After the discussion with Yilin’s relatives came to an end, Kiyotaka, Aoi, and Yilin headed to Keage Station on foot while Komatsu and Ensho took Ensho’s motorcycle back to Gion. The rain had stopped, and the sun was on its westward descent, dyeing the sky orange.
“Come to think of it, I wonder why my father told me to investigate Takamiya’s jewel,” Yilin murmured, reflecting on her father’s request.
“Ah, well,” said Kiyotaka, “since Takamiya bought Ensho’s painting, Mr. Jing took an interest in him and did some research. He discovered that Takamiya’s son was a gem dealer and passed away twenty-three years ago. Mr. Jing had heard from Ailee that Keqing mentioned having her husband buy a rare jewel, so he sensed a possible connection.”
“So that’s the reason. I feel like I just had a strange dream.”
Yilin had believed that her existence had compelled her father’s wife to take her own life. But not only was that untrue, it was even possible that Keqing had been murdered. And then there was the realization that Yilin’s beloved nanny had actually been her biological grandmother... She sighed and lowered her gaze.
Aoi turned around. “I’m hungry. Shall we go get something to eat?”
“Oh!” Yilin blushed. “I’d love to.”
“We can finally have your welcome party! Or I’d like to, but I just realized your time with Kura is almost over,” Aoi said gloomily.
Yilin had only planned to work at Kura for the month before her graduate program began, and September was nearly at its end.
“I’d like to request a feet-washing, then,” said Yilin.
Aoi laughed. “That’s a great idea.”
Kiyotaka took his phone out of his pocket. “I’ll let the others know. Yilin, what would you like to eat?”
“Normally, I’d let you two decide...but this time, I want motsunabe again.”
“Let’s go with that, then.”
As they talked, they passed through the Nejirimanpo spiral tunnel.
“Oh!” Aoi exclaimed upon reaching the other side.
Wondering what had caught her attention, Yilin looked up and saw a large rainbow spanning the sky.
“It’s so pretty,” Aoi murmured in admiration.
“Yes,” Yilin said with a nod. As she gazed absentmindedly at the rainbow, Aoi took her hand.
“Let’s go.”
The rainbow in the orange sky seemed to be commending Yilin for her past efforts and celebrating her new journey ahead. Moved, she smiled and said, “Yes, let’s.”