Chapter 21 two

The incident started with a phone call from Chitanda one day near the end of the year. "Oreki-san, do you have any plans for New Year's Day?" When asked, I thought about it for a while. When I was in elementary school, I went to visit the New Year's shrine almost every year.For no other reason than my sister loves this annual routine.If you like it, go alone, but for some reason she always takes me with you.It’s all right to accompany her to the nearby Hachiman Shrine, but I was killed miserably during my sister’s college entrance examination. "Pray for me to pass the exam too"——I received such an order, but she spent several hours taking me to the Tenmangu Temple thousands of miles away.I still remember that she ordered others to make a wish, but she didn't buy a single amulet, and she was immersed in the "game of drawing a lot of luck in a row" on her own.

After entering university, the scope of my sister's travels suddenly expanded.It couldn't take me because the scope was too big, so I didn't have a necessary reason to participate in the routine.Don't do superfluous things, keep things simple.Because it's the first month, I don't have any reservations. "No, no." Hearing what I said, Chitanda's voice brightened, "That's it. Then, do you want to visit the shrine in the New Year?" "...Could it be Tianmangu Palace?" "Hey, is it better to go to Tenmangu Shrine? But, it's very far away...very far away."

Yes, very far. Perhaps he misunderstood me as a fanatical follower of Mr. Kan, Chitanda tentatively said, "Well, I mean, if possible, would you like to go to Arakusu Shrine?" Arakusu Shrine is not far away.If it's not snowing, it's a short bike ride away.But I wasn't in the mood at all.Arakusu Shrine is the largest shrine in Kinabalu City, and it must be overcrowded when it comes to the first month.Drilling into a crowd of people in the howling wind is really not energy-saving.I switched handsets. "Is there a problem?" "It's not a big deal."

As she spoke, her voice gradually became more excited: "I heard that Mayahua is going to work there." Ihara?I imagined Ihara working part-time in front of the surging crowds at the New Year Arakusu Shrine. "..." "Ah, you are smiling." I laughed.If you want to talk about the part-time job at the shrine in the first month, you must wear white and red.And Ihara looks young for his age, and if he doesn't speak clearly, he will be mistaken for a primary school student.presumably-- "It doesn't quite fit." "That's too much to say, Oreki-san."

There was also a hint of a smile in Chitanda's criticism.Rather than saying that she was laughing at my rudeness, it would be better to say that she was laughing at the scene itself that didn't go well with Ibara. "Therefore, Fukube-san seems to be going too. This is a rare opportunity, so I want to ask Oreki-san if he agrees?" The so-called Fukube is Satoshi Fukube.My old friend is also a member of the Ancient Books Research Society.At the same time, he is also a member of the technical club, a general affairs committee member and a cycling enthusiast.He and Yi Yuan maintained a close relationship, and it was impossible for him not to want to see that kind of dressed Yi Yuan.

I see.Taunting Ibara was indeed quite amusing.But it would be too bad to use that as a reason to visit New Year's shrines.Well, if you can pray for a stable and healthy year ahead, it would be worth a visit... Just as I was thinking this, Chitanda said again: "And..." "Anything else?" "It's not a big deal." This time she seemed a little shy.Chitanda lowered her voice slightly, and said, "...I also want to show off the kimono a little bit." The only positive reason to reject Chitanda is "coldness".Of course it will be cold in winter - if you want to put it that way, you have to endure the coldness.

However, on New Year's Day when Vientiane was renewed, a strong cold current covered the Japanese archipelago.After the sun set, the coldness in Shenshan City suddenly became fierce. Wearing my usual white coat, beige scarf and gloves, and a warm pack in my pocket—even so, my teeth were still chattering.Because I was afraid that my feet would be frozen, I deliberately chose a pair of boots without laces.Before going out, the TV seemed to say that the temperature on New Year's Day had set a new record for this winter.The sky was cloudless, and the stars were sickeningly clear.The clear air added another layer to the psychological chill.

The meeting place is under Ishitorii.Even at this time, the Arakusu Shrine is still overcrowded.That being said, the road is not crowded, and getting into the crowd can take some of the chill off.Compared to the freezing night sky, the approach with bonfires and lanterns was somewhat warmer. On the road, pedestrians wearing jackets or overcoats huddled one by one.That being said, the bitterly cold weather didn't dampen their moods.On both sides of the approach, several groups of people who are familiar with each other are saying new year to each other.On my side, Chitanda was still missing.

