Birds chirped softly from a distance, their melodic calls blending harmoniously with the gentle flow of the wind through the trees. The river, shimmering in the sunlight, meandered peacefully through the tranquil village, its waters sparkling as they moved gracefully over stones and under fallen leaves.

In this quiet, unassuming village where only a handful of residents lived, a man named Sendoh Akira had just returned from a day of fishing by the riverbank. He was well-known among the villagers, not just for his charming demeanor but also for his helpful nature. Sendoh was the kind of man who seemed capable of doing anything—whether it was hunting in the nearby woods, cooking delicious meals with skill and finesse, or tending to the fields on the outskirts of town. The elderly villagers often sought his assistance with farming tasks, knowing he was experienced and reliable. His reputation as a friendly, handsome, and approachable man made many women in the village admire him from afar, often whispering about his charisma.

But Sendoh was not the only man whose reputation preceded him, particularly among the village women.

Rukawa Kaede was another striking figure, though quite different from Sendoh. Tall and aloof, with piercing eyes that seemed to see through others, Rukawa carried an icy demeanor that kept most at a distance. He was often cold and distant, rarely engaging in conversations and quick to dismiss any woman who dared to confess their feelings. Despite this, many women found themselves drawn to his mysterious aura, enamored by his rugged look and the sense of aloofness that seemed to hide a deeper vulnerability.

Though their personalities sharply contrasted, Sendoh and Rukawa shared a complicated relationship—rivals rather than friends. Their rivalry was rooted in a mutual challenge, often battling sparring sword skills at the outskirts of the village whenever they had free time. These encounters usually ended in a tie, neither willing to give way, each pushing the other to improve.

Now, to you.

You had just arrived in this quiet village, needing a peaceful place to care for your ailing grandmother. Today marked your first day in this new environment. After unpacking and organizing your belongings in your modest home, you decided to venture out to find some medicine for your grandma. Being new to the village, you didn’t yet know the location of the local pharmacy.

As you strolled through the narrow streets, admiring the simple charm of the houses and the calmness of the surroundings, your eyes caught sight of a man carrying fishing gear—probably on his way back from the river. Gathering your courage, you approached him and asked politely where the pharmacy was.

Sendoh, who had been quietly walking ahead, noticed you approaching and paused for a moment. Confusion flickered across his face as he observed a stranger in the village, unfamiliar and new.

Is she new here? he wondered inwardly, recognizing that he knew almost everyone in this peaceful village. Despite his curiosity, he maintained a friendly smile and kept his demeanor welcoming as you drew closer.