On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Thank you for your hospitality.” I bowed politely to the priest of the shrine, a man roughly the same age as my father. 

“Think nothing of it.” The priest bowed back, an expression of gratitude on his face, which still embarrassed me. “Shinzan shrine, despite being an Amaterasu faction shrine, is happy to support your endeavours, just as Saionji-sama does. Besides, we have received your grace as well…” He nodded to where a young man, perhaps seventeen years old, was waiting, dressed in apprentice priest robes.

“It’s fine. We did promise to start restoring the inherent powers of the shrine and temple families.” Haru spoke up for me. “And you volunteered, and your bloodline had promise, so…”

“Even so, we should thank you.” the priest insisted, and his son agreed, echoing his words. “So Shinzan shrine is greatly honoured to host the Pilgrimage, and so are the Kami. My son says so.”

“That’s right.” he agreed. “I am extremely grateful that my modest talents have been reawakened, and I hope to use them for Amaterasu and all the Kami!”

“He’s a polite young man, isn’t he?” Haru chuckled. “Not like someone I know.”

“Is that a dig at me?” I smiled, pleased that Haru was relaxed. I knew I was putting quite the burden on her, but then her thoughts came to me in denial.

Yes, you’re certainly working me hard, Akio. Honestly though, keeping busy is good. Though I’m certainly looking forward to spending Christmas day with daddy… and maybe even going out with my old friends. Wait… you’re not going to tell me something’s come up and Christmas is cancelled, are you?

I wouldn’t dream of it. But still, I do feel bad about overworking you. I don’t want to be a black employer, it’s just that you’re very talented, and you’re always in demand.

It’s odd that whereas before I would have been overjoyed to hear that, when I was just an employee at the Finance Ministry, now… now it makes me shiver. Maybe my Foresight is growing?

I don’t think it takes much Foresight to predict we’re going to be busy as hell going forwards. Fortunately, once the Pilgrimage is done, things should settle down for a while, especially when the Territory hits Rank Four.

For us, yes, but you’ve got the trip to Britain, haven’t you? Then this Quest?

Yeah, but that’s the last thing on the schedule. After that, we just focus on expanding out the Territory and boosting yours and Eleanor’s.

You know, you can focus on your Princess fiancée’s first. I don’t need to expand urgently.

I am eager to strengthen London, I’ll admit, but… I have to fulfil my commitments too. Besides, when Kyoto expands, thanks to your Territory Expansion Anchor Spire, we’ll be able to cover Ise Grand Shrine, which we need to protect Yukiko. After all… that damn toad is still out there…

That’s true. I shouldn’t tease you. But… don’t forget to take some time yourself to unwind. If you crack under the pressure, it isn’t just you who suffers. Take your women out on some dates, relax… though… it’s not going to be relaxing for you, is it? I could hear Haru’s amused laughter in my head. Every girl dreams of a Christmas Eve spent with their lover. So you can’t miss anyone out. Oh, except the poor Valkyries, I suppose. Though they probably don’t have such traditions, I’d imagine. So how are you doing it?

With the great patience and forbearance of my lovely girlfriends. My admission was sly. Though I’ve also got my sis to worry about, it seems. But yeah, some of them want a Boundary date instead, so I can just about manage it. It’s like one of the romantic comedies my mom likes. Having to be in two places at once. Luckily they know though, so I don’t need to dissemble. Being fair is rough, but…

But it’s the cross you have to bear. I’d wish you good luck, but you deserve all the stress!

Our mental conversation took mere moments, and I finished up my words with the priest of the ancient shrine, set upon the summit of Shinzan hill in the coastal city of Akita. He took his son away after the greetings, leaving me alone with Haru.

