MONGIL: STAR DIVE story · Event Story, Event stories
The Flame That Takes What Lingers
The barrier surrounding the Shrine of Nine Fates has been broken and mysterious cursed jars have appeared! Who could wish ill on the Kumiho Divine Maiden? Join Mina to remove this evil curse and purify the Shrine of Nine Fates!
8 scenes, 474 lines
1. The Incomplete Dance
52 linesA few years ago.
The Shrine of Nine Fates. The home and birthplace of the Kumiho Divine Maidens.
And the one refuge where my mother's warmth still lingers.
Tonight feels quiet and dark, as if the moon is caught in the clouds.
Each time I reach up and sweep my hand through the air, the night dew pricks my fingertips like cold, sharp needles.
Not even a month left until the Sacred Soul Ritual, and I haven't had a sound night's sleep in weeks.
Will I really be able to do it?
Spin around here and put my hands together...
This time, to the left... Whoa...!!
Thud!
Agh, ah! Ouch...
There's really not much time left now...
I really have to do everything alone this time...
But as I sink deeper into my thoughts, my body feels stiffer and more sluggish.
Seeing how I'm still like this even when I've practiced every day...
Mother... I don't think I'm good enough to do this.
And, that dream yesterday...
...Ugh! It was the worst!
Yesterday morning.
Huh? Where am I? Is this... my room?
Mina? Mina!
A-ah... Narae?
Are you okay? Did you have a bad dream?
...I'm sure I was in the middle of the Sacred Soul Ritual...
The Sacred Soul Ritual? Oh! Did you have a dream premonition?
Uh... I messed up the divine summoning dance.
Huh? No way! Was it that part you're worried about? It was, wasn't it!
Yeah, I fell and grabbed the altar... And the censer... broke...
I just needed to make one more turn.
The sacred censer crafted from the wood of a 3,000-year-old paulownia tree that was struck by lightning...
It's irreplaceably precious... and it snapped apart in my hands.
Definitely not a premonition, then! They say dreams are the opposite of real life, right?
What if I really mess it up?
Come on. Nobody watching knows how to perform the divine summoning dance. Even if you were to make a mistake, nobody would notice.
What? That is true, but...
You should be fine as long as you don't like... trip over your tail and fall flat on your face. Hehe.
Seeing Narae's spirited face lifts the weight off my heart a bit.
Right, I need to do well for Narae's sake. I can do it!
I should start by reviewing everything I need for the ritual.
Dohwa Garden will provide the food, and as for the ceremonial items... Oh, we're missing a candlestick.
I'll have to go to the shrine and check what's missing again.
What about me, Mina? What can I do to help?
Oh! Yes, I know. Could you do me a favor?
Please get me some good incense for the ritual.
Once you get the incense, light a stick immediately and recite the prayer. Okay?
Okay! I just need to go to the marketplace then, right? I got it!
Soon, I see Narae running around chasing butterflies through the window.
Haha. She's probably excited to be going out alone.
My only family, my sister, Narae.
The title of Kumiho Divine Maiden is passed down through a single-file lineage, with each preceding maiden leaving behind only one successor.
But even after I was named the next Divine Maiden, my mother gathered all her remaining essence and had Narae.
I wish she was here with us. I would have nothing to worry about then.
2. Meeting Expectations
44 linesNew Year's morning. The government office in Naksan.
Welcome, Divine Maiden. Please come inside.
The government office courtyard is already filled with people. They have all gathered for the New Year's greeting ceremony to pray for a peaceful year.
When everybody gathers in one place like this, you can really see how many different species call Baek-Ah home.
Narae is fascinated, busy counting how many people stand in the courtyard.
I humbly meet the Divine Maiden.
Red Lotus's receptionist, Yuna, approaches with an excited look. Following behind her, unable to hide his annoyance, is branch master Leeho.
There's so many more people than last year!
Makes sense. It's the first time the new Divine Maiden's hosting things personally.
Sangun skipped this year, so that's got to put some pressure on you, huh, kid?
Branch Master? You'd be wise to refrain from any unnecessary commentary.
Did I maybe frown without realizing?
I feel my face flush as if an embarrassing secret's been exposed, but I manage a slight smile and a small nod.
But such thoughts are fleeting. Soon, Lord Sanhae strides forward and stands before the crowd.
Welcome, everyone!
The crowd grows quiet as his booming voice echoes across the courtyard.
