"Sister Yunduo, did you have a nightmare again?"
"...A little bit."
The evening breeze made her feel a bit drowsy.
No passersby were around.
Yunduo closed her eyes, and the sound of the trickling water flowed into her ears; it seemed as if even her brain could be washed clean.
The sky was dotted with stars, and the moon only showed a tiny crescent.
The moonlight tonight wasn't bright, and it got dark very late.
Beside her was the person she wanted to stay with.
The time, the place, and the company were all right; today would surely be unforgettable.
"If there's time in the future, it's good to enjoy the breeze more."
"Sister Yunduo, do you remember what I told you this afternoon?"
At that moment, Yunduo heard Bronya's soft voice.
What she said this afternoon?
Hearing this, Yunduo thought back and remembered.
"Listening to the sound of the river here might make you feel less lonely," Bronya said slowly.
The two of them were by the river, very close to St. Freya Academy.
She had just climbed down from Project Bunny.
"Perhaps."
Yunduo spoke softly, not disagreeing.
"Bronya likes coming here very much. Sometimes when she's in a bad mood, she'll sneak out alone."
Bronya's small mouth moved slightly as she explained softly.
Looking toward the sound, Yunduo could see her white teeth and the pink tip of her tongue.
Like a snow-white pearl inside a clam shell, it was a rare treasure.
"When I was little, there was also a river like this, and I would occasionally take her there..."
"Back then, the sky was very blue, and the water level wasn't this high. You could see many small fish."
"Later, it was gone, and she never accompanied me again."
Bronya looked at the shimmering river, reminiscing about the beauty of the past.
As she spoke, her softest side inadvertently showed through.
"It's just a pity that no one accompanied me after that."
Yunduo heard Bronya's steady voice.
The reason she treated others so coldly was not only because of her emotional breakdown but also because she had rarely received genuine care, making her exceptionally sensitive to even the smallest bit of favoritism.
"It's okay, I'm often free in the evening, I can walk with you."
Hearing this, Yunduo spoke in a tone that didn't seem feigned.
"Thank you..."
Bronya stared into her eyes and said each word seriously.
"The wind is picking up, let's go back," Yunduo said, changing the subject to remind her.
As she spoke, a gust of wind swept past, swirling the cherry blossom petals from the roadside into the air.
It was as if a tornado of flowers had formed, and the world was dyed in pink.
Yunduo's vision was also filled with pink.
"Ugh..."
Suddenly, she heard Bronya let out a slightly surprised cry.
Subconsciously, Yunduo's gaze fell upon her.
Bronya lightly held down her hem, but the skirt she had specifically worn was blown open by the mischievous wind.
From Yunduo's perspective, she could see her white calves, as smooth as suet.
Additionally, there was an extra splash of color, printed with a Homu pattern.
By the time the wind died down, Bronya was panting softly.
Her face was flushed, though it was too dark to see. Her fingertips were white from gripping so hard, whether out of nervousness or shyness.
"The wind by the river is always strong; it's like this sometimes."
Bronya wanted to cover it up and prepared to climb back onto Project Bunny.
Just as she took a step, her leg suddenly went numb.
Bronya lost her balance and sprained her ankle again. Fortunately, she was far from the river, or she might have fallen in.
"Bronya?"
There was no time to react; everything happened too fast.
When Yunduo turned her head, she saw Bronya lying on the ground with a deep frown.
She was holding her right ankle with both hands, her expression looking very uncomfortable.
"Let me see."
Yunduo stepped forward and squatted down.
"It's just a slight twist. Sister Yunduo, my legs were already damaged, and this custom Exoskeleton Armor isn't finished yet, so it doesn't matter..." Bronya hesitated to decline.
"Now is not the time for excuses. If there's a problem, you still need to get it checked. Your last leg injury hasn't fully healed yet."
Yunduo looked up into her steady eyes.
There was no hint of backing down.
"Bronya understands."
"Sister Yunduo is so fierce..."
Seeing this, Bronya also realized the seriousness of the situation and slowly released her hands from her ankle.
Yunduo quickly checked it carefully and found that it wasn't too serious... "Are you... done checking?"
Bronya's awkward, soft voice reached Yunduo's ears.
It was only then that she realized she had been staring blankly while holding Bronya's ankle.
Short socks wrapped around the tender little foot, revealing snow-white skin.
The ankle bone protruded slightly, with thin, short blood vessels, and if one looked closely, fine, transparent peach fuzz could be seen.
It felt especially warm in her hand, like a small steamed bun.
Unfortunately, these feet were usually necrotic and required Exoskeleton Armor; otherwise, even normal walking would be impossible.
"There's no problem."
Yunduo nodded, slowly put down Bronya's right foot, and helped her put on her leather shoe.
"Thank you, Sister Yunduo."
Hearing this, Bronya felt relieved.
The two of them slowly watched the night scenery as they returned... The next day, at nine o'clock in the evening.
