Chapter 19: Chapter 19 Contrasting Action

Kajima was surprised by Shizu's declaration of Azi becoming her potential fiancé. The last 4 who Shizu gave a chance failed to even pass her first trial. He wondered, what did Shizu see in the boy.

Kajima: "Tell me Shizu, why do you think he is worthy of you? You are a knight and he is peasant."

Shizu: "I don't. When I first met him I thought he was a rude little boy, so I struck him with all my might and to my surprise he survived. Not only that he had enough resolve to stand up to me and berated me for my actions."

Kajima: "He actual took a serious hit from you and got up after taking said hit. I thought he was quite weak considering he was more intelligent than physically strong."

Shizu: "He has shown great potential, from surviving my fist, to showing his passion in learning, his strength when he fought three gengiri, and character as he rushed without hesitation to protect me. While these are considerable feats, they are not up to par with my requirements."

Kajima: "So you believe he will overcome your trials if you and I teach him?"

Shizu: "Yes, but more importantly is to keep him here in Kujyuri. On that note, I should let you know that if Azi does go traveling outside of Shisayama I must accompany him. We can't leave such an interesting person alone. So let's see just what this young man can do."

Kajima was slightly annoyed by Shizu's agenda to groom Azi as a tool for the benefit of Kujyuri but understood where he stood in the hierarchy. Kajima was just peasant who did have connection but also knew that the agenda of those in higher positions could not be defied. Kajima worried that if Azi found out about Shizu's and Ozen's agendas, he would feel disgusted by the idea of being used. He might also feel hurt and see it as Shizu and Ozen only treated him kindly so that they could use him for his potential benefits. 

Kajima: "While I can't go against you or your father's agenda, I will make my stance clear."

With a stern expression on his face Kajima faced Shizu and stated.

Kajima: "Do not try to control the boy Shizu. I know you and your father care for the people of Kujyuri, but your over protectiveness is also a detriment. Should you teach him incorrectly by being too soft or too hard, he will likely lose all the potential he has or more importantly, be unable to find a happiness to continue to live for. The boy already has no family to fall back on due to his amnesia and he seems naive to how this world works which is also due to his amnesia. So, guide him, but do not tug on his hand to force him to follow. Am I clear?"

Shizu: "Yes, I understand. I know that our family member's personalities are overprotective as this is evident as how even my younger sister is unable to leave the Kujyuri due to a direct order from my father."

Kajima: "Rulu has still not taken a single step out of Kujyuri?"

Shizu: "Unfortunately yes, but this may change as father has begun taking risks that I do not agree with. One of these risks is to potentially send Rulu to the capital Yamato to act as a representative during the upcoming coming of age ceremony for the princess of the royal family."

Kajima: "Do you fear for Rulu's safety?"

Shizu: "Of course, a day does not go by when I worry for her health. I would rush to her aid should she ever be in danger. She is such a small child and she isn't like me or Yashimu who have been trained to protect ourselves since childhood."

Kajima: "Interesting. Do you remember how you felt when Azi jumped into to protect you?"

Shizu: "Yes? What is your point?"

Kajima: "I wonder how Rulu would feel seeing you take a heavy blow to save her life."

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After Shizu heard Kajima's word she realized that it was a warning. If she continued to be overprotective with Rulu, then there may come a time when her protection backfires and Shizu unintentionally hurts Rulu in more than just a physical manner. Remembering the sadness she felt, Shizu became remorseful for how she might have already hurt Rulu by not taking into considerations the actions she took to protect Rulu when she was a child. Recomposing her thoughts and mind she stated.

Shizu: "Thank you for your advice. In any case, go see Azi I'll hand the cleanup. I'll be living here now so I will endeavor to do my share of the housework."

Kajima: "Alright I'll leave it to you but one last question. Do you love Azi?"

Shizu: *Face turning red* "No comment."

Kajima: "I see" *Giving a deadpan look as Shizu began clearing the table in a hurry* "Ah to be young again."

Shizu: "Hurry up and go give Azi his lessons!"

Kajima laughed at Shizu's attempt to change the subject and he got up from his chair. Opening the workshop door, he saw Azi examining one of the scales of the gengiri that were left in the corner of the workshop. Azi was examining the scale as he poked, flexed, and knocked on different parts of the carapace with a focused attention on it.

Kajima: "Azi over here! I'll first teach you how to handle a carving knife."

Kajima walked over to part of the forge and opened a large box that contained numerous tools he used for his work. He took out a carving knife in it sheath and walked to hand it to the now attentive Azi who began examining the knife in his hand.

Kajima: "From now on this knife is yours. Think of it as my recognition of you as my apprentice and congratulation present for a successful first hunt from the forest. Now let's first get you to familiar with the anatomy of some of the animals and monster you'll be dismantling."

Kajima grabbed a large book that was on a nearby table that he used for sketching and opened it to show Azi the contents of the book.

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Shizu Point of View (POV)

While Kajima was giving his lessons to Azi, Shizu was finished up the breakfast clean up and pondered about Kajima's question.

Shizu's Thoughts: Love? What is Love? I don't think I have ever loved anyone besides family. I felt no physical or emotional attraction to my last 4 fiances, so are these attractions that I am missing love? Hmmmmmm?

Shizu then recalled the time she spent with Azi's when he was unconscious and after he work up. She felt worried for Azi and wished for him to awaken so she could hear his voice again. When she thought of Azi's voice she could describe it as annoying since he sounded smug or cheeky at time. But she also thought that his voice was enjoyable as it was caring and full of energy. When Azi awoke, she felt relieved that he was alive and remembered how warm she felt when she hugged him. This caused Shizu's expression to morph into a dumb smile but changed back to her usual face as she shook her head and stated.

Shizu: "No, no I should not be distracted by such soft thoughts. I am a knight of Kujyuri and I must endeavor to support our nation and care for our family. While Azi is impressive and interesting, he will have to earn his place in my heart!"

Turning red at the last part of her statement she was glad that no one was nearby to hear her embarrassing self-motivational speech.

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