Four years later...
'Moshi moshi, what made you consult me on this very hour?'
The sun shines brightly on my shrine's entrance. The stone steps leading to me have been rid of yesterday's raindrops. But unlike the normally heated summers, this temperature is simply perfect. It's no wonder that my cherry blossoms are blooming ever pleasantly. As for whoever this stranger is:
'I challenge you to a duel, Shoukuhana no Rize.'
The person before me is a mysterious one. A being of slightly shorter stature and frame, bearing a feminine voice with esoteric charm. Though her hooded robe of pure white suggests this visitor to be a common cultist, my Reishō implies her to be pure of heart. Her accent is quite strange too — this has to be another foreigner.
'Ara~ How bizarre. What are the terms of your challenge, visitor?'
On her face partially concealed by white robes, a ready smile sprouts.
'A simple battle of abilities and wits. I want to see what The Shrine Maiden of Eclipse Blossom is truly made of.'
Fascinating. I reach my hand out forward, seemingly grasping the air with my right palm. For my delightful victory to arise:
'Tsuki, materialise.'
CHAPTER FOUR: A WARM REUNION
~ACT 1: It's... Her...~
'Il Fulmine!'
The hooded visitor aims a lightning bolt at my position. Is she trying to destroy the shrine?
'Stop!' I yell, as I effortlessly deflect the lightning bolt away with my katana. 'Target my shrine, and eternal damnation shall befall. Not even your god will save you.'
She retracts the lightning on her palms. 'Fine, sorry. Let's take this on your front lawn-'
Opportunity Attack: Punch of Intimidation, go!
Swinging my fist with my incomplete strength, I send my visitor flying. She hangs over a lake leading to my shrine, before falling in a steep arc that would end at its heart.
'Tocco Gelido!'
My opponent points her index finger at the lake. A cold sudden wind emerges from it, chilling the water beneath into solid ice. In an elegant display of acrobatics, she lands on the newly-formed ice with her palm and bounces herself upward, leaping toward my front lawn and sticking a landing. For some odd reason, her hood remained intact the whole duration.
I instantly dash to the opposite side of my lawn and prepare a stance with my Tsukigasaku. 'My thoughts exactly, stranger. Mind introducing yourself before we-?'
'Veleno.'
She sprays ounces of poison from her palm.
I narrowly dodge and return to my position, brushing dust off my shoulders. '"Do not impose onto others what you do not wish for yourself." A famous Jishi saying from ancient times. As you had done after your own, I humbly apologise for my lack of manners. But whatever battle has begun... must be resolved.'
'Ahahahaha!' The visitor extends her arms and moves them around in a slight dance. Then, two lightning bolts instantaneously strike her from the sky. A slight mist forms — and beneath it stands the hooded visitor, harnessing silver bolts through her forearms.
'A spellcaster? Hehe, this will be interesting.'
'This is a battle between magic and swordsmanship. May the better woman win, Rize.'
The true battle starts now.
'Akatsukigasaku.'
I unleash a flurry of elegant slashes with my blade. The speed of my slashes had vastly improved since that fateful day with Libera and that other cursed day in Makai. Against a non-stationary target, I can see this improvement much more clearly! ...Hey, how is she dodging everything?!
'Ugh, you're quick. Il Caos!'
The strange magician fires bolts of the silver lightning surrounding her arms. At my face, too!
Despite her firing at point-blank range, I too dodge the enemy's attack. Though these silver ones feel different from your average lightning bolts — they feel cold, warm, and... haunting?!
'Amazing. You dodged chaos magic!' the visitor applauds.
'And you dodged my slashes,' I applaud back, 'Here I was, wishing to my goddess for a fancy sparring partner.'
'And here I also was, awaiting to duel the most powerful girl I know.'
Oh. She's being really nice...
'Then I shall not disappoint you, hooded maiden!'
...
Our duel would go on for ten more minutes — endless firing and dodging with small hints of actual damage. In some parts too, we would use new methods:
I would use a violet-marked talisman, which I learned could break people's minds—
'By the Beautiful Convergence, fall victim to your hollow mind! Shusokubakufū!'
