Chapter 15: The Tale of Zero Day (Part II)

"Welcome, our ...... Yes! It's Miss Mikomi......"

Youning shrugged her shoulders, no wonder the little girl in the store was even more surprised than the passers-by. If the reason is concerned, it is naturally the business of this store - this is, a clothing store.

It's just an ordinary clothing store, but it's all the more surprising because it's ordinary. The origin of Reimu's daily necessities has always been unknown, but clothes and the like have never been added to the human world. And Youning spent a lot of effort coaxing Reimu in, all she had to do was ...... Disguise.

Well, yes, disguised as, hanging out ordinary girls. Just like this, even if she wears her long hair and bangs diagonally, and her forehead is decorated with flowers like Ah Qiu, the recognition of this witch costume is too high. However, Reimu just casually took a robe from the shelf and put it on his body - no matter what, as long as it could cover the red and white, Youning thought so, and then, his eyes unprepared to meet Reimu, who had changed his clothes.

- All of a sudden, I was grabbed.

The slightly powdered yukata is the base, and the azure clouds and smoke are rendered into a simple and elegant artistic conception. Tilting his head slightly, the rippling waves are like trembling heartstrings. It's obviously an indifferent atmosphere, but I can't help but say it, just like the amazing people in the painting.

It's more like a princess than Neet Ji of Forever Pavilion. I happened to pick this yukata - or rather, Reimu himself actually put his heart into it. Youning looked away and saw that the clerk was also stunned and forgot the business experience of taking the opportunity to add fuel and vinegar. Normally, for this kind of customer, even if it is not commensurate, it is easy to earn a sum of money with those classic words, but if you know in advance that it is a shrine maiden, you probably don't have the guts.

Youning smiled to herself. I don't know why, but it seems that from Reimu's indifferent face, I also feel a little smile.

"Hey, check out, little girl."

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About hard Hakurei の family account.

In fact, there's nothing to say.,It's just a pot for a witch who can't think of any other means of generating income except stuffing money.,Don't know what thrift is until you're hungry.。

For example, now, after smoothly blending into the passers-by on the street, Reimu found that there were no more children in the money bag - this was because the clothes on her body were sold and were specially discounted.

Under the oppression of Reimeng's resentful gaze, Youning handed over the funds he had asked for from Ah Qiu with a look of "sure enough". Reimu looked happy right away. However, seeing Youning's smile like coaxing a child, he was unhappy again.

"You already planned it, didn't you? Right? ”

"Yes, yes, yes~Goo Nazai~"

Reimu snorted and tucked the money bag into her arms.

——The weather is gradually warming up in spring, and the afternoon sun spills lazy emotions on the eyelids and seeps into the heart. Although there is popularity in the world, it is not noisy. Tired and slightly drunk as if to be intoxicated, it is strange to have a store doing business at this time, not to mention a fun stall to kill interest. According to Youning's idea, the world that has squandered its vitality during the festival should be lifeless. However, for the two who are looking forward to the evening banquet from different aspects, it is probably a coincidence.

"Wow~It's unexpected~~"

Youning sighed. The streets that were originally a bazaar are occupied by traditional goldfish-catching darts and other mobile stalls, and there are artisans who use ingenuity to make capsule toy machines borrowed from the outside world, hoping not to arouse special interest from outsiders - these scenes, which are usually displayed as night scenes, are different in the daytime. It is no longer the source of such a lively atmosphere, but it is diffused with a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Looking at it from a distance, it looks like a city in a picture scroll, and it is a lovely sight that makes people feel appetizing.

Let's just walk into it. Youning noticed that Reimu seemed to be intrigued as well. I think it's the first time. Not seen as a shrine maiden, nor independent of the bustling side of light and shadow...... I don't know if it's because of this civilian clothes.,Reimu's mood was revealed casually.。

Is that...... Rare, curious.

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"Tom~"

The small spray of the fish's tail when it falls into the water splashes on Youning's body. Losing the goldfish again, Youning shrugged helplessly, stood up, bared his teeth by the way, and condescendingly scared away the little children next to him who wanted to laugh at him.

"Don't cheat like that, Reimu."

