Chapter 456: 163. Conflict
The so-called garden party actually refers to the Mountain God's parade.
From the first day of the Mountain God Festival, a carefully selected Divine Envoy brings the Mountain God's statue, led by ladies in ceremonial robes, accompanied by musicians playing elegant tunes, to parade from the central courtyard through the entire mountain. The role of Divine Envoy must be fulfilled by an unmarried maiden. Before the parade, the maiden must cleanse herself thoroughly of all impurities, and only then can she sit in the divine sedan chair.
When Fujiwara Reya emerged from the tea room, he happened to see the sedan chair carrying the Divine Envoy parading by.
The Divine Envoy, dressed in twelve-layered kimonos, looked elegant and magnificent with her beautiful appearance complemented by the attire.
"How lucky," Kawashima Miki remarked sarcastically.
She had seen the statue of the Mountain God being held in the arms of the Divine Envoy within the sedan chair.
"The Divine Envoys are always beautiful sixteen-year-old maidens," Natsuki Kuri added fuel to the fire.
"Oh~"
Kawashima Miki raised an eyebrow.
Her next line was probably the sarcastic "Mountain God sure knows how to enjoy himself." Fujiwara Reya pulled her into his arms and kissed her before she could speak: "Next year, you can be the Divine Envoy."
Kawashima Miki pushed him away impatiently, responding indifferently: "I don't want to sit up there like a monkey being gawked at."
"What monkey could be as beautiful as you, my lady?" Fujiwara Reya pinched her cheek.
Only then did Kawashima Miki respond with satisfaction.
Will he pinch me like that too... Kasahara Fumi blinked, subconsciously hiding a bit behind Natsuki Kuri.
However, Natsuki Kuri gave her a push, nudging her back to Fujiwara Reya's side.
"..."
Damn it!
Kasahara Fumi thought, this family, regardless of gender, is so mean.
Amid the faint music, they followed behind the parade procession, continuing forward.
Today's weather was clear, with no clouds in the sky.
The Mountain God's parade exuded a classical charm. As the most significant festival in the entire yokai world, the customs of the Heian period, rich with yokai elements, were vividly displayed in the procession. Not only were the costumes full of ancient style, but historical figures were also portrayed.
Fujiwara Reya acted as a guide, introducing the portrayed figures to the two new ladies.
"See that beautiful and noble woman over there? That's Princess Wakamiya, the eighth daughter of Emperor Ninkō. And that woman dressed as a geisha is Izumo Okuni, the founder of 'Kabuki'. That's Shizuka Gozen, and Queen Akame, one of the Rokkasen's poets, Ono Komachi, the lady who wrote 'The Tale of Genji', Murasaki Shikibu, wearing the white priest robes is Abe no Seimei, and next to him, inseparable, is Ashiya Doman..."
In addition to waka poets, priests, and beautiful women, figures like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and other court and military leaders from various dynasties were also present. This procession, like a grand scroll of Kyoto customs, was quite long, filled with a festive colorful and extravagant atmosphere.
Kasahara Fumi's eyes lingered on a noble lady in luxurious clothing.
The lady wore a maroon kimono with a narrow sleeve patterned with tiny white flowers, her hair styled in a noble bun, her sash and the narrow belt visible from under her pants were red. From a distance, her noble beauty was impeccable. Her bangs were jet black and shiny, and her double eyelids were exceptionally beautiful.
Kasahara Fumi found her somewhat familiar.
Especially those eyes, they were just too similar...
"Are you looking at that woman?" Natsuki Kuri noticed her unusual behavior and came over to explain, "That's Lady Chikatani, mother of the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune."
"No wonder she's so noble and beautiful."
"She is indeed beautiful, but..."
"But what?"
"She looks somewhat familiar."
You noticed too... Kasahara Fumi was more certain of who it was, "Let's go..." She quickly turned around, planning to leave, but she soon found that Fujiwara Reya was standing behind her immobile, and asked, "Fujiwara, what are you doing?"
"While you were watching the parade, I was quietly watching you. Didn't you notice?"
"Shut your mouth."
Kasahara Fumi glared at him coldly, then casually lowered her head.
Her bright orange hair matched with a casual kimono, the kimono decorated with chrysanthemums supported by green leaves. The fresh design gave her appearance an innocent, traditional Japanese elegance.
Fukaeri is becoming more and more adorable... Fujiwara Reya felt a surge of contentment.
The parade continued forward, and they followed along behind.
On both sides of the road, August cherry trees had slender branches hanging down to the road, clusters of pink cherry blossoms blooming abundantly. Although there was no wind, the branches swayed gently, forming a cherry blossom path.
The parade passed a steep slope, and Fujiwara Reya tilted his head to look at Kasahara Fumi walking in her high wooden clogs.
However, Kasahara Fumi walked steadily, noticing Fujiwara Reya's gaze, she sternly asked: "Why do you keep looking at me like that?"
"You're truly beautiful!" Fujiwara Reya flashed what he believed to be a charming smile.
Having married her through coaxing and trickery, in front of this sister, he didn't need to conceal his intentions.
Kasahara Fumi stopped in her tracks, turning her gaze aside to the roadside.
In her line of sight was a cherry tree, its branches extending, and petals full of cherry blossoms.
"It is indeed beautiful..." She shrugged indifferently, "These cherry blossoms bloom so femininely, their colors, charm, even their delicate and moist appearance are all very beautiful."
"I mean you."
"..."
Fujiwara Reya emphasized with a smile: "Fumi, I mean you!"