At dusk, the sound of the bell tolling from the ancient temple reached us, carried by the wind.
The two ladies walked ahead, leading the three youngsters up the steps toward the mountain gate. As the summer festival resumed, all the nearby villagers rushed over. Along the way, there were many children with their noses painted white, taking turns beating the taiko drums.
Fujiwara Reya found himself in the middle, listening to the ladies in front bickering over trivial matters all the way.
The relationship between the two ladies was as good as real sisters, enthusiastically discussing whatever came to mind. Yet once their opinions differed, they would start to argue. It's hard to believe this youthful energy belongs to a conversation between a thirty-eight-year-old and a forty-year-old woman.
"Himeko, your butt is so perky."
"Jealous?"
"Not at all, looks indecent!"
