“Chapter 150: Moonflower”


    We went through the backdoor to find a narrow path surrounded by thick roots and trees.


    It’s also unusually dark, as if the blizzard wasn’t enough to cover my vision. I can’t even see the shrine Fuji was talking about.


    – We keep going straight, right? (Takaya)


    – Right. But allow me to confirm something first. (Fuji)


    – … Sure?


    Fuji took a few steps forward and sent out a white dove, which I assume is her own messenger.


    – Akane-san.


    – …


    She’s been avoiding me since we saw each other at the residence.


    – Akane, do you hate master?


    – …


    – Why are you sneaking glances at him?


    – Wh-!? I’m not!? I’m actually doing the opposi- Ah, forget it…


    – Here it is. (Fuji)


    The white dove landed on Fuji’s shoulder. They both nodded at each other.


    – Shall we go?


    In a single line, Fuji, Me, Mike and Akane followed the path.


    – It’s the first time I’ve walked on such soft snow like this.


    The snow in my town used to be like slushy ice. This is basically powder snow.


    – I’m fine, don’t worry about me. (Takaya)


    – Why are you telling ME that? (Akane)


    – Well, Mike said you’ve been looking at me, so I thought maybe you were worrie-GWH!?


    A snowball the size of a hand hit my face.


    – You’re so stupid.


    – Not as much as the one that goes back to her hometown without saying anything!


    I grabbed some of the snow and retaliated.


    – What the hell do you think you’re doing!?


    Akane’s face turned red, but I don’t think it was from embarrassment this time.


    – Listen, it’s not like I wanted to leave so suddenly! I was thinking about all of you the whole time…


    – Then how about you consulted us before you left!? That’s called being self-conceited!


    Both of our faces were met with a snowball at the same time.


    It felt nice having such a cold feel cool down our faces.


    – Are you two fighting? (Mike)


    – Yes, we are! Mike, help me, throw snowballs at the blockhead. (Takaya)


    – Got it!


    – What!? Mik-NGH!?


    – I hit her!


    – YOU BUNCH OF…


    Somehow, we started a snowball fight.


    Although it felt more like rather than snowballs we were throwing our frustrations against each other.


    I figured Fuji would stop us but she’s just looking at me in disappointment.


    I flopped onto the snow in exhaustion.


    – Haah… Why? Why did you leave without saying anything? I know I’m a good-for-nothing idiot, but maybe I could’ve helped.


    – Do you hate us? (Mike)


    – Well, I… What else was I supposed to do?


    – Will we find the explanation at the end of this path?


    – Yes. Its name is Moonflower. The divine sword that both protects the island and binds us.