Attention, everyone! As you know, the young Divine Maiden will be offering blessings for the first time this year.
Now, Divine Maiden, this way please...
I suddenly feel my lips begin to tremble, but I bite down on them.
For a moment, the image of my beautiful mother raising her hands toward the sky and offering blessings fills my mind... but she feels so far away.
God of Fate, please bless us all with good fortune.
Did my mother raise her palms higher into the sky...?
The roar of the crowd rings sharply in my ears.
I feel a pleasant resonance, just as when I first created sparks from my fingertips, and my mind goes momentarily numb.
"Divine Maiden. Please pray that our separated family may be reunited soon."
"Please bless our village well so that it never runs dry."
As the concerns and well-wishes continue to pour in, my heart beats even faster.
I don't even notice when someone approaches my side.
Divine Maiden, would you like to have something to drink?
I startle. Jiwon, the headmistress of Dohwa Garden, is at my side, graciously offering me a cup of rice punch.
I take a small sip, but I'm too nervous to really taste its sweetness.
Most of the people here probably came to see you in person, Divine Maiden.
But that doesn't mean the Divine Maiden can embrace them all.
If you do as much as you are able, to the best of your efforts, that will be enough.
It's better than making everyone feel that the Divine Maiden's heart is full of worry.
You... noticed...
I am not saying you should dare to treat anyone without care, Divine Maiden.
But they do not expect you to address each of their concerns personally. They simply want help soothing their own hearts.
Help soothing... their own hearts?
Yes. Simply gazing upon the Divine Maiden's gentle smile would bring them great comfort.
3. The Cold Touch
71 linesMarriage? That's not appropriate, even as a joke!
It's no joke, Divine Maiden. I'm serious.
I have held this love in my heart for a long time.
For a long time? Isn't today the first time we've met?
The sun is well overhead now, Divine Maiden.
I've been waiting since before dawn for my turn to stand before you.
Can you imagine, a nobleman like me, personally standing in line all day! I'm sure I've thoroughly confused my ancestors.
I'm afraid I don't follow.
I am equally confused and flustered by the way you're treating me, Divine Maiden.
What do I lack that you treat me so callously?
The nobleman talks on and on, sweat beading on his forehead and upper lip.
I'm utterly mortified. I wish I could just close my eyes, and that when I open them, everything will be over.
Somebody... Anybody, help me please. Mother...!
Can it, old man!
How dare you?! What are you doing at a ceremony meant for everyone?
There are others waiting to receive their blessings. You're wasting everyone's time, old man!
O-old man...? B-but I'm not...!
You fool! Where do you think you are to act so insolently!
Over here!
Eek!!!
I hear the crowd whisper as the young nobleman is forcibly escorted away.
Some time later.
It's so strange. What use do humans have with carrots?
I cannot understand why my husband had to go to jail, Divine Maiden.
Your husband stole someone else's carrots, so it's only right that...
But, humans don't need carrots!
So, you could say that my husband was imprisoned for helping humans. To think, this is the thanks he gets for helping them get rid of things they don't need!
It's unjust, isn't it? Right, Divine Maiden?
...I pray that peace will find your husband in his cell this year...
Peace? Divine Maiden! How can he be at peace when he's locked up?!
Some time later (again).
The roof is really high, so climbing up there was quite the feat! Impressive, right?
Yes, definitely...
But why hasn't she come back down...? It's been four months already.
I've been offering purification water and praying daily, but she still shows no sign of coming down.
Have you tried coaxing her down with food? Does she like fish, maybe?
Bah! I can't even afford to serve my grandkids fish! Why would I waste it on a cat?!
I mean... perhaps the smell of roasting fish would lure the cat down from the roof?
My goodness! I waited all this time because you were supposed to have some miraculous power, but you want me to roast some fish? Ugh. Forget it!
People are using this opportunity to just say whatever they want...
Did they treat Mom like this, too?
Just as I start feeling a little down, a cute little girl hesitantly approaches me, hands hidden behind her back.
Oh, what's this...?
They're dried persimmons my grandma made before she died.
They're really yummy! So... I wanted to share them with you, Divine Maiden.
Whoa! Mina's favorite food is dried persimmons!
Aha! Please share them with the small Divine Maiden, too.
Thank you. This is so special. I'll be sure to take my time and really savor it.
I'm so relieved you like it.
My grandma really wanted to meet you and see your smile, too...
...I'm sure she's watching us from above right now.
