At around two in the afternoon...
The coastal shores of Yashiori Island—
At this moment, Yashiori Island had regained its clarity and freshness after the Shogun and Sangonomiya Kokomi suppressed the curse of the Tatarigami once more. The once thunder-ridden and ominous sky was now utterly cloudless, bright and tranquil.
A comfortable breeze brushed across the vibrant, supple flowers and grasses like a mother's palm. They swayed gently from side to side like cheerful children. Crabs, seagulls, and waterfowl wandered along the shoreline from time to time, playing with one another at the edge where the waves lapped against the sand.
Splash~
At that moment, countless ice crystals gathered in the air like butterflies, gradually coalescing into form. More precisely, into a human form—a slender young woman with a silver-white high ponytail, a pale blue haori, a pleated azure armor skirt that fell just above her knees, and sharp, frost-glowing eyes. As biting cold spread from her presence, the sand beneath the tabi-clad feet in her geta froze over in a wide radius.
"Not here either..."
Ayaka walked along the beach, her refined gaze sweeping carefully across the surroundings. There was still no trace of her. Not even footprints.
"Haa... Shogun-sama... where are you?"
She gazed at the azure sky above and murmured softly. As she took a few measured steps, faint crisp sounds rang from her armor skirt. After pacing a short distance, she stopped once more.
Whoosh whoosh~
The rhythmic sound of the waves filled her ears, calming her heart slightly.
"Haa... heh, how childish of you, Shogun-sama—running away from home~"
Thinking of that, she could not help but reveal a nostalgic, indulgent smile. Memories of the past she had shared with her surfaced in her mind, and her eyes gradually softened.
"...Now is not the time for that."
She shook her head, forcing herself back to her senses, and began thinking again about where the other might have gone.
During this time, she had already searched various remote and unlikely corners. All had proven fruitless. Moreover, she did not believe the Shogun would hide in such places. That was not her personality. The only places she might go would be those etched deeply into her subconscious memory.
Where would that be?
Not the Kamisato Estate.
Not Tenshukaku.
Not Hanamizaka.
Not Chinju Forest nor the Grand Narukami Shrine either.
They had searched them all.
As for Yashiori Island, she did not think there was any place here that would leave a deep impression on the Shogun. Still, out of possibility, she had come. The result spoke for itself—there was not a single trace.
If there was anywhere else she might go, then it could only be—
Ayaka lifted her gaze toward the somewhat hazy island across the sea.
Then it could only be—Watatsumi Island.
Would she be there?
With Sangonomiya Kokomi?
Impossible...
Why would she go there?
No—!
...It was entirely possible!
The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
Watatsumi Island and Narukami Island were separated by two islands. The distance was considerable. It would not be the first place they thought to search. If she wanted to avoid being found, it would be ideal.
Moreover, Ayaka knew that the relationship between the Shogun and Sangonomiya Kokomi had grown increasingly close—close enough to even share the same bed.
The more she thought about it, the more convincing it became.
She decided to cross the sea directly to Watatsumi Island.
However—misfortune often strikes unexpectedly.
Just as she was about to depart, several savage, beast-like growls echoed by her ears.
"...Haa."
A trace of helplessness flashed across her face before her eyes turned cold as ice crystals. She cast a chilling sideways glance at the Riftwolves that had already surrounded her.
"You truly chose an excellent moment."
Turning gracefully, she unfolded her folding fan and held it before her lips, teasing them lightly.
Rrraaagh!
The monsters roared at her from all sides.
"Though you may not understand... I must still ask—could you step aside? If you delay my journey... even the White Heron Princess can grow impatient."
As she spoke, the fan concealed half her face. Her long, beautiful legs extended from beneath her armor skirt as she stood elegantly, one foot slightly overlapping the other.
Rraaagh!
The only reply was more howling.
"...Gentlemen, could you grant the White Heron Princess a little face? Step... aside, would you?"
She offered the monsters a courteous, breathtaking smile. At the same time, her rear foot lightly tapped the ground. Behind the cover of her fan, her other hand skillfully found the hilt of Snowswept Sakura at her waist.
RRAAAGH!!
Tap tap!!
Whoosh!
In the next instant, she spun lightly. Snowswept Sakura slid free from its sheath at her fingertips, the blade flashing horizontally toward the gaping maw lunging past her back.
Slash!
The blade shimmered with icy light, slicing through the creature's jaws as though cutting vegetables, cleaving it cleanly in two. It shattered instantly and was sucked into a dark void.
Without pause, she snapped her fan shut. Infusing it with Cryo, it transformed into a short blade-like weapon. After spinning it deftly around her slender fingers, she thrust it precisely into the temple of another Riftwolf leaping at her from behind.
Stab!
Another howl—this one filled with pain. She slammed the creature brutally to the ground. During the motion, she twisted the icy blade-fan mercilessly, destroying its brain outright.
Rraaagh!
Hearing the surrounding howls, she lifted her cold eyes instantly, looking at them as though already gazing upon corpses.
"Awooo... awooo..."
That single glance made one of the beasts recoil instinctively, letting out a frightened whimper as it retreated several steps.
