The dance the spirit had just performed was a sword dance created by Mikoshi Chiyo herself. As the leader of the oni, she had no opportunity to put her martial prowess to use in times without war, so Mikoshi Chiyo had developed her swordsmanship into spectacular sword dances.
At gatherings with family and friends, Mikoshi Chiyo would often show Ei the new sword dances she had devised, and Chiyo's wonderful performances always brought those gatherings to a climax.
Even though the spirit held no sword and her movements were stiff and distorted, little by little, her dance began to overlap with the one in Ei's memories.
After hearing Ei's question, the spirit nodded.
That tiny movement alone made Ei lose her composure instantly. She rushed toward the spirit in excitement, wanting to embrace her, but the corporeal Raiden Ei passed straight through the incorporeal spirit. It made her realize at once that Chiyo had died long ago, and all that remained now was an incomplete soul.
Ei's loss of composure left the Oki-tan beside her dumbfounded. The normally imposing Shogun was actually showing such a helpless, pitiable side, something they had never expected.
At that moment, Yucheng emerged from the room and told the Oki-tan, "It isn't appropriate for you to keep watching. Withdraw, and remember not to tell anyone!"
Although the Oki-tan were soldiers who took orders only from the Raiden Shogun, that did not mean they could not read the situation. Upon hearing their Regent's instructions, they immediately withdrew, leaving Ei some space.
Watching Ei and the spirit recognize each other, Yucheng could not help shaking his head. It seemed the latter of his guesses had been right.
Just then, Ei suddenly thought of something. She hurried over, grabbed Yucheng's hand, and said, "Yucheng, take us to the