Mai Aihara

In the garden of the Temple of Moons are plants that Mai has taken meticulous care of for many years. Every spring, the gorgeous flowers compete to be the most beautiful and invite bees and butterflies to them. It's almost as if a grand tea party is being held.

{character:player}Huff... This big garden looks great, but it sure is tiring to tend to it.

Mai was taking care of the garden when I arrived at the Temple of Moons today. It must be time-consuming and physically exhausting for a girl like her to take care of so many flowers and plants. After thinking briefly, I volunteer to help her under her guidance.

{character:player}Weeding, done! Mai, is there anything else you need help with...? Huh, where is she?

After finishing a task, I look up to find Mai, but she's nowhere to be seen. I walk around the garden and finally see her looking very anxious at the gate of the shrine.

{character:player}What's wrong?

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, Tubby is missing...!

{character:player}Wasn't your chubby cat basking in the sun in the corridor when we were busy tending the garden? Look... Eh, where did he go?

The chubby figure is no longer visible in the corridor. The only thing left there is a flattened cardboard box.

{character:player}Is there anywhere Tubby likes to go in particular?

{character:Mai Aihara}No... Tubby used to be a stray, but he hasn't really been outside the shrine ever since he moved here.

{character:Mai Aihara}It's been a long time since the last time Tubby wandered outside the shrine... I worry he might accidentally get hit by a car...

Although I want to say "that probably won't happen," but then I'm not so sure when I recalled how Tubby walked around leisurely everytime I see him...

{character:Mai Aihara}Tubby loves food... What if he gets a sore tummy after eating something that has gone bad...?

Although I wanted to say "that probably won't happen," but then I'm not so sure when I recalled his round tummy...

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah... Sorry, Master, I know I shouldn't be imagining all these things, but I just can't help worrying about him.

{character:player}That's not really the case. That fact that you're so worried about him proves that you're a good owner. Tubby has an owner that he can be proud of.

{character:player}Well, since we've finished our work in the courtyard, why don't we look around the neighborhood? Tubby can't have run too far.

{character:Mai Aihara}I-I can't make you do that! Master, I'm already so grateful that you helped me take care of the courtyard... It would be shameless of me to let you help me search for Tubby...

{character:player}Don't worry about it. I came here to help you, so I might as well do whatever I can. I won't feel good if I leave like this.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master... Thank you! I'm sorry I'm so useless...

I want to say "if someone like you who is capable of taking care of a shrine like this is useless, I don't think there are many useful people in this world," but I know that she would just think I'm being polite.

{character:player}It's okay! You take care of me all the time. You can help me cleanse my bad luck again when you're free next time. I can't shake the feeling that the tile dealer is targeting me recently.

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes! It would be my pleasure to pray for you, Master!

{character:player}Then we're just helping each other out. Let me see where we should start looking.

Mai Aihara and I arrived at the Mahjong parlor in the Temple of Moons.

{character:???}Is that you, Mai? Have you finished tidying up the garden?

The mahjong parlor is in business, and two regular customers sitting near the door greet us warmly when they see us walking in.

Apparently, the elderly of the vicinity often come here for a walk because of the wonderful environment of the shrine. To give the elderly a place to rest, Mai emptied the small room next to the shrine to make it a lounge for them.

After that, the elderly proposed to put a few mahjong tables in the room for their entertainment and to generate more income for the shrine. Mai agreed, so she changed the room into a mahjong parlor, which has been in business since then.

{character:Elderly Man}We're waiting for someone. Mai, how about you play a few rounds with us?

{character:Mai Aihara}S-sorry...! I'm a little busy right now. How about next time?

{character:Elderly Woman}Oh? You look a little distressed.

{character:Elderly Man}You can tell me about it if you want. Maybe I can help.

Most of the elderly who play mahjong here watched Mai grow up and have always been very kind to this girl who is like a granddaughter to them.

{character:player}Um... have you seen Tubby?

{character:Elderly Man}Tubby? That fat cat? No, I haven't. I've been here by the door the whole time, so I would have noticed if a cat passed by. What? Is Tubby missing?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes... I don't know where he's gone to or whether he is in any danger.

{character:Elderly Woman}Mai, maybe you can take a look at the nearby animal shelter? I heard my son mention that someone has been giving canned food to stray cats and dogs there recently.

{character:Mai Aihara}Canned food? Tubby loves that. He might actually be there! Thank you both! I'll go there right now.

{character:Elderly Man}You're welcome. You take such good care of us all the time. In particular, this mahjong parlor has helped me pass a lot of time.

{character:Elderly Woman}The old man is right. You're like a granddaughter to us, so you can always tell us if anything is troubling you. Granny is always here for you if someone bullies you.

{character:player}With such reliable elders who dote on her, I believe no one will dare to bully her.

{character:Elderly Woman}Hehe, the young one has a sweet tongue.

{character:Elderly Man}A sweet tongue isn't enough without helping out.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master has been taking good care of Mai and just helped me clean the courtyard. Now Master is helping me search for Tubby.

{character:Elderly Man}It doesn't mean much until you find Tubby. Don't worry, Mai, grandpa will help you search for Tubby as well. I'm sure I'm more reliable than these young whippersnappers—OUCH! Why did you pinch me?

{character:Elderly Woman}Save yourself the trouble and stop getting in the way of young people. Mai, just go and do what you need to do.

{character:Mai Aihara}Okay, take care and have fun then. We'll go to the animal shelter now.

{character:player}Don't worry, old man, maybe we'll find Tubby before you finish a Hanchan.

{character:Elderly Man}All talk and no... Argh! Stop pinching me, you old hag! I'll shut up, okay? Just go...

Mai and I arrive at Mahjong Soul Shrine and see Wanjirou and Ichihime basking in the sun there. Now it's the perfect opportunity to ask them about Tubby.

{character:Mai Aihara}Have either of you seen Tubby?

{character:Wanjirou}Nope, woof. Ichihime, you were in the corridor the whole time. Did you see Tubby?

{character:Ichihime}I didn't see him either, maybe because I fell asleep, nyaa!

{character:Wanjirou}How can you sound so proud about dozing off, woof?

{character:Ichihime}Because I dreamed that Master had come to see me, and then Master really came, nyaa! Wanjirou, you wouldn't understand, I wasn't dozing off, I had a prophetic dream!

{character:Ichihime}Master, do you want me to help you search the courtyard, nyaa?

{character:player}That would be great, thanks, Ichihime!

{character:Ichihime}Wanjirou, don't slack off! Come and help me, nyaa!

With Ichihime and Wanjirou's help, it doesn't take us long to search Mahjong Soul Shrine thoroughly but we still fail to find Tubby as there is only one cat in Mahjong Soul Shrine—Ichihime.

{character:Mai Aihara}He's not here... Where could he be if he isn't in Mahjong Soul Shrine?

Mai looks a little crestfallen. The reason we came here first was that she said Tubby had come to Mahjong Soul Shrine a few times before and thought we would have a higher chance of finding him here.

{character:player}Don't be disheartened. Tubby can't go that far since he likes to rest for a while every two steps he makes. At least now we can cross one place off the list.

{character:Ichihime}Don't worry, Mai, Tubby is a smart cat. He'll be fine, nyaa.

{character:Wanjirou}Although I want to tell you not to worry, I know it won't be easy since that cat is like family to you, woof.

{character:Mai Aihara}Yea... Tubby and I have been together for four years already...

As Mai takes a trip down memory lane, she tells us about how she met Tubby. At first, Tubby, who was a kitten at the time, was just a stray tabby who came to beg for food in the neighborhood every evening, but at some point in time, he started to sleep in the courtyard of the Temple of Moons.

The kind-hearted Mai was worried that he would catch a cold, so she made him a basic cat house. Over time, the cat became a member of the Temple of Moons and was given the name Tubby.

Especially after Mai's grandfather passed away, Tubby became Mai's only remaining family. One can imagine how anxious and sad Mai must be feeling after Tubby disappeared.

{character:Mai Aihara}It's almost time for lunch. I wonder if Tubby has managed to have a good meal outside...

{character:Wanjirou}Meal... I remember, woof! There's an animal shelter near the commercial strip. They have been providing canned cat food to stray cats there recently, so Tubby might be attracted over there, woof.

{character:Ichihime}Canned cat food?!

{character:Wanjirou}Be careful, Ichihime. You better not get lost because of this too, woof.

{character:Ichihime}Nyaa? I won't eat any canned food, nyaa! Because Master will give me a big snack pack with lots of yummier food, nyaa!

After Wanjirou reminds us of a place where Tubby might have gone, Mai thanks him and starts pulling me toward the animal shelter.

{character:Mai Aihara}I hope we can find Tubby soon.

{character:player}Let's go. Hopefully he likes the food there and will stay there for a little longer.

{character:Ichihime}Master, you can do it, nyaa! Call me at any time if you need my help, nyaa!

{character:Wanjirou}I'll keep an eye out for you when I go outside later. Let's keep in touch, woof.

A large group of cats is gathering around the meal trays at the animal shelter, meowing constantly as they eat. Mai and I enter this "car paradise" with the staff's permission.

{character:player}There are many cats here... but I don't see Tubby among them.

Tubby should be quite conspicuous among stray cats with its chubby figure, so I quickly come to the conclusion that Tubby isn't there.

However, Mai is not willing to give up so soon. she calls Tubby's name a few times, hoping he will appear.

{character:Mai Aihara}Tubby! Tubby! Stop playing hide and seek! I'm worried sick about you. Tubby!

{character:Mai Aihara}Master... I don't think Tubby is here.

I pat her shoulder gently because I can see her getting more and more depressed.

{character:player}There are still many places that cats would go to. Let's look around nearby.

But we can't search aimlessly. It would be best to find some other clues.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master... Although Tubby isn't here right now, is it possible that he has finished eating and left? Should we ask the staff?

{character:player}That's a good idea, but so many cats come here to eat every day... would they remember?

{character:player}...We can still try though. Mai, do you have a photo of Tubby on your phone?

Tubby is so conspicuous, we might really be able to find some clues if you show them his photo.

We show Tubby's photo to the staff at the rescue station and are fortunate enough to find some clues.

{character:Staff}Oh! This chubby cat came here today. He seemed to have gone to play in the commercial strip after eating his fill.

{character:Mai Aihara}R-really? Thank you! Um, well, the cost of the food...

{character:Staff}Don't worry about that. You're the priestess of the Temple of Moons, right? The neighbors here say that things seem to get better if they pray at your shrine when they are down on their luck.

{character:Staff}Just treat the cat food as a donation.

{character:Mai Aihara}E-even if I have helped anyone... that's my duty as the priestess. It shouldn't be like that.

{character:player}Haha!

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh... Master, why are you laughing? Did I say something strange?

{character:player}No, it's nothing. Mai, you're right. You're a very principled person.

{character:Staff}Haha, you're such a serious and adorable person.

The staff beside us also starts laughing because of our conversation. It's really like what he said, the way how Mai treats people so seriously is a little ditzy and cute.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, did I really say nothing strange?

{character:player}No, I guarantee you didn't. Let's go to the commercial strip now. If we ask around while showing the photo, we should be able to find Tubby soon.

{character:Mai Aihara}Y-yes! Let's go, Master.

Excellent, I manage to change the subject.

{character:Shop Employee}This chubby cat did come to our store. I was eating corn at the time, so I fed it some.

{character:Shop Employee}Then I was busy greeting a customer that entered after that, and he had left by the time I turned my head. Sorry, I don't know where he's gone.

{character:Mai Aihara}Please don't say that. I should be the one apologizing because Tubby bothered you.

{character:player}Another dead end...

We ask around the commercial strip and follow the passerby's instructions to the shop Tubby had visited, but we seem to be one step too late again.

{character:player}Other places... I can only think of that grill house. I often see cats hanging around there when I pass by.

{character:Mai Aihara}I hope Tubby hasn't left the commercial strip. There are fewer cars here, so he should be safer here...

{character:Shop Employee}Are you leaving now? Are you sure you don't want to pick a few pieces of clothing? Our clothes are high-quality and inexpensive!

{character:Shop Employee}Especially this priestess. You look so lovely—we have lots of clothes that suit you!