She would use some form of necromancy to call upon my demise—
'The bells of judgment sound to your heartbeat. Giudizio!'
I would use my red-marked talismans to summon floating orbs of flame that capture the hearts of many—
'By The Reincarnation of Aries, you shall be captivated by none other than I!'
'Hey, aren't those...?!'
She would suggest strangely believable thoughts into my head—
'Rize, my darling... This is a battle you're not supposed to win...'
'S-Shoku-kami?!'
I would throw a hundred knives at her—
'Welcome to my world, stranger!'
'Eh? How are you throwing so many of them at once?!'
She would trigger hallucinations in my mind—
'O beautiful shrine maiden of the eclipse, may I know your lovely name?'
'This guy is my boyfriend?! Come on, that'll never happen!'
...
'Haah... Haaaaaah...'
Yet amidst this all, a victor had not been decided. Returning to our first positions on my somewhat ruined lawn, the visitor and I stare each other in the eyes. I grasp my knees in recuperation, steadily reaching for my katana with sweaty palms. And with my blurry vision, I can sense her preparing a spell.
'Il Fulmine... Lama.'
Hood still on, she creates a lightning bolt and shapes it like a blade. Seriously, how is her hood still on?!
'Winner takes all,' I remark with my two-handed stance, 'If I win, you introduce yourself.'
'Ahahahaha. It won't be so easy, Hana-chan.'
'...'
'......'
.........
"Hana... chan"?!
'HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!'
Our blades clash. In the first parry of our grand duel, the alarming sound of a loud clang reverberates across the area. Several of my residence's trees tip over, including some of the cherry blossoms. The white clouds hurry away in a race, and rain befalls in a spiral of grey. But even more strikingly, the overwhelming impact of our two blades... had unveiled the identity of my visitor.
'Y... You're...'
I sheath my katana as she disbands her lightning blade. Standing before me, around three inches lower, is a green-haired woman with a familiar face. Her wondrous heterochromatic eyes — port ruby and starboard violet — appear focused on my own dual pink. Her accent has begun to click with my memory. And, her abilities did seem too good to be simply practiced; essentially the combination of a god's blessing and personal gain. Without a single sliver of doubt...
'Um. Do you remember m-?'
I embrace her very tightly, overjoyed to see the person I had much longed to meet again. It has been six years, Libera Veritazione...!
'I miss you, Bery. I really do. It... has been a while...'
Libera's expression radiates one of total surprise. But she appears to be loving every second of it. 'Likewise...' she softly speaks, embracing me in return.
Nearly a minute passes, I release the Iretean and turn to my shrine. The sky's tears are falling.
'Oh. Rain has fallen once again. You know what that means...'
Libera flicks her hair, then sighs.
'Ah... Six years, and you haven't sent me a single vanilla cookie. You're so cruel, Rize.'
In near perfect synchrony, we quickly make a dash toward the shrine. I slightly shake my donation box to listen if fortune had favoured me today– though its hollow sounds suggest otherwise. Thankfully, I believe it hardly matters at this very moment.
Like her first visit, Libera quickly resorts to her curiosity. She looks around the shrine's exterior, quite like an inspecting architect. Her mystified gaze, supported by her slow walking to one side and another, lays focus on the ornaments and glass-boxed relics I had forgotten to bring inside.
She deeply eyes my best relic: two iron-casted plates shaped to be a sun and a moon, strongly linked with a mighty chain. The True Symbol of Shoku. This, along with ancient staffs and metal idol statues, was a major attraction in yesterday's festival. The Tsukimi — Shusokyo's moon-viewing festival — occurs on a certain September day, when beings from the city simply take time off to admire the autumn moon. The celestial body of the night and an essential half of the eclipse, the moon symbolises the shining light that supports us in the grimness of life. It was no different for me, the busy sole shrine maiden of the eclipse. I received record-breaking donations and performed my best dance in ages...! Sigh, I wish Libera was there to see it.
'You know, Rize?'
