Kagura wasn't sure exactly what wish Nice Nature had made, but seeing her standing motionless for so long, it seemed she had plenty to pray for.
She hasn't moved for over a minute... No wonder Eclipse-san was complaining earlier.
Though slightly curious about Nature's prayer, Kagura didn't intend to pry into someone else's wishes through Eclipse-san. Some things were better left unknown.
Aside from praying for Rudolf Ojou-sama's and Nice Nature's smooth futures, Kagura secretly had another wish: for Eclipse-san to recover as soon as possible. But making that wish directly to Eclipse probably wouldn't have much effect, so she kept quiet about it.
Eclipse-san has always been so good to me... If only I could help her somehow.
"Ha! I heard that clearly! If you want to help, just keep cooking tasty things and taking good care of yourself—that's the best help you can give me. Oh, right! Since you're here, do you have a moment to perform a Kagura dance for me?"
Kagura felt Eclipse's presence gently wrap around her from behind. Hearing Eclipse's sudden request, she tilted her head slightly in confusion.
Eclipse-san means... a ceremonial kagura dance?
After some thought, Kagura dug through her memories and barely managed to match the request to something familiar.
"Mm-hmm, returning faith to the gods through dance—isn't that an essential skill for shrine maidens in this country? I clearly remember you performing it before, and you danced wonderfully back then."
"…"
Kagura wanted to protest that she'd never formally learned the dance. But she recalled the time when Ardan hadn't yet enrolled, and Kagura had playfully worn her miko robes, imitating shrine maidens from anime. To her surprise, her body had remembered some kind of strange instinct, naturally performing a graceful, elegant dance rather than random, amateurish movements.
I guess that counted as a ritual...? But I didn't even bring my kagura suzu... Ah well, maybe I'll dance properly for Eclipse-san once I'm back.
With Nice Nature standing nearby, Kagura was too embarrassed to showcase her hidden talents here. Even though she genuinely wanted to do something for Eclipse, without the ceremonial implements, she had no choice but to give up for now.
"Well..." Eclipse, unseen by Kagura, helplessly shook her head and sighed softly, glancing toward Nice Nature nearby.
Nature-chan, fortune favors those who act boldly. Seems your affection points aren't high enough yet—this girl still isn't willing to show off in front of you.
Actually, Eclipse didn't care much about the specifics of how or where Kagura returned her faith. Her sudden request was merely inspired by hearing Nature's wish earlier. But clearly, this timid girl hadn't been proactive enough to boost her favorability with Kagura.
Maybe due to some strange innate talent, Kagura's ritual dance had become impressively refined after only a few practices, even gaining praise from Eclipse, who knew a thing or two about dancing. With Kagura's natural beauty, Eclipse could already picture Nice Nature entranced, unable to tear her eyes away from Kagura's graceful performance.
Nature-chan, you gotta work harder! Fate hasn't arrived yet; even a goddess can't help if you don't seize the moment~
Though Eclipse genuinely wanted to grant the girl's wish, it seemed now just wasn't the right time.
Naturally, neither Kagura—who couldn't hear Eclipse's teasing thoughts—nor Nice Nature, who lacked spiritual sensitivity entirely, had any clue what Eclipse was up to. Finished with her prayer, Nice Nature made one final bow toward Eclipse's direction.
"Kagura-chan, shall we get going~?"
"Mm-hmm~ Done praying already, Nature?"
"Ah…! Y-Yeah, I'm done!"
Staring into Kagura's clear blue eyes, Nice Nature suddenly remembered the wish she'd made, quickly feeling shy and averting her gaze.
"Then, let's go! Didn't you mention earlier you found a new snack street you wanted to show me~?"
Saying that, Kagura reached out and gently grabbed Nice Nature's hand, startling the already nervous Nature. Reflexively, Nature squeezed Kagura's warm, soft hand back. In the chilly weather, Kagura's gentle grip felt especially comforting.
"Oh… Oh! Coming!"
Snapping out of her daze, Nice Nature quickly nodded, hurriedly matching Kagura's pace. Seeing Nature finally catch up, Kagura quietly released her hand, leaving Nature feeling a slight pang of regret.
...
For a foodie like Kagura, the only thing Nice Nature could suggest that would truly catch her interest right now was food.
Luckily, Nature indeed had a knack for discovering tasty hidden gems. While Kagura had been too busy lately, Nice Nature had found another shopping district full of delicious snacks neither of them had tried yet. Knowing Kagura's tastes, Nature had specifically invited her today.
"By the way, Nature, how do you always manage to find these places? Feels like you're constantly discovering new snack streets."
Kagura figured Nature must have a special talent for sniffing out snack and shopping streets. She herself could never locate new places nearly as efficiently.
"It's just that my family back home ran a shopping street too, so maybe I just naturally know how to spot them."
"That makes sense—you're literally from a shopping street family, after all…"
Nature led Kagura into the bustling shopping street. Kagura hadn't changed out of her miko robes yet, instantly drawing curious glances even before entering.
"Oh! Isn't that Nature-chan? Got time off today?"
"Yes, I'm taking a break for a few days. I came out to have fun with my friend—she really likes hunting for tasty food. Could you recommend something?"
"Oh ho! So this is Nature-chan's friend! Alright, uncle here will fetch you the most delicious snacks on this street!"
The shopkeeper hurriedly dashed off as soon as he finished speaking.
Kagura glanced at Nature in mild surprise, then back at the residents who treated Nature like family. Nature just smiled bashfully.
"Feels like wherever you go, everyone treats you like their favorite niece, especially at shopping streets. Didn't you just find this place like three months ago? And yet you already got this close to everyone?"
"Well, it seems I'm pretty popular among shopping street people… Maybe it's because I'm just average and approachable, easy to chat with?"
Being from a shopping street family, Nature blushed brightly, embarrassed by Kagura's praise.
Of course, Kagura wouldn't accept the snacks without paying. When the uncle hurriedly returned with the goods, Kagura handed over the money before continuing deeper into the street, enjoying snacks side by side with Nice Nature.