"...!" ×N
Everyone froze and instinctively turned to look at Kokomi, who was holding her chin and thinking hard.
"Kokomi... what did you just say?"
Ei's pupils shrank. Her thoughts stalled for a moment before she quickly looked at the girl across from her and asked.
"Plane of Euthymia—is that what it's called? Lady Ei, have you searched there?"
Kokomi's eyes brightened slightly, as if struck by sudden inspiration, as she looked up at Ei and asked.
"..."
Ei was stunned once again.
"..."
Ayaka was momentarily taken aback as well. She had completely overlooked that possibility and now turned toward Ei.
"Lady Ei, have you checked?"
She asked the question too.
"Ah~ The Plane of Euthymia is somewhere within Ei's reach. How could she not have searched there? That should've been the first place to—"
Yae was about to explain on Ei's behalf when—
"No..."
Ei spoke blankly.
"..."
Yae fell silent, covering her forehead slightly as dizziness washed over her. In theory, that should have been the case—but unfortunately, her teammate was utterly unreliable!
Why hadn't she checked?!
"What? You didn't look?"
Yae's jaw nearly dropped as she stared at her speechlessly.
"Why are you so surprised? None of you reminded me."
Ei frowned faintly, responding as though she had a point.
"You... We all assumed you'd already checked~? What a mess this turned into, haa~"
After a few words, Yae slumped back onto the soft tatami bedding and let out a heavy sigh, looking utterly helpless.
It was the truth. They had all assumed Ei had already searched the Plane of Euthymia. After all, they had just said it was somewhere within her immediate reach. Anyone's first instinct would have been to take a look there. Yet somehow... she simply hadn't.
"Ahem, my apologies... That was my oversight. I was a bit anxious earlier, so I..."
Ei now realized her negligence and awkwardly offered an apology.
"Haa... It's fine... We're used to this from you anyway. Go check quickly. What if that child is there?"
Yae waved her hand, clearly long accustomed to such things, urging her on.
"Yes... Lady Ei, there's no need to apologize to us. Please go take a look."
Ayaka also urged gently.
For a moment, everyone's eyes were on her—
"..."
Kokomi, however, was watching the purple-haired beauty with a meaningful gaze, a small thought stirring in her heart—
I knew the Shogun could be a little absentminded at times. I didn't expect Lady Ei to have such an adorably dazed side too.
Pfft~
She couldn't help laughing inwardly. Thinking about it that way, they truly were mother and daughter—both quite adorable. Of course, when it came to temper and oppressive pressure, Lady Ei was far more formidable. Perhaps it was because the Shogun had rarely lost her temper with her. Even when she had, it had been more like a child's sulky indignation—the sort that made Kokomi instinctively want to dote on her. So earlier... she had truly been frightened.
"...!"
Kokomi quickly shook off her wandering thoughts and refocused on Ei, who was now connecting to the Plane of Euthymia under everyone's urging. The others waited anxiously for the result.
For the moment, they had all forgotten to question how Kokomi knew about the Plane of Euthymia.
Bzzzt~
A flash of violet light radiated from Ei's body. Above her head hovered the emblem of the Electro mitsudomoe, slowly rotating as faint currents of electricity crackled in the air.
Several seconds later—
The violet glow faded. Ei's consciousness returned. She slowly opened her beautiful eyes. For an instant, there was a trace of confusion, but she quickly regained clarity.
"How is it, Lady Ei?"
Ayaka was the first to ask. Her ice-blue eyes were filled with concern, gentle as warm water. The others looked much the same.
"Ei? What's the result?"
Yae asked as well.
"Haa... I can't enter. Her Plane of Euthymia seems to have severed its connection to the outside world. Even I cannot obtain permission."
Ei looked at them and answered.
"...Haa~" ×N
At that moment, everyone collectively let out a deep sigh of relief, their bodies relaxing at once.
Normally, Ei could enter the Pure Land freely, but others could not. Now that even she could not enter, they all understood what that meant...
"If we'd known it was like this, who would've gone through all that trouble?"
Perhaps this was what people meant by overlooking what was right under one's nose.
It was as if they had assumed the child had run away from home and searched everywhere together—only to discover she had been hiding inside the bedroom wardrobe all along.
What a ridiculous situation.
Yae sighed inwardly.
"I'm sorry, everyone... I didn't expect her to be hiding right under my nose."
Ei apologized again, guilt evident in her voice.
Rather than hiding, it would be more accurate to say she had simply chosen a quiet place to be alone. It was Ei who had overthought things.
"Haa... Still, that really is a relief."
Hanachirusato exhaled softly.
"Mm... The Shogun, honestly."
Pandora pouted faintly, voicing a gentle complaint from afar. Her usually serene expression now held a trace of rare irritation.
"Hehe... Perhaps that's one of the Shogun's charming traits? She doesn't scheme or play tricks."
Hanachirusato smiled indulgently, defending her.
"Haa... It's precisely because she doesn't scheme that her thinking can be so straightforward at times. It makes me worry."
