Luo Li waited until the yokai had mostly dispersed
before bringing the little fox and his two young disciples back to the Grand Narukami Shrine. At this hour, all the shrine maidens were already asleep.
The mountain was quiet, and from atop Mt. Yougou,
one could see only a few scattered lights left in Inazuma City. "Teacher, why did Lady Saiguu ask you to oversee the shrine? Will it always be like this from now on?" On the way back, Mitsuyo recalled Luo Li mentioning that he would be stationed at the shrine long-term. Though delighted, she was curious about the reason. it will always be like this, wouldn't you be happy? "Hehe… well, that's true." Hearing the good news, she even forgot he had been gone for two months without a word.
All she was thinking about now was how she would explain to her mother that she would be staying at the shrine.
Another chance to meet Lady Saiguu she absolutely couldn't waste the opportunity to rise in rank. "It's late. You two should go sleep." After sending the two girls off,
Luo Li headed alone with the little fox to Saiguu's private chambers. Despite her elegant exterior, Lady Saiguu's living quarters were surprisingly simple.
Aside from necessary artifacts and wards, there were no decorative items.
Unlike the obedient disciples, however, little Yae regained her energy upon returning to the shrine. Her earlier frustration vanished instantly. She hopped around, curiously poking at various items though careful not to break anything. Eventually she leapt onto a central altar table, head tilted at a set of ritual implements.
Then she smelled something something incredibly enticing. Luo Li didn't mind her wandering about. He simply lay down in Saiguu's room to rest. Meanwhile, the little fox followed the scent to an offering tray in front of the ritual implements,
filled with brightly colored herbs and pellet-like objects.
She glanced back at Luo Li once then quietly devoured all the delicious-looking items. A few moments later, she suddenly felt sleepy. Before losing consciousness completely, she wobbled her way back to Luo Li, curled into a tiny ball on his chest,
and fell into a deep slumber.
Inazuma City Tenshukaku
While the citizens slept peacefully,
the Raiden MakotoInazuma's divine sovereign stood atop the rooftop of Tenshukaku, gazing at Sky Island suspended in the heavens. Just moments ago, she had once again received a revelation from above. Through the Gnosis, the edict of the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles was delivered.
Though no action was required yet, Makoto could sense that a momentous event was approaching. She lifted her hand, staring at the Gnosis floating like a chess piece in her palm.
A treasure I fought through encirclement to obtain
Now it feels like nothing more than a shackle. "The storm is coming… and chains are hard to break." But then her gaze shifted toward Mt. Yougou and the loneliness in her eyes melted into brightness. "That man… honestly.
Saying things like that—how am I supposed to refuse now?" Makoto murmured softly, smiling faintly. Whether she referred to Sky Island's matters or something else entirely was unclear.
Her eyes swept lovingly over her beautiful nation. She cherished Inazuma deeply;
she had once tirelessly shared its customs and wonders with Ei. Later, when Luo Li arrived then Saiguu the number of people listening to her grew. The affection built through countless years had long become inseparable. "What, are you brooding here all alone?" A teasing voice behind her made Makoto turn.
Holding a bottle of sakura wine, Saiguu smiled mischievously. What's troubling you? Tell me something sad so I can enjoy it. In any case, having an audience is better than sulking alone. "No need. I am no longer alone. Seeing Makoto's sincere expression, Saiguu paused."You really have changed. "So has everyone."
Their eyes met. Each understood the unspoken meaning in the other's words. Saiguu clicked her tongue dramatically. Seems like I came here out of misplaced sentiment then. "No. I was just thinking of drinking. You've arrived at the perfect time." Seated elegantly atop the rooftop, Makoto gestured for her to come. "It has been a long time since I watched Inazuma's sunrise. Keep me company today. Is that a request? If you believe it is, then it is. The twowho had known each other for countless years burst into laughter together. Hours later, as the morning sun broke through the sea of clouds, its light fell upon Mt. Yougou.
Grand Narukami Shrine
Awakening from a light sleep, Luo Li felt something was wrong. Before falling asleep the previous night, he remembered the little fox curled up on his chest. But now
the weight pressing on him felt completely different. Opening his eyes in confusion,
he was greeted by the sight of a young girl's delicate, childlike face. Luo Li was stunned. How had he gone to sleep with a fox
and woken up with a little girl in his arms? The small girl slept curled up against him,
her wrinkled pastel-pink hair spread messily around her. Atop her head were two fluffy pink ears, nearly blending into her hair easy to miss if one wasn't paying attention."…This is… little Yae?" After a brief moment of shock, Luo Li understood.If she were a stranger, his instincts would have reacted immediately.So there was only one explanation. "But why did she suddenly take human form overnight?" That part he truly hadn't expected. Saiguu had never mentioned that Yae was reaching a critical growth stage. Regardless, it was already done.
There was no point thinking too hard. Luo Li removed his ornate outer robe
and wrapped it gently around the tiny girl. In fox form she had fur
but right now Looking at the petite child sleeping soundly in his arms,
Luo Li couldn't help feeling as though he had woken up to find himself with a daughter. Judging by appearance, she looked about seven or eight.
Her features were delicate, like finely carved jade;
her eyebrows still soft with youth.
Even so, she radiated a charm that would make anyone fond of her.
And if one looked closely, one could faintly see hints of the future Yae Miko's beauty. "…Better return her to Saiguu." But perhaps disturbed by Luo Li's movement,
the little girl stirred awake. She rubbed her eyes, yawned softly,
and slowly opened her slightly reddish pupils. Luo Li froze. "Uh… good morning, little Yae?!" Meeting his gaze one filled with mixed emotions she could not yet decipher
the little girl tilted her head slightly.
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