Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World Chapter 388: The Heartless Goddess

For Isumi, a girl with a rather classical temperant, modern clothing often felt too revealing.

Especially skirts. Wearing one felt to her like going out with just a strip of fabric around her waist, like walking around in underwear.

The hem of a skirt, made from light fluttery material, always seed like it would lift with the slightest breeze.

In her view, such clothes were simply too exposed.

She still preferred the traditional kimono.

The hem of a kimono was thicker, not easily blown up by the wind, and even when running, there was no concern about accidental exposure.

Naturally, a girl so accustod to traditional dress would also apply that mindset to other areas of life.

Being seen undressed was definitely sothing Saginomiya Isumi found difficult to accept.

However, exceptions existed. And when it ca to this matter, there was one particular exception in her mind.

That exception was Ren.

She understood clearly that Ren had only been checking her condition. He had not done anything inappropriate.

Of course, that didn't an she wasn't embarrassed.

Only after putting on the kimono again with Nagi's help did Saginomiya Isumi finally feel at ease.

"I heard from Ren that he turned the absorption of the soul fragnt into sothing like watching TV. That way it won't affect your personality. How do you feel now?"

Nagi still cared a great deal about Isumi's well-being.

"Mm."

Saginomiya Isumi gently placed a hand on her chest.

"It was a very aningful experience. That priestess, Kikyo, faced powerful demons using her own strength and always had the upper hand. If the demon hadn't transford into her lover, she might not have died."

But when she recalled Kikyo's lover and her tragic ending, what she felt most was sorrow.

Even until her death, the miko had remained deceived, never realizing it was all a lie.

Love beca a curse. It left even such a pure-hearted shrine maiden with only resentnt in her final monts.

"The hatred Kikyo carried has been passed down through ti. If not for his help, I might have been consud by her emotions."

The hatred the miko bore before her death was unimaginable—stronger than any curse.

Had she been swept into that whirlpool, Isumi doubted she could have escaped.

She would've likely been possessed by the soul fragnt of Kikyo.

Just thinking about that possibility sent a chill down her spine.

"Thankfully, Amamiya-sama was there to guide ."

"Ren really is too well-rounded when it cos to things like this."

Although Nagi didn't know the exact thods Ren had used, she could tell his hidden abilities ran deep.

"Other than the fact that he likes to sit back and watch instead of taking initiative, I don't think he has any other flaws."

"In short, he's overly cautious."

Isumi gently shook her head.

"Nagi-chan, so things do require caution. I used to think like you, but after seeing that miko's life, I think it's wise to act with a bit more care."

She believed that if Kikyo had been able to see clearly, she would've realized the deception.

But in that mont of emotional turmoil, she had failed to judge calmly, leading to her death.

In comparison, Ren's constant caution was the correct path.

Nagi looked at the emotion on Isumi's face and could imagine what the shrine maiden had experienced in that mory.

And judging by how highly Isumi now regarded Ren, it was likely the miko's tragedy had been far worse than she had described.

"But still… for so things, unless you talk to Ren directly, he won't act."

"I'm not referring to dangerous things requiring caution, but matters where he already has the situation under control. He's just too reserved."

After that thrilling weekend, this thought had begun to take root in Nagi's heart.

Maybe soone needed to gently push Ren forward. And that person would have to step forward first.

"Isumi, how's your condition? You should be able to join the birthday party later, right?"

Isumi gave a slight nod.

"I'm all right now."

Other than the initial weakness, her physical condition had largely returned to normal.

Though her spiritual power had increased drastically, requiring so adjustnt to fully control, there were no limitations placed on her body.

She pushed herself up with both hands, rising from the bed.

Stretching lightly, Saginomiya Isumi checked her state and found no major discomfort.

"Let's go."

She took Nagi's hand and stepped out of the room.

But the mont she saw who was standing outside, she couldn't help but blush.

She took a deep breath and tried to appear composed.

"I've completed my adjustnts."

"And the fusion of Kikyo's soul fragnt… was only possible thanks to your help."

"Don't ntion it. It was just a small assist."

Even without using spiritual vision, Ren could tell that Isumi's embarrassnt level had reached its peak. So he refrained from doing anything that might agitate her further.

"Since you're fully recovered, Saginomiya, let's go down. The final guest arrived just as Nagi and I were leaving."

"The last guest?"

Isumi blinked in confusion. Nagi leaned in and nudged her with her elbow.

"Tachibana Wataru and his maid."

Only then did Isumi rember that no one in his family could drive. Of course he would be the last one to show up.

"You'd better be careful. If sees how you're reacting to Ren, he'll definitely cause a scene at the party."

"…Yeah, I'll be careful."

Isumi fell strangely silent, but eventually nodded.

She was well aware of Wataru's feelings for her. But she didn't feel the sa.

She also knew Wataru had a narrow heart. If he witnessed how she looked at Ren, he would surely act irrationally.

So she had to stay composed, and make sure he didn't notice anything.

(To be continued.)

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