The Shogun took the light novel from Hotomi's hands and subconsciously glanced at the title on the cover:
[I Was Reincarnated as Lady Yae and I Don't Want to Work at All!]
"...Another reincarnation story?" she murmured under her breath.
Another one about reincarnation… why could everyone be reincarnated these days? And why did they all turn into them instead of just being reborn normally?
"Eh? Another one?" Hotomi blinked in surprise. Could it be that Shogun-sama also read light novels?
"It's nothing… just a sense of déjà vu."
She casually flipped through a few pages, then shook her head, a little bored.
Truly incomprehensible. Though it was a matter of market demand… didn't turning into them sound like suffering? Managing Inazuma's affairs all day—any ordinary person would dread such a life. Did they really enjoy processing documents so much?
Haa… I really don't understand. Have I fallen behind the times? Even setting Ei aside, she—who forced herself to keep up with modern trends—was starting to feel outdated.
"Shogun-sama~"
Hotomi looked at her with a pitiful expression, like a student asking a teacher for their confiscated phone.
"Reading light novels while on duty… that's not a habit befitting a shrine maiden."
The Shogun sighed softly, closing the book and folding her arms, adopting the air of a homeroom teacher scolding a mischievous student. Though her tone was reproachful, her voice was gentle—not cold.
"U-um… I-I'm sorry."
The girl bowed her head obediently, fingers twisting nervously together.
"Haa… Instead of spending time on this, you should be studying more about the previous Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual."
"Uu…"
The girl's head drooped even lower.
"You've spent so much time with your Guuji… and yet you haven't learned her good habits, only her bad ones."
She stood there with her arms crossed, her shapely legs slightly crossed as well—radiating the composed air of a beautiful teacher disciplining her student.
"Shogun-sama… I-I was wrong… I won't do it again," the girl said softly, her voice as timid as a kitten's, afraid that her Shogun might confiscate the book and later summon her to the Tenshukaku for punishment.
"…"
The Shogun simply looked down at her in silence.
"Um… Shogun-sama… could I please have it back? It was really expensive, I spent almost all my allowance on it… Please, Shogun-sama~ forgive me just this once~ I beg you~"
At that, Hotomi began to whine and cling to her arm, gently shaking it back and forth. She knew the Shogun wasn't quick to anger and had a soft heart beneath her calm demeanor—so she naturally resorted to a little playful pleading.
The Shogun looked at the pitiful girl clinging to her arm and, indeed, felt her resolve softening. Besides, she hadn't truly intended to confiscate it. After all, the girl had bought it herself—it would hardly be fair to take it away by force.
"Haah… very well."
She sighed lightly, then extended the book toward the girl.
"!"
Hotomi's face lit up, and she eagerly reached for it—but just as her fingers brushed the cover, the Shogun withdrew her hand, letting her grasp at air. Then, with a gentle motion, she tapped the book lightly against the girl's forehead.
"Mm~"
The girl let out a small, cute sound as her head tilted back slightly.
"Once is fine, twice is forgivable… but thrice? That won't do. Understood?"
That final hmph carried a teasing tone, yet its meaning was crystal clear.
"Y-yes, ma'am! I promise!" Hotomi nodded frantically, like a pecking chick.
Wait… this is my first time, though? How is it 'thrice'? Never mind, never mind—better not push her luck. Getting the book back was victory enough.
"...Here, take it."
Seeing her obedience, the Shogun stopped teasing her and handed the book back.
"Thank you, Shogun-sama~ hehe~"
Hotomi accepted it with a foolishly happy smile.
"Haah…"
With a soft sigh, the Shogun turned and began walking toward the shrine gates.
"Take care, Shogun-sama!" Hotomi called out politely after her.
The Shogun lifted a hand in silent acknowledgment before disappearing down the steps leading toward the foot of the mountain.
...
At the southwestern foot of Mount Yougou lay a long-abandoned shrine. During the day, the area appeared desolate yet harmless—but come nightfall, strange phenomena occurred. Faint, ghostly apparitions drifted through the darkness, whispering softly in the wind.
Although the Shogun was a woman, she had little sensitivity toward ghosts or spirits—passing through such places was no different from walking on level ground, completely unfazed.
