Mistral says it is an incredible dance and that she greatly appreciates the night kagura. Priscilla-chan also earnestly watches while doing her utmost to stuff the food from her hands into her mouth. Incidentally, due to us watching the night kagura while standing, Mistrial and I are taking turns holding the small Priscilla-chan so that she can see the stage.
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I’m surprised. The two of them are taking more of an interest than I expected. I was worried they might not be interested in this because they are from different cultures with different customs. I was ready to have to lead them someplace else if they weren’t.
Where could we go on the last day of the year? I doubt the fountain at the park or the crowded shops in the business district are places to go on the night of the new year.
Maybe the royal castle? Around now, the normally rugged stone castle is beautifully decorated. It should be glittering from all the lights shining on it.
Many people who don’t gather at the temple head to the royal castle. The plaza before the castle has been opened to the public, and because the royal family presents itself at the royal observation room every new year, people will go there to see them.
Speaking of which, it’s being said that Risita will also be making an appearance this year. If that’s the case, then the plaza before the castle might be more packed than usual.
If it’s how I think it will be, I can’t recommend taking a trip to the royal castle either. If I were just with Mistral, it would be one thing, but Priscilla-chan would do as she pleases even within a crowd of people. I’m positive we’d absolutely lose sight of her.
I wonder what Ristia is up right now? Is he at a lavish ball with various aristocrats? Slatton, Cleisio, and also Neimie should also be with him. Naturally, the fourth princess, Seris-sama will be there.
With the event at the temple being the highest priority for the shrine maidens Kiira and Inea, they shouldn’t be at the royal castle. Those girls can only truly stay with Risita all the time after successfully completing their year away without any mishaps and officially marrying him.
Not being able to get married until the year long departure is completed, aren’t I the same? I also can’t formally marry Ruiseine until after the next year.
What about with Mistral? Do dragon tribesmen have their own wedding traditions?
I glance at Mistral. Maybe she noticed my gaze because she too glances my way and smiles.
“What a wonderful dance. While we too have lively dances, they are nothing like this one. This leaves a very solemn impression.”
“Yeah, this dance has been handed down for thousands of years. It is performed as an offer to the Megami-sama of Creation, so it’s very sacred.”
“So this is what Ernea wanted us to see?”
“Fufufu, unfortunately, this isn’t what we’re here for. Of course, I’m not saying this isn’t great either.”
I make a meaningful laugh and go back to watching the night kagura. Mistral tilts her head at my lack of an answer, but also returns her attention to the stage with me.
Then, as if perfectly timed, the dance ends and the music stops. At the same time, hustle and bustle returns to the plaza.
“It’s over?” (Mistral)
“No, watch the stage.” (Enrea)
“Nntto, finished eating.”
“Yes, now wipe your mouth. The new year is almost here.” (Enrea)
The dance coming to a stop is proof that the new year is close.
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I wipe Priscilla-chan’s mouth for her and take her trash.
“Nntto, hold. Can’t see much.”
Priscilla-chan strains herself to make herself as tall as possible.
When the night kagura ended, Mistral set her down. Except, once her face was clean, she demanded to be picked back up. Is it because she likes being held, or is she just very interested in the night kagura?
“Yes, yes.”
Mistral makes a wry smile and lifts her with both hands.
Except, that won’t be all that important soon.
Deep down in my heart, I smile.
On the stage, the shrine maiden-sama and priests who finished dancing go back into the temple. In their place, someone comes from the temple.
Her clothes are much purer than what the dancing shrine maiden-sama were wearing. The khakkhara she carries is larger and more beautifully decorated than the one the far off Ruiseine is carrying.
This shrine maiden-sama’s straight, long, black hair goes all the way down to the back of her knees. Thus, while holding her long hems, the long haired shrine maiden-sama goes up onto the stage.
Men and women follow after her onto the stage. The shrine maiden and priest garments they are clad in are just as chaste. From behind the shrine maiden, they stand at her sides. All of the shrine maiden-sama are holding khakkhara.
“This?”
