Late the following morning, after making all the necessary arrangements for their absence for at least the day, Azuki, Shota and Renko watched from atop a walkway overlooking the small port as Yuta and Noriko talked to workers at the ferry dock.

"Are you concerned about Anko-sama's wedding finery arriving on time?" Renko asked Azuki.

"Uncle gave me leave this morning to ask Endo-san to finish the crating and make arrangements with the carters. It all should be on its ...