Shrine Mountain Path
Late Night
Late Night, Shrine Mountain Path
Walking with Selena along the bright mountain path, the shrine's silhouette soon comes into view up ahead.
The whole area buzzes with activity as all sorts of visitors arrive—some emerge from the woods lining the path, others pop out from branching trails, and, remarkably, some even descend from the sky or rise right up from the earth.
As they go, a few spirits who recognize Selena's wisteria magic greet her in passing, and she gracefully acknowledges each one.
Moving closer to the shrine entrance, a masked figure stands there, calmly greeting all the arriving visitors.
As they get nearer, the figure's gaze shifts to meet theirs.
...
Please forgive me for not greeting you sooner, Miss Viola... and...
I've heard that you wish to form a union with someone important once the Divine Wedding is over, Miss Viola. Could this be the one?
Yes, this is indeed the one I adore, [player name].
You are most merciful.
At this, the priest unexpectedly takes off his mask. His casual demeanor visibly drops as he offers a deep, formal bow.
Your esteemed presence tonight truly honors our humble shrine.
It's just...
Do you have any other questions, priest?
Selena asks with a calm face, but you still pick up on her wariness from the subtle shifts in her demeanor.
I wouldn't dream of it, Miss Viola. It's an immense honor for the Shrine of Union to have both of you here. I wouldn't have it any other way, and I certainly wouldn't dare to harbor any doubts.
Meeting you both today, I can't help but admire you. The determination you two show is truly commendable.
How so?
Hmm...? Is it possible you two have never given a thought to the barrier between you?
Miss Viola, even with some progress in your spiritual journey, your lifespan only stretches to a few hundred years.
This Mountain Lord, though, is quite something—a form woven from spiritual energy, divine magic at his fingertips, and an aura that is just beyond us. I can't help but feel he's on a completely different plane.
Despite such a huge gulf between you, you've still decided to forge a bond of union. How can I not admire that?
...
Selena suddenly goes quiet, her gaze drifting off a bit. She doesn't look stumped by his question or unsure of what to say. Instead, it's as if something else entirely has popped into her mind.
After a long moment, she finally speaks.
Priest, do you really think status and how long someone lives stand in the way of love?
In my humble opinion, yes... and no.
I just have to ask: down the line, when one of you is still in their prime and the other is getting on in years—the mere thought sends shivers down my spine, and I can't even bear to think about it further. How do you two see that playing out?
...
Selena doesn't answer right away. Even though she stays silent, her hand tightens its grip on yours.
Noticing this, the shrine priest offers a small smile and shifts his gaze.
And what's your take on all this, esteemed one?
When Miss Viola's beauty fades and age withers her form, will you still hold her with the same devotion, your heart unwavering?
These words weigh heavy as a mountain, yet they flow from your lips with such ease. I suppose only someone of your caliber could manage that.
A truly admirable response, esteemed one.
However, I must be so bold as to ask one more question: Have you considered that Miss Viola's entire lifetime will be but a fleeting, insignificant moment in your long years of existence?
As he speaks, the priest's expression grows increasingly solemn.
Even nearby spirits sense the unusual tension, observing from a distance with respectful attention.
He doesn't seem to be asking questions so much as looking for reassurance, using others' words to put the nagging doubts in his heart to rest.
Please enlighten me with your thoughts, esteemed one.
...
Hahahaha! Hahahahaha!
You speak with admirable candor. I am truly impressed.
Miss Viola, you've certainly found an exceptional partner in this one. I'm so sorry for prying earlier—it really wasn't my place.
Please, head to the shrine and get some rest. I won't intrude on your present moment with Miss Viola any longer.
After you both say your goodbyes to the priest, you pass through the torii gate and step into the shrine grounds. It isn't until you've walked past several buildings and the priest is finally out of sight that Selena lets out a sigh of relief.
Phew...
I'm fine, Conductor.
I'm just... thinking about the question he asked earlier.
No, it's...
