On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Fifty-Six

Bowing to the pressure that the weight of expectations Hinata was putting out provided, I smiled and took a look at her new sword. She had gleefully told me the tale of how her Divine Favour had resonated with her Pot Of Faerie Gold, and Claíomh Solais had appeared to answer her call, devastating their enemies.

Mortal Claíomh Solais [Item Class: Imperious] [Item Type: Principle]

A degraded copy of the sword of Brilliant Light, gifted to heroes amongst both mortals and Fae so that they may banish the Darkness. This sword is infused with a powerful Light Element, and the bearer of this sword must remain faithful, lest the light punish them and burn their face and eyes with the scars of infidelity. The sword can project a beam of purest Light, destroying all in its path that is base, and the crystal of the blade can slowly repair itself when damaged if bathed in sunlight. This blade was lost long ago and has been found due to the unlikely confluence of a Fae artefact and a unique affinity for manipulating and enhancing treasure, drawn back from the far reaches of the Fae realms, where it has languished for many long centuries.

Hinata had been delighted at the details of her new sword, and had teased Shaeula happily, saying that her blade forbade infidelity, which was a greater shame than mere lying. Of course, Shaeula wasn’t offended, but had pretended to be, amusing everyone. That wasn’t all though, even if I did definitely feel better with Hinata having such a potent weapon for self-defence. The wooden wheel that Mae had seized from the Cardinal she had defeated was brought before me, and I had been both impressed and disgusted by the description.

It was certainly no weaker than the ring we seized from Mary Stuart. Even if its use is a bit more specialised…

Rota Iudicii [Item Class: Legendary] [Item Type: Law]

The Wheel of Judgement, crafted from wood hewn from the stakes that impale sinners who have blasphemed and rebelled against the Throne, is soaked with verum sanguis, the true blood that carries the Spirit, and threaded with a near-complete Truesoul of a willing Sainted Martyr, is a weapon that breaks both the Body and Spirit of the enemies of the Ninth Heaven.

It can grow and create deadly spikes of wood, stakes to pierce and impale sinners, but its true power is to hold Adherence, magnifying the power within and using it to empower the attacks of the Wheel, as the Spirit and Truesoul within acts as an amplifier and battery.

It was quite the ominous description, and I ended up checking Shaeula’s ring as well with my new insights.

Anulus Fortunae [Item Class: Legendary] [Item Type: Fate]

The Ring of Fortune, forged from a near complete Truesoul of a willing Sainted Martyr, gold from the tributes and tithes taken from the faithful and treasures looted from the blasphemous, containing a potent Adherence, and the refined and processed Adherence of great luck, grants the bearer astonishing good Fortune so long as their belief in such Fortune never wavers. The protection of Fortune and the Adherence contained and imbued within the Truesoul woven into the Ring shields the wearer from great harm, magnifying existing Fortune dramatically.

I can’t believe they forged living beings into artefacts. Whether they were volunteers, or perhaps injured and dying, we’ll never know. But… Much as I despised such ideas, I could see how it worked, a natural advancement on Shapercrafting and Truesoul Crafting. Worse, I can see how the treasures are so powerful. The Truesouls were still… alive… if that was the word. I could see a faint mist of soullight fortifying the artefacts. It’s no wonder the Church is so enraged at losing Mary Stuart’s ring.

Setting that aside, our time had run out, so we returned to the Material together. It was around half past four in the morning now, and Shaeula and I were surrounded by those needing Chirurgery and charging up with aether, within a large pavilion-style tent set up on the grounds of Shirohebizumi shrine.

“That wasn’t much fun…” the elegant older woman, Narumi-san, who was the heart of AKB0048, sighed, wiping her tears. When I said older, she was only a couple of years older than me, and looked younger, perhaps due to her rigorous diet and exercise regime, and she frowned, so I wiped those thoughts from my mind. “…but I do feel… it’s odd. Like… I’ve had a great sleep and am fully refreshed, even though I know that’s not true.”

