Published: January 24, 2026
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The grounds of the Heavenly Spirit Shrine were enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.
Ahead, the neatly laid stone pavement stretched out, lantern flames flickering in the wind, as the worship hall stood quietly.
Though there was a murmur among the people, their voices were hushed, as if in reverence.
In front of the tower erected beside the main hall, many people had already gathered.
We stood outside that circle, holding candied apples, waiting for the beginning.
“...It’s amazing. So many people have gathered,” Luna whispered softly.
At her voice, Oliver also narrowed his eyes and responded.
“That just shows how important this event is to the people of this country.”
At that moment, a familiar voice came from beyond the crowd.
“Hey, Orun and the others!”
Turning around, we saw Mr. Haruto approaching with his hand raised.
Behind him were Ms. Katina and Mr. Huey.
All three wore light clothing suitable for movement, but their expressions were bright.
“You three are here too? I thought you’d be on the other side as officials.”
“Our position now is a bit delicate. Well, today we’ll quietly watch from here.”
“I see. Oh, by the way, want a candied apple? Ms. Katina and Mr. Huey too?”
“Ah, thanks. This brings back memories~”
Mr. Haruto’s face relaxed as he took the candied apple.
“Fuuka recommended it, so I bought one to try. It’s delicious.”
“That was her favorite. I was made to buy them a few times back then,” Mr. Haruto said with a very gentle expression.
Before we knew it, the people around us began focusing their attention on the tower.
Bonfires were lit all at once, casting a soft glow on the tower.
The sound of kagura bells rang out, and the waves of people gradually quieted.
From deep within the tower, two girls dressed in shrine maiden attire appeared.
One was the current princess of this country—Nagisa Asagiri.
The other was a girl wearing a fox mask—Fuuka Shinonome.
Their appearance caused a slight murmur among the crowd.
Listening to their voices, it seemed people were confused because usually only Nagisa stood there; now there was someone unfamiliar with her.
Nagisa stepped forward another pace.
Straightening her back, she opened her mouth in a clear voice.
“Everyone—thank you for gathering today. From now, we will dedicate a dance to purify this country and help it walk forward once more.”
At her words, the murmuring gradually quieted.
“However, before we dedicate the dance, please allow me to say a few words. This year’s Spirit Dance Festival was unlike usual. On the first day of the festival, a monster appeared in this town of Hanemiya.”
With Nagisa’s words, the air in the shrine grounds tightened.
Everyone recalled that nightmarish event.
“The phantom demons who attacked the town, and the great serpent spoken of in legend—the Yata no Hebi. They were born from miasma that could not be sealed. And... the reason for this lies in our past.”
Nagisa lowered her eyes for a moment, then raised her face again.
“A few years ago, this country underwent a great change. My father rebelled against the oppressive Shinonome family, the ruling house at the time.”
The expressions of the people hardened. It was a history everyone knew, or had been told.
“At the end of that battle, the Shinonome family was defeated, and my father lost his life. I have borne this country as princess, inheriting my father’s will.”
There was no tremor in Nagisa’s voice. She spoke quietly, stating facts.
“...But the Spirit Dance Festival ritual I have performed as princess was incomplete. I am not truly the princess. I am merely a shrine maiden who dedicates the dance.”
Hearing that, people’s gazes turned again to the girl beside her wearing the fox mask.
Nagisa then said straightforwardly.
“And this one is the true princess—Fuuka Shinonome.”
After a moment of silence, the atmosphere shifted with a stir.
“Shinonome!?”
“Princess...?”
“Is she the real one?”
Confusion, shock, and hesitation swept through the shrine grounds.