I properly answer Mistral’s question this time.
“The shrine maiden-sama with the black hair at the front represents the temple in this country. She is the head shrine maiden-sama. What I wanted to show you is this.”
While the shrine maiden-sama and priests line up on stage, everyone in the plaza begins to sit down.
“Now, let’s sit. Starting here, we watch while seated.”
At my encouragement, Mistral and Priscilla-chan sit down.
Of course, I’m also sitting.
Looking around, I see people kneeling with their backs straight. There are also people praying with their hands together.
The plaza before the temple is filled with solemnity. With everyone seated, the hustle and bustle has quieted down. Before anyone realized it, silence has come to the plaza before the temple.
“Ah, it’s Ruiseine.”
Priscilla-chan, also picking up on the solemn mood, murmurs in a low voice.
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Standing near us is Ruiseine. Mistral drove her away, but it looks like she was nearby.
“Fufufu, it’s because I’m in charge of this area here.”
Ruiseine smiles at Priscilla-chan.
“Fufufu, it’s because I’m in charge of this area here.”
Ruiseine smiles at Priscilla-chan.
Many shrine maiden-sama are in the plaza other than Ruiseine. All of them hold khakkhara just like hers. Right now, they are very noticeable because they are the only ones standing in the plaza.
Among the shrine maiden-sama are Kiiri and Inea. They don’t seem to have noticed me. They are waiting for something with serious expressions.
On the stage, with the head shrine maiden-sama at the front, the senior shrine maiden-sama and priests finish lining up.
I swallow as I also wait.
For a short while, silence envelops the plaza before the temple. From the far off royal castle, countless chimes can be heard.
“The new year has come.”
I speak with a voice only Mistral and Priscilla-chan can hear.
At the same time the new year arrives, bells at the royal castle ring out. They notify the entirety of the royal capital of the new year. The people gathered in the plaza, however, don’t cheer in celebration. Everyone quietly holds their breath in anticipation.
Sharin
When the chimes of the bells vanish, the head shrine maiden-sama strikes the floor of the stage with the tip of the khakkhara. Then, the bells attached to her khakkhara ring.
Sharin, sharin
The pure sound from the bells spreads across the plaza.
The shrine maiden-sama spread all around the plaza and the shrine maiden-sama lined up along the stage, they strike the ground with their khakkhara.
The sound of bells echoes.
Then,
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The grand performance commences in the plaza before the temple. The head shrine maiden-sama begins a ritualistic prayer with a cheerful voice. The priests follow up by stacking on their lower voices. The shrine maiden-sama stack on their crisp and clear voices. The shrine maiden in the plaza also join with their voices and the celebratory prayer begins.
The Megami-sama of Creation is praised.
The blessings of the new year.
Men and women, the country, and then a peaceful world. They are the prayers offered by the priests.
The celebratory prayer is recited aloud, almost like a poem. I am caught by its marvelous melody and scale. To me, the shrine maiden-sama appear very divine. They are sacred, pure, and beautiful.
Mistral and Priscilla-chan, even if they probably can’t understand the meaning of the prayer, also listen intently with expressions of wonder.
The chime of a bell echoes. The blessings of the clergy are given to all, and the prayers of the people fill the plaza. At the end, the head shrine maiden-sama’s greeting of the new year comes to a close. Then, at long last, the people in the plaza cheer out their congratulations.
Everyone stands up to congratulate one another. They either hug those around them or wrap arms around their shoulders. In all the bustle, a foolish person too caught up in the moment goes to touch Mistral’s shoulders only to be greeted with a blood chilling glare.
“Happy new year.”
“This is my first time experiencing such a wonderful greeting to the new year.” (Mistral)
“Nntto, was amazing.”
“I’m happy you two were satisfied.”
We exchange greetings with each other.
The head shrine maiden-sama returns to the temple from the stage and the night kagura resumes.
I showed them what I truly wanted to show them. Mistral and Priscilla-chan look satisfied, so this is a success. Something like this so early in the new year is a good sign. I hope my departure can continue with this flow.
