Seiun wo Kakeru Chapter 54

Chapter 54 – Living Apart

*Sigh*, the air feels hard to breath.

Eiji tried to recall the main cause behind this turmoil.
It seemed that everything pointed to Katharina’s confusing talk.

From now on, I’ll make sure that Katharina pays more attention to her misleading words, so as to not cause any more misunderstandings.
The next time I meet her, I’ll definitely point that out – is what Eiji engraved in his heart.

Thinking carefully about that matter inside his heart, Eiji hung his head in shame while making upturned eyes.
It was just escaping from reality.

Tanya’s face, which was expressionless just a while ago, changed completely into the one with a friendly grin.
At first glance, it looked like a gentle expression, however, her eyes weren’t smiling.

—– Scary.

Eiji didn’t have the courage to face her head on.

As if having one’s every single move observed, Eiji couldn’t move his body.

Trying to explain things, he was unable to arrange his words competently.

Even though it was still a chilly day in the morning and evening, sweat was gushing out from his face and his hair was sticking closely to it.

In addition to that, a feeling of discomfort, similar to that of having one’s stomach tightly gripped, accompanied him.

– How long do you plan to stay silent?

– Please convince me, okay?

Being told without any hesitation, Eiji thought ‘I’m beaten’.

Still, one has to do what they ought to.

And that would be the case of today’s talk.

He was innocent from the very beginning.
With the situation being bad already, if Eiji doesn’t become resolute, he will bring more unnecessary suspicion upon him.

– First, there’s something I’d like to say.

– It might be hard for you to believe, but… I wasn’t fooling around. I’ll be explaining things from now on, so please try to judge calmly.

– I’ll do it chronologically.

– You probably know about what I did during my job yesterday. I took Pietro and the rest to the mining place, and after that, I walked around the village in order to check on the weaver and the watermill. I think Tanya-san too noticed that, but you can ask several people that saw me near the watermill and the farming fields. You will understand immediately that it’s the truth.

– I brought my pupils back when I returned once again to the mining place. After that, I had a dinner together with Tanya-san. Later, I went out alone and met with Pietro at the workshop.

– That’s because I told him not to disclose the skill I showed to him.

– I didn’t want to cause a conflict between me and the other pupils. They would probably think that Pietro is the only one favored, being told the skill. Again, I feared that there might have been a chance for them to peek.

– It’s not like that. If it was so, I wouldn’t even be bothering with the explanation. Still, I wanted to lower the probability of disclosure, even if it was just a little. If nothing I say convinces you, it’s fine to try asking Dante and the rest. Once you realize that Katharina wasn’t slipping away, will you then believe me a bit more?
– ……….

Was it because Eiji’s voice was determined?

It will probably take a while for Tanya to consent with.

After that, how much of value will his action deserve?

– Master, Dante and Katharina have gather- ed…. O-Oh?

– Y-Yes.

– ………..

Did Pietro notice the unusual atmosphere? He looked confused.

It seemed that her doubt still hadn’t cleared up.

Eiji left the house while feeling something heavy pilling up inside his chest.

– Oh, Master, what’s the matter?

– *surprised*

There was no way for him to scold Pietro.
Switching over his feelings, Eiji headed toward the gathering spot.

– Then, it was because of me that Tanya-san misunderstood-su?

– I, thought that it was in order to test me….
– I got it. You’re honestly not the one to be blamed. It’s my household’s problem.

As soon as he explained the circumstances, Pietro dropped his shoulders.

Still, that he gave a reason for the misunderstanding remained as a fact.

Eiji will probably have to regain his honor by figuring out how to explain the situation.

Unlike before, he had a gallant expression displaying a resolution.

The watermill rotated while producing the sound.

Eiji alone was sharpening the tip of a kiridashi and a hatchet that he had been making the past few days, whereas, Pietro and the rest were continuing their mining work today as well.
Assigning everyone to their respective job is much more efficient.

Recently, Eiji has added some improvements to the watermill.

With that, there would be no need to pour the water separately during his work.

