DLBF Chapter 19

Chapter 19 – Yubikiri

Chapter 2, Part 1.3

Novel Title: ルーデンドルフ公と森の獣 (Duke Ludendorff and the Beast of the Forest)

Author：かわい有美子 (Kawai Yumiko)

Illustrator: 周防佑未 (Suoh Yuumi)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: 藤森賢士 (Kenji Fujimori -MC), ユリアン ルーデンドルフ (Julian Ludendorff -ML)

*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*

֍֍֍

Julian responded with an ambiguous smile, continuing to draw with his pencil. Occasionally, he blended in some watercolour pencils, his technique appearing rather self-taught. When Fujimori had asked if he had ever learned how to draw, Julian had only responded with a vague smile. So it seemed likely he was simply drawing as he pleased. 

However, his touch and use of colour were far more delicate than they appeared.

As he nibbled on sandwiches and salad, Julian skillfully added colours with a palette he had brought along. It seemed he was carrying a small bottle of water as well. When Fujimori asked if he was using watercolours, Julian nodded and said it was gouache paint.

When Fujimori leaned in to check on Julian’s progress, he saw a version of himself smiling gently. It made him feel a bit embarrassed.

“You made me look a little too handsome.”

“But it’s not bad, is it?”

Julian, who was washing his brushes in a glass jar, handed the drawing over without much hesitation when Fujimori asked to see it.

Even Fujimori had to admit, it was quite a good piece. Among the other works of Julian’s that he had seen, this one had particularly soft and gentle colours.

“I like this. I want it.”

“Really?”

“Yeah… It’s a little embarrassing. But the expression feels natural. And I like it,” Fujimori murmured. Julian nodded, tearing the page from the sketchbook without much fuss.

“Sure, I think it turned out well too. But I can always draw another. If it’s alright with you, I’d like to use you as a model again.”

“Then give me a heads-up so I can look my best.”

“In your finest attire,” Julian chuckled, closing the sketchbook with the intention of giving the drawing to Fujimori later.

It was likely out of consideration, so the paper wouldn’t get damaged by being handled too much.

As Fujimori poured a second cup of coffee, he listened to the birds chirping around them. “This place is wonderful. Makes me want to hang a hammock and take a nap.”

“That sounds nice. We should try it next time.”

Holding up two fingers to indicate it would be for the both of them, Julian gazed back at the trees.

“This place is beautiful at night too.”

“Night time?”

Fujimori looked up at the clear, refreshing summer sky.

“You can see a sky full of stars…” Julian closed his eyes.

A romantic and dreamy look appeared on Julian’s profile. Caught off guard by this expression, Fujimori almost found himself staring. But quickly laughed it off.

“Wow, I’d love to see that.”

“Then next time, I’ll invite you for a night walk.”

“Promise?”

When Fujimori held out his pinky finger, Julian looked at him curiously.

“In Japan, we link our pinky fingers like this…”

Fujimori wrapped his pinky around Julian’s long pinky finger and gently shook it twice. “It’s a way of making a promise. We call it ‘Yubikiri,’ and sometimes there’s a chant that goes with it. If you break the promise, you’ll have to swallow a thousand needles.”

Fujimori then recited the ‘Yubikiri’ chant in Japanese: Yubikiri genman, uso tsuitara….

“Sounds a bit scary.”

Julian, amused by the strange custom, squinted his eyes playfully with a joyful expression.

“If I can’t keep the promise, then I’ll be the one to swallow the needles.”

Seeming to understand Fujimori’s words, Julian sent him a perfect wink.

“Yes, a promise. Yubikiri genman.”

This promise is for a night walk with a cowbell to ward off bears… Julian intertwined their fingers once more and smiled contentedly.

֍֍֍

*Translator’s Note: Julian said he wanted Fujimori to be in his finest attire for his next drawing. I think the finest attire is Fujimori in his birthday suit hahahaha! -K

*GLOSSARY: 

• Pinky swearing has origins in Japan from 1600 to 1803, where it is called yubikiri (指切り / finger cut-off) and often additionally confirmed with the vow “Pinky swear, whoever lies will be made to swallow a thousand needles.” (指切り拳万、嘘ついたら針千本呑ます / Yubikiri genman, uso tsuitara hari senbon nomasu).

Next update: 2024.11.08

֍֍֍