clench his teeth at this completely unexpected refusal.

 

***

 

The plum blossoms had just started blooming on a small island with only one village, a short distance from Heian by ship. Glenn, currently on that island, stared at the tiny cluster of buildings from the veranda of the estate where they were staying.

“What do you think?” Souen called out to him as he approached.

“Yeah, it’s nice. Did Saki set this up?”

“That’s right. She’s pretty busy, but she said she wanted to stop by for dinner. Just relax for now”

“Yeah…we can’t stay at home anyway,” Glenn scratched his head. After what his father had said, he didn’t want to stay in the family mansion.

Souen must have seen it coming, because he’d had all the luggage that Glenn and the others brought with them delivered directly to this village. After their conversation with Vaclav, they’d all come here immediately.

“It took a long time to build this place.”

“Really? It doesn’t seem like it would have taken much…”

Souen didn’t reply, but he had a complicated look on his face.

The island was beautiful and bore few traces of human tampering. Despite being so close to the capital, it was almost completely undeveloped. According to Souen, despite its proximity to the center of the human realm, only monsters lived here. This hidden village was his secret.

“This island was negotiated from the duke in order to make trouble.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s the nearest island to Heian, but it can’t grow crops due to the high salt content of the soil. From the perspective of the elder statesmen, this made it useless, so they wanted nothing to do with it. Saki and I have been gathering monsters living in the east and slowly cultivating the land. We still can’t farm, but it’s perfectly livable. We’re using it as a hidden sanctuary.”

Souen said this nonchalantly, but salty soil was a critical issue for agriculture. He must have gone to extraordinary lengths to build this village without anyone noticing in the human realm. It would have been quite the task, even if he technically owned the island.

“But, well, there are only monsters here. There are wet women and weavers too. I’m sure Sapphee and your other fiancées will feel right at home.”

“Yes…” Glenn agreed. As the tatami issue had illustrated, the human realm wasn’t what the monsters were used to. They’d be more comfortable around other monsters.

“Oh, and would you mind making some time to examine the residents? It’s not like anyone here is sick, but we don’t have a doctor. A monster specialist like you is very valuable.”

“Of course.” Glenn nodded. He’d brought enough equipment for basic examinations, figuring his abilities might be needed. He’d never planned to treat this like a vacation.

“And of course, I’ll make sure you’re paid.”

Glenn was stunned. Souen was normally such a miser. He must have truly cared for the monsters living on the island. If only he could have directed some of that kindness to his own siblings.

Without another word, Souen walked away.

He probably had important lord-things to do.

 

***

 

Glenn continued looking out over the village, spotting a young arachne playing with a ball. It was just as Souen had said.

The child ran when she saw him, though. Humans were probably rare here, so her fear was understandable.

On the other hand…

“There you are, Doctor.”

“Sapphee.” Glenn looked up as the pharmacist approached.

“Did you go somewhere?”

“Yes. I was examining the fields. I heard that Saki was collecting herbs, so I thought I’d make some medicines to leave here. Ones that will keep for a while.”

“You’re so thoughtful.”

“Incidentally, Tisalia is showing off her spearfishing skills to the kids.”

“She finds attention everywhere she goes. How about Arahnia?”

“I don’t know,” Sapphee said, her expression unchanging. “Maybe she doesn’t want to see anyone. Are you concerned?”

“Of course I am. After what my father said… Look, I have no intention of listening to him, but…”

“Honestly, I was ready for him to denounce all of your marriages. But I never expected him to reject only Arahnia.”

“It isn’t even because of run-of-the-mill human racism, as terrible as that is.” Glenn sighed deeply. “It must be because of the Black Widows.”

His father’s haunting words surfaced in his memory.

 

***

 

“A group known as the Black Widows is currently causing trouble in the capital,” Vaclav had explained solemnly. “They claim to be a new religion, and they have been gaining popularity, but they don’t share a belief system like Buddhism or Shintoism. They condone stealing and violence and have stolen or set fire to the goods of many merchants here in the capital.”

“They just sound like bandits.”

“That’s right,” Vaclav said. “They hide under the mantle of religion, but they’re merely violent thieves. The marshals are pushing back, but so far, they’ve been unsuccessful. Souen probably knows more about what the council is saying.”

Souen nodded. “It goes without saying that sustained violence in Heian is a serious issue, but no one can seem to figure out where the Widows are based. The investigation has hit a dead end.”

“So you see, Heian is in an uproar.” Vaclav heaved a sigh.

“What does that have to do with my marriage? Arahnia isn’t—”

“These Black Widows are acting in the name of their god…Arachnida.”

