"The Mountain God Festival must still be held on schedule, Mr. Sakumura."
After Sakumura met Kanna, that was the first thing she said to him.
Souji was already lying off to the side, asleep. Keeping watch last night had apparently left her utterly exhausted.
"Still hold it... I understand. I'll notify Takasugi."
Sakumura nodded solemnly.
Takasugi should have already finished tallying the supplies and figured out how much could still be used for the Mountain God Festival.
"By the way, are you Kanna right now, or...?"
Sakumura glanced back at Himiko and Iyo behind him, then hesitantly asked Kanna.
"I'm Kanna, Mr. Sakumura. Thank you for carrying me down yesterday."
Kanna gently hugged Sakumura.
"It was nothing. I adopted you—I'm your father. Of course I should carry you down the mountain."
Sakumura waved a hand, his smile warm with paternal affection.
Kanna: ...
"Kanna, I'm going to rest for a bit. Is there anything else you need to say?"
Sakumura stretched and yawned, rubbing the tears from the corners of his eyes.
"N-No, that's all."
Kanna forced herself not to show a sad expression.
Slap.
Outside the room, Himiko and Iyo covered their eyes together.
This girl... she was still the same as ever.
"Then I'll take my leave first."
Kanna stood and walked out of the room. Even after leaving, she did not forget to shut the door properly, closing it so gently for fear of making noise and waking Miss Souji.
Then she turned away, covered her face, and wept—though she did not dare make a sound.
"Kanna, life is hard enough. Don't rub salt in the wound."
Himiko placed a hand on Kanna's shoulder.
"Kanna, though you really don't stand a chance, we'll all wish you the best."
Iyo put her hand on Kanna's other shoulder.
Kanna: