Under the guidance of Kano Nana, the group made their way to Mt. Yougou.
"Hmm... why aren't we there yet?"
"Sayu, I can't keep my eyes open."
Sayu drooped her small head, swaying unsteadily.
This made Qin Yu feel helpless.
With Sayu like this, he wouldn't have a chance to build a good relationship with the little loli.
Please don't misunderstand.
Qin Yu simply wanted to collect emotional points.
However, this time, it was clearly going to be difficult.
He wanted to interact with this sleepy little "tanuki."
But the girl's eyelids were heavy, and she wasn't responding at all.
He racked his brains trying to earn emotional points, but he hadn't earned as much as when he watched Sayu and the tanuki argue.
What kind of system was this, a melon-eating system?
[Please do not question the system's professionalism.]
[Only by getting closer can you earn points faster.]
Getting closer to the little loli?
This is seriously tempting.
"Open up! The Tenryou Commission is here to deliver warmth!"
Qin Yu scoffed internally and had to put his plan aside for now.
As they ascended the mountain path, the crowd of people became noticeably denser.
Tonight's festival was jointly organized by the shrine and the Yashiro Commission, making it exceptionally grand.
Naturally, it attracted a large amount of attention.
After the final stretch of the path, the view opened up suddenly.
Cherry blossoms drifted down, making the distant cluster of buildings appear even more magnificent.
It was the Sacred Sakura, emitting a soft glow, appearing dreamlike and illusory.
"This is the Grand Narukami Shrine... It's so beautiful!"
Hiiragi Chiriko, holding the little tanuki, blinked her beautiful eyes.
This was her first time leaving the Kanjou Commission and coming to such a distant place.
Bathed in the cherry blossoms, the young girl's pretty face lit up with a smile, and she spun around.
Her skirt fluttered, and petals danced.
All beauty seemed to pause under her gentle grace, offering blessings and protection.
Qin Yu admired her peerless figure.
He had to admit, the silly girl's charm was becoming increasingly captivating.
Even though she was sometimes a bit clumsy.
Hiiragi Chiriko noticed Qin Yu's gaze and her cheeks flushed.
She shyly lowered her head and whispered,
"Do you like it, Kiba?"
Qin Yu averted his gaze. "Just alright."
A slight curve formed on Hiiragi Chiriko's lips.
Kiba was truly not straightforward.
"Sayu, I want to rest on a tree for a bit."
The swaying little loli rubbed her eyes.
Qin Yu asked curiously, "Aren't you going home?"
"Home?"
Sayu's small body trembled, and a mist formed in her eyes.
"Today is an important day."
"Lady Ayaka will be here."
"So Sayu cannot sleep."
After saying this, Sayu squatted down and hugged herself.
She turned into a gust of wind and rolled away.
Leaving the surrounding people in a state of confusion.
What just darted out?
Qin Yu came back to his senses, his expression odd.
As expected of a seasoned ninja, she left as soon as she said it.
The way she rushed off was quite cute.
"Sister, will Lady Kamisato be attending the festival?"
He had just practiced the Kamisato style of swordsmanship in the village.
It was truly a case of fearing who you least wanted to meet.
Kamisato Ayaka might still be suspicious of him, and if they met...
"Kiba, what are you talking about?"
Hiiragi Chiriko leaned in close to Qin Yu, becoming a curious baby.
In reality, she had already subtly pricked up her ears.
"Nothing, just that the young lady from the Yashiro Commission is coming."
"Oh."
Hiiragi Chiriko didn't say much, but she moved closer to Qin Yu again, inwardly on guard.
Her intuition told her that Lady Kamisato posed a significant threat.
Kano Nana nodded. "The festival is jointly organized by the shrine and the Yashiro Commission, so the young lady naturally attaches great importance to it."
She then smiled meaningfully,
"If you wish to catch a glimpse of the Shirasagi Himegimi, I suggest you secure a good spot in advance."
Hiiragi Chiriko pouted.
She was unhappy and needed to be coaxed.
Qin Yu glanced at the visibly jealous girl and calmly said, "You're thinking too much."
He now only wished to stay far away from Kamisato Ayaka.
The group chatted as they traversed the festival grounds.
Hiiragi Chiriko, who had been holding onto Qin Yu's clothes, suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?"
Suddenly being pulled back, Qin Yu turned around.
He found Hiiragi Chiriko staring curiously at a stall.
It turned out to be a common ring toss game.
After paying Mora, one could use rings to try and catch prizes.
It had already attracted a crowd, and the atmosphere was lively.
A cheer rang out.
"Yay! Okay, I got it!"
The person excitedly walked away with a plush toy.
It was a figure of the Almighty Shogun, the Great Narukami Shrine's most revered leader.
A limited edition from Yae Publishing House.
The surrounding crowd immediately erupted.
"Boss, let me try!"
"Me too!"
The onlookers eagerly handed over their Mora.
Qin Yu scoffed. "A game for kids."
Didn't these people realize the first person was a plant?
Just as he was about to look away, his expression darkened.
Because Hiiragi Chiriko was pouting pitifully.
"Hey, Kiba, I want to play that."
"Please?"
Having never traveled far from home, Hiiragi Chiriko was captivated by this simple game at first glance.
Qin Yu pressed his forehead.
He had almost forgotten that he had a silly girl following him.
Her longing gaze sparkled like pearls.
He looked apologetically at Kano Nana, his eyes seeking her opinion.
"It's alright, the Guuji-sama won't mind."
Kano Nana covered her mouth and chuckled, winking.
"Thank you, sister."
Qin Yu nodded and led his follower, who was hiding behind him, forward.
"Stay close to me, don't wander off."
"Mhm, Kiba, you're so good."
"..."
Why did it feel like he was taking care of a child?