Chapter 4: The reason for the continuing rain and tears.

　　　　one

　It was mid-July. The end of the rainy season had been announced, but it was still raining in Kyoto.

　While eating her breakfast, Koharu listens to the sound of the rain pouring down and slowly looks out the window.

"...It's been raining for ten days now."

"You're right, I wanted the rainy season to end."

　They all said this and took a deep breath.

　Koharu lowered her eyes, feeling that the continuing rain reminded her of her own gloomy and depressed heart.

　Koharu's parents suddenly came here two weeks ago.

"--Dad, Mom?"

　Koharu opened her eyes in shock as her parents suddenly appeared in the living room of her grandmother's house.

　Her mother's eyes were teary, she ran up to Koharu and held her hand tightly.

"Koharu, I'm glad to see you're doing well. Your complexion looks better too."

"The other day, I got a call from Koharu and I was so happy that Mom and Dad managed to get some time off work to come over."

　Although overwhelmed, Koharu nodded as her father continued.

　That day, my parents took me to dinner with Ponto and the whole family in town.

　It's been a while since she last saw her parents. Koharu is happy, but her heart is heavy.

(At this rate, I think I'll be able to bring her home soon. I need to do something about high school.)

(I don't want to leave her at my mother's house for too long. I don't want her to have a bad influence on Koharu, so I'd rather bring her back home like this if possible.)

　Every time I make eye contact with my parents, I hear that voice in my mind.

　I eat with my head down, trying to avoid eye contact as much as possible.

　I didn't find the food tasty at all.

"I found out why Koharu couldn't go to school. She must have had a really hard time."

　I was surprised when my mother spoke sadly like that.

　Wondering how she knew, I looked up to see my mother's face contorted in pain.

"...After Koharu went to Kyoto, someone told me about it. That school had a malicious bulletin board called Ura-site..."

　My mother probably thought it would be better not to say any more, so she said that much and then kept quiet.

(It's really horrible that so many anonymous insults were written on it. That should mean you can't go to school.)

　Hearing her mother's inner voice, Koharu gave a wry smile and said, "Ah."

　I had no idea such a bulletin board existed, but it was easy to imagine what kind of things were written on it.

　Because they are directly hearing the voice of their hearts, I think that is more shocking than seeing the nasty things written with their own eyes.

"I'm sorry I didn't notice."

　Her mother gently reached out and squeezed Koharu's hand.

"It's really unforgivable that such a message board exists."

"That's true, I want to sue you."

"I'm consulting with a lawyer who specializes in dealing with online slander and libel..."

　When her father started to say that, Koharu shook her head in a panic.

"Oh, that's enough. Don't dig it up."

　I certainly don't think it's something that can be tolerated.

　However, the malice that grows in people's hearts doesn't stop there.

　More importantly, I know exactly who is saying it.

"...I see. But more importantly, Koharu, please get better soon and come back to Tokyo."

"That's right. You can even go to a high school where there are no students from your previous middle school."

　Koharu's heart swelled with sadness as the two of them looked at her with gentle eyes.

『--Uh, yeah.』

　For their sake, I have to somehow become a "normal kid."

　Koharu recalled the first time she met her parents and let out a sigh.

　The sound of rain still echoes outside the window.

"Is it unusual for the rain to continue like this even after the rainy season is over?"

　Koharu asked quietly, and Yoshino replied, "That's right," and looked out the window.

"It does happen sometimes... but I'm curious as to what this rain is about."

"Is that a vengeful spirit issue?"

"Vengeful spirits? It's not like that. I was just curious."

"Well, that's something I'm curious about."

It is interesting that Yoshino, who is also known as the "Prayer Lady of Gion," said she was "worried." Even if it is not a vengeful spirit, is the rain caused by some mysterious force?

　There were monsters or rain-draining creatures roaming the streets of Kyoto.

　Sojiro gave a cold look to Koharu, who was frozen with the teacup in her hands.

"Koharu, even if this rain is what you call a 'vengeful spirit problem,' a large-scale prayer that would affect the weather is not something a 'town shrine priest' like us can do. Leave it to the main family."

"...the main family?"

"There are direct descendants of the Kamo family who don't appear in public. They're not like ours, who are just a few 'descendants'."

"They're basically descendants."

　Come to think of it, he once said, "I'm just a descendant who has inherited the Kamo family name."

"Does that mean that even priests of the same Kamo clan have different ranks?"

"It's not a question of rank, it's a question of scale."

「規模？」

"Yeah, to use a police organization analogy, if we're like a 'small town police box', then the main branch is like the 'career officers at the headquarters.'"

"That analogy is too abrupt."

"So, in the construction industry, if we're like a 'small local construction company,' the parent company is like a 'major general contractor.' In other words, the scale of the work we do is different."

"...Hmmm."

　This is another abrupt analogy, but I realized that it's not a matter of rank, but the scale of the work they handle. So, a big job like changing the weather is not the role of a "town fortune teller."

　By the way, does the main family refer to Mioto's family?

"...Hey, can these 'special powers' be eliminated?"

　Koharu suddenly had a thought and looked up, causing Yoshino and Soujiro to look at each other.

"Well, I guess I can."

"That's right. You can ask a shrine priest to seal it away for you, or you can simply pray from the bottom of your heart, saying, 'I don't need this power, so I'll give it back,' and it will disappear on its own before you know it."

　"I see," Koharu nodded in response to what the two said, a little stunned.

　I too had thought many times, "I don't need this kind of power," but now that I think about it, I never thought I'd "give it back."

"What do you mean, 'I'll give it back'?"

"Well, he's a god. All his special powers are gifts."

"I see..."

　Koharu nodded quietly and brought the bread to her mouth.

　　　　two

　Koharu was dressed in her usual attire and let out a small sigh as she prepared to open the store.

　When the weather is nice, the first thing I do is sweep the front of the store.

　However, because of the constant rain, that hasn't been possible.

　Although she hadn't been particularly aware of it until then, Koharu realized that she quite enjoyed starting her day by sweeping the area in front of the store under the crisp, clear morning sun.

　The gloomy weather just makes me feel depressed.

　Koharu casually looked outside the store and saw that the rain had stopped and sunlight was shining through the gaps in the clouds. "Wow," she said, and opened the door to the store.

"It looks like the rain has finally stopped."

"That's true."

　Yoshino also looked up at the sky and gave a wry smile.

"...There are a lot of thick clouds, so this will probably only be temporary. But it's a rare sunny day. Koharu, why don't you go for a walk while you can."

