The birds are chirping and bees are buzzing. Waking up refreshed, Kenta is feeling much better today. Sitting up, he sees his shirt patched up lying on the end of his bed.

Hachi, you’re too nice.

Putting the shirt on, he heads down stairs. No one is around.

“Hachi? Kaede?” Kenta calls out, “Anyone home?”

No one answers.

Hmm, I wonder where they could be.

Without thinking too much about it, Kenta looks over to the table and sees a note.

~~~

To Kenta,

If you see this note, then that means you’ve woken up. Kaede and I are currently attending a meeting with the elders to discuss the future for our farm. Isamu and Moriko are probably out playing somewhere. In the meantime, if you look in the kitchen, there should be a bowl of porridge; that’s for you. I hope it’s still warm by the time you eat, it was quite delicious. Anyway, we should be no longer than an hour, so just rest until we get back.

From Hachi.

~~~

Putting the note back down, Kenta enters the kitchen to find a nice bowl of porridge waiting for him. As Kenta grabs the bowl, he exits the kitchen and sits down at the table. Thankfully the porridge isn’t too cold yet.

Mmm… This is delicious!

…

After finishing the porridge, Kenta puts the bowl back in the kitchen and heads outside.

Unsheathing his sword, Kenta begins practicing, seeing what he is and isn’t capable of.

“Yah! Yah! Yah!” Kenta sounds as he swings his sword.

“Hah! Hah! Hah!” Kenta yells as he thrusts his sword.

“Ah! Ah! Ah!” Kenta shouts as he blocks the invisible enemies.

With a final lunge, Kenta appears to have defeated his opponents. Standing up and regaining his composure, sweat is dripping down Kenta’s back.

…

After an hour of training, Hachi and Kaede finally return.

“That’s a good form if I’ve ever seen one.” Hachi says commenting on Kenta’s sword skills.

“Oh, you’re back!” Kenta says, “How’d the meeting go?”

“Oh, it went well.” Hachi replies, “We were just sorting out the turnover procedures as the crops are ready to harvest.”

“Oh! Well if you need any help, I’d be glad to lend a hand.” Kenta states.

“Hahaha. I’ll hold you to that.” Hachi says with his usual smile. “Also, I bumped into Akira, he told me to tell you, to come by his fish stall and help out. He said he’s misses the easier work load.”

 “Hahaha. Well I’ve got nothing better to do. I just hope I get paid.” Kenta retorts.

Sheathing his sword, Kenta walks down the farms entrance, and heads towards the town square.

…

5 minutes later.

“Ahaha. There you are boy.” Akira says, “I see you’ve come to help this old fart out, huh.”

“Well I had nothing else to do.” Kenta replies putting an apron on, “I better be getting paid for this.”

“Of course, of course!” Akira says guiding Kenta behind the shop, “Same as last time.”

…

After a few hours, it becomes midday.

*grr*

After standing around selling fish in the midday heat, Kenta’s become hungry.

“Hahaha. Go on then.” Akira says noticing this, “Go have lunch, I hear the tavern is serving a beef stew special today.”

Taking the initiative, Kenta unties his apron and heads for the tavern.

A bell tinkled as the door opened. It’s enchanting inside with the warm, humble atmosphere. Hard wooden beams support the upper floor, the walls have lanterns attached to them, giving off a beautiful radiance, separating the lanterns are all sorts of decorations. Being the first time Kenta has been in the tavern, he is taken aback by the sight.

The tavern is crowded with members of the village and passer-byers. Several log long tables are filled to the brim, with people feasting on various dishes.

Kenta seeing an empty spot by the bar, quickly pushes his way through and sits down on a stool.

“And what can I get you love?” A busty, red headed waitress asks.

“Uh… can I have your beef stew special please.” Kenta answers averting his eyes from her perked up bosom.

“One beef stew special!” She yells out, “And to drink?”

“Ah… waters fine.” Kenta replies.

“Coming right up, handsome.” She says turning around.

Bending over, she grabs one of the beer glasses from the bottom shelf, teasing anyone who saw.

*Gurgle* *Clank*

She fills it up to the brim with water, and places it down in front of Kenta.

“That’ll be one silver total.” She says holding out her hand.

Slipping his hand into his pocket, he takes out one silver and passes it over.

“Thanks!” She says while smiling, “Your meal should be ready in a few minutes.”

Glancing around Kenta notices a few blue flags with a white star in the corner, hanging from the walls.

I don’t believe I know what kingdom Shingo village falls under. I don’t even know any of the kingdoms.

…

4 minutes’ pass, and the busty red head, places a steaming plate of beef stew down in front of Kenta. Smelling the fulsome beef mixed in with various spices, Kenta begins salivating. Instantly Kenta digs in, chewing, savouring and taking his time eating the delectable stew.