However—
As the saying goes, "Heaven's will is unpredictable."
The two had spent quite some time earlier, and now it was already close to eight-thirty. The local festival on Kannazuka Island was drawing to an end. Many stalls had already closed up, leaving only a few still open. The crowd had mostly dispersed, though a handful of visitors still lingered, wandering through the dimly lit paths. At least it wasn't completely deserted.
"The number of people isn't that high…"
Although the lively atmosphere had faded, perhaps that was for the best.
"Mm… understandable. After all, today's the last day. Some stalls are bound to close early," Ayaka said, showing no hint of disappointment. Instead, she smiled softly, trying to reassure the Shogun.
"Will this be enough for you?" the Shogun asked, looking at her with concern.
"Of course. As long as I can walk around as an ordinary guest, that's more than enough for me," Ayaka replied, her smile warm and serene.
"Hmm… I still think they should stay open a little longer. At worst, I could simply reveal myself as the Raiden Shogun and have them—"
"Absolutely not, Shogun-sama!"
Ayaka seemed to realize what she was about to do and hurriedly stepped forward, clutching her arm tightly to stop her, her tone flustered.
"…Why? Wouldn't it ruin the mood if everything closed halfway through?" the Shogun asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"That's all right," Ayaka said, letting out a small sigh. "Did you forget what I told you earlier? Today, I want to spend it as an ordinary girl."
"So please, Shogun-sama—be 'ordinary' with me too, just for today. I'm begging you."
Her grip on the Shogun's arm tightened again, as though she was afraid the other woman might slip away.
"Since we're just ordinary tourists tonight, things like shops closing early are perfectly normal, aren't they, Shogun-sama?" Ayaka said with a gentle smile, gazing up at her with affection, almost like a clingy lover.
"...Fine. I understand. Let's go in, then," the Shogun said, giving in. At times like this, there was no point in arguing. Whatever Ayaka wished to do—she would indulge her.
"Mm///…"
Ayaka blushed, smiling shyly as she nodded. Then, full of delight, she took the Shogun's hand and led her up the steps toward the festival grounds.
Though the heart of the festival had lost some of its earlier excitement, the area still gleamed brightly under the lanterns. There were stalls selling masks, oden, and other snacks. From the nearby cherry trees, petals drifted gently through the air, blanketing the ground like a soft, pink carpet welcoming late-night visitors.
"…Do you want to wear a mask?"
The Shogun's gaze drifted toward a stall selling festival masks, and she asked the girl beside her. It was an old festival tradition—though not everyone participated, it was said that when a woman wore a fox mask given by her male companion, it symbolized closeness between lovers.
"Hmm… it's not necessary, but it would be nice to wear one for the atmosphere," Ayaka said with a nod, pulling her gently toward the stall.
But the moment the stall owner saw her, his eyes lit up with recognition.
"Oh! Isn't this the young lady of the Kamisato family?"
Ayaka froze for a second, her smile faltering just slightly before she forced herself to respond politely.
"Ah… I… ahem, good evening."
Her voice was courteous as always, but a trace of disappointment lingered in her eyes. She had hoped to blend in as an ordinary girl—but once again, her identity had set her apart.
"..."
The Shogun frowned slightly—not at Ayaka, but at the stall owner.
"Oh? And who might this young lady be?" the man asked, finally noticing the unfamiliar figure beside her.
"This is my—"
"Ah, I see, I see! A tourist, right? Probably someone Miss Kamisato was showing around! You might not know this, but the Kamisato family of the Yashiro Commission is one of the most prestigious families in all of Inazuma!"
And just like that, the man started talking on his own, clearly oblivious to the growing tension. The Shogun sighed quietly, shaking her head.
"Especially when the Kamisato siblings first took over their family duties—"
"There's no need to say more," the Shogun interrupted sharply, her tone cutting through his words.
"Ah… you youngsters these days, don't like hearing about history, huh? I was just trying to—"
"Silence."