It was the same place, and the grass by the river was lush and green.
Compared to the daytime, the current quiet atmosphere gave off an unreal feeling, as if from another world.
"..."
Yunduo remained silent, walking slowly with Bronya, who was riding on Project Bunny.
After a while, Yunduo asked, "Want to get a late-night snack?"
"I'm not hungry."
"It's so bright over there. Is there some kind of event?"
"It's the Summer Festival. The Academy holds it every year."
"Our Academy has a shrine maiden from the Atsuta Shrine, and since the Atsuta Shrine is one of the three major shrines, she will perform the worship together with the people of Shinano."
Today, there will be envoys presenting offerings for the ceremony, the iconic Lantern Festival activities, a fireworks display, and various martial arts and artistic performances.
The night was deep, and a few stars could be faintly seen in the soft sky.
The moon was beautiful, its delicate crescent reflecting down, its faint light shining on the small blades of grass as if giving them a new life.
An hour later, back inside St. Freya Academy, walking along the path in the shrine, Bronya sighed, "It's so beautiful."
"It is beautiful. Such peaceful days are very rare."
Yunduo spoke softly. Beside her, Bronya was wearing a cute pink yukata. The soft sleeves were decorated with cherry blossom patterns, and the collar was adorned with white lace ribbons. Under the moonlight, her figure appeared even more ethereal.
A yukata is a type of kimono commonly seen during summer festivals, holidays, and fireworks displays in various parts of Shinano.
Mei and Kiana both participated and urged Bronya to wear one as well.
Unable to resist their requests, Yunduo had to wear a light pink one.
Yunduo and Bronya were wearing similar yukatas, giving off the feeling of a couple's outfit.
"Tonight, everyone will forget the Honkai and just have fun. Everyone is so happy."
"...Yes, we can't always be dwelling on the Honkai, or our spirits will break."
The crowd was bustling, like a flowing river. The colorful flickering lights made Bronya's hazy vision somewhat blurred. In the congestion, she was like a fish, unable to tell north from south.
"Sister Yunduo!"
Suddenly, Bronya raised her voice and called out.
"What is it?" Yunduo stopped, puzzled.
The surroundings were a bit noisy, and she wanted to leave the crowd quickly to find some peace, so her pace was fast.
"Sister Yunduo, can you slow down? Bronya can't keep up with you," Bronya said, stopping to face Yunduo. "If you're this slow, you won't be able to catch me."
Yunduo said intentionally, looking elsewhere.
"...Bronya will work hard."
Before she finished her sentence, Bronya's cheeks turned slightly red.
She pretended not to care while pursing her lips.
When Yunduo saw the bouncing Kiana holding Mei's hand, she wanted to call out to them.
But as soon as she opened her mouth, Bronya reached out her small hand.
"Hmm?"
Yunduo was puzzled, and the rest of her sentence was blocked right at her lips.
Bronya's palm covered her lips.
The material of the yukata was soft, and through Bronya's playfulness, her warmth could be felt.
A faint body fragrance wafted from her hair, mingling with the scent of the surrounding cherry blossoms, gentle and intoxicating.
"Shh~ don't call them, let them play together."
Bronya spoke softly, her breath blowing the fine hairs near Yunduo's ear.
"I understand."
After Yunduo spoke, Bronya lowered her palm.
The two walked slowly, looking at the surrounding scenery.
Night fell bit by bit.
Yunduo followed quietly from behind. Ahead, Bronya leaned against Project Bunny beside a flowing fountain. Turning back, her gaze drifted toward the sky, the twinkling starlight seemingly lighting up her pupils with a faint dance.
"The fountain at night is beautiful," Bronya remarked sincerely.
Yunduo remained silent, observing the surroundings.
Standing at the edge of the fountain, a cool breeze blew, bringing a comfortable sensation.
After admiring the beautiful scenery for a while, Bronya suddenly spotted a nearby Valkyrie street vendor.
"Is that... candied apples?"
She took two steps forward and asked in a low voice.
"Yes, would you like to buy two? One for you and one for your girlfriend?" the teenage Valkyrie asked with a smile upon seeing them.
Hearing this, Bronya subconsciously looked back at the confused Yunduo, then turned her head away, pursing her lips.
Seeing this, Yunduo asked in surprise, "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
Bronya didn't say more and bought a crystal-clear candied apple.
They returned to the water's edge.
She lowered her head, took a light lick, and then stopped eating.
"Why aren't you eating anymore?" Yunduo asked.
"Half for each of us. I ate this side and didn't touch the other. Sister Yunduo, here," Bronya said softly, looking up.
Hearing this, Yunduo took it and found that the outer layer of the crystal candied apple shimmered with light. The pale gold frosting coated the sweet, juicy skin, looking both beautiful and dreamlike.
Thus, Yunduo switched to the other side and took small bites.
She didn't take any special precautions, nor was she perverted enough to lick the half Bronya had touched.