"Uh, okay. I'll go and visit Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine then."

　He must have noticed how depressed he was.

　Koharu nodded vigorously at Yoshino who said that and went outside.

　I walk lightly down the small alley in front of the store and head towards Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine.

　The sunlight shining through the gaps in the black clouds made it seem as if, as Yoshino had said, it was only a temporary clear spell.

　After walking a little, you will see Tatsumi Bridge and Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine over a small stream called Shirashirakawa.

　No matter when you look at it, it's a cute little Inari Shrine.

　I bow once, clap twice, and say to myself, "It's been a long time. I'm sorry I haven't been able to come here often, even though I live so close."

"...I have a request. I need to return to Tokyo and live a normal life. I will give back my special power to read people's minds."

　After making this request and bowing one last time, Koharu gently looked up and started to flinch when she noticed a very small snake in the shrine grounds.

　Oh, a snake! I was surprised, it was the first time I'd ever seen a snake outside of a zoo!

　To be honest, I'm not very good with snakes. Or rather, to be honest, I'm not very good with them.

　Although she was startled, the snake was small and its dark, round eyes were as cute as a wet kitten. Even though their eyes accidentally met, she sensed no hostility from it, and so her initial fear was quickly dispelled.

　He stares at me intently.

"...Did you get separated from your mom and dad?"

　As I quietly asked, the rain started pouring down again.

"Oh no!" I hurried back to the store.

"Grandma, it's raining again."

　When I ran into the store, Yoshino said, "It started raining after all," and handed me a towel.

"Thank you. I wasn't that wet so it's fine."

　Koharu lightly wiped her head and arms with the towel she received.

"With the weather like this, I'm sure Tatsumi-san wasn't very friendly either."

"Yeah... but there were snakes."

"Snakes? You hate snakes, so that must have scared you."

"I was surprised when I saw it, but it was so small and looked like a wet kitten, so I wasn't scared."

"What's a wet kitten? Isn't it just a kitten?"

　Yoshino laughed happily and Koharu also laughed, saying, "That's true."

　If it's any normal year, July is a dazzling season in Kyoto.

　Combined with the Gigion Onmatsuri festival, there are many tourists.

　However, due to the ongoing rain, there were few people inside the Japanese goods store "Sakuraan" and it was very quiet.

　When there are no customers, you end up with a lot of free time.

　A little after noon, the sliding door slid open with a rattle.

"Hello, Yoshino-san," said a woman as she came in.

"Well, hello. It's been a while."

　She seemed to be a friend of Yoshino's. However, she was much younger than my grandmother, in her fifties, and was wearing elegant Japanese clothing.

"Actually, I wanted you to look into my son."

"It's okay, just sit down. Is something wrong?"

　As they talked, the two moved to a table at the back of the restaurant.

"Oh, Koharu, can you prepare some tea and some mini sweetfish for Sojiro?"

"Yes." Apparently, this is the job of a "prayer priest."

　Koharu was a little nervous as she prepared the tea and snacks.

"My son, according to the stars, this year is a 'Tenchuusha' (a deadly year for astrology)."

　As she began to speak at a table in the back, Yoshino nodded, looking at the piece of paper with her name and date of birth written on it.

"That's right, it's a heavenly killing."

"And yet, this year he started saying he was going to start a business."

　She let out a heavy sigh, and Yoshino nodded with some interest, saying, "Oh,"

"I told him it was fine to start a business, but that this year was a bad year for Tenchuusha, so he should hold off, but he didn't listen. He said, "I'm feeling a tremendous tailwind right now! Tenchuusha has nothing to do with it." But I'm still worried. I don't know what to do."

"That's right," Yoshino says, calculating something with an abacus and writing it down in a notebook.

"But I think it's okay."

　Yoshino said this while still looking down at her notes, and she opened her eyes and said, "Eh?"

"It's a time of death in heaven, right? Normally you have to behave like an adult, right?"

"That's what is generally said, but there are times when Tenchuusha has no ceiling. There are also times when there is no upper or lower limit to your luck.

　If you have worked hard and done good deeds for the past ten years, when you do succeed, it will be beyond common sense. That's why some people who know this even go out of their way to start a business during the Tenchuusha period."

"Really?"

"That's true. And from now on, the lucky star Jupiter will be moving directly, increasing his power and giving you a push. The "tailwind" your son spoke of is really blowing. And, if you really are planning to start a new business, you should tell him to do it on this day."

　Yoshino said, opening her notebook and pointing to a certain day on the calendar.

"Is this the right day?"

　Yoshino nodded vigorously as she took out her own notebook to check it.

"This is the only day you can have this day. It's the most auspicious day when the 'Day of Heavenly Pardon' and the 'Day of One Grain of Gold and Silver Million' come together. The power of Jupiter is strong, and it's a heavenly killing day with no limit, right? If you start a business on this perfect day, it will soar as if you were riding on the back of a dragon."

"Really!"

　Her eyes widened.

　As I listened, Yoshino explained that ''Tensha Day'' occurs once each season, is an auspicious day on which heaven forgives all sins, and that ''Ichiri Manbai Day'' is also a day of good fortune, when a single grain of rice will grow into a stalk of rice that bears ten thousand times as much fruit, and is the perfect day to start a business.

　As the sky chart shows that Jupiter, known as the lucky star, is gaining power, if you are able to open your business on an auspicious day when these two lucky days coincide, you may be as successful as a dragon ascending to the heavens.

　However, when Yoshino told her to never be arrogant and to always remember to remain humble, she bowed deeply.

"Thank you so much. I'm relieved. I'll tell my son right away."

　She thanked him profusely, put the envelope down, and left the store.

　The store becomes quiet again.

　A white envelope was left on the table.

　Koharu spilled something as she placed the empty teacups and plates on the tray.

"Is this a reward? Shrine masters do things like perform purification rituals, write talismans, and read the stars and the house's feng shui, but is there a set fee for their appraisals?"

"It's not decided yet. The fee is always a 'feeling'."

"Eh, so the other person decides how much to pay?"

"That's right. Some people give 1,000 yen, and others give a lot of money. If they get too much, they give something back. But generally, there's no payment, it's just a 'feeling'."

"So, you do end up working for free after all, right?"

　Come to think of it, my previous exorcisms were almost like unpaid work.

"That's right, sometimes they don't charge anything, like the other day, and some people bring vegetables they've grown at home.

　First of all, we're not a main business, so if we can get people's support, that's fine. But even if you're just working, if you do work that contributes to people's happiness, good things and good things will naturally come your way from other places."

