The Haunted Bookstore – Gateway to a Parallel Universe Vol. 5 by Shinobumaru

Author:Shinobumaru [Shinobumaru]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: light novel
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
Published: 2023-03-21T07:00:00+00:00

After spending a few days resting at the Sano residence, Hakutaku could say that he was back in good health, far better than he had been on the night he arrived. He had also grown quite close to the Sanos and figured that it was now a suitable time for his portrait to be drawn. However, Oyuki still would not give him permission. According to the woman, Hakutaku was still not in peak form, but every time he tried to figure out why, he would only draw blanks.

“Why won’t she let me?” he sighed.

“Why indeed?” Toyofusa sighed too. Just like on the other nights, he was back on the engawa waiting for more spirits to appear. The two sat together in the moonlight while the chirruping of insects rang through the air, mulling over Oyuki’s obstinance as they sipped on alcohol cooled by water from the well and ate cold tofu topped with spring onion and bonito flakes.

“When will she let me sit for a portrait, then?” Hakutaku grumbled.

Toyofusa chuckled. “Well, it’s up to her… No, I would actually say it’s up to you. She did mention that it’s all in the mind.”

“The mind, huh…” Hakutaku trailed off. “That reminds me, she told me something about each one of us having something that only we can do.”

“Words like riddles,” the artist mused.

“They truly are!” Hakutaku exclaimed. “I don’t get it at all and I’m the beast who’s supposed to know everything.”

Toyofusa glanced at the spirit as he pouted. “Well, I don’t know what’s going on in your life, but since you’re such a prestigious beast, I’m sure you have a lot to deal with as well. At the very least, I’m glad to see you getting along with Oyuki. You’re free to stay with us as long as you like.”

“O-oh… Thank you,” Hakutaku stammered, casting an uncertain glance to the sky. The being opened his mouth as if he had more to say, then shut it, opened it again, and finally closed it. Part of him was tempted to spill his heart, but the louder part of his mind thought that he could not disclose it so easily. And he was afraid that if he shared his deepest truth, then things would change. These people were so kind to him, and they believed wholeheartedly that he was a grand beast of good omens. What would they think of him if they discovered what was on his mind?

The thought of it was too terrifying to even contemplate.

The air was thick with humidity. Being the height of summer, it was not a cold night at all, but Hakutaku felt the chill on his skin, nevertheless.

Perhaps it is because I am a coward, he thought sadly.

“There is no need to rush yourself,” a gentle voice said, breaking him out of his despondence. “Take as much time as you need.”

Hakutaku whipped his head around to see who had spoken. It was Oyuki, with more alcohol for the two held in her hands.

“As Toyofusa-sama has suggested, you only need to think about recovering for the moment.

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