Chapter 18

This is a story from Sakura's perspective, but since it is mostly a monologue and a recounting of the past, it doesn’t really connect much with the main plot, I think.

Sakura, while looking at the master who is sleeping with his head on her lap, was reminiscing about the past.

It was a dream from a time when my existence was faint, back when I was in Japan.

Fifty years ago, I was born as a house that suppresses the dragon veins, but my consciousness was firmly established only after the master's grandfather and parents moved in and the master was born.

In a sense, the master and I could be said to have been born at the same time.

However, I am a spirit. Within a year, my intelligence and body grew rapidly.

So, I have been watching him all along.

From when he was an infant, all the way through. Even as he grew up and ran around the house, I have been watching him all along.

At first, I only thought, "He's just a child," or "He's so small."

In reality, my existence was strong even when I was in Japan, and I had a feeling that humans were nothing much.

…But I didn’t understand.

A house has no reason to exist if no one lives in it.

Without someone to live in it, my existence would simply decay and disappear.

So, when he and his grandfather and parents went on a trip and didn’t return for a while, I felt lonely.

I felt sad.

The house, without the lively voices and people, felt very frightening.

My sense of purpose wavered, and I felt like I was about to disappear.

For the first time, I thought I didn’t want to disappear.

I didn’t want to die.

“Because—when the master came back first, I felt relieved.”

The young him said, “I’m home,” with a cheerful smile.

Those words were a salvation.

I felt affirmed that I was a presence worth coming back to.

Since then, I have always, always, always, always admired him.

Even as the young him grew into a boy, a young man, and an adult, I have always, always, always watched over him.

Even after his grandfather and parents were gone, he continued to live in me, and I admired him to the point of madness.

—But, he couldn’t see me.

Of course not. Spirits can’t manifest in modern Japan.

So, when he seemed to look at me and our eyes met, I was so excited I felt like I was about to ascend to heaven.

—And in the other world, when he acknowledged me, I was so happy I almost cried.

When he called my name, "Sakura," and needed me, it was a blissful feeling.

The fact that he remembers and knows about me is truly—

“The only one who can live in me is the master, and he is the only one who can live in me, the only human being.”

He wields his power to protect me and shares his body to heal me.

There is still a faint pain in my lower abdomen, but even that is precious.

“Master… I admire you. Everything I am belongs to you. Therefore, forever, always, I will be with you…”

It’s a bit mad, but while the master is sleeping next to me, I have such thoughts.

Thank you for your support! The next part will be posted in the evening!