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>>2908856
A shore leave? This information came so abruptly it left my mind a blank, with no time to think of a coherent plan or schedule. There were many things I would love to visit, many places in Amekou that I shared dear memories of, but I can’t decide where exactly to start.

“Nii-san?”
"Ah, Tewi?" I replied, noticing my sister nagged on sleeve me as everyone else began to disperse. "What is it?"
“Come on, the clock’s ticking. Stop spacing out and start planning your vacation.” She gave me this incredulous look. “Don't tell me you’ve forgotten how to navigate around Amekou already.”
“Well, it has been three years,” I replied. “Any changes I need to know?”
“Not much,” Tewi shrugged. “Other than the blackouts at night in case of an enemy air raid, most of the city remained the same. Got anywhere on your mind?”

>A little hilltop spot overlooking the port
>Family estate in Formosa
>Amekou's commercial district

Oh wow, looks like I've mistyped the numbering of the title. Should be #18

>>2908861
>Amekou's commercial district

>>2908861
>Amekou's commercial district

>>2908861
>Family estate in Formosa
Going for this because running in the open might end up with us bumping into people we don't want to run into.

>>2908861
>Family estate in Formosa

>>2908861
>Amekou's commercial district

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“Kyufen, naturally.” I spoke the first location to come up in mind. “I want to go there one last time before setting sail.”
“Oh, the old market?” My sister closed her eyes, looking like she was plotting something nefarious. “Makes everything easier then!”
“You are secretly plotting my downfall, aren’t you?” I said. I know my sister well enough to know nothing inherently fruitful ever comes out for me whenever Tewi plans her antics like this.

“Nii-san, you are being too paranoid here.” she feigned innocence. “What kind of brother automatically expects malicious intent from his sister?”

“The kind who has been played over and over again?”
“Nonsense! I’ve never done that! ” Tewi smirked with her hands clasped.
“Riiiiight.” I nodded sarcastically, “Tewi, I’d really appreciate you giving me some time alone. Just this once?”
“Fine, fine, you do what you do.” Tewi rolled her eyes at me as she shrugged “Go enjoy your day. Let’s hope nothing bad ruins it, am I right?”
“Tewi, no. Just NO.”
“Relax, I’ll be just on my merry way to do my...stuff.” She replied dismissively, walking away from me. “Have fun, Subaru~”

I most definitely do not look forward to what she’s planning, but at the meantime, I figured it’d be best for me to not think too much about it and finally enjoy some time for myself.

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>>2913342
Kyufen District, Amekou.
This city was one of the first successful settlements on this island, funded and founded by nine merchant families in the Yu Dynasty’s early years. Serving as the largest commercial port in Formosa, the settlement soon turned from a trading post to a busy city, and the ever-bustling commercial district was a direct testament to the city’s history. Even as Zipang eventually acquired and colonized the island, little has changed in its day to day life.

I stretched my arms and back, breathing in the fresh, open air free of the ocean’s salt. One of the disadvantages of living on a ship was the very limited personal space it offers. While I was not exactly bothered by my sister’s presence, I really desired some freedom from company, even if just for a short while.
Making my way through the quaint, distinctively Yu-esque streets, I noticed there to be a lot less traffic than I remembered. Formosa at large has not faced any particular heavy assault during the Tengar-Zipang conflict, but the reports from the mainland perhaps made people believe this peace won’t last for long.

Yamato’s presence in Amekou may as well be a signal that time was running out.

I searched around the series of stores and small eateries built into the sides of this district’s two main streets. There was a specific teahouse I remember that was somewhere at the end of this route, I’ll just grab a lunch along the way…

“Ah! Subaru-kun!”
Ah, that cheerful, angelic, and heavily accented voice, I honestly wonder who this person may be, and how the rest of my day would spiral down from here….

“Oh, Nii-san! What a pleasant surprise!”
“Subaru?”
“Margaret? Yanagi? and... you.”
Stood across the road was my sister, Yanagi and waving Margaret flanked her sides. The latter stood out among the crowd by simply being more than a head taller than everyone. Now, I can hardly say I didn’t expect Tewi to meddle with my plans, but this wasn’t quite the type of meddling I had been expecting.