Now, she stood before a fox statue faintly glowing with purple light in the dim surroundings.
Examining the carvings and mechanisms on its surface, she took out the Memento Lens and aimed it at the little fox statue before her.
Bzzz~
A faint hum resonated through the air. The statue stirred, glowing more brightly with violet radiance.
However… after that brief illumination, it went still again, as though awaiting something. The Shogun recalled the remnants of conversations she had heard during previous puzzles and softly spoke:
"Messenger of Narukami."
Her cold yet gentle voice echoed clearly through the air.
Bzzz~
The statue flickered faintly.
"Bloodline of Hakushin."
Bzzz~
Another flash of light.
"...Oil—oil tofu, come at once!"
Her tone faltered slightly, the words awkward and hesitant. She couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed—what on earth did oil tofu have to do with anything? Were these incantations made up on a whim?
Bzzz~
A surge of Electro energy enveloped the statue. Moments later, shimmering particles converged to form a wooden shrine maiden's staff—an offering object.
Taking it in hand, she recalled the location of a certain cave. With a flash of lightning, she vanished—reappearing a second later before the barrier's entrance. The passing Hilichurls and Abyss Mages didn't even have time to react; the intense Electro field around her instantly vaporized them as she passed.
She hadn't changed back into casual attire—there was no need. This form was far more practical for combat.
Arriving before the barrier, she once again lifted the Memento Lens, aiming it at the statue.
Boom! Boom!
The barrier shattered in an instant. Rock walls collapsed, revealing a vast tunnel beyond—its far end identical to the underground chamber beneath Konda Village: the corrupted roots of the Thunder Sakura, surrounded by several floating Magatama lamps.
She inserted the shrine maiden's staff into the first pedestal.
In the next moment, the mechanism activated—the magic circle glowed purple.
As before, she swiftly solved the puzzle from a distance. Soon after, a massive warrior emerged—towering several times her height.
"Allow me to test my blade!!"
He drew his katana, crackling with fierce Electro energy.
This time, the Shogun even allowed him to finish his line…
Crackle…
The phantom warrior lowered his stance, blade poised for a piercing strike.
"Only this—one…"
Slash!
A single arc of lightning cut through the air. In an instant, the Shogun stood with her back to him, her naginata faintly stained with blood. It hadn't even taken a full second.
"My blade!! Aaaargh!!"
Unfortunately for him, she hadn't let him finish his second line before cutting him down.
"Haah… noisy."
With a habitual motion, she brushed a few strands of hair from her ear and murmured softly. Just as she turned—
Tap…
She felt a light touch on her shoulder. Glancing back, she found Hanachirusato standing there—the same figure who had vanished before, now appearing once again before her.
"It's been a while~ Shogun-sama~"
Her tone was lively and familiar, like a younger sister greeting her elder.
"I thought I wouldn't see you again," the Shogun replied, lowering her weapon.
"I never said we wouldn't meet again, did I, Shogun-sama? I clearly told you—we would be fortunate enough to cross paths once more~" Hanachirusato said, lightly tapping her chin with a finger as she smiled.
"The booklet you gave me… I've already delivered it to the Grand Narukami Shrine," the Shogun said, gazing at the now-purified Thunder Sakura roots before sighing softly.
"You've worked hard, my lady…" Hanachirusato bowed gently.
"There's something I wish to ask you."
"Please, my lady—ask away."
"How old are you?"
The question came suddenly. She remembered how Hanachirusato had known the steps of the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual so precisely—she wanted to understand who this woman truly was.
"Eh?" Hanachirusato froze for a moment, her voice turning unexpectedly cute.
"Your age… may I know it?" the Shogun asked plainly, folding her arms.
"Uu… casually asking a girl's age is very rude, you know~? Shogun-sama~"
"It's fine. I'm a woman as well."
"N-no, that's not the point~! Ugh…"
Hanachirusato sighed helplessly. Sometimes, Shogun-sama could be so adorably oblivious. It was cute… but at this moment, a little embarrassing.
I'm sorry, Shogun-sama, she thought silently. I can't tell you that—at least, not yet.
"So then? You didn't come all the way here just to greet me, did you?"
