落とし穴外伝：夏の夜の夢 (Part2)
"Well, I managed to play it off, so that’s fine. Besides, having delicious things to eat is always a good thing. Don't you agree, Sister Shou?"
"I suppose you're right. Though, having one's favorite food so blatantly exposed does make me worry about potential poisoning, but I do have the anti-poison accessory gifted to me by Yuki-sama, so there is that. Now, is the back of the shrine this way?"
Before I knew it, we had wandered deep into the shrine grounds.
The small sanctuary was adorned with only a few modest lanterns, lacking the boisterous energy of the main street. It felt quiet, as if it were simply existing in the stillness.
"Welcome. I have been expecting you. This way, please."
Suddenly, Suzuhikohime appeared from the side of the shrine to guide us. We followed her around to the back, where, in the dim light, we found two figures wearing fox masks—looking like a parent and child—standing face-to-face with Empress Eupia.
"…You could have just called out to me from the start."
I believe that was Empress Eupia’s voice. But it wasn't the voice of authority she usually carried; it was the voice of a child. The one she uses when she’s having fun with us.
"I did call out. You just didn't notice."
"…Mmph. My apologies, then."
"Haha, you shouldn't do that. You shouldn't bow your head so easily. You’re the most important person in that whole region now, aren't you?"
"Yes. I worked hard. I really did."
"I know. I saw you working hard. I was always watching. Right?"
The small child in the fox mask looked at the adult beside her, who nodded in return.
"But why now, after all this time?"
"I suppose we owe that to the deity over there."
The child in the fox mask turned her gaze toward us. I assume she was looking at Suzuhikohime.
"Everyone… no, Suzuhikohime brought these people here?"
"That is a difficult question to answer. While I did prepare the space, it was those two who decided whether or not to appear. Today is, after all, but a midsummer night’s dream. A simple tale of ghosts returning for a moment. Surely, you may converse with a ghost."
"That’s true. I never thought I’d be able to speak with you again like this."
"But why the masks?"
"We can't enjoy the festival without masks, can we? We aren't here to get in the way of Eupia or Shou."
"Huh? Me too?"
Sister Shou, suddenly addressed, wore a look of utter confusion.
"Haha, it seems Shou doesn't have much of a spiritual sense, so she couldn't really focus on this person. Can you see her now?"
As she said this, the adult in the fox mask beside her spoke.
"Well, I did teach you to discern reality and take certain paths, so I suppose you wouldn't believe in such phenomena."
"Hah!? Wait, no way!"
For some reason, Sister Shou was utterly shocked.
"M-Master?"
"Indeed. I never imagined you would end up following Empress Eupia. You weren't exactly the type to be swayed by such things back then."
"Oh, oh… no, this is a lie. Master, you were…"
"You’ve already grasped in Weed that the dead can exist in reality, haven't you? Well, it is difficult to recognize me in this mask and kimono, and I understand the desire not to accept it. More importantly, this is just a dream-like moment that will pass. Do not dwell on it. Continue to walk the path you believe in. Show the world that a woman can achieve even more."
"…Yes."
So, that woman in the fox mask was Sister Shou’s master. I had assumed she was an acquaintance of Empress Eupia. As I pondered this, I turned my gaze back to the Empress.
"Well, the dream ends here. Using the power to speak like this is surprisingly draining."
"Oh."
"If it were a soul remaining like Hivia-sama’s, it would be different, but this is merely a lingering scent left with Eupia-sama. It is a wonder it lasted this long. Perhaps you could call it a blessing."
"A blessing. Was it protecting me?"
"No, I was just there. If I were that strong, I wouldn't have left Eupia behind. Well, bye-bye. Take care of Eupia."
"Yes. Bye-bye."
As I returned the farewell, the girl removed her fox mask, waved at us, and vanished. And then…
"I am glad your burns have healed."
"Yes."
"Now, all that is left is to find a partner. There is no need for you to remain alone until the end, as I did."
With those words, Sister Shou’s master simply faded away.
"To be lectured even at the very end… hah, that sounds just like her…"
"So, that has come to an end as well."
Empress Eupia approached Sister Shou.
"…Things like this can happen, can they? Was it a dream?"
"…Perhaps it doesn't matter if it was a dream. My heart feels much lighter."
"Ah, indeed. Suzuhikohime, I offer my thanks."
"There is no need for thanks. This was an inevitability for you both. Should the weak-hearted encounter the past, they are often dragged into it. That you were able to turn this into a fond memory is a testament to your own strength."
"Yes, that’s right. Empress Eupia is kind, after all."
"Exactly. Sister Shou has been working so hard, so she received a reward."
As Firia and I said this, everyone laughed.
"That’s true. Let’s buy plenty of delicious food and head back."
"Indeed."
"Mm. The scent of curry is drifting this way, after all."
"That is true. Let us save it for another day."
And so, we spent the rest of our time wandering the stalls, enjoying the festival together before returning to the mansion. There is something inherently surreal about a summer festival at night. That space where light and shadow, clamor and silence intersect, is a truly mysterious place. That said, it is also a staple setting for horror, so let us be careful not to invite any trouble. When enjoying a summer festival at a shrine, always remember to mind your manners.