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>>2913365
“Well, I was just showing these ladies around the city!” Tewi brought her company close, putting on her most innocent smile used only used to hide her mischief. “Such a coincidence we run into each other, don’t you think?”
I must have done something down the road to have angered my sister, and severely, for her to subjugate me to such punishment. Maybe it’s time for me to apologize for whatever mistake I made…
“Tewi, I…”
“I’m sure you’d be more than happy to take over from here, am I right?”
She interrupted with her killer blow before I could even so ask

“I-”
Well fuck.

Having tasted her sweet victory, my sister quickly spun around and exited the scene.
“Oh, I almost forgot.”
Well, not before dropping another bombshell.

“Suwabe-dono has invited all officers aboard the Yamato to a special treat tonight.”
“Special treat?”
“It’s a surprise.” My sister said, placing her index finger on her lips. “Just be at the train station by 5. Don’t be late!” Then, she shot a final wink and skipped on her merry way.

“See you later!” Margaret happily waved my sister goodbye. Meanwhile, Yanagi and I were left looking forth awkwardly, not sure what was to come next.
“Subaru-kun!” Naturally, Margaret’s next course of action was to tug me into her embrace, completely ignoring the very concept of personal space “Where are we going next?” She disengaged shortly after, just in time for Yanagi to yank me back to create some distance between the two of us.

>Take a look at the local handicrafts
>Taste the eateries on the way
>Bring them to the teahouse
>Explore some of the older, hidden paths still present in the area.
>Write in

>>2913372
>Bring them to the teahouse

>>2913372
>Bring them to the teahouse

>>2913372
>Explore some of the older, hidden paths still present in the area.

>>2913372
>Explore some of the older, hidden paths still present in the area.

>>2913372
>Bring them to the teahouse

>>2913372
>Bring them to the teahouse
Probably the one option here that doesn't lead to a shitshow.

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While I originally planned to go to the teahouse after tiring myself from walking and needed some rest, being tagged with additional company out of the blue suddenly intensified this urge to seek refuge.
“Let’s go have some tea and ease up,” I said, looking at the two. “I know a good teahouse around here.”

The word ‘teahouse’ instantly spawned a confused scowl on Margaret’s otherwise impeccable features
“Teahouse? Isn’t that an Edinburgh thing?”
“Denisov-san, please do not compare our tea culture to that perfidious nation,” Yanagi emphasized her discomfort with an uncomfortable cough.

“Oh… Pardon me. I’m terribly sorry.”
The Valkyria was quick to make her apologies, and Yanagi was only too happy to continue.
“And their black tea is utterly disgusting, how in the world do people even drink such dirt water?”
As Yanagi ranted on, I couldn’t help but imagine how intensely Satoru would’ve protested had he been here. For now, I'm glad that I don’t have to mediate another one of their petty fights on which tea is superior..

Walking down the street, we passed through several fine collections of historical Yu architectures, and the very much omnipresent souvenir stalls. Margaret, as usual, couldn’t help herself with some knick-knacks here and there, eventually settling with some Yu-styled handicraft. A little shopping trip later, we did reach our designation- a small, standalone red brick building of classical Yu design.

The shop was aptly decorated with a small wooden shop sign with the characters “Chashi”, which meant “Tea Room” in the Yu language. Located at the end of the road of this commercial district, the Chashi was in a way isolated, shielded from the traffic and noises of the city. A step into the shop illuminated the history of Amekou’s commercial district- while the exterior of this building was undoubtedly an early Yu-era architecture, its interior was a mixture of Zipangnese and Yu heritage, completed with a small open backyard visible through the shop’s windows by the tables.

Various greenery and flora decorated the enclosed backyard, complete with a small pond swimming with multicolored nishikigoi. Enjoying a silent, undisturbed time alone would have been the best relaxation I could have, however…

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>>2917520
“What are we ordering, Subaru-kun?”
As we sat down, Margaret plopped beside me without warning, squeezing my face to one side as she excitedly examine the menu, which offered a wide variety of beverages from Zipang, Yu, and a decent selection from neighboring Gallian territories as well.
The table we were assigned to was a classic 4-man seat, but with the absurdly tall Valkyria squeezing me into the corner, my side of the table felt a lot more claustrophobic than usual.