{character:player}I'm sorry, you know we're looking for a cat. We'll come again next time. I promise.

{character:Shop Employee}It won't take long—just a few minutes. Let me give you some recommendations. Take a look, this hat just arrived. It's incredibly trendy!

The shop employee plops a hat on my head just like that. When I look in the mirror, I see a hat with two fluffy decorations that resembled Wanjirou's ears on the brim. It looks like a hat people would wear to play a prank.

{character:Mai Aihara}Oh, I've seen this hat in a magazine. It looks surprisingly good on you, Master.

{character:player}Is this hat really popular right now? Well... I actually quite like it. H-hold on, didn't I just say we were busy? It won't be convenient to be carrying something right now. I'll come again another day after we find the cat.

{character:Shop Employee}Customer! If you see something you like, you've got to buy it now! We happen to be doing a promotion right now, so you can get this hat for a special price!

{character:player}Ha... haha... Don't tell me that I can probably get anything I like for a special price...

After saying that, I grab Mai and run away from the enthusiastic employee and that shop. Sometimes, social anxiety is caused by "social terrorists"...

Unfortunately, we don't manage to find any clues at the grill house after that.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, Miss Nanami's café is nearby. You've been so busy all afternoon and haven't had a chance to drink anything. Do you want to have a drink and take a break there, or do you want to rest back at the shrine and see if Tubby has returned at the same time?

{character:Mai Aihara}Maybe... Maybe Tubby is just hiding somewhere and taking a nap. It would be great if that's the case...

Mai and I are exhausted after running around all afternoon looking for Tubby. She seems to notice my exhaustion while we were sitting on a bench by the street, so she makes a gentle suggestion.

I want to say I don't need to, but I see her apologetic eyes and feel that she would definitely feel guilty if I forced myself to continue at this time.

{character:player}Okay, let's have a cup of coffee to pick ourselves up.

{character:Mai Aihara}Oh... Master, can you go there first? I just thought of a place Tubby might go to and want to ask around first.

{character:player}I'll come with you.

{character:Mai Aihara}It's okay! Master... place an order at the café first. It's just nearby, so I'll be back soon.

Mai insists on going by herself, and I don't want to force her, so I head to Éternité by myself first. It would be a good idea to order a cup of her favorite black tea first so she can have it right after she comes back.

{character:Reina Nanami}Welcome!

The soft sound of a wind chime and Reina Nanami's gentle greeting welcome me at the same time.

{character:Reina Nanami}Ah, it's you, {var:player_nickname}. Is it just you today? We happen to have a new product that will become available from tomorrow. Can you try it out for me?

{character:player}Sure, but I'm with Mai at the moment. She'll be joining me later.

{character:Reina Nanami}That's perfect! I'll have one more taster. This will be on the house.

{character:???}Excuse me.

I hear Mai's voice from behind me as I talk to Reina. She sure didn't exaggerate when she told me the place was nearby and that she would be back soon.

{character:Mai Aihara}Sorry for making you wait, Master. I took a little longer because I bought some things along the way on my way back. I'm really sorry...

{character:player}It's okay, you came really quickly, so don't worry about it. By the way, Reina, have you seen this cat?

{character:Reina Nanami}Is this the cat of the Temple of Moons? I remember seeing him when I prayed at the shrine. Has he gone missing?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes, he disappeared this morning. I'm worried that he might get into an accident...

{character:Reina Nanami}Cats all love to roam around everywhere. It's the same case for all the stray cats around the cafe. You won't see them usually, but they'll all come running when it is time for a meal.

{character:Reina Nanami}Maybe Tubby will return home once it's time, so you don't need to be too worried. If he comes here, I'll let you know as soon as possible.

Reina handed our drinks over as she spoke. The new coffee blend fills the mouth with a lavender-like aftertaste and seems to have a soothing effect.

I look over at Mai. The steaming coffee seems to have eased her anxiety as she looks a lot more relaxed than she has been all afternoon.

{character:Mai Aihara}Speaking of which, Master... am I worrying too much?

{character:player}You just care about Tubby a lot. Like I said, you're a good owner.

{character:Reina Nanami}Most cats have a mind of their own. They come quietly and leave quietly before you even realize it. They never care whether their owner will worry about them.

{character:Reina Nanami}Miss Aihara, after Tubby comes back, remember to tell him that you are very worried about him.

{character:Mai Aihara}B-but will Tubby understand?

{character:Reina Nanami}Whether he understands isn't important. You need to let him feel that you worry about him and care about him.

{character:Mai Aihara}Oh I see... Thank you, Reina, I'll try doing that. Yes... after I get back... I'll be a little mean to him and show him that I'm his owner.

Reina and I both smiled after hearing that. Neither of us could imagine Mai being mean to anyone.

{character:Reina Nanami}By the way, I just remembered that there's a nearby park where cats like to gather. Would you like to take a look there?

{character:Reina Nanami}But Tubby might already have returned to the shrine by now.

{character:Mai Aihara}What do you think, Master?

The shadows on the ground grow longer and longer as the sun slowly sets in the west. Mai and I arrive at the park Reina Nanami mentioned and split up to search carefully.

{character:player}Did you find her?

{character:Mai Aihara}No...

There are many cats here like Reina said, but we don't see Tubby among them.

After searching for a while, we are both so tired and sweaty that we have to sit on a park bench to rest for a while.

{character:player}I think we should take a look back at the shrine. Should we go now?

{character:Mai Aihara}It's getting late, and it's been a tiring day for you, Master. You should go home and get some rest. I'll go back to the shrine by myself to look for Tubby.

{character:player}...Alright. If Tubby has returned to the shrine, then it isn't really necessary for me to come with you.

{character:player}I'll go home first then. Call me if Tubby hasn't returned to the shrine.

{character:Mai Aihara}Thank you, Master... Oh right, Master, please take this.

Mai Aihara handed a bag to me. After receiving it, I took a look inside and saw the "Wanjirou" hat I saw earlier in the shop.

{character:player}Huh, w... what's this for?

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, you said you liked this hat.

I remember going along with her and expressing some affection for the hat because Mai said it looked good on me. I didn't expect her to take such a trivial matter to heart and buy me this hat as a gift. I would be lying if I said I wasn't happy, but...

{character:player}Mai... why are you giving me a gift all of a sudden?

{character:Mai Aihara}I've caused you a lot of trouble when you helped me taking care of the courtyard and search for Tubby today. This is a... thank-you gift.

Mai's comment makes me think she is too concerned about needing to repay others for their help. Suddenly, the hat feels heavy in my hands.

{character:Mai Aihara}...Master, why aren't you saying anything? D-do you not like it?

{character:player}No, I like it a lot. Thank you.

{character:player}It's just, I did something a friend would do. To receive such a formal gift in return for a little favor feels a little...

{character:Mai Aihara}S-sorry! Did I make things difficult for you?

{character:Mai Aihara}I just think... you are so kind and gentle to me. I just want to respond to your kindness.

{character:player}Mai, do you think we're friends?

{character:Mai Aihara}F-friends... Can I be friends with you?

{character:player}Of course. It's because I see you as a friend that I helped you with the garden and helped you search for Tubby. I didn't do this to be repaid. I just want you to be happy.

{character:Mai Aihara}Then I'm the same... It's not entirely because you helped me that I got you this gift. I... When I see something you like, I also want to buy it for you and make you happy.

{character:player}In that case, just make me some tea you and it would be the best gift already. Of course, it would be even nicer if you could make me a home-cooked meal. I think we'll be closer friends like that.

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh? M-master, do you want us to... become closer?

{character:player}Of course! We're friends, right?

{character:Mai Aihara}O-okay! I... I'll remember that.

Mai bows her head shyly, and I hear her whisper, "become closer" to herself.

I once heard Ichihime say that Mai had been very lonely and isolated for a long time because of her strict family education. Perhaps that's why she cherishes Tubby and the friends around her so much. However, it also makes her too polite sometimes.

Like I said earlier, I hope that we'll become a little closer after today's events.

{character:player}Thank you for the hat. It's become dark after all that talking. I'll walk with you back to the shrine.

{character:Mai Aihara}Thank you... Master.

Excellent, she didn't try to say no politely. We've made some progress.

{character:Tubby}Nyaaa!

As we prepared to get up, we heard the sound of a cat from behind the bench.

{character:Tubby}Nyaa—

{character:Mai Aihara}Tubby! M-master! It's Tubby!

{character:player}Geez... So you've finally decided to show your face? Where have you been all day? Hmm...? What's this on its back?

There is a yellow little chick sitting on Tubby's back. It's as bright as a hydrangea.

{character:Mai Aihara}Is this... Tubby's friend?

{character:player}Maybe that's why he ran out for so long. He made a new friend and was having too much fun outside.

The little chick doesn't seem afraid of us and continues to groom Tubby's fur with its beak. The two animals look like they are getting along so well.

{character:Mai Aihara}...Tubby.

{character:Tubby}Nyaaa!

{character:Mai Aihara}You can go outside and play with your friends, but you need to tell me first! We're family, so don't make me worry. Do you understand, Tubby?

{character:Tubby}Nyaaa!

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, did I show Tubby my authority as her owner?

{character:player}You've done very well for now, Mai.

{character:Mai Aihara}Hehe...

But judging from Tubby's relaxed demeanor, he probably doesn't take it to heart. Tubby flips over, revealing his tummy, in a show of friendliness to Mai. The yellow chick also jumps over and rubs itself against her clogs endearingly.

{character:player}You naive cat, do you think you can get away with it just by being cute to your owner?

{character:Mai Aihara}Tubby's tummy is so soft... it's so cute...

Hmm... Well, I guess he can. Even I couldn't resist the urge to touch it.

{character:player}What about this yellow chick? Since they get along so well, should we bring this little guy back with us?

{character:Mai Aihara}That's what I'm thinking too. It wouldn't be nice to separate them since they get along so well together.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, let's go back. I... I want to cook you dinner.

{character:player}Yay! I'm in for a treat!

And so, our adventure to find Tubby has ended perfectly.

{character:Mai Aihara}...Master, can we go to that clothing shop again together sometime?

{character:Mai Aihara}I... I want to become closer to you, Master...

{character:player}... Sure! Let's go out and have some fun another time.

I hope we can become as close as the two animals in front of us...

It's almost dusk by the time we return to the shrine. The setting sun elongates our shadows behind us, and Mai always stays half a step behind me with her head down. I don't know what's on her mind.

{character:player}What's on your mind?

{character:Mai Aihara}Oh, nothing... I suddenly noticed that our shadows have overlapped.

{character:player}You're right. Have you seen that recent anime? Having a shadow at least proves that we are humans.

{character:Mai Aihara}I'm not good with scary topics. I just think that our shadows look very happy together like that...

I don't know if it’s the setting sun, but her face looks a little red. Mai seems much more relaxed than before, but she becomes shy again due to the dreamy atmosphere.

{character:Tubby}Nyaa—

{character:player}Huh? That sound is...

A furry creature appears in front of us suddenly. It's Tubby!

{character:Mai Aihara}It's Tubby! He really did return to the shrine!

{character:Mai Aihara}Geez! Master and I looked around everywhere for you... I was so worried about you Tubby. Did you know that...?

{character:Tubby}Nyaaa!

Tubby doesn't understand the troubles of people, so he reveals his tummy to act cute, which is always effective. Although Mai complains about Tubby, her eyes are full of unconcealed love. She strokes every inch of Tubby's fur like she's making sure Tubby isn't hurt.

{character:player}I'll buy a collar with GPS for you so you'll know if Tubby has gone anywhere dangerous.

{character:Mai Aihara}Thank you, Master... I've caused you so much trouble today.

{character:player}Not at all. I'm relieved that Tubby has returned home safely too.

{character:Mai Aihara}If you don't mind, please rest for a while at the shrine. I'll make you some tea.

{character:player}Thanks, Mai.

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes... And if you don't mind my cooking, would you like to stay for dinner?

Mai asks me that question hesitantly after picking up Tubby, and I can tell she has plucked up a lot of courage before asking. Before this, she has hardly invited anyone on her own initiative. Does this mean she already considers us to be good friends?