"That's right......"

"You remember that, right? When you do good things, good things come your way. And vice versa. Everything comes back to you. And it comes back big."

"...Yeah, maybe."

　All our actions, good or bad, come back to us in a big way.

　My grandmother's words seemed persuasive.

　I'm sure that those friends who wrote such nasty things on these underground sites will eventually get what they deserve.

"The job of a shrine priest is not just to exorcise spirits."

"That's right. I told you before that Kamo's ancestor was Onmyoji."

"Yeah"

"In the past, there was an official job like that. It was one of the positions in the service of the Imperial Court. It's similar to the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry of Finance today."

"Oh, I learned that in history class."

　It seems that there was an "Onmyo-ryo" in the Imperial Palace.

　It's something that would be unthinkable today.

"These onmyoji read the signs of the stars and people. They also look at directions and use I Ching. They also perform exorcisms and pray. Do you know what these are for?"

"Um, well, to protect the security of the country?"

　Koharu answered hesitantly, and Yoshino's face broke into a smile.

"Exactly. To protect the country from disaster and bring prosperity. To put it simply, to 'help make people happy'. They read the phases of the stars and people, read directions and use I Ching, and also exorcise spirits and offer prayers. They see everything, both the visible and the invisible, and pray for people's happiness. That's the job of a 'prayer shop', an onmyoji."

　We see everything, both visible and invisible, and wish people happiness.

　That is the job of a "prayer priest."

　Those words made Koharu feel her heart heat up.

"...Very nice."

"Thank you. Although people often say I sound a bit suspicious."

"Y-yes. A lot of people can't believe in things they can't see."

"Well, 'form is emptiness, emptiness is form.'"

"Huh?"

"The movement of the universe, the thoughts of your ancestors, everything is connected to your body, and that's why you're here now. That's why all existence, including you, is the crystallization of mysterious, invisible events."

"--Uh, yeah."

　Although she nodded, it was such a grandiose story that Koharu honestly didn't really understand it.

　Is this called Onmyodo? It may be very profound.

"That's right, Koharu."

"Yeah?"

"Even if you are different from other people in some way, there's nothing to be worried about. It's not strange or anything. Everything in the world is mysterious."

「............」

　Yoshino spoke gently, leaving Koharu at a loss for words.

　I wanted to say something, but my body was shaking so much that I couldn't say anything.

　If he was going to confess, now might be the time.

　I'm sure I can say it now.

　Even though I thought that, I was too scared to open my mouth.

"Yes, there's no need to force it."

"...Grandma."

"If you want to drink tea, you can take a little rest. I'm free today, so I'll relax in my room."

"Well, what about your grandmother?"

"This shop is my hobby. If I get busy, call me. Until then, relax."

"Thanks... then, call me when you're busy."

　Wanting to be alone, Koharu quickly went to her room after clearing away the dishes.

"...This was a great chance to tell you."

　I took a deep breath and lay down on the bed.

　Maybe it's because of the rain, but I feel strangely fatigued and my eyelids feel really heavy.

　Koharu gently closed her eyes and fell asleep as if drawn into the room.

　──Koharu continued dreaming like this.

　Under the arched vermilion bridge, a little boy can be seen swimming in a green pond.

　After swimming for a while, the boy slowly got out of the pond to bask in the sun, then lay down on the bridge and fell asleep comfortably.

　At that moment, a large, pitch black bird came down from the sky, grabbed the boy by the shoulders, and took him away into the sky.

　Then a different white bird came along and rammed into the black bird, causing the boy to fall to the ground.

"--Ha."

　Feeling something like that shock, Koharu woke up.

　It was as if I had become a young boy.

　I felt as if I could feel the wounds caused by the black bird's claws digging into my flesh, and even the impact of falling to the ground.

　...What a strange dream.

　Koharu put her hands to her head and slowly opened her eyes, only to see that someone was sitting upright on her bed, and her face tensed.

　I was so shocked I couldn't speak. There I saw the boy from my dream.

　I soon realized that this was no ordinary boy.

　Wearing a pale purple kimono and a crow's hat, he was a boy of about 10 years old with a cute face like a young girl.

　I must still be dreaming, Koharu thought, squinting her eyes.

　The boy's figure was vague, as if projected through a mist.

　With her head bowed, tears were streaming down her face.

Just as I was about to ask, "What's wrong?"

"Koharu, it's dinner time!"

　Koharu was startled and brought back to her senses by the sound of Sojiro's voice echoing from outside the door.

　When I noticed, the boy was gone.

"............?" My head is fuzzy. I guess I was dreaming after all.

　I looked at the clock and it was six-thirty.

　...Is this 6:30 in the morning or in the evening?

　No, no, he said dinner, so it must be evening.

　I think I got to my room just after three o'clock, so I must have been asleep for three hours.

　Koharu slowly got up, her body heavy as if she had just stepped out of water, and got off the bed.

　　　　three

"What, were you sleeping?"

　As soon as Sojiro saw Koharu, he narrowed his eyes in a bit of amazement.

"Yeah, I slept really well. My head's still a bit fuzzy."

　He chuckled, pressing the pads of his hands against his temples.

"I'm sure Koharu's hazy mind will instantly become clearer if she sees this."

"Huh?"

　On the low table in front of Sojiro's eyes was a portable stove and a pot with a hole in the middle. Thinly sliced ​​meat, cabbage, and bean sprouts were visible.

"Wow, perhaps we're having shabu-shabu today?"

　In an instant I felt like I was awake.

"Yeah. You look tired."

"I'm so happy."

"Well, sit down."

"Yes," Koharu said, putting her fingers on the tatami mat and preparing to sit down.

"Oh, Koharu. We have some guests coming. Can you come downstairs and greet them?"

　Yoshino suddenly said this.

　The intercom hadn't rang, and there hadn't been any noise. This was a testament to Yoshino's sharp intuition.

"Okay."

"Maybe I'm the person you're waiting for."

"Is this the person I'm waiting for?" Koharu tilts her head and steps down to the first floor.

　As the sound of rain echoed around the room, I opened the front door with a click.

"--I was just about to press the intercom, this house is really amazing."

　There was Mioto holding an umbrella.

"R-Rioto-san!"

　Oh my, grandma says she's "the one I'm waiting for."

　Koharu's cheeks suddenly became hot.

"Good evening, Koharu-chan. Yoshino-san, Iharu?"

　Mioto smiled and narrowed his eyes softly.

　Today he was wearing a jacket and jeans, very ordinary attire, giving the impression that he was on his way home from college.