Selena suddenly stops, turns to face you, and her expression turns serious.
I never give it much thought because, for me, a future is way too much of a luxury.
But after seeing you again, happiness crept in so fast that I completely forgot about certain distant realities.
I get that some things are better left unsaid, and bringing them up now probably won't do much good. But...
Selena takes a beat and then looks you in the eye, not holding anything back.
Years from now, when one of us stays exactly the same while the other gets old and frail... even then, Conductor, will you still be set on sticking by my side?
Selena's lips purse, her expression subtly shifting. After a beat, a smile breaks across her face.
You really ought to think this through, Conductor. A promise made in the Shrine of Union is set in stone.
After these words, Selena goes up on her tiptoes and gently leans in, her warm softness melting right into your embrace.
Unlike usual, Selena doesn't quite pick up on the vibe you're going for.
Instead, she closes her eyes and slowly inches closer to you.
Her warm softness melts into your embrace as her breath ghosts against your ear, her barely-there whispers carried off by the mountain breeze.
My devotion to you stays constant, my heart unwavering.
Shrine of Union
Late Night
Union Shrine - Late Night
After a brief pause, lights lead them as they weave their way through the shrine until they hit a locked building.
They pick the lock, and no sooner do they step inside than Yun Ye eagerly shifts into her fox spirit form and darts ahead.
Whoa! You actually did it!
Is it safe for you to show your true form right now?
Don't sweat it! This is where I first got my worship, so coming back here means I'm safe as houses!
And once we get our hands on that object, I can reclaim my spot as the Goddess of Union.
As the priest speaks, the fox lifts her head, looking up. They follow its gaze to a delicate, exquisite bell hovering in midair.
Numerous red threads stretch from various points along the rafters, encircling and guarding the bell.
The sacred token is a bell? I figured it'd be something like a knotted cord or a handkerchief.
Heh, bet you didn't see that coming, did you?
Because, you see...
Because this was my very first gift to Yun Ye, and the start of our union.
A voice, thick with nostalgia, drifts from behind them.
The shrine priest, at some point, has followed them to the doorway. With a gentle flick of the ritual wand in his hand, the bell zips into his grasp.
You...!
You really shouldn't have latched onto Miss Viola's accessories... No, truth be told, it wouldn't matter what object you hide in. I'd have sensed you all the same.
And this person isn't Miss Viola either, right?
The fox steps in front of them, not defensively, but with a mix of confusion and a hint of hurt etched on her face. She looks at the priest, a question in her eyes.
Rain... why are you doing this?
...
The priest remains silent for a moment, having been called by his true name, before calmly responding.
Have you never thought about why, Yun Ye?
Of course you haven't. You always worry about everyone else, thinking of every little detail on their behalf. But when it comes to me, when it comes to yourself, it's like you don't give it a second thought.
I... I don't get what you mean. Is marrying the Heavenly Path really that big of a deal to you?
If you wanted to cultivate spiritual power, you could've just told me. I could've taught you. You know, divine blessings from worship can be shared with others too.
Never mind. You just wouldn't get it.
Rain lets out a soft sigh, turning his gaze toward you.
What about you, esteemed one? Do you understand why I'm doing all this?
When you piece together what the priest said and did with Yun Ye's story, something just doesn't add up.
But these clues are all over the place, so you can't really make heads or tails of it.
Even you're giving me that answer?
I figured you showing up here with your beloved partner meant you were on board.
Looking back, your answer actually had the truth in it all along. I was just too dense to catch on.
With that, the priest picks up his mask and puts it back on.
Since you're so keen on helping Yun Ye fix things, go on, make your move.
Even if it's a long shot, I still want to give it a try.
As he speaks, the bell starts overflowing with the spiritual energy of offerings.
Soon, Rain is completely engulfed by the spiritual energy of offerings, and his appearance begins to change.
Show me what you two can do.
As his words trail off, worshippers, brimming with spiritual energy, start appearing one by one from every nook and cranny of the shrine.
