Just as I was about to place the journal and the chest into my backpack, Mrs. Hanabira brought a hand to her forehead with a look of surprise.
"Oh! I almost forgot."
She stood up quickly and walked over to a small cabinet in the corner of the room. Opening a drawer, she pulled out an old rolled-up scroll tied with a red ribbon.
"Your grandfather also asked us to give you this," she said, holding it out to me.
I took the scroll and gently untied the ribbon. As I unrolled it, my eyes widened.
It was a map—but not just any map.
Trails and landmarks I didn't recognize spread out before me, drawn in bold lines and marked with red ink. There were no city names or modern routes. Only paths… yet clearly visible.
Mr. Hanabira nodded, though there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
"Yes… but it's strange."
I frowned.
"Why?"
"When your grandfather gave it to me, those paths didn't appear. He said the map had stopped responding to him. It was as if access had been denied. But now… it's awakened for you."
I stared in silence, studying the details. The parchment seemed to hum faintly between my fingers, as if something within it was alive.
"So… this means I can find the way?"
"With a little help, yes," Mr. Hanabira replied, crossing his arms. "But don't think it'll be easy. This village isn't a place just anyone can visit. It's… hidden, in a way."
"Hidden?"
"For someone who doesn't belong to it, the path can become confusing—even impossible to follow. Trails shift. Distance bends. It's as if the place protects itself."
"Then… how am I supposed to get there?"
The old man chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. There's a way to make it easier."
"What is it?"
"If you travel with someone from Uke Mochi, the path becomes clearer. It's like the village calls them back, drawing them in without them realizing it."
Instinctively, I looked at Ailany. She blinked in surprise.
"Me?" she asked, pointing at herself.
"You're the best option," Mr. Hanabira said confidently. "Even if you haven't returned since you were a baby, you're still a resident. That means the map will respond more easily if you're nearby."
Ailany's eyes widened.
"Eh? But I don't even remember what the place looks like…"
"You don't need to," the old man said with a warm smile. "The connection is still there—even if you can't feel it."
She lowered her gaze, biting her lip. It was clear the idea unsettled her a little.
"Hmmm… I've never tried going back to a place I don't remember…" she murmured softly. "But I guess if Grandpa says it makes sense, then it must…"
I, on the other hand, let out a tired sigh.
"So basically, I need a guide."
"You could put it that way," Mr. Hanabira agreed. "But before you rush into any decisions…"
He looked at me intently, as if making sure I was truly ready to understand everything this journey involved.
"Why don't you stay with us for a few days? Setting off for a place like that without any preparation would be reckless. You can rest here, get organized, and decide what to do."
Mrs. Hanabira offered a kind smile.
"And after a long trip, nothing beats a good home-cooked meal."
Right on cue, my stomach growled—and Ailany burst into soft laughter.
"Looks like your body already made the choice for you."
I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.
"…Alright. I'll stay for a couple of days."
Mr. Hanabira nodded with a satisfied smile.
"A wise decision."
Ailany clapped her hands in delight.
"Great! I'll show you around the farm while you settle in."
As I stood, it struck me that up until now, I'd just been calling them "the old couple" in my head. It wasn't exactly polite, and I figured it was time to change that.
"By the way… I still don't know your names. It'd be nice to stop thinking of you as just 'the elders.'"
They both chuckled softly.
"You're right, young man," the old man said. "I'm Kazuo Hanabira."
"And I'm Miyako Hanabira," she added with a warm smile.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Hanabira," I said, bowing slightly.
I glanced once more at the map in my hands, then at the chest and the journal beside it.
For now, staying here was the best choice.
I still had so many unanswered questions…
But soon, I would uncover the truth behind Springblossom Farm.