I'll pray that your fate this year is peaceful.
Thank you, Divine Maiden.
Seeing this child's bright smile, I begin to understand what Jiwon meant this morning.
That simply offering a gentle smile could bring someone great comfort.
Ah!
Suddenly, I feel icy fingers on my skin.
Though I quickly pulled away, my hand stings as if cut by a sharp blade.
Oh dear. I didn't mean to startle you, Divine Maiden.
That's odd. I'm sure we touched... but I can't feel the flow of fate from this woman.
The only lingering trace is a fading image... obscured by thick fog.
Sorry, I wasn't expecting to be touched...
Oh, my apologies. I just wanted to get a feel for your energy.
And... I was hoping to check if you were truly the one and only Divine Maiden who calls upon fate to bless our futures.
Excuse me? What do you mean by that?
I can't say. But I'll pray that meet a peaceful fate this year, Divine Maiden.
Headmistress Jiwon steps hurriedly between us, so I don't have a chance to properly read her expression.
But... I'm left with the impression of a sinister smile.
Finally, the last blessing is complete. You should get some rest now too, Divine Maiden.
After the woman with the unsettling aura leaves, the headmistress, looking anxious, asks how I'm feeling.
However, as the Divine Maiden, I must hide my troubled heart and put on a smile for the moment.
4. There's a First Time for Everything
63 linesThe inner quarters of Dohwa Garden's main house.
The midday sunlight filtering through the windows feels as warm as my mother's embrace.
Why does the dust floating in the air appear to be so free?
Now then, we must begin the meeting...
Um... Divine Maiden? Yours is the seat at the head of the table.
But if I show how flustered I am, I'll freeze up even more, so I make a conscious effort to slowly move my feet.
As I take my seat, my head begins to throb... Perhaps it's because I've been feeling nervous all morning.
Let us begin the first ritual meeting of the year.
Please share your plans and suggestions for the new year.
Hm. I don't mind starting us off.
For the first time ever this year, the Divine Maiden will be overseeing the Sacred Soul Ritual without Sangun's help.
Preparing for this event will require everyone's full collaboration...
I keep my gaze slightly downward to show respect to everyone here.
But I should also be nodding so that they can see that I'm listening.
As I concentrate on keeping my face looking pleasant and composed, Lord Whitehare continues to talk about the Sacred Soul Ritual.
Now, let's hear from Lord Sanhae next.
Thank you, Lord Whitehare.
The overflowing youkai energy around the Dokkaebi Shrine is causing youkai to swarm, and it has many people feeling uneasy.
My officers can't be solely responsible for this, so I'd like to move to file a request at Red Lotus.
That's a good idea, but there's a small problem.
Last year's poor harvest means we've got a bit of a funding problem when it comes to compensating for requests.
If additional budget funding could be allocated to our branch, then...
Is that really a budget issue?
What?
I'm saying, could you have been paying too generously for requests previously?
What in the...? Hey, don't make this my fault!
Since we're discussing budgets, I have something to address.
Each year, the number of children in our clan grows, but our territory stays the same size.
I was wondering if we might discuss the distribution of land once more this year.
The discussion devolves into a heated debate from there. Everyone needs to stake their claim.
While they're doing that, I think it might be better if I close my eyes for a moment.
I close my eyes and imagine the steps of the divine summoning dance. I slowly count the rhythm in my head.
One, two...
...What do you think, Divine Maiden?
Divine Maiden?
Huh? So... uh...
Flustered, I look around and I notice Nagi resting her chin on one hand as if she's already utterly sick of this.
I guess at least Nagi will understand how I feel.
She's been shouldering clan leader duties in her father's stead for years now...
Hm... It seems the Divine Maiden is feeling terribly tired.
It's no wonder, with so many events one after the other since the start of the new year.
But...
Let's end today's meeting here.
Everyone seems sympathetic, but... Right now, that's not very comforting.
Only one person's words provide me consolation.
Did you get any sleep last night?
Huh?
You looked like you were nodding off back there.
Haha, sure you do.
Then again... how would they understand?
They're always going "Divine Maiden..." this, "Divine Maiden..." that, when you're a kid who doesn't even have her divine weapon yet. It's just more pressure, right?
Yeah... I don't know what to do, either.
Thank you, Nagi.
I can practically see pink lotuses blooming in the air behind Nagi as she strides confidently out.
That's right. My path as the Divine Maiden has only just begun.