“Well then, with this, I suppose it’s time to get going.”
Mistral says such while grabbing Priscilla-chan who is imitating the kagura.
“No, no, sleep with onii-chan tonight.”
“No, no, no, that would not be impossible.”
I need to go to my ojii-chan’s house after this. How would I explain bringing Priscilla-chan with me?
“If you continue speaking selfishly, I won’t take you out of the village anymore.”
“Uuu, Mist is mean.”
“Yes, yes, I’m quite mean. Well then, let’s go back.”
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Priscilla-chan struggles and wriggles around, but she can’t escape Mistral’s hold.
Mistral, while solidly holding her in place, says her goodbye to me.
“Once the beginning of the year calms down, I’ll start going back to the moss covered plaza.”
“Good, everyone is waiting.”
“Yeah, please take care for me for various things this year too.”
“Likewise”
“Nntto, souvenir?”
“Yes, yes, we can get some meat.”
“Yaay!”
Even though I still wanted to be with Mistral while in the afterglow of the great aria to the new year, we can’t continue like this and greet the morning.
“Well then, until next time.” (Mistral)
“See you again.” (Ernea)
We wave to each other.
“Ah, by the way, will you be heading back through the forest?”
“Fufufu, we are.”
“Be careful.”
“No need to worry.”
Mistral is a beautiful woman and Priscilla-chan is cute. They need to be careful of strange people. Furthermore, if they head to the Dragon Forest at this time, people who see them might get strange ideas. I warn them, but Mistral is well aware. She gives me a smile while touching the konbou at her waist with a hand.
Yep, there’s no need to worry.
I wave goodbye once more and separate from Mistral and Priscilla-chan. A lot of people are still in the plaza and they soon disappear from view within the crowd.
Aah.
I could have accompanied them to the entrance of Dragon Forest. We didn’t need to separate here. If I was worried about them, then I should have stayed together with them.
Having realized that too late, my shoulders sag. I still have a lot to learn about this sort of thing.
I’m reflecting.
Mistral says it is an incredible dance and that she greatly appreciates the night kagura. Priscilla-chan also earnestly watches while doing her utmost to stuff the food from her hands into her mouth. Incidentally, due to us watching the night kagura while standing, Mistrial and I are taking turns holding the small Priscilla-chan so that she can see the stage.
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I’m surprised. The two of them are taking more of an interest than I expected. I was worried they might not be interested in this because they are from different cultures with different customs. I was ready to have to lead them someplace else if they weren’t.
Where could we go on the last day of the year? I doubt the fountain at the park or the crowded shops in the business district are places to go on the night of the new year.
Maybe the royal castle? Around now, the normally rugged stone castle is beautifully decorated. It should be glittering from all the lights shining on it.
Many people who don’t gather at the temple head to the royal castle. The plaza before the castle has been opened to the public, and because the royal family presents itself at the royal observation room every new year, people will go there to see them.
Speaking of which, it’s being said that Risita will also be making an appearance this year. If that’s the case, then the plaza before the castle might be more packed than usual.
If it’s how I think it will be, I can’t recommend taking a trip to the royal castle either. If I were just with Mistral, it would be one thing, but Priscilla-chan would do as she pleases even within a crowd of people. I’m positive we’d absolutely lose sight of her.
I wonder what Ristia is up right now? Is he at a lavish ball with various aristocrats? Slatton, Cleisio, and also Neimie should also be with him. Naturally, the fourth princess, Seris-sama will be there.
With the event at the temple being the highest priority for the shrine maidens Kiira and Inea, they shouldn’t be at the royal castle. Those girls can only truly stay with Risita all the time after successfully completing their year away without any mishaps and officially marrying him.
Not being able to get married until the year long departure is completed, aren’t I the same? I also can’t formally marry Ruiseine until after the next year.
What about with Mistral? Do dragon tribesmen have their own wedding traditions?
I glance at Mistral. Maybe she noticed my gaze because she too glances my way and smiles.
