Two Days Later...
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room – June 5, 2021
Saturday – 7:30 A.M.
Riku's POV
Two days had passed since that eventful Friday, and the air around me felt noticeably lighter. Some things had shifted—subtly, yet deeply. The biggest change was Chisato herself. She'd become more open, more honest with her feelings toward me. She now calls me "onii-sama" without hesitation, her voice steady and warm each time the word left her lips.
At first, I questioned her about it—wondering if it was really okay for her to act that way so publicly—but Chisato just smiled and explained that the fans actually supported it. They saw our sibling dynamic as genuine rather than an act. According to her, they felt that being around me allowed her to show the real Chisato, the one who wasn't hiding behind professional polish.
Apparently, that authenticity had won their hearts. They preferred the version of her who laughed freely and teased me over the mature, perfectly composed idol she usually showed on stage.
With that came an unexpected twist: a friendly rivalry between Chisato and Kokoro. Both seemed determined to prove who was the better younger sister to me. They were surprisingly serious about it—though the whole idea made me feel both amused and mildly exasperated. Of course, Mafuyu was my actual sister, so the other two could only compete for second place.
I did ask Mafuyu how she felt about all that nonsense. True to form, she just gave me a small nod and said, "Let them be, as long as they don't take it too far." Simple, detached, yet oddly mature of her. I knew she didn't care much for trivial things like rivalries, but at least she wasn't bothered by it.
Still, amidst all this, one thing lingered in the back of my mind—the letter that Udongein had handed me a few days ago. I'd left it unopened for a while, unsure of what to expect. That hesitation finally gave way two days ago, when the situation forced my hand.
Flashback
Hanasakigawa Girls' High School – Principal's Office
June 3, 2021 – Thursday – 12:30 P.M.
The faint scent of tea lingered through Yuyuko-san's office, mingling with the warmth of the afternoon sun that filtered through the half-open blinds. The three of us—Yuyuko-san, Youmu, and I—had just finished lunch. The dishes were cleared away, and Youmu had returned moments later carrying a tray of freshly brewed tea. Steam curled gently from the cups as she placed them down before us, her movements neat and precise as always.
Yuyuko-san waited until Youmu took her seat before she finally spoke, her tone light yet thoughtful. She said she had heard everything from Youmu about what happened that morning, particularly about Chisato. Apparently, word of her sudden change in demeanor had already spread.
"Chisato-chan seems to have come out of her shell," Yuyuko remarked, her usual soft smile touching her lips.
I nodded faintly, tracing a finger along the rim of my teacup. "Yeah," I admitted after a pause. "Though I'll be honest... it's a little uncomfortable. She's been acting so open lately—it's not something I'm used to seeing from her. But I'll adjust soon enough."
Yuyuko chuckled quietly, sipping her tea. "It's a good change, Riku-kun. You should see it that way."
I tilted my head slightly, curious. "A good thing?"
Before Yuyuko could respond, Youmu set her cup down with a soft clink. "You may not know this," she said gently, "but ever since Chisato-san enrolled here at Hanasakigawa, she's always been tense—guarded, even. She carried herself like she was being watched all the time. Even outside of her idol work, she couldn't let go of that perfect image."
She leaned back slightly, her gaze drifting toward the window as if remembering the past. "I was her classmate during our first year. Back then, it felt like she lived behind glass—polished, distant, and untouchable."
Yuyuko nodded in agreement. "That's true. But once she joined Pastel✽Palettes, she began to open up. Slowly, she learned to smile for herself and not just for the cameras. Though, even then, she never completely dropped that wall around her. What happened the other night... well, that seemed to change everything."
I exhaled softly. "It really did. When she finally admitted how she felt, it was like a massive weight was lifted from her shoulders. I never realized how much pressure she'd been under all this time."
Yuyuko's smile deepened, this time with genuine warmth. "And now that she doesn't have to hide her relationship with you, she's finally free—at least to some extent."
"Then I'm glad," I said quietly, setting my cup aside. "If that's what it takes for her to live without pretending, then it's worth it. Though, I hope her little rivalry with Kokoro doesn't spiral out of control."
The two women shared an amused glance, a soft laugh passing between them. It was a brief, peaceful moment—broken only by a sudden knock on the office door.
Yuyuko looked up. "You may come in," she called.
The door slid open, and to my mild surprise, Mafuyu stepped in. Her face bore the bright, gentle expression she always wore in public—so practiced it looked almost flawless.
"Excuse me," she said politely. "May I come in?"
"Of course, dear," Yuyuko said with a welcoming gesture. "Please, join us."
I motioned for her to relax. "You don't have to pretend here, Mafuyu."
The effect was immediate. Her cheerful mask fell away like a dropped veil, revealing the expressionless calm beneath—the real Mafuyu. Her crimson eyes were steady, her tone flat yet genuine. Most people might've found it unsettling, but to me, it was simply her truth.