“Whaaa?” Glenn was dumbfounded.

He finally understood the connection to Arahnia, but it was so ridiculous, he couldn’t make sense of it. Arahnia’s last name was being used in human heresy?

“The group leaves messages for the merchants they rob. Apparently, the things they steal are offerings to this Arachnida.”

“Th-that’s just a coincidence! Arahnia has been in Lindworm this entire time. There’s no way she would be involved in—”

“Outsiders won’t see it that way.” Vaclav’s face remained stoic. “Personally, I don’t believe the designer of Loose Silk Sewing has anything to do with this heresy. However, gossip about the Black Widows is only going to worsen from here. I cannot agree to this marriage.”

“But…”

Vaclav was right—many people would assume Arahnia and the Widows were connected somehow. Everyone loved a juicy scandal, especially when it meant sullying the name of a famous merchant family.

“It could disrupt everything Souen’s been working for. Marrying monsters is on the cusp of becoming socially acceptable, but if his younger brother were to marry a woman involved with bandits, that would certainly set him back.”

“Er…”

“At the very least, it would cause the council of statesmen to investigate the entire Litbeit family, Glenn. You know this. Even the whisper of an investigation could severely hurt our profits.”

Glenn did know that. It all came down to pride, but Vaclav cared more about his reputation than he did anything else in the world. He knew how important credibility was for a well-established merchant in Heian. Once that trust was broken, the entire family would be out in the cold.

“Even so, it’s just a coincidence! It has nothing to do with Arahnia!”

“You can say it’s a coincidence all you want.” Vaclav’s stern eyes fell on Arahnia, sitting beside Glenn. “But it seems this isn’t news to your beloved weaver.”

“Wha?!” Glenn looked to his betrothed.

Arahnia’s expression was stiff, and not just in reaction to being rejected as a bride. She clearly knew something about this religion.

“Sorry, Doc,” she said. “I never thought it would come to this…”

Her immediate apology could only mean one thing. There was actually a connection between Arahnia and the Black Widows.

 

***

 

Glenn held his head in his hands as he sat on the estate veranda. He’d come here to convince his father. He wasn’t leaving without a solution, but given these complications, he had the feeling they’d be here for a while.

“Doctor, where is Arahnia?”

“I think she’s in her room in the estate. But she won’t see me.” Arahnia had been very quiet after they left.

“She probably just feels awkward,” Sapphee said. “What are you going to do? Defy your father’s wishes and marry her anyway?”

“It would be the academy all over again, and I don’t really want to do that. But I might have no choice,” Glenn said without hesitation.

He knew it would cause problems for his father and brother, but he was prepared to do it anyway. It was rare for the good-natured Glenn to put his own feelings first in this manner, which just went to show how much he cared for Arahnia.

“Even so, Arahnia’s against it…”

“That makes sense.”

“She said she’s fine with being a mistress, and that she isn’t worth me disobeying my father.”

“I see. And you couldn’t reason with her, so you’re out here on the veranda?”

“Stop reading my mind, Sapphee.” Glenn sighed.

The plum blossoms were beautiful. It was customary in the east to drink sake while viewing the plum or cherry blossoms, though he never personally partook in the custom. He thought about how much he might have enjoyed spending time under the flowers with Sapphee and Arahnia…if circumstances were different.

“Arahnia would probably be more comfortable as a mistress. I think she likes to have fewer responsibilities.”

“Yeah, that sounds like her.”

Arahnia was pretty detached. She liked to do things her own way, and a marriage contract might feel like a shackle. She’d told him any number of times that she was happy being a mistress.

“But that won’t do. I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

Glenn thought about how to explain it.

Sapphee always called Arahnia her best friend. If that were true, then he had to believe their friendship wouldn’t break easily.

“There was a time when you weren’t around, right?”

“Oh. Y-yes.” Sapphee turned away, as if those words smarted. Her tail was stiff, on alert.

“When that happened, Tisalia and Arahnia saved me. Especially Arahnia, even though she was really busy. She came to cook for me so many times. Without them, I don’t know how I would have made it. I might have even quit being a doctor.”

“Doctor—”

“That’s why I want to take care of Arahnia. I don’t want to think of her as a mistress, or use her for my convenience. I want to marry her properly,” Glenn declared, staring at the plum blossoms.

He looked at Sapphee timidly as he declared his love for another woman, wondering if she’d be jealous. But she was smiling.

“Thank you, Glenn. I’m glad you think so highly of my friend.”

“You’re not…jealous?”

“Well, a little. But I don’t want to be that kind of wife.” Sapphee stuck out her forked tongue, laughing mischievously.

“So…I’ll marry her. But I still don’t know what to do.”

