Mountain Poem

Finally, we're back in the Thousand Ruins Mountain...

Client, the road was long and winding, but I've finally brought you home!

Presiding over a funeral for a foreigner... is a first for me.

Is a shrine maiden not allowed to preside over funerals?

Not at all. Anyone may preside so long as they honor the departed.

In the Thousand Ruins Mountain, you'll find all sorts presiding over funerals, monks, Taoists, priests, masters of ceremony...

But recently, I've been presiding over celebrations and Eternity Rituals...

Perhaps it's because you are so cute and are better suited for a cheerful atmosphere.

I am a very professional shrine maiden! For this funeral, I've buried myself in the ancient texts! I even went down to the town to seek guidance from the elders...

By the way, and I also picked up some supplies we'll need for the funeral... I hope it all goes without a hitch!

It's because of your dedication that Yorozuya entrusted us with this important commission.

No, the more I talk, the more nervous I get... I need to review the procedures again!

All settled now... I shall now purify myself and don the sacred robes.

I hear footsteps. They're finally here.

Were you waiting for me, miss?

Welcome. Please wash your hands with this flowing water to cleanse away the fatigue of your travels.

Alright, it seems the ritual has just begun.

Right, this is the soul-guiding lantern. Please hold it steady... Where is the departed? Lead me to her, so she may rest within the coffin.

About that... there has been a complication.

A complication?

We were working to solve the issue of repatriating the remains to Eastrise. The good news is, we succeeded.

And the bad news?

The bad news is, we took too long. The hospital had the remains cremated.

What we could bring back... were only her ashes and personal effects.

...*Huh?

The rest... is in your hands.

...*Hm, the classics didn't cover how to handle cremated remains.

*Uh, let us place the personal effects and the ashes within the coffin for now. I will need to think about the next steps...

Ring! I've brought the Nostalgia Tea you asked for!

Thank you. These leaves were meant to be placed in the mouth of the departed... but now...

What about we open the urn and place the leaves inside?

This wouldn't be proper...

How about we brew the tea?

I remember when we honored our ancestors, we would pour tea before their graves... Why don't we brew a fresh pot now and see her spirit off with its fragrance?

Alright, then I'll leave it you.

A bitter first brew, a sweet second, such is the way of this year's new tea.

As the Eastrise elders say, 'One must first taste bitterness before a long journey.' Our departed has tasted this bitterness in full measure. Let us, the living, drink this cup for her, to honor a life of dedication.

This second infusion, we shall pour upon the departed's coffin. May she smile when she looks back, and savor the sweetness of the world.

After the laying-in and the period of lying in repose, now it's time for condolences.

Have you notified the deceased's family or friends?

My client had lived in Bifrost. With the current border policies, it's unlikely her friends can make it today.

As for friends and family in her Eastrise homeland... there can't be many left by now.

Then... why not hold the funeral in the Dark Road?

It was her final wish: to be buried in her homeland and to return to her roots. The people she helped in the Dark Road chose to honor that wish.

...I see. Then let us be the first to pay our respects.

My client, the road has been long and hard. Even if others forget you, I will remember you always. For years to come, I will tell your story.

May you rest in peace here.

The people of Eastrise hold a strong belief in the soul. They all hope the departed may rest in peace and watch over this land.

Well...

What's wrong?

A lady with long hair has just come to the shrine. She has brought many white flowers, saying each bouquet is signed, and that you will understand.

Do you see, Mitsuha? This is proof that she was loved.

Mitsuha closes her eyes and lays a hand upon the wooden casket as if upon a still-beating heart. In the mountain wind, the voices of Bifrost are resolute, those of Eastrise tender, all merging into a single sigh within the word [home].

It's been so long since I visited home... It's time I pay my respects to my family.

After that, perhaps I'll return to Bifrost? I'll bring some Eastrise specialties for friends there, and then... go see that person I've been wanting to meet.

It's better to fulfill your wishes while you still can.

Excuse me, up ahead! How do I get to the shrine?

Are you going to the shrine now? Just follow the path up the mountain to the right... But a funeral is underway there.

A funeral? *Hmm, that's rather inauspicious...

What, did I get in your way?

No, it's just... the young mistress seldom has the chance to enjoy an outing, and I fear this might dampen her spirits.

In life, things rarely go as smoothly as one hopes.

Oh... I see. So you're looking for a fight, right?

*Huh? Annoying as you are, I'm not an unreasonable person...

Don't misunderstand me. As a fellow martial artist, I can see that you're not only nimble, but also burdened, and the fatigue shows on your face...

These serene mountains and clear waters make a fine place to vent through sparring. What do you say to a match right here?

(I can feel it... she's strong. Incredibly strong, and she's itching for a fight!)

In that case, I'll take you up on it!

What happened, Firentia?

It's nothing. Just sparring with a master.

Excuse me, hero! A moment of your time!

Oh no... It's someone I know!

Miss Mochizuki. Akira has informed me of your recent assignment.

Who'd have knew that the assassin has taken up a new trade to arrange funerals...

Miss Shiyu, feel free to mock me...

Not at all. I am genuinely happy for you.

We both deal in death, yet you now bring warm hope to all you meet.

What's going on up ahead?

Your Grace, a funeral is being conducted ahead.

(What's going on? Why is the empress here?)

*Ahem, Miss An, what are you talking about?

My apologies, I forgot... Young mistress, should we take a different path?

(Is the empress traveling incognito?)

The departed demand our reverence. Since we are passing by, lead me to pay our respects.

Alright. The young mistress wishes to extend a token of courtesy. I wonder if you'd permit it?

Well. I'm too tired . Do whatever you want...

Wow, this young lady is the picture of propriety... She must be a noble daughter of Mo Capital.

My mother always taught me that Eastrise's traditional culture is vast and profound, and that I must strive to carry it forward.

To learn only cunning and expediency, like Bifrost with its eyes fixed solely on gain; or to use doctrine as armor, like the Empire encasing human hearts in stone, both paths lead only to alienation and discord.

Actually...

Actually, what?

No, it's nothing.

Thank you for your prayers. I think she would smile if she could hear them.