She was wearing a tracksuit and t-shirt, basic training wear, as were the other fifty or so girls around us. They weren’t ordinary, though, they were clearly custom made, and very cute, in red, green and gold. Several of the group, namely Keiko-chan, Ema-san and Asuka-san, were watching smugly, beside Daiyu, who was observing the Chirurgery with great interest.

“I remember that…” the youngest, Ema-san, winced. “Don’t worry Rumi-Rumi, it’s totally worth it! We’re idols, no matter how repetitive or hard the training we endure, we can do it for the fans, and… and for Akio-kun!” Ema-san winked at me, and I had to return her smile, though mine was rather tired. Even with my massively enhanced stats and the Lovers’ Link I shared with Rose and Lin, having performed great feats in restoring Mae and Hana, I was now feeling the fatigue.

“For him, huh?” Narumi-san gave her a hard look. Unlike the other idols of AKB0048, the three of them were wearing capes and caps in addition to their tracksuits, and they had rank insignia pins shaped like diamonds on their lapels and t-shirts. As Ema-san flushed, she tilted her head, knocking on it with one fist in the common gesture for amused apology girls often made.

“It’s a bit different for you, Rumi-Rumi! But we… we joined Adamant. Of course, the commanders would be happy to have you, but even if you don’t…” She glanced at Keiko-chan, who took over.

“…this is a huge opportunity. The priceless nature of Chirurgery, as well as the potential to gain a Class, isn’t something money can buy. Better still… Matriarch Daiyu will be training all of you in Cultivation alongside us. When we’re done after these couple of weeks, we’ll be idols beyond compare… oh, sorry.” she apologised. “I can’t forget you as well, Suzu-chan, Tamami-chan!”

Indeed, Suzu was here too, in her own training wear, which was still goth-loli style, which was a feat in tracksuit and t-shirt, but it was all black lace and cloth-of-gold. Beside her were the three idols from Red and White, my sister’s favourite group, and they were in shrine maiden attire, though the skirts were short with spats underneath to preserve their modesty, and their tops were sleeveless for ease of movement.

“Yes.” Tamami-san agreed, speaking for her group. “I am grateful for the Chirurgery. My parents have been pressing for it, since I’m a shrine maiden at Kanda-myōjin, but… a lot of things happened.”

“They did indeed.” I agreed, remembering the disruption to their concert at Kyoto. “Still, you and Daiyu…”

“Me too!” Suzu insisted, and I smiled warmly, remembering her terrible family. Don’t worry, since you don’t want to go home, no, since you made here your home, if they cause trouble I will squash them without mercy.

“Yes, you too.” I agreed. “It’s a big job, shepherding around these idols and showing them the ropes, while managing training too.” The South Korean contingent would be alongside the idols, as Daiyu was training Kim Eui, and Yu-mi also wanted to start honing her skills. There had actually been five arrivals, two more than planned, and Yu-mi had been apologetic, but Hinata had some leeway for contingencies, so was sorting it out.

“It’s better than bothering Arisu-chan!” Suzu snickered. “She’s going all out, but she’s in a bit of a bad mood. Maybe because you asked her for the unreasonable? She’s still doing it though. She can’t turn down the boss, nor you, Akio-kun! It’s kind of funny how her ice has melted.”

“You think so?” Asuka-san shivered. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s awesome, a real star, and I’m glad she had her name cleared from all those lies. Idols like us live in the same world, have the same fears… but… she’s scary!”

“I respect her resolve and talents.” Daiyu spoke up firmly. “She is certainly one who can be called a prodigy. In just a short while she has thoroughly mastered her Favour, and it can do things that were doubtless not intended.”

“That’s our Arisu-chan!” Suzu nodded, agreeing, her usual blonde drill-curls bouncing. Oddly enough, they reminded me of the tails Mae and Hana were sporting. “She gives a thousand percent to everything she does. If she was an idol, we’d be totally outshone!”