"Is it too early...?" It is really uncomfortable to wait for people in this temperature.Thinking, I glanced at my watch.Just then, a black taxi stopped in front of the torii gate.As the rear door opened, a woman got out of the car saying "Thank you very much, please."Against the background of the starlight and the bonfire, the red kimono on the women showed a beautiful color.She put on a black overcoat over the kimono, and held a lavender handbag in her hand, on which was embroidered with a ball of gold thread.She tied her hair back with a hairpin.Finally, there was a wine bottle wrapped in white paper, probably a gift.

As expected of the first month, there are really people dressed up. Thinking of this, I realized that that person was Chitanda. I didn't expect that she would come by taxi.It turns out that taxi drivers also have to work in the first month of the month——I thought about it one way or another.Seeing me, Chitanda smiled and said, "Have you waited long?" "No……" "Happy New Year." "Ah, happy new year." "Please take care of me this year too." "Uh, it's from my side, please forgive me in the new year." how to say.Because I was caught off guard, my response was hasty.Not knowing if she saw my embarrassment, Chitanda raised her hands to her sides, showed off her sleeves and said, "I'm here to show off my kimono."

The kimono is based on red, so it must be very gorgeous.Although it is gorgeous, it will not overwhelm the guests.The clothes are bright in color and have the taste of the first month.The most incredible thing was that Chitanda didn't look flirtatious when she wore it.It looks gorgeous, yet elegant.I have seen my sister dressed in a kimono before, why does she only have the feeling of "a crazy princess from nowhere". Since Chitanda was wearing a black coat, I could only see the pattern on the front of the kimono.Butterflies dance on the red background, and a river is embroidered on the cuffs.No, it should be the wind? Although I couldn't make any comments, Chitanda seemed satisfied after showing off, and didn't wait for my reaction.She switched the handbag to her left hand and the wine bottle to her right hand, looked ahead of the approach and said, "Let's go then." Walking ahead, the sandals on her feet rattled non-stop.Looking at her back, I hesitated: Should I say something like "very suitable"? In the bustling crowd, we moved forward together with the sound of click, click. As expected before, after getting into the crowd, the chill eased a lot.The stone road stretches straight down, and under the night, the silhouettes of pedestrians are reflected by the lights of lanterns.I suddenly noticed that the wine bottle that Chitanda was carrying seemed heavy.It is dangerous to use both hands in such a crowded crowd, so I offered to help carry it.She was not extra polite: "Thank you very much, then please." "this is?" "It's wine." Of course I know that, and I don't think it's soy sauce either. "My family has some friendship with the clergy here. This is a New Year's gift." "Do you have to run errands for the family just after entering the first lunar month? It's really hard." Hearing what I said, Chitanda smiled sweetly: "It's better to say that it's more difficult during the day. Relatives came to visit one after another to pay New Year's greetings, and I was a good boy at home all day." Chitanda's appearance as a good child emerged in his mind: brightly dressed, with light makeup, sitting beside the parents sitting upright, motionless. Leaving aside good and bad children, the Chitanda family is very large and has a long history—not referring to the building, but the entire family.Chitanda herself is the only child in her family.I've also heard from time to time that she always attends social events that I've never even heard of. After all, I was a little puzzled before.Why choose New Year's worship at night?It was cold enough.I thought it must be Ibara who changed shifts at night, but now it seems that the busiest person during the day may be the daughter of the Chitanda family. "I only ate a piece of boiled rice cake during the day, and I'm a little hungry now." Saying that, Chitanda compared her belly. "What did Oreki-san do?" "I... imitate the ecology of hermit crabs." "Hey?" It's cold today. Because it was too cold, I decided to imitate the hermit crab from the morning. To put it bluntly, it is to get under the quilt table with your head exposed, and spend time with oranges as your only true friend.Maybe it's more snail-like than hermit crab.My father went out to visit friends at work, and my sister went out for some unknown reason.As a result, I was able to devote myself to biological research to my heart's content. I read to pass the time when I have nothing to do, eat some boiled rice cakes when I’m hungry, and sort out the New Year’s cards on a whim—I just messed around until noon on January 1st.In the afternoon, after leisurely watching "New Year's TV drama special program Fengyun Ji Xiaogucheng", it was evening. Thinking back, this is really not easy to say.It's been a lazy day since the beginning of the new year.Because I don't want to talk about this anymore, I changed the topic somewhat forcefully and said, "Where's Satoshi?" Chitanda wasn't displeased at all: "Mayaka-san should have already contacted him." In the Ancient Books Research Club, it was always Ihara who was in charge of