The Iretean drops... ten thousand yen in my box?! H-Hush, Rize... contain yourself.
'You were amazing yesterday! I saw you do this swish! Then this swoosh! And this elegant hair flow! Then, you drew your sword and talismans to create a light show! It was the best performance I'd ever seen in Rethando!'
SHE... SHE SAW IT?! ...I can't tell if she's lying, or biased, or if her standards are... whatever. I love how she acted all of that out.
'Hahahaha, your enthusiasm hasn't changed since six years ago.'
I open the sliding wooden door to my shrine. 'Come inside, Libera. I know you can use ice magic, but you might get a cold from out here.'
Like the old days, Libera simply nods. This time with a cute smile.
As we both enter, I close the door behind me. The brash plopping and slap-like noises of the rain are creeping closer. Now... for my barrier.
'Kinshi.'
CHARACTER INFO
Name: Rize Hanakotoba
AKA: Shoukuhana no Rize, The Shrine Maiden of Eclipse Blossom
Species: Human
Age: 24
Birthday: June 4th
Residence: Shrine of Shoku, Shusokyo, Hitoshi
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 58 kg
Hair: Violet
Eyes: Pink
Usual Mood: You know that feeling when you just don't really know what to feel but since any feeling is a feeling and nothing is something as zero counts as a number in the scale of numbers then— Neutral, all things considered...
'All this... brings me back.'
~ACT 2: Libera me from this haunting thought~
A waft of sugary vanilla smothers my dining area. Baking my guilty pleasure vanilla cookies before Libera's sudden return was merely an event of pure coincidence.
Seated where she was before, on the same tatami by the same kotatsu, my Iretean guest munches on the cookies like an over-joyous child. Her adorable facial expressions of joy are quite nostalgic, reminding me of the tight near-friendship I had not felt in six years. I suddenly feel like a better human being.
'Mmm! Your vanilla cookies are even better than before...'
I sip from my tea. Hmm, these leaves are better than usual. 'I'm glad I satisfied your six-year craving, Bery.'
'Honestly,' she expresses after a sip of her own tea, 'Your shrine is criminally undervalued. I don't really understand why many people from outside the city hate your shrine.'
Grr. She actually noticed. Like the therapist I once knew, she's delving into unstable territory.
'Oh, what makes you think so?'
Libera puts her cup down. 'I was visiting other parts of Hitoshi for my editorial. Long story, but I'll get to that later—'
'Editorial? Are you a journalist, perhaps?'
'Indeed, I am. I work for The Corriere, Iretea's premiere news outlet. I'm currently one of their lead writers and have been given the task to write articles about places around the world. I've covered natural phenomenon, dimensional realms, bloody wars— all sorts of stuff. Quite a big deal, ya know.'
Sweet. I have a friend that can deliver propaganda for me.
'Yeah. You made a really big name for yourself. Much more so than I.'
Libera turns to me with a glare of discomfort. 'Sheesh, Rize. I can't believe you're still belittling yourself.'
Huh? Is she really gonna be my human mom?
'...No? I'm just being humble.'
'Well, your popularity in the entirety of Hitoshi is very large. Liked or not, you're practically an idol in your own state! Don't you realize that?!'
'I do. AND I DESPISE IT!'
Libera's eyes widen. Placing her palms on her lap, she sighs heavily.
'Um. I am truly sorry for my aggression, Rize. Your lacking self-confidence was something that truly struck me when I first met you. Aware of the overwhelming pressure you would have to put up with, especially as your nation's only Shrine Maiden of the Eclipse, I had been worrying about you since that evening.'
Ugh. That tone sounds like she's pulling my leg, or setting me up for a comedy gag. That's how journalists roll whenever they deal with me. I need to act composed, and turn their mockery around when the time is right.
'Hmm? How so, Libera?'
The Iretean clutches her hands as if she is to speak with a god.
'I regularly prayed to Signore Baldorio Sentar for your survival; that you would earn self-confidence to unfalteringly retain your image and, more importantly, your own sense of self. What you went through was extraordinarily tough for the younger you, and I couldn't help but... worry. If I had the choice to visit you after that day I would! I... I just couldn't.'