“All the effort is bearing fruit. I believe his ability was elemental fire. Not particularly exceptional, but as an Amaterasu shrine family, there’s the possibility it might awaken into sunlight element. More of that would certainly be helpful, to take the burden off Aiko-chan and Hikawa Ren-kun.” Haru explained. “You know, I don’t even need to refer to the files anymore. My memory, it’s… annoyingly perfect nowadays. Of course, I always keep proper records, as is Ministry protocol. It’d certainly be a disaster if I died and everything in my head was lost. Not that it can happen of course, because…”

“You’re already dead.” I agreed softly, feeling unexplainably sad. “Don’t worry, you’re here to stay, you know that. As for your memory…”

“Don’t say it.” Haru managed a wry chuckle. “I know. I don’t even need to look into your mind to guess what you are thinking, Akio. Nobody does. It’s really quite cute. You think you’re pulling a manly poker face, but really everything you think shows to those who know you. I bet you’ve been wondering how everyone keeps reading your thoughts, right?”

“I thought it was women’s intuition.” It was my turn to let out a dry chuckle. “Am I really that easy to read?”

“Absolutely.” Haru agreed. “But that’s not the point. Look… hey, let’s take a break, okay?” The shrine was full of pilgrims, but Haru led me over to a corner, under some trees. I saw several people, including Shaeula, who wanted to call out to me, but at Haru’s look, they turned away, giving us some privacy. “I’ll grab us a drink.” Haru strolled off, and moments later was back, passing me a hot tea from the refreshments convoy that accompanied us on Pilgrimage. She herself had a coffee, and as she sipped it, she let out a noise of pleasure.

“You know, as a working woman, I live off coffee. When I’m working late, it gives me the energy I need. Or at least it did… now I just don’t get tired physically.”

I nodded, agreeing. “Yeah. And don’t say it’s because you are a ghost, though. Even spiritual beings feel fatigue if they overexert themselves. It’s just all down to stats.”

“Pre-empting me again, are you?” Haru’s brown eyes narrowed, amused. “I suppose I have become rather predictable. But… it makes me think. I wanted to rise through the ranks, to be like daddy, and be a power in the Diet. Though he did always say I was a bit too childish.”

“I think it’s just a quirk.” I reassured her. “I’m glad you no longer try and act more mature around me.”

“Too late for that, isn’t it? You’ve seen me at my worst. You’ve seen everything. Sorry about that…” she sighed, remembering. “I didn’t have a choice. Kiku’s orders, I had to obey them. Besides, I had no room for pity in my heart, no room for anything but an empty void. I am glad though, that Shaeula was never touched by my Light. Nobody deserves that.”

“Yeah.” The only answer I could give was that. Seeing my discomfort, Haru took another sip of her coffee, composing her thoughts.

“Don’t pull that face. I’m okay. You know…” Her eyes were suddenly a ghostly blue, shimmering with the elemental energies she had mastered. “…I’ve grown far more proficient with the Sharing Light. Now… now it can even disperse memories and emotions, sending them away. Forever.”

My eyes widened at her words. “That’s… quite the ability. If you combine that with the Light Of Muted Emotions…”

“Exactly. I could forget it. Forget everything.” Haru agreed. “But… I can’t, can I? And you know it. I’m not a fool. We are our memories and our emotions. Our thoughts, desires and passions. To simply cut away what we don’t like… that’s destroying ourselves.” Haru glanced over to the shrine, where Christina was accompanying Aine. “She… gets that too. Though please, don’t compare me to her!” Haru let out a bitter laugh. “It’s why she asked to experience, rather than be bound in other ways. If she asked Shaeula, and willingly accepted her winds and waters… well, Christina could make herself absolutely obedient to you, make herself anything you wished for. Isn’t that right? She says that’s why Director White, her old boss, absolutely will not rest until every form of mind control and mental manipulation is gone from the world. I guess that makes me a target too…”

“His dream won’t ever come true.” I shook my head, watching Christina and Aine as I drank my tea. She said something, laughing loudly, and the little Goblin seemed perplexed, but not frightened. “Adam’s a fool. Even if every Chosen died now, it won’t stop the collapse of the Boundary. People will learn how to use aether and adherence, and any ability can be replicated with enough talent and knowledge. But you have nothing to fear. I’ll be dead before anything happens to you, Haru.”

