The remaining yokai at the dock exploded into a commotion.
Whispers spread like wildfire. Earlier, they had been watching with unbridled excitement, but now, seeing the Snow Woman’s hand held by a boy who seemed to be human, the atmosphere became somewhat strange. Many yokai looked over, half-jealous and half-mocking, thinking that this boy could never satisfy the Snow Woman’s needs, and it was only a matter of time before he was drained.
"...You," Yukino Ritsuko’s palm trembled slightly, then she clutched his hand like someone drowning. Her face flushed instantly, and to relieve her inner embarrassment, she quickly asked, "When did you arrive?"
"Just a few minutes before you." Fujiwara Reya smiled and pulled her along.
Kitagawa Ryoko in a kimono blocked their way.
Fujiwara Reya glanced at the Dark Crow.
Gouzi immediately rushed out, took the girl’s arm, and walked to the side, "Come, come, your room is this way, just follow me."
"Ah, let go of me—" Kitagawa Ryoko struggled.
But soon, more maidservants surrounded, encircling the people of Furukawa Conference Hall. They said they were helping move luggage, but actually, they were separating Yukino Ritsuko from them to allow the Mountain God to mischief easily.
With a bang, fireworks exploded overhead.
The night was ignited, the fireworks were gorgeously brilliant, lighting up the entire Hidden God Town as bright as day.
Fujiwara Reya held Yukino Ritsuko’s hand, crossing the dock’s bridge, arriving at the town gate entrance. Holding hands, still a bit muddle-headed, Yukino Ritsuko gazed longingly at the spectacular fireworks in the sky, her dark eyes shimmering like liquid starlight.
Many yokai gathered at the entrance, and as she walked while looking up at the fireworks, occasionally would bump her head onto Fujiwara Reya’s back because she couldn’t see the way forward.
Besides having yokai and gods in attendance, the Mountain God Festival is similar to an ordinary summer festival.
Hidden God Town had turned into a huge market, with various food stalls and game booths set up along the street as the floats arrived one by one, creating a vibrant and bustling scene.
Unable to proceed due to the crowd in front, Fujiwara Reya turned around, standing face to face with Yukino Ritsuko.
"It’s good to have many people," he smiled, "I remember when we returned from the Meiji Park flea market, the tram we took was quite crowded too. Because of the crowd, I stood very close to you, and it was the first time I thought you looked very beautiful."
Yukino Ritsuko shyly closed her eyes.
Her brows lowered, eyelashes slightly trembling, Fujiwara Reya’s bold words made her blush intensely. Slightly visible under her concealed hair, her delicate earlobes appeared crimson red and as round and lovely as raindrops.
"Your ears are truly beautiful." Fujiwara Reya remarked sincerely, "For a moment, I couldn’t tell if the redness was from shyness or if you had rouge applied beforehand."
Yukino Ritsuko instinctively touched her earlobe, finding it alarmingly hot.
"It’s from shyness..." she said softly, looking up slightly, "I didn’t apply any rouge, and you once teased me that my makeup was indistinguishable whether I wore it or not, so I stopped wearing it."
In her raised view, she witnessed Fujiwara Reya’s eyes reflecting the fireworks in the sky.
Those brilliant eyes, unable to be concealed by anything, had an extraordinary penetrating power. Such eyes made her a bit nervously afraid. Burned by such a gaze, her fragile, fair skin felt a burning sensation, quickly beading with a fine layer of dew.
"I’m about to melt..."
Yukino Ritsuko’s voice, begging for mercy, carried a stirring, tearful tone.
Fujiwara Reya did not avert his gaze and softly asked, "Is it good to become a Snow Woman?"
"Hmm?" Yukino Ritsuko let out a very faint inquisitive hum.
"I like the appearance of a Snow Woman."
"... That’s a yokai."
"It’s fine, humans and yokai are the same to me."
Yukino Ritsuko, unsure what to do.
"You should know how much I adore Snow Treasure." With one hand still holding her small hand, Fujiwara Reya subtly encircled her waist with the other, "The sensory sharing between you and Snow Treasure naturally also extends to feelings. Conversely, it means I also really like Miss Yukino."
Yukino Ritsuko was already starting to overheat.
The words felt somewhat shameless, but with her utterly blank experience in love, she couldn’t distinguish if it was Fujiwara Reya imposing his affection upon her.
Even though Fujiwara Reya did have some affection for her.
Her naturally sweet and crisp voice, perfectly cheerful personality, genuine candidness, and contrastingly cute qualities all displayed her pure and flawless side. This purity was as fresh and charming as a fruit in a glass container, making it impossible for Fujiwara Reya to let her go.
A few powerful fireworks shot into the sky, blooming into lotus shapes.
Sideward glancing at Fujiwara Reya, Yukino Ritsuko’s snow-white profile was depicted exquisitely.
Her pure white long dress was also tinted with various colors. Observing closely, Fujiwara Reya noticed that the neckline and cuffs were embroidered with snow waves and plum blossoms, distinguished and elegant, perfectly fitting the identity of a Snow Woman. The dress was well-tailored, hugging her icy skin and bones, with a full and high bosom, waist so slender that one could barely hold it, showcasing her proud figure in spectacular detail.
"Unwilling?" Fujiwara Reya asked, applying force to pull her into his arms.
Yukino Ritsuko’s body started to tremble slightly.