Holmes of Kyoto Volume 1 Chapter 4 part3

Finally, we reached our destination, Kurama Station. It was a small, old-fashioned station.

"…It's like the train station in Poppoya1."

Hang on, that was set in Hokkaido, right? Small, old stations are probably common everywhere. Even so, this station still felt like Kurama, since it was decorated a picture of Yoshitsune and Benkei2.

Upon exiting the station, an objet d'art of a gigantic Tengu3 face came into view.

"Wow, that's such a large Tengu! And that's just its face, too!"

It had a deep red face, eyes that stared sharply straight ahead and a long, stretched nose.

It gave off the exact feeling of Kurama, the mountain of Tengu.

"There are a lot of people taking commemorative photos here. Shall we take one too?"

"Ah, no, it's fine."

Hearing my immediate refusal, Holmes-san looked surprised.

"I don't like being in photos. I like taking photos for commemoration, though."

I gave a wry smile as I retrieved my smartphone and snapped a photo of the Tengu.

"What about Purikura4, then?"

"Hmm… I suppose I'm fine with Purikura."

"I see. Are you the type to accidentally narrow your eyes when your photo is being taken?"

He was right on the mark, causing a flush to creep up on my face.

"H-How did you know?"

"You dislike photos, but you're fine with Purikura. You can adjust the images in Purikura, so I thought that must be it."

Holmes-san replied cheerfully.

"You don't have to read into something like that," I complained with a pout.

"Sorry. I don't say such thoughts aloud in front of other people, though."

Holmes-san spoke as if talking to himself. After hearing his words, I exclaimed "Eh?" in astonishment and stopped moving.

"Aoi-san, shall we head to Kurama Temple first, then?"

"Ah, yes."

There were some souvenir shops lined up by the side of the station. There was even a banner with the words, "Ushikawa mochi5", as well as a stack of Tengu masks, which left a lasting impression in my mind. By the way, Ushikawa mochi was named after Ushiwakamaru

Chapter end