Looking at the palm held out before her, the monster girl hesitated for a moment before placing her tiny hand in it.
Arata gently pulled the adorable little fox up from the ground, while her other hand still tightly clutched the exquisite shrine maiden outfit.
"Do you want to put it back on?"
"Of course, I won't peek."
As he spoke, he made as if to turn around.
"No."
"I won't wear it."
"She wouldn't let me wear it."
Before Arata could turn his back, the little fox's frail reply reached his ears first. At the same time, a faint force tugged at the hem of his clothes.
"So that's how it is..."
Her answer left him unsure of what to say for a moment. The surrounding atmosphere chilled with that single sentence—she wouldn't let me—and the little one's gradually dimming expression.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to dirty your clothes."
The little Three-Tailed Fox quickly realized that she had rashly grabbed the Onmyoji's clothing. She hurriedly let go and apologized in a fluster.
"It's all right."
Arata naturally did not mind the tiny paw print on his robe. He raised a hand and rubbed the little one's head before continuing, "Come on. I'll take you to see her."
"You still remember the way, right?"
The fact that the Onmyoji had not scolded her clearly surprised the little fox. She lifted her face, still carrying traces of fear and helplessness, and met his gaze at close range for the first time.
Only then did she suddenly realize that this young-looking Onmyoji did not seem so frightening after all. He even gave her a feeling somewhat similar to that shrine maiden sister.
But at the thought of that elder sister, the little one's barely improved mood immediately darkened again.
She truly had