As noon approached, the sky visibly became more vast and distant.

Taking advantage of the interval while Kasahara Asuka returned to the backyard to have lunch, Fujiwara Reya and Kasahara Fumi began to wander leisurely in the Divine Palace.

"Aunt slipped me a few cruise tickets through Yayako."

"What scheme is Kuri up to again?"

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?"

"My relationship with her isn't as deep as you think." Kasahara Fumi shrugged lightly.

"Since neither of us knows what Aunt is thinking, let's just go!" Fujiwara Reya walked along the wall with his hands in his pockets, "Anyway, we haven't really rested since we got married, so let's consider it a honeymoon at sea."

Kasahara Fumi gave him a beautiful glare.

After spending so much time together, she occasionally revealed a trace of feminine charm without realizing it.

At the end of the wall was an unknown main hall.

The black and gray spire of the worship hall cast shadows on the ground in the early autumn sunlight.

In the courtyard, camellias were in full bloom, with ponds, small bridges, fake mountains with waterfalls, and koi leisurely swimming in the water.

The two walked side by side on the wooden bridge.

"Fumi?"

"What?"

"Did you agree?"

"No." Kasahara Fumi casually refused while holding the bridge railing.

Fujiwara Reya rested his hand on the railing and looked at her profile as she gazed into the distance: "What would it take for you to agree?"

Kasahara Fumi turned back to meet his eyes.

A snow-white feathered bird landed on the iris leaves under the bridge, curiously observing the humans. The blue sky and white clouds made the air crystal clear, and a jet plane drew a long contrail in the sky.

The world was so beautiful.

After a while, Kasahara Fumi brushed back the hair by her ear and subtly changed the topic: "Is there any news from Miss Shizuka?"

"No, there's been no movement at all." Fujiwara Reya climbed onto the railing and sat, talking to her sideways, "I guess maybe Aunt knows we've noticed her, so she wants to use the cruise to take us away from Tokyo, giving Shizuka a chance to act."

"Then let's go." Kasahara Fumi agreed.

The autumn breeze brushed her cheeks, her long hair gently swayed, bringing the scent of autumn rain wetting maple leaves.

"So fragrant!" Fujiwara Reya took a deep sniff and couldn't help but praise, "This is the most noble scent I've ever smelled."

"Maybe you just lack exposure."

Kasahara Fumi shrugged slightly and took the lead to walk off the bridge.

"Wait for me." Fujiwara Reya hurried to follow.

Off the bridge, an ancient wooden pagoda stood to the left, a maple forest to the right, and ahead was a grand hall resembling the Kaguraden.

The red maple leaves were strikingly brilliant, their colors blending harmoniously with the architecture. The hall's stage extended over the water, supported by numerous pillars and beams. Despite being weathered by rains, the stone pillars remained clean and white, almost like bones.

The lakeside terrace at Asakusa Shrine was modeled after this place.

Inside the Kaguraden, someone was performing Noh theater. The performers wore wooden masks, simple kimonos, and old hats, and the sound of their wooden clogs and straw sandals brushing the floor could be heard. The solemnity and joy of sincerely worshiping deities rendered the tourists nearly speechless.

"Can Fumi dance the Kagura dance?" Fujiwara Reya asked.

"I can."

"Can you..."

"No way!"

"Then can you teach Miki to dance it for me to watch?"

"That can be arranged."

Kasahara Fumi nodded gracefully, her gaze looking forward down the path.

Tourists who passed by occasionally cast glances at her... she unconsciously tugged at Fujiwara Reya's sleeve, urging him to quicken his pace and escape the crowded area, as if afraid of people discovering her secret with Fujiwara Reya.

In reality, the tourists were simply captivated by her beauty.

After leaving the Kaguraden, they walked on the stone-paved path, continuing their stroll along the pond.

Between the gaps of the lush maple leaves, sunlight spilled down. Amidst the maple forest stood a laurel tree, whose flowers had almost fully bloomed. Kasahara Fumi led him off the path and into the small grove.

In the grove was a flat green lawn, adorned by the clear contours of white marble. Under the early autumn sunshine, the stones gleamed brightly, resembling a pristine, neat, joyful, and tranquil paradise.

"There are too many people outside, let's continue talking here." Kasahara Fumi walked toward the marble.

She wore wooden clogs and a long-sleeved kimono, and after sitting down, she neatly gathered her hair into a bun at the back of her head. Her orange hair, pinned up like blooming azaleas, was vividly red like fire. The fiery kimono, the lawn, and the sunlight together formed a magnificent tableau.

Fujiwara Reya picked up a stick, sat beside her, and waved it playfully.

This scene resembled that time in Minami-Izu, and Kasahara Fumi's mood suddenly lifted, feeling a faint warmth in her chest.

"When do we board the ship?" she asked.

"Tonight."

"How many days will the cruise last?"

"Three days."

"In these three days, they should be making a move in Tokyo."

"I think so too, but you don't need to worry about that at all." Fujiwara Reya turned his head to look at her, pointing the stick toward the blue sky, "I'm a tengu, meant to soar in the heavens."

Kasahara Fumi squinted as if something dazzling caught her eye.

Confidence is light and bright, visibly radiant... She recalled her mother's words, seeing him as a splendid vision like a sun-dappled foliage with a radiant white shirt and a prominent nose, exuding a heroic spirit from head to toe.

"Hey, are you listening?" Fujiwara Reya waved his hand.

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