“Because of the Black Widows? If this new religion is the reason your marriage can’t be blessed, there must be something we can do about it.”

“Yeah.” Glenn sighed deeply again.

There were so many obstacles in his path. He wanted his father to approve his marriage with Arahnia, but he didn’t know how a small-town doctor could go up against an entire religion.

“If only there was a way to make everyone happy…”

“You’re so sweet, Doctor. And also greedy!” Sapphee laughed chidingly.

“What’s wrong with a little greed?” Glenn asked, sulking.

 

***

 

“Everyone, welcome to Souen’s estate.” Saki bowed deeply as they sat before plates of food in the dining room. “It’s not much, but we’d like to celebrate your arrival. Most of these ingredients were harvested here on the island. I hope you enjoy them.”

“We’re grateful for your hospitality, Saki.”

Saki was Souen’s fiancée. Like Sioux, she had Demonitis, transforming her from a human to a demon. Apparently, she was this village’s administrator. She’d also seen to the preparation of this meal, while Souen played host. In addition to mountain vegetables, each guest had been served a stew made of beans, grains, and venison.

“Saki, something’s different about you,” Glenn said. She’d always been mild-mannered, but she seemed even calmer than the last time Glenn and the others had seen her.

Saki grinned.

“I always feel inferior in the east. When I go outside, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder. But here, there are only demons and monsters. I fit in.”

“I see…”

“It’s not much, but please, dig in,” she prompted.

Glenn started with the mountain vegetables. Sapphee, having spent so much time in the east, was adept at using chopsticks, like Saki and the Litbeits. Only Tisalia was using a fork.

“Sioux hunted the deer for us!”

“I was wondering where she had gone off to…” Glenn let out a sigh. Sioux had grown up into a complete tomboy. Ever since she sprouted horns, his sister had felt more comfortable in this village than she did in their parents’ home.

“You’re making sake here, too?” Sapphee asked.

There were bottles lined up alongside the trays.

“Yes. One of the residents is a skilled brewer, so we leave it to them. We can’t produce much here, but maybe someday, it will make its way out into the wider world. Please, enjoy!”

“I will, thank you!” Sapphee took a sip. “Damn. I wish Arahnia would come down.”

She was keeping the seat next to her open, just in case.

“I asked her, but she just said to drop some food by her room later.”

“Oh, she did?”

She probably wasn’t ready to see anyone yet. It was understandable, but Glenn was still worried.

“Should we make her come?”

“No, Tisalia.”

“Okay, okay,” Tisalia said, around a mouthful of vegetables.

Glenn didn’t want to resort to forcing Arahnia to spend time with them, but he also didn’t have any better ideas.

“For now, Saki, can we stay here until Father approves of our marriage? I’ll try to talk to Arahnia too. Of course, we don’t expect to stay for free. I’ll provide examinations for everyone in the village. I came prepared.”

“Naturally, Souen’s brother and his wives are welcome here. We’re going to be family, after all! Please, stay as long as you’d like, and make yourself at home.”

“Thank you very much.” Sapphee and Tisalia were blushing at being called wives. Glenn wished Arahnia could experience it, too. He really never wanted her to be treated like a mistress.

“Glenn, wipe that sourpuss look off your face. It spoils the sake,” Souen said.

“Brother…”

“I understand you’re worried about your weaver, but since when do you care so much about Father’s permission? Just forget about the Black Widows and get married anyway.”

“Well…” Glenn said. “That wouldn’t make Arahnia happy. So I don’t want to.”

In truth, he didn’t want to cause trouble for Vaclav and Souen. He wanted his marriage to be a blessing for his entire family. He still had regrets about the way he’d handled the situation with the academy. He’d never have given up on his dream to become a doctor, but he could have done a better job of maintaining his relationship with his parents.

He didn’t want to make the same mistake again.

“Then maybe you should do what the designer says and take her as a mistress.” Souen said. “Nothing between you has to be different. Especially if that’s what she wants—”

“Souen,” Saki cut him off.

“That’s enough for now. We’re celebrating.”

“I’m saying this because it’s a celebration. If he really cares about her, then—”

“Your brother is thinking about your position as well, Souen.”

“Who my brother marries has nothing to do with my business!”

Glenn knew they both had his happiness at heart…even Souen, despite his lack of tact.

“That’s enough!” Sioux burst out, slamming her hand down on the wood flooring. “Are you even capable of enjoying yourselves?”

Souen and Saki both grew quiet.

“Brother!”

“What?”

“Sioux hasn’t forgotten! You said Sioux is to decide your wife. Just as Sioux was ordered, she chose the women with the deepest connection to Brother! That means not only Sapphee, but Lady Tisalia and Lady Arahnia too!”

