Chapter Text
Watatsumi Island's unique, dense foliage swayed gently in the breeze, while the soft sound of waves lapping against the shore created a soothing ambiance. The fresh scent of the sea filled the air, permeating everything around and inducing a sense of serenity.The sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the tranquil landscape, it seemed like nothing could disturb the peace of this idyllic place. However, this tranquillity was shattered when a shriek pierced through the silence.
“Her Excellency, are you ok? What’s wrong? I’m coming in” Gorou hurried towards the source of Kokomi’s scream.
“Wait no!” Kokomi yelled out but it was too late. Gorou entered the room and was stunned by the sight. Instead of Kokomi, on the bed sat a child, presumably around the age of 10, tears threatening to spill out of her amethyst orbs, clutching the blanket tightly around her tiny body. In fact, the child looked like a mini version of Kokomi!
“Her Excellency, is that you… What happened?”
“Help me get Tsuyuko please” Kokomi wailed and dove deeper into her blankets. Gorou hurriedly complied.
“This is so nostalgic. I can’t believe I got another chance to see you in these clothes again. How I wish I have a Kamera on me now to capture this moment.” Tsuyuko giggled after Kokomi opened her door wearing a set of clothes from her childhood that she has brought for her.
“Cut the nonsense Tsuyuko. I see that you are keen on getting transferred to the Specter Eco-Management post next year huh Tsuyuko,” Folding her arms, Kokomi shot her a glare. However, in her current state, Kokomi looked more like an angry kid pouting than threatening.
“Did you sense anything off or did something unusual happen recently?” Gorou asked.
Kokomi pondered for a bit before something clicked. “OH!”
The night was deep and quiet, and most of the residents had long retired to their beds. Amidst the darkness, the only source of illumination was a faint glow emanating from the Divine Priestess' office. Running her hands through her hair repeatedly, Kokomi sighed in frustration. The paperwork as of late has been never ending. It has been a constant cycle of looking over, signing or placing the various contracts or reviews aside for further review. Kokomi knew she definitely needed a break. Sighing dejectedly, she looked around her office before her gaze landed on a parcel addressed to her that arrived earlier that day. Pushing her paperwork aside, Kokomi reached out for it and opened it. In it, lay a letter, a voucher and a beautifully decorated box. Kokomi took out the letter.
Dear Sole of the Deep,
How have you been doing as of late? I hope that you have yet to collapse from overwork due to that mountain of work you have.
I would like to wish you an early Happy Birthday. I apologise for not being able to say it to you in person for I've been so swamped with the preparations for the Sakura Matsuri in Narukami lately. Or you know, you can come down to Narukami for the festival so I can wish you in person! I found it such a pity that you have rejected the invitation for the upcoming festival once again. It would have been so nice to see the Divine Priestess participating in a mainland festival for once. People are looking forward to meeting you, don’t you know little jellyfish?
Now on to your birthday gifts: I have enclosed a voucher for Yae's publishing house along with a box of specialty chocolates. The thing about these chocolates is that I have specially procured them for you, so be a lil selfish just keep them for yourself. The best time to enjoy a piece is when you feel particularly overwhelmed and wish to escape for a while. As for why, well it’s no fun if I spoil it for you so you will have to see it for yourself.
Anyways, I don’t wish to take up any more of your time and I hope to see you again in person soon
Fried Tofu with All the Frills
Kokomi folded the letter carefully, placed it aside, took out the beautifully decorated box from the parcel and carefully opened it. In it lay 3 intricately designed chocolates: each one a visual masterpiece in its own right. It almost looked too good to eat. Kokomi picked one up and admired the beauty of it.
Well, I guess it won’t hurt to try one. Kokomi popped it into her mouth. Immediately, a burst of chocolatey goodness filled her mouth.
Guuji Yae really has an eye for such treats huh. I guess this should be expected since she has been buying treats for the Raiden Shougun as her servant and closest friend.
Feeling rejuvenated, Kokomi stretched her arms and continued doing her paperwork with renewed vigour for another hour before retiring to bed.
“That damn kitsune. I should have expected that.” Gorou growled. “Did Guuji Yae mention anything about how long this effect would last?” Kokomi shook her head tearfully.
“What am I supposed to do? I have a ton of work to do but I can’t let anyone else see me in this state,” Kokomi lamented.
“Why not make the trip down to Narukami? You can ask Guuji Yae in person then.” Tsuyuko suggested.
“But.. but the others will see me and…”
“And what? This seems to be the perfect opportunity for you to get out of the shrine without the residents flocking around you the moment you step foot in the village,” Tsuyuko countered.
“Tsuyuko has a point, your Excellency,” Gorou agreed.
“Plus, if you are worried about your safety, I’m sure Doggy General here would gladly escort you around,” Tsyuko smirked.
“Huh? Doggy General? I…” Gorou spluttered.
“No excuses. Isn’t it the duty of the General to ensure the safety of our Divine Priestess at every turn?”
“Of course that is a definite, it’s just that…”
“Then it’s settled. Doggy General will escort you to Narukami. As for your work, we will cover for you during your absence.” Without giving Gorou to object to the nickname, Tsuyuko clapped her hands as she assured Kokomi. Kokomi could only stare and nod dumbly, trying to process what had just happened.
Please take good care of her,” Tsuyuko said as she handed Gorou a bag with the necessities for their trip. “Oh, and Happy Early Birthday, Your Excellency!” Tsuyuko added. With that, Kokomi and Gorou were unceremoniously ushered out of the shrine before the door was shut before them.
Slinging the bag over his shoulder, Gorou looked at Kokomi. “Let’s get going… I guess? We should start making our way to Narukami before it gets too late.” Kokomi nodded in response. Kokomi and Gorou slowly made their descent from the shrine and towards Borou Village. Thankfully, most only gave the usual greetings as the duo walked past, with some of the residents even handing Kokomi some sweets, commenting on how cute she was. Kokomi politely thanked them as she received them, keeping up the image of a 10 years old child. All seemed to be going well until a familiar voice called out.
“General Gorou!”
Kokomi tensed up and grabbed Gorou’s hand tighter. They turned to see Ookubo Daisuke walking towards them.
“General Gorou, I want to… Oh what a cute kid she is. She looks so much like Her Excellency! Wait, are you and Lady Kokomi… Is she your…?
“Wait! I think we are barreling into a serious misunderstanding here.” Gorou frantically denied. “This girl is.. She’s urr..”
“I’m Kokoro, Kokomi’s younger cousin. Kokomi-nee is busy currently so she sent Doggy General to bring me around during my stay here. Right?” Kokomi hurriedly interjected, flashing Gorou a smile.
“Yes, Her Excellency wanted me to take care of Kokoro while she’s busy. I'm bringing Kokoro here around Watatsumi. We will be heading off to Narukami Island in a while though,”
“Doggy General!” Ookubo roared with laughter. Gorou blushed a deep shade of red while Kokomi giggled. “I see. I hope you enjoy your time here in Watatsumi and Inazuma.”
After Ookubu went away, they both breathed a sigh of relief. “Well that went well, thankfully. Thanks for covering for me, Your Excellency.” Gorou said.
“Don’t worry about it. We can’t afford to let our cover be blown.” Kokomi assured. "But to think that he thought that way of us. I wonder if the others have the same opinion" Kokomi said as she tried to stifle her laughter as Gorou blushed once again as he scratched his head before laughing slightly. "I guess i should give the Army a serious talk when we get back."
With that, the stress of being exposed has been washed away and the mood between the duo lightened up. “What are we waiting for, Doggy General?” Kokomi laughed and pulled on Gorou’s hand “Let’s get going to Narukami Island now.”