5. Two Dolls
54 linesYep, there's no need to worry. I got everything you told me to.
Thank you. Oh right, Narae. What about the incense I asked for?
Incense? What incense?
The incense we're going to use for the ritual.
I asked you to light one immediately after you got it and to recite the prayer.
You don't remember?
Oh. Uh... that? Already done.
It was really hard burning an entire can of oil! The fire was roaring and...
Oil? What do you mean?
I spent forever searching the marketplace for the incense oil you wanted.
I asked you to get me incense oil? Me?
Yeah, but it wasn't at the market. I ended up asking some powerful shamans for help finding it.
Apparently, it's been used by shamans for ages to purify spaces when welcoming important guests.
Narae... I was talking about incense sticks, not incense oil. You know, those little sticks that smoke when you light them?
Huh? R-really? Sorry. Hehe. I must've misheard.
I've got enough on my plate as it is! Why are you being like this too?!
I'm sorry, Mina...
A stretch of silence. Watching Narae, her ears drooping in dejection, makes my heart feel heavy.
I step outside to escape the suffocating weight of the air, but my heart still won't settle.
Mother's shrine.
The things here... are mostly items left behind by my mother.
My head begins to ache again as I crouch down in a corner of the shrine.
Thinking about it, it really wasn't a big deal...
As I touch the items left behind in the shrine, I can almost feel my mother's lingering warmth.
The day I fell while running around in Duskhaven Garden.
The day I clasped my hands together and recited the prayer in front of the soul cairn for the first time.
I can remember it all so vividly still...
When I open the closet, all sorts of evil-warding items catch my eye.
Oh, I remember. Hide and seek!
Right... I'd been so scared thinking I'd lost Narae.
But she had hidden in the closet and fallen asleep there...
Huh? What's this? I've never seen it before...
"It" is a small lacquered box tucked away in the deepest corner of the closet.
I open the box and find two small stuffed dolls inside.
This is me and Narae. Oh, Mother...
Examining the prayer-covered talismans pinned to each doll's back, I can feel my mother's aching heart.
Had she made these charms for us while preparing for her death alone?
The tears I had held back burst forth as I gently pull the dolls into a hug.
The sun has already set, and upon returning to our room, Narae, already asleep, catches my eye.
She's fallen asleep all curled up. I quietly sit down beside her.
I sweep her hair back from her face and whisper quietly.
I'm sorry, Narae.
Maybe it's because I cried earlier, but it feels like my headache is getting worse.
I hope some sleep will help.
As I lay down, I feel myself relax and my surroundings gradually grow darker.
A foul smell.
An unpleasant feeling of being consumed by dark fog...
I swing my arms around, but, somehow, I can't seem to feel anything.
I feel strange, unable to tell if this is a dream or reality, and my consciousness begins to slip away from me.
...Am I dreaming?
6. The Breach
52 linesGet away! All of you, go away!
I hear Narae screaming and the sound something whipping in the wind.
Struggling to sit up, I look out the window to see Narae swinging a large broom through the air.
What are those...? Baby Spirits?
Odd. It hasn't been long since I performed all the purification rituals for the new year...
And are those hauntstacks and Pew-kkaebi? Youkai and dokkaebi entered the Shrine of Nine Fates?
This is impossible. What's going on? Am I still dreaming?
I stumble outside and see Narae's terrified face, and I snap back into reality. This is really happening!
Narae!
Mina! These weirds things just appeared!
I recognize the baby spirits... but what are these guys?!
They're youkai. Wait!
I quickly grab the broom and begin swinging, driving away the youkai and spirits, but it's not enough to put me at ease.
Wait here, Narae. I'm going get Mom's method!
I hurriedly enter the shrine and search for the method left behind by my mother.
I'm sure it was...
I remember my mother telling me to make the method small and place it beside the shrine where it will always be readable.
Found it!
The method in hand, I hurry back to the yard, looking for Narae. Fortunately, the area is still quiet.
Narae is slumped down on the ground as if completely drained. I help her up and dust off her clothes, and she immediately throws her arms around me and buries her face in my front.
Are you okay, Narae? I found the method.
Yup, I'm okay now. I was startled, that's all!
It looked like you were really angry yesterday, so I woke up early and was sweeping the yard...
That's when I started hearing a clattering noise.
A clattering noise?
Yeah, like the sound of plates clattering.
So I followed the noise and found a bunch of weird jars.
I was really startled!
Jars? And the youkai appeared after that?