Glenn hadn’t forgotten. Thanks to the poisoned water incident, Sioux hadn’t exactly selected Glenn’s future wives directly, but she got along well with all three of them.

“Ugh…”

“Sioux can’t do anything about Father’s objection, but every one of Brother’s fiancées is like a sister to Sioux! If my judgment is mistaken, then that’s on you, Brother, for entrusting Sioux with such a task!”

“Okay, okay. You’re right. Let’s set this discussion aside for now,” Souen said. “However, you do need to decide what you’re going to do, Glenn.”

“I know…”

The best thing would probably be to focus on the so-called Black Widows. But not even Souen knew where to find them.

“I know you’re concerned about your family, but blaming each other won’t solve anything.” Tisalia finished her wild vegetables and stood up slowly. “This is brazen of me, but…let’s do some tricks to get this party started! Kay and Lorna…aren’t here right now.”

“That’s okay,” said Sioux. “There is bamboo, Sister Tisalia!”

“Perfect! Now then, with this dagger, I will split the bamboo from top to bottom! Tee hee! By marrying Glenn, I’m not just gaining a husband, but also a cute little sister!”

“I want to train with you again!”

Sioux and Tisalia had become even closer than Glenn had realized.

“Tisalia, make sure you’re careful on the floor.”

“This estate doesn’t have any tatami, and the floors are sturdy! I already checked with Saki! Now go!”

Tisalia went on to split bamboo in two, snuff candles with a swing of her sword, and perform many other tricks, showing off her skills with a blade.

But no matter how lively things got, Glenn remained glum.

All he could think about was the one person—well, the one arachne—who wasn’t there.

 

***

 

He tossed and turned all night.

Glenn was reading a book when the fairies flew over to him. Sapphee had brought a number of fairies from Lindworm, but since there wasn’t much dairy farming to speak of in the east, she’d renegotiated their contracts so they’d work for one cup of sake each day, instead of milk.

Their tiny little faces were bright red.

“Rubbedy-dub.”

“Dub-dub.”

“Are you all right? You need to go to sleep.”

“Dubbedy-dub.”

“Dooby.”

“You can’t drink anymore.”

Glenn was getting a little worried about the inebriated fairies. Then again, they never got injured or sick, so the drunkenness was probably only temporary.

He watched the fairies fly away and went back to his book.

It was an old eastern fairytale about a spider who turned into a woman…and the man she loved. In the end, the spider betrayed and ate the man, and she was subsequently slain by a passing samurai.

“I shouldn’t have read this.”

It was literally the worst book he could have chosen to read while preoccupied by the situation with Arahnia. The spider girl was probably an arachne living in the east. The story was fiction, but Glenn had the feeling it was based on some truth, even though he didn’t want to believe that such a thing had actually happened. At any rate, it wasn’t helping him fall asleep.

“Ahh…”

It was well past midnight, but he decided to take a walk around the grounds. He was just getting out of bed when a light appeared on the other side of the paper door.

“Hello?” It was Saki’s voice.

Glenn could see the shadow of her horns through the shoji.

“Little brother? I’m sorry to bother you in the middle of the night. Can we talk?”

“Uh… Oh, yeah.” Glenn wondered what she might want as he hurried to close his book.

Saki opened the shoji.

She was wearing a single eastern-styled undergarment, her skin visible through the thin silk fabric. Why was she dressed like that? Glenn thought for a moment that it must be an emergency, but Saki’s expression was as calm as ever. She entered his room and knelt.

“Wh-what is it?”

This woman was betrothed to his brother. Glenn had no idea what to make of this sudden meeting in the middle of the night.

“Since you came all the way here, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Ask me something?”

“I’ve been feeling pain all over my body. I was hoping you could examine me.”

“Well, yes, I can do that, but…” Glenn had a plethora of questions.

“Why so late?”

“I didn’t want to make Souen worry. He’s not the best at expressing his feelings, but if he knew I wasn’t feeling well, he’d start worrying.”

“Ahh…” Glenn couldn’t imagine his brother ever worrying about anything, but Souen was head over heels in love with Saki. If she said he’d be worried, it must be true. “Can you be more specific about the pain?”

“In my thigh, upper arm, and back. I get especially sharp, shooting pains whenever I crouch down in the fields.”

“I see. Perhaps it’s muscle fatigue from farm work. Let me take a look.”

“Yes, please.” Saki removed her undergarment without any hesitation.

It was so sudden and so quick that Glenn didn’t have time to stop her. Her torso was exposed. She was sticking her chest out, and he could see her stomach as well. Flustered, he scrambled to cover her up.