contacting Satoshi.Not only because Ihara likes to chat with Satoshi, but also for a more practical reason: Ihara and Satoshi both have mobile phones, while Chitanda and I do not.Although I also think it's time to buy one, but I'm so shy, I guess it won't work in the short term. After walking for a short time, a series of steep stone steps appeared in front of the approach.The stone steps are very wide on the left and right, and there is an iron guardrail on the left, right and middle.Looking around, there are not just one or two elderly people walking up and down the steps on the guardrail. There is a row of swaying lanterns on both sides of the approach, but there are no installations on the outside of the stone steps.Instead, erected on the left and right sides of the stairs were two rows of white flags that said "Arakusu Shrine".Two flags are set at intervals, and some residual snow can be seen on the slope between them. "Oreki-san, it's a bit slippery here." Chitanda, who was walking in front, said so. After climbing the stone steps, we walked through another torii gate.The courtyard of the Arakusu Shrine is very large, and the approach is even more noisy.I feel that the surroundings are filled with a harmonious atmosphere to welcome the new year. Am I thinking too much? A big bonfire was lit in the middle of the courtyard, and people formed a circle around the fire.Although everyone was willing to gather around the bonfire under the bitter cold wind, it may be that the fire was too strong and hot, and most people turned their backs to the flames.Those who stretched their hands towards the campfire and made a lot of noise were all children.A figure holding a paper cup is very eye-catching, probably he is distributing hot drinks. On the right hand side above the stairs is the social affairs office, which is now set up as a shop selling auspicious items.It may be that the peak period has passed. Although there are many guests on site, it is not crowded yet.Ihara should be there too.Turning your eyes away from the social affairs office, a small red torii gate that is not very conspicuous comes into view, which should enshrine the God of Inari.In contrast to the white flags set up around, the red flag "right one" in front of the red torii stands majestically.A small miscellaneous house was built next to the red flag.It may be that people who do business have to pay homage to Inari God. Although the location is hidden, there are many people visiting the shrine. I'm starting to think the bottle is a bit heavy. "Go and put this down." I pointed out the bottle of wine.Chitanda tilted her head, thought for a while, and said, "Should we finish the worship first?" To go to worship the temple, you have to go up a flight of stairs.But this time the slope of the stone steps is very gentle and the distance is not long.Although there are only a dozen steps, half of the steps are crowded with worshippers.Chitanda and I also joined the line. Every minute or two, the crowd advances one level.Several people stood sideways in a row, threw some sesame oil money and joined hands to make a wish, then walked left and right to change to the next row.From a human point of view, it is indeed a visit to a shrine, but from a god's point of view, it is just like a wave of work commissions. Putting aside ordinary wishes such as "May I be healthy" or "May all human beings live in peace", but "I hope grandpa will recover well. Ah, but it doesn't have to be so harsh. And , I hope my child will go well in the exam, and in detail, he failed in the private school and was admitted to the public school." This kind of complicated and trivial wish, it is already very hard for the gods to grasp the content. Thinking about these useless things, it will be our turn in a while.I dropped a five-yen coin on the white cloth spread around the money box.Let me think about it, yes-- Hopefully the energy consumption will be a bit more even this year. In this way, the main task of New Year's visit to the shrine is completed.Then put down the wine first, and then laugh at Ibara.Just when I was about to sneak into the crowd shopping for souvenirs, Chitanda tugged on my coat sleeve and said, "Where are you going?" "Aren't you going to find Ihara?" "In that case, after celebrating the New Year with the clergy, just go to the social affairs office to meet." A few blushing men gathered in front of the gate of the social affairs office.The young ones are about forty years old, and there are also old people in their seventies and eighties. They should be nearby residents who worship the gods of the same clan and come to help.Chitanda walked among them gracefully and opened the lattice door of the front entrance, while I followed behind somewhat timidly.Although I know it's embarrassing, but to be honest, I haven't set foot in an adult's social circle yet. "Excuse me, is anyone there?" Chitanda asked while looking into the room.But no one answered, maybe they are all busy.After shouting two or three more times, a white-haired man with a flushed face finally came out.He said with a sullen face and a rough voice: "What's the matter?" Chitanda bowed her head slightly and saluted: "Happy New Year. I am here to congratulate everyone on behalf of Chitanda Tetsugo. My name is Eru." After hearing this, the man's face turned bright: "Ah, it belongs to Chitanda's family. Well, please come