Chapter 2 – The Shrine Maiden’s Proposal

Since that night, Amakasa Hiori had begun visiting the Watanabe shrine more often. She would help sweep the courtyard, chat with Kei’s grandmother, and sometimes even bring offerings.

Kurosaki, of course, saw right through it.

“So that’s your intention, huh, young maiden? Hmph. If it’s for Kei, then I’ll give you my blessing.”

Hiori blushed furiously, bowing politely. Kei, however, remained blissfully unaware of everything.

Kei had resumed his daily life, still accompanied by the mischievous fox yokai who had refused to leave his side.

“You know, since the love talisman is gone, there shouldn’t be any more trouble, right?” Kei muttered as he stocked shelves at the supermarket where he worked part-time.

The fox yokai grinned slyly.

“Not really. The talisman may be gone, but your misfortune will follow you forever. That’s just who you are, Kei.”

“Great. Thanks for the encouragement,” Kei sighed, both annoyed and oddly thankful that at least he wasn’t being forced to marry spirits anymore.

That evening, Kei returned home exhausted. As he stepped into the courtyard, he noticed several pairs of sandals lined up neatly outside.

“Huh? Guests at this hour? Must be someone visiting Grandma’s shrine…”

But when he slid the door open, he froze. Sitting formally inside were none other than Hiori and her parents.

Before Kei could even greet them, his grandmother barked:

“Kei! Bow down, you idiot!”

Startled, Kei knelt awkwardly.

“W-wait, what’s going on here?!”

Kurosaki smirked.

“You’ve been officially proposed to. This is an engagement ceremony, Kei.”

“E-ENGAGEMENT?!” Kei’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

The fox yokai burst out laughing, rolling on the floor.

“Pfft—HAHAHA! Look at your face! Oh, this is priceless!”

Hiori’s cheeks turned scarlet as she looked at Kei.

“I still remember… when you saved me from drowning as a child. You… kissed me back then, didn’t you?”

Kei flailed his arms.

“W-wait! That wasn’t a kiss, it was CPR! Just mouth-to-mouth resuscitation!”

Hiori smiled shyly, shaking her head.

“Call it what you like… but to me, that was proof. From that day on, you’ve belonged to me.”

Kei’s face turned bright red.

Wh-what kind of logic is that?! How can she just decide that?!

But as Hiori’s golden eyes locked with his, Kei felt his resistance slowly crumble.

That very moment, a dark glass-like shackle shattered behind him—an invisible curse of misfortune breaking apart. The shards dissolved into black mist before vanishing completely.

Kei felt lighter than ever.

And so, though confused and overwhelmed, Kei accepted the engagement. A few years later, he married Hiori. Together, they had children who often played happily with the fox yokai, who had become part of the family.

The shrine, once plagued by restless spirits, was now filled with laughter, warmth, and a love Kei never thought he’d find.