“Oh, er, um! Saki, you don’t need to remove your clothing!”

“Oh, really? But for the exam—”

“The examination method is quite different from the eastern way. I may need you to be undressed at some point, but not right now,” Glenn explained hastily.

Most doctors in the east required patients to remove their clothing for all examinations. It wasn’t anything inappropriate; it was just the custom. But all he felt in that moment was guilt for seeing his brother’s fiancée naked.

“Please, relax. I’m going to start with a physical exam.”

“Yes, thank you very much, little brother,” Saki said as she donned her undergarment again.

Though her demeanor was calm, her eyes were serious. She’d always been a closed book, but now Glenn found her expression downright scary.

He pushed the thought aside and started the examination.

“You’re very tight,” he said, touching Saki, who was now lying on the mattress.

She’d developed the firm muscles characteristic of demons on her calves, thighs, and back. But they were all tense.

“Is it what you suspected?”

“Demons are blessed with muscular strength. But the tightness… The work you’re doing in the fields must be harsh.” Glenn observed as he rubbed her thigh.

She was only wearing the short undergarment, so her thighs were exposed—in fact, he thought he could probably see more if he tried. The women in the east didn’t typically wear underpants. Glenn did his best to push away thoughts of his brother’s fiancée’s naked body under the thin fabric.

Saki was coming to him for help. It might be the middle of the night, but Glenn focused on his mission as a doctor.

“We’ve finally been able to harvest more crops from the fields lately. However, the soil is hard and overgrown with weeds, so we had to use our superhuman strength to plow the ground. We were only able to do it because everyone here is a monster.”

“Have you ever had a fever?”

Sioux got fevers when she overexerted herself. Demons overheated much quicker than humans when they engaged in rigorous physical activity. Since Saki was a demon too, it would make sense if she experienced the same symptoms.

“Hee hee. Brother, it’s already been fifteen years since I turned into a demon. It was rough at first, but now I know how to use my body so that I don’t get fevers.”

“Oh, well, if that’s the case, then it’s fine,” Glenn said, wondering how old Saki was.

She looked very young. But Demonitis was known to manifest between the ages of twelve and sixteen. The horns appeared during puberty. That would make Saki around thirty, which was older than Souen.

“Brother, are you wondering about me?”

“Yes. Of course I am. You’re going to be my sister-in-law.”

“Well, it’s not certain yet. I had to leave my family because of my Demonitis. Who knows if Souen will really stay with me forever…”

“No.” Glenn shook his head. “Once my brother makes up his mind, there’s no changing it. For better or worse.”

“Well, little brother, you do know him well.” Saki sounded impressed as she lay sprawled out on the mattress.

“Anyway, it seems like your muscles are just stiff from the long-term effects of exertion.”

“Is that so?”

“Incidentally, what did you do today?”

“I was mostly weeding in the fields. I also picked mountain vegetables.”

“I see.”

So it had been heavy labor. She’d probably done this to feed Glenn and the others. He felt a new level of gratitude for her.

“It would be best if I could give you a massage, but…the stiffness is really quite severe. Chiropractic isn’t my specialty. I might not be able to get in deep enough.”

“Is that so? Souen told me that his brother is the best doctor in Lindworm.”

“I’m quite sure my brother would never praise me like that.” He appreciated Saki’s kind words, but they were a little much. “I think it would be better if a proper eastern masseuse looked at you.”

“I’m sorry, little brother, but no masseuse here would want to work on me. They’d be criticized if they took on a demon client.”

“Oh, right…” Glenn held his head in his hands.

It was discrimination. Illness and injury didn’t see species or creed, but that wasn’t true for humans. Glenn thought about how hard it must be for people who became demons.

If he were to leave the reforms of the human realm to his older brother…

“I’ll have to do it.”

“If you prefer not to massage me, how about needles?”

“Needles?”

“Yes. Souen is studying it right now. Sometimes he practices on himself.”

Glenn groaned.

Treatment using needles… In the human realm, they called it acupuncture. Very thin needles, which didn’t cause pain, were inserted into the muscles to relieve tension. They simultaneously promoted circulation, treated fatigue, and also improved the flow of chi.

However, Glenn was skeptical about acupuncture. Just like sorcery in the west, Cthulhy’s techniques didn’t recognize the existence of eastern chi. She disliked the idea of conditioning the body by adjusting something she couldn’t see.

Therefore…

“I’m sorry. I’ve studied acupuncture, but I’ve never practiced it. I’m not very experienced.”

“But you have the knowledge, right? That’s fine with me. Otherwise, I’ll just continue to be in unbearable pain.” Saki frowned.

