"Also, the places in other shrines that are normally forbidden to enter—I can show you those here."
The shrine maiden raised her offer when she saw their hesitation.
"Isn't that bad?" Shouko voice wavered. "Wouldn't that… blaspheme the gods?"
Akira nearly said, Believe in science, but the words stuck in his throat. After all, he himself was a miracle.
And he understood her unease.
In most shrines, the main sanctuary—the sacred hall where the divine spirit resides—is off-limits to the public. Worshippers can only bow from the outer hall. Beyond that, certain mountain paths and forests are marked as sacred realms, never to be entered.
This shrine's forbidden area lay behind the mountain.
"You have to believe in science," the maiden declared instead.
The air went awkwardly still.
"…," Shouko fell silent, caught off guard.
Akira gave the maiden a look. Wasn't that practically blasphemy—coming from a shrine maiden of all people?
Unfazed, she grabbed Shouko's hand and pulled her along. "Come on. Don't worry—the only thing left to sweep is the courtyard. You'll be done in no time."
Shouko glanced back, saw Akira following, then nodded. The broom had already been tossed carelessly aside.
After several turns, they arrived before a weathered wooden door.
"Here we are. Who wants to open it?" The maiden stepped aside, watching them expectantly.
"Akira?" Shouko asked gently.
"Doesn't matter," he replied, pushing it open without hesitation.
The scent of old cypress and incense drifted out. Inside, a golden-lacquered cabinet, its paint peeling, stood solemnly behind a veil of hanging curtains.
The small hall was quiet, rectangular, no bigger than twenty tatami mats. At the far end, another shrine—a sealed lacquered box adorned with delicate maki-e—was hidden beneath a white cloth.
"That's where the divine body is enshrined," the maiden explained.
Seeing their puzzled looks, she added, "To put it simply—it's the god's vessel. Sometimes a mirror, sometimes a sword, magatama, or even natural objects."
"And those are offerings?" Shouko asked softly, nodding toward the front.
"Yes. But just look from here," the maiden said, quickly holding her back. "I don't feel like kneeling to scrub the floor again."
Shouko froze, instantly retreating her foot.
Akira exhaled, unimpressed. He'd half-expected some sacred warning, but no—it was pure laziness.
"Alright, you've seen it. Next?" she asked breezily after a few minutes.
They nodded, and under her guidance they explored more of the shrine, even glimpsing her makeshift living quarters.
"Where are the other staff?" Shouko asked when she realized no one else was around.
"Resting. It's Saturday—I let them all go home," she answered. "If visitors come without noticing the sign, I just send them away."
Then she grinned smugly, eyebrows raised. "So really, letting you two wander around today is me being merciful."
Shouko bowed slightly in thanks. The maiden waved it off and handed them each a broom. "Front courtyard's all that's left. When you're done, come find me in my room."
Akira watched her saunter off without a care. "…She's not even worried we'll just run away?"
"Come on. Let's finish quickly so we can go have fun after," Shouko said, gently taking his hand.
"…Alright."
By noon, the courtyard was spotless.
"You worked hard—it looks great," the maiden said, appearing suddenly behind them.
"Came to inspect?" Akira asked flatly.
"Why would I need to? One glance is enough." She smiled, taking the brooms from their hands.
Shouko bowed politely. "Then, if there's nothing else, we'll be going."
"Not so fast," the maiden interrupted. "I still owe you a reward."
Akira blinked. "…A reward?"
From behind her back, she produced a small wooden plaque—an ema. Its shape was simple, a pentagon roof with a rectangular base.
"This is a relationship ema. It's something we'll be offering soon. You're the first to try it. Write a wish about love or bonds, and the god of matchmaking will bless you."
Still skeptical, Akira passed it to Shouko. "Didn't you just say you believed in science?"
"…Do you want it or not?" Shouko asked, clutching it carefully.
"Yes!" she added quickly, eyes bright. "But… there's only one?"
"Exactly. That's why I said you're the first. Only one of you gets to write." She handed her a marker with a teasing smile. "Decide between yourselves. Then give it back to me, and I'll hang it up."
"This…" Shouko hesitated, holding the pen delicately.
"Write it, Shouko," Akira said at once. "I don't mind."
"Really…?"
He nodded firmly. Only after more reassurance did she finally accept, her hand trembling slightly as she prepared to write.
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A/N: Hey everyone, I'm really sorry for not being able to post any new chapters lately. Our city in Davao Oriental was recently hit by an earthquake, and things have been pretty rough. The tremors shook our whole neighborhood — our house even got slightly damaged, and it's been chaotic ever since.
I've been trying to gather myself and make sure everyone's safe first before I get back to writing. The experience honestly left me a bit shaken (literally and emotionally), but don't worry — I'm still here, and I haven't forgotten about you all.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. I'll be back to updating as soon as everything settles down. Please keep us in your prayers. 🙏
Patréon com/Lukas25