One day apart feels like three years.

This phrase perfectly captures the mood and setting.

Since the last meeting at the Shiyao Shrine, only a few months have passed, but for the man and woman walking side by side at this moment, it feels like several years, even decades have gone by.

It is not only the two of them; perhaps the entire Japanese nation shares this feeling. In just a few months' time, the financial market soared like a fighter jet taking off, only to plummet vertically, as if the tank had run dry…

It may not have completely hit the ground yet, but the fierce centrifugal force has already left countless people shattered, torn apart.

Outside Yasukuni Shrine.

Apart from a sign prohibiting urination and defecation anywhere, there was a new notice board.

It read, "Venue under maintenance, temporarily closed."

This was likely the reason why the distinguished couple chose to meet here, free from interference by the public and without having to clear the area, disturbing the people.

Miss Fujiwara still wore a traditional gentlewoman's dress, her whole face concealed by a veil. The solemn, black lace gown created an aura of unapproachability, as if she was mourning something.

Perhaps mourning the spirits enshrined in this divine restroom.

Or maybe mourning those seriously injured or killed in this financial catastrophe.

"If we had implemented Miss Fujiwara's ideas, our shrine should be bustling with people now."

She had once asked him to advise the Emperor on properly handling the nuclear wastewater incident.

It seemed unrelated, but it was, in fact, a butterfly effect traced back, with Yingdong Electric Power being the fuse that ignited this historical catastrophe.

He promised her, and indeed, made an effort.

But evidently.

Neither he nor she carried enough weight or influence to succeed.

"We've done all we could, so Prince His Highness need not blame himself."

"After spending decades, we only barely managed to stand up again…"

A noble sense of compassion suffused Wataru Tetsuya's face, mingled with a helplessness of wanting change but being powerless.

Just like his description.

The entire nation felt like a patient who had fallen and struggled to get back up, with injuries almost healing, but then "boom," hit by a shovel, dizzy and bleeding all over the face.

"As things stand, dwelling on this is meaningless. Prince His Highness, we should be grateful now that we still have a chance to begin anew, shouldn't we?"

Miss Fujiwara's voice seeped through the veil, exuding an optimistic and uplifting force amidst the haze.

Wataru Tetsuya seemed encouraged, nodded.

"Hmm, the Yamato Ethnicity is the greatest ethnicity in the world, never lacking the courage to start afresh."

They strolled slowly under the eaves.

"It should be a busy time by now, Miss Fujiwara…"

"Like Prince His Highness, national affairs don't need us to trouble ourselves."

Wataru Tetsuya's expression subtly changed.

From a certain angle.

They indeed shared a sense of sympathy.

"Miss Fujiwara's talent and wisdom are unparalleled among those I've met. Miss Fujiwara should not waste her gifts, otherwise, it would be a loss for herself, the Fujiwara Family, and our entire Japanese nation."

Wataru Tetsuya spoke calmly and earnestly.

Miss Fujiwara turned her head to glance at him. Though her true visage was unseen, the amusement in her eyes was deeply intriguing.

In an incense hall with doors wide open.

They stopped.

Wataru Tetsuya turned sideways, peering into the incense hall.

The interior was extremely solemn. Even though it was temporarily closed without any tourists, incense continued to burn, smoke curling upwards.

However, there was one visibly unusual point.

Though there were indeed three rows of tablets offerings evidenced, curiously, two rows were empty.

Indeed.

Empty.

The tablets should have been placed but were nowhere in sight!

The two empty offering rows made the visual effect of the scene unbalanced, awkward and thin.

Some incense burners in front of the vacant spiritual tablet rows had been removed, while others awaited removal, suggesting the layout would soon be modified, or was already being modified.

Could this be the reason for "Venue under maintenance, temporarily closed"?

"Still arrived a step too late."

Prince Wataru Tetsuya and Miss Fujiwara entered.

Looking at the only remaining row of tablets, Wataru Tetsuya surprisingly showed no sadness.

"They continue to sacrifice and dedicate for the Yamato Ethnicity after death; the spirits of the noble deceased would surely not blame or be angry. The Yamato people will always hold them dearly in their hearts."

Speaking these words, Prince His Highness clasped his hands together and bowed deeply with utmost respect and piety in worship.

By contrast.

Miss Fujiwara beside stood motionless.

True.

She had always been an unwavering realist, never believing in ghosts and goblins since when were they not commonplace?

Moreover.

She had personally witnessed someone unbuckling their belt here, how could she feel any reverence?

Wataru Tetsuya maintained the ninety-degree bow for several seconds before straightening again.

"Miss Fujiwara…"

He turned his head, indicating if the completely still Miss Fujiwara wanted to show some expression.

Yet Miss Fujiwara remained unmoved.

"Even if they won't blame us, as descendants, we shouldn't forgive ourselves."

These words were sincere.

Ancestors' graves were dug up, yet unabashedly claiming the ancestors sacrificed for future generations is worth rejoicing and should be celebrated.

Just see if your ancestors' coffin lid holds shut.

Bowing.

Worshiping.

For what purpose?

No use at all.

Just now, it was nothing more than a show, a face display, and Wataru Tetsuya's face slightly stiffened.

"Naturally."

Miss Fujiwara turned her head, cornering her eyes, leaking a trace of amusement, "The ones who ought to be here to atone are not us."

Eyes locked.

Wataru Tetsuya's expression relaxed and he smiled.

Indeed.

The blame for all this occurring wasn't on them.

They were powerless.

"Miss Fujiwara, Tetsuya has a presumptuous request."

Staring at those captivating eyes, after hesitating, Wataru Tetsuya chose to speak.

"Please speak, Prince His Highness."

"Having known each other for so long, Tetsuya has yet to see Miss Fujiwara's face."

The woman, revealing only her eyes, hesitated for a moment.

"Aren't you afraid of being disappointed, Prince His Highness?"

"The inner charm of Miss Fujiwara already captivates, regardless of your looks, Tetsuya will not be disappointed."

The elongated corner of the eyes created another line; the woman remained silent before slowly raising her hand.

Wataru Tetsuya held his breath, watching intently.

A side of the veil was lifted, slowly removed.

A face potentially more captivating than her inner charm was finally exposed to the air.

Instantly.

Prince Wataru Tetsuya's expression froze, pupils constricted aggressively.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.