Ayaka did not spare it. These creatures were impurities that assaulted the Sacred Sakura's roots. They could not be left alive.
Whoosh!
Her entire body dissolved into a wisp of frost that skimmed rapidly along the ground to the center. Reforming gracefully, she spoke in a poised yet icy tone.
"Excuse me..."
In that instant, she opened her fan and raised her hand. A current of near-absolute zero surged around her.
Crack!
The frigid tide erupted from the ground, freezing the surrounding monsters solid in an instant.
She turned her body slightly, pressing the tip of Snowswept Sakura against the fan. In the next second, the blade dissolved from top to bottom into ice particles.
"Taken!"
Swinging the fan infused with concentrated Cryo energy horizontally—
Countless blade-like streaks of icy light, like a dense forest, surged forward within a spiraling vortex of frost. The frozen monsters were instantly shredded into nothingness, leaving not even corpses behind—only scattered ice crystals.
"Haa... what a waste of time."
She muttered irritably. She was already in a hurry, and yet these creatures had delayed her.
Her beautiful, ice-toned face no longer held the serene composure of the White Heron Princess. Instead, it bore a trace of anger—even impatience.
She should hurry to Watatsumi Island and find the Divine Priestess. While she was at it... she could also test her a little.
Facing the boundless sea and the distant outline of Watatsumi Island, she showed no sign of concern.
"Kamisato Art: Senho."
With a snap, she closed her fan. Her body dissolved once more into ice particles and skimmed across the sea's surface as though walking on solid ground. Her speed rivaled that of a ship. Wherever the particles passed, the water froze beneath her like a trailing comet.
Without any need for transportation, she headed straight toward Watatsumi Island in a direct line, "swimming" across the sea.
...
Splash—!
On the shores of Watatsumi Island's scattered islets, a magnificent streak of ice crystals suddenly shot forth like a meteor, landing precisely upon the beach marked by Watatsumi's distinctive scenery.
"Haa... haa..."
Reforming from ice crystals into her human shape, Ayaka collapsed awkwardly onto the sand. One hand pressed against her chest as she panted heavily. Sweat beaded across her forehead at once, dampening her bangs as they clung slightly to her skin. Her face was pale as though she were on the verge of collapse, her heart hammering wildly in her chest.
"Haa... was the distance... too far? It seems I must train more."
Staggering to her feet, she brushed aside the stray strands of hair near her ear and murmured helplessly.
Just as the saying goes... human strength ultimately has its limits.
Although she could use Kamisato Art: Senho to conveniently cross the sea, just like now, it could not be sustained for too long. Transforming one's body into elemental particles already required tremendous stamina. Gliding at such speed across the sea only worsened the burden. Her body now felt utterly overdrawn.
Under normal circumstances, she would never take such a risk. Today, however, was special. For the sake of her beloved Shogun, she could disregard her own body entirely. It was that simple.
Though exhausted, she could not linger. It was already around three in the afternoon. If she did not hurry, dusk would soon arrive.
After wiping the sweat from her brow, she patted down her clothes and fanned herself with her folding fan. Her neat bangs swayed gently with the breeze she created, occasionally revealing her smooth, fair forehead.
Following the signs along the path, she made her way to the village nestled at the center of the island's inland region—Bourou Village.
The surroundings were filled with a dreamlike freshness. Translucent bubbles reminiscent of the deep sea occasionally floated through the air. Strange jellyfish-like creatures drifted overhead from time to time. Everywhere, there was the atmosphere of water—waterfalls, soil, pearls, growing coral, and clear streams. It was utterly different from Narukami Island. Here, one could truly feel the breath of the sea.
To be honest, this was her first time visiting Watatsumi Island. Seeing these unique local wonders stirred a hint of curiosity within her. Yet she quickly cast it aside, folding her arms unconsciously as she lowered her fan against her chin and continued walking.
"Miss, please wait!"
Just as she was about to enter the village, a firm male voice called out.
"...?"
She halted and slowly turned her gaze toward the person she had initially overlooked. From his attire, it was clear he was a short-haired soldier. He stood alone, holding a rice ball and apparently eating. His spear lay casually discarded on the ground beside him. If he was meant to be on guard, it was unclear what exactly he was guarding. He appeared to be slacking off.
"Sir, are you the guard here?"
She turned and walked toward him, tapping her lips lightly with her folding fan as she asked in a tone tinged with inquiry.
"Eh? Ah... yes!"
The male soldier inexplicably grew nervous as she approached. Combined with her breathtaking face and her icy, elegant aura, he hurriedly placed the rice ball back into its container, wiped the grains from the corner of his mouth, and straightened his posture. A faint blush even rose to his cheeks.
Her beauty isn't inferior to Lady Sangonomiya at all... Who exactly is she?
"If you are a guard... eating is no issue. But shouldn't a weapon be treated with more care? What if someone uninvited—like myself—came along and caused trouble?"
She gestured toward the spear at his feet, teasing him lightly.
"Th-this lady... judging by your refined appearance, you don't look like a bad person."
The soldier replied with a flushed face.
"Refined appearance? I am flattered. I have come today to see Lady Sangonomiya. Could you bring me to her?"