Except for the single part in the whetstone, the whetstone has to be moistened regularly with water.

Also, this may create melt particles that can clog the gap in the whetstone, making it impossible perform sharpening.

Eiji hit the surface of the kiridashi’s blade that had become sloped.

It was also a procedure known as haganedashi.

It was a task executed by Eiji countless numbers of times.

The water, which moistened the whetstone’s surface, scattered in splashes.

After that, he reversed the blade to the other side.

In case the blade is formed obliquely on one side, a cross-section called ‘makuri’ that sticks out diagonally appears.

As soon as the shape and the blade are created, the process of aratogi will conclude.
He grinded the 5 remaining kiridashis that were pre-made one after another with the same pattern.

The next step will be nakatogi.

The fact that it will be performed won’t change, however, before proceeding to that, it’s necessary to wash the kiridashi clean.

Once again, Eiji continued his work in silence.

The blade of the kiridashi with a dim light running through it gradually assumed a glamorous surface while shining radiantly.

A neatly polished blade won’t rust easily.

However, sharpening was similarly, highly crucial.
Even if one is to be handed a fine edged tool, these steps are meaningless as long that person can’t maintain the tool.

– Ahh–

The reason why Eiji emitted his voice was due to the tip of the blade slightly hitting the whetstone.

That sort of mistake was rather uncommon for Eiji.
Or at least, this was the first time it had happened since the start of his smithing career.

– I wonder what’s wrong with me….

Shaking with his neck, he breathed out a sigh.

Something like this will be no good. I have to be back on track, even if it’s just a little.

Did she inquire for the truth?

Eiji hit his cheeks hardly so as to switch over his thoughts, and went back to work.

– I’m back

Returning back to his home, Eiji would usually await a warm reception.

However, there was no welcome.

– ….I’m back. Is she absent?

The sunlight entered inside once he opened the louver door.

In exchange, the breathing sound of the cattle and the ‘puhi puhi’ cry of the Button rubbing against Eiji’s feet were heard.

Tanya would usually be awaiting his return with a face that was one time smiling, and another time, worried.

Entering inside, he realized there were various things placed on the table.

What’s that?

Due to the shadow, it was hard to perceive what was there, but once Eiji drew closer, he immediately understood.

She probably made it in preparation for Eiji’s arrival.

And then, he noticed something placed in the shade of the plate.

The ring, which had its surface decorated with opal, reflected the light just like a rainbow.

Eiji, who had seen numerous iron-made items till now, knew very well how much it was treasured.

Certainly, Tanya must have been wiping it with a cloth every day and smearing it with oil.

The ring was held dear.

Besides that, she would gladly insert the ring numerous times and check on it while extending her hand.
And yet, the ring was placed here.

– Tanya-san…..!

Eiji went outside.

If Tanya leaves home, then there are not many places she can head toward.

Assuming she has decided to live under someone else’s roof, it will be unbelievably close as long as it’s in Siena. Perhaps Tanya has returned back to her grandma’s house.

Puhi! – Making a cry, Button pushed Eiji’s leg.

– Ah, I’m going!

He ran.
Eiji wanted to meet her as fast as possible.

Because the evening sun would disappear behind the mountains, a normal day in Siena was far shorter than in other places.

Once he knocked, the door opened
Bona stood there with a stern face.

– Oh, Eiji? Just what’s your business today?

– Umu, she arrived here in the afternoon.

– I guess that would be difficult. That girl is sleeping right now after clinging to me in tears.

Being curtly refused, Eiji had no answer for that.
The tribal chief added more toward Eiji, who couldn’t talk back.

– Well then, what’s the matter? That girl says that you were fooling around, but is that true?

– Umu, I thought so. Well, if I’m to say as the tribal chief, I won’t complain about whether or not you laid your hand on Katharina. Rather than that, it makes me want to praise you if you did so.

Assuming Eiji assaulted Katharina, Siena would acquire a valuable worker.

The problem was whether the wives in a polygamous relationship would get along with each other; however, it was probably something Bona had no knowledge of.
Still, despite her uttering these words of approval herself, it looked like she would by no means accept that.