Ei crossed her arms, her tone carrying a hint of motherly reproach.
"But I think you're not much different yourself, Ei~?"
Yae quipped at once.
"Ahem... In any case, now that we know where she is, it'll be easier to handle."
Ei coughed awkwardly and smoothly stood up.
"No time to lose. Let's depart and 'bring' Shogun-sama back."
Ayaka rose as well, encouraging everyone in the room.
"Hey, hey~ Don't all go. Someone should stay behind at the shrine."
Yae began to get up, offering a deliberate reminder.
"I'll remain here... I am originally a shrine maiden of this shrine."
Hanachirusato volunteered.
"Mm-hm, then Hanachirusato can stay—"
Yae quickly cast her a grateful look, but before she could finish—
"Yae."
A cool, elegant voice made her heart skip.
"Eh~? Ei, w-what is it?"
She asked, suddenly guilty.
"You should remain as well. After all, you are the Guuji and head shrine maiden here. It would not be appropriate for you to be absent."
Ei saw straight through her intentions and cut them off without mercy.
"...Haa... Look at you... Fine, fine~ I'll stay. Satisfied?"
Yae's lips twitched before she forced a smile and waved dismissively, pretending not to mind.
Inside, however, she was nearly in tears. She had finally gotten a chance to slack off!
"Then let Guuji Yae and Miss Hanachirusato remain here. Miss Pandora, will you... come with us?"
Ayaka turned toward the silver-haired girl sitting obediently on the floor.
"Mm."
Pandora rose without hesitation and walked over.
Ei, meanwhile, was still attempting to connect to the Plane of Euthymia, paying no attention to the conversation.
"...!"
Seeing the others' movements, Kokomi hurried to stand and follow—but in the next second, a slender, fair hand extended toward her. On the pads of the fingers were faint calluses.
"...?"
She paused and looked up, meeting Ayaka's gaze.
Ayaka offered a subtle smile and raised her hand slightly higher, as if urging her to take it.
Understanding at once, Kokomi smiled sincerely and allowed her white-gloved hand to rest in Ayaka's palm. Ayaka pulled her up effortlessly with one hand.
"I thought you didn't want me to come."
Kokomi spoke softly as she looked at the ice-toned beauty before her.
"I didn't... But it would feel somewhat unfair if I stopped you."
Ayaka averted her gaze, sounding indifferent.
"Are you pitying me?"
Kokomi asked.
"..."
Tap...
Ayaka shot her a sideways glance and gently released her hand, a faint note of mockery in her voice.
"Forgive me for speaking plainly, Miss Sangonomiya. I do not wish to pity you—especially not in matters of the heart."
"(I do consider you my rival, you know~? Sangonomiya Kokomi.)"
She whispered close to her ear before turning and walking toward Ei.
"...(So do I, Kamisato Ayaka.)"
Kokomi's eyes flickered. Her expression steadied as she watched Ayaka's back, responding silently in her heart.
"Um... Is there a problem, Miss Sangonomiya?"
Pandora approached, noticing the strange atmosphere between them.
"Oh... It's nothing. Just a bit of casual conversation."
Kokomi put on her practiced smile.
"Mm... That's good. Let's go."
Pandora urged gently.
"Mm... Let's go."
And so she followed, joining this formidable group.
Kokomi, Ayaka, Ei, and Pandora stepped out of the Grand Narukami Shrine and began descending the stone steps leading down the mountain. Ei walked at the front while the others followed close beside her, keeping pace.
"Lady Ei, how is it?"
Ayaka asked with concern at her side.
"Haa... Still no good. I cannot open a rift leading into the Plane of Euthymia. It's as if it has been locked."
Ei slowed to a stop and shook her head regretfully.
"Even you cannot open it?"
Ayaka's eyes widened in surprise.
"Regrettably... That Pure Land is managed by the Shogun. Her authority there surpasses mine."
She lifted her gaze toward the bright moon in the distance and spoke in a low voice.
"...Then what should we do? The Shogun... does not wish for us to enter."
Pandora, walking beside Kokomi, spoke in a discouraged tone.
"Mm... If Shogun-sama refuses to open the Pure Land, we have no way of entering at all..."
Ayaka nodded in agreement, unconsciously tightening her grip on the folding fan in her hand, which let out faint creaks.
"..."
Kokomi remained silent, watching Ei's expression carefully. There was no overwhelming sorrow in it. If her guess was correct, Ei likely still had another plan.
"Lady Ei... you still have another method, don't you?"
She voiced the thought.
"...?"
Ei paused, then looked at her and smiled knowingly.
"You truly are perceptive, Kokomi."
There was approval in her tone.
"Lady Ei? You mean—"
Ayaka started, then quickly understood.
"Indeed. There is one more way. If she refuses to let us in, then we shall force our way inside. There will be nothing she can do about it."
Ei straightened slightly, her voice firm. Fortunately, she had once left herself a so-called 'back door' as a precaution. Otherwise, they truly would have been helpless today. The thought sent a faint chill down her spine.