He smiled wryly at Reimu. Even ordinary people in the human world can't perceive the enchantment, and the paper net that can't be broken even if the fish struggle like that is too suspicious is too suspicious. - Especially Reimu was still staring with puzzled eyes, with a look of "why don't you" on his face...... Youning clasped his palms together and bowed deeply.

"Please...... Let's go. There's nowhere to raise it when you bring it back. ”

After some frustrated negotiations, he finally invited Reimu, who looked pity, away from the goldfish fishing stall. There is an embarrassing feeling of coaxing other people's cute children. To be honest, Youning has always wanted to try these long-heard festival programs. Reimu also looked like a novice, which surprised Youning. However, compared to this, Youning was still more interested in Reimu's behavior of directly opening up after observing his failures a few times. I guess Reimu is actually a person who hates disappointment and doesn't dare to try. Speaking of which, Reimu hasn't encountered any setbacks so far. Youning himself is quite open-minded. If it's normal, it's indispensable to have a couple of words with Reimu. But now, Reimu, who has changed her hairstyle and clothes, looks almost a different person, which makes Youning a little unsure of how to get along.

"Ahhh......h If you can't give up even that, what level of courage can you have......"

In the end, I just sighed so much to myself.

"Huh? What did you say? ”

"-Well, where do you want to go next? Let's start with it, you have to be like a normal human to have fun, right? ”

“…… I see. ”

Reimu verbally promised well, but the next thing made Youning cover her face.

The small games on the stalls are nothing more than a test of dexterity or a chance to try their luck, and in these aspects, Reimu has clearly broken through the imagination of the shopkeepers' mortal grades. It's not a problem to throw darts and throw pinballs or something, naturally how accurate and accurate it is, and roulette to turn gifts, if you don't stop in moderation, you will lose your pants and it's hard to say. After Youning tried it herself, her sympathy for the money bag overcame her interest, but Reimu actually enjoyed it. Of course, this also means......

"Wow~Snack Street~~"

As she entered the aroma of game-filled on the side of the street, Yunei sighed and savored the air, but Reimu had half a black face. Spending money on snacks is probably unimaginable for Hakurei's shrine maiden. Usually, in addition to buying ingredients and making them shoddy, it is Reimu who takes advantage of the banquet to feast, and it is difficult to say whether there are any snacks - maybe the extra food at Rinnosuke is barely counted......

Therefore, a rare opportunity is right in front of you, but no one can be happy in such an embarrassing situation as being shy in your pocket.

"Sure enough, it's right not to give you all the money...... Feed! ”

Although he expected the current situation, the sudden incident that suddenly swooped up from Lingmeng made Youning scramble. In a hurry, he didn't have time to pull out the arm that was groping for the bag in his arms, and pressed it directly on Reimu's head with one hand......

Then, both of them were stunned for a moment.

——After calming down, it becomes extraordinarily clear, and the tangible touch of the palm makes Youning sober up first.

"Ah...... Sorry for the abruptness. ”

“……”

Seeing that Reimu was also a little overwhelmed, Youning reacted and accidentally snatched what Reimu should say.

"If you get the reward from the barnyard family, you won't keep it anymore. Exercise a little moderation. ”

“…… Yes. ”

When he handed over the money bag, Reimu was still a little dazed. Youning doesn't know what to do.

- "Whoa"

"It's not steady, my mistake is good......"

I don't know whose hand shook a little, and the money bag fell to the ground with a thud. The witch, who had followed some instinct, immediately leaned down and relieved the inexplicable atmosphere. Youning patted her cheek.

"Reimu, you are here first...... I, for a moment, hang out. ”

Some are incoherent. Like a silent tacit understanding, or a simple coincidence, Reimu just let Youning turn around, and with a look of unrelievedness, he walked away in broken steps.

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“?～”

Reimu happily took the tantalizing takoyaki from the vendor and sniffed it under his nose with a satisfied expression.

"Okay, Miss Sanwen."

Reimu, who had already bitten the takoyaki in his mouth, suddenly stopped groping in his pocket. A drop of cold sweat slid through the eyes that were glancing around. Fortunately, the eye-catching scene in front of me seemed to make the store distracted, and they didn't notice anything unusual for a while......