I read her soul with my azure vision. It's radiating with light blue tones, glowing ever more brightly. The purity of her intentions, the sincerity in her words— she really supported me?
'Libera,' I calmly tell, 'I'm... honestly flattered. And, thankful... for all this. As a priestess, I expect my residents to pray to my goddess, commonly for themselves and their own intentions. The residents pray to the goddess, and the goddess performs miracles in return. But as the mediator — the shrine maiden in between — I find myself lost in this process. Though I perform miracles, I am not expected to be a recipient of prayer. And though I do pray to my goddess, the miracles she blesses me with always required inhuman work. And on some occasions, life-threatening journeys.'
Libera looks me in the eyes. I can already tell what she will say next.
'I understand. I understand why you despise your image outside Shusokyo. If you'd mind telling me, Rize... Why is Shusokyo the only city that respects your image?'
I look her in the eyes, then sigh.
'Hmm... I suppose I can tell you.'
...
Four-and-a-half centuries ago...
The Rochishi era. A much simpler time compared to the chaotic present. Granted, the events that transpired on this certain day inspired true chaos in the lives of all Shoku-miko thereafter.
'Shoku-miko... Is that your term for "eclipse shrine maidens"?'
'Why yes, Bery. I see your years in journalism have developed an expertise in context clues. Ahem.'
The Shoku-miko of the time was Shokuchōwa no Kiara, The Shrine Maiden of Eclipse Harmony. Shoku-kami would tell me tall tales about this woman, including a belief which proved her unorthodox among the priestesses of her time. Once a noh performer who was a natural at amusing different walks of life, Kiara caught the eye of several religious groups around the past nation of Rochishi. Her great charisma gained a huge following from all over her province and even nearby provinces. She believed that "true unity", or "unity in diversity", is essential to overcome all adversity.
'This woman, Kiara. She must have been your nation's pioneer for unitarianism.'
I let out a cheeky grin. 'If she was, this unitarian nation would've been less shitty for me.'
'Ahahahaha, you're right. But, what does this have to do with your image being hated?'
'You will see.'
Soon after, the eclipse goddess Shoku-kami became the most popular kami in the region. In case you didn't know, that's the Hito-sho term for a god.
'Right.'
That's not to say other gods were neglected. Religion in this nation had always revolved around the many gods and goddesses gracing it. Or as one as linguistic as you would put it, "polytheism". You'd think every god would have at least a single believer and not be ridiculed for such a thought.
'..And?'
'Patience, my rustling Bery tree.'
'Wha-?! Ahem... Sorry.'
That's where the issue lies. Acolytes of many obscure gods were still fearful of the dreadful possibility — that their gods are to completely lose faith. That, when they die, no one would be left to believe. And so, they took inspiration from Kiara's work. The concept of "unity amidst diversity" was a fairly new and hot topic for the divided Rochishi. Not only was it a way to achieve overall prosperity, which the past city of Shusokyo became a symbol of; this was an efficient way to attain power.
This movement spread far and wide, even to the most remote parts of Rochishi. One could say that this idea indeed united beings from all over. Kiara herself was unaware of this but, to the religions of all in Rochishi, she was an inspiring leader. And, to certain others, a rising threat.
I get up from the mat and walk to my cabinet. From there, I grab a traditional dagger wreathed in crimson streaks and hold it on my palms, toward Libera so she could see.
'A dagger? Kiara... she was assassinated?'
The followers of Ebisu-kami, the most popular god before Shoku-kami, were also fearful. You may think it would be silly for them to be that way, and I agree. My goddess said they hated their inability to keep His image — as the god of fortune and luck, supreme in the stream of fate. They believed that fate governed life and, in turn, Ebisu governs all.