As we finished up the Chirurgery and charging of the remaining idols, conversation continued on Arisu-san’s preparations. She had a massive film crew, sourced from FujiTV, which had now fallen under Fujiwara house control, though Miyu had told me that FujiTV was going to be rebranded as a news outlet covering Chosen matters and the changing world, and would be under my ownership, as thanks for my help with her and Honoka. I immediately made Arisu-san the manager and shareholder, and so Arisu-san, me and Fujiwara house each had a stake in the company, though mine was the largest. My sis was shocked. She wants to present some programs. I’m not sure that’s a good idea though…

“All right… Daiyu, you’re in charge.” The Chirurgery was done at last, and Daiyu nodded. The arrayed idols seemed a little nervous, but as Daiyu started to address them as her new disciples, looking rather satisfied, I exchanged glances with Shaeula, and we slipped out, leaving them to it.

Outside, the scene could best be described as organised chaos, Arisu-san marshalling her crew, making sure that the burned and damaged training school was in the background of the area set up for the broadcast. Since I had already received Shirohebi’s blessings, while everyone else was starting the Pilgrimage, I’d be having a quick interview with the press.

I could also see Major Sasaki and Lieutenant Banri, alongside several Special Forces soldiers who had been chosen for this. There were Ministry Police here too, including Detective Kato and Officer Usui. I was about to greet them when my sister came running up, followed by Yae and Rika-san. I paused, blinking, and as Shaeula snickered, clearly amused, Yae spoke up, her face flushed.

“Don’t say anything, all right? Rika-chan and I, we’re grateful that you are prepared to include us.” Yae was wearing the coat, skirt and shirt of Adamant, a cap balanced jauntily on her head, though Rika-san was in casual clothes, jeans, jumper and warm coat. “I’m… not going to ask you. I’m too much of a coward, really. It’s rough, they say the first one to fall in love loses, right?” Her smile was lopsided and rather full of yearning, but her brown eyes were bold.

“Maybe that’s right, or maybe it isn’t.” she continued. “But… whether or not the future holds… us… I know I want a future different to what I’ve dreamed of. And honestly, the prospects here are great!” Yae winked, and the heavy mood dissipated. “Sure, I’m starting from the bottom as a grunt, Ai-chan wasn’t able to get me in as an Officer…”

“Hey…” my sis shrugged. “You need to speak to Hinata for that. And… you know her reasons.”

“I do.” Yae agreed. “And honestly, I understand them. I’ll be… never mind.” She suddenly giggled. “All that matters is I’m as determined as any to make this work. Rika-chan and I are definitely moving to Tokyo as soon as we graduate, so… I’m just getting a head-start.”

I nodded, understanding. Honestly, Yae makes me feel a lot of complicated feelings. I certainly don’t feel the urge to romance her, but… as a friend… “Adamant isn’t something trivial, yes, but… the prospects are indeed excellent for a career. Though the rules…”

“No kidding!” Rika-san agreed. “I couldn’t join, even knowing that you won’t pull anything, Akio-kun. I don’t have the guts! But… I’m definitely going to work for you when I graduate! My family always said I was too dumb for a career better than waitressing or just being a housewife, but I’ll prove them wrong!”

“Yeah, the two of them have knuckled down a lot!” my sis agreed, praising them. We talked for a little bit, before they thanked me for the opportunity. I told them to thank my sis instead, as she borrowed the money to pay their share, and as they left, laughing, Shaeula snorted.

“I very-very much like Yae. She is amusing. And would not-not be a terrible choice…”

“It’s not about that. I can’t accept everyone I like! I mean, I’ve got two new Valkyrie brides in the future, and Tan…”

“Tan is not-not a problem, after all, she is within Shiro, is she not-not?” Shaeula sniffed, as we headed for the shrine. I caught sight of Hinata, who was accompanied by Miyu, Honoka and Sakura-san, as well as a great gaggle of students from Hanafubuki. There were a few noble sons too, Hinata’s cousin Minoru-kun for one, his eyes sparkling, as we were delivering on the early stages of our promise to make him a superhero, as well as Hinata’s brother Hiroto-san. But the girls certainly outnumbered them. I spotted several of those I’d healed, Hazuki-san giving me a polite wave.

