After wiping the sweat from her feet, Kokomi turned the handkerchief over to its clean side and used it to dab the remaining moisture from her forehead, neck, and upper body. Once she finished, she let out a small sigh of relief.
"I'll wash this tomorrow and return it to you."
She said softly.
"I told you—there's no need to return it."
The Shogun replied, sounding slightly exasperated.
"That won't do~ I can't just keep taking your things."
Kokomi's rare stubbornness surfaced. Then again... she was always a little stubborn, especially when facing the Shogun.
"Are you treating me like an outsider?"
The Shogun narrowed her eyes, sounding faintly displeased. After all the time they had spent together, after growing this close—was she really drawing such a line over a handkerchief?
"No, I—"
"In that case, here. I don't want your badge either."
The Shogun suddenly took out the emblem Kokomi had given her earlier, holding it out in front of the girl as if in defiance.
"Eh? What are you...?"
Kokomi blinked, confused.
"If you won't accept my handkerchief, then I won't accept your badge."
The Shogun declared flatly.
"...Pfft."
Are you a child, Shogun-sama? Kokomi thought with an inward laugh, her heart filling with affectionate amusement.
"Shogun-sama, you have to keep that emblem, you know?"
Kokomi quickly thought of something clever to say.
"And why's that?"
The Shogun frowned slightly.
"Because... that emblem corresponds to the first handkerchief you gave me. I accepted yours that time, so in return, you must keep my emblem. Isn't that fair?"
Kokomi explained calmly, her expression serene and composed.
"..."
The Shogun thought for a moment, realizing the girl's reasoning made sense. A faint hint of embarrassment colored her face.
"Ahem~"
She cleared her throat softly and quietly returned the emblem to her pocket, shooting Kokomi a sidelong glance tinged with bashfulness.
"Fine. I'll... keep it for now."
She muttered, her voice slightly tsundere.
"Mhm, please do. I'll feel reassured if it's in your hands."
Kokomi replied sweetly, though it was really just her way of indulging the adorable woman beside her.
Then, she lifted her hands slightly into the air.
Whirr~
A faint azure glow wrapped around her palms as streams of water spiraled gently, washing over her skin before vanishing into thin air.
"Haa..."
The Shogun exhaled softly, using the moment to settle her nerves. Then, recalling the steaming bowl she had brought earlier, she reached over and picked it up from the bedside table, holding it out to Kokomi.
"This is...?"
Kokomi blinked in surprise at the bowl of fragrant, steaming porridge.
"I made it for you."
The Shogun stirred it gently with the spoon, then brought it closer. She blew softly across the surface, her rosy lips parting delicately before turning back to Kokomi.
"Porridge? Wait—did you... make this yourself?"
Kokomi asked, genuinely astonished.
"Yes. I did. I'm not entirely confident in the flavor, but it should be decent."
The Shogun brought the spoon to Kokomi's lips.
"Open up. Try it."
She urged softly.
"...Ah—mm."
Startled, Kokomi obeyed, parting her lips slightly as the warm porridge touched her tongue. She chewed gently, savoring the mild, comforting flavor.
Seeing her eat, the Shogun relaxed and drew the spoon back, gently stirring and blowing on the next portion. The scene, somehow, felt domestic—almost too gentle.
"...It's delicious!"
Kokomi covered her mouth in surprise, her eyes bright with genuine delight before turning toward the Shogun.
"Really? Haa... I knew you'd like it."
The Shogun smiled faintly, pride flickering across her expression as she scooped another spoonful. Kokomi accepted it again, smiling sweetly as she chewed contentedly.
"You must be hungry, huh?"
The Shogun asked.
"Mhm. My stomach's been growling for a while now, haa..."
Kokomi admitted with a relieved sigh.
"I didn't want to disturb you while you were resting, but I figured you'd wake up hungry. So I decided to make you some porridge."
The Shogun said as she prepared to feed her again.
"Ah, um... Shogun-sama, I can do it myself."
Kokomi quickly took the bowl from her, looking slightly embarrassed. "I can feed myself."
"You're still dizzy, aren't you?"
The Shogun asked, worry flickering in her voice.
"It's alright, I'm feeling much better now—thanks to your porridge, hehe."