“Yes, because I’m your Vassal…” she agreed, and I shook my head.

“Don’t do that. You know I’m your friend, and I respect you a lot. It’s not easy to recover from a bad defeat. I can never understand just what that bastard took from you, but when I failed in Kyoto, when Mine-san and the others died, Eri and the twins, Keomi-chan and Hotene-san were injured so terribly… I felt as if my world had collapsed. It wasn’t my own strength that dug me out of that pit, unlike you, Haru. If I didn’t have everyone else, I’d have broken. But… having been through the fires of failure, I know… next time, I’ll do better, be stronger.”

“You think it’s my strength?” Haru looked at me incredulously, her shining eyes wide. “You really are naïve. Yes, in the end, we’re all responsible for our own journey, and we can’t be forced to travel it, but… I didn’t do it alone. You helped me, and everyone else. So I’m grateful. I like what we do here. It matters, it’s meaningful. And one day, I’ll probably match daddy and head up a Ministry, though I’ll likely end up succeeding Yuna-sama at our Ministry.”

“Why stop there? Maybe you could be Prime Minister? The first female to ever hold the position.”

“If I do that, poor Hotaru-chan would be upset.” Haru snickered. “She’s a foul-mouthed little creature, but quite caring, and she’s been getting on well with the younger girls of the Pilgrimage. She worries that when Prime Minister Abe leaves office though, she’ll have no future. Oh…” Her expression changed, to one of rueful worry. “…just one thing. She’s a cunning little minx. Don’t talk to her alone, okay? I trust you’ll handle it, but I also worry you’ll fall into her trap. You’re such a pushover for women, Akio. And Eri-chan wouldn’t be pleased if you got caught up in her web.”

“Have you… discovered something?” I asked, and Haru shrugged.

“Occupational hazard now. I used to think I was going mad, and even when I realised I wasn’t, that it was a gift…” She pursed her lips, making a dismissive noise. “…I hated the intrusive nature of other people’s thoughts, though I needed to hear them, to feel safe, to feel aware of danger. Now… it’s second nature to me and doesn’t bother me at all. Mostly.” She rolled her eyes. “Obviously, not everyone’s thoughts are kind, but even the nicest of people hold some darkness. For example…” Haru gazed at me pointedly, taking another gulp of coffee before speaking. “…when you looked at Christina, you thought she had a good figure, didn’t you?”

I flushed. “Guilty as charged. I mean, I am a healthy male, and objectively she’s gorgeous. So different to Japanese women. Worse, she’s always coming on to me, so it’s hard not to think of her that way. Rest assured though, I hate her, and won’t be touching her.”

“I’m not criticising. I suspect I get the appeal. You could do anything to her and she’d just smile and pant and fawn on you. And there’s things you just can’t do with those you love, isn’t there?”

What the hell? Haru, talking about…

You never block me out, do you, Akio? Do you know why?

“Of course I do.” I switched to words, as it felt more sincere, as Haru read my incredulous thoughts. “I want you to feel safe. I’ve got no secrets from you. You deserve security.”

“Yes. None of the others do, either.” Haru agreed. “They follow your example. Shaeula and Shiro could certainly shut me out if they wished. Oh, but… I can’t read Hyacinth.” She interpreted my sudden worried expression correctly. “I… almost want to, but…”

“Don’t. I think it wouldn’t be good for you. or for Hyacinth. I want to do something about her sorrows, but… they are so ancient and deeply ingrained in her, all I can do is take my time. If it takes ten years, a century… longer… what does it matter so long as she’s happy in the end?”

“Of course, it’d be better if she was happier sooner, right?” Haru agreed. “But my point is, I’m always listening to the voices in your hearts. And honestly…” Haru was blushing now, an expression I rarely saw on her face. “They think about sex far too much. I know it’s healthy to have a libido, and… honestly, even I used to be turned by a handsome face, I am a woman, you know…” she insisted, almost defensively. “…but everyone is eager to spend time with you, to be one with you. And to try new things.”