I'd long since accepted that the bright persona she showed others was nothing but armor. Out of everyone, only a handful could see through it—Kaoru, Kokoro, Misaki, Chisato, and me.
Grandfather once told me the full story of why she became this way, and the memory still burned quietly inside me. The woman who called herself Mafuyu's mother had left scars that ran deep, ones that no amount of time could erase. She was gone now, long buried, but a part of me still wished she were alive—just so I could tell her exactly what kind of monster she'd been.
Even I, someone who prided himself on being calm and collected, couldn't fully suppress the anger that flared up whenever I remembered what Mafuyu had endured.
Kanade and the other members of 25-ji, Nightcord de. had tried to help her feel again—to bring warmth back into her heart. Even Miku had joined their efforts, yet progress was slow. That was before Mafuyu met me and the others. With us, she'd started to experience new things—music, laughter, chaos, warmth. Things that weren't part of her old world.
It would take time, yes. But I believed that little by little, we could bring her back to the light.
Yuyuko's gentle voice broke my thoughts. "So, what brings you here, Mafuyu-chan?"
Mafuyu turned her gaze toward me. "I was looking for nii-san. I have something to ask."
Her tone was flat as ever, but I knew her well enough to sense a faint undercurrent of curiosity beneath it.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Kanade and the others want to hang out with me this weekend," she explained. "If it's alright with you... can we use the music studio?"
"The studio?" I blinked.
She nodded. "Nazuna told me that you own it, and that I should ask for permission first."
I couldn't help a small laugh. "Figures she'd say that. Sure, go ahead. I barely use it these days anyway. You're planning to make a new song, aren't you?"
Another nod. Quiet, direct.
I smiled faintly and reached over to pat her head. She didn't react outwardly, but I caught the faintest shift in her aura—the smallest flicker of comfort.
"Then it's settled," I said. "You can use it. Just be careful not to break anything, and make sure Nazuna's with you. She's good at handling chaos."
"I will," she replied, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you, nii-san."
She hesitated then, her eyes flicking toward the desk where an unopened envelope rested. "By the way," she added, "the letter you received—what are you going to do with it?"
Her question brought me back to the thing I'd been avoiding.
I took the envelope from my pocket. The seal was still intact, the paper crisp and faintly perfumed. "I suppose there's no reason to delay anymore," I muttered. I tore the seal open carefully and unfolded the letter inside. The handwriting was elegant, familiar—one I hadn't seen in years.
It read:
I want to discuss something with you. I think it's time to clear it up after all these years.
I'll be waiting for you at Eientei by the weekend.
You can bring anyone you like for company—or come alone if you prefer. I don't mind.
—Kaguya
P.S.: Could you bring something to eat once you arrive? Thanks a bunch.
I blinked a few times, then lowered the page. "That's what it says."
Yuyuko gave a small nod, her tone almost knowing. "So, Kaguya-chan finally decided to clear things up. It's been what—three years since you last saw her?"
I folded the letter back up. "Yeah. Three years."
Mafuyu tilted her head slightly. "Did something happen between the two of you?"
I paused for a moment before answering. "It's... personal. But yes, something did. If she wants to talk now, I'll hear her out. I don't have anything else planned this weekend anyway."
Yuyuko smiled faintly. "That sounds wise. Sometimes, the things left unsaid weigh heavier than the ones spoken."
She looked at me thoughtfully. "Will you be going alone, or do you have someone in mind to accompany you?"
Her question made me pause. I turned my gaze toward the sunlight spilling across the room, thinking about the people who mattered to me—Kokoro's energy, Chisato's warmth, Mafuyu's quiet presence. Each would bring something different to the table.
A small smile found its way to my lips. "Yeah... I have someone in mind."
Yuyuko didn't press for details. She and Youmu simply exchanged a knowing glance and let the conversation drift to lighter things—banter about tea flavors, and Yuyuko teasing me about remembering to bring snacks for "the moon princess."
But as I sat there, half-listening to their laughter, my mind was already far away. The name written on that letter echoed in my thoughts, carrying with it the weight of old memories.
Kaguya.
It had been three long years since that argument—three years since the silence that followed. Now, after all that time, she wanted to talk.
I didn't know what kind of conversation awaited us, but one thing was certain: it was time to face it.
End of Flashback
Now back to the present...
After classes ended for the day, I sent out a group message to all the girls, asking who'd be free to come with me to Fukushima for the weekend. The plan was simple—visit Eientei, relax, and check in on a few things while we were there. But as the replies started to roll in, I could already feel the idea slowly turning into a solo trip.
Kasumi's message came first:
"Sorry, senpai, but A-chan got a cold. I want to come with you, but Mom already has plans for the weekend, so I can't leave the house."
So Kasumi's out. Family first, as always.
Tae replied next:
"I want to go, but no one will be home to take care of the rabbits this weekend. Thanks for inviting me though."
Fair enough. Her rabbits are her pride and joy.
Then came Rimi's message:
"Onee-chan's coming over, so I won't be able to come."
Family visits—another solid reason.
