Kami-Ota Shrine.
When the space within the shrine grounds began to fluctuate, signaling Luo Zhen and the others' return, Anbaina and the others immediately came out of the main hall to welcome them.
However, as soon as Anbaina and the others arrived, the first voice they heard was not that of anyone in Luo Zhen's group. Instead, it was the voice of an unfamiliar girl.
"Grellda~ Grellda~"
Along with that cheerful voice, Anbaina and the others saw a dragon girl sprawled across Yuri's back, swaying back and forth as if she were riding a swing and having the time of her life.
"I... I know already! I know! I know your name is Grellda! Please stop swinging me around!"
Yuri staggered unsteadily as the girl swung her back and forth. She tried to soothe the girl on her back, looking as if she were about to cry.
It wasn't only Yuri. Even Luo Zhen and Yukina, who were standing beside her, looked somewhat listless, as though they had been tormented for a long time.
Luo Zhen in particular looked emotionally exhausted. He sighed repeatedly, looking almost as if he were contemplating life—or perhaps questioning it.
Seeing Luo Zhen and the others like that, Anbaina and the rest exchanged puzzled glances.
"Y-Yuri?"
Shio called out hesitantly.
When Yuri heard Shio's voice, she immediately burst into tears.
"Wah... Save me, Shio."
Yuri nearly threw herself into Shio's arms to complain.
"What on earth is going on?"
Shio's head was full of question marks, but she still hurried over, apparently intending to help.
Unfortunately, Shio had no idea where to begin.
The girl named Grellda seemed to have become completely attached to Yuri. She paid no attention to Shio at all. Instead, when Shio ran over, she tightened her arms around Yuri's neck,