“Sorry about that. It must be rough.” I commiserated.

“It is. But… it’s also a good thing, I think.” Haru pointed out. “My one experience was… you know what it was.” She sighed, her hand trembling a little, but seeing that I noticed, she stopped it with force of will. “And it’s not right of me to simply wash it away in light, tear out part of myself. Because then I wouldn’t be me. And… my daddy, my friends, both from before and here… you all love me. And I appreciate that. I… wouldn’t turn back the clock. Oh, obviously, I’d wish I never went to that damn party, never… ended up dying. But… perhaps if I had just held on until the events of London, and I saw that the world had changed, I could have arrived at your side via a safer path. But there’s no point dwelling on what-ifs. The past happened. My point is… I’m not made of glass. And… it makes me feel a little better, knowing that sex can be a happy event, not just one of pain and sorrow.”

“Of course. But there’s more to companionship than merely sex.” I insisted, and Haru chuckled.

“If you tell the girls that, they’ll be angry. They are as passionate as you are. My point is… there’s no need to hide your thoughts, if you think they’ll hurt me… then I’ll be hurt. It’s not like I’ll bleed, I’m a ghost! I know everyone needs secrets, so I try not to pry too deep, but honestly… you’ve nothing to hide that I don’t already understand. So, Christina…”

“Her again?” I shrugged. “I’ll use her, of course. Not in that way…” I hastened to add, and Haru merely giggled. “…but she’s proved her worth in that regard. Even just transplanting a few Eyes has made a big difference, and there’s a lot more she could seemingly do. Plus, for some reason she’s good with Aine…”

“It’s because Aine’s a child, and children are sensitive to malice.” Haru shrugged. “And Christina Bakker… she doesn’t have any malice. That’s almost worse. She’s broken, definitely. Empty. She’s the sort of woman who could solve a trolley problem. Because it’s all numbers to her. Or that was the case.”

“I know. She’s still broken, but… she’s broken in a way that almost makes her human now.” I conceded.  

“Filled with the light of her victims.” Haru agreed. “Some would call that ironic, but me… I’d say fate. I don’t sympathise, who would? Her hands are bloody, filthy. But… I honestly do hope there’s such a thing as redemption. For her, for Nie Ling, for Tamamo-no-Mae… and for us too. We’ve got bloody hands as well, haven’t we?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I’m afraid so. Sometimes I wonder if there’s a better way, but…”

“But you’re not a God.” Haru finished my thought for me, before finishing her coffee. “…not for now, anyway.” She brushed a fallen leaf off her shoulder with a casual gesture. “Oh well, this was a fun little chat. But I suppose I should be making my own offerings to the Kami here. You too, Akio.”

I nodded. “Yeah, we’ve still a fair few shrines to cover before tonight. As for tomorrow…”

“As for tomorrow, I want a full report of your suffering afterwards.” Haru teased me. “That’ll give me a good laugh, if nothing else.”

“Yes, I’m sure it will.” I agreed. “And you…” You can tell me of a happy Christmas spent with your father and friends, all right?

It’s a deal then. Some would call that workplace harassment, but fortunately it’s not only children like Aine who can detect malice, so I’ll let it slide!

As she floated off, purposely moving like a ghost, I couldn’t help but laugh helplessly. Thanks a lot. After all, there’s no way I can manage without you, is there?

Her only answer was a cheeky wave, and with that, I followed, heading back towards the main shrine…

***

Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan, Shinzan Shrine, Akita, The Pilgrimage

Shaeula grinned, seeing Akio, but then she paused, as he was with Haru, and they seemed to be having quite a serious conversation. There is no need to interrupt them. I can be patient, and I shall be spending time with Akio soon enough. Instead…

Seeing Ichika, Shaeula decided to spend a little time with her. Striding over, she waved cheerily. “There-there you are! How are you finding the Pilgrimage?”