{character:player}Oh? I'm in for a treat! My efforts today have paid off!

{character:Tubby}Nyaa!

{character:player}Stop shouting, you greedy little cat. Your owner won't forget your share.

And with that, our search for Tubby comes to an end. I stay at the shrine and have dinner with Mai.

Although we never find out where Tubby went during the day, we are both relieved that he has returned home safely. I'll need to hurry up and get him one of those collars with GPS soon.

{character:Narration}Let me ask you, when you see a book dropped on the library floor, the first thing that comes to your mind is to pick it up, right?

{character:Narration}And it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to catch a glimpse of the title of the book when you do that, right?

{character:player}Pineapple... Instructor, Volume 4?

{character:Narration}This novel is protected by a dust jacket. However the pattern on the cover can be seen through it, because the green dust jacket has been damaged after probably being turned too many times.

{character:Narration}On the cover, two handsome men are holding hands and looking at each other... What you see in their eyes is probably not friendship but a passionate emotion that makes one feel they only have eyes for each other in this life.

{character:Narration}However, like I just said, I didn't pick up this book because I've been a huge fan of this "Pineapple Instructor." In fact, I've never heard of this book before.

{character:Narration}I just saw it on the floor by chance when I came to the library with Mai to borrow a book.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, did you find any interesting books?

{character:player}No! Not at all! There are so many books in this library, haha...

{character:Narration}Mai, who is at the corner, turns around. I quickly hide the book behind me, not because I am worried she will get the wrong impression because most libraries collect some recreational works, but the thing is...

{character:Narration}I feel like I've seen the green dust jacket of this book before.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master... If you aren't looking for anything else, I want to look for some books on gardening.

{character:player}Gardening?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes. It's almost the flowering season again, and I want to grow some hydrangeas. But I realized that there are a lot of things to look out for after doing some searching on the Internet.

{character:Narration}Gardening... Flowers? I know! It's the Garden Files! The dust jacket of this "Pineapple Instructor" is exactly the same as the one on the book Mai calls the "Garden Files."

{character:Narration}I remember that time when I asked Mai what was in the book under that dust jacket because I was curious. She looked very flustered and vaguely said it contained gardening information.

{character:Mai Aihara}M-Master? Why did you suddenly stop talking? If you think it's inconvenient, I can go by myself.

{character:player}...I'll go with you. The garden of the Temple of Moons looks so beautiful that I want to contribute to it.

{character:Mai Aihara}O-Okay... That's great. I thought you no longer liked me...

{character:Narration}There's no way I can dislike Mai, regardless of the contents of the "Garden Files."

{character:Narration}The problem is... Library books usually don't have dust jackets, let alone one that is the same style as the one on "Garden Files."

{character:Narration}If the book on the ground really is the same "Garden Files"... Based on how she acted last time, she must have lied about it being gardening information because she didn't want me to know about the existence of "Pineapple Instructor."

{character:Narration}I don't dare to ask her directly for confirmation because she is very sensitive. If I'm right, she might be so embarrassed that she won't talk to me for a long time.

{character:Mai Aihara}Let's go. I remember the bookshelf with gardening books is at...

{character:Narration}I need to think of a way to indirectly remind her she dropped something. Or maybe I can put it somewhere she can get it by herself.

{character:player}Hmm... We're looking for books now, right?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes. Although I have several alternatives, I still want to search for them personally.

{character:player}That's great! Let's look carefully!

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh? Um... I'll do my best.

{character:Narration}I have an idea. I'll put this book on a shelf with gardening books on it so that she'll find it while looking for books. If I pretend not to see anything, she should put her "Garden Files" away herself.

{character:player}Ah sorry, I need to go to the toilet. Mai, can you wait a few minutes for me?

{character:Mai Aihara}Sure.

{character:Narration}I make a random excuse so that I can run over to the shelf with the gardening books and put the "Garden Files" there.

{character:Narration}However...

{character:player}Why are these shelves only marked with numbers...? Which one is the shelf that contains gardening books?

{character:Narration}I've heard about a system that classifies books by numbers called Universal Decimal Classification on the Internet, but I can't remember the specific rules all of a sudden.

{character:Narration}Mai is still waiting for me, so I can't waste too much time. Where should I put the "Pineapple Instructor?"

{character:Narration}Based on memory, I place the book on the fourth shelf and go back to Mai.

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah... This book looks quite good. Master, I've found the book I need.

{character:player}...I've failed.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master?

{character:Narration}In the end, Mai found the book she was looking for somewhere else. I put the "Garden Files" in the wrong place.

{character:player}Maybe you should find a few more books as reference materials? I remember the fourth shelf has gardening related books.

{character:Mai Aihara}The fourth shelf... Based on my memory, that should be where the language books are.

{character:player}I... I see... Mai, can you wait for me again? I want to find some language reference books.

{character:Mai Aihara}Sure, I'll wait for you over here.

{character:Narration}Based on memory, I place the book on the fifth shelf and go back to Mai.

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah... This book looks quite good. Master, I've found the book I need.

{character:player}...I've failed.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master?

{character:Narration}In the end, Mai found the book she was looking for somewhere else. I put the "Garden Files" in the wrong place.

{character:player}Maybe you should find a few more books as reference materials? I remember the fifth shelf has gardening related books.

{character:Mai Aihara}Most of the books on the fifth shelf are about scientific theories. I don't really understand those complicated books.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, you can take a look at them if you're interested. I'll wait for you over here.

{character:player}Okay... I'll be back soon then.

{character:Narration}The sixth shelf is the one with gardening books on it.

{character:player}Phew... I'm quite lucky. The Universal Decimal Classification system is easy to use, but those who don't understand it will surely be confused. They should really add a tag or something as a reminder.

{character:Narration}I find a conspicuous place and put the "Garden Files" there before returning to where Mai is waiting for me. On my way back, I start to have some doubts. If Mai doesn't want anyone to know about the contents of the "Garden Files," why did she bring it to the library? Isn't it bad to accidentally lose it like this? It doesn't seem like something she would do given her cautious personality.

{character:player}And the dust jacket is broken too... Mai doesn't seem like someone who doesn't cherish books.

{character:Narration}Before I can sort out my thoughts, I return to where I was before and see Mai reading a book in the distance.

{character:player}Sorry to keep you waiting.

{character:Mai Aihara}Oh... I-It's okay. I didn't notice you coming over, Master.

{character:Narration}Mai is so absorbed in the book she is reading that she almost dropped the book to the ground when I gave her a fright. I saw that it is a famous collection of romantic poems.

{character:player}Mai, do you usually read poems?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes, I read some... I read some when I am free...

{character:player}The romantic poems in this book are quite good, and the ones about the longing for hometown and loved ones are pretty beautiful too.

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh... Master, you've read this before?

{character:player}The humid air in my hometown, mixed with my mother's shouts during dinner, is engraved in my childhood memories..."

{character:Mai Aihara}I-I also find this verse especially beautiful!

{character:player}But the poet is most famous for his romantic poems, which are quite uplifting, unlike many sad love poems.

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes! Hehe, I never thought you would also like this book, Master. I'm so happy you didn't tease me about it.

{character:player}Tease you?

{character:Mai Aihara}Because... my classmates mocked me for reading these things when I was in elementary school.

{character:player}Well... It's the nature of most girls to like romantic things. Those who mocked you about this are just crude.

{character:Mai Aihara}Thank you, Master. But that's why I... I feel bad about being seen reading these things. I can only read these books secretly.

{character:Narration}Mai covers her face with the book and looks timidly toward me like a little rabbit. If she feels embarrassed about being seen reading this type of book, then "Pineapple Instructor"...

{character:player}Don't worry, Mai! All carefully written books have their own unique charm. I won't let anyone laugh at you!

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh? O-Okay. T-Thank you, Master.

{character:Narration}I can't help getting excited, which makes Mai jump up in surprise. No matter what, to protect her sensitive heart, I must help her keep the "Garden Files" a secret.

{character:Narration}After that, Mai and I go to the sixth shelf.

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah... Here it is.

{character:player}This seems to be a book about gardening. Mai, do you want to take a look at it?

{character:player}Eh?

{character:player}Eh? Mai... What's wrong?

{character:Narration}Mai suddenly jumped away from me as if she was electrocuted, giving me quite a scare.

{character:Mai Aihara}S-Sorry. I didn't... do that on purpose...

{character:Narration}Seeing her blushing and apologizing with such a flustered expression made me confused by the situation. But after I saw her tightly clenched right fist, I seem to understand something. When I reached out for the book just now, I think I touched the back of her right hand by accident.

{character:player}Sorry, is my hand too cold?

{character:Mai Aihara}No, it isn't you. I'm just... not used to suddenly having physical contact with other people...

{character:Mai Aihara}Don't misunderstand me, Master! I don't dislike you, it's just that...

{character:player}It's okay. Everyone has something they aren't used to. Mai, have you found the books you're looking for?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes, I've found them.

{character:Narration}She doesn't seem to have noticed the "Garden Files." How can I remind her?

{character:Narration}Speaking of which... she doesn't seem to have calmed down from the earlier incident. I hope she won't react too strongly when she sees the "Garden Files" in a moment...

{character:player}Huh?

{character:Mai Aihara}What is it, Master? Are you searching for a book?

{character:player}Oh, no... Well... Did you take something from here just now?

{character:Narration}I only realized just now that the "Garden Files" is no longer where it was.

{character:Mai Aihara}I've been searching over here. I haven't had time to look at the shelf over there.

{character:Narration}Mai's reaction is the same way as always, so I can only try my best to pretend to be calm. But inside my heart, the disappearance of the "Garden Files" has made me feel quite uneasy.

{character:Narration}I keep checking if it was stuck inside another book, and even look back to check the shelf behind it, but the book is nowhere to be found.

{character:Narration}While I am looking left and right, I hear an intelligent and indifferent voice behind me.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Welcome. What book are you looking for?

{character:player}Onodera?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}It's been a while, Mai.

{character:Mai Aihara}Miss Onodera, it's been a while. I didn't expect to run into you here.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}I'm working part time here...

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah, I've finished reading the book you lent to me last time.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}That was quick. The sequel... I'll give it to you the next time I pass by the Temple of Moons.

{character:Mai Aihara}No need, I'll get it from you next time when I return books to you. You're already lending me books, so how can I make you come to me again...

{character:Narration}The two chat intimately. Nanaha Onodera is an avid reader, so their chat is all about books.

{character:player}So you two are book buddies?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes, Miss Onodera recommends very interesting books.

{character:Mai Aihara}Oh right! Master, weren't you looking for a book just now? Miss Onodera is working part time here. Why don't you ask her?

{character:player}Well... I'll keep looking. I remember seeing the book I was looking for when I passed by earlier.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}I just sorted this shelf. If you can't find it there, maybe it was in the wrong place and I've put it back where it belongs.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Do you need any help? What's the name of the book?

{character:player}The name is... is... Um, I'll look for it myself.

{character:Narration}Mai is right next to me, so I can't just tell her I'm looking for "Pineapple Instructor," or else she'll instantly realize she has lost her "Garden Files."

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Are you familiar with the Universal Decimal Classification System? You might not be able to find it if you aren't.

{character:player}Don't worry, I'm familiar with the system. So you've returned the book to the shelf of its category, right?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Yes, I remember I just sorted...

{character:player}Y-You don't have to recall the names of the books! Thank you for working so hard, Onodera. I'll take care of this myself.

{character:Narration}I need to get the "Garden Files" back quickly. Since "Pineapple Instructor" has been returned to its original location, which shelf should it be on according to the Universal Decimal Classification System?

{character:Narration}I'm at the seventh shelf. The books here are all about art.

{character:player}Oh no! I think I'm at the wrong shelf. The book isn't here.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, Onodera said she remembers which books she just sorted.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Although {var:player_nickname} said I didn't need to recall which ones, there weren't many anyway.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}It was a literary work, and it's on the shelf over there.

{character:Narration}After speaking, Nanaha Onodera leads Mai to the shelf. What should I do? I can't think of a reason to stop her.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, I'm also interested in the book you're looking for. Can I come and take a look too?