“Okay, then…” Glenn shook off his doubts. He couldn’t very well let his sister-in-law suffer. It was his job to get rid of the pain. He might not have learned eastern medicine from Cthulhy, but he’d studied a fair amount of literature on the subject. “Are the needles in my brother’s room?”

“No, I brought a set with me.”

“Huh?” Glenn was confused.

Saki stood up and put her hand to the breast of her undergarment. Without hesitation, she exposed her chest. Flustered, Glenn averted his eyes. Saki took out a folded piece of cloth. Glenn wondered where in the world she’d been keeping it.

“Here you are, little brother.” Saki grinned.

Glenn took the cloth. It was still warm. It must have been touching Saki’s skin directly. He opened it to find dozens of very, very thin needles, lined up neatly.

“What is it?” Saki asked, almost seeming to hope Glenn was excited by the sight of the needles.

“Oh, nothing.” Glenn shook his head, not realizing what she was really asking. “You’re just so prepared.”

Saki was kind and cultured—Souen would never be with anyone who wasn’t. She wouldn’t try to manipulate Glenn. All he could do now was to quietly continue with the treatment.

“I’ll prepare the disinfectant,” he said.

 

He sanitized the needles, then returned to Saki, who was lying down again. Her undergarment was still open, her chest exposed.

Normally, only the area being treated needed to be exposed, but this seemed to be more comfortable for Saki.

“Thank you,” she said.

Glenn nodded.

Acupuncture focused on pressure points, like the reflexology methods he’d used on Kunai in the past. All he needed to do was insert the needles in the proper positions at the proper angles. The needles Saki had provided shouldn’t cause any pain.

Glenn calmly proceeded with the treatment. While he worked, he took care to not be distracted by his half-naked soon-to-be sister-in-law.

“Now, I will insert the needles in order.”

“Yes…”

He concentrated, slowly inserting each disinfected needle.

“Ahh!” Saki let out a coquettish cry. Her body quivered.

“Did that hurt?”

“N-no, it’s fine. It looks like I’m just a little sensitive.”

“I’m sorry. Normally, acupuncture needles shouldn’t hurt, but I’ll try to be careful.” Glenn knew he’d inserted that needle skillfully. Even if she had a strange skin sensitivity, it shouldn’t have been enough to make her cry out.

Are the needles too effective? Is that possible?

He started with the next one, slowly and carefully inserting it into Saki’s skin.

“Ahh, mmm!” Saki was quivering again. It didn’t sound painful, but her reaction was a bit excessive.

“Saki, could you try to keep your voice down?”

Eastern homes didn’t have separate rooms like they did in the west. Massive estates were divided up using only paper sliding doors, called shoji. It was perfectly possible that voices in Glenn’s room could be heard in Sapphee’s and Tisalia’s rooms.

“Oh, oh, yes. I’m so sorry…” Saki said, panting. She only had two needles in her so far.

I know I’ve never performed acupuncture before, but why such a dramatic reaction?

Maybe Saki was reacting this way because her exhaustion was so severe?

“I’ll keep going.” Glenn proceeded, hesitantly.

“Mmm! Oh, ahh! Mmm! Ohh!”

“S-Saki…”

Each time Glenn inserted another needle, Saki’s body reacted.

“I-I’m sorry! I’m trying to hold back but…your hands… Oh, they’re so good…”

“If I were truly good, then you wouldn’t feel the needles…”

“I-I’mmm sorry…” She was now having trouble speaking.

Glenn continued with the procedure.

“Mmm, oof! Ahh, ahhh! Hmmm…!”

“Saki, people can hear you…”

“Oh, I-I didn’t know you would go so far…!” Saki’s words could easily be misinterpreted.

All Glenn could think about was trying to finish as quickly as possible. He didn’t want to think about what might happen if Sapphee or his brother overheard.

Just because Souen wasn’t married to Saki yet didn’t mean he wouldn’t slaughter Glenn in cold blood.

“Tee hee… I’m still tight, aren’t I, little brother? Please continue?”

Glenn thought she was referring to the muscles on her back, but she was lying on her stomach, her face turned toward him with a dubious smile. He had no idea what she was thinking. He’d thought the excessive reactions were due to Saki’s severe fatigue, but maybe there was another reason?

Glenn felt like a fornicator, even though he hadn’t done anything.

“Saki…are you teasing me?”

“No, I wouldn’t do such a… Ahh… Oh, little brother…therrre.”

“Hmmm?” Glenn was perplexed as he inserted the needles.