The high priests and priestesses of Ebisu came together with other acolytes who shared the same sentiment. Though their gods may not have always had the best relationship, they united through the one goal of bringing Kiara down. They saw her as a megalomaniac in the guise of a holy woman. To them, her movement of "unity" was an epidemic that brought people to worship Shoku-kami and bring her immense fortune. And most importantly, they believed her true objective was to overthrow the governing goddess of Rochishi — who we know as Amaterasu-Ōmikami.
'Oh. So, you're not polytheistic?'
'We still are. But that's a story for another day.'
This led to the most iconic event in Shusokyo's history: the death of The Shrine Maiden of Eclipse Harmony.
On one peaceful night, the legendary Toutetsu Hanzō entered the city of Shusokyo. The most capable ninja in the history of this nation, Hanzō was known for his proficiency in assassination and combat. His completed missions alone brought him enough fortune to become a millionaire of his time. He was both loved — for his dependability — and feared — for his deadliness. Records describe his devoted mind to be a well-oiled machine of slaughter, and he himself would always recognise the mission at hand.
On this night, he was sent by the acolytes of Ebisu... to slay Shokuchōwa no Kiara.
...
I pass the dagger to Libera, who examines it for a short while.
'According to legend, Kiara's body was hanged from Shusokyo's largest bridge. A message to all about the wicked deeds of the shrine maiden of the eclipse, and the Shrine of Shoku in its entirety. Through some miracle, the residents of Shusokyo remained adamant and continued to support this shrine. But the followers outside Shusokyo who once believed in Shoku-kami felt betrayed. This particular event fueled by — and if I am to be brutally honest — propaganda was what gave this shrine a bad reputation for four-and-a-half centuries. And no matter what I do as its current shrine maiden...
My shrine and I will remain infamous.'
CHARACTER INFO
Name: Libera Stella Veritazione
AKA: Editor-at-large of The Corriere
Species: Human
Age: 24
Birthday: March 23rd
Residence: The Colosscenza, Romora, Iretea
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 50 kg
Hair: Mint Green
Eyes: Violet (left) and Ruby (right)
Usual Mood: Curious
'Interreligious politics. A pain as always.'
~ACT 3: Rize of the Eclipse Shrine~
Libera places the dagger on the table. Dumbstruck, but curious nonetheless. Her soft, lipsticked lips signal an incoming barrage of questions. I am no proficient lip-reader but, knowing a scholar who would be given such a controversial take on a legend, I am very confident.
'Rize, have you ever considered the possibility of Kiara truly being power-hungry?'
I begin with a slight chuckle. 'That is the first thing a scholar would wonder. I had asked Shoku-kami this exact same question and her answer would be a swift... no. Other than claims made by high priests of Ebisu and some others, there are no other records describing her to be a power-hungry being. Even so, if she truly was a selfish megalomaniac, why would Shusokyo still love her?'
'Fair,' she replies, 'Personally, I'd not read the legend that had been passed on to Hitoshi's modern society, but I feel the interpretations here must be vastly different. Wrathful or not, Kiara's uncanny feat of uniting a divided Rochishi was one of greatness.'
'You are correct. Yet, schools outside Shusokyo have been teaching otherwise. They acknowledge Kiara's act of unity, then dismiss it as an example of tyranny. Because of envy and divine politics... my image had been ruined before I even touched it.'
I face downward in a despairful look — an effective technique to harvest empathy.
'Rize. I... am terribly sorry for bringing this up.' Libera sighs. 'This thought occurred to me yesterday while I was finding my way here. Whenever I asked any national about Shusokyo, and where specifically to find you, they would judge me — believing me to be searching for a terrible fate. Even six years ago, before that fateful day, I would be regularly entertained by this thought outside Shusokyo.'
I too let out a sigh. 'And why do you still insist on coming here, Libera?'
'Because... Signore Sentar trusts your shrine. And ever since that fateful night... I've trusted you.'
'Heh. And here I was, about to request pro-Shoku propaganda in your newspaper. What I got instead was another session of therapy... I never expected anything less from the closest mortal I have to a friend!'
...
'...Bery?'
'You never had to ask, Rize.'
'Eh?'
Libera bends over from across the table, inching her head closer to mine. This shiny, multicoloured glare she's giving me is undoubtedly one of sheer determination.