“Oh, it’s Shaeula.” Ichika was accompanying Yoriko and Reiji, two of these police the mortal world had, similar to Way-Wardens in a way, Shaeula supposed. Yoriko was quite the cheerful female, if rather sarcastic, so Shaeula found her pleasing company, and she seemed to be a friend to Ichika, which was also a good thing.

“Yes, it is indeed-indeed me.” Shaeula agreed with a grin. Glancing around, she also saw that one of Shiro’s erstwhile companions, the rather rodent-like Bunta, who Shaeula privately thought likely had some ratkin blood, if such a thing was possible, was with them, though she had not noticed at first. He is also one of these police now. Though as usual he keeps a low profile and is hard to spot. From what Shiro tells me, he has quite the devastating ability in combat. I have learned not to judge on appearances. Let it not be said I never learn.

“Cheeky as ever.” Yoriko observed. “It’s fine, isn’t it?” she asked her companions. “Compared to policework, this is trivial. Turn up, pray a bit, hand out some offerings…”

“Officer Usui, some decorum please. Despite the unusual task, this is official duties, and should be taken seriously, as befits the important role we play.”

“I know, I know.” Yoriko chuckled. “You don’t have to be so serious all the time, Detective. It’s no wonder your daughters are frustrated with you. Lighten up a bit.”

As the two bickered, Shaeula exchanged a warm look with Ichika. Her friend was dressed in a professional suit and looked rather fetching, Shaeula thought. “So, I trust there are no-no issues? Nobody is giving you trouble any more-more?”

Ichika frowned, before she shook her head. “No, everything’s peaceful. Thanks to the money you lent me…”

“That-that was a gift…” Shaeula countered, but Ichika was resolute.

“The loan. I may be a foolish woman, but I have some pride left. Otherwise… otherwise I’d have given in.”

“Don’t worry. Nothing’s worse than scum who prey on vulnerable women.” Yoriko stopped her arguing. “Good thing we get to crush those sorts of bastards. It’s the best part of the job.”

“Language, Officer Usui!” Reiji insisted, only for her to gesture insultingly with her tongue, seemingly unconcerned by his rebuke.

“They are bastards though. And not just them. We’ve been busy. The world is full of morons who overestimate themselves. Why, just recently we took into custody a group of fools who thought… oh…” She paused, making a rueful expression, and Shaeula narrowed her eyes.

“Do-do tell? You surely can not-not stop before the interesting part?”

“Busted.” she tittered, and Reiji frowned.

“This is why you need to stay sharp and not let your mood dictate your words. I don’t complain about your conduct just because of the dignity of the police force, and the Ministry, I suppose. It’s because a strong, resolute and professional attitude prevents blunders.”

“I’ll take it under consideration.” Yoriko promised, though from Reiji’s face, it seemed they had repeated this conversation a number of times. “So, uh… yeah, there was a couple of incidents, an attempted kidnapping. It was foiled before anything happened though. Those security goons are always watching Akio-kun’s family, aren’t they? The shrine at Shirohebizumi too. And they weren’t anything special. Not even Chosen, just your run-of-the-mill yakuza and troublemakers.”

I see. This will not do. Not at all. Boiling with fury, Shaeula narrowed her eyes. “And we were not-not told of this?”

“Whoa, calm her down, Ichika-chan! She looks pissed off enough to kill!” Yoriko darted behind Ichika, displaying mock-fright. “Don’t bully me, I won’t bar-bar your way to the truth!”

Shaeula paused, momentarily embarrassed. “That catchphrase has gone-gone viral, I believe you would say. I am most-most mortified. Do not-not change the subject, though. I am most-most perturbed and angry. Akio’s family is my-my family. As is Eri’s, Kana’s, and all who are sisters to me. That-that goes for you too, Ichika. I shall not-not tolerate anyone wronging you.”

“I’m not… your sister.” Ichika was clearly embarrassed, and Shaeula couldn’t help but marvel at how adorable she was. “I’m… I’m your friend.”

