Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

The food has been set out.

It was quite a feast.

It's worth mentioning that in Japan, people eat red bean rice on their birthdays.

Red beans symbolize joy and celebration, and the color red also has the meaning of warding off evil spirits.

Haruhiko doesn't celebrate his birthday, so he eats ordinary rice.

To be honest, he didn't really like eating at Izumo Shrine.

Because the atmosphere was rather cold.

Hoshino Aoi never talks while eating, and coupled with her strong aura, this led to the result.

After lunch, the atmosphere warmed up again.

After washing the dishes, Hoshino Aoi left the living room.

Now only Haruhiko, Hoshino Rin, and Hoshino Hotaru remain.

Since it's the New Year holiday and there's no school, we have an afternoon to spare.

How about going out shopping?

Hoshino Rin glanced at Hoshino Hotaru, then turned to Haruhiko and said, "Haruhiko-kun, although we often come to Izumo Shrine, we've never really explored Izumo City properly. It's still early, so we can look around."

In fact, Haruhiko spent some time in Izumo City.

Although most of the time they trained in the Nyotengu Ruins, there was one time when he sneaked into Izumo Shrine and met Hoshino Hotaru.

However, Hoshino Rin must never know about this.

"Ok."

Haruhiko nodded and said.

Hoshino Rin's suggestion was indeed good.

After all, it's not like the three of us can just sit in the room watching TV all afternoon, right?

That was indeed rather boring.

"I dont go."

"Hoshino Hotaru spoke up."

"what happened?"

Hoshino Rin was taken aback and asked.

"fine."

Hotaru Hoshino shook her head and said, "I don't want to go."

Just as Hoshino Rin was about to try to persuade him again, she suddenly realized something.

Does the younger sister want to give the two of them a chance to be alone?

Looking at Hoshino Hotaru's indifferent face, she felt a warmth in her heart.

My little sister has finally grown up.

He used to call Qingyan his brother-in-law, but now he's voluntarily withdrawing.

"Let's go together, it's okay."

Hoshino Rin reached out and ruffled her hair, saying...

As the older sister, I can't neglect my younger sister just because of one opportunity.

"Don't go."

Hotaru Hoshino stood up and said, "I have no interest in shopping. I need to train. Don't disturb me."

She glanced at Haruhiko and then went back to her room.

Hoshino Rin smiled helplessly.

That's just how Hoshino Hotaru is; there's nothing she can do about it.

Once she's made up her mind, no amount of persuasion will change it.

"Haruhiko-kun."

Hoshino Rin turned her head and asked, "Then would you please accompany me for a walk?"

"There's no trouble at all."

Haruhiko looked at her delicate little face and couldn't help but smile.

Hoshino Rin got up, stopped at the entrance, and put on her wooden clogs.

Unlike Hotaru Hoshino, who was barefoot, she wore tabi socks, which are white socks.

She was a very orthodox priestess.

"Won't wearing a shrine maiden outfit attract too much attention?"

Seeing that she had no intention of changing her clothes, Haruhiko asked.

He didn't want to attract attention while shopping.

That would be very uncomfortable.

"Don't worry."

Hoshino Rin opened the door and said, "This is Izumo Shrine in Izumo City. It's normal for shrine maidens to appear here."

Haruhiko was slightly taken aback, then realized what he meant.

Theoretically speaking, Izumo City is the territory of Izumo Shrine.

Even if a shrine maiden appears, no one will openly disturb her.

Haruhiko changed his shoes and left with her.

Because it was New Year's Day, Izumo Shrine was packed with people.

The two of them did not use the main entrance, but instead used the back entrance.

Behind Izumo Shrine is Mount Yakumo.

The three of them had picnicked in the mountains before, so they were quite familiar with the area.

After circling around, Haruhiko and Hoshino Rin arrived on the main street.

It was afternoon, but because it was January, it wasn't hot, but it wasn't particularly cold either.

Haruhiko looked around and couldn't help but sigh, "It really is New Year's Day, there are so many people."

There were also quite a few priestesses among them.

But it's not eye-catching.

Because many pedestrians were wearing kimonos.

Both colors are relatively bright, so they don't stand out too much when mixed together.

"Oh, I forgot something."

Hoshino Rin suddenly showed a hint of regret.

"what's up?"

Haruhiko asked with some confusion.

"New Year's blessings".

Hoshino Rin said somewhat embarrassedly, "It was originally Haruhiko-kun's purpose to come to Izumo Shrine, but I didn't expect it to be delayed until now."

"It's ok."

Haruhiko said nonchalantly, "Anyway, I grew up in a shrine since I was little, so I've had enough good fortune."

The excuse of praying for New Year's blessings was just something he made up on the spot.

Besides, he has so much good fortune that his body can no longer handle it.

Should I go and pray for Yuki and the others to let me go?

Who would complain about having too much good fortune?

Hoshino Rin smiled and said, "Of course, the more good fortune the better."

"..."

Haruhiko thought to himself, "You don't know my situation."

He's simply no longer worthy of such a treat.

"We'll go pray for blessings when we get back to the shrine later."

Hoshino Rin waved her fair arm, and made her decision.

"That's fine."

Haruhiko couldn't refuse, so he agreed.