He didn’t know what Saki’s goal here was, but he didn’t believe she’d intentionally or maliciously entice him. Souen wouldn’t have gotten engaged to such a vixen. Glenn’s brother possessed a twisted nature. He was always scheming. But this meant that he’d never choose to be with a woman who didn’t have his best interests in mind.

Glenn trusted Souen’s judgment.

“If it hurts, or you feel uncomfortable, please tell me. If you don’t, then the treatment might not work.”

“Oh, mmm. That…feels so good. It really does.”

“Well, good.” Glenn took this as a sign the needles were working.

Saki was now breathing more evenly, proof that her muscles were relaxing. He didn’t miss the flirtatious moaning.

“Hmmm… I’m so sorry. Mmm, ahhh…!”

“I need you to trust me, Saki,” Glenn said.

“Just one last needle.”

“Y-yes, the last… Mmm, ahhh, oh, so rough…”

Glenn inserted the final needle into Saki’s back, defeated.

There was no resistance as it slid into Saki’s skin.

“Ah! Ahhh! Ahhhmmm!” Saki let out a loud moan.

Far too loud. It wasn’t just flirtatious by anyone’s definition, this time—it sounded like an act. It was so loud that he was sure everyone in the building—Sapphee, Tisalia, and even Souen—had heard her.

He was right. The patter of footsteps moved quickly down the hall. Since it wasn’t hooves or slithering, this could only mean one thing.

“Saki! Glenn!” Souen threw open the shoji and rushed into the room. “What in the world are you two doing?!”

He took in the scene before him, and froze. Saki’s loud moans had to have alarmed him enough, but nothing could have prepared him to witness a full-fledged acupuncture clinic in progress.

“What are you doing?”

“Can’t you see? He’s treating me,” Saki said, laughing softly.

Glenn suddenly realized that this had been her plan all along.

“I could ask you the same question. Just what do you think you’re doing, Souen?” the graceful demon asked, propping herself up on her elbows.

Clearly, her plan had been successful.

 

***

 

“You’re in the wrong here, Souen.”

For some reason, Souen had been forced to kneel in Glenn’s room, his back straight as a rod. Saki, her treatment complete, now stood tall, arms folded across her chest. She was smiling, but her fiancé’s face was full of dismay.

Glenn felt awkward too. If this hadn’t been his room, he would have fled the scene.

“Did you think Glenn and I were doing something we shouldn’t? Do you have such little trust in your fiancée and brother?”

“N-no, of course not… But how could anyone help but think something untoward was going on after hearing those sounds?! My dear…you’re the most important thing to me in the world.”

“Your fiancée is important? Well, I should hope so.” Saki wasn’t backing down. “Your fiancée should be the most important person to you. But do you remember what you said at dinner? You told Glenn that Arahnia could just be his mistress. You said that would be fine if that’s what she wants.”

“Ergh.”

In that moment, Glenn felt genuine admiration for Saki. As far as he knew, Souen had never lost an argument to anyone. But Saki wasn’t tolerating any backtalk, and she’d backed Souen into a corner with no fear at all of being accused of cheating.

“You told Glenn to take his fiancée as a mistress. Would you allow the same for me? If I become your mistress and not your wife, then you have no right to tell me what I can or can’t do, even with your own brother.”

“That’s not what I—”

“It’s fine with me. Demons can’t get marriage licenses, anyway. I’m sure my life would be much easier if I were to live in Lindworm with your little brother instead of marrying you here. And he’s just so cute too.” Saki slipped her arms around Glenn’s shoulders.

Her warm breath tickled his ears as her face drew close. Glenn felt instinctively like he was in danger…like he might be about to be murdered by his own brother.

“Ergh… Grr…” Souen clenched his teeth, his posture still perfect, though he was shaking with humiliation. “I’m sorry, Glenn.” He faced his brother and put his hands on the floor, bowing deeply.

“B-Brother?!”

This was the deepest show of apology one could make in the east.

“I sincerely apologize for what I said at dinner.”

“I-it’s okay. You had a valid point, and…you’re freaking me out by bowing like that!”

“No, I was wrong. Please, forgive me!”

Glenn had begun sweating profusely. He was merely a pawn in this marital feud. Saki had both of them wrapped around her little finger.

“I also owe you an apology.” Saki moved next to Souen and bowed to Glenn as well. “I’m very sorry for using you in my plan to teach Souen a lesson.”

“N-no, it’s fine. And your muscles really were quite stiff. The treatment was necessary.”

“I appreciate your understanding.” Saki smiled. “Thanks to you, my back feels much better now. You really are an excellent doctor.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“I hope you’ll treat me again, if the opportunity arises.”