{character:player}Um... Well...

{character:Narration}Should I lie and say I need to go to the toilet again? But even if I leave, Nanaha Onodera will find the "Garden Files." I'm... out of options.

{character:Narration}I'm at the ninth shelf. The books here are about history, geography, etc.

{character:player}Oh no! I'm at the wrong shelf. The book wouldn't be here.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, Onodera said she remembers which books she just sorted.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Although {var:player_nickname} said I didn't need to recall which ones, there weren't many anyway.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}It was a literary work, and it's on the shelf over there.

{character:Narration}After speaking, Nanaha Onodera leads Mai to the shelf. What should I do? I can't think of a reason to stop her.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, I'm also interested in the book you're looking for. Can I come and take a look too?

{character:player}Um... Well...

{character:Narration}Should I lie and say I need to go to the toilet again? But even if I leave, Nanaha Onodera will find the "Garden Files." I'm... out of options.

{character:Narration}I'm at the eighth shelf. "Pineapple Instructor" is a novel, so it should be on a shelf with literary works... Found it! It's the damaged green dust jacket!

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, Miss Onodera said she remembers which books she just sorted.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Narration}I quickly find the "Garden Files," but just as I'm about to take it from the shelf, Mai and Nanaha walk over suddenly.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Although {var:player_nickname} said I didn't need to recall which ones, there weren't many anyway. If I remember correctly... Oh? It looks like you've found it.

{character:Narration}I didn't expect them to come here too. They can both see the "Garden Files" in the green dust jacket.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}{var:player_nickname}... so you like this type of book? You have good taste.

{character:Mai Aihara}It's a book that even Miss Onodera would recommend? I'm looking forward to it even more.

{character:Mai Aihara}...Huh? Um... Is that... Eh?

{character:Narration}Mai's innocent expression suddenly becomes stiff due to embarrassment. The corners of her mouth twitch slightly, and her eyes glaze over like she is trying to escape reality.

{character:Narration}Without a doubt, she has recognized that this is the "Pineapple Instructor" she lost. I can already imagine the ensuing desperate situation...

{character:Nanaha Onodera}This doesn't seem like a book from this library.

{character:Narration}Nanaha Onodera will first wonder why there is a dust jacket, and she might find traces left by Mai in the book when she flips through it. Mai is an honest person, so I wouldn't be surprised if she wrote her name on the book.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Is this Mai's book? "Pineapple Instructor"... Hiding it in a dust jacket? That's a nice trick.

{character:Narration}Mai is incredibly embarrassed and can't understand why the book is here. But she will soon realize the fact that I was looking for it and misunderstand my intentions...

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, are you bullying me on purpose? Do you dislike me so much?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}{var:player_nickname}, you're using books to bully others? That's such bad taste.

{character:Narration}In my imagination, the two look at me harshly...

{character:Narration}Stop right there. I'm exaggerating too much. Instead of worrying about it wildly, I should be thinking of how to fix the situation.

{character:player}I'm really sorry!

{character:Narration}I can only avoid the worst situation by keeping Mai's secret, so I decide to take a desperate measure by bowing my head to Nanaha Onodera and apologizing.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}{var:player_nickname}, I'm a librarian, not a banker. I don't like people bowing their heads to me in apology.

{character:player}I'm sorry, this is my book. I wanted to take it back secretly, but you found out about it in the end...

{character:Nanaha Onodera}...Your book?

{character:Narration}As soon as I say this, the two people in front of me show a look of surprise, as if they don't quite understand what I'm talking about.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}You... are into this genre?

{character:player}Yes, I love this book so much! I can't stop reading it after I bought it, and I carry it everywhere with me.

{character:player}I accidentally brought it into the reading room when Mai invited me to come to the library today. I'm really sorry for violating the library's rules and causing you trouble.

{character:Narration}I bow my head and apologize again in front of the screen that reads "Library Regulation No. 3: It is forbidden to bring your own books into the reading room!" Even I have started to believe the nonsense I'm spouting.

{character:Narration}But for some reason, the astonished look on their faces is still there. They don't look convinced at all.

{character:Mai Aihara}No... that's impossible. How can this "Pineapple Instructor" be yours, Master?

{character:player}It's true! I love this book! I love "Pineapple Instructor!"

{character:Nanaha Onodera}How surprising... I didn't realize {var:player_nickname} liked this type of taboo friendship.

{character:Girl Passing By}Mom! What's a taboo friendship?

{character:Girl's Mother}Shush! Don't look at that weirdo. Let's go.

{character:Narration}So this is what committing social suicide feels like... But this shame is nothing as long as I can help Mai keep her secret...

{character:player}Anyway... I brought this book to the library by mistake. Mai, you haven't seen it before, right?

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh? No... Well...

{character:Narration}To convince Nanaha Onodera, I keep winking at Mai to get her to support my story.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master... Master, do you really like "Pineapple Instructor?"

{character:player}Y-Yes!

{character:Narration}However... the way she looks at me becomes even weirder after that. She doesn't look moved like she is being protected. Instead, she looks happy like she has found someone who understands her.

{character:Mai Aihara}Um.. M-Master, do you only support One True Pairing or multiple pairings? What... What do you think about rival pairings?

{character:player}... One True Pairing? multiple pairings? rival pairings?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Sorry, let me interject... {var:player_nickname}, can you check again that there isn't a barcode at the back?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}I won't be able to explain myself to my boss if I let you treat the library's book as your own book by mistake.

{character:player}Why would there be a barcode on my own book...

{character:Narration}How could there be a library barcode on Mai's "Garden Files?" However, when I opened the dust jacket to check the last page...

{character:player}There really is a barcode?! T-That's strange... Why is this book the only one that has a dust jacket?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Some of the older books are wrapped in dust jackets before they are put on the shelf. Only the cover of this "Pineapple Instructor" has been damaged, so it has been placed in one.

{character:Mai Aihara}But why is this dust jacket the same as the one I use?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Did you forget that you recommended this type of dust jacket to me? I thought it was great, so I got the head librarian to buy some and try them out.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}What a shame. People have still managed to damage it even though it is quite sturdy.

{character:Narration}The library also uses dust jackets? And they are the same type as the one Mai uses? If this is all true, could it be... that everything is just a misunderstanding?

{character:Mai Aihara}Then this book really is the library's property... Master, do you also use the same dust jacket?

{character:Narration}It has a similar dust jacket and just happened to fall onto the ground behind Mai, causing me to mistake it for the "Garden Files."

{character:Narration}All the questions in my heart have been solved. After all, someone as serious as Mai would never bring her own books to the library, let alone a book that will make her feel embarrassed.

{character:player}...To tell the truth, I also use the same dust jacket at home, so I got it wrong by mistake.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Hehe... In that case, {var:player_nickname}, are you still taking this book out?

{character:player}Okay... No, no! I have this one. Ahahahaha... D-Do you have the next volume? I'll take that one out.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Hehe... I'll get it for you in a moment.

{character:Narration}Nanaha looks at Mai meaningfully before she walks off. Could she have seen through my act...?

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, did you say this book is yours because... Thank you.

{character:player}Why are you thanking me?

{character:Narration}Mai seemed to be mumbling about something, but I was still feeling relieved after the false alarm that I didn't hear her properly.

{character:Mai Aihara}No... I-It's nothing.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, please leave the books anywhere you like.

{character:player}Okay, I'll leave them on this coffee table then. Ahaha...

{character:Narration}We are both out of breath when we get back to the shrine. I didn't expect books to be so heavy. Even though we both carried half, we still had to rest several times on the way back.

{character:player}I can finally relax. This trip to the library ended up being so complicated.

{character:Mai Aihara}It must have been hard on you, Master. It was all because of me that you were misunderstood like that...

{character:Narration}Maybe it's because of her training as a priestess, but Mai isn't as weak as she looks. On our way back, she kept asking me about the truth of the library incident despite the fatigue from carrying the books. The lame story I came up with at the beginning couldn't fool anyone... In the end, I confessed everything to her.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, I was completely oblivious even though you did so much for me... Thank you.

{character:player}You've been thanking me the entire way back. Let's just forget it. This was a misunderstanding, and instead of being helpful, my actions caused a commotion.

{character:Mai Aihara}That's not true. Master, you've helped me a lot. If you weren't there, I would have...

{character:player}You would have?

{character:Mai Aihara}N-Nothing... I just want to know. When you... When you thought that book was the "Garden Files," did you make fun of me?

{character:Narration}Mai keeps hesitating. Suddenly, her face turns red when she thinks of something. She lowers her head vigorously and tries to look up at the same time, revealing a timid expression that makes her look like a little rabbit.

{character:Narration}My heart immediately softens, and I can't help but respond to her in a more serious and gentle way.

{character:player}Don't worry, I'll never make fun of Mai.

{character:player}Just like that collection of romantic poems. Even if "Pineapple Instructor" isn't for everyone, as long as it was written with heart, some readers will definitely be moved by it.

{character:player}So when I thought it was your book, I just hoped... that you won't feel embarrassed because the book was exposed in front of everyone.

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah... Thank you, Master! I'm... really happy to hear you say that...

{character:Narration}Mai looks even more embarrassed after hearing my words. She is smiling happily, but she doesn't dare to raise her face to look at me.

{character:Mai Aihara}Oh... I'll make you some tea now. It won't take long... Ah!

{character:Narration}It turns out that walking with your head down and not looking ahead really is dangerous. The shy Mai tries to escape to the kitchen, but she bumps into the bookshelf at the door when she turns around and is about to fall.

{character:player}Watch out!

{character:Narration}I reach out to pull her in a hurry, only to pull her in right in front of me because I used too much strength.

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh?

{character:Narration}I quickly support her by the shoulders to prevent her from directly colliding with me. After that, I recall the scene in the library. I remember that she isn't very used to being touched by other people.

{character:player}Are you okay? Um...

{character:Narration}Oh no! Although I didn't really have a choice because of the situation, I still got too close to Mai. She jumped up in fright when my finger touched her before. Now that we're in this position... I can't imagine how big her reaction will be.

{character:Mai Aihara}...Thank you, Master. I'm... okay now.

{character:Narration}Just before I decide to let go of her, Mai stands up on her own and thanks me.

{character:player}Ah, as long as you're okay.

{character:Narration}To my surprise, she doesn't have any reaction. She just walks past me slowly and adjusts her clothes silently.

{character:Mai Aihara}I'll go and make some tea then. Thank you, Master...

{character:player}O-Okay...

{character:Narration}Only the blush on her face has not dissipated.

{character:player}...How strange... Is she no longer afraid of being touched?

{character:Narration}When we were at the library before, Mai panicked when I touched her hand. How can she be so calm now? The only thing that happened since then was the "Pineapple Instructor" incident...

{character:player}Hmm... That shouldn't be the reason. I already explained that it was a misunderstanding. I should just sit down and wait for her to come back with the tea.

{character:Narration}I start to pick up the items that fell off the bookshelf and return them to their places. However, when I bent down to pick up the items on the ground, I see an opened book on the ground... The header of the paper says: "Pineapple Instructor, Volume 3."

{character:Narration}I pick up the book and flip through it. It has that familiar cover and green dust jacket. The events that just took place in the library are revived in my mind again.

{character:Narration}Why did a book fall to the ground where Mai was walking? Why did she look so panicked? Why did she keep asking me about my attitude towards "Pineapple Instructor?"

{character:Narration}All these questions in my head lead me to the truth—

{character:Narration}Volume 4 of "Pineapple Instructor" is the sequel to the "Garden Files" that Mai wanted to borrow from the library but accidentally dropped on the floor. Mai likes "Pineapple Instructor" but doesn't dare to tell others, which is why she was so nervous when she saw me take out the book and kept testing me on what I thought about the book.

{character:player}Everyone, what do you think? I, {var:player_nickname}, made the above deduction based on one book that fell on the ground.

{character:Narration}After playing a reasoning game in my head for a while, I figure the tea is almost ready, so I put the scattered books back on the bookshelf and pretend that nothing happened.

{character:Narration}The "Garden Files" is Mai's secret. I'll keep this secret for her until she wants to talk about it herself.