Yeah, the jars had smoke rising out of them.
When I touched one to clear it away, those weird things started popping out from all over the place.
A sacred barrier erected by former Divine Maidens protects the Shrine of Nine Fates.
Nobody can enter without the permission from the current Divine Maiden. So...
I follow Narae, and sure enough, she leads me to a collection of several jars.
Even at a glance, it's clear that they're foul objects used to transport a curse.
The purple smoke rising from the jars mixes with the sickly odor.
The barrier... is cracked.
What do we do? Mina... I'm scared.
It's okay. That's why I brought the method.
But how did these jars get here?
Someone didn't bring them in here manually. I'm sure they were summoned here magically.
And if we touch them, we'll probably be attacked by even more creatures.
So be careful not to touch them, not even by accident, understand?
Got it, Mina.
Narae gives a firm nod, and my resolve sharpens.
Why have these cursed jars appeared here? And who would do something like this?
Moreover, they've definitely created a crack in the Shrine of Nine Fates's barrier.
Whoever did this might be calling on something greater than mere magic. They might be using divine power.
But for now...
We need to find a way to safely get rid of the jars.
7. The Hardened Heart
78 linesIf the barrier is compromised, things from the outside world are able to enter and...
As I read the method, I can see Narae blinking her eyes furiously, her fists clenched tight.
What do we do now, Mina?
Cleanse the curse?
Yeah... I think someone's placed a curse on the Shrine of Nine Fates. They've got a really bad grudge.
According to the method, typically you need to find the one who's placed the curse and settle their grievance, but... we don't know who that is.
So we've got no choice but to break the jar and listen to the voices of the spirits it attracted.
We need to actually talk to them? But I'm scared...
But this is the only solution Mother left us. Let's trust it and try!
All of this is new to me and I'm nervous, but there's no time to waste right now.
The method says that cursed jars have the power to command weakened spirits, youkai, and even humans and divine creatures.
In order to meet with them and address their grievances...
We need to draw upon divine power to speak sincerely from the heart.
I'm nervous, though... What if I can't do this?
As I break the first jar, the wind roars and a horde of hauntstacks appears.
Beep, beep!!!
A lil' hauntstack cries out.
I focus and steady my breathing, and I begin to make out a child's faint voice.
Wh-where am I? How did I get here?
D-did you bring me here?
Uh, no. I didn't.
The mystic energy flowing from the cursed jar disrupted the barrier and drew you here.
Your words are too big! What do you mean?
This jar's aura attracts those with dark hearts.
Have you been feeling sad or angry about something lately? Or has there been someone bothering you...?
I don't know! But I need to get back to Beomgol! Man-sik is very sick!
Man-sik? Who's Man-sik?
My friend! But he's so sick he can't play with me anymore! He's stuck in bed all day.
I see, so that's what's been upsetting you.
No medicine's helping him. They said he might... he might die... Beep...
Wait... then, here. Take this.
What is it?
It's special medicine imbued with divine power. It might help your friend recover.
Wow! I had no idea you'd have something like this! I'll take it to him right away!
Thank you, Pretty Miss Divine Maiden Lady! Beep, Beeeepp!!
Narae claps her hands in awe as she watches the lil' hauntstack pass through the barrier.
Alright. Just like that. One by one.
Some time later.
...You can never cut that tree down. It's a sacred tree!
Why don't humans understand that disturbing guardian spirits will bring misfortune?
Even the big grandfather trees are very worried.
Humans have trouble understanding things that are invisible to the eye.
I will make sure to go to Wolha Village and let the villagers know. That tree's not going anywhere.
Really? Can you promise?
Yes. I promise. Trust me.
Okay. I'll leave it to you then.
I'd better return to the forest now. Thanks.
Some time later (again).
...I know it's probably because the youkai energy is still too strong near the Dokkaebi Shrine.
But I'm so bored because there aren't many people visiting!
And when I do see humans every once in a while, the hauntstacks go and make things awkward!
Huh? What do the hauntstacks do?
They just want to play tricks on humans.
I know that's how dokkaebi are meant to act...
*Sigh.* But I want to be friends with humans now!
Hmm... It's taking some time, but the area around the shrine is slowly being put to rights.
Maybe there are humans out there who want to make dokkaebi friends, too?
Hm, then what about this?
You're a dokkaebi, so you know the way around the forest.
What if you helped light the way back to the village for people who get lost in the dark forest?