- As if confirming the god of luck behind Reimu, a blue-and-white figure hurriedly passed by the end of the street.

"Hey, Huiyin—"

"Reimu! It's great to have you there...... Come with me—"

Huiyin looked anxious. Before Reimu could say anything, Huiyin grabbed her arm and dragged Reimu away.

"Hey, wait a minute......"

"Can't wait!" Huiyin's voice almost revealed a cry, "Gensokyo is back, but ...... The part related to Mei Hong, it's gone! ”

……

……

"Ah, I'm sorry, but my friend is causing you trouble...... That's a lot, right? ”

A little change was put on the stall by Youning. However, Youning looked at the figure that was leaving, but he hesitated and did not follow immediately. Then, with his eyes closed, he let out a long breath, and suddenly hooked the corners of his mouth again, revealing a smile that could not tell whether it was presumptuous or indulgent.

"Then ...... That's okay for now. ”

————————————==————————————

"Suzuna-an's information was also lost?! That......! ”

"I said, since it's an ambush, don't make such a big fuss."

- Youning's voice suddenly sounded behind the two people who stopped.

"Huh? Ambush? ”

"Ah, since Reimu is coming, I'll leave it to her with confidence."

It's normal for Huiyin to be so puzzled. Now a few people are standing unabashedly near Suzuna-an, the sky is slightly covered with a warm red veil, and the surroundings are ordinary scenes and nothing unusual is found. Reimu looked like she was wandering around no matter how she looked, and there was no way to imagine that she was seriously dealing with the incident.

When Huiyin's worries were about to break through her patience, Reimu moved.

Not only Reimu, but Huiyin also sensed someone's approach.

Then, in mid-air, Reimu, who had put her hand in her cuff, showed an embarrassed expression.

Ah, it seems that Reimu said that the yin-yang jade still forgot to bring something.

Without Yin-Yang Jade and Talismans, there is no way to use enchantments. Although the monster retreat of Hakuryyu has always been a fat beating...... On Reimu's body, the surging spiritual power burst out and retracted into the body.

[This! Could it be legendary! Beili God Fist! 】

Youning scratched her chin and made malicious speculation. However, Reimu didn't use the raw violence that Yuu Ning thought.

- On Reimu's forehead, she also carried the paper flower that she had made herself, a folded Boli rune.

It's just a talisman.

Is that huge light and shadow in the sky an illusion?

Not flashy. It's just, simple, powerful.

For a moment, the two on the ground forgot what would happen next. Youning was attracted by Reimu's fluttering posture, while Huiyin was shocked by the power called Hakurei.

As a result, an important fact is overlooked.

- Who is it that has come so snuck closer?

The line of sight within the barrier was drowned out like a tsunami of dust and smoke.

……

……

"Dead Marseille Silt Sita!"

- Standing upright, Huiyin's face was as black as splashing ink, her body trembling with uncontrollable emotion, her fists creaking.

And the one who bowed and apologized like a bear child who made a big mistake was once judged to be the victim of the incident...... Fujiwara sister red.

"Sister Red ......"

From between Bai Ze's teeth, words full of resentment were squeezed out.

"In!"

Looking at Huiyin, who was approaching step by step, Meihong shivered. Even she, who has always been slow to deal with crises, already has a premonition that something bad is going to happen at this time...... Huiyin's hands grabbed her shoulders. It's coming, that ......! Mei Hong closed her eyes tightly and stiffened her scalp.

- On his cheeks, there was a soft touch. It's Huiyin's chest.

"Sister Hong! Do you know how worried I am about you!! ”

And, with such a crying voice.

There is no one around, and the two girls who are close to each other, their white hair intertwined to separate the independent world.

As for Youning, who left because he cared, and Reimu, who left because he didn't care, they have gone far.

- According to Meihong's confession, it was because she heard Huiyin's self-talk when she was preparing a lesson plan and had the idea. Before Hui Yin saw it, he secretly revised the description of himself in Gensokyo Origin, because it was still a manuscript, and it probably wouldn't be obvious if he revised it in the circle, so Mei Hong thought. At the same time, the copies preserved in Suzuna-an are also synchronized. However, even though she was once a well-educated eldest lady of the Fujiwara family—at least a thousand years ago—she still had the manuscript smeared because she was filled with the idea that "it would be bad for Huiyin to see this." In desperation, I took down those pages for the time being, and quietly sent them back to make plans again.