“Denisov-san.”
“What is it, Morishima-chan?”
Yanagi closed her menu, pushing it before Margaret. Looking a bit displeased, she spoke in a tone that was less friendly than usual.
“I think we should exchange seats,” Yanagi stated clear and firm. “I believe you could do with extra space more than myself.”
“Thank you, Morishima-chan, but I’m fine like this!” she replied with a pleasant smile, failing to register Yanagi’s sudden change of tone.

My childhood friend shot me a glance then looked back at the oblivious Valkyria.
“What about Subaru? Are you sure he’s okay with it as well? ”
As the sudden realization shot through Margaret’s mind, her emotion shifted from a pleasant outlook to genuine concern. Slowly, she leaned over until our eyes met horizontally, wearing an expression that could be aptly described as ‘a mother worried about her child’s after he tripped and scraped his knee.’
“Subaru-kun, are you feeling cramped?”

With both eager for an immediate answer, I have to make my choice now-

>Suggest Margaret and Yanagi swap seats
>Leave it as it is and sit with Margaret.
>Suggest the girls sit together.
>Write in

>>2917536
>Leave it as it is and sit with Margaret.

>>2917536
>Suggest the girls sit together.

>>2917536
>Suggest Margaret and Yanagi swap seats

>>2917536
>Suggest Margaret and Yanagi swap seats

>>2917536
>Leave it as it is and sit with Margaret

>>2917536
>Suggest Margaret and Yanagi swap seats
One for the underdog

>>2917536
>Leave it as it is and sit with Margaret.

>>2917536
>Leave it as it is and sit with Margaret.

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“Um...” I gulped, staring deep into the Valkyrur’s alluring crimson eyes. “N-not at all!”
Again, I was utterly incapable of turning her down-a part of me just absolutely refused to see her sad or disappointed. For someone who had such limited exposure to the outside world, yet tried so hard to get along with everyone, I couldn’t help but want to give Margaret some accommodation, even just for her efforts.

I turned to face my childhood friend. “Thanks for the concern, Yanagi, but I’m okay with this.”
“Well, if you say so…” She remarked with a noticeable sign, turning her face away.

Our beverage was served up shortly, complete with a full set of utensil fitting with the motif of the store. Aesthetic wise, the fine porcelain teapot and tableware were in many ways similar to that of the ones used to serve matcha in Zipang. However, the tea served in them, particularly the of brewing and rounding out the taste, was a completely different beast altogether.

“Oolong?” Yanagi observed the set in surprise and a little hint of disappointment.
“We’re in Formosa, might as well take the local specialty,” I answered gleefully as Yanagi glared at me. If I recall correctly, Gallian blended black tea was on the menu as well. Maybe we could bring Satoru along tomorrow as well, just for old times sake.
As we joked around, the rest of our orders were served to us as well.

“But I’ve got something you’d love as well,” I said, turning to Yanagi. For her, I have ordered something that fitted more to her tastes.
Coming right up after the oolong tea set, Yanagi and I were each served a rectangular block of spongy cake -- a type of ‘western’ dessert called the Castella, first created in Zipang during the early days of her modernization. The cake was usually made with sugar, flour, and eggs, but the ones served here had an additional special ingredient, giving these cakes a light green hue.

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>>2925827
That special ingredient is none other than Zipang’s famous powder green tea Matcha, Yanagi’s absolute favorite.
“Matcha castella!?” My friend appeared instantly rejuvenated at the sight of her favorite dessert.
“And this is?” Margaret inquisitively poked into the bowl of translucent jelly-like noodles with her chopsticks, then brought a little bit up to give the curious object a taste. “Hmm… Interesting texture, but doesn’t taste much of anything...”
“We call that Kuzukiri” I explained, beginning to brew our tea. “It’s made from a species of arrowroot exclusive to Zipang and Formosa.” I said, then pointed at the small cup of darkish brown liquid beside the noodles. “The noodles by themselves are flavorless, so remember to dip it in the syrup before eating for flavor.”
“Ah, I see!”