"Y-Yes, I'm here. Please come in."

"Thank you very much, it's a pleasure to have you here."

　I folded my umbrella and stepped into the small entrance.

　The scent of plums wafts through the small space, making you feel as if you are being held captive by something invisible.

　Continue up the narrow stairs.

　The old stairs creaked and squeaked.

"I'm in the living room, please come in."

　Through the open sliding doors I could see the bright light from the living room illuminating the dark corridor.

"Good evening," Mioto smiled and showed his face into the living room.

"Yoshino-san, Soujirou-san, thank you for taking care of me and my sister the other day."

　He knelt on the tatami mat and bowed deeply.

　Yoshino and Soujiro shook their heads at Mioto, saying, "No, no."

"I'm glad that An-chan is doing better. She told me on the phone that she's returned to Tokyo."

"Yes. After relaxing at my parents' house, I returned to Tokyo in good spirits."

"Well, that's good. We had a lot of fun the other day. It's really nice to have so many people to eat with. Come on, Mioto-chan, let's eat."

"Thank you."

"Come on, Koharu, sit down too."

"Yes," Yoshino said, pouring some rice from the rice cooker into a bowl and handing it to him.

　The four of us then gather around the low table, put our hands together and say "Itadakimasu" (thank you for the meal), and begin eating the shabu-shabu soup filled with beef, pork, and vegetables.

"So, Mioto-chan, did something happen?" Yoshino asked, leaning forward a little.

"Yes," Mioto said, putting down his chopsticks and looking out the window, "I'm talking about this rain."

"rain?"

"Well, Yoshino-san, what do you think about this rain?"

　A slight tension spread throughout the room as Mioto looked at him with a serious expression in his eyes.

　The sound of raindrops could be heard in the quiet living room.

"That's true. It's something to be curious about," said Yoshino, turning her eyes to the window.

"My grandfather said the same thing."

"Well, then, did Yoshio tell you to ask me?"

　Mioto's grandfather - that is, Yoshino's younger brother. His name is apparently Yoshio.

"That's right. Ask Yoshino-san."

"Well, it does bother me... but it's only a small amount of rain, right?"

　The rain continues to fall, but it's not a heavy downpour.

"...Certainly it's not rain caused by the 'raging dragon god'."

　Sojiro nodded and brought the meat to his mouth.

"That's right. It's a quiet rain considering the dragon god's violence. But it's still worrying, and it might just be 'to this extent' for now. Just as I was thinking that, I received a notice from the main family saying 'We need to do something about this rain quickly. It will eventually lead to large-scale flooding,'" Mioto shrugged.

　Koharu reacted to the word ''main family.''

　It's the rumored "main family." A direct descendant of the Kamo family. An "elite Onmyoji." Koharu had assumed that Mioto's family was the "main family," but it seems that wasn't the case.

"Wow, good luck, Mio-tan. Protect the city of Kyoto from flooding!"

　Sojiro said, patting Mioto on the back.

"Mio-chan. I've been asked to do something else."

"Another request?"

"Yes, something happened," Mioto said vaguely.

"So you're going to be in charge of that?"

"Yes. I and four others will be in charge as a team."

　The team is made up of five people, including Mioto. The organization may be stronger than I thought. And is it really a big job for just a few people to tackle it?

　Koharu felt a little nervous about this unknown world.

"So, who's in charge of this rain thing, Captain?"

"Commander. Regarding this rain, we will first get Yoshino's opinion and then have someone else investigate. However, when I looked it up in the I Ching, it seems like Gion is somehow connected to this rain. And so, I came here - everyone, has anything unusual happened recently?"

　Mioto put down his bowl and looked around at each person's face again.

"What's changed?"

"It's just a small thing."

　As Mioto spoke, everyone crossed their arms and said, "Has anything changed?"

"Nothing's changed. It's painful that I'm still popular no matter where I go."

　Ignoring Soujirou who had let a little something slip out, Mioto turned to Koharu.

"--Koharu-chan, has anything strange happened to you?"

"Um, well, me? Something odd...."

"Oh, that's right. This kid said he saw a snake at Tatsumi's this morning."

　As if remembering something, Yoshino clapped her hands.

"snake?"

"Oh, yes, I saw a snake."

"What kind of snake was it?"

　Mioto suddenly looked at me with a sharp gaze and I felt nervous.

"Well, she was very small, with round eyes like a kitten."

"A kitten-like snake..."

　After he said that, Mioto went completely silent with a straight face, and Koharu hastily waved her hand.

"Oh, no, the fact that she looks like a kitten isn't that important."

"Has anything else changed?"

"Um, well... Oh, that's right, I had a strange dream just now."

"What kind of dream was it?"

"Well, well, there was a boy swimming in a green pond..."

　Koharu told me the whole story of her dream.

　A boy sleeping by a pond dreams of being kidnapped by a bird.

　Once, I woke up to find a boy dressed in a mizuginu kimono crying right next to me.

　After finishing their story, Mioto and Yoshino looked up at the ceiling as if they were thinking for a moment.

"...About that story. I feel like I've heard a similar story somewhere before."

"I thought so too. It's a little different, but I feel like I've heard a similar story before."

　Koharu was confused as the two of them frowned as they couldn't remember.

"...the story about a boy being kidnapped by a bird?"

"Did that happen?"

　Sojiro seemed to feel the same way as Koharu and tilted his head.

　After thinking for a moment, Mioto nodded and looked up.

"Well, I don't care what you're talking about. Koharu-chan, if that boy appears in your dreams again, I want you to ask him if there's anything you can do for him."

"Y-Yes."

"So, if there's anything you can do, I want you to do it... but please be careful about this."

"yes?"

"If you're going to do something that you can't possibly do, don't promise anything. This is a no-brainer. Don't make promises lightly."

　He told her in a strong tone, and Koharu nodded, feeling overwhelmed, saying "Y-yes."

　　　　Four

"If you think you can do it, then please do it, but if it's something you can't do, then you shouldn't make any promises... or...?"

　After finishing dinner, Koharu quickly took a shower and went to her room.

　Outside the window, the rain is still falling.

　Somehow, I feel like the rain is getting stronger.

　Maybe it's because of the weather, but even though I took such a long nap, I feel strangely sleepy.

　I crawled into bed and closed my eyes.

　I wonder if that boy will appear in my dreams again?

　If they do, ask them why they are crying and if there is anything you can do.

　Just like that, I fell asleep immediately.

　His parents appeared in his dream, with sad looks in their eyes.