The Shogun finally lost her patience. Her brows furrowed as she issued a cold command, her voice carrying a faint trace of divine power. For a brief moment, the oppressive aura of the Raiden Shogun radiated outward.
Did she really need this man to lecture her? Young people, he said—honestly. Had he ever seen a five-hundred-year-old young woman before?
Well… in the world of gods, perhaps at under five hundred years old, she really was still considered young—or maybe even a child.
"Eek!"
The stall owner visibly flinched, stumbling back a step as his face went pale. He instantly shut his mouth.
"You flatter us… My brother and I merely do our duty," Ayaka said politely, her tone still gentle despite the tension. All the while, she discreetly gave the Shogun's hand a reassuring squeeze, trying to calm her.
"Aha… r-right… So, um… are you here on official business tonight, or…" The man let out an awkward laugh and glanced nervously at the violet-haired woman. When her cool gaze met his, he quickly averted his eyes.
"No, not at all. I came to enjoy the festival with my—cough—my friend here," Ayaka said, barely stopping herself from saying something else.
My… what?
The Shogun blinked, her violet eyes narrowing slightly in puzzled curiosity.
"Haha! I see, I see—you're just here for fun then! No problem, no problem! Hey everyone—"
The man turned, ready to shout toward the other stall owners—
"Do not make a scene."
Before he could finish, the Shogun interrupted again, her cold voice laced with quiet authority. The weight of her divine pressure surged once more, freezing him in place.
"Eek! B-but why?" the man stammered, his voice cracking in fright. It was strange—this woman looked so delicate, so graceful, and yet every time she spoke, her presence crushed him completely.
"It's better if you don't tell anyone," Ayaka explained quickly, stepping in to soften the atmosphere. "We only came to enjoy the festival, nothing more."
"There's no need to treat us differently," the Shogun added evenly. "Close up shop at your usual time. Understood?"
"Y-yes, of course…" the man said, nodding rapidly. How could he dare to refuse?
And so, the two of them were finally able to enter the festival grounds without further trouble. Along the way, Ayaka made sure to buy a mask for the Shogun as well.
"There's no need for me to—" the Shogun began, intending to decline, but Ayaka insisted.
Her reasoning? 'Shogun-sama is also a girl, right? Please wear one with me?'
Ayaka didn't view her as a man, nor was this a romantic act between a couple. It was simply two girls accompanying each other through the festival—so both should wear masks.
Since Ayaka had said as much, the Shogun couldn't refuse. Following her example, she placed the festival mask on the side of her head.
As they walked together, she found her gaze drifting repeatedly toward Ayaka's profile—the soft curve of her smile, the light in her eyes. It was a smile born of genuine joy, her curiosity and excitement mingling beneath the glow of lanterns. In that light, Ayaka looked radiant—utterly enchanting.
"...///"
Ayaka, though pretending not to notice, could feel the Shogun's gaze. Her heart fluttered, but she forced herself to stay composed as she tugged the other woman along through the stalls.
"Oh! Lady Kamisato, you've brought a friend today? Welcome, welcome! How about drawing a fortune?" one stall owner called out cheerfully, eager to promote his business. Unlike the previous vendor, this man handled the situation smoothly and didn't shout.
"Of course! How much for a draw?" Ayaka asked with a smile. After all, what was a festival without trying everything? She assumed the Shogun would enjoy it too.
In truth, this was all new for the Shogun. Even Ei had never brought her to a festival, so this was her first time experiencing one—with someone else by her side. Thankfully, Ayaka's natural enthusiasm kept things from becoming awkward.
"My uncle once received help from the Yashiro Commission—back when your father was still the head. So, there's no charge for you tonight," the man said with a friendly grin.
"…You're too kind. In that case…" Ayaka turned to the Shogun. "If you'd like, shall we draw one?"
"Very well," she replied.
"Then, we'll both draw, please," Ayaka said, smiling brightly.
"Sure thing! Here—three boxes. Pick whichever you like."
Each of them took a box and gave it a gentle shake.