Kokomi smiled shyly, her cheeks faintly flushed. She took another spoonful, savoring it happily as her delicate lips moved with small, soft bites.
"Mmm, it's so good... I didn't expect you to be able to cook—my apologies."
She said awkwardly between bites.
"There's plenty you don't know about me."
The Shogun replied teasingly.
"Then... may I continue learning more about you?"
Kokomi asked quietly, cradling the bowl in her hands, her voice almost hesitant.
"That depends on your ability."
The Shogun smiled faintly.
"Hehe... alright~!"
Kokomi's tone brightened, her smile sweet and affectionate before she took another bite.
"What kind of porridge is this? It's really delicious."
Kokomi asked curiously. Watatsumi Island had nothing like this—she had never tasted such food before. And this one... had been made by the Shogun herself, just for her.
"Century egg and lean pork congee."
The Shogun replied casually, arms folded.
"Century... egg? Lean pork?"
Kokomi repeated the words with confusion, the ever-prepared strategist finally showing a rare moment of puzzlement.
"The ingredients are exactly what you just ate. Even if I explained the cooking method, I doubt you'd remember it."
"Actually... I do know how to cook a little."
Kokomi leaned back against her pillow with the bowl in hand, smiling softly.
"Rice balls?"
The Shogun asked playfully.
"Not just ordinary rice balls~ mine are more—"
"—Modified rice balls?"
The Shogun cut in with a suppressed laugh.
"Ugh... sort of... but! I've been learning to cook other dishes too, not just rice balls."
Kokomi puffed her cheeks in mild protest.
"That's good. Improvement in any skill is admirable—as long as you don't blow up the kitchen like someone I know."
"Someone?"
Kokomi tilted her head.
"No one. Forget I said that."
The Shogun waved it off.
Once Kokomi finished the last spoonful of congee, she placed the bowl neatly on the bedside table and let out a small sigh of satisfaction.
"Full?"
"Mhm... my stomach feels much better. I probably won't need—wait!!"
Halfway through her sentence, something suddenly came to her mind. She sat up straight in alarm.
"What's wrong?"
The Shogun asked, startled.
"The celebration banquet! Tonight's celebration—I nearly forgot!"
Kokomi gasped, nearly panicking.
"You're planning to attend like this?"
The Shogun frowned.
"Yes, I can't be absent. I still have responsibilities—"
But as soon as she tried to stand, dizziness struck again. Her body wavered, and before she could fall, the purple-haired woman beside her caught her gently.
"You really think you can attend a banquet in this condition?"
The Shogun asked sternly.
"...Shogun-sama, could you... help me up? Just help me over there... please?"
Kokomi pressed a hand to her forehead, her voice weak but pleading.
"No."
The answer came sharp and firm.
"Uu... please..."
Kokomi whimpered softly, her fingers curling around the Shogun's hand, trying to persuade her.
"You're sick. Don't you understand that?"
The Shogun said, her tone laced with frustration.
"I know... but... I must—"
Kokomi still held onto her hand, refusing to give up.
"There's no such thing as 'must.' Who decided that? You did."
The Shogun countered firmly.
"..."
Kokomi fell silent, her gaze lowering.
"I'm... the Divine Priestess..."
"And the Divine Priestess doesn't need rest? She can't get sick? Right now, you're not the Divine Priestess—you're Sangonomiya Kokomi, and you're ill. You need care, not duty. Why do you insist on hurting yourself like this?"
The Shogun's tone softened, but her words carried quiet reproach.
"Did you already forget what I told you before? Your body is your foundation. When you're sick, you rest. When you're tired, you recover. When you're hungry, you eat. Why push yourself so hard for no reason?"
"..."
The girl in her arms remained silent, lips pressed together.
"Haa... I'm only saying this because I want you to take care of yourself. Nothing more. You're too fragile to ignore your health."
The Shogun sighed, her expression gentling as she spoke softly.
"You... were worried about me?"
Kokomi slowly lifted her gaze to meet hers.
"Haa, of course I'm worried. You never make things easy for me, you know that?"
The Shogun replied honestly.
"I'm sorry..."
Kokomi murmured quietly, eyes downcast.
"If you have the energy to apologize, you have the energy to rest. The banquet hasn't started yet—they're waiting for your instructions, so it can still be delayed. Postpone it until tomorrow."
