The following day, before dawn even broke, the Kitagawa household began its final preparations for welcoming the Saint. Even the Second Daughter herself rose early, personally overseeing every detail to ensure perfection, which clearly showed how important this event was to her. Tsukiyo, upon rising for her morning practice and hearing the commotion outside, couldn’t help but feel a pang…
The date for Wakako and Miki’s wedding was chosen carefully, ultimately set for three months later on an auspicious day. The news shocked everyone. Those unaware of the circumstances thought their bond must be incredibly deep to consider marriage amid such kingdom turmoil. No one was more surprised than Wakako’s squad mates. They had long heard her mention wanting to…
The room was filled with the lingering scent of medicinal herbs. A bowl of dark herbal medicine had been sitting for quite some time, still full and untouched. At the doorway, Wakako had removed her cloak and hung it up, not wanting to bring the chill inside with her. She bent down and picked up the bowl of warm medicine….
Wakako couldn’t help but speak up, “Your Majesty, this…” But the Queen didn’t give her a chance to speak. “Lady Kitagawa, I forgot to ask you earlier. Most girls marry at seventeen or eighteen, and even if it’s a bit later, they’re usually settled by twenty. Why haven’t you arranged a marriage yet?” This question left her frozen in place….
Wakako once again awoke from a dream thick with oppressive tension. But this time, she sensed something different about it. Even in her dreams, she always maintained a posture of respect before God, bowing her head in silence, never uttering a word out of line. The wooden statue of the deity would simply stare at her, disdainful, refusing to exchange…