"..." ×3
The three exchanged puzzled glances.
"I left a back door within her Plane of Euthymia. An emergency safeguard. It seems it has finally come into use."
And only she knew of its existence. She had never informed the Shogun, precisely to prevent unforeseen complications. It seemed she had made the right decision.
"I see... As expected of you, Lady Ei. Then let's go at once—"
Ayaka's eyes brightened, her tone growing urgent.
"Mm... Come. Follow me back to the Grand Narukami Shrine—"
Buzz~
In the next instant, Ei's consciousness blurred. A sharp pain stabbed through her head, as though something had rudely jabbed at her mind. She stumbled and instinctively braced herself against the stone wall beside her to steady her balance.
"Mmgh~!"
She pressed a hand to her forehead, discomfort flashing across her face before she forcibly suppressed it.
"Lady Ei!"
"Mother!"
Ayaka and Pandora both rushed to her side.
"..."
Kokomi hesitated awkwardly for a moment before stepping forward as well, worry filling her gaze as she looked at Ei.
"What happened, Lady Ei?"
Ayaka asked urgently. Fear gripped her heart. The Shogun's situation was not yet resolved—Ei must not encounter trouble as well. If that happened, they would truly have no recourse left.
"I am fine... It is just that I sensed 'her' calling to me. Haa... As expected, now is the perfect opportunity."
Her eyes turned icy, a faint violet light shimmering within them.
"Her? The Shogun?"
Pandora asked in confusion.
"Not the Shogun. 'Her.' That cold program."
Ei shook her head, her teeth slightly clenched as she spoke. Her fists tightened, and the aura around her surged sharply.
"Program..."
Kokomi murmured the word softly.
"Haa... Could one of you support me? Ayaka? Kokomi? Either is fine. Help me to the cavern beneath the shrine grounds."
By the time she turned to them, her expression had already returned to calm, her voice gentle once more as she made the request.
She did not ask Pandora simply because the girl's smaller build would make it difficult to support her. Pandora did not mind and quietly stayed close.
"A cavern?"
Ayaka asked, puzzled.
"It is the battlefield where the past is severed and the future is forged."
Determination—and something deep and unfathomable—flickered in Ei's eyes.
(It is time to settle matters with 'her.')
"Mm..." ×2
Kokomi instinctively exchanged a glance with Ayaka. Ayaka gave a subtle nod, indicating she should go. Kokomi stepped forward and gently supported the beautiful woman at her side.
Ayaka and Pandora moved ahead to lead the way, dividing the tasks seamlessly.
Kokomi adjusted her pace to match Ei's, supporting her steadily.
"Haa... Your body is quite cold. Are you unwell?"
Feeling the chill of the girl supporting her, Ei turned her head and asked with concern.
"Eh? Ah... I do fall ill easily. It's all right. I'm used to it. I've had a weak constitution since childhood."
Caught off guard by the sudden concern, Kokomi's face flushed slightly. She gave an embarrassed smile as she answered.
"I see... Sometimes you must take better care of your own body. Do not always place others first. If your body fails you, you will have no strength left to care for anyone else."
Ei advised gently.
"Mm..."
Kokomi nodded softly. Their bodies were pressed close as she supported her, and they could both feel each other's warmth.
"Your temperature is the opposite of mine. It's warm—just like Shogun-sama's."
Kokomi smiled faintly.
"Oh? Does that mean... you've already had close contact with that child?"
Ei teased lightly.
"Ah... N-no///, that's not... I mean... it's just... mm..."
Kokomi's face turned bright red at once, flustered beyond words.
"Look how shy you are. You truly love her, don't you?"
Ei smiled indulgently.
"...Mm. I do... very much."
Kokomi answered in a small voice, her face burning as though she wished she could disappear into the ground.
"That is good... It is good that you love her. I am happy that she is cherished by you all."
Ei exhaled softly, sounding almost relieved.
"Lady Ei... do you perhaps know—"
"Yes. You and Ayaka are not on the best of terms, are you?"
Ei asked directly.
"...No, that isn't the case. We are quite good friends."
Kokomi instinctively glanced at the girl walking ahead, her eyes flickering before she smiled.
"The Shogun raised her from childhood. She is utterly devoted to her, her feelings sincere. She may be somewhat sharp with you at times, but she is a good child. Do not dislike her."
Ei lowered her voice so only Kokomi could hear.
"Hehe... Please rest assured, Lady Ei. I will not dislike her. On the contrary, I admire her greatly."
Kokomi smiled gently. In truth, she even felt grateful. Without Ayaka, she would not be here today. And the fact that Ayaka regarded her as a romantic rival meant she acknowledged her.
"That is good... In the future, I will have to trouble the two of you to look after my foolish daughter."
Ei said with relief.
"Mm, of course... It would be our honor, Lady Ei."
Warmth spread through Kokomi's heart as she made the promise.
Those words felt like a ticket—granting her entry to stand truly at the Shogun's side.
That feeling... was wonderful.
—
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