The Shogun said.
"When your body's better tomorrow, you can go. Wouldn't you rather face them at your best?"
"...Alright."
Kokomi finally relented. The Shogun was right, of course—she always was. Kokomi just tended to overthink things.
"But..."
"Hmm?"
The Shogun looked at her.
"During that time... could you stay by my side?"
Kokomi raised her tired eyes, gazing at her closely. Her hand lifted gently, brushing against the woman's cheek with soft affection.
"Of course I will—as long as someone behaves and lets me have some peace~"
The Shogun answered with a small, teasing smile.
"Hehe... alright."
Kokomi returned her smile tenderly.
Perhaps, as the saying went—a blessing in disguise. Her illness today might not have been such a bad thing after all.
Knock knock~!
The bedroom door was rapped on rather urgently by someone outside.
"Come in..."
Kokomi, leaning against the bed, lifted her head slightly and called out softly.
"Lady Sangonomiya! Are you alright?!"
The door opened immediately as the shrine maiden Tsuyuko rushed in, worry written all over her face. She hurried to the bedside, her voice filled with concern.
"Shh~ Don't make such a fuss. I'm fine."
Kokomi quickly brought a finger to her lips, gesturing for her to quiet down.
"But you can't even get out of bed, can you?! Are you feeling unwell?!"
Seeing her usually composed mistress looking so frail made Tsuyuko's brows knit together in distress. Only a few minutes earlier, Lady Sangonomiya had sent for her, saying she wasn't feeling well—and out of worry, Tsuyuko had rushed over immediately.
"It's alright, really. I'm just a little tired. These past few days of handling government affairs have taken their toll."
Kokomi shook her head gently to reassure her.
"...A-are you sure? Please don't scare me like that, Lady Sangonomiya."
Tsuyuko still looked unconvinced.
"Truly, I'm fine. A night's rest will be enough. As for the celebration banquet..."
At that point, Kokomi glanced aside, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Ah, please don't worry about that! The banquet hasn't started yet. The food can be preserved and reheated later, so it can easily be postponed."
Tsuyuko quickly understood what she meant and reassured her that she'd take care of it.
"I see... thank you. Then please, delay it until tomorrow. I really don't feel well enough to attend tonight."
Kokomi nodded, pressing a hand lightly to her chest as she looked up at her with gratitude.
"Understood. I'll take care of it right away!"
Tsuyuko bowed deeply, her response firm and dutiful.
"Haa... I'm truly sorry. You all worked so hard to prepare for this, and yet—mm."
Kokomi lowered her gaze apologetically, her soft lips pressing together.
"It's alright! You work so hard every day, Lady Sangonomiya. We all understand. Please focus on recovering—leave the rest to us. And whatever you do, don't overexert yourself again, alright?"
Then Tsuyuko turned to the woman sitting quietly by the bedside.
"Miss Mio, please keep an eye on Lady Sangonomiya, won't you? Don't let her wear herself out again. She may look delicate, but she's far from obedient."
Tsuyuko said seriously.
"T-Tsuyuko///~!"
Kokomi's face instantly flushed red with embarrassment as she tried to hush her attendant.
Honestly~! Why would she say something like that in front of the Shogun?! That's like revealing all her embarrassing habits!
"I understand. I'll make sure to keep an eye on your Lady."
The Shogun nodded lightly, acknowledging Tsuyuko's words with calm composure—though she did notice Kokomi's red face and found it quietly amusing.
Click~
Satisfied, Tsuyuko finally left the room, closing the door behind her. The room once again fell into a gentle silence shared only by the two of them.
"Haa..."
Kokomi exhaled softly, finally relaxing back against her pillow.
"She really treats you like something precious~"
The Shogun commented teasingly as she sat back down beside the bed, pulling the blanket gently over Kokomi's legs again.
"Sigh... you make it sound like I'm a child."
Kokomi sighed lightly, muttering under her breath.
"I understand the feeling."
The Shogun smiled faintly, offering quiet reassurance.
"Has that ever happened to you too, Shogun-sama?"
Kokomi asked curiously.
"In a way. The people around me are the same—they tend to treat me like a child sometimes. I've gotten used to it. Maybe... it's a form of love?"