'I can change that.'
'G-Go on...?' She was... seriously thinking about it?!
Libera reseats herself on the kotatsu. 'As a travelling journalist, I have acquired a number of contacts around Rethando. I can hook you up with some of them, even the big names out there!'
'...Yeah?' I ask with the usual sarcasm that comes with disbelief, 'Tell me, Ms. Worldwide.'
Libera clasps her hands together, elbows on the table. A typical pose for any person about to send a proposition.
'Merlin Xanders, Chief Engineer and General of The Kamwakan Army. Known to many by the abbreviation: MEXAS. A tough Dragonborn with a divine intellect, he acts as both the brains and the brawns of Kwk's army. And at a relatively young age, his pioneering research has revolutionised military technology across Rethando. Oh and, as a bonus, rumour has it that he's planning a state visit to Hitoshi within the next year.'
A Dragonborn? Like, an anthropomorphic beast of legend? The mythical dragon, king of all divine beasts, in a human-sized package?
Epic... But worrisome.
'Hmm. Is this Dragonborn all scaly and stuff? Don't you think his size, tough skin, and that loose tail will start a ruckus in this shrine?'
'Eh, he has a few here and there,' she answers, 'But trust me, Rize. He's one of the most handsome and disciplined beings you'll ever meet.'
I suppose I can take her word for it. Libera's that one journalist I wholeheartedly trust. Now I wonder if this Merlin guy has horns...
'Coming up, Rize, is a spicy one: The Sixth Princess of Chalwick — Her Majesty, Charlotte Wallingford.'
P-P-PRINCESS?! OF... CHALWICK?!!!
I nearly spit out my tea. 'You... actually know her?!'
'Yep. She and I are pretty good friends. I'm sure she would appreciate some of your finely brewed tea.'
The Kingdom of Chalwick is a major power. Spanning seven large regions, totalling around ten-and-a-half million square kilometres in combined size, Chalwick is Rethando's largest nation. And among its richest too! Who wouldn't want a chat with their regally-dressed, beautiful ruler?!
'I-I-I think that's too much...! The Sixth Princess of Chalwick?!'
Libera smiles. 'Now, now, Rize. I'm simply giving you options. But, yes. I know her personally, and am willing to hook her up with you.'
'Certainly. My Libera is quite popular, after all.'
That random tenor of a voice...
'Signore Sentar?! Is that you?!'
The sound of footsteps draws near — slowly, but steadily. Bloody hell, it's like that fateful day all over again.
'Buona sera, ladies.' Ariesu-sama, The Revelling Flare, appears yet again in regal fashion.
But something feels off. He doesn't sound so alluring, nor is he giving a cold stare as much. Wait.
'Reishō.'
'Hana-chan?'
I examine Ariesu's soul. Unlike the golden tone I would expect from a god, it is emanating a reddish hue. This is most certainly an evil spirit. Oh, for Shoku's sake-!
'If you'll excuse me, Libera.'
I stand up and approach Ariesu, clenching my right fist.
'Rize! What are you doing?!'
The Revelling Flare faces me and finally delivers his signature stare. 'Ah, is Miss Shoukuhana moody today?'
'No. But you got me in the mood.'
I pull out a thunder-based talisman of Tōrudin-sama, casting it on my fist-
'Hana-chan! Tell me what's going on!'
'Get out.'
-and punch him. In the gut. Really, really hard.
'You... bitch!' Ariesu falls to his knees and wheezes. He snaps his fingers... and reveals himself to be a silver-haired, fox-eared, woman in a maid outfit.
'W-Who the hell is that?!' Libera gasps. I sense electricity crackling around her palms.
I offer her a hand to lift her up; she receives it and stands tall. Soon I turn to Libera, who appears to have prepared for combat.
'You may calm down,' I speak with calmness, 'It seems I haven't told you about my helper yet. This is Kuragari, a nogitsune I met in Makai — one of the Greater Hells. Long story, but I-'
'Hanaaaaaaa... Are you retracting details in front of a journalist?'
