Hebe then took that stalk of gleaming golden rice from her sleeve and held it in her hand.
Her dark outer robe gradually shimmered with brilliant gold. In an instant, it became intricate and magnificent, an amber jewel hanging before her chest as drifting clouds arose from her wide golden sleeves.
Her flaxen hair was tied behind her head with ribbons of gold, red, and white, while a pair of fox ears trembled lightly atop her head.
Her wooden clogs rose several more inches into the air, and three gleaming golden tails swayed behind her.
A rounded, radiant heavenly light rose behind Hebe's head, shaped like a mirror.
"Let's go," said the fox demon.
For most of its existence, Heian-kyō had been exceedingly far removed from its name. "Peace" seemed no more than an extravagant hope.
Recently, demons and oni had indeed vanished from Heian-kyō, yet its commoners, warriors, and nobles did not feel particularly "safe."
Though they no longer faced the threat of demons and oni, Minamoto no Yorimitsu had become a dark cloud hanging high above their heads, capable of striking down wrathful lightning at any moment.
The entirety of Heian-kyō sank into deathly silence. People did their utmost to restrain their emotions, yet bitterness still slipped unconsciously onto their lips.
—If only someone could bring us light and warmth.
—If only someone could bring true peace.
And amid such expectations and emptiness, Tamamo-no-Mae appeared in Heian-kyō.
Before Suzaku Gate, Saga had prepared a straw mat.
Hebe sat upon it, holding that stalk of gleaming golden rice.
Court nobles, warriors, commoners... people of every identity, class, and age continuously gathered from all across the city.
They kowtowed to Hebe, wanting to pour out their hearts yet fearing the brilliant halo behind her head. They did not