“At least you finally admit it.” Yoriko rolled her eyes, forgetting for a moment Shaeula’s anger. “By the Gods and all the Kami, it was awfully frustrating the way you were all self-pitying and downtrodden. Glad we got that over with.”

As Ichika flushed, Shaeula snickered. “Indeed. You are my friend. Along with Karen, you are my first-first mortal ones. And as such, I will not-not hesitate to aid you, should it be required. As I know-know you would do for me. It does not-not matter that you feel you can not-not offer what I do. Friendship, just-just as love, does not-not rest on a balance scale. The very-very nature of friendship and love is enough.”

“Well said.” Reiji agreed. “Besides, isn’t that why you agreed to work for her, Konoe-chan? It isn’t just a favour to you, so you can earn some money. You wanted to give back.”

“I did.” Ichika agreed quietly. “And I do. It’s not exactly art related. But then…”

“It’s a career path.” Yoriko agreed. “That’s why we go to university, isn’t it? And it does come with a lot of perks…” Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn noⅴelfire.net

“That-that aside… I am waiting!” Shaeula folded her arms imperiously, and Reiji exchanged a glance with Bunta, who nodded.

“Best tell her. If she’s anything like the boss, she’ll have a vile temper.”

“Still calling Shiro boss, are-are you?” Shaeula smirked. “And she will be quite-quite dismayed to learn you think she is an angry female. She is actually quite-quite mild. Though if you are-are referring to Tan, I suppose I can-can concede your point. Now then, I am waiting…”

“Like we said, there’s nothing much to it. Just opportunists and fools.” Reiji was the one to fold his arms now. “From what we’ve gathered, it’s not even in retaliation for Akio-kun’s acts against the yakuza who attacked Shirohebizumi before. A lot of desperate criminals think it’s a golden ticket, snatching up a family member of one of you and holding them for ransom. It’s well known from Akio-kun’s appearances on TV that he cares deeply for his family and those of you girls. But nobody is left unguarded and honestly… after Chirurgery, it’s unlikely to succeed anyway. We also used to get intel from that poor bastard in Kyoto. Hope he pulls through…”

“Oh, Yasaka?” Shaeula nodded. “Indeed, that was quite-quite the blow. But then, greed and carelessness are foolish. We did-did warn everyone who was not-not connected to the Ring Gate network, or within reach of support, their Territories should be disbanded in such-such emergencies. Territories can be-be rebuilt, lives, sadly can not-not, or at least not-not easily. Have-have no fear though, Akio can most-most certainly save his life, wake him from his coma, and perhaps he can-can salvage a little of his gifts.” It is certainly frustrating though. The Oracle Engine of Akio’s friends can not yet replace him, though it shows increasing promise, as my Fortune grows, and it is refined. Though it is most certainly missing a final spark to reach perfection…

“So yes, we didn’t see the need to bring it to anyone’s attention.” Reiji finished. “Just small-fry, causing small annoyances. We are tracking potential troublemakers who enter the country from abroad though, but we’ll never stop them all. But isn’t that the point of this? Though I still don’t get the benefits. It’s all so abstract.”

“Fools, the lot of them.” Bunta was sweating. “If they managed to hurt anyone that… Shiro… cares about, all that’ll happen is they get eaten like Daizen-san did. If they’re lucky…”

“Quite.” Shaeula agreed. “I would not-not let them die easily. As for the benefits, I was sure-sure Akio explained that, or if not-not, Yukiko, Kana, Tsukiko or Shiori would have. They are in charge-charge of such matters.”

“Oh, I got the explanation. The Kami-Blessed Class to maximum, improving Fortune, Majesty and Charm, as well as significantly boosting Aether. At least three points in League too, from what I remember. But how that actually translates to an advantage…” Reiji shrugged, popping some chewing gum into his mouth as he thought.

“Yes, Kami-Blessed is not-not a combat Class.” Shaeula agreed. “But-but strengthening the aether you can wield is quite-quite helpful in all situations. And it is better to be lucky than-than good, I believe you mortals say? As for League… yes, even a few points will affect all-all your strengths and grant you positive benefits to all actions. And in battle, even a small-small advantage can be the difference between victory and defeat, no?” Shaeula giggled smugly. “Besides, it is not-not just that. Are you not-not training every evening? You should-should at least improve some Skills and master an element or two-two.”