Saaya followed up soon after:
"My mom needs help at the bakery this weekend."
So the bakery's going to have its dependable daughter, as always.
Arisa's response was exactly what I expected from her:
"My grandmother has plans with her friends, and no one's around to watch the shop. So I won't be able to come."
Looks like Omoide Coffee's going to miss its manager-in-training.
Then Ran messaged:
"I want to go since I haven't seen Kaguya-san in a long while, but my band already made plans. Send my regards to her."
Her message was soon followed by almost identical ones from Tomoe, Moca, Himari, and Tsugumi. Seems the entire Afterglow lineup had their weekend locked in.
Aya's message had a touch of guilt in it:
"I won't be able to come, Riku-kun. The agency gave me a few weekend offers I have to take care of. Sorry."
Work comes first, especially for someone in the spotlight like her.
Then Hina chimed in:
"I've got plans with onee-chan this weekend, but thanks for inviting me!"
Which, naturally, meant Sayo was also out. And she confirmed that herself not long after.
"I appreciate the offer. But Hina invited me to a place with unlimited fries, and I can't miss that opportunity."
That sounded... painfully in-character.
Chisato's reply made me blink twice:
"As much as I want to come with you, onii-sama, Kaoru and I already made plans for the weekend."
That pairing's rare. Those two together were usually like oil and water, but I wasn't about to question whatever truce they'd found.
Maya's message arrived soon after:
"Sorry, Riku-san, but Eve-san invited me to a samurai convention this weekend."
So that meant both Maya and Eve were off the table.
Then came Kokoro's message—predictably loud even through text:
"I have a project to work on during the weekend, so I can't come! Tell Kaguya-chan I said hi!"
Right behind her was Hagumi:
"Sorry, Rikkun! I gotta coach some kids at a baseball game this weekend!"
Kanon, on the other hand, was adorably honest:
"Sorry, Riku-kun. But I might get lost just trying to make my way to your place..."
And then Misaki added her own message with a sigh I could practically hear through the phone:
"I wanted to go but... Kokoro kinda dragged me into her weekend project. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her while you're gone."
That last one made me worry more than it reassured me. Whatever Kokoro was planning, it was going to be big. I made a mental note to give Misaki something nice when I got back—she'd definitely earn it.
Then came the Roselia girls.
Yukina:
"Sorry, but Lisa wants me to be her taste tester for her new cookie recipe this weekend."
Lisa:
"Sorry, Riku-kun, I was planning to perfect a new cookie recipe. I'll send you some once you get back. Just call me."
And that left—Rinko.
Her message was simple:
"Sure, I can go. The others already have plans, and I've got time."
Rinko always had this quiet steadiness about her. She didn't say much, but when she did, it was genuine.
A few minutes later, Ako's message came in hot:
"I'll go!! If Rin-Rin's going, then I'm coming too! I just need to ask onee-chan if it's okay!"
So that made two.
Rei's message followed:
"Thanks for inviting me, but I've got to stand in for someone over the weekend. Don't worry, Chu² approved."
Masuki:
"Sorry, gotta help out at the ramen shop this weekend."
Rokka:
"Apologies, Riku-san, but the bathhouse will be busy this weekend."
Then Chiyu chimed in, concise as ever:
"I'll go. I get the feeling I'll be needed at Eientei. It's been a while since I've seen Kaguya."
And the final reply came from Reona:
"I'll go! If Chu²-sama's coming, then so am I!"
In the end, the lineup for this trip was set: Rinko, Ako, Chu², and Reona. Not quite the crowd I'd imagined, but a solid mix nonetheless.
After finalizing the plans, I packed my things. Just as I was zipping up my bag, Aizawa called to say the car was ready in the garage.
When I made my way to the living room, the four girls were already there—waiting.
I blinked. "I didn't expect you girls to be this early. I was actually planning to drive around to pick you up."
Chiyu tilted her head, arms crossed. "I figured you were. That's why I told them to come here directly—to save you the trouble."
Her foresight never failed to impress me.
"Well, since you came early," I said with a grin, "I'm guessing none of you have eaten breakfast yet?"
The four nodded in perfect sync, almost comically.
"Then let's fix that."
We made our way to the dining room, and I had the kitchen staff serve up breakfast. The atmosphere around the table was light—Ako chattered animatedly about some new online game she'd been obsessed with, Rinko quietly hummed along to the background music, Chu² was halfway through explaining the "technological superiority" of her latest project, and Reona occasionally sighed whenever Chu²'s ego got a little too inflated.
It was noisy, but in a good way. The kind of energy that reminded me of what made all of them special.
After finishing breakfast, we thanked the staff and headed to the garage. My BMW was already polished and waiting—Aizawa really outdid himself this time. The car gleamed under the morning light, ready for the road.
We loaded our bags into the trunk, each one carefully stacked to fit.
Ako, of course, took the passenger seat without hesitation. "Shotgun!" she shouted, before anyone else could react.
Chu² huffed. "Tch. I was going to claim that seat, you know!"