"Hey, Koharu, when will you come back?"

"That's right, Koharu. Mom's house isn't very nice. Once you're better, come back to Tokyo as soon as possible."

"You don't have any strange powers, do you?"

"My daughter needs to be normal."

　As the two of them were talking, Koharu called out, "Wait."

"I'll become a normal kid for you two. I'll come back to Tokyo for you two, so just wait a little longer!"

　When I screamed that from the depths of my throat, I woke up with a start.

　Lately, I've been dreaming about my parents a lot.

　"I hate it. I'm so sweaty," I thought, wiping my forehead.

"--Are you okay?"

　The boy's voice made Koharu stop breathing for a moment.

　Confused, I turned my eyes and saw a young boy dressed as a mizuginu (traditional Japanese kimono) sitting upright on the bed.

"Hk!"

　It was the child I saw yesterday. Her skin was so white it was almost translucent. Her eyes were so dark and lustrous, they were staring right at me, and she was as adorable as a doll.

　Maybe I thought I was awake, but I was still dreaming.

"W-Who are you?"

　I asked nervously.

"I am the child of a snake that lived at Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine."

　The boy said, bowing his head.

"...snake?"

　I immediately remembered the small, black snake I had seen yesterday morning.

　That snake with eyes like a wet kitten.

"As you called out to me, I am a baby snake who has been separated from its parents and cannot return home. Please, could you take me home?"

　With tears in his eyes, he held Koharu's hand tightly.

　It was like a snake and had very cold hands.

"Y-yes. I'm fine with taking you home."

　After answering that, Koharu was taken aback.

　Even though Mioto-san had warned me, I accepted it so easily!

　What should I do? I haven't even heard where your house is!

"Thank you very much. And please don't tell anyone about what I just asked you."

　The boy bows deeply and becomes increasingly translucent.

"Um, well, your house is in Kyoto city?"

　I asked in a panic, but the man disappeared as if melting into the air.

"Wait! There are some places I can't take you to! Besides, I want to go back to being a normal kid."

　It was already too late, and Koharu thought, "Oh no, what should I do?" and held her head in her hands.

　I made the promise easily.

　When Koharu realized it was time to wake up, she got out of bed and left the room, feeling annoyed at her own carelessness.

　Outside the window, it was overcast and the rain was still falling.

　What should I do? And more importantly, how am I going to get the child home?

　Holding my head in my hands, I entered the living room as usual.

"Good morning, Koharu-chan. Do you have a headache?"

　The voice asked gently,

"Ah, no."

　Koharu looked up, feeling a sense of deja vu as if something similar had happened just recently, and was speechless.

　There was Mioto wearing a jinbei.

"Eh? Why?"

　I knew that Yoshino and Mioto were talking in the living room last night, but I thought they had already gone home.

"I wanted to go home, but the rain was so heavy that I had to stay the night."

"Oh, is that so?"

"I borrowed Soujiro-san again."

"As I thought, it's too loose."

　As we were talking, I realized that I was in my pajamas again.

"Whoa," Koharu exclaimed, running out of the living room.

　To be seen in my pajamas with messy hair not once but twice!

　This is a house where you can't let your guard down.

　Sojiro popped his head out of the bathroom again, but this time he just gave me a cold look without saying anything.

"---I'm sorry for my unsightly behavior twice."

　After getting everything ready and emerging into the living room again, Mioto smiled joyfully.

"I'm sorry too. But we both wake up in the same bed."

　Mioto is so seductive and beautiful even when she wakes up, it's hard to think of it as a "mutual thing."

"More importantly, Koharu-chan. Did you have another dream?"

　From the intensity of his gaze as he asked this question, Koharu could tell that it wasn't just the rain that had caused Mioto to decide to stay at their house.

　They must have been certain that the boy dressed in mizuginami would appear.

"Um, well... I haven't seen it."

　Koharu looks away and says that she can't tell anyone because the boy told her not to tell anyone.

　Mioto narrowed his eyes softly at the awkward reply.

　Ugh, I'm found out to be lying.

　But, I guess it can't be helped if it's revealed unintentionally?

"...Koharu-chan, do you remember the first dream you had? A dream about a boy standing by a pond being kidnapped by a bird."

"Y-Yes."

"I remember a similar story."

"Oh really? What's the story about?"

"I don't want my memories to be altered by preconceptions, so I'll leave that for later, but I think there are a lot of clues in the first dream you had, Koharu. So I want you to think carefully. What did you see?"

　Koharu looked up, wondering what kind of sight it was.

"Well, well... I saw a big green pond, and a scarlet arched bridge. The boy was sleeping there."

"A vermilion bridge over a pond must be a shrine or temple."

　Mioto blurted out this to himself,

"There are tons of shrines and temples in Kyoto that have ponds."

　Soujirou looked a little annoyed.

"That's right. Some of the famous ones are Toto-dera Temple, Tenryu-ryu Temple, Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, and Mizoro-ga-ike Pond in Kifune...there are far too many to count."

"The Imperial Palace is a possibility," says Yoshino.

"That's true. Also, it seems like there's a possibility that it's Fushimi Inari."

　No one knows that the boy has asked them to do something, or that his true identity is a snake.

　But, Koharu thought, he must have sensed something after all.

　The pond that appeared in the first dream is the "home" the child wants to return to.

"Um, do you have a map of Kyoto? Maybe if I look at it, I'll be able to figure something out."

　As Koharu leaned forward, Yoshino said, "It's here," and peeled off a large city map that had been taped to the wall and spread it out on the tatami mat.

　As she listened to the story, Koharu thought that Kibune or Fushimi Inari might be the place, but when she looked at the map, she felt that 'somehow that's not it.'

　If that dream is any clue, the shrine or temple must be located not far from Gion.

　It was only a short time after it was snatched by the bird that it fell to the ground.

"I think it's not far from Gion. So where is it?"

"It's not a shrine or temple, but there is a pond in Maruyama Park."

"Oh, that's right. I've been to Maruyama Park a few times, but it seems different from the scene in my dream."

"Well then, let's go to Toji Temple after all. It's not too far away."

　The four of us were looking at the map and talking about this and that, when

"I mean, isn't that a place Koharu knows?"

　Soujirou said this out of nowhere.

"Huh?" Koharu's voice cracked.

"That's right. I agree. I'm sure that Koharu-chan already knew where the pond was, which is why I think the boy appeared. Do you remember, Koharu-chan?"

"Are there any 'temples with ponds' that I know of?"

