"Sir, your wisdom is extraordinary. You have our admiration!"
Faced with everyone bowing deeply, Tetsuhiro calmly told them to rise.
"Wine and meat may pass through the gut, but the Buddha remains in the heart. There is no need to cling to formalities. I believe your young lady is someone who needs guidance."
"Huh? Reiko?"
"Lady Reiko?"
Everyone looked over. Reiko, who had still been lost in admiration, froze in bewilderment and instinctively pointed at herself.
"Me? I need guidance?"
"Indeed. To be precise, you need release."
"Hahaha!" Koichi Yamadera laughed and denied it. "Impossible. Absolutely impossible. Reiko is the most dutiful and rule-abiding member of our family. What could she possibly need guidance for?"
"Is that so?"
"..." Reiko fell silent for a moment, a trace of hesitation flashing in her eyes.
Then she regained her cool composure, her voice clear and pleasant. "Please forgive my limited understanding. Though I am willing to cooperate with you, I am sorry, but I have no shackles or obsessions holding me back."
"See? That's what I said." Several younger family members breathed sighs of relief.
"Big brother." Naoko squeezed over and quietly reminded him, "Are you talking about that thing with her?"
Tetsuhiro nodded slightly and smiled at Reiko. "Hehe, don't jump to conclusions just yet."
"If you are unwilling, I won't force you. Head of the Yamadera Family, might you show me around your residence?"
Kōichi was deeply honored and agreed. "Of course. You must be tired from all that speaking, sir. This way, please."
With that, he hurried ahead to lead the way.
Everyone else followed.
Next, Tetsuhiro and his companions toured the temple, the Shrine Hall, the upper chambers, and the courtyard.
After bathing and observing the fasting rites, they viewed the Buddha statues, scriptures, surrounding scenery, and local