Event Quest:Golden Week:Marchosias

Location: Asakusa

This place is, Asakusa.

A beastman and a young child were walking together
along the lively streets of Asakusa.

......Phew. I nearly broke a bone in this job.

I fell sorry for you too child. You've been tired of waiting is it.

As a response to Marchosias's question,
the young child shook his head without saying a word.

As much as I want to settle down now...... It is not safe to do so at a unfamiliar place.

So...... Which route should I take to go back to Shinjuku.

I have stayed in this world for quite a while...... I think I have already gotten used to the complicated railway lines here.

Thinking of the returning route,
however, the young child on his shoulder did not stir an inch.

......Hm? What's wrong child? Are you feeling unwell?

Hearing Marchosias's question,
the young child shook his head violently.

Seems like the child was trying to tell he is fine.

......Are you really fine?

Although expressing "I'm fine",
the child could be seen concerned with the surroundings.

(I didn't sense anything strange...... but I shouldn't draw to a conclusion that fast, it's this world afterall.)

(He may just be tired. I should cook him some hamburger steak tonight......)

Marchosias was thinking of ways to reassure the young child.
At a fraction of a second where he took his eyes and alert away from the child---

"What's wrong kid? Your stomach hurt?"

A man approached the young child,
and he spoke.

---!?

Marchosias took a huge leap,
and remained in a safe distance.

Almost immediately, he took out his sword from his hips flowingly,
thrusted it as he confronted the man.

---Who are you. If you dare to do harm to this child, I Marchosias......

W-what are you doing all of a sudden!! My kids are startled isn't it!!

It is you who--- Hm, kids you say?

If you look closely,
You can see the man holding two baby onis on his hand and back.

Even though shouting in anger,
he carefully protects the babies.

(Protecting the infant before himself......)

What do you think ya doing? Pointing da sword all of a sudden! You want a fight huh!?

No...... A was a little, over-reacting.

I did not sense any hostility from you. Please accept my apology. I am sorry.

Seeing Marchosias apologize with a deep bow,
the man scratches his head uneasily.

Hmm? What, you're such an extreme guy. It's nothing if you can understand.

Moreover, I'm concerned about the kid you're holding. He seems so nervous......is he ok?

He looks at the young child's face anxiously.
The actions made the child feel more comfortable.

Finally there's a festival, but with your gloomy face like this, it makes me unnoticed doesn't it.

Festival---you say?

......Don't tell me you didn't notice. All that festival music playing around, and the streetly are so lively than before.

Look, over there. There're a lot of stalls around isn't it?

Looking around,
There are some festival stall not far away.

Only hoping to return to Shinjuku as soon as possible after work,
he totally didn't notice.

......

Taking a glimpse of the child,
he was slightly peeping at the stalls.

Oh! Hey kiddo, you're interested in the festival right!

Being talked to, the child immidiately hid behind Marchosias
as if he was being poured by water.

......My bad, did I scare you? Is my face, that frightening......?

Oh no, this child is a little...... Afraid of strangers. It is not your fault.

Hm? Ok then. So, what's up? Are you interested in the festival?

The man asked while keeping in distance with the child.
The boy hesitate for a bit, and then he nodded.

Child......!?

Ah? Why are you so surprised? You brought the kid here didn't you?

It is very rare, that the child has shown interest in something......

Moreover, for him showing his own opinion...... He rarely does that to me as well.

And now, he does that to a stranger like you...... It is a little unexpected.

What, you're so punctilious. You've made the kid anxious as well don't you know?

What......!? I-is that how it is......!

Well, my kids love the festivals. Maybe because it's not just a noisy place, but a place everyone enjoys?

Everytime I go to a noisy place, they'll start to cry. Indeed......right? Kiddos.

Shaking the babies as he speak,
As if responding, they giggled loudly.

Everyone enjoys. Is that so......

I have never enjoyed myself in front of the child.

Protecting this child is, the last wish from my master that is not in this world anymore---

Fulfilling this wish is, my only reason for existence.

---Never walk in the crowds. The more the people, more dangerous it gets.

Festivals are of course not the option. I can't imagine how many "accidents" will happen there---

Thinking this way, I have protected the child well. I have never thought I had chosen the wrong path.

......

......However. Is that the best for the child?

What have I......!

......Well, Mr. Knight. I dunno if there's anything that hit hard on you two......

If the kid wants to go, then why not just go with him?

I'm going to have a look as well, so I can help looking after him too.

The man in front was a bit worried.

He was worried to the bottom of his heart,
for a child that he has just met.

Why does a man we just met,
would treat us with kindness like this......

I cannot understand.

However---his face turned funny,
as if the world has flipped around.

......

Marchosias looked up into the sky.

The colourful stalls, the people passing by.
The enjoying laughters of everyone.

Why did I not notice.
How much I've strained myself---

And why did I, imposed such burden to the child.

To a boy who is still so young,
in an age of great sensitivity.

......child. Do you want to see the festival?

Hearing the question,
The young child blinked in surprise---

And then, he nodded slightly.

Is that so...... Then, let's have a look.

Oh! You're going? Now you're talking!

Indeed. That is what the child hopes as well.

Looking at the smile of the young child,
Marchosias started to think.

I have made my vow. "To protect the young child from any harm".

Yes, this will not change wherever the place it is.

Even if it is a crowded place. All I have to do is to protect him. Even if it costs my life.

So let's get ourselves moving! Oh, and by the way......

What's wrong?

Not "what's wrong"! Introduction! I don't even know your name!

The name is Tono Motosumi. Can I ask for your name?

Ah, my name is---

Blending in with the festival music,
the lively crowds and the sounds of people.

The young child proceeds slowly.

Into a crowded place he has never been into,
since parting with his father---

The time is just a bit past noon.
The five of them starts walking to the festival.

The stress and hardship from the lonely child caring will probably
be relieved from the lively festival music.

Where a relation similar to friendship started to grow between the two
is another story---

Marchosias' Golden Week
-END-