Chapter 49

The charcoal burners in the camp were not the same charcoal burners, but had heard the story of the bandits and were happy to see that they had safely escaped. The charcoal burners themselves had ended up prevailing due to sheer numbers and had driven the bandits off. Their gifts included the metal parts for shovels and hoes in new and different shapes. The charcoal burners would make the handles for them, and see how well they worked. When Azuki, Shota and Yuta would not stay the night, the charcoal burners insisted on loading the empty pannier baskets with charcoal, so they would have plenty on their arrival home.

"What do you think will have happened to our house?" Azuki asked Uncle as they rode out.

"It's hard to say," he replied. "I think it depends on whether they expected you back or not."

"I don't understand," Shota said.