Twenty percent, huh? And she wants more than half? I… get it. If we control virtually all the noble daughters, we essentially control the nobility and its continuation ourselves, but… there’s surely problems. Mayumi-san was with them too, as were a scattering of other people. Honestly, the Pilgrimage had escalated into an event far beyond what I had envisaged, but… if it worked… adherence. Can we generate it in great enough amounts…?

The Favours I carried were drawing from me steadily, and I planned to deal with one of them tonight, at our first overnight stay. Hinata had of course organised the route, with help from Tsukiko, Kana and also…

“Oh, she is here-here!” Shaeula rushed to greet Yukiko-san, who was with Tsukiko, standing outside Shirohebizumi shrine. “Yukiko, it is good-good to see you! I am most-most curious to see the Imperial Palace and also-also your majestic shrine at Ise!”

Yukiko-san, who was wearing her red and gold shrine maiden hakama, as well as a great deal of clearly antique jewellery of religious significance, nodded politely. She cast a sidelong glance at me for a moment, her cheeks faintly pink, before she looked down for a moment. Then she glanced at me calmly. “Akio-san, Shaeula. Yes, it will be… interesting. Though…” Her cheeks reddened again. “The Imperial Palace is going to be rather trying. Awakening the Tsukumogami will be no easy feat… I would have said, but…” She took a deep breath, and I felt Yukiko-san’s League surge. “…Tsukiko wasn’t mistaken. You’ve leapt ahead again. Honestly, even looking at you, you’re blinding to my eyes, like the sun.”

As Shaeula snickered, I shrugged. “Yes, I’ve made progress, but I’ve hit a bit of an impasse. But who knows, the Pilgrimage might be well timed. Anyway, you’ve a lot of responsibility here, Yukiko-san. Though I’m sure Kana and Tsukiko are ready to give their all.”

Tsukiko nodded, her own beautifully detailed hakama barely disguising her explosive figure. She was wearing a veil, but it was a sheer silken one decorated with religious iconography, and it did little to hide her beauty, crimson eyes shining. “It has been a while since I have performed religious duties. I confess, I am looking forward to such again. And… my parents will be accompanying us. I would have them see both my spiritual calling and…” Now her veil wasn’t covering her scarlet cheeks. “…my calling as a woman.”

I nodded. “Yeah, it’s really quite selfish, but I’m glad that my parents and Eri’s are coming too. Kana’s grandfather is missing out though, as he has to stay and manage Shirohebizumi shrine, but Kana’s parents are joining us. Having a little extra strength could certainly make our families safer. Though in your case…”

Tsukiko nodded. We had given her parents Chirurgery, as they were old and rather frail, but they were greatly devout, so Tsukiko, despite not being close to her parents, wanted them to experience this once-in-a-lifetime religious event firsthand. Although if this works, I suspect we’ll be running a second Pilgrimage later on…

“You can go now.” Yukiko-san smiled. “I know you’re busy. Everything is in hand. Kudou Shiori-san is gathering up the trainees, with help from the girl from Hisuikomushi shrine. Though…” Yukiko-san let out a giggle, and I raised an eyebrow quizzically, so she explained.

“Seeing as their small shrine is the second stop on this Pilgrimage, she is rather stressed. I sympathise. But at least her stress will be over quickly. Now, continue your inspection. You need to be back to open the Pilgrimage, then… you are on TV again.”

I put up with Yukiko-san’s teasing for a while, before we swept away. She was right, time was wasting. I reached the shrine, where I saw Kana, in her resplendent new hakama, talking to a number of our trainees. Ren-kun was there, as was Chiasa-chan and Chiaki-chan. They both wore their Adamant versions of shrine maiden attire, and as Chiaki-chan spotted me, her sister turned and they both bowed, likely communicating via Telepathy.