{character:player}The truth isn't really that important sometimes.

{character:player}...Speaking of which, One True Pairing, multiple pairings, rival pairings... What do they mean? Should I learn more about this type of thing to understand Mai better?

{character:Narration}I turn on my computer and enter those curious keywords in the search engine...

{character:Narration}I opened the door to a new world on that night.

{character:Narration}I miscalculated. I didn't think I would put it on the wrong shelf. I have to get the "Garden Files" back.

{character:player}Huh? This is strange... I'm sure I put the book here earlier.

{character:Narration}I return to the place where I put the book only to find "Pineapple Instructor" isn't there.

{character:Librarian}Are you looking for a book? I just sorted this shelf and moved the books that are in the wrong category somewhere else.

{character:player}Eh? But a private belonging of mine was on that shelf.

{character:Librarian}A private belonging? Are you referring to... a book?

{character:Narration}The librarian before me suddenly frowns. She props up her glasses with her hand and then points right at the electronic screen in the direction of the hall with a finger as straight as a pointer.

{character:Librarian}Library Regulation No. 3: It is forbidden to bring your own books into the reading room!

{character:player}I-I'm sorry! I'll be careful next time. But for now... I just want to find my own book.

{character:Librarian}It should be kept under custody if it is a personal belonging. Come with me.

{character:Narration}Afterwards, the stern but warm-hearted librarian took me with her to ask around, but everyone said they had not seen any missing books.

{character:Narration}Because I have already spent a lot of time, I decide to go back to Mai first in case she starts getting worried about me. I will search for the "Garden Files" later.

{character:Narration}However, I never got the chance to act alone before we returned to the Temple of Moons.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, please leave the books anywhere you like.

{character:player}Okay, I'll leave it on the coffee table then. Hehe...

{character:Mai Aihara}It must have been hard on you, Master. It's all because I took out so many books.

{character:player}It's alright. Well, I still have something to do, so I need to leave first...

{character:Mai Aihara}Leave? Right now?

{character:Narration}Mai still hasn't realized that her "Garden Files" is missing. I feel guilty about keeping this from her, but it's more important right now to get back to the library as soon as possible to find it.

{character:player}It won't take long. I'll be back very soon.

{character:Narration}The "Garden Files" must still be in the library. The crisis will be averted if I can get it back in time and put it on the shelf in the living room.

{character:Narration}I observe the bookshelf as I think to myself. You can tell by the wide variety of books on it that Mai really likes to read.

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh?

{character:Narration}On the bookshelf is a book with a green spine. At first, I thought it was just a book that looked similar to the "Garden Files," but then I saw the words "Garden Files" written on the side with a marker pen.

{character:Mai Aihara}Okay, I understand. But Master, would you like to drink a cup of tea before you leave?

{character:Narration}I take two steps closer to observe it carefully while pretending that nothing is happening. In the end, I confirm that this is indeed the "Garden Files" I saw before.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master?

{character:player}...Now that I think about it, I'll go there some other day.

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh? Are you not leaving now?

{character:player}Yea, I've decided to stay and have a cup of tea. Is that okay, Mai?

{character:Mai Aihara}Of course. Please give me a moment.

{character:Narration}I also feel relieved as I watch Mai runs happily to the kitchen. My conclusion is that the book that I picked up at the library is probably not the "Garden Files."

{character:Narration}Now that I think about it, that was just a library book that fell behind Mai and had the same dust jacket as the "Garden Files." I jumped to conclusion when I decided it was Mai's book.

{character:player}The matter is sorted out now since I don't need to go back to the library. I should read a book and take a break for a while.

{character:Narration}With that thought in mind, I pick up a book that we just took out and start reading it.

{character:Narration}Unable to think of any other ideas, I follow Nanaha Onodera to the bookshelf where the novels are placed.

{character:Mai Aihara}I can't wait to see the book Master likes.

{character:Narration}The longer I look at Mai's smiling face, the greater the despair in my heart. I'm even on the verge of seeing hallucinations—

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Oh? This doesn't seem like a book from this library.

{character:Narration}Once she finds the "Garden Files," Nanaha Onodera will wonder why it has a dust jacket, and then she might find traces left by Mai in the book when she flips through it. Mai is an honest person, so I wouldn't be surprised if she wrote her name on the book.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Is this Mai's book? "Pineapple Instructor"... Hiding it in a dust jacket? That's a nice trick.

{character:Narration}Mai will be incredibly embarrassed and won't understand why the book is here. But she will soon realize the fact that I was looking for it and misunderstand my intentions...

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, are you bullying me on purpose? Do you dislike me so much?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}{var:player_nickname}, you're using books to bully others? That's such bad taste.

{character:Narration}Stop right there. I'm exaggerating too much. Instead of worrying about it wildly, I should be thinking of how to fix the situation.

{character:player}F-Found it! This is the book I've been looking for!

{character:Narration}I can only prevent the situation from getting worse by keeping Mai's secret. With my quick wits, I pull a random book with a green cover from the shelf.

{character:Mai Aihara}This... This is the book you like, Master?

{character:player}Y-Yes! I like this book, "I'm a Novice With S-level M-Magic Skills who Finally Became the Strongest Hero A-After Becoming a Warrior..."

{character:Narration}What is this title? "I'm a Novice With S-level Magic Skills who Finally Became the Strongest Hero After Becoming a Warrior but was still Killed by the Demon King With One Blow." I can't even read the whole thing in one breath.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}{var:player_nickname}, the fans call this book "Magic S".

{character:player}Is that so? I... I love "Magic S!" It's great stress relief, and reading it before going to bed really helps me with my sleep.

{character:Mai Aihara}I... I see... Although the title is a little long, the characters on the cover look quite cute.

{character:player}Yes! I've found the book I'm looking for. Thank you, Onodera.

{character:Narration}For a moment, I thought Mai saw through me, but Mai doesn't seem to suspect a thing. The "Garden Files" shouldn't be found for now.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}You're quite lucky. "Magic S" is quite popular, and this book was just returned not too long ago.

{character:player}It's really that popular?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Is this really the book you're looking for?

{character:Narration}Oh no!

{character:player}I-Is there a problem?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}...Nope. I'll help you check out the book. Just come over to claim it from the management desk later.

{character:Narration}Surprisingly, Nanaha Onodera, who should have seen through my lie, has decided to turn a blind eye.

{character:Narration}With that, I'm lucky enough to help Mai keep her secret, but I also have to leave the "Garden Files" in the library for now.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, please leave the books anywhere you like.

{character:player}Okay, I'll leave them on this coffee table then. Ahaha...

{character:Narration}Soon after that, Mai and I carry all the books we borrowed from the library to the Temple of Moons.

{character:Mai Aihara}It must have been hard on you, Master. It's all because I took out so many books.

{character:player}It's alright. Well, I still have something to do, so I need to leave first...

{character:Mai Aihara}Leave? Right now?

{character:Narration}Mai still hasn't realized that her "Garden Files" is missing. I feel guilty about keeping this from her, but it's more important right now to get back to the library as soon as possible to find it.

{character:player}It won't take long. I'll be back very soon.

{character:Narration}The "Garden Files" is still in the library. The crisis will be averted if I can get it back in time and put it on the shelf in the living room.

{character:Narration}I observe the bookshelf as I think to myself. You can tell by the wide variety of books on it that Mai really likes to read.

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh?

{character:Narration}On the bookshelf is a book with a green spine. At first, I thought it was just a book that looked similar to the "Garden Files," but then I saw the words "Garden Files" written on the side with a marker pen.

{character:Mai Aihara}Okay, I understand. But Master, would you like to drink a cup of tea before you leave?

{character:Narration}I take two steps closer to observe it carefully while pretending that nothing is happening. In the end, I confirm that this is indeed the "Garden Files" I saw before.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master?

{character:player}...Now that I think about it, I'll go there some other day.

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh? Are you not leaving now?

{character:player}Yea, I've decided to stay and have a cup of tea. Is that okay, Mai?

{character:Mai Aihara}Of course. Please give me a moment.

{character:Narration}I also feel relieved as I watch Mai runs happily to the kitchen. My conclusion is that the book that I picked up at the library is probably not the "Garden Files."

{character:Narration}Now that I think about it carefully, that was just a library book that fell behind Mai and has the same dust jacket as the "Garden Files." I jumped to conclusion when I decided it was Mai's book.

{character:player}The matter is sorted out now since I don't need to go back to the library. I should read a book and take a break for a while.

{character:Narration}With that thought in mind, I pick up a book that we just borrowed and start reading it.

{character:player}Eh? This book is...

{character:Narration}...Oh, it's you again!

{character:Osamu Saitou}I understand. You'll need to think about it carefully given your late grandfather's teachings, right?

{character:Mai Aihara}I'm sorry, as far as I know, the Temple of Moons has never held an event like this.

{character:Narration}Under the torii of the Temple of Moons, the evening sun casts shadows of myself, Osamu Saitou, and Mai Aihara.

{character:Mai Aihara}Before he died, grandpa said that the Temple of Moons doesn't need any festivals now. I... don't want to go against the old man's wishes.

{character:Narration}To promote the tourism industry of One Han City, Osamu has recently gotten in touch with all the major temples and shrines to organize a temple festival. Among them, the Temple of Moons is one of Osamu's main investment targets due to its long history, and he has put forward quite favorable conditions.

{character:Narration}He heard that I have a good relationship with Mai, so he hopes that I can help him persuade Mai to agree to this cooperation, but Mai's concerns aren't what I imagined.

{character:player}I didn't expect your grandfather to say something like that to you.

{character:Mai Aihara}Yea... I'm sorry, Mr. Saitou, I... I'm not trying to make things difficult for you.

{character:Osamu Saitou}It's okay. Each shrine has its own way of doing things, and you don't need to apologize for that.

{character:Osamu Saitou}But this cooperation is beneficial to the operation of the Temple of Moons. It's beneficial for both sides, so I hope you'll consider it in more detail.

{character:Osamu Saitou}But, I'm a little confused about what you just said, because the Temple of Moons held a festival 15 years ago.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Osamu Saitou}I was lucky enough to participate in that festival. Many of the residents around here should still remember the Kagura dance of the Aihara family.

{character:Mai Aihara}The Kagura dance... I think... I have heard people praise it before.

{character:Osamu Saitou}Anyways, please consider it carefully. If you're willing to take part, my company guarantees that this event will be good for the promotion of your shrine and its revenue.

{character:Osamu Saitou}I'll be meeting Kana Fujita, one of the artists my company has signed, in an hour to discuss her appearance at the festival, so I'll be on my way. {var:player_nickname}, thank you for helping me make an appointment to meet Miss Aihara today.

{character:player}Don't mention it. I only introduced you because Mai wanted to meet you. I'll show you out.

{character:Narration}Mai and I walk to the side of the road and watch Osamu get in a car and leave.

{character:Mai Aihara}I'm really sorry! I didn't say yes to this amazing opportunity you gave me.

{character:player}It's okay. Both parties need to reach a consensus to do business together. It's your right to decide the shrine's affairs.

{character:Mai Aihara}But... Actually, I'm not sure whether I should reject it or not. Grandpa's teachings are important, but this is a rare opportunity from a business perspective, right?

{character:Mai Aihara}What do you think? Should I agree to hold a festival at the shrine?

{character:Narration}Mai is torn by this difficult decision. She is a person who gets troubled easily, and she will continue to be troubled by the issue until she has an answer.

{character:player}I think you should do it. More and more people have been coming to pray at the Temple of Moons, so a festival would be very lively.

{character:player}And the old people who come to the activity room were also guessing whether there would be a temple festival this year.

{character:Mai Aihara}Is everyone looking forward to it so much? Hmm... but I'm still a little concerned about what grandpa said.

{character:Mai Aihara}I've only inherited the shrine for a few years... Many operational matters are carried out according to grandpa's will... and everyone at the Mahjong Soul Shrine has been helping me... That's why everything has gone well so far. That's why I don't dare to make such a big decision...

{character:player}It's alright. It's a lot of work to organize a festival, so it can't hurt to be prudent.