Saki had used her very real muscular fatigue to remonstrate Souen. Glenn was more convinced than ever that his brother needed this woman in his life.

“Glenn…” Souen had a serious look on his face. “I wouldn’t call this a testament to my regret, but I have come to a decision.”

“What?”

“I will find a way to make Father approve of your fiancées. I’d thought that his approval was unnecessary, but I see now that I was wrong. I will help you in any way I can.”

“Huh? No, don’t worry about it, Brother!” Glenn said, reflexively. “I don’t want to be indebted to you!”

Saki looked to Souen, as if to ask what he might have done in the past to possibly warrant this reaction.

But Souen was unfazed.

“This is my apology. I’m repaying a debt to you.”

“How will you accomplish this?”

“I’ll figure something out. Please, let me help you, Glenn. Otherwise…” Souen glanced over at Saki. “I really think Saki will leave me for you.”

Glenn was stunned. As far as he was concerned, Saki and Souen were perfect together…but Souen was clearly afraid of losing her. Perhaps it wasn’t so very different from the way Glenn just knew he couldn’t take Arahnia as a mere mistress.

For the first time, he realized that he and his brother were alike.

He still couldn’t figure out exactly what thoughts Saki was hiding behind her smile, but he admired her.

 

***

 

Sapphee found Glenn on the veranda the next morning. “It sounds like you had fun last night.”

Glenn froze. “Well, I—”

“Relax. Saki told me everything before she did it.”

“She did?!” Glenn had been worried the entire time that Sapphee would hear them from the next room.

“She told Tisalia too. Otherwise, we would have burst in as soon as we heard her voice…to take care of it.”

Glenn couldn’t bring himself to ask what, exactly, she meant by this.

“Y-yeah…seriously, nothing happened.”

“I know. I was watching everything through the shoji.”

It seemed Sapphee had been in on everything, though Glenn wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

“You did nothing more than help out a family member. And it sounds like Souen is going to help you now.”

“Yes…I’m not sure what he’s going to do yet, but it’s comforting to know he’s on my side.”

Souen had a strong personality, and he always got what he wanted. If he said he’d do something, it would get done.

“That’s good to hear. I don’t exactly agree with Saki’s tactics, but I certainly learned a lot. It’s important to keep a tight rein on your husband.”

“Well, I could never go against you, Sapphee…”

“Is that so? You have so many callers! You’re lucky I’m not the jealous type, Dr. Glenn,” Sapphee said nonchalantly. Glenn didn’t even want to imagine the expression she must have worn while he was treating Saki.

“Anyway,” he said. “I’m going to need your help to have my marriage to Arahnia approved.”

“Speaking of whom… Hey, Arahnia!” Sapphee called out.

“Huh?”

Glenn followed his pharmacist’s gaze up to the roof of the house, where a familiar woman with black hair hung from the rain gutter.

“You’re truly undefeatable, Sapphee.” Arahnia wore an awkward expression, but she made her way down from the roof.

“W-were you up there the entire time?”

“Well, I knew that no one but you could find me here, so I figured it was a good place to do some thinking. But I was a bit surprised by the voices I heard last night.” Arahnia folded her four arms, looking a bit flustered.

“That was Saki’s fault,” Glenn said.

“I-I know. I heard all of it…to the very end.”

Arahnia gazed off into the distance.

The town had a lovely view of the sea and, in the distance, Heian, the capital of the human realm and the closest populated island.

“You sure do have an appetite, Doc. Saying you want me, even though you already have Sapphee and Tisalia. Still…” Arahnia’s expression had turned somber. “I wonder… Could you possibly forgive me?”

“For what? My father’s concern is the Black Widows. The deity of this new religion is someone named Arachnida. There’s no way it has anything to do with—”

“What if I told you it does have to do with me?”

Glenn froze.

Arahnia was smiling now.

“I never told you, Doc. When I came to the east, it wasn’t just to study design. I was also searching for my mother.”

“Your mother?”

“My mother is a thief. She swindles men, leads groups of bandits, takes whatever she wants. I decided to find her and give her an ultimatum, so I came east. But in the end. I couldn’t find her.” Arahnia flipped her hair back, “My mother is still here somewhere. It’s possible that she created the Black Widows. That would explain the Arachnida name.”

Glenn gulped. He glanced over at Sapphee, but she didn’t look surprised. She’d already known.

“I am almost positive that my mother is involved,” Arahnia continued. “But if that’s the case, then I’m an accomplice. I can’t be forgiven.”

“B-but, that…” Glenn couldn’t find the right words.

“Doc, please don’t go to all that trouble just for me,” Arahnia said sadly, cupping his face with her four hands.