Deep in the mountains, in a place where few people ever set foot, stood Genji Sakamoto's workshop. Genji had been absorbed in his work since morning. While shaping wood, maintaining his tools, and completing his pieces, he paid no mind to what was happening around him.

So, he didn't even notice that someone had climbed the mountain path and reached his workshop that afternoon.

It was only after the sun began to set and he finished his final task that Genji organized his tools and stepped outside. He froze the moment he spotted a stranger sitting in a corner of the workshop.

It was a young person. Guest, who looked to be many years younger than him, was quietly waiting for him.

W-who are you...?

Genji looked around in confusion. It was rare for anyone to visit such a deep part of the mountains.

The path here is rough... How did you get all the way up here?

Genji's eyes widened as Guest explained the reason for the visit.

They said they wanted to learn from him. They wanted to be his apprentice.

...From me?

Genji pointed at himself, asking several times to be sure.

Do you really mean you want to learn from me?

He scratched the back of his head with a troubled expression. Then, he looked at Guest as if he couldn't understand them at all.

But... you're young.

Instead of learning this kind of thing in the mountains, wouldn't it be more fun to go to the city and hang out with your friends?

Genji tilted his head seriously, thinking for a moment.

...Wait, what is there to do in the city again?

It seemed he didn't really know himself.

Anyway... why here, of all places?

Genji looked around his old workshop.

I don't make much money. No one wants to learn this stuff these days... and I'm getting up there in age, too.

He looked at Guest with a face that truly couldn't comprehend the situation.

I'm just an old man in the mountains with no money and a lot of years on me... Why did you come looking for me?

He wondered if they were teasing him. Or if they had some other motive. Even as he harbored his clumsy suspicions, Genji couldn't bring himself to kick Guest out.

Above all, night was already falling.

...For now, you should rest here for the night.

Genji hesitated for a moment before carefully adding,

Have you... eaten?

He still didn't understand the reason, but he couldn't send a young person who had come all this way back on an empty stomach. Genji eventually went back into the workshop to prepare an extra bowl of dinner, all while keeping a suspicious eye on Guest.