{character:Narration}I comfort Mai because she is looking a little depressed. Unexpectedly, her eyebrows relaxed soon, as if she thought of something important.

{character:Mai Aihara}The Mahjong Soul Shrine... That's right, Ichihime and the others might know why grandpa said festivals were unnecessary.

{character:player}Is that so?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes! The Temple of Moons and Mahjong Soul Shrine have a lot of shared history, and grandpa and everyone from the Mahjong Soul Shrine had known each other for a long time. Maybe he had mentioned something to them.

{character:player}Sure, let's go over and ask about it after dinner.

{character:Narration}Mai and I make plans to go to the Mahjong Soul Shrine together after dinner and ask Wanjirou about the past.

{character:Wanjirou}As far as I know, the old priest didn't want to organize any festivals because he was afraid of being reminded of his deceased wife, woof.

{character:Wanjirou}Mai's grandma loved festivals. No festivals have been held there since she passed away.

{character:Mai Aihara}So when grandpa said: "the Temple of Moons doesn't need any festivals now," he meant that he didn't want to get emotional at the festival?

{character:Ichihime}Yes, nyaa. Before that, the Temple of Moons always held festivals, and even I took part in them, nyaa!

{character:Mai Aihara}Now that you mention it... I seem to have a little impression of that.

{character:Wanjirou}You should have been around three years old at that time, woof.

{character:player}Three years old? That's exactly 15 years ago. It matches what Osamu said.

{character:Mai Aihara}I see, so grandpa doesn't hate festivals... He just misses grandma too much...

{character:Ichihime}Osamu invited the Mahjong Soul Shrine too, nyaa. Wanjirou already agreed to it, right?

{character:Wanjirou}There will be lots of interesting booths if there's a festival, and we can make a lot of money too!

{character:Ichihime}Mai, if you say yes, we will be able to organize a festival together, nyaa!

{character:Mai Aihara}Should we hold a festival together...

{character:Narration}After hearing Ichihime and Wanjirou's words, Mai lowers her head and purses her lips... After a while, she raises her head again.

{character:Mai Aihara}What do you think, Master? I... Part of me wants to organize a festival.

{character:player}I think that if the old priest stopped holding festivals because he was afraid of evoking past memories, then this is the time to start organizing them again. Your grandma would be delighted too if she could see you organizing festivals again.

{character:Wanjirou}I think so too, woof!

{character:Mai Aihara}If the Mahjong Soul Shrine is participating, the Temple of Moons should join too... Yes! I've decided that the Temple of Moons will also organize a festival!

{character:Narration}Mai once said that the two shrines had some shared history. Perhaps that's why she changed her mind.

{character:Ichihime}This is great, nyaa! I'm going to have cotton candy and grilled squid at the festival! And play lots of games, nyaa!

{character:Narration}The Mahjong Soul Shrine is as lively as ever, but perhaps this is the exact kind of carefree atmosphere that can help Mai overcome her worries.

{character:player}Do you know why the old priest didn't want to hold festivals?

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh? No...

{character:player}Based on what I know about Osamu, almost all the events he promotes are a great success. The Temple of Moons should make a lot of profit if it joins in.

{character:player}But I'm worried that the old priest might have a special reason for saying that. I think that knowing his reason will help us make a decision.

{character:Mai Aihara}You're right, but... I don't know why grandpa never organized a festival either.

{character:Mai Aihara}I've only inherited the shrine for a few years... Many operational matters are carried out according to grandpa's will... and everyone at the Mahjong Soul Shrine has been helping me... That's why everything has gone well so far. That's why I don't dare to make such a big decision...

{character:player}Organizing a festival is a big decision, so it can't hurt to be prudent.

{character:Narration}I comfort Mai because she is looking a little depressed. Unexpectedly, her eyebrows relaxed soon, as if she thought of something important.

{character:Mai Aihara}The Mahjong Soul Shrine! That's right, Ichihime and the others might know something.

{character:player}Is that so?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes! The Temple of Moons and Mahjong Soul Shrine have a lot of shared history, and grandpa and everyone from the Mahjong Soul Shrine had known each other for a long time. Maybe he had mentioned something to them.

{character:player}Alright, there's still some time until dinner, so why don't we go and ask them now?

{character:Ichihime}I know! Mai's grandfather doesn't like temple festivals because Mai's grandmother really liked them!

{character:Ichihime}After Mai's grandmother passed away, the old priest didn't organize a festival again because he was afraid of being reminded of her. Nyaa... how I miss the takoyaki sold at the festival of the Temple of Moons, nyaa.

{character:Narration}Mai and I arrive at the Mahjong Soul Shrine and see Ichihime and Kaguyahime sitting together drinking tea. After Mai asks Ichihime about the festival, she finds out that Ichihime really does know the reason, but she isn't the only one who knows...

{character:Kaguyahime}Hehe, shorty, do you know you need to take responsibility for the things you say? I think it's because he wanted to protect the go-shintai, the divine artifact worshipped in the shrine. After all, the Temple of Moons' go-shintai is quite special.

{character:Ichihime}Nyaa! You don't understand the old priest at all, you stupid rabbit, nyaa!

{character:Kaguyahime}I don't understand humans, but I understand deities. The old priest is someone who serves deities. How can he do a good job if he doesn't understand what's truly important? Do you think he is like a certain short priestess who just eats and sleeps all day?

{character:Ichihime}Nyaa! You also ate some of those snacks just then!

{character:Narration}I knew it. Whenever Ichihime and Kaguyahime are together, they will start their trademark bickering that no one can cut in.

{character:player}...Where's Wanjirou? He at least might have a chance to persuade these two.

{character:Mai Aihara}Ichihime said Wanjirou just went out and she didn't know when he'll return.

{character:Narration}How troublesome. The only slightly more reliable person in Mahjong Soul Shrine is not around just when we need him.

{character:Ichihime}What do you think, Mai? What I said makes more sense, right?

{character:Kaguyahime}In that case I want to know what you think too. Think carefully before you answer, hehe.

{character:Mai Aihara}Well... Um... Urgh... What should I do, Master? What should I say?

{character:player}I think... Ichihime's version is closer to the truth.

{character:Ichihime}Master, you really are the best master ever, nyaa!

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah... I think I remember something now. When I was little, the shrine was indeed very lively... like there were festivals. However, things have never been that lively ever since grandma passed away...

{character:player}This supports Ichihime's version of events. The old priest wasn't willing to organize festivals by himself after his wife passed away because he missed her.

{character:Kaguyahime}That sounds like it makes sense. However, human, you can't just look at the surface for some things. The Temple of Moons has lots of things for you to explore, hehe.

{character:Narration}When I want to ask her more, Kaguyahime waves her hand and tells me that the secrets of heaven shouldn't be revealed. The Temple of Moons... What other things are... Oh well, I'll always have the chance to find out in the future. It's more important to help Mai solve her problem first.

{character:Ichihime}I can't wait to organize the festival with you, Mai, nyaa!

{character:Mai Aihara}Organize the festival with me? Is Mahjong Soul Shrine also...?

{character:Ichihime}Nyaa! I thought I told you. The Mahjong Soul Shrine also received an invitation from the big boss Osamu, nyaa. Wanjirou has gone outside to negotiate! Let's organize the most magnificent festival together, nyaa!

{character:Mai Aihara}...If the Mahjong Soul Shrine is participating, the Temple of Moons indeed should join too.

{character:Narration}Mai once said that the two shrines had some shared history. Perhaps that's why she is starting to change her mind.

{character:Mai Aihara}What do you think, Master? I... kind of want to organize a festival now.

{character:player}I think that if the old priest stopped holding festivals because he was afraid of seeing things that would remind him of his deceased wife, then this is the time to start organizing them again. Your grandma would be delighted too if she could see you organizing festivals again.

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes... In that case, I've decided to organize a festival with the Mahjong Soul Shrine!

{character:Ichihime}This is great, nyaa! I'm going to have cotton candy and grilled squid at the festival! I'm going to play lots of games at the festival, nyaa!

{character:Narration}The Mahjong Soul Shrine is as noisy as ever, but perhaps this is the exact kind of carefree atmosphere that can help Mai overcome her worries.

{character:Narration} In the next few months, together with Ichihime and Wanjirou, we began to prepare for the festival with Osamu's help.

{character:Narration}It is soon the evening, and it is time for the official opening of the festival jointly organized by the Temple of Moons and Mahjong Soul Shrine.

{character:Kaavi}Here visitor, please draw a lot to divine your fate.

{character:Visitor A} Yay! It's a "great blessing!"

{character:Visitor B}*Sighs* Why did I have to draw a "misfortune!" What should I do?

{character:Kaavi}Unfortunately, fate isn't something that can be changed that easily.

{character:Visitor B}Eh? I can't change my luck?

{character:Kaavi}You can consider hanging it on the sacred tree if you want to put up a meaningless fight against it. Now you can pay the fee here.

{character:Narration}Mai and I are watching over the ema booth. We can see that Kaavi is helping the visitors draw lots.

{character:Mai Aihara}It's been a long time since there have been so many visitors here at the Temple of Moons.

{character:player}Yeah.

{character:Mai Aihara}I... really like this kind of lively atmosphere.

{character:Osamu Saitou}Please give me an ema. Thanks.

{character:Mai Aihara}Y-You're welcome!

{character:Narration}Osamu, who had been extremely busy since three days before the festival, suddenly appears in front of our booth. His assistant isn't accompanying him, so it seems that he is just walking around enjoying the festival instead of working.

{character:Mai Aihara}Um... Thank you for helping us with this festival! H-Here's the ema you wanted!

{character:Osamu Saitou}You're welcome. Miss Aihara, your popularity has played a big role in promoting the festival to make it such a grand occasion. I think it's very rewarding to organize a festival that brings smiles to people's faces.

{character:Narration}Osamu smiles, then he seems to remember something. He looks at us and continues talking in a serious tone.

{character:Osamu Saitou}It's just as lively here today as it was 15 years ago. I'm going to check out other booths now, so I'll leave you to it then.

{character:Narration}Osamu hangs up the ema and turns around to leave. I look at the ema hanging beside me. His hopes for the future are written with strong and powerful strokes, which are very much his style.

{character:Narration}Thinking back on what Osamu said, I'm a bit curious about the festival they keep mentioning.

{character:player}They keep mentioning that festival. It must have been very grand.

{character:Mai Aihara}Actually... It's not like I don't remember anything about it at all, just that I feel like I'm resisting it whenever I recall anything.

{character:player}Eh? Why is that?

{character:Mai Aihara}Because... I will think of my mother.

{character:Narration}The cheerful atmosphere of the festival continues to flow around her, but Mai's expression has become sorrowful.

{character:Narration}I know she was separated from her mother when she was very little. Maybe she is bringing up this topic because she has remembered some painful things about her past.

{character:Mai Aihara}Originally, my mother, should have inherited the Temple of Moons, but... due to some accidents, she left soon after I was born and has almost never come back to see me...

{character:Narration}Mai said that the only time she met her mother after her mother left was at her grandma's funeral.

{character:Narration}When Mai saw her, she thought she was just a woman wearing black business attire. She came to the mourning hall alone to pay her respects. During this time, she kept her head low, didn't speak to anyone around her, and appeared very indifferent.

{character:Mai Aihara}She left in a hurry after the funeral, and I only received letters from her every year for the next ten plus years.

{character:Narration}As Mai told me about her memories, I could feel how helpless she felt. All words of consolation seemed a little empty to me at this time.

{character:Kana Fujita}Hi everyone, I've finally arrived! I'm sorry I'm late, but there were just too many people at the autograph session just now!

{character:Narration}Just when the atmosphere became a little heavy, Kana, who is here to change shifts with us, appears in the nick of time. She is an artist under Osamu's company, and she has come to participate in idol events at the festival today.

{character:Narration}Kana's work requires her to meet her fans at autograph sessions, as well as to shuttle between booths and interact with visitors as a temporary staff member.

{character:player}Kana, you're here. Don't worry about that. Thank you for agreeing to help us with the booth even though you're already so busy.

{character:Kana Fujita}Hehe, although this is my work, I feel like I'm bursting with motivation after hearing you thank me, {var:player_nickname}!

