Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Haruhiko thought for a moment and said, "But I need to tell Yukihime, because I promised her before."

Mari Tsuchimikado gave a soft snort.

The Snow Princess in front of her also revealed a smile that displeased her.

With her abilities, she could naturally hear the content of the conversation.

In Haruhiko's heart, she was always number one.

"see you later."

Tsuchimikado Mari put away her phone.

Originally intended as a rivalry over a man's affections, it ended in a disastrous failure.

She didn't say anything more to Yuki and turned to leave.

Haruhiko scratched his head.

What went wrong?

Why does he feel that Tsuchimikado Mari is acting a little strange?

However, he didn't think much of it, because it was already nine o'clock.

If we don't go to Izumo Shrine soon, something will go wrong.

Haruhiko looked at the unconscious Hoshino Hotaru and fell into deep thought.

Should we call her?

His sweat-drenched appearance ultimately made Haruhiko give up.

He changed his clothes, closed the door, and then used the teleportation array to go to Izumo Shrine alone.

This teleportation array leads directly to the rear hall.

He had barely steadied himself when the door opened.

"I knew it was you, Haruhiko-kun."

Rin Hoshino, dressed as a shrine maiden, appears.

If it weren't for the smile on her face, Haruhiko would have really thought it was Hoshino Hotaru.

Chapter 273 Cooperation and Secrets

"How do you know it was me?"

Haruhiko looked at Hoshino Rin.

She wasn't wearing makeup today, just lipstick, which shimmered faintly in the sunlight.

Her long, smooth hair was tied up and hung down to her waist.

If you add a bow, she'll look just like Kikyo, a priestess from the anime "Inuyasha" that Haruhiko watched in his previous life.

It was probably around that time that he developed a special feeling for the priestess.

"The only people who know about this teleportation array are Mother, me, Ying, and you."

Rin Hoshino explained, "Because it leads to the rear hall of Izumo Shrine, it could cause unnecessary damage if discovered by outsiders."

"I see."

Haruhiko chuckled and said, "I'm no longer an outsider."

Hoshino Rin paused slightly, then turned her head away, looking somewhat embarrassed.

She didn't answer, but her mimosa-like appearance made her meaning quite clear.

"Haruhiko-kun."

Hoshino Rin changed the subject, asking, "Didn't you say you were coming with the Tsuchimikado clan?"

"This side is closer."

Haruhiko's mind raced as he searched for a reason, "Plus, I wanted to see you first."

Hoshino Rin's face, which was almost fully recovered, blushed again upon hearing these words, making her look incredibly cute.

She turned around somewhat awkwardly and said, "I'll take you to see Mother."

Hoshino Rin didn't wait for his reply and quickly walked ahead.

Haruhiko couldn't help but smile.

He closed the door to the room and followed Hoshino Rin, and soon they arrived at the hall.

"Haruhiko-kun has arrived, Mother."

Hoshino Rin knocked on the door.

Hoshino Aoi raised her head upon hearing this.

She was also dressed in a shrine maiden's outfit and said expressionlessly, "Come in."

Hoshino Rin looked at Haruhiko, exchanged a glance with him, and then entered the hall.

"Aunt Kui."

Haruhiko stepped forward to greet him.

"Ah."

Hoshino Aoi glanced at him and asked, "Are you alone?"

"Aunt Mashiro and Sister Mari will be here soon."

Haruhiko explained, "I wasn't with them."

"sit."

Hoshino Aoi's tone was flat, and her expression remained unchanged.

Haruhiko nodded and sat down opposite her.

Where is Ying?

Hoshino Aoi suddenly asked.

Haruhiko suffered cardiac arrest.

I didn't see her.

Hoshino Rin said with some doubt, "I wonder where she ran off to so early in the morning."

Based on her understanding of Hoshino Hotaru, she probably had nowhere else to go besides the Izumo Shrine.

Hoshino Aoi's gaze fell on Haruhiko's face.

Haruhiko felt a jolt in his heart, a slight tingling sensation.

What does it mean?

Did she discover her special relationship with Hotaru?

Even Hoshino Rin didn't suspect him, believing that he knew Hoshino Hotaru's whereabouts.

But Hoshino Aoi's meaning is quite clear.

Haruhiko hesitated, but dared not speak in front of Hoshino Rin, so he was forced to give an awkward yet polite smile.

"Don't worry about her."

Hoshino Aoi withdrew her gaze and said calmly, "You can stay. You'll be the one dealing with the outside world from now on."

"Yes."

Hoshino Rin answered quickly.

She glanced at him and then sat down next to Haruhiko.

Because of Hoshino Aoi's overwhelming aura, the two of them found it difficult to communicate and fell silent.

Fortunately, it didn't take long; just a few minutes later, a witch knocked on the door.

"Lord Palace Secretary."

After receiving permission, she stood still and reported, "The head of the Tsuchimikado clan, Tsuchimikado Mashiro, has arrived at the door."

"Then let her in."

Hoshino Aoi nodded and said.

Haruhiko glanced at her furtively.

Her expression remained calm, without any extra emotion.

There's absolutely no indication that she has any grudge against Tsuchimikado Mashiro.

Haruhiko secretly admired him, thinking to himself, "He truly is a master."

The next second, he turned his head and looked towards the door.