Reona chuckled softly. "You always say that, but you never actually beat her to it."
Rinko giggled under her breath, quietly slipping into the back seat beside Chiyu.
Once everyone was settled, I started the engine. The soft hum filled the air, and as the gates of the Nagae estate slowly opened, I felt that familiar calm wash over me. A new weekend, a new trip—and maybe a few surprises waiting in Fukushima.
As we pulled out onto the road, the girls continued their banter. Ako was fiddling with the car's infotainment system, trying to queue her favorite playlist, while Chu² lectured her about "proper sound balance." Reona was scrolling through her tablet, occasionally muttering about rehearsal schedules, and Rinko gazed quietly out the window, watching the city slowly give way to the countryside.
Chiyu, sitting beside her, finally broke the lull. "So, Riku," she said, tone steady, "what's the real reason we're heading to Eientei?"
I glanced at her through the rearview mirror, catching her reflection. "You already suspect something, don't you?"
She smiled faintly. "Let's just say Kaguya doesn't summon people without a reason. And since you invited us instead of her... I'm guessing something's brewing."
I didn't answer right away. She wasn't wrong—but it wasn't exactly something I could explain in one sentence either.
"For now," I said finally, "let's just call it a visit. Once we're there, you'll see why."
Chiyu nodded, satisfied for now.
As the highway stretched ahead and the hum of the tires blended with the faint music Ako finally managed to play, I couldn't help but glance at the sky. The clouds were sparse, the weather calm—ideal for travel. And yet, a quiet unease lingered in the back of my mind.
Maybe it was just instinct. Or maybe I'd learned that in my world, "peaceful trips" rarely stayed peaceful for long.
Still, with these four riding along, I had a feeling things were about to get interesting.
And whatever awaited us at Eientei... we'd face it together.
----------
8:30 A.M. — On the Road
We'd been on the highway for about an hour, and the hum of the tires had already blended into the kind of steady rhythm that makes you lose track of time. The trip from Tokyo to Fukushima usually takes three hours, give or take. Luckily, we left early—by now, the city's morning traffic would've been a crawling mess.
The sun was still climbing, painting the passing landscape in soft gold. Rinko and the others were staring out the windows, watching the scenery shift from concrete to countryside. The sight seemed to calm them.
Rinko was the first to break the quiet. "Riku, where exactly is Eientei located?"
I glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "That's right. You've met Kaguya before, but you've never actually been to Eientei. It's in the Fukushima prefecture—one of the Houraisan's territories."
Ako leaned forward between the seats, eyes wide. "Wait, the Houraisan owns Fukushima?"
I couldn't help a small laugh. "Not just Fukushima, Ako-chan. The Houraisan and the Yagokoro families share control over the entire Tōhoku region. The Houraisan's territories are Fukushima, Yamagata, and Akita. The Yagokoro rule Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori."
The three girls—Rinko, Ako, and Reona—blinked, taken aback by how casually I said it. I could practically see the gears turning in their heads as they processed the idea of whole prefectures belonging to families like ours.
Rinko was the first to speak. "What about the Nagae? Kyoya-san mentioned once that Tokyo is your family's territory."
"That's right," I said. "But it's not just the Nagae. The Saigyouji share the rule of Tokyo with us. As for the rest, the Nagae oversee Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama. The Saigyouji control Gunma, Tochigi, and Ibaraki."
Reona turned slightly toward me. "So the Nagae and Saigyouji families hold dominion over the entire Kantō region, Riku-sama?"
I nodded. "My grandfather explained this when we got back from Stockholm. After the Sengoku era ended, the reigning emperor granted each Celestial Family the right to choose a region to govern. But he personally assigned Kantō to the Nagae and Saigyouji. The rest had to choose for themselves."
Ako tilted her head curiously. "What did the other families pick, Riku-nii?"
"The Hakurei, Yakumo, and Hijiri settled in Kansai. The Komeiji moved to Chūgoku. The Ibaraki took Kyūshū, the Kicchou went north to Hokkaidō, the Matara settled in Shikoku, and the Hinanawi established themselves in Chūbu."
Silence filled the car for a few seconds. Rinko leaned her cheek against the window, her voice soft. "Now I understand why you're always so busy these days..."
Chiyu chuckled lightly. "I'm more surprised that you managed to juggle your duties as a Nagae while you were still active back then. That's not exactly a part-time job."
"Yeah," I admitted, eyes still on the road ahead. "That period was... something else."
The conversation drifted away after that. I told them to get some rest since it would be a while before we reached Eientei. Rinko nodded first, then Ako and Reona followed her lead, each of them slowly drifting off as the car glided smoothly down the highway. Before long, the only sounds were the steady hum of the engine and the faint breathing of three sleeping passengers.
Only Chiyu remained awake, sitting beside me, arms folded. She had her usual alert look—eyes sharp even when relaxed.
"You should rest too," I said quietly, glancing her way.