{character:Kana Fujita}But... I can feel the heavy atmosphere here. This atmosphere is a disaster for an idol! {var:player_nickname}, did you bully Mai?

{character:player}We were talking about some serious topics, but we feel better now that you've arrived, Kana. Isn't that right?

{character:Mai Aihara}Y-Yes... Master is always gentle to me...

{character:Kana Fujita}Eh? That sounds suspicious. Could this be the aura of love that is absolutely forbidden to idols?

{character:Fan A}Hey, isn't that Kana? Kana has come to the festival!

{character:Fan B}Oh my! Kana, please give me an autograph!

{character:Kana Fujita}Ah... I guess that's the end of my break. Mai, you need to perform the Kagura dance later, so leave this ema booth to me!

{character:Narration}The Kagura dance is an important part of this festival. I've been looking forward to it since the festival started.

{character:Kana Fujita}Go and have some fun while you still have time. I checked out quite a few booths this afternoon and had so much fun!

{character:Narration}Kana then starts working. With an idol promoting the booth, people waiting in line to buy ema doubled in an instant... Such terrifying charisma... I concede defeat.

{character:Mai Aihara}M-Master... Where should we go?

{character:player}Ah, let's forget all that complex stuff and enjoy ourselves thoroughly at the festival! What do you want to play?

{character:Mai Aihara}I... want to play the things you want to play. Please introduce them to me.

{character:Narration}Mai and I come to a booth with lantern riddles.

{character:player}Hi, we want to guess some lantern riddles.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}... Sure, help yourself.

{character:Narration}Nanaha Onodera is busy reading and doesn't bother to look our way.

{character:player}...Um, Nanaha, aren't you in charge of this lantern riddle booth?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Welcome. Please select any lantern.

{character:Narration}...It looks like she has no intention to look up at the customers at all. Forget it, it's not like this is the first time I've met her. You just have to get used to it.

{character:Narration}So, I let Mai choose a lantern. She took a look at them and then takes a lantern with the character for "tea" on it.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}The first riddle is: "There is a pot at the mouth of the well and a pot at the bottom of the well. In the middle are a handful of mung beans and flowers blooming in the water."

{character:Nanaha Onodera}The clue is the character on the lantern.

{character:Mai Aihara}The character on the lantern is "tea." Does this mean the answer is related to tea?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Yes. If you can't think of anything, you can ask for more clues.

{character:Mai Aihara}I... think I know the answer.

{character:player}Eh? Already?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}The less time you need to guess the answer, the greater the rewards. So, can you tell me your answer?

{character:Mai Aihara}Um, it should be "a lidded tea bowl," right?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Correct... You've solved this riddle faster than everyone else so far.

{character:player}That's amazing! Mai, you're so good at guessing riddles.

{character:Mai Aihara}N-Not really... I just know a little more about tea. Grandpa taught me how to make tea with a lidded tea bowl, so I thought of it immediately.

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Choosing a topic you're good at is also a secret of success. Let's move on to the second riddle.

{character:Narration}After we answered all ten riddles, we went to the prize-giving area to choose our prizes.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, what should we choose?

{character:player}How about that round fan? I think it suits you.

{character:Mai Aihara}Eh? The r-round fan?

{character:player}You contributed the most when we were guessing the answers to the riddles, so it'll be a gift for you.

{character:Mai Aihara}B-But...

{character:player}You don't like it? Then you can choose something else.

{character:Mai Aihara}No, it's not that! I'll take it! I... I'll take this fan.

{character:Narration}After saying that, Mai claims the fan. This is strange... Judging from her reaction, does she like it or not?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}This is a hehuan fan... According to traditional customs, this is usually given to others as a token of love.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Nanaha Onodera}Mai loves reading romance stories, so she must know what it means.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, thank you for this gift. I... love it.

{character:Narration}Mai returns with the fan, and I see the blessing "Together Forever" written on it. I... I seem to have accidentally made a bold decision.

{character:Narration}Mai and I come to a ring toss booth to play.

{character:Mai Aihara}Go!

{character:Narration}Like a leaf that is falling to the ground in autumn, the bamboo ring flies irregularly through the air and lands crookedly on the ground without capturing any prizes.

{character:Narration}We try several times without any success. Just when we are about to give up...

{character:Sora Ichinose}Try to make the bamboo ring rotate faster.

{character:Mai Aihara}Is that you, Sora? You're also here at the festival?

{character:Sora Ichinose}My body is in good condition today, so my sister agreed to let me come out and have some fun.

{character:Narration}Sora Ichinose is a regular visitor of the Temple of Moons and is quite familiar with Mai. He seems to have seen us toss the bamboo rings when he was passing by.

{character:player}Sora, you know how to toss the rings?

{character:Sora Ichinose}No... But I read in a book that the larger the angular momentum of a circular object, the more stable it is... I haven't tried it myself though.

{character:player}That's okay. Let's give it a try, Mai.

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes!

{character:Narration}Mai is aiming for a plushie that looks like Tubby. She tosses the bamboo ring according to Sora's advice.

{character:player}Oh! It seems a lot more stable now. It isn't flying everywhere like before.

{character:Narration}The bamboo ring flies in an arc, spinning in the air, towards the prizes in the back row, but it doesn't capture any prizes, probably because it has deviated slightly from its path.

{character:Mai Aihara}...I still couldn't win anything. It was so close.

{character:Sora Ichinose}I'm sorry... Theory and practice are different after all. I will need to keep learning.

{character:player}It's okay. If we keep trying our best like this, maybe we'll be able to win something later!

{character:Booth Owner}Here are the prizes you won.

{character:Narration}After about 15 minutes, I finally manage to win a prize, a traditional round fan, using the method Sora taught us.

{character:player}It's a shame I couldn't win the Tubby plushie you really wanted.

{character:Mai Aihara}That's alright. I think this fan looks really nice too.

{character:player}Well... I'll give it to you then, Mai. It suits you better than me anyway.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Narration}Mai is surprised by my proposal, and her face turns red afterward.

{character:player}Don't you like it?

{character:Mai Aihara}No, it's not that! I'll take it! I... I'll take this fan.

{character:Narration}She takes the fan as she speaks. This is strange... Judging from her reaction, does she like it or not? While I'm wondering about this, Sora gives me a quiet reminder from beside me...

{character:Sora Ichinose}{var:player_nickname}, the trademark of this fan says it is a hehuan fan. Maybe her reaction is related to this?

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Narration}I suddenly remember that hehuan fans are usually given as a token of love according to traditional customs. Mai loves reading romance stories, so she must know what it means.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, thank you for this gift. I... love it.

{character:Narration}Mai returns with the fan, and I see the blessing "Together Forever" written on it. I... I seem to have done something bold by accident...

{character:Narration}Mai and I come to a booth with balloons and BB guns.

{character:A-37}Welcome!

{character:Narration}A-37 is sitting in front of a booth, dusting the barrel of a gun with a sponge attached to a wire.

{character:player}...Is that a BB gun?

{character:A-37}...Do you want to try to shoot the balloons? The more balloons you burst, the more prize options you have.

{character:player}Mai, do you want to try it?

{character:Mai Aihara}But... I've never done this before...

{character:player}Don't worry, it's your first time, so don't worry too much about whether or not you'll hit anything.

{character:Narration}With my encouragement, Mai decides to try out the game, and A-37 takes a few minutes to teach her how to hold a gun.

{character:Mai Aihara}In that case... I'm going to shoot!

{character:Narration}As I look at her serious expression, I start to worry that she would miss every shot and start to blame myself.

{character:A-37}All ten shots hit the target.

{character:player}M-Mai... you're so amazing!

{character:Mai Aihara}Um... The balloons are really close, and the gun isn't heavy. I practice archery when I train, and that feels much harder than this.

{character:player}Oh, so you learned this from your priestess training. No wonder.

{character:A-37}Based on the results, you indeed have quite the talent for using firearms.

{character:Mai Aihara}T-Talent?

{character:A-37}If you want, I can introduce you to some shooting ranges that use real bullets.

{character:Mai Aihara}R-Real bullets? No thanks. I don't know why I need to learn that.

{character:Narration}Mai and I go to the prize-giving area after shooting the balloons.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, which prize should I choose?

{character:player}How about that round fan? I think it suits you.

{character:Mai Aihara}A r-round fan?

{character:player}You got more points when shooting the balloons, so we should choose something suitable for you as a gift.

{character:Mai Aihara}Umm... But...

{character:player}You don't like it? Then you can choose something else.

{character:Mai Aihara}No, it's not that! I'll take it! I... I'll take this fan.

{character:Narration}Mai claims the fan after speaking. This is strange... Judging from her reaction, does she like it or not?

{character:A-37}According to the prize list, this fan is called a hehuan fan.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Narration}I remember that hehuan fans are usually given as a token of love according to traditional customs. Mai loves reading romance stories, so she must know what it means.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, thank you for this gift. I... love it.

{character:Narration}Mai returns with the fan, and I see the blessing "Together Forever" written on it. I... I seem to have accidentally made a bold decision.

{character:Narration}After that, I continue to wander around everywhere with Mai.

{character:Broadcast}Hello everyone! The Kagura dance performance will be starting in 30 minutes at the square of the Temple of Moons. Please come and watch!

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah... I need to go backstage to prepare. Master, thank you for showing me around and having fun with me.

{character:player}You don't have to thank me. I enjoyed myself too.

{character:Mai Aihara}To thank you... Master, I hope you'll come to watch the Kagura dance.

{character:player}Of course! How can I miss out on your performance? I'll be there.

{character:Mai Aihara}Thank you! Well... I'm going to the dressing room to prepare.

{character:Narration}After that, I continue to wander around the festival and only prepare to go to the square when the Kagura dance is about to start.

{character:player}Ugh!

{character:Little Girl}... Sorry.

{character:Narration}Rushing to the stage, I end up bumping into a little girl around four to five years old.

{character:player}Are you okay?

{character:Narration}I help her up, only to realize that nobody is chaperoning this little girl.

{character:player}Where are your parents?

{character:Mai Aihara}...

{character:Narration}The little girl looks quite depressed and doesn't seem to want to talk to me.

{character:Little Girl}Mommy is missing.

{character:player}Missing? Are you lost? Hmm... Where did you get separated?

{character:Little Girl}I don't know.

{character:Narration}This is troublesome. She must have gotten lost in the festival. I look around and see more visitors here than before. Perhaps it is because the performance is about to start, but the road is very busy with people walking everywhere.

{character:player}...Either way, I can't just leave a child here alone. What should I do?

{character:Narration}I bring the little girl to the broadcasting room next to the torii and broadcast the girl's name a few times.

{character:player}Tell me if you see your mother arrive.

{character:Little Girl}Okay.

{character:Narration}The little girl's mother should come to find her once she hears about the lost girl. However, I didn't see anyone coming after waiting with the little girl for a while.

{character:Passerby A}Quickly! The event's about to start at the square!

{character:Passerby B}It's the Kagura dance, right? It's the main event of tonight's festival, we have to see it.

{character:Narration}Mai's performance is about to begin, which makes me quite anxious and look at the square several times.

{character:Little Girl}...Do you want to see the performance too?

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Little Girl}I want to see it too. My mommy brought me to the festival today to see it... Can we watch it together?

{character:player}But... Your mother hasn't arrived yet.

{character:Narration}I take a look around everywhere. Fewer and fewer people are hanging around the torii. They are all walking towards the square, and none of them are walking my way.

{character:Narration}After a few minutes of indecision, the little girl's mother still hasn't appeared. Then I start to get more and more impatient as I think of the agreement I made with Mai.

{character:Little Girl}The Kagura dance will end soon...

{character:player}Then let's go together. I want to watch it too.

{character:Little Girl}Really?

{character:Narration}I make up my mind. After telling another staff to help me keep an eye out for the little girl's mother, we rush to the square. By now, the path leading to the stage is already full of visitors. It seems that the performance has already started.

{character:Narration}As there are too many people blocking the road, Mai's performance is more than halfway over by the time we arrive at the square.

{character:Narration}The crisp sound of the Kagura bell rings in my ears. I can see Mai standing on the stage.

