Published: January 24, 2026
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The Spirit Dance Festival lasts for three days.
The general flow of the festival is for everyone to enjoy themselves during these three days, and on the final night, I, Nagisa, perform a dance at the shrine on the Sacred Mountain to conclude the event.
…Originally, there was supposed to be a ritual afterward where the cursed sword would be used to cut away evil, but since neither the cursed sword nor anyone capable of wielding it exists now, that part can't be done.
With the Spirit Dance Festival just a day away, I came to the street lined with food stalls.
“Lady Nagisa! Thank you for coming all the way to a place like this,”
A man who had been giving orders to everyone noticed me, stopped what he was doing, and came over.
Others also bowed lightly.
Seeing this, a feeling of guilt welled up inside me.
I didn’t think there was any need for them to be so humble toward me, but my retainers said it was necessary to maintain the country’s order, so I suppressed my feelings of apology and turned toward the man giving instructions.
“Sorry for making you stop. I just couldn’t help but be concerned... It looks like there’s no problem, right?”
The man smiled broadly upon hearing my words.
“Yes. We can’t let Lady Nagisa lose face. We’ll do our best to make it lively from tomorrow, so please show us your best dance on the final day.”
“Thank you. I promise I’ll give my all with the best dance to repay everyone’s efforts.”
After that, I made the rounds, greeting people here and there.
Talking with everyone, I became certain.
This country is regaining its vigor.
The civil war—no, the rebellion that broke out recently had left the country in chaos, and it was awful.
But over several years, the citizens have finally begun to adapt to the current situation.
I can’t say this is the right state for the country, but it’s also not good for it to be ruled by negative emotions.
Even though ultimately I may have to submit to Philly and the cult, as one of the founders of this country’s clan, I will never abandon that pride.
No matter how long it takes, I will show that I can break free from Philly’s rule.
“Lady Nagisa, if preparations are complete, shouldn’t you report to Lady Philly just in case?”
As I kindled the fire of determination in my heart, Kiryu-sensei, who was standing beside me as my bodyguard, gave me advice.
Kiryu-sensei has been protecting me since I became the princess of this country right after the rebellion.
Thanks to him, the cult members have never dared to harm me. I am able to live freely because of Kiryu-sensei.
He is also Fuuka-nee’s master and the only person I now trust completely.
“Yes, that’s right.”
Philly hasn’t shown any major moves since she returned as promised. Thanks to that, I could focus on preparing for the Spirit Dance Festival, but I can’t let my guard down.
Because there’s no guarantee what will happen after the festival.
It’s entirely possible that Philly will act immediately after it ends.
She’s not someone I can afford to relax around.
Sensing my feelings, Kiryu-sensei smiled gently at me.
“It’s alright. I’m here beside you. Anyone who tries to harm Lady Nagisa, I will cut down.”
“Hehe. That’s reassuring but dangerous. Please reserve the use of force as a last resort.”
“...Understood.”
After this warm exchange with Kiryu-sensei, I headed to the Shinonome Family estate where Philly resides.
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By the time I arrived at the Shinonome estate, the dark sky was already showing the moon.
I headed straight to the room where Philly was.
“Lady Philly, may I have a moment?”
“Oh, Nagisa, what is it?”
Philly, who was reading a scroll inside the room, looked up.
This is Fuuka-nee’s home.
She occupies it as if it were her own, and nonchalantly reads the books that the Shinonome Family has managed for generations.
I felt anger toward her.
(So frustrating…! Why don’t I have the power to just drive this person out of this country...? Why am I like this...)