So,In the vicinity of Suzunaan,Encountered Reimu's "coincidence" of the second kill.

Sometimes, the truth is surprisingly simple and harmless.

"Whew...... Immaculate~"

As if offering treasures, Youning breathed a long sigh of relief at the big bags and small bags that were gradually revealed in front of him.

Reimu, on the other hand, sat leisurely on the simple swing next to him, slowly nibbling on the thick fish grill that Youning bought on the side of the road, looking satisfied.

That's, as an apology for playing word games with Reimu.

- All the money he received from the barnyard family was given to Reimu. However, this does not mean that Youning really has no children......

"Well, business is ......," Youning shrugged his shoulders and said that.

"Do you still have a business? I've almost forgotten there's that thing. ”

Reimu said this with her eyes half-closed, the dough in her mouth hadn't been swallowed yet, and her voice was a little slurred.

"Reimu."

"Huh?"

“…… What do you think of me? Simple, from a personal point of view. ”

Reimu didn't react for a moment.

"This ...... Why do you ask this? ”

"Because, I want to know."

"Huh?!"

No wonder Reimu was surprised. Often, this is not meant by words. However, although the current outfit is almost unrecognizable, it is still a Reimu after all. The remaining half of the thick fish was held in his mouth, and the back of his hand was cushioned with his chin, and he really thought about it seriously.

"Well, it's just as annoying as those two people. The slightly better thing is that you don't bother me much when I'm free. Other than that...... I hate not being honest about it. No, it's ......."

Reimu hesitated in her wording. Cover up a little and tie your hair up. The red and white shrine maiden costume also peeked out from the unbuttoned yukata.

“…… No, with my heart. ”

Reimu finally conclusively came to such a conclusion, but when she looked up, she only saw Yuning's back.

"Hey. I'm telling you seriously, do you have a good listen? ”

"Ahh

Reimu snorted, then caught a piece of clothing flying in.

"The wind is probably cold at night. I bought two scarves myself. And also...... Said strange things. Sorry hah. ”

Youning smiled gently. Tilt your head slightly, your eyes squint.

It was, as usual, with a smile full of gentleness. At the same time, it is a request that ends here.

However, the slumped shoulders revealed exhaustion—or loneliness, a trace of emotion.

He let out a long breath. Youning turned around easily and casually lifted the package on the ground.

"Now, let's go."

- Look back at the world. The flow of people is already surging in the streets, and the lights are on. Shouldn't the second day of the festival be deserted? Even if you look at it from afar, you can feel that the peace is not just the hustle and bustle—it is the people who are really enjoying it.

Or rather, something like this.

Because this kind of thing is a festival, when you follow the bustling crowd chasing the excitement, it will pass in a snap of a finger. Did you miss it to have the heart and courage to cherish it, and then I remembered the joy of the festival?

So, let's just do it again.

In this corner of the tolerant world, it has always been allowed not to abandon even if you are tired, such a small greed.

"Youning, you're heavier than when you came."

"Well, I can trust you with the weight - ah, so tired, so tired...... It's been a long day. ”

However, it's not over yet.

If the past, present, and future could be seen in equal measure.

The length of a day is not measured in terms of time, but in weight.

Sometimes, therefore, it is not necessary to remember this unique day side by side with the ever-changing routine.

But isn't every moment of the present completely independent of the past and unpredictable? Or is it that at the beginning of this day, I was already willing, and I only lived in a sporadic corner of my memory?

The joy of fish is not fish. What's more, caring and persistent, willing and willing are two different things. For example, at the end of this sky corridor leading to the shrine, there are humans who are liked but unhappy by shrine maidens, and there are youkai who are hated but let go by shrine maidens.

Also, I never looked forward to it, and at the same time never missed it, Gensokyo's banquet.

PS: Lost to myself. Pushed 3 gals for this chapter...... As a result, what was written was still just crossed the red line of the return to the furnace OTZ