– I’m afraid, as that girl’s grandmother, I won’t be able to tolerate that. Well, I guess this is the whim of being one’s relative. If you haven’t done that, you better clear up the misunderstanding.

Bona made a faraway look.
Her eyes seemed to be reminiscing a distant memory.

– After that girl’s parents died from illness, she would always raise her head and stare at the ceiling. Despite her eye corners being filled with tears, she would never try to shed them. I thought that she was a strong girl. Later, when we thought that she would finally marry into a family, she lost her husband on her first night. That time too, she didn’t cry, and since then, she would continue to live alone in silence. To think that the same strong-hearted girl would be crying now.

Now you understand? – Bona asked.
That much meant that she opened her heart toward Eiji.

– I’ll tell that girl to return back and have a calm discussion, but for today, go back. I won’t be inquiring much into detail, so let’s do our best in reconciliating both of you. It’s fine for you to return now.

Eiji didn’t say anything.
Then he lowered his head.

– Please treat me well.
– Don’t worry. I don’t think your relationship will break up over such a thing.

Bona’s eyes were very gentle.

The misunderstanding continued.

His face was filled with anger like a raging fire.

Again – Eiji thought.
He was already quite fed up with this.

Eiji, who went outside just as he was told to do, noticed a person’s silhouette drawing closer.

The silhouette wouldn’t grow bigger.
Ah, is that Pietro?

– Hey, Eiji. I think I have already told you many times that if you make Tanya cry I won’t ignore that.

– Shut up! I don’t care if it’s a misunderstanding or not. The fact that you made her cry still remains!
– Please wait!

Just before Mike was about to lose his temper, Pietro stopped them by raising his voice loudly.
Tackling Mike’s waist area, Pietro restrained his movements with his whole body.

Mike waved his body and wriggled while trying to shake off Pietro; nevertheless, he wouldn’t let Mike go.

– Pietro, you’re not involved in this. Only those who have the right are allowed to cut into.

– I’ve been looking after Tanya-chan as her guardian! Oh well, now that you understood, leave me at once!

Mike broke away.
Pietro stood between them and assumed a vigilant posture.

– I think I’ve already told Mike-san, but Master didn’t fool around. It’s one big misunderstanding.

– I do. I’ve been working under Master’s guidance all the time; therefore, I know how much he values Tanya-san. I know how he would fuss over their baby’s name, and how much he would worry about Tanya-san getting injured or burdened while being pregnant.

At Pietro, who was speaking openly, Mike faltered a little bit.

He thought about how happy he was to be believed and protected despite receiving distrust from the surroundings.
Nevertheless, he felt mentally hurt for not noticing how his wife would speak fondly of him.

Eiji thought about wanting to put a stop to these attacks.

– But, you won’t change the fact that this guy is distrusted?

– Ugu. Still, there’s no proof of his innocence?

– W-What the… is that so? Then, does it mean Tanya-chan has been guessing wrong all this time?
– Yes-su

Mike dropped his shoulders and breathed out a sigh.

– Seems like I’ve jumped to the wrong conclusion. My bad.

– Yeah…. But, Eiji, can I ask you something? Before, you gave the ring to Tanya, right?

– I thought about that time, you know, like ‘I see, indeed, he’s a good guy’. Unlike you, I gave Jane a boar when I proposed to her, but it disappeared once we processed it. However, if it’s a ring, it can retain its shape. Whenever Tanya inserted the ring and held it dear, the other men would understand at glance that it was because of you. As for me, I don’t see the worth of giving a ring. At that time I realized that it would be better if Eiji might consider crafting one more ring for himself.

– It’s not like you have to wear it during your work, right? Provided you wear a ring in front of Tanya, that girl will await for you with more faith, won’t she? That’s why I’ve decided to tell you. You know, it pisses me off when somebody makes her sad.

Mike released the strength in his arms.

That alone took out the strength from his body.

Indeed, it might appear so.