Next thing I knew, a mouthful of those arrowroot noodles were stuffed right into my maw.
Yanagi stared wide-eyed as Margaret fed me a bit of her order… with the same pair of chopsticks, she just used herself.
“Does it taste right?” she asked with a wide smile. Meanwhile, I could only feel more blood flushing into my head as I slowly chewed away the smooth-textured dessert dipped in syrup.
“Margaret-san.” I tried to avoid eye contact with her. “I'm fine with my own dessert.”
“Then it's an exchange!” She proceeded to dig away a small piece of my cake. “Subaru-kun can have s bit of mine, and I get to have a bit from you!”
I can feel Yanagi’s ice cold glare piercing right through my skin...

>Time to settle this ‘personal space’ issue once and for all
>Try to focus on Margaret and enjoy the moment
>Change the subject by serving tea to both
>Write in

>>2925832

>Time to settle this ‘personal space’ issue once and for all

>>2925832
>Time to settle this ‘personal space’ issue once and for all

>>2925832
>Change the subject by serving tea to both

>>2925832
>Change the subject by serving tea to both

>>2925832
>Change the subject by serving tea to both

>>2925832

Settle personal space, while serving tea.

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At the same time, there happened to be a feasible solution to diffuse the scene.
“Margaret-san, perhaps you could use some beverage alongside the snack? I addressed her while backing off slightly to give myself some space. “I can make some tea, if you’d like.”

“Why, thank you!”
That worked surprisingly well, as the Valkyria retreating back to her seat, now focused intently on my performance to come. I then immediately turned to Yanagi, who
“You as well, Yanagi. What about some tea?”
“Well… Sure, since you asked.”
Yanagi replied, her attitude softening up significantly perhaps from my token of friendliness.

With Margaret giving me some space to work with and the cold glare from Yanagi alleviated, I began working through the borderline ritualistic steps of chayi, the traditional tea preparation of the Yu people.

As strange as it may seem, I learned this art from none other than my father, Vice Admiral Kurokawa of the Combined Fleet himself.

Despite being more or less sworn enemies with the Yu Dynasty, one aspect of theirs which my father absolutely adore was tea culture of all sorts of nations, theirs included. Of the little time I had spent with my father, this specific activity happen to be the one I shared most memories with him.

In fact, I feel as if I can hear his soft whispers guiding my hand through every step.

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>>2937062
I scooped one teaspoon of shriveled oolong leaves, then gently flickered them into two of the lidded porcelain cups on the stand.

“Give them some time to ripen, and some space to breath- for without either, they will not be able to reach their potential.”
Following through muscle memory, I sent a cascade of warm water into the cups, then drained them immediately. Warm and rinsed, the leaves released a steamy, fragrant aroma.

“Each tea is unique, with their own qualities and preferences. Knowing the characteristics of each will allow you to bring out the best in all of them.”

Next, I tipped opened the kettle’s lid, noticing the water has cooled down quite a bit. For a medium fermented tea like Oolong, it would be best for the water to be nearing boil for the tea to brew ideally. Notifying the server, she immediately replaced the kettle with another one holding near boiling water. I then poured the hot water into the cups-

“Timing is everything, Subaru. Be patient while the tea brew, but do not lose your focus- for even a split second could make the difference between moderate and perfection.”

Filling the cups to about 90% full, I placed the lids above the cups and placed each of the cups before the girls.
“Now we wait for one minute flat, and the tea will be ready,” I told the two who watched upon my actions with morbid curiosity.

Setting the utensils aside, I remembered what my father would always tell me.
“When all that can be done is done, always take time to appreciate all that has brought you to this moment. After all, it is the journey that created the results … like how you made these leaves into tea.”

...The minute felt a lot shorter than I imagined.

“It’s about ready now.”

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>>2937066
Delicately, my childhood friend picked up her cup, probed its aroma, then took some time to savor its smooth, fragrant taste. The serene smile that formed on her face informed me of my success in this task.
However, unbeknownst to her, someone else wasn’t really tasting this beverage in the “correct way.”