Clatter ×2
Two wooden sticks slipped out from the small slots at the bottom. The sticks were identical in shape, though the inscriptions differed.
The two glanced at each other, then turned their sticks over at the same time.
"…"
The Shogun froze slightly as she read hers, her violet eyes flickering with a trace of emotion.
"Oh! Mine says… Great Blessing—Heaven!" Ayaka exclaimed, her voice bright with delight.
"Wow! How lucky, Lady Kamisato!" the stall owner said with a broad smile. "A 'Great Blessing of Heaven' means: 'The gods favor you, the skies are clear, all things prosper!' It's the best fortune you can get!"
"Thank you," Ayaka said with a small bow, smiling sweetly before turning to look at her companion. The Shogun silently set down her fortune stick and sighed lightly.
"…?"
A bad feeling crept into Ayaka's heart.
"And this young lady's fortune is…" the man began.
"…Great Misfortune," the Shogun said calmly, her tone indifferent—but Ayaka noticed the subtle complexity in her eyes.
Her heart ached slightly. This wasn't just bad luck—it felt as though it carried the weight of destiny itself.
Perhaps… a sign of the trials that still awaited the Shogun in days to come.
"Oh dear… the worst possible fortune… Miss, you should be careful to avoid misfortune in the future," the stall owner exclaimed with concern upon reading the Shogun's slip.
To ordinary people, such advice might have been meaningful. But to her… sigh. What use could luck or fate have for one such as herself?
"I understand. Thank you for the warning," she replied politely nonetheless.
But the next moment, Ayaka gently tugged her aside.
"Shogun-sama…" she said softly, then took out her own fortune—Great Blessing—and held it out to her.
"What are you doing?" the Shogun asked, instinctively pulling her hand back.
"Let's trade. Mine's a lucky one," Ayaka said, explaining with a small, earnest smile.
"That won't do," the Shogun said, shaking her head lightly and turning slightly away as she folded her arms.
"Fortune, once drawn, is already set in motion—it cannot be altered. And fate cannot be transferred to another. You drew a high blessing, and that is your own good luck. I am truly happy for you."
"But you—"
"It doesn't matter to me. I've never had much luck to begin with."
"…"
Ayaka lowered her gaze, lips pressed together in quiet frustration.
"Come now… the festival isn't over yet. Let's keep walking."
Clack…
This time, it was the Shogun who reached out first, taking Ayaka's hand in hers as she gently led her away.
Perhaps sensing the girl's lingering melancholy, the Shogun thought for a moment, then guided her toward a food stall selling oden and small festival snacks.
"Would you like something to eat? I'll buy it for you," she asked.
"…(shakes head)," Ayaka murmured, still quiet.
"…Then give me some of everything," the Shogun told the vendor instead. She bought a small selection, carrying the food herself as they continued to wander through the lantern-lit path.
"I'm sorry, Shogun-sama," Ayaka said at last in a small voice, guilt creeping into her tone. Her hand was still nestled in the Shogun's.
"There's no need to apologize. It was my fault—I'm the one who drew the bad omen," the Shogun replied gently. She then handed her one of the cups of oden, gesturing for her to eat. Somehow, the dynamic between them had quietly shifted—now it was the Shogun taking the lead.
"It's not your fault…" Ayaka said softly, shaking her head. She accepted the cup and began eating quietly.
"Mm."
Watching her eat, the Shogun couldn't help but smile faintly. The warmth of that expression melted away her usual cool composure—like snow yielding to the first rays of spring—revealing the quiet tenderness hidden within.
The two sat side by side on a nearby bench. Eating while walking was improper; better to finish first, then continue.
The Shogun held the wisteria-patterned paper parasol in both hands, twirling it slowly before her like a child, shielding her face from the lantern light.
"Shogun-sama… why do you always carry that parasol with you? Is it yours?" Ayaka asked with a curious smile, watching her playful motion.
"…"
The Shogun's hands froze mid-turn before resuming their slow movement.
"It's not mine," she said quietly, her violet eyes gazing into the distant night sky, lost in thought.
