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The door suddenly opens.

Fortunately, Sarasa noticed earlier the flickering light coming from the door gap, and returns to her dogeza pose right on time.

The priest immediately catches on, and straightens his back with head bowed, standing to the side.

Now then. Allow me to once again apologize to you and the Kanou clan on behalf of the Nishigori clan. We are extremely sorry for the trouble caused by our failure to discipline our younger generation.

Please, there is no need to exaggerate. The important issues are all settled, and I would like to thank your daughter for providing this opportunity for us to hold this discussion in person.

Mitsukue has an incompetent diet member who allows violent gangs to run rampant, and your daughter merely acted in the name of justice. What wrong has she committed?

As for the kami's whereabouts... if I may be so bold, I believe it is best to leave them to appear on their own terms for now...

The two clan leaders slowly stroll through the shrine's garden and towards the exit of the divine grounds, as if they have not noticed the two standing and kneeling behind them.

So... we're out of trouble?

Technically, yes—

It's time to head home, Sarasa.

The old Ægir casually calls out as he stands under the torii gate.

Sarasa freezes on the spot, her flushed cheeks from the joy of having gotten herself out of trouble turning pale.

She raises her head to look up at the little patch of sky encircled by the shrine, closes her eyes, and clenches her fists in a position where she believes her father cannot see...

Then, she puts on an obedient and emotionless expression as she follows her father's steps out of the shrine grounds.