“Subaru-kun, this tastes really good!”
Between the time that went by, Margaret has already finished her third cup, apparently her body also was capable of standing up to extreme heat.
“Thanks.” Somehow, I felt flattered.

Instead of correcting Margaret’s behavior, Yanagi simply made a resigned sigh, deciding to let the foreigner enjoy herself this time.
And judging from how happy she was, this was probably the best decision.

“Impressive, Subaru-kun!” Margaret watched on wide-eyed. “Where did you learn this from?”
“I used to come back here every now and then.” I replied, blushing slightly at her compliment. “I used to do this with my father, whenever we had the chance to come together-”

But he’s no longer here. Not anymore.
Memories of days long gone flashed past my head as the painful realization fully sets in. Ever since hearing the news of his death, I had been so fixated on his legacy that I had barely put any thought into who he was to me, and how he’s more than just a name I need to carry… until now.

...Because I did not want to think, let alone be reminded…
That he was still a loving parent, even when we met less and less as I grew up.
That he originally planned to send both Tewi and I to Formosa, in order to spare us from the ravages of war.
That I defied him regardless because it was my duty to fight for Zipang.
That despite this, we still exchanged letters frequently as we fought on different fronts.
That our parents are gone… forever.

“Subaru-kun…”
“I'm fine.”
Reflexively, I avoided Margaret’s contact and concern. Not because I didn’t like her skinship-heavy approach, but because I know well what would happen if I were to surrender myself into her embrace.
“Hey.”
Then out of the blue, Yanagi passed me two folds of tissue.
“You got something in your eyes.”
“I know.”

>Dive into Margaret's embrace
>Take Yanagi's hand
>Wash this grief off alone
>Write in.

>>2937068
>Wash this grief off alone
>Its just rain

>>2937068
>Wash this grief off alone

>>2937068
>Wash this grief off alone

>>2937068
Wash this grief off alone

>>2937068

Break down and cry in front of them. At this point there's no shame in it.

>>2939803
>Breaking our on
You're probably a filthy gaijin.

>>2937068
>Wash this grief off alone

>>2937068
>Take Yanagi's hand

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I swiped off the moisture I was barely holding back from the corner of my eye, and the single drop that leaked out onto my cheek.
“It’s raining” I said, turning aside to face the window in an attempt to cover up the emotional overflow.
And as if the heavens was on cue, droplets of rain began dripping down from above. This was, after all, Amekou- the rain port. Using this opportunity, I covered my face and silently allowed the sorrow to wash over me.

“Subaru-kun…?”
“Subaru, are you sure-”

“I’m fine. Thank you both.” I continued, finally able to contain my emotions and regain my composure from earlier, trying to divert both Yanagi and Margaret’s attention to another topic. “So, how do you like this place?”
The silence and the concerned look on their faces only cemented the fact that I’ve ruined the mood.
Even Margaret, who had always been quite terrible at reading the mood, picked up on what has just happened, and looked more worried than ever before.

Well of course, what sort of terrible diversion was that? It would have worked if there was only one streak of tear running down my face, not a small stream that cascaded down spontaneously.

“Excuse me.”
Having hurriedly excused myself, I moved past Margaret and made a brief leave from our table.
I shouldn't bring my personal baggage down on those two.
This shouldn’t be something for them to be worried about, and I am better off washing the grief away by myself, as soon as possible…

I found myself standing right outside the entrance, a short outstretched of a pagoda’s roof shielding me from the rain. Out there was a light shower, characteristic of Amekou’s usual weather in the summer. Here was where stood, leaned against the ornate, gated entrance to this shop, looking out into the abyss of vapor that dampened my vision.

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>>2942807
>>2942807
I wiped off whatever precipitation formed around my eyes and bottled up every last bit of grief to vent later, preferably with Tewi, or alone. Patting my cheeks twice for a final confirmation, I turned around to rejoin the two of them.

