Ch. 61Protection
Key Plot Points and Events
- The protagonist, Raiden Mei, decides to call herself "Hokushin Mei" to differentiate herself from her cowardly past self.
- Yae Sakura returns home to find villagers gathered, seeking the High Priest's help for a severe drought. They propose using Yae Rin as a sacrifice to appease the gods and ensure the harvest.
- The High Priest agrees to the sacrifice and tasks Yae Sakura with presiding over the ritual. Yae Rin accepts her fate, knowing it's the only way to save her sister.
Character Developments
- Raiden Mei embraces her new identity as Hokushin Mei, accepting her unique characteristics and distinguishing herself from her past self.
- Yae Sakura learns about the village's tradition of sacrificing maidens to ensure the harvest and is shocked by the revelation.
- Yae Rin demonstrates maturity and selflessness by accepting her fate as the sacrifice to save her sister.
Significant Themes
- Identity and self-discovery (Mei's acceptance of her new identity)
- Sacrifice for the greater good (Yae Rin's acceptance of her fate)
- Tradition and its consequences (the village's ritual to ensure the harvest)
Character Interactions
- Mei and the kitten (Xiao Xiaobai) share a close bond, with Mei finding comfort in its presence.
- Yae Sakura and Mei's interactions hint at a growing friendship, with Mei teaching Sakura swordsmanship and sparring with her.
- Yae Sakura and her father, the High Priest, have a strained relationship due to the latter's role in the village's traditions and his decision to sacrifice Yae Rin.