I checked one last time that the door was properly closed behind me.
The latch slid with a soft clack. I remained still for a moment on the doorstep.
The morning air was slightly damp, and it was fairly cool.
I heard only a few sounds, a couple of birds chirping. And yet, the outside gave the sensation of being surrounded by nature.
I wondered if all villages used to feel this way before modernization in my former world.
I heard a step beside me and, when I turned my head, I saw an elderly woman sweeping the front of her home.
Perhaps a neighbor. I approached slowly. At the sight of me, she stopped and bowed gently.
" Ohayō, Rei-san. "
I simply returned the greeting.
" Ohayō, okata-sama. "
I froze immediately, realizing my mistake.
Since the mask incident, I felt more familiar with Rei's knowledge. However, I couldn't recognize this person.
She had addressed me as -san, not -sama, despite my position as a priestess and my higher status through marriage.
That meant she knew Rei fairly well.
To my surprise, she let out a gentle, amused laugh.
" Don't worry, Rei-miko, it happens to everyone. It's true that, despite all the help you've given me, I never formally introduced myself to you. "
" I'm sorry for that. It's my fault for not having made the effort to learn your name. Everyone is named to be unique, after all. "
" Enough of that. You can call me Kasumi. That's my name. "
" Then let me correct myself... Kasumi-sama. "
" No need to be so formal. You could be my granddaughter, Rei. "
I then understood what she meant.
" Ohayō, Kasumi oba-san. "
At my response, a broad smile spread across her face.
" You said it so easily. I knew you were a good girl, Rei-san. "
That surprised me a little. I hadn't fully grasped why she said that.
Sensing my confusion, she continued.
" You've always been an extremely formal girl, Rei. Even more than we elders. It kept people from approaching you.
You don't know it, but many saw it as arrogance due to your role as priestess, even though you always treated everyone with kindness. If it hadn't been for the threat that Ayaka represented, you would have had a lot of trouble.
In their eyes, your new alliance with Tobirama would only make you more arrogant. I always felt like you were just playing a part.
The fact that you are now so readily willing to address me informally, outside of your role as priestess and despite your new position, proves otherwise. "
" So you were testing me? "
" You could say that, Rei-san. But don't take it the wrong way. It helped me make a decision about you. "
" A decision? May I know what it is? "
" I may not look it, but I was once a kunoichi. If anyone dares give you the slightest trouble, just tell me, and I'll take care of them. It's my way of thanking you for treating my back pain. "
Hearing that brought me immense relief. I didn't want to deal with a hostile neighbor, but I kept her warning in mind.
Rei really had left me in a complicated situation. But at the same time, it seemed that despite her distance, many still cared deeply for her.
After thanking my new neighbor, I continued on my way to the market square.
It seemed like this kind of situation would be something I'd have to face again later.
Just as I was saying goodbye to Kasumi and about to head off, she stopped me.
" One last thing, Rei-san. There's no code to follow to be a good wife. Just do your best, like you've always done. And if there's a problem with Tobirama, talk to me if you feel comfortable. He'll listen to me, if only out of old friendship with his father. "
I smiled and bowed slightly.
" I see. Thank you very much, oba-san, and have a good day. "
A.N. : "Okata-sama" is how priestesses refer to their clients outside of rituals. The role of a priestess also includes preparing traditional medicine.
The rest of my walk to the market was much smoother.
I passed a few people from time to time, but very few actually recognized me.
There were only discreet and polite greetings. It was the same when I began buying ingredients and other necessities, though a small problem did arise.
Rei didn't know much about market prices. So I had to go from stall to stall to figure out the average cost of items and the best places to get certain goods.
Most merchants treated me like any other customer. I wasn't really recognized.
It was a stark contrast to the atmosphere I had expected. In their eyes, I was just another shopper, and that suited me fine.
I was right to dress the way I did to go out. Had I worn my miko robes, people would've inevitably made the connection, and I'm sure that kind of familiarity would have been impossible.
My shopping bag was full, and the sun was already beginning to set.
Which made sense,I had left around noon.
I calmly made my way back home.
After returning and putting all my purchases away, I decided to refine both my deception… and my craft.
First, I needed to better understand how certain spells worked, especially in practical use.
After a short moment of concentration, the now-familiar catalogue appeared, and I cast the Alarm spell on the living room.
As soon as I opened the door, I felt a strange sensation in my mind.
I understood that this was how the spell alerted me to someone entering the monitored area.
Satisfied with the result, I closed my eyes again.
After another moment of focus, I cast:
" Widen Magic: Alarm. "
The detection zone expanded to cover a little more than the entire residence.
I had a reason for this: I wanted to practice magic without being caught off guard.
I then made my way to the backyard with the ceremonial staff I had crafted… and the mask.
I sat down in kekkafuza position, both items resting on my lap.
I wiped a piece of cloth across the ground to gather some dust.
Once that was done, I laid it flat in front of me and focused.
The catalogue usually gave me a list of spells, but also instructions on how to cast them.
However… if I ever needed to use one in an emergency, every second would count.
The first experiment of the evening was to test my ability to use spells without the catalogue.
I raised my hand over the cloth. I mentally formed the runes and cast the spell I was now most familiar with.
" Clean. "
The effect was immediate. The cloth instantly regained its clean appearance.
I couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
I then summoned the catalogue again.
Let's try a higher-level spell this time.
I pointed at the lake with my finger and cast:
" Magic Arrow. "
Energy gathered at my fingertips, and the next moment, three splashes appeared on the surface of the lake, sending ripples across the water.