She smirked. "No need. Someone has to keep the driver awake, right?" Then her tone shifted, low and measured. "Tell me, Iku. What does Kaguya want from you?"
I hesitated for a beat. The morning sun caught her reflection in the windshield, and for a moment, her eyes looked almost calculating.
"She probably wants answers about Tenshi," I replied finally. "But I can feel there's more to it. She's planning something... she always is."
Chiyu scratched the back of her head and exhaled. "Knowing her, I'm not surprised. That woman never calls people just for tea and talk."
"Exactly," I muttered, keeping my focus on the road.
A few minutes passed before something on the roadside caught my attention—a small bakery just off the next exit. The wooden sign out front was weathered, but familiar. I slowed down and signaled right, pulling into the parking lot.
Chiyu frowned. "Oi, Iku, what the hell are you doing?"
"Kaguya told me to bring her something. And take a look at the bakery's sign."
She turned her head toward the window, squinting at it. When she read the name, her expression softened into understanding. "Ah... that bakery. I see." Then, after a pause, she added, "I'll buy something for myself too, if you don't mind."
I glanced at her dryly. "And leave Rinko and the others in the car, defenseless?"
"Right... forgot about that." She gave a small shrug. "Fine, fine. But if they've got Jerky Bread, grab some for me, okay?"
"At this place? Yeah, they should." I smiled faintly. "Be back in a few."
Chiyu gave me a mock salute as I stepped out of the car. The bell above the bakery door chimed softly when I entered, and the warm scent of freshly baked bread hit me immediately—sweet, buttery, and nostalgic. The place hadn't changed at all since the last time I stopped by.
Several Hours Later
Eientei - 11:20 A.M.
After buying some bread and jerky bread for Chu², we hit the road again. I nudged the speed up a little—just enough that the car hummed smoother, not enough to wake the others sprawled across the seats. They'd all passed out at some point between Tokyo and the last service stop. Quiet roads, quiet minds.
By the time the GPS announced we'd entered Fukushima, the scenery outside had already shifted from modern bustle to something older, quieter—like we'd crossed a line into another time. Bamboo forests rolled along both sides of the road, wind whispering through them in rhythm. Then the long gravel path leading to Eientei came into view: a wide gate framed by ancient wood, lacquered red, and guarded by two moon rabbits in uniform.
As I rolled to a stop, one of them stepped forward and began his inspection.
"State your business at Eientei," he said, posture crisp, voice neutral.
"We're here on Kaguya's invitation." I reached into the glove box, took out the letter Udongein had delivered a few days ago, and handed it to him. The rabbit studied the seal pressed into the parchment—the unmistakable crest of the Houraisan family. His eyes widened slightly, then he bowed.
"Very well, you may enter the estate. May you have a good day, Nagae-sama and company."
"Appreciate it," I said, giving a polite nod as the gates creaked open. The hinges made an oddly musical sound—like old wood refusing to age.
The drive through the estate grounds took another five minutes. Cherry blossoms danced in the wind, even though it wasn't spring. That was Eientei for you—eternity in looped perfection. When I finally parked, I cut the engine and turned to the backseat. The silence was thick, save for the faint snoring of Rinko and Ako.
I nudged Rinko's shoulder. "We're here."
Chu² stretched and yawned beside me before leaning back to wake the others. "PAREO, get up. We've arrived."
Rinko blinked herself awake, hair tousled and eyes half-lidded. "We're... here?"
"Yup," I said, stepping out of the car. "Grab your stuff, we still have to—"
"Welcome to Eientei, Riku-sama!"
A small voice cut me off. Standing in front of us was a little girl with silver hair, a red one-piece dress, and long rabbit ears twitching happily. The others froze mid-motion, except Chu², who looked like she'd already expected this level of weird.
I exhaled. "I take it you're our escort?"
She nodded so fast her ears flopped. "Hai! Please follow me."
While she turned toward the path ahead, I popped open the trunk and pulled out our bags.
"Riku..." Rinko whispered, still blinking at the tiny guide. "Was that a...?"
"Yes," I said, hoisting the luggage over my shoulder. "That was a moon rabbit."
Ako gawked. "You mean they really come from the moon!?"
"That's right," I replied, as casually as I could manage. "They're assigned here to assist Kaguya while she's on Earth. The personnel change with the seasons, so you'll see them in different colors next time we visit. Summer passes, new rabbits take over—it's like a cosmic shift schedule."
I motioned for them to move along. "Come on, let's not keep our lunar escort waiting."
The gravel crunched beneath our shoes as we followed her through the winding path leading to the main house. The air was cool and still, carrying a faint scent of medicinal herbs and morning dew. Bamboo stalks framed both sides, and in the distance, faint laughter of other moon rabbits echoed between the trees.
Even with that serenity, I couldn't shake a habit. My eyes scanned corners, expecting trouble. Tewi usually had a knack for showing up uninvited—and leaving chaos behind. But this time, nothing. Too quiet.
"Hey," I asked our guide, "where's Tewi? Normally she'd be the first one to ambush me when I show up."
