The barefoot Shrine Maiden ascended the stage.
Although called a Shrine Maiden, she was not wearing the Shrine Maiden Attire; instead, she donned a beautiful red kimono that appeared somewhat large on her petite frame.
Her hair was not put up, but naturally cascaded down.
Wearing a fox-patterned mask, her face was obscured.
Her bare feet, clear and pure as jade, made almost no sound as they touched the clean wooden floor.
Without needing much confirmation, Kagura Hikaru immediately recognized that it was Komori Ai.
Following that, a sudden and inexplicable palpitation emerged within him—as if his heart was struck by a hammer, conjuring feelings of reverence, admiration, and joy.
It was like a child seeing their mother, a knight seeing their king, a sword clashing with a shield.
His heartbeat quickened dramatically.
This was clearly not an emotion that arose naturally; realizing this within a second, Kagura Hikaru forcefully pinched his own thigh to calm himself.