She indicated the Sangonomiya Shrine ahead of Bourou Village.
"Uh... Miss, do you have an appointment?"
He asked.
An appointment?
So one even needs an appointment? It seems this Divine Priestess is quite the busy person.
"Regrettably, I do not have one."
She spoke honestly.
"Then I'm sorry, but without an appointment, I cannot take you to see Lady Sangonomiya."
The soldier shook his head and refused.
"Very well—then please relay a message for me. Tell her... the White Heron Princess of Narukami Island—Kamisato Ayaka—requests an audience. Would that suffice?"
She chose a more reliable approach. After all, the White Heron Princess was widely known. This might allow her to take a shortcut. The sooner, the better.
"!! Wh-Wh... White Heron Princess?! Y-You're the White Heron Princess? Kamisato Ayaka?!"
As expected, upon hearing her name, the soldier's expression changed instantly. Even on Watatsumi Island, they had heard of the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan—the White Heron Princess. Pure and elegant, gentle and dignified, renowned for her beauty. Seeing her now, the rumors seemed entirely true.
"I am Kamisato Ayaka. Might I trouble you to deliver the message? I wish to see Lady Sangonomiya."
She asked.
"Y-Yes! Please wait here. I'll go at once!"
The soldier hurried off eagerly.
"Haa... that's a relief."
She exhaled softly.
She had been fairly confident this method would work, but she had still considered the awkward possibility—what if he had replied, "White Heron Princess? Who is that? Kamisato Ayaka? Never heard of her." That would have been quite embarrassing. Just imagining it felt troublesome.
Fortunately, it worked.
At least she would not need to sneak in.
Several minutes later, the soldier returned and informed her that Sangonomiya Kokomi was willing to see her. She was to proceed alone to the Sangonomiya Shrine, where the priestess would await her.
"Thank you."
After expressing her gratitude, Ayaka passed through Bourou Village and walked along the slender suspension bridge stretching across the towering waterfall on either side. What came into view was a dreamlike palace built upon layered pale-pink shell motifs—the Sangonomiya Shrine.
Spotless marble, clear pools flanking both sides, a palace shimmering with flowing light—and standing before it, a beautiful woman gazing thoughtfully at the water.
Worthy of the title "Divine Priestess." Whether in attire or temperament, she carried an innate serenity. The overall atmosphere was dreamlike, almost as though she did not belong to this world, yet one's gaze was naturally drawn to her. Brilliant, yet not ostentatious. No wonder. She had never doubted the Shogun's taste.
Tap tap~
Perhaps sensing the approaching footsteps, Kokomi returned to her senses. Her gradient eyes slowly turned toward the ice-colored girl walking toward her.
Their first meeting.
Their first time truly looking at one another.
"..." ×2
Separated by several meters, neither stepped closer nor spoke first. In their pupils, each reflected the other's figure.
"It is often said on Narukami Island... that the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island possesses beauty that shames flowers, elegance beyond compare. In strategy, with intellect alone, she once repelled the entire Shogunate army. Truly a prodigy born of heaven. The rumors are no exaggeration. Seeing you today, I find Lady Sangonomiya exceptionally beautiful indeed."
Ayaka broke the silence, offering sincere praise.
"...It is often said on Watatsumi Island that the White Heron Princess of Narukami Island is pure as ice and radiant in grace. Her fame is known to all—proficient in both civil and martial arts, masterful in strategy and peerless in swordsmanship. To meet you today is an honor. As for 'beauty'... it is merely a simple exterior shell, not worth mentioning."
Kokomi responded in matching cadence, a faint, composed smile curving at her lips.
"...A fair point. After all... one should look at the heart, not the surface. Wouldn't you agree, Lady Sangonomiya?"
Ayaka returned the elegant smile, her words carrying subtle implication.
"...How embarrassing. In this world... those who are the same within and without are few and far between—especially for people of our status. Wouldn't you say so, Miss Kamisato?"
Kokomi replied serenely, equally layered in meaning. She lightly folded her arms and leaned back against the railing, her long white-stockinged legs subtly crossing.
"...Well said. It seems Lady Sangonomiya sees things clearly."
Ayaka's brow twitched slightly before she once again displayed her poised smile.
"You flatter me. It is Miss Kamisato who raises such insightful observations. Admirable indeed."
"..." ×2
They gazed at one another again. Silence returned.
"Standing here like this grows rather dull. Since I have come all this way today, would you mind inviting me inside for a seat?"
Sensing that they might remain locked in place indefinitely, Ayaka shifted the topic.
"Of course. Since the White Heron Princess has made the effort to visit, it would be discourteous not to receive you properly. Please—welcome to the Sangonomiya Shrine."
Kokomi rose and gestured toward the shrine before ascending the steps first.
"..."
Ayaka watched her back. A faint chill flickered in her eyes before she concealed it and followed.
Meanwhile, walking ahead, Kokomi seemed to sense the gaze behind her. Her eyes shifted slightly to the side, her expression turning complicated.
"Haa..."
She let out an extremely soft sigh.
This feeling...
Is terrible.