Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Shirahama Onsen was just a stopover; the real destination was that deserted island in the sea.

Since the distance was quite far, Haruhiko didn't drive and went to the station instead.

Since Izumi was small, he squeezed into his hood to hide.

Haruhiko wore a trench coat specifically for this occasion.

But white frost cannot do that.

After all, it is quite large.

Through his previous request, Haruhiko knew that it had the ability to hide its tracks, which is why it didn't attract anyone's attention.

At noon, the family of four arrived at Shirahama Onsen.

As the name suggests, this is a hot spring located next to the sea.

It was closer than Haruhiko had imagined.

The hot springs and the sea are separated only by rocks.

If the wind and waves are a little strong, it feels like you're being swept directly into the hot spring.

However, Haruhiko quite liked it.

It's for safety, after all.

Because of the Three Goddesses' Scepter, in places with the sea, he is equivalent to half a fourth-order being.

Of course, with Yukihime around, there's no need to worry too much.

Although Shirahama Onsen primarily offers hot springs, it also provides accommodation.

Because Tsuchimikado Mari had made prior arrangements, Haruhiko and the others received a very warm welcome.

Putting aside the power of the Tsuchimikado clan, the price they offered was simply irresistible.

"feel good."

Yuki looked around and finally headed towards the kitchen.

As the lady of the house, the kitchen is her battlefield.

Moreover, she enjoyed watching Haruhiko eat all the food she cooked.

That would make her happy.

Haruhiko then went to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

He opened the curtains, and what came into view was the boundless sea.

"Wow!"

Izumi flew around excitedly.

This was her first time at the beach.

Bai Shuang was the same as her.

But she didn't show it; she just lay on the carpet, her eyes quietly gazing at the scenery outside the window.

Haruhiko withdrew his gaze.

Anyway, we can get up close in the afternoon.

There's no point in just looking at it now.

Because he had been traveling all morning, Haruhiko did not cultivate.

Let's put aside our plans for now and have some fun, and forget about cultivation for the time being.

Haruhiko leaned back on the sofa and stretched.

He took out his phone; it was a message from Hoshino Rin.

"I didn't see you at school today. Is your matter with your teacher still unresolved?"

Haruhiko had mentioned to her before that he was going out with Chiyome, but of course he didn't say what it was about.

He thought for a moment, but didn't tell him any information about the ruins, only saying that it would take a few more days.

Hoshino Rin didn't ask any more questions, but then Hoshino Hotaru's message rang.

Are the two of them together?

Haruhiko opened her message.

The screen displayed three words: Where?

Haruhiko immediately scratched his head.

Given Hotaru Hoshino's personality, even if I told her the truth, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Unlike Hoshino Rin, who needed to find a reasonable explanation.

Otherwise, they might keep digging into the details.

However, Haruhiko's main purpose in going out was to go on a date with Yukihime.

If you tell Hotaru Hoshino, she might run away and join you.

hiss!

It sounds pretty exciting.

Haruhiko quickly dismissed the dangerous thought and typed a reply.

"The teacher said it concerns a secret of the University of Tokyo and cannot be told to outsiders."

"I miss you, brother-in-law."

Haruhiko gave a helpless smile.

He found it quite difficult to handle Hoshino Hotaru's straightforward personality.

"I'll be back soon."

Haruhiko thought for a moment and typed, "I'll come to Izumo Shrine to see you then."

"it is good."

Hotaru Hoshino replied almost instantly.

Then, another picture was sent over.

It's a selfie of hers.

She lay on her side on the sofa, her black hair loose, the red skirt of her shrine maiden outfit slightly lifted, revealing her legs in white over-the-knee stockings.

Just as Haruhiko was about to reply 'Very beautiful,' she had already sent a message first.

"I sent the wrong photo, this is my sister's picture."

"...?"

Haruhiko was completely puzzled.

Did you do it on purpose or by accident?

Based on his understanding of Hoshino Hotaru, he felt it was intentional.

The phone vibrated slightly.

Another photo.

Haruhiko raised an eyebrow.

He always saw Hotaru Hoshino wearing a shrine maiden outfit; he had never seen her wear a second outfit.

Now it's different; it's a pure white dress.

Her face was expressionless, her long, lustrous hair hung down naturally, and she wore only a red headband on the left side.

She sat on the sofa, quite well-behaved and quiet.

She wasn't wearing shoes or socks; her fair, bare feet were on the carpet, and her delicate toes could be vaguely seen.

"Like it?"

A few seconds later, Hotaru Hoshino asked.

"like."

Haruhiko spoke the truth.

For some reason, he felt he didn't need to pretend in front of Hoshino Hotaru.

It's probably because she explicitly said she was craving him.

It's the same kind of aura.

"I like you too."

Hotaru Hoshino paused for a moment and said, "Next time, I'll wear it in front of you."

Haruhiko couldn't help but laugh.

Although she has a rather expressionless face, she always gives him a special kind of cuteness.