The rabbit paused mid-step. Her ears twitched awkwardly. "Ah... Tewi-sama is currently being punished."
"Punished?" I sighed. "Alright, what did she do this time?"
The rabbit hesitated before answering, voice small. "She tried to prank Udongein-sama while she was delivering Kaguya-sama's letter... but instead of Udongein-sama, it was Eirin-sama who fell into the pit she dug."
I stopped walking. "...She dug a pit?"
"Yes, a fifteen-foot-deep one," the rabbit said gravely, like she was reading a crime report. "After Eirin-sama was rescued, Tewi-sama was caught and dragged to the punishment chamber. She will be Eirin-sama's test subject for the next month."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Of course she will."
"Currently she is under isolation and strict surveillance," the rabbit added.
"I see," I muttered. Poor Tewi... she never learns.
As we approached the main mansion, the forest gave way to a courtyard paved with smooth stone. The building itself rose ahead—a two-story structure in pure Edo style: white sliding doors, dark wood beams, tiled roof glinting under the noon light. A sense of stillness clung to the air, like time itself held its breath here.
Ako whispered, "So this is Eientei..."
The rabbit nodded proudly. "This mansion may appear modest, but it has stood since the Houraisan family first descended to Earth. Though it has undergone renovations over the centuries, we preserve its essence through Kaguya-sama's ability."
Reona tilted her head. "Ability?"
I answered before the rabbit could. "Kaguya can manipulate eternity—keep things from aging or decaying. Fruit, wood, fabric—doesn't matter. If she chooses, it stays as fresh as the day it was made."
Rinko's curiosity sparked. "What happens if she uses it on humans?"
"That," I said quietly, "is something only Kaguya can explain. And she rarely does."
The rabbit nodded quickly. "Indeed. Kaguya-sama dislikes that topic, so we avoid speaking of it. Now, if you'll just—"
THUD!
The sound reverberated through the corridor ahead. A second later, Udongein came crawling into view—uniform torn, hair disheveled, eyes wide in sheer desperation.
"H-help... me..." she whimpered.
My stomach sank. I knew that tone. "Oh no."
Before I could even move, a metallic ring shot forward and snapped around her waist like a trap. A chain clinked taut.
Eirin Yagokoro stepped into view, smiling with that calm menace only she could pull off. "Ara~ we're not done yet, Udongein. I'm on the verge of a discovery, and I can't let you rest now."
Behind me, Rinko squeaked and hid behind my back. Ako and Reona froze like statues. Chu² was the only one standing still—though the bead of sweat on her temple betrayed her nerves.
"P-please, sensei..." Udongein wheezed. "Let me rest... my body can't hold—"
"Don't worry," Eirin said sweetly, tugging the chain, "I'll make medicine for that problem."
"That makes it worse!" Udongein cried.
The two of them finally noticed us standing there. Udongein's eyes lit up with desperate hope.
"RIKU! PLEASE! YOU GOTTA HELP ME! SHE'S CRAZY! SHE'S BEEN USING ME AS A GUINEA PIG FOR DAYS—AAAGH!"
Eirin yanked the chain again, cutting her off mid-scream.
"Ah, Riku," Eirin said pleasantly, as though this were a tea party. "I'm glad you arrived safely. I take it you're here to speak with Kaguya-sama?"
I gave a cautious nod.
"Good," she said with a smile that could probably curdle milk. Then she gestured toward the hall. "You. Take Riku to the Lunar Garden. And you—" she pointed at another rabbit down the hall "—escort the guests to their rooms."
"Hai! Eirin-sama!" the rabbits chorused in perfect unison.
"R-Riku!" Udongein yelped again, reaching toward me as Eirin began pulling her away.
I sighed, torn between pity and self-preservation. "Udongein... faito da yo."
Her expression went blank with horror.
Eirin tugged the chain sharply. Udongein's voice trailed down the hallway as she was dragged out of sight.
"Dareka tasuketeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee—!"
The door slammed. Silence followed.
The girls behind me trembled, their faces pale. Even Chu² was gripping my sleeve tight enough to wrinkle it.
Reona's voice came out shaky. "R-Riku-sama... what just happened?"
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Let's just say... that's normal around here."
Ako blinked. "Normal?"
"Yeah. Eientei's got its own brand of chaos. You get used to it after the third or fourth visit."
I turned to the rabbits waiting for us. "Alright. Lead the way."
As we started walking, the muffled echoes of Udongein's lament faded into the background. The hallway ahead was lit by paper lanterns, the air fragrant with incense and fresh tea. A strange calm settled again, as if Eirin's madness hadn't just unfolded before us.
Somewhere deeper inside the mansion, the sound of wind chimes stirred gently. Time felt slow here—deliberately so. That's Eientei for you: a place where eternity stretches between laughter and screams.
I just kept walking, pretending I didn't hear the faint voice from behind the lab door whisper one last desperate "tasukete..." before fading into silence.
