Grand Narukami Shrine.
"I get the feeling... that the Raiden Shogun might come back."
Suddenly rising and walking toward the exit, Kaito said this, looking rather worried.
Of course, he knew this wasn't just a worry, but something that was undeniably about to happen. However, being here, he certainly wasn't supposed to know what was transpiring on the other side, so he could only put on a show in front of Miko.
"You guy... I didn't see you acting like this before."
Following him out somewhat inexplicably, Miko was speechless. Kaito had clearly been expressionless in front of Ei earlier, so why was he suddenly worrying about Her return now?
"Since that... Since Her Excellency, the Shogun has already left, She definitely won't be coming back."
Realizing she was outside, Miko quickly adjusted her form of address.
She knew Ei very well. The current Ei was surely waiting for her to go over and explain; how could She possibly come back to find her? It was something that didn't even need considering.
However, regarding the explanation, she was indeed a bit troubled right now, not knowing how best to explain. It felt like she could only lie? Otherwise, she would have to mention Mei... But should she say it now?
Pacing back and forth beside Kaito, Miko was thinking about the best way to explain things to Ei. Actually, she didn't want to lie in front of Ei, but in this situation, it seemed she had to tell a lie for now.
"She really came back."
Just as Miko was thinking about what to do, Kaito suddenly said this sentence. Actually, he wanted to say "She's here," but that would have been a bit too prophetic.
She really came back? What's the situation?
Snapping back to reality, Miko was stunned for a moment upon hearing Kaito's words, but she soon understood the meaning.
Why did She come back again? Was something discovered? Never expecting Kaito's words to actually come true, Miko looked completely bewildered, having no idea what had happened.
However, she soon became even more bewildered when she saw a figure appear.
Wendy???
Why is this girl here too???
Looking at Wendy who appeared before her, Miko wanted to ask about the situation. But at that moment, another figure appeared in front of her. It was precisely Ei.
Wait!
Why did the two of them appear together???
Do they know each other???
No way...
The thought that Wendy actually knew Ei felt very incongruous to Miko.
"Miko, bring out some of the wine you've hidden. I need to entertain a guest."
Just as Miko wanted to ask but didn't know how, Ei spoke to her.
"Guest?"
Saying this subconsciously, Miko evidently didn't immediately understand who the guest Ei mentioned was.
"The guest is me, of course, Little Fox."
While Miko was still confused, Wendy opposite her spoke up as if it were a matter of course.
This little girl???
Hearing Wendy call her that, Miko almost subconsciously wanted to curse, but because Ei was there, she didn't let it out. But soon, she seemed to understand something.
What is going on... How do they know each other?
"Miko, why are you standing there in a daze? Hurry up and go."
Just as Miko was still surprised, Ei's dissatisfied voice rang out.
"I know, I'm going now."
Knowing that Ei would get angry if she continued like this, Miko hurriedly went to get the wine.
By the way... Why does Kaito have no reaction at all?
While walking to get the wine, Miko suddenly realized this, which made her really curious. Especially since Kaito had just suddenly said Ei might return, Miko felt more and more that something was amiss. But now she had to get the wine; no matter how curious she was, she had to fetch the wine first.
Just as she had taken a few steps, Wendy spoke.
"Kai, why are you here too?"
He has been standing here the whole time... Why are you only asking now?
Listening to the voice coming from behind, Miko couldn't help but retort in her mind.
Also... Does Ei know that the two of them know each other, or are even boyfriend and girlfriend?
Suddenly thinking of this question, Miko couldn't help but slow her pace. She wanted to hear what Ei's reaction would be. Although doing so might make Ei think she didn't want to get the wine, she couldn't help it; she was truly curious about Ei's subsequent reaction.
"You... know each other?"
Miko's efforts were not in vain; she soon heard Ei's voice. And that voice clearly carried a hint of doubt; it was apparent that Ei did not know about the relationship between Wendy and Kaito.
So Ei didn't know their relationship either... But how did that girl Wendy know Ei? And why didn't she mention this before? Also, did Kaito not know about this either?
By this point, Miko had completely stopped walking, silently eavesdropping from not far away while pondering various questions.
Wait! Could it be because of Wendy's identity?
At this moment, Miko suddenly remembered something. After her first encounter with Wendy, she knew that the current Anemo Archon had changed. So... that's why Ei is with Wendy?
With this question in mind, Miko quietly turned around to look at the location where Ei, Wendy, and Kaito were standing.
"Yes, we've known each other for a long time."
Under Ei's questioning gaze, Kaito nodded and said this.
"I see. Then let us go together."
Saying this, Ei walked toward the place where She, Miko, and Kaito had been talking earlier.
However, after only a few steps, She suddenly stopped again. Because at that moment, She suddenly recalled how the Anemo Archon had just addressed Kaito.
It had to be said, that form of address was a bit strange. But as for where exactly it was strange, She couldn't quite put Her finger on it.
Hmm? Miko... What on earth is she doing?
Suddenly noticing that Miko seemed to be eavesdropping, Ei was very puzzled.
It had to be said, Miko was really too strange today. However, She also knew now was not the time to ask about such things, especially since Miko had already slipped away.
Forget it... I'll ask her later...
Thinking this, Ei continued walking forward.
On the other side.
That was close, too close... Almost got caught...
Arriving at the place where the wine was kept, Miko let out a long sigh of relief. She had almost been caught just now; fortunately, she ran fast. But regardless, she still had to face Ei.
"Lady Miko, what is wrong? Did something happen?"
At this moment, a shrine maiden saw Miko's appearance, looking as if she had just escaped death, and was very surprised.
"It's nothing. Go about your business."
"Yes, Lady Miko."
___
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