…
...
Well, in a way, I did.
Here I was, landed face-first in some sort of soft, warm material. I would like to believe I accidentally bumped into someone carrying blankets, hurriedly collected as the rain began to fall.
“Subaru!”
Alas, it would’ve been a disappointment if that were the case.
As soon as Yanagi pushed me away, I realized that I’ve unmistakably walked right into Margaret’s ample bosom… yet again. I’m pretty sure this was past the second time accidents like this happened between us.
I was more interested as to why they came to find me instead.
“Yanagi, Margaret-san? What happened?”

“Well.” Yanagi iterated with her arms crossed. “Since sitting here at the store under such heavy atmosphere wouldn’t help any of us… Denisov-san suggested we might as well leave here for good and take a little tour around to change the mood.”
Both of us shifted our gazes onto the tall Valkyria, who smiled proudly at her suggestion.
As usual, Yanagi was certainly not abroad with her suggestion, and there was an obvious reason as to why.

“Margaret-san...” I sighed, scratching the side of my cheek. “Unfortunately… we don’t have umbrellas.”
“But why? Why should we need umbrellas?” She leaned down and asked in genuine curiosity. “Shouldn’t Amekou be appreciated in her natural state- in the rain?”

In normal circumstances, I would have immediately shot down this insane idea of deliberately walking around unprotected in the rain.
But since we will have to get to the station soon, and that the rain wasn’t showing signs of stopping… I doubt there really was a choice.

Plus, maybe a tour really could change the mood.

“If you say so…”

---

Needless to say, my sister didn't have the nicest things to say we met at the station.

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>>2942817
Okay, this seems to be a good point to send off the thread.
But before the archive, I'll see if I can churn out a short little side story before the thread sinks.
If not, I'll archive it once the thread hits page 10.

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Amekou Port, 19:00pm.
Aside from a few boats specialized in catching squid and cuttlefish, most have gradually began returning for the day’s rest. However, this was Formosa, and fishermen had other duties to complete aside from making their daily catch.

“Good work today.” Exclaimed the captain of the fishing boat, Tonan Maru.
“You as well, pal.” Having received a warm pat in the back, the captain of Hashin Maru passed over a simple but easily identifiable oil lamp. Shining through the crevasses of the lamp, the weavings imprinted the crest worn by the Combined Fleet. “Be careful out there.”

“No worries, we’ll be back soon enough.” The captain of Tonan Maru took over the lamp like that of a relay race. Here, his gaze curiously shifted onto the various little vessels which followed the Hashin Maru. He did not remember Tonan Maru with that many auxiliaries, however, with the dusk casting a deep black blanket over the seas, it was hard to make out exactly how many were there.

“It’s spawning season for Formosan Squids. We got some really great yields today.” The captain of Hashin Maru laughed, instantly disarming any suspicion from the other man.
“Go now and ya might just catch the last batch!”
With a wide smile, the captain of Tonan Maru led his little flotilla out into the open seas. He might have caught a bountiful catch for today, but in the end, the Tonan Maru had failed her duties as the Formosa Garrison’s many scouts in disguise.

“Boss, we’ve landed in Formosa.”
In a complete 180 degree swing in attitude, the rather humble captain of the Hashin Maru began to speak like a mobster, addressing his superior in a respected tone.
At that very moment, a young woman with wild features climbed out from the fish hold. Then along with her, several dozens rugged, brutish men.

“Suckers, that’s way too easy.”
Stepping in front of the fake captain, the head of this band of thieves licked her lips in near-uncontainable elation. Her attitude was no alien to the crew who affiliated themselves with the Mad Dog of Palawan. After all, it’s been a full two years since her last "pirately" deed.

However, being with her for so long, her men also knew the time and place to give their boss some much-needed advice.
“Boss, the other side…”
“I KNOW. YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANNOY ME EVERY 10 SECONDS.”
For a moment, Chu Fuxiang’s bellow appeared to send a shockwave throughout the entire hijacked fishing boat.
“Let’s see what tricks that Goguryeoan has under his sleeve.”

Alright, archived
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2908856/

Again, apologies for some rather long wait between updates. I'll see if I can make things shorter in the next thread. But until then.