　Where could it be? Koharu frantically looked back at all the shrines and temples she had visited.

"...Come to think of it, I've never been to Kifune, Kamigamo, Shimogamo, Toji Temple, the Imperial Palace, Tenryu-ji Temple, or Fushimi Inari Shrine."

"Really?" Yoshino opened her eyes in genuine shock.

"Yes, when I came to visit my grandmother, I used to hang out around here in the Gion area, and on school trips we went to Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkinkakuji Temple, Tenmangu Shrine in Kitano, Arashiyama, and Nara."

"I see. That was a bad thing. I should have taken you to more places," Yoshino said apologetically, and Koharu shook her head and said, "No."

"Well, my grandmother has to take care of the store, so it can't be helped."

　While her grandparents were working at the store, Koharu played wherever she could.

　But it was still fun enough. This was a place I knew, with a pond and a vermilion bridge.

　I wonder where it is.

　After thinking about it for a while, a certain scene suddenly came into my mind.

　At that moment, I felt like I had been hit with water and thought, 'It must be over there.'

"...O-okay! I think this is it!"

　Koharu exclaimed and pointed to the map, and everyone exclaimed, "Oh!"

"It's here. In a way, this place is like an Imperial Palace."

"I see," Mioto muttered softly, "the rain won't stop, will it?" and nodded as if he understood, leaving Koharu confused.

"In a sense, the Imperial Palace?"

"This place was once Kinkin-en, the Emperor's garden. What's more, it's also the birthplace of the Gion Festival," says Mioto.

"Didn't the Gion Festival originate from Yasaka Shrine?"

"The fifth year of the Jokan era would be 863 in the Gregorian calendar. An epidemic was raging in the city of Kyoto, and a 'Gogoryo-ai' ceremony was held here. That's said to be the beginning."

"Goryoue?"

　Koharu tilted her head, not understanding what was going on, and Yoshino placed her palm on top of her hand.

"The Goryoe is a ritual to appease those who have died unexpectedly, so that their spirits do not become ghosts and bring about evil. Some people call it the Goryoe Festival."

"It used to be an imperial garden and is the birthplace of the Gion Festival, but it's not that famous, is it?"

　My old friends living in the Kanto region probably won't recognize this name.

　Koharu asked while looking at the map, while Yoshino and Mioto gave wry smiles.

"That's right. It must have been a glamorous place in the past, but it's quiet now."

"But the energy of this place is incredibly strong. And, Koharu, the dream you had is very similar to one of the episodes that appears in the Konjaku Monogatarishu."

"Tales of Now and Then?"

"Yeah, can you read this?"

　Saying this, Mioto opened the Konjaku Monogatarishu and showed it to Koharu.

"Volume 20, No. 11 - Once upon a time, in the Sanuki region of Nana County, there was a very large pond called the Man'yo no Ike. This pond was built by the great monk Kobo Daishi out of pity for the people of that region."

　With this opening, The Tale of Then and Now begins.

　It wasn't translated into modern Japanese, but just like last time, I was able to understand the content.

"--It's true. This is about her..."

　Koharu let the words out and clutched the book tightly to her chest.

　That child was telling me about himself through that dream.

"Grandma, I want to go out today, so can I take a break from helping out at the store?"

　Koharu offered enthusiastically, and Yoshino nodded vigorously.

"Of course, sure. Good luck."

"Koharu-chan, it's raining so be careful."

"If anything happens, call me right away."

　Mioto and Soujirou also say the same thing kindly.

"Yes, thank you." This is a request I received from that child.

　Koharu nodded vigorously and decided to get ready to go out.

　　　　five

　Putting on a raincoat and carrying a basket with a lid, Koharu left the store.

　The heavy rain has now subsided, which is a relief.

　It's a little far to walk to her "house".

　I decided to head out on my mamachari bicycle, so I pushed the grip and headed towards Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine first.

　I'm thinking of putting him in this basket and taking him home, but...oh no, I wonder if I can put a snake in a cage.

"H-hello."

　With a hint of unease, I arrived at Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine and stepped into its small grounds.

　Then, as if it had been waiting for this, a small snake suddenly popped its head out.

"Hk!"

　I don't dislike this snake much, but I guess it's just not possible.

"...Um, no offense, but I'm not good with snakes..."

　Koharu found it difficult to say, and the small snake stared at her for a moment before disappearing.

"Ah!" He's gone!

　I'm sorry I offended you. I know, it hurts when someone tells you they don't like it.

Just as she called out, "I'm sorry, I'll try my best," a small black cat popped its head out, meowed "meow," and ran up to Koharu.

　He rubs his face against my legs and makes a purring noise.

"Maybe a snake?"

　When I asked that, the kitten meowed.

"Oh, good. Well then, come in."

　Koharu opened the basket and the kitten immediately climbed in. There was a towel on the bottom so it should be nice and fluffy.

　At this rate, he might have been able to enter on his own even in snake form.

　But I still feel like it's impossible for me.

"Well then, let's go home."

　Koharu put the basket in the front basket of her bicycle and started riding slowly.

"It's raining so we'll drive slowly and it might take a while."

　When I said that, the kitten meowed in response.

　Bicycles are prohibited on Shijo Street.

　So I exited the back streets onto Kawabata Dori and headed north. When I got to Oike Dori, I headed straight west.

　Even though I was wearing a raincoat, the falling rain was getting into my clothes and it was a bit cold.

　The cat basket also has a lid, but it's made of wicker, so it might get wet and cause trouble.

"Are you okay, kitty?"

　When the light was red, Koharu was about to open the lid of the basket to check what was going on, but she stopped.

　The kitten in the basket had turned into a baby snake.

　What kind of magic is this?

　As if noticing Koharu's speechlessness, an apologetic voice came from inside the basket, "... Meow."

「............」

　Could it be that it is making that noise in the form of a snake?

　Somehow, it felt awkward between them, Koharu thought, her cheek twitching.

"...I'm glad you're okay. We'll be there soon."

　We have crossed Karasuma-dori street. We are almost there.

　As Koharu frantically searched her memory, desperately trying to recall the shrine and temple with the pond and vermilion bridge that she knew, a certain scene suddenly came to her mind.

　The other day, when I was driving west on Oike-dori in Sojiro's car, I saw that shrine or temple on the right...

"Shinsenen"

　Koharu had a strange confidence and certainty that it must be that place.

　Cross Horikawa-dori and drive a little further.

　Could it be that he has a "special power" that allows him to carry this child like this?

　If so, this may be my first and last job.