“What a wonderful dance. While we too have lively dances, they are nothing like this one. This leaves a very solemn impression.”
“Yeah, this dance has been handed down for thousands of years. It is performed as an offer to the Megami-sama of Creation, so it’s very sacred.”
“So this is what Ernea wanted us to see?”
“Fufufu, unfortunately, this isn’t what we’re here for. Of course, I’m not saying this isn’t great either.”
I make a meaningful laugh and go back to watching the night kagura. Mistral tilts her head at my lack of an answer, but also returns her attention to the stage with me.
Then, as if perfectly timed, the dance ends and the music stops. At the same time, hustle and bustle returns to the plaza.
“It’s over?” (Mistral)
“No, watch the stage.” (Enrea)
“Nntto, finished eating.”
“Yes, now wipe your mouth. The new year is almost here.” (Enrea)
The dance coming to a stop is proof that the new year is close.
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I wipe Priscilla-chan’s mouth for her and take her trash.
“Nntto, hold. Can’t see much.”
Priscilla-chan strains herself to make herself as tall as possible.
When the night kagura ended, Mistral set her down. Except, once her face was clean, she demanded to be picked back up. Is it because she likes being held, or is she just very interested in the night kagura?
“Yes, yes.”
Mistral makes a wry smile and lifts her with both hands.
Except, that won’t be all that important soon.
Deep down in my heart, I smile.
On the stage, the shrine maiden-sama and priests who finished dancing go back into the temple. In their place, someone comes from the temple.
Her clothes are much purer than what the dancing shrine maiden-sama were wearing. The khakkhara she carries is larger and more beautifully decorated than the one the far off Ruiseine is carrying.
This shrine maiden-sama’s straight, long, black hair goes all the way down to the back of her knees. Thus, while holding her long hems, the long haired shrine maiden-sama goes up onto the stage.
Men and women follow after her onto the stage. The shrine maiden and priest garments they are clad in are just as chaste. From behind the shrine maiden, they stand at her sides. All of the shrine maiden-sama are holding khakkhara.
“This?”
I properly answer Mistral’s question this time.
“The shrine maiden-sama with the black hair at the front represents the temple in this country. She is the head shrine maiden-sama. What I wanted to show you is this.”
While the shrine maiden-sama and priests line up on stage, everyone in the plaza begins to sit down.
“Now, let’s sit. Starting here, we watch while seated.”
At my encouragement, Mistral and Priscilla-chan sit down.
Of course, I’m also sitting.
Looking around, I see people kneeling with their backs straight. There are also people praying with their hands together.
The plaza before the temple is filled with solemnity. With everyone seated, the hustle and bustle has quieted down. Before anyone realized it, silence has come to the plaza before the temple.
“Ah, it’s Ruiseine.”
Priscilla-chan, also picking up on the solemn mood, murmurs in a low voice.
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Standing near us is Ruiseine. Mistral drove her away, but it looks like she was nearby.
“Fufufu, it’s because I’m in charge of this area here.”
Ruiseine smiles at Priscilla-chan.
“Fufufu, it’s because I’m in charge of this area here.”
Ruiseine smiles at Priscilla-chan.
Many shrine maiden-sama are in the plaza other than Ruiseine. All of them hold khakkhara just like hers. Right now, they are very noticeable because they are the only ones standing in the plaza.
Among the shrine maiden-sama are Kiiri and Inea. They don’t seem to have noticed me. They are waiting for something with serious expressions.
On the stage, with the head shrine maiden-sama at the front, the senior shrine maiden-sama and priests finish lining up.
I swallow as I also wait.
For a short while, silence envelops the plaza before the temple. From the far off royal castle, countless chimes can be heard.
“The new year has come.”
I speak with a voice only Mistral and Priscilla-chan can hear.
At the same time the new year arrives, bells at the royal castle ring out. They notify the entirety of the royal capital of the new year. The people gathered in the plaza, however, don’t cheer in celebration. Everyone quietly holds their breath in anticipation.
Sharin
When the chimes of the bells vanish, the head shrine maiden-sama strikes the floor of the stage with the tip of the khakkhara. Then, the bells attached to her khakkhara ring.