Stay strong, Udongein. You're in better hands than most test subjects... probably.
11:45 A.M.
The Moon Rabbits led us in silence. They walked with perfect posture, ears perked, eyes forward. If I didn't know better, I'd think they were trained soldiers. But I did know better. The ones around Eientei are more like... well, a mix of butlers, guards, and trouble magnets.
Ako broke the silence first, tugging at my sleeve. "Riku-nii, about Eirin-sensei being here..."
"Right," I said, hands in my pockets as we followed the rabbits down the wooden walkway. "Much like us Nagae, the Yagokoro family are vassals serving the Houraisan. Even though they rose to become a Celestial Family themselves, they've stayed loyal to the Houraisan. Different from us Nagae — we chose to be independent of the Hinanawi line."
Rinko hummed softly beside me. "But you still keep a good relationship with them... even after all that happened."
I gave a small laugh. "Yeah. Guess we're at a crossroads, girls."
We reached a small clearing where the path split in two — one leading left toward the garden, another right down a long corridor lined with shoji doors.
One of the Moon Rabbits turned to us, voice as polite as a tea ceremony hostess. "The path on the left leads to the garden. The path on the right leads to your rooms."
The other one added, "This is where you will separate for the moment."
I nodded. "Then I'll take the garden. You girls head to your rooms. I've got business with Kaguya."
Chiyu crossed her arms, smirking. "Don't worry, with me here, everything will be fine."
"Just be careful of Tewi," I said, and I wasn't joking.
Chu²'s smirk faltered. "Right... forgot about her."
I chuckled and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Good luck."
They went their way, the rabbits guiding them down the hall, while my escort motioned for me to follow. The soft thud of my footsteps echoed along the wooden floor as we moved toward the inner gardens. The smell of camellia and sakura lingered faintly in the air — Eientei's usual blend of elegance and melancholy.
After a few minutes, the Moon Rabbit stopped before a wide sliding door. "We're here," she said. "This is as far as I can take you, Riku-sama."
"I understand. You may leave."
She bowed once, quietly retreating. I pushed open the door and stepped into the Lunar Garden.
The sight hit me — same as always, breathtaking and a little unreal. White gravel perfectly raked, koi pond glimmering under the noon sun, a bench beneath a cherry tree in full bloom even though it wasn't the season. And there, sitting with her parasol resting beside her, was Kaguya Houraisan herself — graceful, timeless, and just a little too calm for someone who's probably been watching everything since we arrived.
She turned as she sensed me. For a second, her eyes widened — that flicker of surprise before a smile curved on her lips. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"Yeah," I said, scratching the back of my neck. "We've got a lot to talk about."
"True," she said, patting the space beside her. "But first, lunch. You must be hungry after the drive."
I wasn't about to argue. "Thanks for the offer."
----------
A few hours later – 1:30 P.M.
Lunch at Eientei was... exactly what you'd expect. Graceful setting, chaos underneath.
Kaguya had called for everyone, and by "everyone," she meant everyone. The dining area was full — rabbits moving around like waiters in a fine restaurant, Eirin giving directions, Udongein nervously fidgeting, and Kaguya at the head of the table, smiling like a queen entertaining guests from another world.
When Rinko saw Kaguya, she immediately ran over and hugged her tight. Kaguya laughed softly, hugging back, though her composure cracked just enough to show genuine warmth. Even Chu² cracked a grin seeing them reunite. Ako and Reona gave polite bows, which earned them an appraising look from Kaguya — especially Ako, whom she stared at a bit too long.
Rinko and Ako nearly dropped their chopsticks when Kaguya casually mentioned she used to be known as "Tsukuyomi" — a well-known player in NFO. Turns out the "Moon Empress" nickname wasn't just poetic flair.
Lunch went smoother than expected — though a few rabbits tripped over themselves serving tea, and one nearly spilled soup on Eirin's notes. Kaguya just laughed it off, which told me she was in a better mood than usual.
Afterward, she offered to give everyone a tour of Eientei. The place was as big as I remembered: endless corridors, gardens that looped into other gardens, rooms that looked centuries old yet had TVs and game consoles tucked discreetly into corners.
By the time we finished the tour, everyone scattered to do their own thing. Ako dragged Rinko off to the game room, while Reona and Chu² went to the music room after Kaguya mentioned she played bass and sang sometimes. That left me alone with Kaguya — which, honestly, was inevitable.
Her room was... something else.
Everywhere you looked, it screamed "modern meets ancient." A tatami floor with a low table, walls lined with books and scrolls — and then right beside them, stacked consoles, game cases, and two full arcade machines humming softly in standby mode.
"Last time I saw your room," I said, scanning the rows of shelves, "you had a few games here and there, but..." I gestured vaguely at the arcade machines. "You've been busy."
Kaguya smiled faintly. "Yeah. I needed distractions, you know?"
I nodded. "Makes sense."
She sat cross-legged across from me, her tone shifting slightly. "Riku... how? How did Tenshi appear that time?"
