-2181- I will wait for your return

For some reason, the miasma and shikigami that once filled the forbidden ground had completely vanished.

Rozen walked along the familiar path, reminiscing about the past with a touch of nostalgia.

Back then, in this very place, he and Raishin had schemed tirelessly to defeat an Enenra. Now, such a shikigami would likely be obliterated with a single strike from him.

"I even have Enenras and mountain gods among my summoned Night Parade of a Hundred Demons," Rozen mused as he arrived at the shrine within the forbidden ground.

Once, the Izanagi had left a token here, guarded by the shikigami Enenra. Later, the shrine had been reduced to rubble in the flames.

Yet now, it had been rebuilt.

And before it, a girl in shrine maiden attire danced a sacred kagura.

"Cling, Cling."

The bells tied to the ends of her dance sash chimed rhythmically with her movements, creating an ethereal melody.

Rozen stood transfixed, his breath caught in his throat.

In this forest, now free of miasma and shikigami, the boy and girl faced each other—one watching, one dancing.

The moment stretched until, finally, the dance ended.

The girl—Hinowa—opened her eyes, meeting Rozen's gaze directly.

"Rozen-sama."

Her voice rippled with emotion.

"Hinowa."

He spoke her name softly.

After so long, amidst so many changes, they were truly reunited.

Yet words failed them, leaving only a heavy silence.

Finally, Hinowa bowed her head.

"Forgive me for calling you here."

"...No, I should thank you for giving me a chance to say goodbye."

Rozen smiled faintly after a pause.

Hinowa's expression flickered with sorrow—she knew of his impending departure—but she quickly steadied herself.

"Hinowa has become the head of the Izanagi," she said quietly. "Though the name 'Izanagi' will be discarded, the clan still looks to the Domon for leadership."

"Is that so?" Rozen sighed. "You could have let someone else take the burden."

Hinowa shook her head. "Even after Grandmother's sins, before the Izanagi are fully integrated into the Akabane clan, Hinowa wishes to fulfill her duty—to restore the clan's spirit."

The Izanagi had been left broken after the recent turmoil, many unable to move forward. Seeing them in that state—so similar to how she herself had been during those two months—Hinowa had resolved to guide them.

"All I wish now is for the Akabane and Izanagi to cast aside their grudges and truly unite as one clan, protecting this nation together."

Her wish was simple.

Rozen nodded. "Nadeshiko is capable and kind-hearted. She will treat the Izanagi as true kin."

Hinowa's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Then Hinowa can rest easy."

Silence fell again.

Studying her hesitant expression, Rozen finally asked the question weighing on him.

"Do you hate me?"

Hinowa had expected this. She shook her head firmly.

"Hinowa could never hate Rozen-sama."

"Why?" Rozen pressed. "I took your family from you, ignored our bond, and dismantled the entire Izanagi clan. How can you not resent me?"

Hinowa closed her eyes briefly, recalling the past, then met his gaze squarely.

"Even so, hatred is impossible."

Her voice was steady.

"Grandmother atoned with her life. The Izanagi's downfall was inevitable—the omens foretold it. Cause begets effect. The Akabane were merely caught in the storm of our own making. The clan also accepts this."

She took a deep breath, her next words deliberate.

"I grieve, but bears no resentment. My feelings for Rozen-sama—from the beginning until now, and forever after—will never change."

With that, she drew something from her sleeve—the very token Rozen had returned to her.

"Rozen-sama."

Clutching the bell-adorned sash tightly, she mustered her courage.

"Please accept this again."

This was why she had called him here.

Rozen had guessed as much when he saw the sash. Yet...

"Can I really take it back?"

His smile was bittersweet.

"Of course." Hinowa's reply was immediate. "It has always belonged to you."

She stepped forward, offering the sash with both hands.

Rozen studied her face—the faint tremble in her lips, the anxious hope in her eyes—and fell silent for a long moment.

Finally, he exhaled softly and accepted the sash with a gentle smile.

Tears welled in Hinowa's eyes.

This simple act meant their bond remained unbroken—no, strengthened by the trials they'd endured.

"I will wait for your return, Rozen-sama."

Her promise was unwavering.

"Mm."

Rozen's smile turned peaceful, all burdens lifted.

Now, he could depart without regrets.

That day, Rozen left this world with a light heart—

—bound for the final place where his regrets lingered.