C63: Phase One Mission Complete, Reward!
Even Cinderella, who had never graced a ballroom, still managed to capture the prince’s heart after that singular night of enchantment, didn’t she? A few clumsy steps, it turned out, held little consequence in the grand scheme of things.
When the Canon’s melody came to rest on its final note, Shion released Shigure’s hand and curtsied to the golden-haired girl before her.
Shigure, with an endearing, if slightly clumsy, haste, promptly returned the curtsy. After a full day of maid duties, her curtsy had become quite polished.
The two girls settled back onto the bench in the hospital courtyard and once again gazed up at the sky. The moon tonight still shone like a flowing luminescence, and the stars continued their brilliant twinkle.
‘Who by the river first beheld the moon? When did the river moon first shine on humankind?’ After the performance had drawn to a close, perhaps the moon in the sky would feel different to them, even though the two girls were still gazing upon the very same celestial orb.
“So this is what the after-festival feels like,” Shigure murmured, pressing her palms together, fingers intertwined, as she looked up at the sky. “Then… I hope that in the future, I’ll often have the chance to experience the after-festival with Shion.”
“Next year, after Iori Grandma recovers, let’s go to the after-festival bonfire dance together,” Shion recalled with a smile. “The venue today was incredibly lively, and Class C’s ‘Under the Stars’ band performance was also wonderful. Ah, I truly hope that band can perform on stage again next year.”
“Th-then, I’m looking forward to it too,” Shigure said, inching a little closer to Shion. “It’s just that… I can’t shake the feeling that Grandma’s illness might be an unending journey…”
‘If only I were a little stronger, I could solve this.’ Shion had initially wanted to say this. However, such a statement would inevitably bring the existence of malevolent spirits into the open. Moreover, if she were to tell Shigure that her grandmother’s illness was linked to evil spirits, Shigure would likely worry even more, perhaps losing sleep every night.
“There will be a way…” Shion murmured softly, gently stroking Shigure’s hair.
“Yes, I hope so too…” Shigure whispered. “But even doctors in the big cities seem powerless…”
“Iori-san, what I mean is, ‘I’ will find a way,” Shion said, poking Shigure’s cheek.
“Eh? Shion… you’ll find a way? But, but I’ve already prayed at both Hoshimori Shrine and other shrines…” Shigure mumbled softly.
“A wish that the gods cannot grant, the Miko of Hoshimori Shrine will help you fulfill. That’s why I said, ‘I’ will find a way. It might not be now, but it will definitely happen.”
Shion’s words carried no hint of jest. Her gaze was intensely serious.
Shigure took a soft breath and then nodded.
“Alright, I’m willing to trust you, Shion.”
****
The hour was late. Shion decided to first escort Shigure home before returning to the shrine. Fortunately, Shigure’s home was quite close to the hospital, requiring only a short walk through a small block. They arrived at Shigure’s doorstep in about five minutes.
“Shion, it’s so late. I-I mean, if your home is too far, you could stay at my place for the night. I’m living alone right now…” Standing at her doorstep, Shigure turned around, took a deep breath, and, gathering her courage, extended an invitation to Shion.
“Thank you for your kind offer, Iori-san,” Shion replied, politely declining. “But I have to go back tomorrow morning to make breakfast for my sister, or she’ll surely starve.” This was, in fact, the absolute truth. Except for the time Shion had been sick and unable to get up, Ayane would absolutely, under no circumstances, cook for herself. And then there was the thought of Ayane buying a bento box from the convenience store, only to completely botch heating it in the microwave—as an elder sister, Shion simply couldn’t rest easy about it.
“Alright then… Shion, please be careful on your way home, and good night~” Shigure gave an embarrassed smile and waved goodbye.
“Goodbye, Iori-san, good night.” Shion also waved, then walked away in the direction of the shrine. Only when Shion was completely out of sight did Shigure step inside her own front door.
The golden-haired girl didn’t immediately switch on the genkan (TL Note: Japanese entryway) light. Otherwise, she might have caught a glimpse of her flushed face in the dressing mirror by the door. Only she knew how rapidly her heart had pounded, and just how much courage she had mustered to invite Shion.
“It’s, it’s alright… Next time, next time I’ll definitely be able to invite Shion.” Shigure encouraged herself thus. Her small hand, trembling slightly from nervousness, switched on the genkan light.
Yet, Shion remained oblivious to all of this. On her way back, she heard a different system notification sound, one she hadn’t heard in a long time.
[All main characters’ favorability has increased to Tier 1 or above. New ability unlocked.] The system’s emotionless, mechanical voice rang out. The dark street was illuminated only by a single streetlamp casting a white glow. Yet, Shion felt a warmth spread through her body.
“Eh, eh, eh?! Th-they’re giving out rewards already?” Shion’s surprised voice was drowned out by the system notification. Her body was enveloped by several wisps of white light.
All of this lasted only a few seconds. When she opened her eyes, she was still on the street leading back to the shrine. However, she felt a slight surge of power within her body. Her perception of evil spirits and her ability to assess combat strength had also become more potent. But it seemed that was all. Any other changes probably amounted to going from being unable to defeat a stray cat to being able to fight one to a draw.
‘My ability to exorcise evil spirits has grown stronger, does that mean…’ As this thought crossed her mind, Shion quickly ran back in the direction of the hospital. She wanted to test if her current strength could eliminate the malevolent aura surrounding Iori Grandma.
To her regret, simply by reaching the hospital courtyard, her enhanced combat assessment ability had already made its judgment. It was still something she couldn’t eliminate. However, if she continued to weave braided cords for Iori Grandma, the sustained effect might last a little longer.
‘Only my exorcism abilities got stronger…’ Shion felt a touch of dejection. Although she had become stronger, it was still not enough to truly help Shigure. This reward felt rather useless (TL Note: A Chinese idiom, ‘jÄ«lèi,’ literally ‘chicken ribs,’ meaning something that is of little value but you don’t want to discard, similar to ‘a white elephant’ or ‘more trouble than it’s worth’. Here, ‘useless’ or ‘pointless’ fits the context).
Furthermore, she pulled out her phone. The disbelieving girl wanted to test if any other aspects had been enhanced, such as…
She opened a screenshot of a math problem and looked at it as she walked.
‘Hmm…’
Shion’s expression shifted from anticipation to distress before she promptly turned off her phone screen.
“This ability enhancement doesn’t boost my brainpower? What if I can’t pass the academic tests?!” Shion vigorously ruffled her own hair.
Suddenly, a distant bell chimed.
‘I stayed with Shigure a bit late; it’s already midnight…’ Shion mused. However, she immediately realized something was amiss.
“Wait, where did that bell sound come from in our town?”
The girl looked around. She had been walking for over ten minutes. Yet, the surrounding scenery remained unchanged. It was still the dim streetlights and the pitch-black street. However, her enhanced perception told her that the current situation was far from good.