　When I get this baby home, I'm going to ask him really hard.

　Please lose this power.

　Eventually, Koharu opened her eyes to the sight of Shinsenen Garden.

　I immediately parked my bike and walked through the stone torii gate into the temple grounds.

　I could see an old shrine, a vermilion bridge, and a large pond.

　This gorgeous area, once an imperial garden, is now very quiet.

　However, I can understand why Mioto said that his "energy is incredible."

　There was a mysterious atmosphere that made me think that perhaps this was no longer a place for people.

　The inside of the basket is rattling and shaking.

　I guess he wants to get out quickly.

　Even if you know what's going to happen, you'll probably still be surprised if a snake jumps out like a jack-in-a-box the moment you open the lid.

"Hey, wait a minute."

　As I was fumbling around trying to open the basket lid in the rain,

"Young Prince!"

"The young prince has returned!"

　Koharu looked up in surprise as she heard that voice.

　There, a row of shrine maidens were lined up.

　It was a welcoming line. Everyone was smiling with joy.

　The moment Koharu hesitantly opened the lid, a black cat jumped out, and as soon as it hit the ground, it transformed into a boy dressed in a mizuhiki kimono.

"Everyone, I'm back!" she exclaimed, running towards the shrine maidens.

　The boy headed straight for the bridge and, without any hesitation, took a big jump into the pond.

　In the next moment, the boy's appearance transformed into a black dragon and he jumped into the pond.

"My Lord!"

"Young Prince!"

　The shrine maidens, joyfully leading the way to the pond, had transformed into carp.

"......amazing"

　Although Koharu was overwhelmed by the sight, she smiled softly.

　--So after all, the child was not a snake's child, but a dragon's.

The following is written in volume 20-11 of the Konjaku Monogatarishu:

"One day, a dragon living in a pond transformed itself into a snake and coiled up on a deserted bank to bask in the sunlight.

　Then Tengu appears and kidnaps the snake to eat it.

　Although the dragon has great power, it is unable to resist because it has been transformed into a snake.

　The Tengu tries to eat the snake, but since it was originally a dragon, it is strong and he is unable to eat it as he wishes. The Tengu, unable to handle the snake, imprisons it in a cave far away, and is unable to return home.

　At that time, a monk who had also been imprisoned by the tengu helps rescue the dragon.

　Although the setting of the Konjaku Monogatari was a pond in Shikoku, through the story I think he was trying to teach us that he, too, was the kidnapped child of a dragon.

　It seems that Shinsenen is known as a place where dragons live.

　As I was still watching the ripples spreading across the pond, a gap appeared in the clouds and sunlight streamed in.

"Wow!"

　Looking up at the sky, the thick, gloomy clouds were now impossibly thin, being carried away by the wind.

　Surely the rain up until now had been the tears of the parent dragon and the young dragon god, worried about the disappearance of their child.

　Well, I'm going home too.

　Just as Koharu was about to turn her back, there was another splash and a boy jumped out of the pond.

　He rushed to Koharu's side and held her hand tightly.

"Thank you, Koharu. Thanks to you, I was able to get home."

　Her small, white hands were still chilly and cold.

"I'm glad you can go home. - Young Prince."

"Please stop calling me '-sama'. Thank you so much. I will never forget this favor. If anything ever happens to you in the future, I will definitely help you."

　Wakamiya said this with a dazzling smile in the sunlight.

"No, I just carried it on my bike. Don't worry about it. Just make sure you don't get snatched by a bird while you're not paying attention."

　After saying that, Wakamiya shrugged his shoulders awkwardly and said "Yes," then stared fixedly at Koharu.

"...Koharu, your throat must be sore."

"My throat? Uh, nothing..."

"To me, Koharu's throat looks dark. You've been carrying something you can't tell anyone about and it's been painful, hasn't it?"

"Hk!"

　Koharu was speechless and her eyes widened.

"Koharu-san..."

　Wakamiya held Koharu's hand tightly.

"You can talk to me, right? Wouldn't it make you feel better if you just said it out loud?"

　Her large, lustrous black eyes were fixed on Koharu.

"Wakamiya-kun..."

　My heart rate is rising rapidly.

　Because he had kept it a secret for so long, he was speechless even in front of Ryuko, who he knew would be perfectly fine if he spoke.

　Wakamiya narrowed his eyes softly and gently wrapped his hands around Koharu's throat.

　It's easier to breathe.

　Koharu closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"I, you see... I can hear people's inner voices."

　Koharu quietly let it slip.

"When I make eye contact with someone, I know what they're thinking..."

　As she spoke, tears ran down Koharu's cheeks.

"I had received great malice behind those smiles.... I could no longer go to school. I was scared to listen to what people were saying inside, and it was painful."

　Koharu dropped to her knees and let out a sob.

　Wakamiya gently held Koharu's head as she bowed her head and cried.

"That must have been very hard on you."

"--Yes, if it's possible, Wakamiya-kun, I want you to lose this power."

"...Is that for yourself? Or for your parents?"

　When asked admonishingly, Koharu looked up and said, "Eh?"

"Well, of course..."

　It wasn't for myself.

　Maybe it was something I wanted for myself at one time, but not anymore. I only wanted it for my parents.

"This is my home, so I really wanted to go back. Of course my parents are worried about me, but I also wanted to come back here. Koharu, do you yourself want to go back to your home in Tokyo?"

　Koharu shook her head slightly.

"...Uh, no, I have to go home for my parents. I've caused them so much trouble and worry because of me, so I have to go home quickly."

"What do you really want to do to yourself?"

"I don't really understand anything, not about my powers, not about myself, not even what I want to do. But I feel like if I stay in Gion, all the things I don't understand will eventually become clear. Above all, if I'm with Grandma, Sojiro, and Mioto, I won't have to hide anything or pretend to be someone else... I can be myself. That's why... that's why I don't want to go back to Tokyo yet! I want to stay in Gion, with Grandma!

　But, if I don't come home soon, Mom and Dad will... I have to become a normal child for Mom and Dad!"

　Tears spill down her face as she screams from the depths of her throat.

　Koharu hugged her knees and broke down in tears.

　For a long time, I've been so preoccupied with my own problems that I've felt bad for my parents.

　I felt so guilty it was painful.

"...Koharu-san."

　Wakamiya's small hands gently cupped both of Koharu's cheeks.

"That is not something you yourself would wish for, so I cannot seal your power."

　Koharu raised her tear-stained face and gazed upon Wakamiya.

"Koharu, you need to trust in people who love you more, believe in yourself, and get to know yourself."

