Part 1

(Alright, that’s enough sweeping for now.)

*sigh*... The bastards this time were fucking annoying… What a pain in the ass.

Ah! Ryui-kun, you’re back!

‘Sup.

What did you do this time?

A one-off, same as usual.

I-I see.

Job’s over now, so you can leave if you want. Thanks for helping out.

(Ah, right. I just remembered—)

I noticed something earlier when I was looking after the place…

Huh?

This is a bracelet you've been working on, right?

I mean, yeah.

If it’s okay with you, can I help finish it?

Huh? Where the hell did that come from?

Well, I thought I could help around a bit more while I’m here. And… out of pure interest?

More like the real reason. I ain't dumb.

Haha, too obvious? I really am kind of interested in your work though.

I can't be assed if you're just bugging me outta plain curiosity.

I see. You’re right. Sorry, I’ll go…

Aaah, wait, stop.

Sheesh. …I don’t mind, dammit.

(Despite saying all that, Ryui-kun prepared everything we’ll need… That means he’s giving me the green light, right?)

(I was actually interested, so I’m glad I got to do this.)

That being said, how do you make a protective charm?

You really don’t know shit, huh.

I guess you could say I've never had a connection with that kind of stuff…

Not gonna lie, you're probably better off that way.

Looks like you twins have had your fair share of troubles.

…Whatever. I’m used to it now.

Anyways, back to the charms. Our best-sellers at the moment are the ones you can wear as an accessory, like bracelets.

I see. You’re also wearing one.

You better fucking bet. Going up against those bastards unarmed is straight up suicide.

(He said his job was something like exorcising, or appeasing spirits, but it really does sound like tough work.)

So? Are we making them or not?

Y-Yes! I’m ready to go!

I don’t normally do hands-on workshops like this, got it?

I’ll only explain things once, you better listen the hell up.

Got it.

Protective charms were originally magatamas¹ from the Jomon period. Transitioning into the Heian period, they gradually changed into ofudas,² or those pouch-looking ones.³

Oh…!

From there, they further evolved into casual accessories, like bracelets and necklaces.

I see…

And that’s what we’re gonna make. All you gotta do is thread the elastic with these pebbles…

Is there any significance behind the order of the pebbles, or their colour?

Well, I wouldn't say there isn't... but in the end, your feelings are what act as the foundation for the charm.

For starters, just give it a go.

Got it…!