CH 169.1

Chapter 169.1. Hatsumode!

In the end, papa didn’t come back. And mama, being pregnant, couldn’t overexert herself, so I went to the shrine and had my New Year’s visit in the VIP room reserved for nobles.

Although Mii-chan felt a little bored and down, she couldn’t help it. She’s a good girl who can endure such situations.

As for whose fault it is that papa is busy? I don’t know, but I think it’s because of bad people, so I’ll have to repay them properly later.

That’s why Mii-chan equipped herself with a fluffy down jacket and headed to a regular shrine. She had promised to go for a New Year’s visit with Yamiyo and the others.

As expected on New Year’s Day, the number of people visiting the shrine was incredible. It felt like the rush hour of a crowded train. People were lining up leisurely without fighting, which is so Japanese-like. Oh, someone is trying to ignore the line and fly in the air.

“Kongou-neesan, we have to shoot them down!”

“What are you saying? Don’t say dangerous things. It’s fine. The warriors will be here soon.”

It’s quite a task to guard Mii-chan during her New Year’s visit, but that’s why Kongou-neesan’s party and Martini’s old man’s party accompany her as her guards.

And, of course, Yamiyo and others are also there as her guards. There is a troublesome group in this crowd. The people around are sending beams of questioning looks, wondering why nobles are here. Someone, please protect Mii-chan in this field of love.

There was no choice. There was a reason why I had to come here.

“Welcome, welcome. Here are the crepes with holy flowers, the latest trend! Crepes, crepes!”

“These are octopus balls with holy flowers. You have to eat the auspicious first ones of the year!”

“Sweet baby castella. Sweet baby castella!”

There was a reason why I had to come here.

“Look, the warriors are here.”

Kongou-neesan pointed, and several warriors wearing magical armor flew in the sky, apprehending those who were trying to descend directly to the shrine. It’s a fantasy-like scene.

“Hehe~ Maybe I can go if I transform into a fox. Kon kon.”

“Hehe. If it’s Tamamo’s magic, it might be possible.”

With Kon-chan on her head, Tamamo wiggled her blonde side ponytail mischievously, while Yamiyo put a hand to her mouth and smiled gracefully.

Both of them look good in kimonos. Yamiyo’s kimono has a pattern resembling a starry sky, while Tamamo’s has a bright fox pattern. Yamiyo looks mature, and Tamamo gives off an energetic girl image.

They both happily clack their geta beside Mii-chan

“Hey, hey. While we wait, what should we do?”

“Martini-san, carry me on your back. I’m tired.”

Hoku-chan cheerfully said, clenching her fist, and Sei-chan, with a sleepy face, climbed onto Martini old man’s back. Nan-chan is also eagerly interested in the food stalls, just like Mii-chan.

“What should we eat~?”

Hoku-chan, Sei-chan, and Nan-chan are all together. They are also wearing jackets like Mii-chan. It’s because it’s cold. Yamiyo and Tamamo have magic tools in their kimonos for warmth, so they don’t seem cold.

“Since it’s a special New Year’s visit, I wanted to see Mii-sama in a kimono.”

“I’ll wear it for the New Year’s party at the Imperial Palace the day after tomorrow!”

“I’ll take a photo!”

With puffed-up cheeks, Yamiyo expressed dissatisfaction, and I smiled back at her, and she hugged me tightly and nuzzled against me. She’s such a spoiled girl.

“Nishishi~, Tamamo too, Tamamo too~”

“Gyuu”

Tamamo also hugged me in return. Hoku-chan and the others watched the lovey-dovey trio and laughed.

“Master! I’ve acquired our prey! We have yakisoba, crepes, frankfurters, and okonomiyaki!”

“Aren’t you supposed to be on guard duty?”

With both hands holding many plastic bags, Nimue proudly snorted and breathed heavily, joining Mii-chan and the others.

Ignoring the exasperated faces of Kongou-neesan and the others, Nimue handed out the food, and we shared it.

“I can only eat half of it~.”

Nan-chan, who was relaxed a moment ago, quickly took half from Nimue with swift movements. But she’s not going to eat half of it, right?

“Thanks, Nimue-san! Let’s eat together~.”

“Yes. Then let’s split it in half with me, Mii-sama.”

“Okay!”

The food stalls are the highlight of the New Year’s visit. Mmm, it tastes good. Even though it’s from a stall, it’s delicious. Hornbear cow meat skewers? It’s tasty, but I wonder if it’s a fake? The meat is quite tough.

While enjoying the food and engaging in childlike conversations like where we went during winter break or if we finished their homework, we progressed through the line.

People with children, couples, and many others have happy expressions. They are probably praying for a good year ahead.

If you’re with friends, even waiting in line doesn’t feel like a burden, and the waiting time passes quickly.

When I arrived at the offering box, I threw a 5-yen coin with a “teiya.” Even Yamiyo and Tamamo threw in 5-yen coins too. We were not very respectful children at the shrine.

We clapped our hands and closed our eyes to pray to the gods. But I wonder, who is the god in this world?

As a conclusion to the first shrine visit of the year, it’s customary to divine your luck for the year. Of course, Mii-chan got good fortune. Unlike the great fortunes of Yamiyo and Tamamo, I’m just a mob character.

I bought an amulet at the shrine office. There were rows of amulets displayed with prices written on them.

“…As usual, there are some ridiculously expensive ones.”

It has been ten years since I got reincarnated into this world. I’m not confused anymore, but there’s still a lingering sense of unease.

“The [Barrier Protection] amulet is good, Mii-sama.”

“You think so? Em-chan, how about this [Substitute Protection] amulet? It’s really popular right now!”

“Yeah, there are no normal amulets, huh?”

Yamiyo and Tamamo showed me their respective amulets. They were embroidered with silver and gold threads. Aren’t they usually for academic or romantic success?

“I have this [Academic Success] amulet!”

“But you can’t see any mana in it. I think this [Good Sleep] amulet is good.”

“Aww, let’s go with the [Improved Wealth] amulet! I’ll earn more allowance and buy lots of sweets!”

Yeah, I can’t see any mana either. But that’s the common sense in this world.