The three Takakura sisters were here too, with Shiori-san, as was someone I wasn’t expecting at all. On seeing me, the young woman put a hand to her mouth, and let out a very unladylike string of curses. “Whoa, fuck me sideways, Shiori-chan, it’s Akio-kun in the fucking flesh again! Be still my heart, I think I might piss myself. Somehow he’s got hotter than before? How the fuck is that fair? Or even shitting well possible?” She was wearing casual clothing, blue jeans and a woollen jumper in cream. Her hair was done up in a quite adult style, leaving her neck bare, and she’d clearly put some effort into her makeup.

As Shaeula doubled over, howling with laugher, I shook my head. “Hotaru-san…”

“I’m surely a -chan. Shit, just skip right over that and call my by name alone. I’m not the sort of bitch who makes someone like you be all respectful.” She winked. “Anyway, big jugs and her sisters…” she slapped Mizuki-san on the shoulder. “…were telling me all about your heroics. Fucking amazing! Honestly though, Kana-chan here’s insane too! Everyone’s so fucking brave. Even big jugs here!”

“I keep telling you, I’m not ‘big jugs’, I’m Mizuki!” The girl in question crossed her arms angrily, though that did nothing to dispel the allusions to her nickname, and I glanced away tactfully, as the hakama she was wearing didn’t hide much of her bodyline.

“Oh, and who the fuck was telling me that she knew Akio-kun would come to heal her, because she has mesmerised him with her whopping melons? It sure as shit wasn’t me!” Hotaru-chan teased, as Mizuki-san flushed a deep crimson. Shaking her head, she glanced at me with tears in her eyes and I gave her a reassuring smile, before I turned back to Hotaru-chan, even as Shaeula started teasing Mizuki-san and her sisters.

“I know you were planning to attend the training school, but the Pilgrimage… it’s… very expensive.” I suggested, and she shrugged.

“Fuck me, yeah. Dad nearly had a heart attack, but shit, it’s not like you don’t give him one on the regular anyway. We scraped the cash together, and I went and paid off your rich girl Hinata-chan, so fuck it, I’m all in!” She glanced around with great interest. “Shiori-chan’s always going on about her religion, and shit, I’m more an atheist girl, being a modern woman, but…” She shrugged at Shirohebi, androgynous as ever, his solemn vestments and broad-brimmed hat making him the archetypal priest. “…I’m also not a fucking idiot. I want in! Dad’s not going to be Prime Minister forever, can’t rely on him to make our family filthy rich!”

“There is more to this than money.” Shiori-san warned, and Hotaru-chan shrugged.

“Don’t I fucking know it? There are those girls wearing the uniforms and badges. Adamant, right?” Hotaru-chan winked at me. “Way to go, guy! You’re a damn sight better than the modern Japanese men, bunch of pussies can’t even talk to a girl. Men should be bold, daring and fucking handsome and brave!” She gave me a thumbs-up, and I couldn’t help but smile. Yeah, Hotaru-chan is certainly… unique. No wonder Abe-san has such a hard time with her.

I was going to reply when Ichika-san, dressed in a smart suit, hurried over. She smiled at Shaeula a touch tremulously, before taking a deep breath. “Sorry to bother you when you’re busy. I’m helping out Karen-san, and… there’s a bit of a problem. Can you… come help solve it. Everyone is… getting rather heated.”

I frowned. “All right. Not sure which idiot is causing trouble, but I’ll handle it. Sorry girls, I’ll catch you later once Pilgrimage begins.” I hurried off with Ichika-san, who was also partaking in Pilgrimage as one of our staffers, and Shaeula’s friend. That had been a pain, the cost brought back bad memories for her, but when I explained it’d be garnished off her salary interest free over the next year or so, she relented, especially after Shaeula insisted that she could pay for her.