{character:Narration}Mai dances lightly to the solemn music on the stage. The white chihaya robe and red priestess skirt make Mai look like a red and white butterfly that is flying in the festival under the night sky. She dances to the music...

{character:Mai Aihara}"Bamboo leaves are covered with snow... on a winter night."

{character:Narration}I'm amazed at Mai's costume, which is different from her usual plain priestess dress. She is also wearing a delicate crown and a pair of gorgeous high geta.

{character:Narration}She is holding a dazzling golden Kagura bell in her hand. When she sways the bell, the ribbons that symbolize the path to the realm of the gods dance beside her.

{character:Mai Aihara}"The hunters... move forward through curtains of snow."

{character:player}... How amazing!

{character:Narration}Unlike her usual shy self, Mai is calm and dignified even with so many people looking at her. Just when I feel moved by this, Mai's eyes meet mine from on the stage.

{character:Mai Aihara}...

{character:Narration}She smiles, not her usual timid smile, but a smile full of tenderness and gratitude... The smile of a priestess.

{character:Narration}I feel a little shocked. Not only because I'm surprised by her excellent performance on the stage, but also because I'm amazed by how much she has grown so far.

{character:player}...It's great that this festival was held.

{character:Narration}As the performance draws to a close, Mai raises the Kagura bell again on the stage and ends the dance under the gaze of the crowd.

{character:Little Girl}She's so amazing! The priestess is so pretty!

{character:Narration}After the performance ends, the air is filled with cheers from the audience.

{character:player}It's such a shame we only saw the second half.

{character:Little Girl}It doesn't matter. I'm happy to see even half of such a great performance! She is really amazing!

{character:Narration}The little girl is one of the most excited people present, and she is still clapping non-stop after the lights of the stage are turned off and everyone has dispersed.

{character:Little Girl}Oh! It's mommy!

{character:Narration}At this time, a woman runs over from the edge of the stage, and the little girl runs up to meet her after noticing her. Just when I was wondering why her mother was here, I see Mai walking out of the side door of the stage.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, why are you with this little girl?

{character:Narration}Mai's neck is covered with beads of sweat, and it seems that she hasn't had time to rest yet. Seeing her appear with the mother right after the performance, I immediately understand why they are together.

{character:player}She is a lost child I ran into. Her parents didn't come even though we broadcasted her information.

{character:Mai Aihara}So that's what happened. This mother didn't hear the broadcast. She came to the front stage before the Kagura dance started and wanted the staff to help her find her daughter who had run off during an argument.

{character:Mai Aihara}There were too many people around the stage at that time, so we suggested that she wait until the performance ends before...

{character:player}No wonder nobody came to us at the torii... Huh? Hold on, did you just say they had a fight?

{character:Narration}So she didn't get lost in the crowd? I look at the mother and daughter next to me. The little girl is crying against her mother's chest.

{character:Little Girl}...I've been looking forward to it for so long. I've always wanted to see the Kagura dance, but mommy... *sobbing*

{character:Mother}I'm sorry... I shouldn't have broken my promise, but something really important came up at work.

{character:Narration}The little girl complains that her mother, who is usually away from home, finally managed to take her out to play, only to suddenly say that she needed to go to work.

{character:Narration}The mother is apologizing for not considering her daughter's feelings, for saying she is a naughty girl, and for getting angry at her without explaining anything.

{character:Mai Aihara}...

{character:player}Mai?

{character:Narration}Mai looks a little lonely to me. She is moved by the scene in front of her, but the reconciliation between mother and daughter probably reminded her of her own mother.

{character:player}...I wonder if Mai's mother is also thinking of her right now.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:player}Although she isn't always with you, the letters she sends every year are probably her way of saying that she misses you.

{character:Mai Aihara}Hmm... Thank you, Master.

{character:Narration}Mai seems to calm down after answering my question. She looks at the mother and daughter and slowly smiles.

{character:Mai Aihara}Actually, sometimes I think that my mom must have her own reasons, and that she must miss me at a certain moment somewhere... Maybe I can reconcile with my mom and untie the knot in my heart one day.

{character:Narration}When it is almost midnight, Mai takes me to the meditation room in the inner hall of the shrine.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, please come inside. Oh, watch out for the steps at the door.

{character:Narration}The festival has finished at this time, and silence has returned to the Temple of Moons.

{character:Narration}We all feel tired after being busy for the whole day. However, Mai asked me to come here with her, saying that she had something important to tell me.

{character:Mai Aihara}I... have something to show you, Master.

{character:player}Something you want to show me?

{character:Narration}The layout of the meditation room is like a plainly decorated training dojo. Mai stands in the center of the room with a slightly shy expression.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, I think it's a shame that you didn't manage to see the full Kagura dance just then, so I want to perform it for you here.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master, you are always helping me and by my side. And today... Although it was only by a little bit, the knot in my heart has been untied slightly.

{character:Narration}Moonlight streams in from the window, bathing the still figure of Mai and creating a solemn atmosphere.

{character:Narration}I'm quite surprised and moved because Mai expressed her kindness to me firmly instead of shyly. She is just like how she was during her earlier performance on the stage.

{character:Mai Aihara}So, on this special day, I want to perform the Kagura dance just for you, Master.

{character:Narration}She expressed her wish very seriously, which also calmed me down.

{character:player}I understand. Since this is what you want to do for me, I will sit back and enjoy it.

{character:Mai Aihara}Thank you, Master!

{character:Narration}Mai blushes shyly but doesn't seem flustered. She then starts to dance...

{character:Narration}The dance represents her efforts as a priestess, her determination to inherit the shrine from her grandfather, the loneliness she experienced in her childhood and her inner strength, and the recognition of her companions and herself. She sings...

{character:Mai Aihara}"Above the torii, the moon wears a conical hat... Under the torii, the girl grasps the Kagura bell tightly."

{character:Narration}With the bell in her hand, Mai plays it to a crisp rhythm in the meditation room that is illuminated by moonlight. She sings...

{character:Mai Aihara}"Above the torii, the moon hides in the dark clouds... Under the torii, the girl grasps the lapel of a friend's jacket."

{character:Narration}While watching her dance and listening to her singing, I finally realize that Mai is no longer the same person as before.

{character:Kana Fujita}Eh? You need my help again?

{character:player}Sorry, I'll thank you properly later.

{character:Narration}I take the little girl to the broadcasting room in front of the torii. After broadcasting the news of her disappearance, I ask Kana to take care of her.

{character:Kana Fujita}Okay, it's not a big deal to watch over her until her mother arrives. But you and Mai better remember to come support me at my next handshaking event, okay?

{character:player}Sure thing! We'll be there!

{character:Kana Fujita}Go to the square then. I'll send you a message later to keep you updated about the little girl.

{character:Narration}After thanking Kana again, I hurry over to the square. More and more people are on their way there. It seems that the performance is about to start.

{character:Narration}The crisp sound of the Kagura bell rings in my ears. I can see Mai standing on the stage.

{character:Narration}Mai dances lightly to the solemn music on the stage. The white chihaya robe and red priestess skirt make Mai look like a red and white butterfly that is flying in the festival under the night sky. She dances to the music...

{character:Mai Aihara}"Bamboo leaves are covered with snow... on a winter night."

{character:Narration}I'm amazed at Mai's costume, which is different from her usual plain priestess dress. She is also wearing a delicate crown and a pair of gorgeous high geta.

{character:Narration}She is holding a dazzling golden Kagura bell in her hand. When she sways the bell, the ribbons that symbolize the path to the realm of the gods dance beside her.

{character:Mai Aihara}"The hunters... move forward through curtains of snow."

{character:player}... How amazing!

{character:Narration}Unlike her usual shy self, Mai is calm and dignified even with so many people looking at her. Just when I feel moved by this, Mai's eyes meet mine from on the stage.

{character:Mai Aihara}...

{character:Narration}She smiles, not her usual timid smile, but a smile full of tenderness and gratitude... The smile of a priestess.

{character:Narration}I feel a little shocked. Not only because I'm surprised by her excellent performance on the stage, but also because I'm amazed by how much she has grown so far.

{character:player}...It's great that this festival was held.

{character:Narration}As the performance draws to a close, Mai raises the Kagura bell again on the stage and ends the dance under the gaze of the crowd.

{character:Narration}The performance is a great success, and the laughter of the celebration lasts all night amidst the applause.

{character:player}I think... Kaguyahime's version is closer to the truth.

{character:Ichihime}M-Master! Why aren't you on my side? Why, nyaa!

{character:player}I'm sorry, Ichihime. I heard that Mai's grandpa is very strict, so refusing to organize festivals to protect her go-shintai sounds like something he would do.

{character:Kaguyahime}Hehe, human, you're not beyond saving after all.

{character:Ichihime}Nyaa...

{character:Narration}Now that we know what to do, Mai and I return to the Temple of Moons. It is getting late by this time.

{character:Mai Aihara}Master... Can you take a look at the go-shintai with me? I don't understand why that is the reason.

{character:player}Sure thing, but are you sure it's okay for an outsider like me to look at the precious go-shintai?

{character:Mai Aihara}You've always been helping me. To me... you're n-not an outsider.

{character:Narration}Mai blushes and looks down at her toes like she is shy about her proposal. It seems that I have become someone Mai is willing to trust and rely on.

{character:player}Of course.

{character:Mai Aihara}Really? That's great, Master.

{character:Narration}Mai raises her head and smiles brightly after I agree to her request.

{character:Narration}Mai leads me to the meditation room located in the inner hall of the shrine. It is said that this is the oldest room of the Temple of Moons, and it is generally not open to the public.

{character:Narration}Mai doesn't turn on the lights. Actually, it's more accurate to say that there are no lights installed here. Looking up, I see tall interior pillars that extend all the way to the roof. Unlike the other buildings of the shrine, this room still has a quaint style.

{character:player}I see that the Temple of Moons has... a lot of history.

{character:Mai Aihara}This place should have been repaired many times already, but it does indeed retain many traces of history.

{character:Narration}Mai walks to a hanging scroll at the innermost part of the room and begins to rummage through the drawers.

{character:Mai Aihara}Found it! This is the Kagura bell, the go-shintai that is passed down the Temple of Moons generation by generation.

{character:Narration}She takes out a bell with colorful ribbons from the box. Moonlight shines onto the Kagura bell through the window, reflecting a golden brilliance.

{character:Narration}Maybe it's because of the quaint appearance of the room, but I feel a solemn atmosphere. It almost feels like the combined will of the many priestesses of the Temple of Moons is guarding Mai, the successor of the shrine.

{character:Mai Aihara}Ah... I remember now...

{character:Narration}Mai stares blankly for a while in the quiet meditation room before suddenly making a sound.

{character:Mai Aihara}When I was little, grandma performed the Kagura dance with this bell in this meditation room!

{character:Narration}As if she is searching for her memories, Mai faces the center of the meditation room and shakes the go-shintai in her hand, making a crisp sound.

{character:Mai Aihara}Grandpa sat here holding me while we watched grandma perform the dance... They all seemed very happy and blessed.

{character:Narration}Mai's words surprise me. If what she is saying is true, that means what Ichihime said earlier was...

{character:player}So your grandpa didn't want to organize any more festivals because he misses your grandma?

{character:Mai Aihara}Yes! Both Ichihime and Kaguyahime are right. Grandpa refuses to organize any large events because he misses grandma and because he wants to protect the go-shintai...

{character:Mai Aihara}I kind of feel like I understand how grandpa feels now.

{character:Narration}In front of me, Mai, who has learned the truth, is waving the Kagura bell excitedly. The serene moonlight seems to flow like water in response to its sound.

{character:Narration}I look at the bell again and no longer feel the solemn atmosphere from before. The golden radiance of the go-shintai reminds me of the warmth of family.

{character:Mai Aihara}"Noisy child, quieten down quickly. It is so noisy indeed."

{character:Narration}Mai performs the Kagura dance for me, not as part of a festival, but as a performance for just me.

{character:Mai Aihara}"Noisy child, rest in the arms of a loved one. It is so noisy indeed."

{character:Narration}It gives off a wonderful feeling, like our love for our deceased loved ones has been revived.