After lingering in tenderness for a while longer, the two wasted no more time, leaving the hot springs and dressing themselves.
They happened to run into Kapatachiri, who was waiting outside.
"Daddy smells... strange," Kapatachiri mumbled, burying her nose in Qin Yu's shoulder with a frown.
And...
"Auntie... became Mommy?" she whispered to herself, appearing unable to comprehend.
What was going on?
"There, there, drink some water first," Qin Yu produced the Flower God's water and decisively changed the subject.
If he let this girl continue to speculate, who knew what kind of trouble would arise. He certainly didn't want a repeat of the dangerous moment in the cabin when she mistook someone for her mother.
"Thank you, Daddy." Kapatachiri's violet eyes lit up, and she quickly reached out to take the cup, gulping it down. She seemed to have drunk too quickly, even choking a couple of times.
"Easy now, drink slowly," Yae Miko smiled, coming to her side and gently wiping the corner of her mouth. She gazed at the adorably simple girl with a touch of emotion. In Kapatachiri, Miko saw the shadows of the former demons of Inazuma. Such a silly girl, so carefree.
"Mommy... thank you..." Kapatachiri blinked her large eyes, her gaze filled with gentleness and dependence. She truly loved her current life. Her past memories were long gone, leaving only pain and loneliness. But now, with a warm and reassuring Daddy and her gentle, beautiful Mommies, she was no longer alone.
*To mend regrets and make this world a better place.*
This was what Daddy had whispered in his heart when he bestowed upon her a second life.
"Is this... the good life?" Growth always happened imperceptibly. Kapatachiri stared blankly at Miko, who was wiping her mouth, and at Qin Yu, who stood by her side, and it seemed she had gained her own insights.
"Shall I take you to meet more of our family?" Qin Yu looked at the two women standing together, a picture of perfection, and felt a stirring in his heart. He gently extended his hands, greedily grasping both aspects of beauty. He would never let go again.
"Mm!" Kapatachiri's small face bloomed with a warm smile, and she nodded emphatically. Her clear eyes met Qin Yu's, as if she had made a decision. She suddenly leaned in and planted a fleeting kiss on his cheek.
"I love Daddy the most!"
...
They arrived near the lake where Lumine was undergoing her special training.
Boom—!
The air vibrated with a world-ending roar, seemingly endless. Amidst the chaotic entanglement of elemental energy, a golden-haired girl in a white dress dodged and weaved with difficulty. Ah, still the dull sword she'd found at a street stall. *Kuaishu Ge*
*Help meeeeeee—!*
At the same time, Paimon's screaming and crying could be heard. Who knew why she insisted on staying by Lumine's side; perhaps it was some mysterious setting.
"This... this is the might of Her Excellency, the General." Kujou Sara stood beneath the shade of a tree, slowly clenching her fist, her gaze filled with awe. After adapting to her newly awakened bloodline power in the forest, she had been found by Qin Yu and the others and brought here. However, the reason... she found it a bit hard to understand. To meet a few new friends? Her gaze involuntarily shifted to the lush green grass not far away.
"This, this, and that one!" Kapatachiri sat obediently on the prepared picnic blanket, pointing at the ingredients bubbling in the hot pot with a face full of curiosity. It was hard to imagine that this innocent and lively girl, with a heart like a child, possessed strength comparable to the Seven Archons.
"Miss Kapatachiri, this will take a little longer to cook." Beside her sat a short-haired woman in a red and white miko outfit, her posture proper. The woman had a clear, beautiful face and a gentle voice. Beside her lay a somewhat worn mask.
"I know, Sister Kasahori."
"..." Kujou Sara looked at Kasahori, whom she didn't recognize, and shook her head slightly. In the end, this relaxed picnic atmosphere was not suitable for her. She had to be as diligent as Her Excellency when handling state affairs, guarding Inazuma day and night. Thinking this, she sighed softly and shook her head. When would she be able to stand by Her Excellency's side and protect her personally? It was impossible, wasn't it?
Just as she was about to turn away.
"Oh, you must be Kujou Sara?" Suddenly, a faint scent of cherry blossoms wafted over, and a lively, playful voice sounded in her ear.
"Who's there?" Kujou Sara's expression changed, and she instinctively reached for her sword. But when she saw the beautiful woman before her with a gentle smile, she froze on the spot.
"H-Her Excellency, the General?!" Instantly, the serious and meticulous general of the Shogunate forces was flustered, and she instinctively took a few steps back.
Thump! She had been cornered by Her Excellency, the General!
"Sara, come and join us for a picnic." "Her Excellency," Ei, chuckled behind her hand and reached out to grab her arm. Maintaining a cold expression all the time will turn you into a fool like your sister.
"W-wait, wait...!" Kujou Sara's brain overloaded, and she began to stutter. Scenes she had only fantasized about late at night flashed through her mind. What was this gentle, wifely General doing?!
"Eh... do I not have any authority, Kitsunemiko?" Ei placed her hands on her hips, deliberately puffed out her cheeks, and even puffed out her chest.
"Heh heh... Makoto, perhaps it's best to discuss such matters with Yae," A woman in a red and white miko outfit walked out slowly from behind a tree. White hair, fox ears, a large tail. She held a pipe in one hand and curiously surveyed the surroundings, her gaze filled with surprise. Was this the desolate Seirai Island? Qin Yu's feat was truly miraculous.
"Hmph... it's quite amusing to see Lady Kitsunemiko looking like a country bumpkin in the city." Who else would speak such flattering yet openly sarcastic words other than Yae Miko? She carried a bamboo basket filled with snacks and other items. Of course, the customary program, a multiplayer card game, was also included.
"Kitsunemiko? Makoto?" Kujou Sara looked at the two fox ladies bickering with each other, then at Makoto, who was happily observing from the side. It was like everyone had taken a long journey and were now exchanging greetings and pleasantries upon their return home. The light and cheerful atmosphere couldn't help but warm her heart. In a daze, she felt a sense of unreality. The first Electro Archon... and the Great Miko. They had all returned.
"Yae— let's take a break first." By the lake, Qin Yu waved and called out loudly. As he spoke, he turned to the women and smiled slightly. "Everyone is waiting for you."
"..." Ei stopped her attack and looked at Qin Yu, her gaze softening.
"I-is it over?" Lumine sighed with relief.
"My turn."
"Ice God... don't come here!" Paimon was on the verge of tears, shaking her head. Lumine's ordeal was far from over.
...
"Sister."
"Sister."
"..." Kujou Sara looked at the two "Generals" on her left and right, her eyes shining brightly. Double the happiness. As a General enthusiast, she was deeply satisfied.
"What are you all standing around for? Let's have a picnic!" Makoto smiled and took Ei and Qin Yu's hands, announcing.
"Okay—"