"Mmm~"
Seeing this, Bronya gave a faint smile.
After a while, the two sat quietly on the edge of the fountain, gazing at the dark sky above.
The vast night sky was as quiet as jade, with a few stars scattered here and there. Standing beneath it, one felt as small as an ant.
Yunduo wasn't originally sleepy, but looking at Bronya, she seemed very tired, her eyelids struggling to stay open.
Not just her body, but her mind was also highly tense; she was indeed exhausted.
"Ugh~ let me lean on you for a bit."
Suddenly, Yunduo heard Bronya's faint voice.
In the sound of the light flowing water, her clothes made a rustling noise.
She felt a weight on her shoulder, and a strand of hair brushed past the tip of her nose, its delicate fragrance refreshing her soul.
Head to head, shoulder to shoulder, it was as if there were no one else around, just the two of them at the fireworks festival.
One with a complex mind, the other with complex emotions... when a ray of light bloomed from the darkness, golden fireworks ignited the night sky, and the crackling explosions echoed in their ears.
"It's so beautiful~ I wish it could stay like this forever..."
Light flickered in Bronya's slightly open eyes as she watched fireworks with red sparks shoot into the sky. With several crisp sounds, beautiful flowers bloomed in the night sky, each with different shapes and colors—multicolored gypsophila, golden dandelions, many and varied, brilliant and colorful.
The dark sky served as a backdrop for the magnificent, poetic display. The sound was deafening, and under the night sky, people quietly admired the spectacle.
"Sister Yunduo, if only it could stay like this, if only Seele could also—"
During the brightest moment of the fireworks, Yunduo heard Bronya's soft call.
Like her previous call telling her not to walk so fast, it seemed she was saying words she hadn't had the courage to say before.
Yunduo nodded and said silently, "It will."
By the time the fireworks were over, it was nearly ten o'clock.
For some reason, Bronya's interest was piqued again, and she insisted on going to the temporary Atsuta Shrine to offer a prayer, saying that a sincere prayer from the two of them would bring unexpected good luck.
And so, Yunduo dragged her tired legs and followed her.
Bronya was indeed like a kitten, curious about everything, touching this and that. Usually soft and squishy, she would use Project Bunny to scratch people when she got angry.
Walking quietly along the small path, the surrounding crowds became fewer and thinner.
They bowed slightly before entering the torii gate, marking the boundary between the human world and the divine realm.
Stepping into the Atsuta Shrine, they immediately felt as if they had traveled back a thousand years into a world of myth.
As the two passed through the rust-covered torii and saw the shrine dedicated to the gods, they deeply felt a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
The two entered the shrine.
The main deity worshipped here is the Atsuta-no-Okami, residing within the 'Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi'.
Specially assigned personnel guarded both sides, and an exquisite sword stood before their eyes.
Of course, it was a replica.
It was about eighty centimeters long, with a blade resembling a calamus leaf. The center of the blade was thick, and the hilt was about eight inches thick with many uneven segments like a fish's spine, white from top to bottom.
"This is the 'Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi', a sword that fell from the tail of the Yamata-no-Orochi after Susanoo-no-Mikoto slew it in a duel. It represents courage and strength and is considered one of the most precious treasures, along with the Yata-no-Kagami and the Yasakani-no-Magatama."
A nearby Valkyrie explained professionally.
"I know about this," Yunduo said slowly.
"Let's go to the chozuya to wash our hands first. Sister Mei and I used to do this before praying,"
"Okay."
After Yunduo agreed, she followed her to the chozuya to wash her hands.
The chozuya was a row of small basins used to purify one's hands.
In ancient times, one needed to wash their body in a river before formally visiting a shrine. Over time, this evolved into washing the hands, the part of the body most likely to be dirty, before praying.
The two stood in the chozuya. Whether because of the fireworks festival or the late hour, the room was quiet and cold, with no one else around. The hissing sound of flowing water drifted in their ears, and the temperature was several degrees colder than outside.
Bronya rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair forearms, and then tied her hair into a high ponytail with a rubber band.
This hairstyle diminished her youthful look and added a touch of maturity.
"Sister Yunduo, help me catch some water, and I'll help you later," Bronya said.
Seeing this, Yunduo took the water ladle and caught the clear spring water falling from the spout.
Splash~
The water fell continuously into the ladle, clean and pure.
Hiss ~ It's so cold..."
As the water from the ladle poured into Bronya's palm, her fingertips trembled, and her hair stood on end.
In the next second, Yunduo's pouring became much lighter, the original pillar of water turning into a trickling stream.
"My turn, lower your hands a bit." Bronya stood up as the water in her hands dried.
Hearing this, Yunduo lowered her head and waited for Bronya to take the ladle and catch the water.
As the cold water dripped into her palms, Yunduo suddenly felt a jolt in her spirit.
It seemed as if some strange emotion had suddenly surfaced.
"What's wrong?" Bronya asked.
"Nothing, I just feel a bit cold."
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