The Shogun could tell that the other party hadn't come merely for small talk. Though she didn't know Hanachirusato deeply, her intuition—honed through their time together—told her as much.
"There is indeed something I need to discuss… but can't I come see you even when there's nothing to do, Shogun-sama~?"
Hanachirusato countered smoothly, her tone playful and familiar.
"Of course you can. I never said I would turn you away. Besides… I'm still quite curious about you."
The Shogun wasn't one to be harsh—she wasn't cold-hearted by nature. Though her demeanor could seem aloof or regal at times, that was only when she bore the title of Shogun. In her casual state, she was gentle and composed—as could be seen from how she treated Kujou Sara.
"Hehe… I knew Shogun-sama would think of me that way. Here~ please, have a taste."
Hanachirusato untied a small pouch and revealed a bento box inside. Opening the lid, she presented a few perfectly shaped, glossy rice balls that looked remarkably appetizing.
"What's this?"
"I made them especially for you, Shogun-sama. Please, try a bit of my cooking."
She held the bento toward her respectfully, smiling.
"..."
The Shogun accepted one of the rice balls, studying its delicate sheen and precise shape. The craftsmanship was impressive—she could tell by sight alone. After all, she herself often cooked for Ei and could recognize fine skill when she saw it. However—
"You made these all of a sudden… you didn't poison them, did you?" she asked lightly, a trace of teasing in her tone.
"Poison them? H-how cruel~! Does Shogun-sama really think I'm that wicked? Hmph~ you wound me so deeply~!"
Of course, they weren't ordinary rice balls—but poison? That was too much! Shogun-sama is so mean~! she pouted inwardly.
"Don't take it seriously—it was only a jest. You started teasing me first, after all," the Shogun said with a soft sigh, explaining herself.
"Ehem~ anyway, please try them," Hanachirusato urged, coughing lightly in embarrassment.
The Shogun didn't refuse further. Since Hanachirusato had gone to the trouble of making them, how could she not oblige?
Taking a bamboo skewer, she picked up a rice ball and took a small, elegant bite. Covering her mouth, she chewed quietly, her soft lips moving slightly with each motion as she savored the flavor.
During that time, Hanachirusato's gaze lingered on those charming lips—slightly parted, glistening with the faint sheen of rice. She couldn't look away. Truly, no matter what this woman did, there was a mesmerizing allure about her. Both men and women would be captivated by such beauty. Inazuma was truly blessed to be under the care of such a goddess.
Though the Vision Hunt Decree had indeed been complicated, it didn't change the fact that the Shogun was, at her core, a gentle goddess. Seeing her work personally to resolve Inazuma's hidden dangers filled Hanachirusato with admiration. In just a single day, she had witnessed countless facets of the Shogun's charm.
"The flavor is excellent… You're quite skilled," the Shogun remarked softly when she finished.
"..."
Hanachirusato was still staring dreamily.
"…Is there something on my face? A grain of rice, perhaps?" the Shogun asked, lightly brushing her cheek with her fingers. Had some rice stuck to her mouth?
"Pfft… it's nothing, my lady. I'm glad you liked it," Hanachirusato said quickly, bowing slightly to hide her fluster.
"I did enjoy it… but these rice balls aren't ordinary, are they?"
The Shogun rested her chin thoughtfully on one hand, studying her with sharp eyes. From the taste alone, she could tell—this wasn't a common meal, but something imbued with a hint of spiritual art.
"As expected of you, Shogun-sama—you have a keen eye. These were made using a technique I learned from the bake-danuki clan. But rest assured, there's nothing harmful to you in them."
"The reason I offered you this meal today was twofold: first, to let you rest after your long labors; and second, to prepare for purifying the remaining Thunder Sakura roots."
As she spoke, Hanachirusato stepped gracefully past her, stopping before the now-purified roots of the tree. She gently brushed her hand along their smooth surface, her soft, melodic voice filling the air.
"What do you mean by that?"
The Shogun turned her head slightly, intrigued, and watched the girl's slender back.
Hanachirusato turned halfway to glance at her, a knowing smile on her lips…
"In Chinju Forest lies the next purification site and the sacred offering you'll need. And within it… an old friend of mine awaits."