inside first, and I will report it for you." "Okay, excuse me." I'm Oreki who came with you, excuse me. The man ushered us into the hall.The living room surrounded by paper doors is at least dozens of tatami mats in size. Thanks to its spaciousness, the ceiling appears to be very low.The circular stoves are neatly arranged, and red flames can still be seen in the small windows.In addition, there are dozens of tables in the living room, and people have chosen their own places to eat and drink.There was laughter in the room from time to time, which made me feel hot. "Find a corner and wait for a while." "Ah, um." Maybe it's not yet the official start of the banquet, and the seats in the hall are still quite empty.Chitanda and I found a table in the corner of the room.Before sitting down, Chitanda took off the black overcoat on the kimono.I thought it was just an ordinary overcoat, but under the electric light, the texture of the clothes was a little wrinkled, and the pattern was a little hazy.Noticing that I had been staring at him, Chitanda asked, "...what's wrong?" "No, I just feel that the texture is a little different." Chitanda smiled after listening, "Thank you very much, this is called crepe." Mito Komon and his party walked through my mind. I also took off my coat.I can leave my cheap clothes anywhere, but Chitanda found a hook from the Kamo House and hung his coat on it. After a while, a young woman opened the screen and appeared in a corner of the hall.I saw her in a white dress and scarlet skirt, with a bunch of long hair combed behind her head, she was completely dressed as a witch.That being said, the woman also wore thin-rimmed glasses over her face, which didn't quite match her overall attire.Incredibly, this sense of incongruity actually gave people a feeling of "she's used to this kind of dress".Shouldn't be working.If this is a real Miko, then this is the first time I've seen it. Young is true, but how old can it be?Probably less than twenty.After the woman spotted Chitanda, she walked straight over here.Next, Chitanda in a red kimono and a shrine maiden in a scarlet skirt were sitting opposite each other. Chitanda saluted first: "Happy New Year, please take care of me this year too." The witch also responded solemnly: "Happy New Year." "This is the wine that my father asked me to bring, I hope you can accept it." Ah, here it is—I hold out the bottle.The witch made a big gift and said, "Thank you very much, then I will accept it." "Where is it? It's just a small gift, just to express your heart." I can't help but blurt out.Chitanda covered her mouth and laughed, "Oreki-san, that's what I should say." It was only when I was told that that I came back to my senses.That's right, I was just helping to carry it because it was too heavy. After all, this bottle of wine is a gift from Chitanda's family, and it's not my turn to be humble in terms of affection and courtesy.It's over, I'm doing stupid things under the influence of a strange atmosphere. The miko said to the panicked me: "My family does not accept small gifts." No way?Thinking of me, I looked at the witch.I saw her serious face, it didn't feel like she was joking. Chitanda responded with a smile: "Don't say that, please accept it...Although it is indeed just a small gift." I finally noticed that there was a smile on the corner of Miko's mouth.It seemed that Chitanda knew this shrine maiden.I guess they were joking.Seriously, it scared the hell out of me. The witch asked, "Are you from Class B?" What is she saying?After a moment of confusion, I realized that I was indeed in Class B of the first year of Shenshan High School. "That's right." Just when I was wondering why she knew about my class, Miko asked a second question: "Did Fukube-san not be with you?" Even Satoshi knew it!This, is this the divine power of the shrine maiden? ?Does the priestess of Arakusu Shrine have the ability to see through other people's past! ?Have you seen through my laziness and doing nothing today? ? It seemed that I was expressing my inner turmoil on my face, Chitanda whispered in my ear, "This is Jumonji Kaho-san." who? "One year class D." I looked at the miko in front of me again. The graceful demeanor, the straight back-these all seem very natural.Although I really think she should not be twenty years old—— "Same grade!?" But I still couldn't help crying out. Seeing this, Chitanda and Jumonji Kaho laughed together. In class D, Miko and Satoshi should be in the same class.So, no wonder she knew Satoshi. The two in kimono chatted intimately for a while.Remembering that he was still at work, Shi Wenwen got up and said, "Then I will excuse you first." After that, she turned to leave.And Chitanda stopped her from behind: "By the way, I want to meet Mayaka Ibara, is it convenient now?" "Ibara...oh, it's that kid. I don't know too well, but it should be about right. You can walk to the back door of the store from here, go and have a look." Hearing the shrine staff say the word "shop" themselves was a bit of a shock to me.There is indeed a store over there.I didn't have any unrealistic fantasies... Chitanda and I stood up together and opened the sliding door in the direction indicated by Jumonji. In the corridor, a faint noise came to my ears.We used it to orient the store right away.Chitanda, who was wearing a shoe bag, walked lightly and quickly, but my feet were almost