“I…” Ichika couldn’t help but smile, and Shaeula was pleased to see her feeling pride in her own achievements for once. “…think I get it.” With that, she raised a hand, and a small ball of earth formed there. It was pitiful, but clear, and Shaeula gazed at her, eyes glowing amber.

“Oh, you have-have mastered earth element! Well-well done. I do not-not much care for earth, though my disdain for it has lessened. But it does-does have one advantage. You can then-then gain several Levels.”

“I have already, supposedly.” Ichika shuddered. “I don’t like fighting, but… at least they were hideous fish-beasts. And I was standing behind some animal-people soldiers.”

“Excellent. Then you will most-most certainly not-not be bothered by such pathetic thugs as harassed you before, Ichika. If I may-may… I next suggest fire, wind or-or light element. Earth can-can be used to attack but is more-more useful for defence. I would feel much-much better if you had such a trick to hand.”

“Is it really that easy to give an ordinary human magical powers?” Yoriko mused. “I still can’t believe it.”

“No way.” Bunta shook his head frantically. “Nothing about this is normal. When I was working with the others, we didn’t think much about it, other than defeating enemies to strengthen ourselves. We… except for the boss… didn’t think of learning new abilities. We didn’t know it was possible! Besides, even if it is possible…” His expression twisted into one of fear, and Shaeula chuckled.

“Oh yes-yes. I remember. You ran into Tan, didn’t you, and asked her about it. Her reply was quite-quite amusing.”

“I can’t believe… Akio-san is brave enough to woo that.” Bunta shuddered, before his rat-like eyes narrowed in fear. “Oh, everybody, please keep silent about that slip of the tongue. I’m too young to die!”

“What’s it worth, Bunta-kun?” Yoriko laughed.

Before the situation could get out of hand, Shaeula explained what answer he had received. “Tan is constantly shocked by what-what transpires here. Of course-course it is possible to grow stronger and more skilled, but she has not-not heard of such in a world as… backward…” Shaeula’s lips curled at the expression. “…as this one, or with such pace and scale. She herself has not-not remained idle either. She is quite-quite enamoured with her new Eye, and of course with Akio.”

“I…” Ichika frowned, before gathering her courage and speaking. “If I’m really your friend, I have to say this. How can you joke so about Akio and other women? Doesn’t it… doesn’t it make you angry, or jealous? I want the best for you. For you to be happy, so…”

“Happy?” Shaeula cut her off. Foolish Ichika. But it comes from a place of care, so I am not displeased. “I am most-most pleased you now dare to speak in such a manner. But we have been over this. I do not-not desire to monopolise Akio. I only desire his love-love. And I have that. If he loved others more than me, I would certainly be most-most jealous, but that would only motivate me to try-try harder to secure my place in his heart. I am confident in myself!” She pushed out her chest pridefully. “Besides, Akio is no-no fool. He understands that we each-each love him in our own way, and he-he loves us the same. I am not-not a mortal such as you, but that is not-not why… Eri, Kana, Motoko… the others… they all accept it. Because, that-that is the reality of loving Akio. But I shall-shall love no other.”

“You’re going to lose this one, Ichika-chan.” Yoriko warned. “But then, friends can fight.”

“I’m not… fighting. I’m just worried.” Ichika insisted. “So… uh… Christmas Eve…”

“Yes.” Shaeula clapped her hands. “We Fae do not-not celebrate anything but the ebbing and flowing of the Moon. But I am most-most excited to experience my first Christmas. Since Christmas Eve is a day for lovers, I shall-shall of course have my turn.”

“Oh, do tell!” Yoriko leaned forward, interested, and Shaeula snorted.