I let out a groan. Kuragari seems to be chuckling on the side. 'Doesn't that always happen, Bery? That's how fake news and propaganda are made, right?'
Libera instantaneously appears before me, laying one finger below my chin and tiptoeing to reach my height.
'But you wouldn't do that in front of a sworn friend... riiiiiight?'
...Whelp. I failed my charisma save. And can you stop smiling, Kuragari?!
...
Thirty minutes later...
'So, Kuragari started off as a youkai who tortured you in Hito-sho Hell, and in the end, was sent by your goddess here to be your assistant? That's a huge improvement if you ask me.'
I nod, as Kuragari does too. 'The pain she had me go through is unforgettable and simply unforgivable. Now that she's my maid, this foolish fox can slowly atone for her sins.'
The nogitsune folds her arms by her sizeable chest. 'With an attitude like that, it's no wonder the rest of Hitoshi hates you.'
'Shut up, Kusogari.'
'Well I'm glad things ended up great for you!' Libera cheerfully voices, 'Signore had given me info about the Hells before, and it's all spooky and crazy. And who knew you had the potential to be a ruler of one of them? I wonder how you'd look as that demon mistress.'
Trust me, Libera. You wouldn't wanna know.
'Ladies,' Kuragari suggests, holding a tray with two empty cups and a bottle of sake, 'Would you like some alcohol to go with your discussion?'
'Kuragari, I think Libera has to go home soon-'
'Yes, please!'
Kuso. I don't like where this is going.
'Affirmative.' Kuragari places the tray on the kotatsu and fills our cups to the brim. Clear as water, the sake entice; a faint smell of rice and no other. Okay, that tiny poem sounded way better the first time.
We both sit by our spots once more. Libera raises her cup, gently as to not cause a spill on the table.
'This is to our warm reunion and the rise of the eclipse shrine! Kampai!'
Impressive; she picked up a Hito-sho word and used it properly. But more impressive, is the volume of nostalgia and happiness I am feeling.
I too raise my cup, my day having surely taken a much joyous and exciting turn. For our lasting camaraderie, life's endless possibilities, and our remarkable destiny—
'Kampai!'
Three hours pass...
And Libera is knocked out. Sleeping soundly beside me on my sleeping mat, hugging my right arm. Why? Because my forgetful ass didn't buy a guest bedroom.
I mean, I really haven't had a guest in ages, and it's not like Kuragari needs it; she rests comfortably in her own pocket plane or whatever. But when random visits like this happen, I can't help but feel like a complete fool. The scenario of Kuragari handing out alcohol on an evening between friends reminded me of those manga. Shoku-kami, Ariesu-sama, is this what you wanted?
Hmm. I must say I'm amazed by Libera's alcohol tolerance... or lack thereof. The nation of Iretea is known for its high-quality wines, finely crafted and aged through a culmination of traditional and modern methods. Surely, a person from such a land — and a disciple of a hedonist god no less — should be used to drinking loads and building that resistance. Instead, Libera was giving out personal confessions like I was her priestess in a church. She was lucky to avail of my services for free.
Speaking of guests and Libera. If I play my cards right, the identity of my shrine will be spread all around Rethando — positively. I sincerely doubt Hito-sho news outlets can meddle in the affairs of foreign ones, but if that were to happen? I need to have more guests here. That Kamwakan General... Merlin, was it? If what the rumours say is true, this can be my golden opportunity.
After all, my reputation in this nation can be terrible. But across other nations, I can be unstoppable.
If my nation hates me, I must ensure others would not.
...
Crap. I really want to get up but I might wake Libera. At least this position feels extra cozy, warm but not overbearingly so. I guess I should just pray myself to sleep. Ahem.
‘Shoku-kami, thank you for blessing me today, and may you continue blessing me on the next. Your grace is the inspiration of your people, and of my whole existence. As you continue to guide my life, I shall continue to guide your people. And, for my special intentions:
I humbly seek guidance in this pursuit of Your shrine's honour.'
'I will not disappoint you, Shoku-kami.’