Nevertheless, if Eiji was to describe her, she had a rather jealous personality. Even when he talked to her about having a child, she showed a bit of emotional instability.
Perhaps, it could have been due to the trauma caused by numerous misfortunes she had gone through.

Certainly, Eiji needs to blame himself for making her doubt.

He thought about the plan for reconciliation.

Bona too, said she was willing to help.
It doesn’t look like it will be hard to resolve the misunderstanding.

But before meeting her, he will probably once more make the ring.
This time, for both Tanya and himself—-

When making a ring with iron, the most important thing would be to prevent it from rusting.

That is also to say, apart from the iron being the magnetite with little impurity, the ring will be crafted using nothing but charcoal and live trees.

Among numerous elements, sulfur is the one that is considered to possess the best quality of weakening iron.

A highly pure iron is capable of maintaining its shape for many thousands of years.
The Japanese fasteners and Katanas discovered in shrines and Buddhist temples have preserved their beautiful design til nowadays, but on the other hand, it doesn’t seem like the presently made iron will be able to last more than a thousand years.

Eiji decided to choose the finest part of the iron among the ones which he refined.

While heating and striking the lump, the impurities continued to fall out rapidly.

Once it was done, only 2 ring sized pieces were left from the lump of iron that was previously as big as a fist.[3]

Bending the lump of iron, first, Eiji was going to shape it into the ring.

The pole became thick to the extent of reaching the ring’s base, making it possible for Eiji to adjust the thickness on his own.

Unlike edged tools, this item didn’t require quenching

– Well then, let’s do the finishing touch.

Following Eiji’s murmur, he engraved letters on the back of the ring.

– Eiji-san, I’m sorry.

– Yes. I’ll reflect on my actions.

Soon after Eiji finished the work and returned back, Tanya was waiting.

Bowing down deeply, she didn’t try to raise her head by any means.

What’s more, Katharina gave the evidence proving that she hadn’t been going anywhere that day.

– I was scolded by grandmother and told that I should have more faith in my husband. To think that I’d behave like that once I acknowledged myself as inferior compared to another person. I, will definitely not lose.

– Understood. I thought that perhaps Eiji would consider doing that because you had no partner at night after I had become pregnant.

Funmu – At Tanya who was bracing herself, Eiji gave a reminder which had no misunderstanding in.

Eiji didn’t want to put Tanya under more pressure since her tummy had grown bigger.

One which he gave before and was decorated with opal, and another one that was a newly crafted pair of rings.

– These, are the rings of reconciliation.

– This time I made one more to match.

– Yes, please insert it. I made a simple one without gems, but…

Tanya looked attentively at the ring and placed it on her finger.

– Now it matches perfectly.

– These, letters that are engraved on the back, what do they mean?

– Ehhhh? Please tell me!
– A secret.

Tanya couldn’t read the written letters.

That’s because were he to read them, he would be feeling very embarrassed.
“Forever Love”[4], is what was engraved there.

– Well then, let’s do an evaluation meeting.

– I too am partially at fault for creating the opportunity to be suspected. Had I told you before that the skill is top secret without making any excuse, we could have avoided this conflict.

– That’s not true. Both Tanya and I were wrong in our own way. But, please have more faith in me as I won’t betray you.
– Yes…

Tears flew quietly from Tanya’s cheeks.

After that, they were back on good terms, making their conflict look like a lie.

Eiji reminded Katharina to pay more attention; nevertheless, it didn’t look like she realized what was going on.

There were also times when Eiji would hold his head, but everything seemed to be progressing favorably.
However, two months later, a new problem was to occur.

Where Dante would hit a villager.

                            

Translator and reference notes:

[1]: Also known as hasuji. For more detail:

[2]: Think I should’ve mentioned this before, but there are generally 3 types of whetstones: arato, nakato, shiageto. Aratogi means “sharpening with arato whetstone”, and the same goes for nakatogi.

[3]: It’s certain that Eiji is forging a single ring, but for some reason, the author wrote 2 parts/pieces of ring. Still, can’t figure out what he wanted to say.

[4]: Written in English.

Chapter end