I exhaled slowly. "This'll take a while."
"We've got time," she said simply.
So, I told her everything.
The silence afterward was heavy. Kaguya sat still, staring into her tea as if it held the answers.
"So all this time..." she whispered, "Tenshi's alive?"
"Technically, she's still considered dead," I said, leaning back. "But yeah — she's still there. Her soul's intact."
Kaguya's eyes softened. "And you didn't know... she was with you all this time?"
"I only found out in Stockholm, remember?"
"Right, I forgot..." she paused, brows furrowing. "Wait. You said she saw everything over the years — don't tell me—"
"She did," I said simply. "She saw what you did. But not what came after. She was too weak then."
Kaguya sighed, gaze dropping to her hands. "So... what did she say about it?"
I gave a small, wry smile. "Well, she said..."
Flashback
Tenshi sat across from me, her tone softer than I remembered, but her eyes still held that familiar spark.
"So," she said, crossing her arms, "how's Kaguya doing?"
"Ever since you died, she hasn't left Eientei," I replied. "I know she didn't mean to do it, but... she took it hard."
"I see..." Tenshi murmured, her expression shadowing. "Guess she really was that disheartened." Then she looked up, mischief flickering back into her eyes. "I've got an idea — and I need your help."
I groaned. "Whatever it is, I'm already concerned. But if it's for her sake, I'll hear it."
"Good." She leaned forward, whispering her plan. By the time she finished, I couldn't help but grin.
"Yeah," I said. "That could work. If it's Kaguya, she'll definitely go along with it."
End of Flashback
"I have to do this," I said.
Before Kaguya could respond, I stood, walked over to her, and — without warning — brought my hand down in a sharp chop to the top of her head.
Thwack!
"OW— What the hell was that for?!" Kaguya yelped, clutching her head in outrage.
I didn't even blink. "Two reasons. One, Tenshi asked me to do it. Two..." I smirked. "I challenge you to a danmaku battle. One spell only."
Kaguya froze, blinking. "You... challenge me?"
"Yeah."
Her fan slipped slightly from her hand. "But why?"
"I know you've been bottling things up. You've fought Mokou, maybe even a few Lunarians — but that's not enough. You need to let it out properly. So..." I cracked my knuckles. "I'm offering you that chance."
She studied me for a moment, then smiled faintly. "You said one spell, right?"
"I did."
"Then I'll add a few conditions of my own," she said, standing. "But I'll tell you once we start. Go gather your friends — I'll call for Eirin."
"Sounds good."
"We'll meet at the Half-Moon Court."
We both turned for the door, splitting off in opposite directions.
The Moon Rabbits were helpful enough — one guided me to the music room, where I found Reona playing piano while Chu² leaned against the wall, pretending not to be impressed.
Reona's touch on the keys was graceful yet forceful, a reflection of her personality — soft edges, solid core. I listened for a while before stepping inside.
She immediately stopped playing.
"PAREO, why'd you stop?" Chu² asked.
Reona gestured toward me. "As you can see, Riku-sama has arrived."
Chu² turned and raised a brow. "Iku. So, you two patched things up already?"
"Not quite," I said. "We're going to settle it in a danmaku battle."
"You what?!" Chu² nearly choked on her drink.
"Relax," I said, hands raised. "Tenshi planned this. It's... a therapeutic duel."
She squinted. "If it's Tenshi's plan, it better work. And you being here means... you want witnesses?"
"Exactly."
"Fine." She turned to Reona. "Let's go, PAREO."
"Yes, Chu²-sama! This will be my first time seeing Riku-sama fight!"
"That so?" I said with a grin. "Then you're in for a show."
Chu² snorted. "Anyway, Rinko and Ako are still in the gaming room. Let's get them."
We found the two Roselia girls locked in a fierce rhythm game battle, fingers tapping like their lives depended on it. They looked up when we entered, their scores neck and neck. After I explained the situation, both agreed immediately — Ako practically bouncing with excitement at the idea of seeing a Celestial duel live.
With everyone gathered, we headed for the courtyard.
Kaguya's POV
After Riku and I split, I headed down the east corridor, the one leading toward Eirin's quarters. The wooden floors creaked faintly beneath my bare feet, and the air smelled faintly of medicinal herbs.
Eirin was supposed to be in her lab with Udongein. Supposed to.
I stopped outside their door and knocked.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
...
Silence.
I frowned. No answer. No sound at all.
I tried again, louder this time. Still nothing.
A slow dread crept in — the kind you get when you know you're about to regret your next move. But patience has never been one of my strengths.
I drew in a breath, stepped back, and drove my fist through the door.
BAM!
The door flew off its hinges, slamming against the far wall with a satisfying crash.
Inside was... carnage.
Eirin lay face-first on the floor, her long silver hair splayed out like a halo. Udongein was next to her, eyes rolled up, foam bubbling at the corner of her mouth. The smell of burnt herbs filled the air.
My jaw dropped.
"W–W–WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!?!?"