“I have-have chosen a date here in the mortal world, unlike Asha and Hyacinth, who wish theirs to be in the spiritual world. Akio must-must surprise me!” Shaeula insisted. “As for Christmas Day… that-that is for family and friends, no? I shall be spending time with the families of the others. But I shall-shall be free in the evening. What-what say you, Ichika, Yoriko? Would you care-care to party with me?” She paused, addressing the others. “Bunta, Reiji, it would be rude-rude of me not to offer.”

“I… expect the boss… Shiro… will be there?” Bunta asked, and Shaeula nodded.

“At some-some point yes, though I believe she intends to spend time with her mutual friends with Akio, though she did-did mention she wished to meet her dorm mates, she called them. As apparently she has-has to thank them for their care these last months. She was quite-quite bashful about it.”

“In that case, I’ll pass.” Bunta shook his head. “Besides, a gaggle of women… it’d be awkward. Especially…” He shut his mouth, and Shaeula did him the courtesy of saying nothing more. Jealous, hmm? Well, Ichika and Yoriko are fine enough females. They could do better, I would imagine, but if they seek love, I would support them, of course.

“As for me… well, can I ask a favour?” Reiji surprised them.

“Oh, how-how fascinating. Go ahead.”

“My daughters are constantly complaining that they haven’t had the chance to meet you and the others who have been on TV. They sort of idolise you all.” He grimaced, his chewing intensifying. “I know they are minors, so they can’t stay out late, but… if you could make time…”

“I see no-no issue with that. Besides, the laws-laws do not-not apply to us!”

“Don’t be so proud of that! I’m a damn Detective.” He grimaced, before running a hand through his neatly trimmed brown beard. “But I‘m grateful. Just a short time would be fine, maybe sign something for them.”

“Oh shit, yeah.” Yoriko giggled, only to be chided by the Detective for her language once again. “You saw it too, right Ichika-chan? Merchandise? Quite a bit of it is bootleg, there’s been a number of seizures. But not all. Hinata-chan’s a smart cookie. She won’t miss out on money to be made! Besides, it’s all good publicity, right?” She winked, and Ichika flushed, drawing Shaeula’s interest, and at her amber stare, Ichika confessed.

“I have some too…” She whispered. “I… it felt right, supporting you!”

“Oh?” Shaeula sniggered. “Do-do you have any of Akio?”

“No!” Ichika insisted, before lowering her voice. “I… I’m still grateful to him, and I see him as a friend. Nothing more! I know how you think!”

“Oh well, that is quite-quite a shame, but I understand. It is indeed most-most hard to consider Akio now, there are many supreme rivals. Me, Tan, even some Valkyries far-far distant from here…”

“I don’t think you understand at all!” Ichika countered before shaking her head, resigned. “It doesn’t matter. Anyway… I wasn’t planning on visiting my family until the new year, so… I’d be happy to meet you.”

“It’s a plan then!” Yoriko agreed loudly. “We’ll party until we drop!”

“Don’t go too far. The Pilgrimage resumes the day after…” Reiji warned, and Shaeula snorted wickedly.

“Have no-no fear. That is what-what Ether Healing is for! Now… we should-should hurry. If we do not-not make our offerings and secure the blessings of the Kami of this shrine, we will fall-fall behind schedule. Ad if we do-do, Arisu will scold us.”

Bunta went pale as a ghost, and immediately ran off towards the main shrine. Watching him go, rather bemused, Shaeula could only laugh. It seems he is quite scared of Arisu. I myself find her rather good company, and I know Akio respects her greatly… but yes, she certainly does have a temper.

Looking forward to the next couple of days, Shaeula turned her attention to tonight. First though… I have been working on a new technique, and Akio has said he wants to speak to me later, about a possible idea he has. It seems that every day brings new entertainment, and new happiness. And sharing such… she glanced over at Ichika and Yoriko, who had started ribbing each other over buying merchandise of her and several of the other females around Akio. …well, I am far happier now than ever I was as a bitter, lonely princess, loathed and despised by all. Now then… I wonder just what date Akio will take me on?