章節 117: Chapter 117

Inazuma

On the stone steps leading to Narukami Taisha Shrine, a girl wearing a flowing gauze dress with a split hem that resembled a fish tail swayed gracefully down the mountain.

Kokomi of Watatsumi Island felt as if a volcano was erupting inside her stomach. She was in excruciating pain, and her head was spinning.

She had thought that after being appointed by the Shogun as the head of Kanjou, she could lead the people of Watatsumi Island to a peaceful and prosperous life.

Indeed, the people of Watatsumi Island now lived well, with no worries about food or clothing. However, Kokomi's personal life had not improved; instead, she found herself increasingly worried about the future.

The Shogun did not make things difficult for her politically—instead, she trusted Kokomi deeply and entrusted her with important responsibilities. Although the workload was heavy, Kokomi was glad, as this indicated the Shogun's faith in her.

But things had changed since she had been summoned to Narukami Taisha Shrine by the Shogun a month ago.

The Shogun had personally cooked a meal for her. Kokomi had been flattered at the time. However, after taking a bite, she passed out before she could even express her gratitude.

When she woke up, Lady Yae Miko had fed her several bowls of very bitter medicine to restore her strength.

Initially, Kokomi thought that the Shogun was punishing her, and she was so frightened that she couldn't recover from the shock for several days. Only after being summoned again did she realize that the Shogun wasn't targeting her specifically.

Lady Yae Miko, Guuji of the shrine, and even Kujou Sara had all received the honor of sampling the Shogun's cooking.

After they ate, the Shogun would look at them with expectant eyes and ask if the food was delicious.

The Shogun herself had made it, so how could Kokomi dare to say it wasn't delicious?

Thus, she found herself in a difficult situation. She was summoned to Narukami Taisha Shrine time and again.

Kokomi's vision began to blur. "My head... my head feels dizzy... Am I going to fall down the mountain and die here?"

Just as she felt her feet slip, she suddenly bumped into a strong and warm figure, and a joking voice rang in her ears.

"Oh\~ isn't this an ornamental fish? It suddenly swam into my arms. Do you want me to eat the fish?"

Takumi looked down at Kokomi, who had stumbled into his arms, her eyes vacant, and spoke teasingly.

Goodness, how much of Ei's cooking did you eat to end up with food poisoning like this? Is Ei's cooking comparable to rat feed?

Kokomi felt a warm hand press against her stomach. The uncomfortable sensation in her stomach eased instantly, and even her dizziness disappeared.

The vacant look in her eyes quickly faded as she regained focus, and a familiar face came into view.

This is...?

Kokomi was immediately startled. She put on an expression that made her look weak, pitiful, and afraid to speak.

Her mind went into overdrive: The god of Celestia, the god of Celestia...

She was now in the arms of the god of Celestia. Realizing what had happened, her mind raced.

I had eaten the Shogun's cooking, got food poisoning, and now I've fallen into the arms of the god who was coming up the mountain.

Takumi looked at Kokomi's frightened expression and spoke playfully, "So you're a silly ornamental fish who can't even say thank you? Do you realize how fortunate you are to be in my arms?"

Kokomi quickly stood up and stepped back from the god's arms. "Yes, I'm so sorry, Lord God. I didn't mean it. Please forgive me."

Takumi waved his hand dismissively. "Alright, alright, I'm just messing with you."

Kokomi quickly bowed her head in apology. "Thank you for saving me."

"Are you here to see the Shogun? Let me lead the way for you, if you don't mind," she said, bowing again before heading back up the path.

Her face was still a little pale. If she returned now, the Shogun wouldn't make her eat again, right?

Takumi followed the ornamental fish, admiring her elegant figure. Indeed, she was like a graceful fish, deserving of her title. Kokomi had the bloodline of Orobashi, the Watatsumi god, and held Orobashi's favor.

Kokomi felt Takumi's gaze on her and couldn't help but place her hands over her chest. Her cheeks flushed, and her heart began to race.

Does this god want me to become his shrine maiden?

**Narukami Taisha Shrine**

The shrine maidens working at the shrine all had uneasy expressions. A few of them clutched their stomachs from time to time, glancing warily at the Shogun, who was busy cooking under the Sacred Sakura Tree.

Thankfully, most of the food cooked by the Shogun had been eaten by Lady Yae Miko and Lady Miko Yae.

Raiden Ei set a plate of 'fried tofu' on the table and pushed it in front of Lady Miko with the earnestness of someone hoping to please. "Miko, this time, I made your favorite fried tofu. I consulted with all the famous chefs in Inazuma, and it should suit your taste perfectly."

Lady Miko's ears twitched, and the corners of her mouth twitched as well as she looked at the 'fried tofu,' which was strangely colored—white with red patches, blackened, and burned.

Putting on a loving expression, Lady Miko glanced at Yae Miko and slowly pushed the plate toward her, speaking gently.

"Miko, you've loved fried tofu since you were little. I remember how you used to lie in my arms as a little fox, asking me to feed you. You were so adorable back then."

Yae Miko's nose twitched, and her eyes reddened, her expression one of being deeply 'touched.'

"Lady Miko... Actually, I'm not really hungry..."

Lady Miko smiled softly. "Miko, I know you want me to have the good things, but I raised you. Wouldn't it show your gratitude to let me feed you?"

Yae Miko's entire body stiffened, and in the end, she forced herself to smile, tears welling up in her eyes. "Suddenly, I feel a little hungry again..."

Lady Miko, you are too cruel. You brought up 'raising me since childhood'—how could I argue with that?

As a follower of the Shogun, I can't just throw the plate away and say that her cooking could poison someone.

Moreover, even if I did say that, Ei would never listen. She would still cook, hoping it would help bring back her sister's 'spirit.' She would insist on continuing.

If we didn't accept it, the food would probably be eaten by the people of Inazuma, which would be disastrous—someone might even die.

It's all Takumi's fault. Why did you let Ei cook? This has caused me nothing but pain.

Just as Yae Miko reluctantly picked up a piece of the 'fried tofu' with her chopsticks and brought it towards her mouth...

"General, the god of Celestia is here."

Raiden Ei, Yae Miko, and Lady Miko all turned their heads and saw Lord Takumi and Lord Tianli approaching.

Yae Miko was initially ecstatic, but then she remembered the suffering she had endured over the past month. Resentment bubbled up in her heart as she looked at the 'fried tofu,' and an idea started forming in her mind.