Story:

Peach placed her palms upon the tatami and began to bow. “Thank—”

“Before you finish.” Something in Seira’s voice made her stop.

The Grand Miko’s solemn expression had acquired a distinctly wicked curve.

“It would be unfair to leave you with such an admirable impression of me.”

Shiki closed her eyes briefly.

Seira rested her cheek against her knuckles. “I did help them deliberately, you know. With the pleasant expectation that, when you arrived, you might feel inclined to repay the favor.”

Peach slowly straightened. For a moment, she simply stared.

Beside her, Violet released a quiet breath through her nose. Butterfly’s expression became carefully neutral.

“So,” Peach said, “you were waiting until I thanked you.”

“Your gratitude was coming along beautifully. I thought I should clarify the terms before you made it too heartfelt.”

The softness Peach had begun to feel toward her did not disappear, but it developed several sharp edges.

“What does Tensho Jinja want me to do?”

Seira lowered her hand. “Continue your original quest.”

Peach frowned.

“Stop the seed of chaos,” Seira said. “Save both worlds.”

The chamber seemed suddenly too quiet.

“Seed of chaos,” Peach repeated. “Do you mean—”

“You saw it yourself.” Seira’s eyes held hers. “On the night of that terrible red moon.”