"This was… her keepsake."
Her tone was serene—devoid of sadness, anger, or sentiment. It was as though she were merely stating a simple fact.
"'Her'…?" Ayaka blinked, momentarily puzzled. Could she mean Ei-sama? No—that couldn't be. She said 'keepsake,' which meant that person must have already…
"…Forgive me. I shouldn't have asked," Ayaka said quickly, realizing her mistake. Her expression fell, guilt flickering across her face.
"It's fine. It all happened long ago," the Shogun said softly.
Over five hundred years had passed—long before Ayaka was even born.
"…"
Ayaka stared down at the nearly empty cup of oden in her hands, stirring the remaining broth with the bamboo skewer. Her expression was unreadable.
"Finished?" the Shogun asked, glancing her way.
"Mm."
"Then let's continue walking—" she began, reaching to help her up.
"Shogun-sama… let's go home," Ayaka said suddenly.
"…Why? Because I spoke of something unpleasant?" the Shogun asked, frowning slightly.
"No, that's not it. It's just… it's enough. It's late already—let's go back."
Ayaka shook her head gently, trying to explain. She shouldn't have brought up that topic earlier—she could see that the Shogun's expression had dimmed slightly. To continue wandering the festival without a care now would have felt disrespectful.
"…Very well."
The Shogun didn't dwell on it. She simply assumed Ayaka had had enough of the festival.
"Mm."
The two resumed their walk, this time heading back in the direction of the Kamisato Estate.
To return there, they had to pass through the wooded ascent—the Chinju Forest, located on the eastern side of Narukami Island. At night, the forest looked like something out of a dream. Fireflies drifted between the trees, scattering soft motes of light through the darkness. The faintly luminescent plants and flowers glowed like spirits, their pale hues shimmering against the night's stillness, while a narrow stream wound through the undergrowth, its gentle splashing echoing softly in the quiet.
Both of them were familiar with this place—especially the Shogun, who had once walked these woods during the Great Sacred Sakura Cleansing. The terrain and sights were etched clearly into her mind.
The events of this day were a rare treasure for both of them. But for Ayaka in particular—reuniting with the Shogun after two long years—it felt like a dream she dared not wake from. Even if only a little time remained tonight, she wanted to hold on to every fleeting moment.
Clack…
Ayaka took the initiative, reaching for the Shogun's delicate hand and pulling her along, running playfully toward the edge of the stream.
"…"
The Shogun glanced around at the scene—the soft glow of the fireflies, the shimmer of the flowers—and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her.
But then, a warm hand gently brushed against her cheek. The fingers pressed lightly, almost timidly, as if coaxing her to turn her gaze forward—until her violet eyes met the icy-blue ones of the girl before her.
"…"
She blinked, momentarily stunned, not quite understanding the meaning of such a bold, tender gesture.
"In Shogun-sama's eyes… is the scenery around us more beautiful than Ayaka herself?"
Ayaka's face was tinged with pink, though her tone was calm—almost casual, as if posing an innocent question.
"Hmm… scenery like this, one can see every day. But the person before me—I never know when I'll see her again," the Shogun replied softly, exhaling a faint sigh as her words carried a hidden fondness.
"Pfft… That's just like you, Shogun-sama," Ayaka said, giggling lightly, her eyes full of warmth as she teased her with affection.
"Ha…"
Ayaka let out a quiet breath and then turned away, releasing her touch. Her figure faced forward now, serene beneath the drifting glow of light.
"Shogun-sama…" she called softly, her back still to her.
"Mm?" came the gentle reply.
And then, before the Shogun's eyes, the young woman slowly slipped off her shoes and socks. Her fair, delicate feet, freed from their coverings, touched the surface of the stream—just like a dragonfly skimming across the water.
A breeze stirred the air, lifting her hair and hem in graceful ripples. With each step, Ayaka waded into the cool stream, her movements elegant and unhurried. When she reached the center, she turned back toward the Shogun, her expression serene under the moonlight.