Sharin, sharin
The pure sound from the bells spreads across the plaza.
The shrine maiden-sama spread all around the plaza and the shrine maiden-sama lined up along the stage, they strike the ground with their khakkhara.
The sound of bells echoes.
Then,
Sponsored Content
The grand performance commences in the plaza before the temple. The head shrine maiden-sama begins a ritualistic prayer with a cheerful voice. The priests follow up by stacking on their lower voices. The shrine maiden-sama stack on their crisp and clear voices. The shrine maiden in the plaza also join with their voices and the celebratory prayer begins.
The Megami-sama of Creation is praised.
The blessings of the new year.
Men and women, the country, and then a peaceful world. They are the prayers offered by the priests.
The celebratory prayer is recited aloud, almost like a poem. I am caught by its marvelous melody and scale. To me, the shrine maiden-sama appear very divine. They are sacred, pure, and beautiful.
Mistral and Priscilla-chan, even if they probably can’t understand the meaning of the prayer, also listen intently with expressions of wonder.
The chime of a bell echoes. The blessings of the clergy are given to all, and the prayers of the people fill the plaza. At the end, the head shrine maiden-sama’s greeting of the new year comes to a close. Then, at long last, the people in the plaza cheer out their congratulations.
Everyone stands up to congratulate one another. They either hug those around them or wrap arms around their shoulders. In all the bustle, a foolish person too caught up in the moment goes to touch Mistral’s shoulders only to be greeted with a blood chilling glare.
“Happy new year.”
“This is my first time experiencing such a wonderful greeting to the new year.” (Mistral)
“Nntto, was amazing.”
“I’m happy you two were satisfied.”
We exchange greetings with each other.
The head shrine maiden-sama returns to the temple from the stage and the night kagura resumes.
I showed them what I truly wanted to show them. Mistral and Priscilla-chan look satisfied, so this is a success. Something like this so early in the new year is a good sign. I hope my departure can continue with this flow.
“Well then, with this, I suppose it’s time to get going.”
Mistral says such while grabbing Priscilla-chan who is imitating the kagura.
“No, no, sleep with onii-chan tonight.”
“No, no, no, that would not be impossible.”
I need to go to my ojii-chan’s house after this. How would I explain bringing Priscilla-chan with me?
“If you continue speaking selfishly, I won’t take you out of the village anymore.”
“Uuu, Mist is mean.”
“Yes, yes, I’m quite mean. Well then, let’s go back.”
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Priscilla-chan struggles and wriggles around, but she can’t escape Mistral’s hold.
Mistral, while solidly holding her in place, says her goodbye to me.
“Once the beginning of the year calms down, I’ll start going back to the moss covered plaza.”
“Good, everyone is waiting.”
“Yeah, please take care for me for various things this year too.”
“Likewise”
“Nntto, souvenir?”
“Yes, yes, we can get some meat.”
“Yaay!”
Even though I still wanted to be with Mistral while in the afterglow of the great aria to the new year, we can’t continue like this and greet the morning.
“Well then, until next time.” (Mistral)
“See you again.” (Ernea)
We wave to each other.
“Ah, by the way, will you be heading back through the forest?”
“Fufufu, we are.”
“Be careful.”
“No need to worry.”
Mistral is a beautiful woman and Priscilla-chan is cute. They need to be careful of strange people. Furthermore, if they head to the Dragon Forest at this time, people who see them might get strange ideas. I warn them, but Mistral is well aware. She gives me a smile while touching the konbou at her waist with a hand.
Yep, there’s no need to worry.
I wave goodbye once more and separate from Mistral and Priscilla-chan. A lot of people are still in the plaza and they soon disappear from view within the crowd.
Aah.
I could have accompanied them to the entrance of Dragon Forest. We didn’t need to separate here. If I was worried about them, then I should have stayed together with them.
Having realized that too late, my shoulders sag. I still have a lot to learn about this sort of thing.
I’m reflecting.