Oh! That's a really good idea. I'd make lots of friends if I did that!
I'm so excited. I should hurry back and tell the others too!
A-alright. But don't overdo it.
As the Kkaebi Herder leaves and I realize there's no one else waiting, I finally relax.
But... I'm exhausted from using so much divine power to relay and listen to everyone's deepest desires.
Phew. It feels like I've done another New Year's greeting ceremony.
Whoa! I think they've all left now, Mina!
Yep. Thanks for your help too, Narae.
But really, who did this...? They were all drawn here without a clue of what was going on.
I could think of only person while communing with the spirits and youkai.
The last woman I met during the greeting ceremony.
Thinking about her cold touch and sneering expression makes it feel like a great fire is burning in my chest.
Before I know it, flames spark at my fingertips. As I gaze at them, my mother's voice comes to me.
One must also learn to endure the hatred of others. Only then can one truly become a revered Divine Maiden...
Right. This is something else I must overcome in order to become a Divine Maiden as strong as my mother.
I must become stronger.
8. Proof of Love
60 linesI cannot make a mistake. Draw it exactly the same.
I've never created a barrier before, and my hands feel extra tense.
You need to focus more than usual when writing talismans.
Just one wrong stroke can cause all sorts of strange happenings.
Strange happenings?
Nagi told me about it once...
A long time ago, our mother and Sangun traveled together subduing evil divine beasts.
A lot of brave clan leaders joined them.
Oh! I know this story! The Demonic Beasts Suppression War!
Yep, that's right.
There was a carp divine beast that had been causing trouble for days, and after they finally got rid of it, they tried to purify the surrounding mystic energy with a talisman.
But the water on their hands caused a single stroke to smudge, and the carp awakened again.
Like... the dead carp came back to life? So, what happened then?
The carp, using its giant fins, attacked an old turtle man in their forces.
Oh no! Was it even more angry from being brought back? What happened next?
Nagi's father, their former clan leader, sliced off the great carp's fins with his incredible swordsmanship.
Anyway, the beast fell again, and the old turtle man was rescued.
Phew. Thank goodness.
...Done! Not bad considering it's my first time, right? I didn't make a single mistake!
Whoa! You're amazing, Mina!
Let's go. We need to erect the new barrier where the crack appeared.
I deploy defensive spells at the site of the crack while the talisman burns.
Then, I sprinkle salt mixed with sulfur to draw a boundary line on the ground.
I lower my head and recite a prayer to the former Divine Maidens, asking for good fortune.
Thank you, Mother.
However, when I raise my head, my eyes are drawn the location where the cursed jars were broken.
Hmm... What to do about that?
As the mystic energy spread, it seems to have left heavy, unsightly soot marks on the grass, shrine wall, and wood floors.
Mother's method did mention that such a mark could be left behind... but I don't see any way to get rid of it!
Whoa! It really works!
Surprised, I turn around and see Narae run past me excitedly, scrub-brush in hand.
Really?!
Yep! I knew this was going come in handy eventually!
I remember they said it was used to wash away mystic energy before welcoming important guests.
But with how slow you're moving, it'll take all day to clean this up.
What are you talking about? I'm super fast!
I don't know. I bet I'm way faster!
Ha! You really wanna bet?
Alright, then it's on! The first one to finish cleaning the shrine wins!
Okay? What does the winner get?
A box of dried persimmons!
Hey! That's what you want!
Ready, start!
As I run around brushing up soot, a warm breeze grazes my cheeks, and a smile naturally spreads across my face.
Seeing Narae laughing and panting as she works, I finally feel like the greeting ceremony is over and I've returned home.
Cleaning up to welcome important guests.
The faces our mother wished to see.
Once the cleaning is finished, Narae and I sprawl on our backs in front of our mother's headstone and gaze up at the sky.
I take a bite of dried persimmon, and its subtle sweetness blooming in my mouth feels like it's melting away the heavy weight on my chest.
You know, Narae?
Huh? What?
Your eyes look like Mom's. A lot, actually.
Mm... I can't even really remember Mom's face now...
But you smell like how I remember her smelling, so I like that. Hehe.
Oh yeah. And I'm going to sleep in tomorrow. I'm so tired...
Hehe. Narae's sunny laughter tickles my ears.
That's right. The burden of being a Divine Maiden isn't all that my mother left me. She left me Narae, the greatest gift.
Yup. I'm definitely going to sleep great tonight!