The Kashu branch of Kyokoku’s Church of the Living Gods was located in downtown Angel Town.
It had been built on an excellent piece of land that, if it ever sold, would make for a great high-rise building or shopping mall. The trees and gardens were reminiscent of the shrine forest, and its cobblestone path led to a historical building surrounded by a tall fence.
The inside of the Church was full of paintings of the gods of the Four Seasons, Dawn, and Twilight.
Statues, paintings, ceiling frescos—everything was beautiful and dreamlike.
It was nearly three in the afternoon local time on April 7. The Yamatoans were shown around the Church as part of their reception, and they felt as though they had come to visit an art museum.
“They’re only displaying their wealth. They had famous artists make art out of the gods of the Seasons and Day and Night. The Church of the Living Gods loves collecting things of this sort. It’s not a love of art; it’s a sense of superiority that comes from owning all this. They even make believers hand over their art for free. They’ve got a good business going here. They’re usually closed to the public to prevent theft, but they’re showing it all to you as a display of their power. They’re telling you of all the good things that could come your way if you become friends. Don’t feel grateful for anything, please.”
Tsukihi Aragami whispered her words to the group as they took in the impressive art show.
The scorn she felt was clear in the way she spoke.
“…Captain Aragami, I’m really sorry,” Rindo apologized.
“Huh? Why are you sorry, Lord Azami?”
“Well… You didn’t want to come, did you…?”
Tsukihi Aragami was not the kind of person to disparage things this way.
She’d insulted the Dark Wolf last year before its identity came to light, but only out of concern for Kaguya. She was normally a kind and polite person; it weighed on Rindo’s heart to hear her go on about the Church’s ugly side. They had already communicated her background to the Church to warn them off trying anything funny, and her presence had already been allowed. It must’ve been stressful for her to keep the secret. She must’ve been in a bad mood ever since.
Itecho immediately added, “Allow us to give you something in return once we’re back in Yamato.”
“No, no, I don’t need anything. It’s an honor that you asked me for help to begin with.”
“How about local sake from Tsukushi?” Rindo suggested. “For you and your crew, Captain.”
“I can’t accept that! I would be just like the Church.”
That was exactly why he’d suggested a local specialty instead of money, but even that was too much for her. Rindo smiled awkwardly, then pointed at a piece of art.
“It’s a far cry from what they have here. In that case, please give a call to the Four Seasons whenever you have any trouble. We have to make up for bringing you to a place that causes you so much distress.”
Tsukihi just chuckled.
Itecho hesitated for a moment before saying, “…Captain Aragami.”
“Yes, Lord Kangetsu?”
“Before you share this experience with Lord Kaguya, could you please let me explain to him the reasons why we had to bring you here?”
Rindo was taken aback. “Huh? Lord Kaguya?”
But his dense question was ignored.
“Lord Kangetsu, I realize that Lord Kaguya is a believer, but he doesn’t know my background.”
“Oh, I see… I shouldn’t do that, then. Sorry.”
“No, it’s my fault for not telling him. I didn’t want him to think I got close to him because of it.”
“…I see.”
“Also, this is work, and I don’t share details of my work. Rest assured.”
“Apologies, that was a boorish suggestion, then. If there is anything I can do, please do ask me.”
“Yes… If anything, I’m humbled by your generosity…”
“It’s nothing. Like Azami said, please ask us for help whenever you need something.”
“…?”
Itecho knew of Tsukihi and Kaguya’s relationship.
Rindo was lost; he thought they were only friends.
Tsukihi didn’t want Kaguya to know she was the daughter of a person in power.
Their conversation kept going as they were shown through the premises. The only missing Guard was Raicho.
He hadn’t called yet, but he was allowed to act on his own, as they currently had enough escorts. Even Ruri had said there was no stopping him; if she couldn’t, no one could. Everyone also shared the impression that Raicho did a better job when he was free in the field rather than trapped in a cage.
He was what one would call a “trickster.”
So the Summer bird flew elsewhere.
My dad is more of a headache than Raicho anyway.
Rindo’s father had visited him out of the blue last night and woken him up.
Arguing with him had taken its toll, but it wasn’t all bad; they had been able to speak openly about things they hadn’t before.
I didn’t know my family was that worried.
Going from Kikka’s reaction, he couldn’t be the only one who was concerned.
His mother and siblings were equally anxious, and he shouldn’t be bothered by their concern.
It was unnecessary, but it reminded him that, even when far apart, they were his family.
The job of a Guard looked prestigious on the surface, but it inevitably sent the Guard’s life down an unusual path. However, the one whose life was changed saw their position differently from an outsider.
I have to talk with them.
He had to tell them why he had a change of heart. How much he cared about Nadeshiko. That if they only met her, they would realize that their fears would not come to pass.
“…”
Rindo looked at Nadeshiko walking ahead of him.
She was next to Sanekazura and Shirahagi, who was holding the pet carrier.
All normal.
She was acting the way she always did, no issues in sight.
He felt bad for her, since she’d spent the whole day in bed yesterday. After letting Itecho take over, he’d been with her the whole time except during his conversation with Kikka, and in the end, she’d slept all the way through to the next day without having lunch or dinner.
Rindo’s heart ached; the proposal must have upset her so much.
But now, she had done a 180 and was acting perfectly calm and collected.
He’d thought she would fret before they left, but she got ready to go out without even asking Rindo for a hug and quietly got into the car.
That’s also sad in a way.
She must have worked it all out in her mind. Liam had already been turned down, so now only the emotions needed to be resolved.
I guess this is the problem.
Rindo thought back on what Sanekazura had told him yesterday.
Handling a mischievous child was normal; handling a perfectly behaved one, not so much.
In Nadeshiko’s case, her actions weren’t the problem. The problem was that she could be bottling up serious mental problems.
Sanekazura told me to remind Nadeshiko that I’m here for her…
He should do that.
Sanekazura had grown up with her own problems with her parents.
The admirable head maid must have told him to do what she wished her parents had done for her.
Rindo couldn’t ignore what someone with such experiences had to say.
Part of him wanted to say that he knew Nadeshiko better than Sanekazura, but alas, he was blessed with a good childhood and loving parents.
Yesterday’s events reminded him of that.
“…”
He had become estranged with his father due to Nadeshiko, but in truth, Rindo respected him.
What could a blessed person do to understand someone less fortunate? He lacked the knowledge to comprehend the storm within Nadeshiko’s heart and properly deal with it before it had consequences.
What do I have?
At present, all he had was his desire to care for her.
As Rindo reflected desperately, Nadeshiko looked over her shoulder. She was probably checking to see whether he was behind her, like always.
“…”
Rindo felt sad every time she made such adorable gestures, wondering why she wasn’t loved.
She’s a better kid than I ever was.
Her actions could sometimes cause him trouble, but they were almost always things she did for somebody else. Helping others was one of the strongest instincts that drove her.
Rindo had been more childish when he was her age. He’d cared more about himself. Thinking back on all the mistakes he’d made in his immaturity could make him blush with embarrassment. However, that’s how children are, and they could mature into adults by reflecting on their mistakes. They also needed to experience forgiveness. Children can become arrogant if they’re allowed to do anything they want, but forgiveness is necessary.