Really, it’s amazing what a group we’ve gathered. Friends, family, the military and politics, nobility, faith and more… I know that there’s some Fae here too. Prince Aethelathrion was here for the first time, sent over by Nie Ling, and Princess Ffionnan was here again, wanting to see her investment at work. While they were only able to be present for the start of the Pilgrimage, as Nie Ling and Ginneka were too vital to the running of our Territory and the ongoing construction on the Material, even a brief tour fascinated them. Bell and Teare are here too, as is Moira, as she felt taking a look could increase her understanding of mortal matters and help her planning and strategies…

Reaching our destination, I could see Kana’s mother in her shrine maiden hakama, with a plate of tea and treats. Karen-chan was there too, in a business suit, as was Noboru-san, and beside him was his gyaru daughter Sana-san, who… Adamant uniform, huh? Didn’t see that one coming. Noboru-san met my eyes, and I mouthed an apology, but he only shrugged, rolled his eyes and made a waving gesture with his hand, which I interpreted as ‘she does what she wants, neither you nor I can stop her’.

“…won’t stand for this. It’s not funny!” A familiar voice, Yasu-kun’s, in fact, rang out loudly, and I winced. I wasn’t the only one, as Karen-chan frowned too, eyebrows drooping, and I recognised the signs of a woman getting angry. You need to cool it, Yasu-kun!

“You might want to calm down…” Hayato-kun was saying reasonably. “Your cousin won’t listen if you’re always shouting…”

“Why should I listen?” Hisano-san cried, her tone frosty. “I’m simply making a career choice! You should be happy for me, cousin Yasu-kun!”

Now that I could see the situation clearly, it wasn’t just Sana-san who was wearing an Adamant uniform. Hisano-san was as well, and honestly, I thought she carried it off quite well, as she faced down her older relative, meeting his gaze firmly, not even blinking behind her fashionable glasses. Seeing us arriving, Hayato-kun and the gang were relieved, but Yasu-kun wasn’t so easily mollified, it seemed. Seeing me coming, he pointed at his cousin, his temper up.

“Akio-kun, what’s the meaning of this? You’re drafting little Hisano-chan into your harem after all?”

“It’s not his harem, dumbass.” Shugo-kun shrugged, frustrated. “You’ve had it explained to you. Besides, you think Akio-kun would do that?”

“That’s right!” Aimi-chan agreed. She still looked a little depressed after the events of the Tengokusentou, where her boyfriend was an unwilling pawn of Fujiwara Hidemasa, which almost led to a great number of casualties, but having something to do had raised her spirits a little. I’ll just have to pretend I don’t see she’s used a lot of makeup to cover her pallor and the dark shadows under her eyes. See. Tact. I can learn it. Maybe you should too, Yasu-kun.

As if to prove my point, Sana-san spoke up. “Hey, like, Kana-chan is totes giving you the stink-eye. If you want to look completely lame and get dumped, go for it, but…”

“Sana! Don’t speak to your elders like that…” Noboru-san began, but she cut him off with a withering eyeroll, before pointing one tanned finger which sparkled with cheap rings, at Yasu-kun.

“Dad, shut up! This isn’t a matter of age, it’s a matter of principle. I’m totes on Hisano-chan’s side. And worse… you’re basically saying that everyone who wears the uniform is a slut just after Akio-kun, right? That’s so epically, totes bold of you! All the fancy rich girls around here, Luciana-chan, even some of the female Special Forces, right? Go up to their faces and tell them that, I dare you!”

“That’s right! I won’t stand for it!” Hisano-san puffed herself up. “It’s an honour to be accepted. Not everyone is! And yes, the rules are there, but… it’s not the rule, but the why, Yasu-kun!” She glanced at me, poking at her glasses, suddenly embarrassed. “Honestly, I’m not alone in that I say… if Akio-kun asked me, I’d happily accept. I don’t have to be in Adamant for that, do I?” At our incredulous looks, she flushed scarlet, her glasses steaming up a little, but she took a deep breath, removed her glasses, cleaned them and then replaced them before continuing.

“I don’t mean to make things awkward, and… I’m not coming onto you. I promise. I wouldn’t have the confidence!” Her laugh was bitter, but before I could speak her smile became more genuine, and rather bright. “I know what you’re going to say, and I get it. I… don’t think I’m as bad as I thought. And that’s why I want to be in Adamant. I’ll never know my limits, never know if I can be my best self, what my best self even is… without putting in the effort. I’m fortunate in that I’m a girl, suitable for Adamant, suitable to be one of your chosen few.” Her brown eyes were serious now, and even Yasu-kun was listening, which was a point in his favour.

