☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- Uh... - Nihonka gestured for Reimi to lower her voice so that nothing unnecessary would leak out. - You know, for someone who carelessly accepts any possible life complications and even throws her name around left and right, you are showing surprising caution right now. Could it be because this issue doesn't concern exclusively your own well-being, the acceptable limits of which you are fully capable of feeling? But there is truth in your words. I'll think about it.

<blockquote("- I've got it!" the student exclaimed confidently, finishing another page in her notebook of instructions and clenching her hands into little fists. "I will treat every parishioner as my own close friend! Uh-huh! Everyone who crosses the threshold of Kamimori is my friend!")

- Yes! Within the bounds of common sense, of course, - she nods affirmatively.

<blockquote("- Oh, how cute... I think these would be popular with my classmates even without the spiritual context, you know, hanging them on a bag or something... Uh, would that be considered sacrilege?")

<blockquote("- O-oh, I'd love to try making them myself! Please just teach me how to do it correctly! You might not be able to tell by looking at me, but I'm very good with my hands.")

- Well... Sacrilege—no, they were made specifically to be aesthetically pleasing. But still, it's better to understand what they are and what they are for. At the very least, it will further ease the owner's soul, don't you think? Cute and useful at the same time—a "win-win," as they say in barb... I mean, just in Reimi-speak, - saying this, she darkened for a few moments and stared into the void before returning her gaze to Minako. - Hmm... Teaching you won't be hard if you already have experience; it's just that they also need to be consecrated. Once we finish here, I'll show you how it's done.

<blockquote("- I wonder... How long do they usually hang there? Well... Could it be that there are too many and there's nowhere to hang new ones? By the way! Roughly how many parishioners do you have now? I'd like to imagine the approximate volume of work.")

- See that frame they hang on. When it's full, the emiki will be ritually burned. This doesn't mean the wish written on them burns—on the contrary, it is believed that by that time, it has already been received by the universe. Parishioners... - she paused for a couple of seconds, recalling all the names. - There will be about half a dozen people. But in the context of your volume, divide that number by two—some of them will be absent from the city. But those are the ones who have already been here; new people might drop by to see you too, - 😉. - Etto... If a slippery-looking gnome ever drops in and starts spouting something strange, tell him to behave himself. Otherwise, he'll be in for a rough time when I get back.

<blockquote("- A kimono? For me... Thank you! I will try my best not to let you down!")

- Thank you, Minako-chan, it's very pleasant to hear, I knew I could count on you! But look—amidst all these things, don't forget that... In the end, such activity should bring you a certain satisfaction and spiritual nourishment as well. Though the work is unusual, it's still important to understand that this is not a commercial enterprise, and its "success" is not measured by numbers. You don't need to try and "sell services," and you should understand that in the end, it may not be possible to help every person. The main thing is to approach the matter with a pure heart and try to guide people along the right vector, which—presumably, because it's practically impossible to calculate—will ultimately lead them to harmony with the surrounding world and peace within themselves. But you shouldn't have any problems with that, - she smiles encouragingly. - ...And you know what else? If you suddenly have any... well, let's say, difficulties, or needs, or something of that sort, I'll warn the workers at [55]; if necessary, you can turn to them and they'll help to the best of their ability. If something like that happens, don't hesitate for a second. Although, I understand how it sounds to you... but nonetheless—keep this option in mind.

Looking around the courtyard of Kamimori, she thinks deeply about something for a while...
Finally, she turns to Sonata with a frowning but incredibly serious expression:
- Sonata Reim... I had hoped this day would never come. The Kamisama-tachi are my witnesses—I fought this as long as I could. Finding myself in a country far from home, I understood that events of the past have no influence on the present, especially in your case. But I am only human, subject to passions, grudges, and dark thoughts... I cannot erase in one stroke decades of what has grown in my memory and soul. And even if I could—it would be unfair to all my comrades and ancestors who laid down their lives and heads through centuries of our brutal interethnic conflicts. Therefore... The day has come when historical justice will be restored. When Reim will pay Nihon for all her atrocities and oppressions. Ask not for whom the bell tolls—it tolls for thee, - after a sinister silence and reinforcing this with the gloomiest look possible, Ayano enters the shamusho and, after a few seconds, emerges with three brooms. She gives one to Minako, takes the second for herself, and extends the third to Sonata. - Help me sweep the yard and we'll be even. These will be your reparations.