I was cuckolded by my childhood friend, but I want to create a harem in a world where chastity is reversed and be happy. - Chapter 139: The Shrine Maiden Seems Softer Somehow

Chapter 139: The Shrine Maiden Seems Softer Somehow

 While Kogarasu and I were backstage, an announcement was made to the audience, introducing Kogarasu as the deputy master of the Kogarasu Dojo, in an effort to promote the dojo and support Kogarasu’s wish for its continued existence.

“That was amazing, Kogarasu-san and Tatara-kun!”

 As we left the stage, Sango-senpai rushed over to support me.

 Apparently, I was more exhausted than I realized after receiving Kogarasu’s lightning-fast strike. Fujioka was helping Kogarasu as well.

 The three of us helped each other back to the preparation room, where Fujioka removed the chihaya (white garment) Kogarasu had been wearing, wiped her sweat, and handed her a sports drink with a straw.

 Even with the spring weather, the layers of clothing and the intense movements, the constant gaze of the audience, and the tension of wielding a real sword took a toll on Kogarasu.

“Kogarasu, can you raise your right hand to the side of your face?”

 After catching our breath, I asked Kogarasu to do this, and we high-fived with our right hands.

Paaan!

“Good job, Kogarasu! You truly are amazing. I think it’s not right to call you a genius lightly, but I genuinely believe you are one.”

“You were incredible, Hiyoricchi… Ah, my hands are shaking so much I might not be able to take photos.”

“I was so captivated that I almost missed the shutter chance.”

 The three of us showered her with compliments, but it still didn’t feel like enough to match what Kogarasu had accomplished.

“Thank you, everyone… It’s because of all of you that I am who I am today.”

 Kogarasu was on the verge of tears, and the tears of a shrine maiden, especially one from the esteemed Sword Maiden, were truly beautiful.

 Without saying a word, I reached out to Sango-senpai and asked for her camera.

 I adjusted the focus myself and took a photo. The picture I wanted to capture the most today was of the shrine maiden’s tearful yet happy face.

 After that, I left the preparation room, changed into jeans and a shirt in the toilet, and returned to the others.

 Kogarasu, who came out of the preparation room after me, was wearing a pink skirt and a white cardigan, giving off a softer image compared to when she was a shrine maiden.

“You’re dressed really cute today, Hiyori.” I shared my honest impression, and Kogarasu turned bright red. “I just thought I’d wear something spring-like,” she said, making excuses, and the three of us burst out laughing.

 Sango-senpai was taking pictures of Kogarasu’s flushed face, and I made a mental note to ask for those photos later.

 Then, the four of us moved to a spot under the cherry blossom tree, spread out a leisure sheet, and laid out the bento boxes I had made.

 Sango-senpai was surprised to learn that I could cook, and she happily devoured two rice balls, exclaiming how delicious they were.

 I had put various fillings in the onigiri (rice balls), such as okaka (bonito flakes), seafood, and konbu (kelp), and as a joke, I had also made a wasabi (spicy Japanese horseradish) Russian onigiri. Fujioka was the unlucky one who drew that spicy surprise, and she squirmed with a mix of pleasure and pain.

 Perhaps it was her masochistic nature that made her strangely happy about this, but I was glad she enjoyed it. Nonetheless, I was also relieved that Kogarasu didn’t get the spicy one today.

 Even with the bento and onigiri, it might not be enough to fully express our appreciation, but seeing Kogarasu so happy and radiant made me feel that all our efforts were worth it.