numb from the cold floor. At the end of the corridor, we gently opened the wooden door. Arrows to ward off evil, bamboo rakes, tumblers, amulets, and a variety of products in the store.The guests are served by three women dressed as shrine maidens.However, it may be due to time constraints that there is no need for three people to be on duty anymore—Chitanda, who was squatting in front of the wooden door and looking for Ihara through the crack of the door, saw the target immediately.Ihara sat at the place closest to the door, obviously more free than the other two.Same as Shiwen, she also wore a white dress and a scarlet skirt, with a long braid on the back of her head. No, something is wrong.Ibara didn't have long hair.From this point of view, it was probably a wig.Is this what it feels like when Ibara has long hair and tied it up? "Student Mayaka." Chitanda spoke up.Ibara turned her head and smiled at Chitanda, then frowned again when she saw me.Helplessly, she couldn't make a mistake in front of the guests, so she just slightly parted her cherry lips, and said in a low and short voice: "Don't look at it." Those who celebrate the New Year are really ruthless.You don't want to be seen dressed like this, why are you here to work? "Happy New Year." Chitanda whispered.Ihara nodded, looked around, then turned his upper body to the wooden door and said, "Happy New Year. This kimono is awesome, very beautiful." "Thank you for the compliment." "While sleeves?" "No, this one is from Komon. Furisode will be saved for college." Komon? The 'common' of 'common sense'?Do you mean 'general kimono'?Even the kimono world has been invaded by English? "I'll call it a day in one hour, Xiaoqian, what are you going to do later?" "I might have to go to the lobby to be entertained. Where's Fukube-san?" "I've been here during the day, but I rushed back to watch some 'New Year's TV drama special show Fengyun Xiaogucheng'. I should be back soon." Even though they were talking, the flow of passengers did not appear to be stagnant.After all, there were basically no products in front of the window where Ihara was sitting.I asked reflexively, "What are you in charge of?" "Draw lots. Also responsible for directions, lost and found, and change." There are also people who draw lots in front of Ihara.It seems that customers just need to throw a hundred yen on a wooden tray covered with white paper and go completely self-help. Probably noticing my gaze, Ihara tried to emphasize: "It's very busy during the day!" She also seems to admit that she is very free now. However, the guy wasn't necessarily lying when he said she was busy during the day.I also found that there was a basin beside Ihara who was sitting, and the basin was filled with wallets, mobile phones, keys, folding umbrellas and so on. "The helpers are very serious about patrolling. As soon as they find valuables, they will send them here. There are also a lot of lost children. So listen carefully, I am very busy during the day." Even if you don't emphasize it so much, I don't suspect that you are lazy at work, not at all. Chitanda diverted the topic away from Ibara's work: "It feels really good to draw lots. I'll draw one too." After saying that, Chitanda stood up from her squatting body.Seeing her turn around and prepare to leave, Yi Yuan said, "Hey, where are you going?" "Go around outside..." "It's okay, you can smoke here." With the clerk's permission, Chitanda took out the wallet from the bag, and took out another 100 yen from the wallet.Ihara looked at the tote bag and said, "Ah, this one is also good. It feels very high-end." "hey-hey." When the accessories were praised, Chitanda also smiled happily.I was a little surprised. Chitanda and girls of the same age have somewhat different values.So I don't think the average girl's reaction of "happy because the handbag is complimented" doesn't suit her.Of course, this is just my own wild imagination.It is arrogance to guess everything about others when you only know a little bit.Change it up this year. Beside me who made this unreliable decision, Ibara muttered thoughtfully: "That's right. The so-called handbag, this kind is considered ordinary..." Well, the linen tote bag that Satoshi usually carries is not a lot. It's a rare New Year's visit, why don't I also draw a lottery.So following Chitanda, I also put a hundred-yen coin in Ibara's hand.Ibara put two hundred yuan into the wooden tray, and handed over a hexagonal cylinder. "Okay, please...May the Lord bless you both." This line is wrong, I said. Chitanda was drawn first.Little by little, she tore open the sticky little piece of paper.Before I started smoking, she shouted in an excited voice: "Wow, it's good luck!" That's really congratulations.But I also have to learn from Chitanda, and I hope the lottery in hand is not too bad.Thinking about it, I also tore open my signature. "..." "What's wrong, Oreki-san?" "No, it's nothing. It looks like this year will be full of good things." Ibara looked at me, waved his white sleeves and pointed his fingers in front of his face, saying, "...you've got Sueji!" Is my expression so easy to understand?After sighing, I showed the lottery in my hand to the two—— 'The ears of rice soar into the sky, but the bird food is rare.The wind breaks everything, but if you walk carefully, you will be lucky. ' In large letters on the back it reads—— 'fierce'.