She said thoughtfully. She didn't truly understand what love meant, but perhaps it was something like that—because it felt... warm.
"It's the first time I've heard you use the word 'love.'"
Kokomi murmured softly, hugging her knees beneath the blanket as she tilted her head, her gaze tender and full of emotion.
"...I don't really know what that word means. Do you?"
The Shogun asked quietly, her violet eyes reflecting the girl's serene blue ones.
"I... think I do, maybe."
Kokomi smiled lovingly, her voice gentle and sure.
"I see... is that so... haa, never mind."
The Shogun sighed softly, resigned. Matters like this felt distant—so distant from her world. Perhaps she had already known what love was... or perhaps she hadn't yet found it.
"..."
Kokomi, seeing the thoughtful expression on the woman beside her, said nothing more. Instead, she leaned in gently, resting her shoulder against hers and allowing her body to relax into the contact. Her long, silky hair—soft pink fading into lilac—fell like a waterfall over her back and onto the sheets, carrying that faint, sweet fragrance unique to her.
But then... her gaze inadvertently fell upon the stack of documents sitting neatly on the desk. Her expression froze. The next moment, she instinctively tried to get out of bed.
"And what do you think you're doing now?"
The Shogun's reflexes were sharp—she caught her instantly, sounding weary already. No wonder Tsuyuko had warned her so seriously earlier; this girl truly couldn't sit still.
"The documents... I haven't gone through them yet."
Kokomi glanced toward her, then toward the desk, anxiety flickering in her eyes.
"And what did I just tell you? You're supposed to rest. Handle them tomorrow."
The Shogun reminded her firmly, exhaling in mild exasperation.
"But... they can't wait until tomor—ah~!"
"Lie. Down~!"
Before she could even finish, the Shogun pressed her back down onto the bed, forcing her to stay under the covers. Even as Kokomi wriggled and protested weakly, she held firm, tugging the blanket securely over her shoulders again.
"Mm~ these... can't be delayed... please..."
Kokomi pleaded pitifully, still struggling, her voice soft and breathy as she tried to appeal to her.
"Haa... fine. How about this—I'll handle them for you, alright?"
The Shogun finally relented with a sigh.
"...Eh?"
Kokomi blinked, momentarily stunned. Her resistance faded at once.
"You'll tell me what to write, and I'll do it exactly as you say. Satisfied?"
The Shogun leaned slightly over her, still keeping her shoulders pinned gently, her calm voice brushing close to Kokomi's ear.
"But... how could I let you—"
Kokomi hesitated, still clearly conflicted.
"It's fine. I review documents every day in Tenshukaku—probably more than you do. You could say I'm... quite the professional~"
She added with a hint of pride.
"Well... alright. Then please, let me at least look at them first."
After a brief glance at the papers the Shogun brought over, Kokomi quickly flipped through them, reading and summarizing each decision with practiced ease. Following her instructions, the Shogun began writing on her behalf.
She sat at the desk, her elegant fingers guiding the brush with fluid grace. The tip glided across the parchment with soft, steady strokes. The warm glow of the lamp painted her profile in gold, outlining her sharp yet serene features.
From her place on the bed, Kokomi couldn't look away. The sight was mesmerizing—the quiet concentration, the poised posture, the faint rustle of paper. The only sound in the room was the delicate rhythm of pen against parchment.
"Shogun-sama..."
The girl's voice came softly, almost like a kitten's murmur.
"Hm?"
The Shogun didn't look up, only responded through her nose as she continued writing.
"Do you... still dislike me?"
Kokomi asked gently, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes focused on the woman's side profile.
"...When did I ever say I disliked you?"
Her pen paused briefly before moving again.
"...It's nothing."
Kokomi smiled faintly to herself, a touch of self-mockery in her tone, then shook her head softly.
"Stop overthinking. Go to sleep."
The Shogun said without looking up, her tone half stern, half caring.
"Mhm..."
Kokomi answered through her nose, muffled under the blanket—but her eyes remained open, watching the woman at the desk.
The Shogun, meanwhile, kept her focus on the mountain of documents before her—no fewer than those awaiting her at Tenshukaku. Her brush moved swiftly and precisely, while the girl behind her lay quietly, her gaze tender and unblinking.