“I only don’t have the confidence because… do you expect me to compare to Shaeula or Kana-chan?” At her praise, Shaeula nodded proudly, winking one amber eye. “I… don’t think I’m that bad a prospect anymore, really. Thanks to Maiko-chan, Kana-chan, commander Hinata-sama… I know what I want to do. So, cousin, it’s none of your business, but… you look out for me in your own way, so I’ll be blunt. There’s not a single person in Adamant who would refuse, rules or no. Even those who had doubts to start with… I mean…”

“Yeah, totes look at him. Akio-kun’s like… supernaturally hot, isn’t he?” Sana-san giggled. “Dad, would you really complain if Akio-kun came onto me? Even if it was only a quick one-night stand?”

“No, but…” Noboru-san admitted, troubled. “I know Akio-san is a fair man, and treasures those he loves, but… it’s complicated. In that, I understand Yasu-san.”

“Yeah.” Yasu-san had calmed down. “Oh Hisano-chan, it seems only yesterday you were a shy bookworm who followed me around or just hid in the corner at family gatherings…”

“It was just yesterday you didn’t have a girlfriend, and uncle and auntie thought you’d die alone.” she shot back, making those of us who knew Yasu-kun laugh. “And if you don’t improve, Karen-chan will leave you. She’s too good for you, cousin!”

“Don’t I know it.” Yasu-kun admitted, before apologising. “Sorry, Hisano-chan, sorry Karan-chan, sorry everyone.” He bowed. “I got too heated. My bad.”

“Aren’t you going to apologise to Akio-kun?” Hisano-chan asked, and Yasu-kun shook his head.

“Hell no! My cousin just admitted she fancies one of my best friends. I’m in shock and upset! Besides, harem bastards must die! Why is it always him?”

I could tell he was joking, mostly anyway, so I played along. “You’re right. I don’t deserve your apology. After all… I got married to a pair of Valkyries the other day…”

There was silence, before Nagi-san laughed softly. “Oh, more rivals for poor Kana. My daughter will have to step up her game…”

“Valkyries? Seriously? They must be gorgeous… and busty!” Shugo-san chortled, and before I could answer, the speaker towers set up around the shrine whined, and I could hear Kana’s voice.

“Testing, one, two. Seems good. Okay then. It’s nearly time. Everyone please report to the staging area at the front of Shirohebizumi shrine. Akio, you come too, you need to make a speech and start us off, before your TV appearance. All right then… Princess, Tsukiko, do you want to say a few words?”

“I shall.” Tsukiko was next. “As the noble Lady Diviner, who reveres and died for the Gods, it makes me so very happy to see everyone prepared to make this Pilgrimage. But… as someone who was reborn and now wants to live my own life… please remember that the Gods and Kami are worthy of our respect and worship, but… we must forge our own future. Nothing is Definite but our bonds with each other!”

“Well said.” Yukiko-san was next to speak. “I’ll be brief, as time is ticking, and I’ll no doubt be utterly depressed from all the speeches I’ll have to give during this Pilgrimage, but… I’m more than happy to be entrusted with the task of co-leading this event. I know it might be difficult, as I am the Imperial Princess, but… on this Pilgrimage we are all simply worshipers making offerings and seeking the benevolence of the Gods. Please don’t treat me as anyone special. Besides…” Her tone was teasing now. “…I’m not anything special compared to Akio-san now, am I? If you can stay calm around him, I should be easy!”

With that, the speakers let out a momentary buzz of static before falling silent, and I turned to everyone waiting here. “All right then. We should get a move on. If we’re late, we’ll get in trouble.”

“You certainly will.” Karen-chan agreed, smiling softly. “Arisugawa-san strikes me as someone who believes in punctuality.”

I nodded. That’s true. And considering we’re relying on her Room a great deal, I should be sure to adequately respect her. I’ll have to come up with some rewards for all her hard work…