"…An 'old friend' of yours?" The Shogun caught the subtle implication in her words and asked softly.
"Hehe… you could say that," Hanachirusato replied, her tone layered with quiet complexity.
"So, you want me to find him?"
"Yes. He cannot move freely, nor can he speak to others. But once you've eaten the rice balls, Shogun-sama, you'll be able to communicate with him. The next sacred item is in his possession."
Bzzz~
As she spoke, Hanachirusato's form began to blur once more, her figure gradually dissolving into shimmering motes of light.
"It seems my time is nearly up again… Shogun-sama, I leave this to you. Besides Chinju Forest, the other roots that require purification lie in the 'Araumi.' Haa… I wonder if anyone still lives there."
Her voice softened into a whisper near the end.
"…Are you certain you haven't lived for over a century?" the Shogun asked again with a faint, teasing smile.
"S-Shogun-sama~! Honestly… please don't tease me like that~!" Hanachirusato exclaimed, her voice rising adorably in protest. Beneath her robe, her feet even shuffled bashfully, as if to hide her fluster.
"All right, all right… I won't tease you. Go on," the Shogun said with a satisfied nod, allowing her to continue.
"Uu… ahem… The last one is near the Kamisato Estate—on the tidal flats to the northeast, where there's a burrow in the ground."
Though her face flushed crimson, she managed to keep her composure—thankfully, the mask concealed it.
"Chinju Forest, Araumi, and the tidal flats…" the Shogun murmured quietly, memorizing the locations.
"By the way… Shogun-sama, where did you obtain that mirror?" Hanachirusato suddenly asked, her tone filled with curiosity—or perhaps something deeper.
At her question, the Shogun recounted everything: how she had received the Memento Lens, the explanation Hotomi had given her, and its origins tied to the Hiiragi Clan.
"—And that's how it was," she concluded.
"That mirror… so it was that man Hiroshi who ended up with it… Ugh, how infuriating~ I should never have given it to him in the first place!"
Her gentle tone shifted, replaced by an unmistakable trace of irritation.
"Shogun-sama~!!"
Hanachirusato suddenly stepped closer—
Tap…
—and took the Shogun's hands in her own, raising them to the height of their eyes.
"You—what are you—doing?" The Shogun instinctively took a small step back, startled by the sudden closeness, her head tilting slightly away, though she didn't pull her hands free.
"Shogun-sama~! That mirror is an incredibly precious artifact. Please take good care of it~!"
Though hidden behind her mask, the intensity in Hanachirusato's gaze was unmistakable—it shone with heartfelt earnestness.
"This one… will," the Shogun replied, her tone a little awkward.
"Truly! It's very, very important! Extremely precious!" Hanachirusato insisted, her grip tightening slightly.
"Haah… yes, yes~ I'll keep it safe for you. Now… your hands—could you… perhaps let go?" the Shogun said helplessly, a faint trace of amusement in her voice. She gently squeezed Hanachirusato's fingers as a subtle hint.
"Ah… r-right… I-I'm so sorry…" Hanachirusato stammered, immediately releasing her hands, her face undoubtedly red beneath the mask.
What am I doing~?! Honestly!! she scolded herself internally, mortified.
"…" ×2
An awkward silence lingered between them for a few seconds.
Whoosh…
Hanachirusato's form began to fade again.
"You're disappearing again?" the Shogun asked softly, breaking the silence first.
"Yes… I'm sorry, Shogun-sama… about earlier…"
"It's fine. That object must mean a great deal to you," the Shogun said understandingly.
"It does…"
"This one will not go back on her word."
"Mm… thank you, Shogun-sama."
As I thought… entrusting it to you truly was the right choice.
Bzzz~
The shrine maiden dissolved into motes of light once more. The Shogun could sense it—the time Hanachirusato could remain manifest was growing shorter. From once accompanying her throughout, now she could only appear for a few fleeting minutes.
"…"
Realization settled upon the Shogun's face as her brows furrowed slightly. Lowering her gaze, she looked quietly at the Memento Lens in her hand.
I hope… this isn't leading where I think it is.
But if it was… she would be ready to act when the time came.