Whether There Was Such a Life (2)

After cherry-blossom season had passed, a visitor came to the Nagato Family: a woman known as Waseda Miko, who had presided over Waseda Village Shrine for nearly forty years. In truth, Nagato Munetsugu had invited her because Narukami Haru had recently seemed to be feeling unwell. Nagato Tsuruko waited in the corridor outside her mother's bedroom, while Nagato Saburo paced anxiously outside as well. The examination took quite some time. During it, Nagato Munetsugu and his wife came to check on her once, and several servants from the household came in batches. It was not until shortly after lunch that the bedroom door finally opened. Waseda Miko emerged with a smile and said there was no serious problem—in fact, it was something good.

"Pregnant?! Really?" After hearing Waseda Miko's definite answer, Nagato Saburo nearly wept for joy.

Nagato Tsuruko knew she would soon have a little brother or sister, and her small eyes opened wide. She had seen what her aunt looked like when she was pregnant, her belly growing larger day by day. Such a huge belly, with a tiny life growing inside—it seemed incredible to her. The moment Waseda Miko came out, she was the first to run into Narukami Haru's bedroom. She pressed her little head against Narukami Haru's chest, then looked up and asked, "Really?"

"Tsuruko is going to be a big sister. You can't be so willful anymore. You'll have to set a good example." Narukami Haru stroked Nagato Tsuruko's head and chuckled softly.

Nagato Tsuruko nodded seriously.

Another matter happened that day, and it concerned Nagato Tsuruko. After examining Narukami Haru, Waseda Miko quickly summoned Nagato Munetsugu and Nagato Saburo. With a solemn expression, she said, "I intend to train Tsuruko to become the next miko. I wonder what Lord Nagato thinks?"

Nagato Munetsugu