"About yourself?"

"Yes. Why did you suddenly acquire such a unique power? Why were you able to carry me?"

　When Koharu gave a confused look, Wakamiya smiled.

"The bird that carried me away was no ordinary bird. No ordinary bird can carry me. Just as no one can carry me, even if they are spiritually gifted."

"Huh?"

"And I don't take back what I said earlier. I will definitely be of help to you. If you're ever in trouble, please call on me."

　Saying this, Wakamiya touched his forehead to his.

"Now that we're connected, I can rush to your location no matter where you are."

　Wakamiya stated, resting their foreheads together.

"Wakamiya-kun..."

"May the best be yours"

　The young lady smiled gently and then disappeared.

　The grounds of Shinsen-en are enveloped in silence.

　The carp in the pond splash around, creating ripples.

　The surface of the water looked dazzlingly bright.

"That's amazing, Koharu. You have the Dragon God's backing you."

　Koharu turned around in surprise at the voice she heard behind her, and saw Sojiro, Yoshino, and Mioto.

"......everyone"

　Koharu looked at the three of them standing in a row in a daze.

"Ou"

"Nice job."

"Good job."

　Everyone walks forward with a smile.

"--Did you take the trouble to come here?"

"Yeah, I was curious."

　Koharu's heart warms as she thinks that everyone else must have their own work and things to do.

"Thank you so much, Koharu-chan. If we had left it like this, it could have caused a major flood. You managed to avert that, so that's a great achievement."

　Mioto said as he squeezed Koharu's hand.

　The feeling of Mioto's large hand, which was a little cold compared to Wakamiya's, made her heart skip a beat.

"...Oh, the energy of the dragon god remains in Koharu's hand. It's truly amazing."

　While holding her hand, Mioto let out a surprised exclamation.

"Hey, what are you doing? Don't touch my daughter so casually."

　Soujirou pushed the body away.

"Well done, Koharu. You might have been a great savior."

"That's true."

　Soujirou and Yoshino patted him gently on the head.

"...No way. I just took her on my bike and rode."

　Even as she said this, Koharu felt joyful and happy.

　It may have been something small.

　Still, I was happy that I was able to be of some use in the way that I was "different from other people," something that I had always hated. I had always run away from it, but I was going to stop looking away.

　You are different from other people... let's face this special power head on.

　Koharu clenched her fists tightly.

"Grandma, Soujirou, Mioto, you see..."

"Yeah?"

"When you get home... there's something I want you to know..."

　Koharu stated, meeting his gaze firmly.

"...Koharu."

　Everyone's eyes widened in shock for a moment, but then they smiled and nodded.

　Gentle eyes that accept everything.

　Right now, I want to be here, not at home in Tokyo.

"Well then, shall we go and visit the shrine before we go home?"

"That's true."

　The four of them stood in front of the shrine and applauded.

　The sound of carp jumping in the pond echoed again.

　As Koharu started walking, Wakamiya seemed to say, "I'm glad for you."

"Let's go. I'll put your bike on the roof of my car."

"--Yes."

　The four of them then slowly left the temple grounds.

　...When I get home, I'll tell you the secret I've been keeping.

　The reason why I can no longer go to school and can no longer make eye contact with people...

　This is the first step.

　And now I need to get to know myself.

　Koharu took a deep breath and looked up to the sky.

　The sky in Kyoto was blue for the first time in two weeks.

　Afterword

Thank you very much for picking up a copy of "Our House is a Prayer Shop in Gion Town." My name is Tsukizuki Mai.

　I published this piece in the spring of 2015 under the title "Kyoto Teramachi Sanjo no Holmes" (Futaba Bunko), and an editor read it and said, "I really liked how it depicts Kyoto from an outsider's perspective, and a Kyoto that can only be understood by someone who lives in the area." I was very honored to be offered the role of writer.

　So I was feeling nervous and excited as I prepared for my first meeting.

"I read that work and was offered the role, so I thought it would be better to set the story in Kyoto," and I was roughly putting together a plot. At that time, the title that came to my mind was "My House is a Town Shrine."

　When I first entered the Kadokawa headquarters building, it was so huge that I felt intimidated, being a former Hokkaido native and currently living in Kyoto, but a country bumpkin at heart. However, the editor who greeted me was a lovely woman with a smile, and I felt like my tension was eased.

　After the greetings, we will start the meeting right away.

　Me: "After all, the Kyoto setting is better, isn't it?"

　Editor: Yes, that's right. If possible, I'd like to see it set in Kyoto.

　Me: "That's right. The book I published the other day was titled 'Kyoto Teramachi,' so this time I think it would be good to use place names that evoke the feeling of Kyoto, rather than just using the word 'Kyoto'."

　Editor: "That's certainly true."

　Me: "In that case, something like 'Arashiyama'. Or 'Watashi to Tsugetsuge Bridge' or 'Kitaojiji Senbonbon Street'..."

　I was trying to come up with a word that was a little twisted and that would evoke the feeling of Kyoto, without using the straightforward name of the place, Kyoto.

　"......Gion"

　I said, "Huh?"

　Editor: "What about Gion?"

　Me: (S-straightforward! I didn't mention the name of the place, Kyoto, but I came straight here!)

　Although I was trembling with fear, I nodded and said, "I understand. I'll set it in Gion."

　Since the story is set in Gion, we changed "town" to "Gion" and decided on the title "Our House is a Prayer Shop in Gion Town." However, even though we say that the story is set in Gion, it is a truly special place, and even just the words are not easy to understand.

　However, I was very fortunate to meet a friend of mine through my work, a married couple originally from Kyoto who run a long-established Japanese confectionery shop called Shinise, which has a history of about 250 years in the city. With my permission, I asked my friend to supervise the manuscript, and she, who is also a reader of mine, gladly accepted.

　According to the supervisor, the comments were, "There's too much," "There's too much," "What are you talking about," "What are you talking about," "Mune-chan, are you doing it?" "Mune-chan, are you doing it?"

"By the way, I think it would be better to unify all "seyakade" to "soya-seyakade". There are actually a lot of people who say "seyakade", but to create a Gion feel."

　Thank you so much for all your help. Akemi and her husband, thank you so much.

　And so this work was born. The characters were so lively that I had a lot of fun writing it.

　However, there were times along the way when I got stuck and went crying to my editor, but he always guided me with accurate advice, and I am truly grateful for that.

　I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the connections surrounding me and this work.

　I hope this story will stay in your heart, even just a little.

　Thank you very much.