The Imperial Priestess of the Lake Visited the Local Land Deity Part 4

MIKOTO

"Last night", he started to speak. "Last night you used Nanami's clumsily made talisman", his piercing purplish eyes gaze focused intently on me, but at the same time, he's looking through me.

"Wha-?"

My heart is beating fast, I can hardly breathe and I'm too afraid to look away.

His captivating smile formed on his lips.

"It was a splendid work", he hoarsely uttered between us.

I'm stupefied.

"Tomoe-dono!" Onikiri and Kotetsu's voice rang from behind him,

"L-let go of me (//>︿

He did as he faced the direction of the two onibi children. "Nanami-sama is looking for you", they told him.

On the other hand, I'm thankful I escaped my death. I took a deep breath. I don't know what the sly fox wants but I must make sure he won't know anything about me and Mikage-sama.

"I'll meet her at once", I heard him replied them and they immediately left afterward.

I want to turn around as well, but currently, my legs are about to give in. Holding at the last pinch of strength to hold myself upward.

"Mikoto", Tomoe faced me once more with his thin smile still on his face. He raised his hand again to reach me and I can't be helped but close my eyes and shiver.

I felt a warm hand caressing my head "It was a splendid work", he uttered between us in a low hoarse voice.

"He just wants to praise me about the last night?" I immediately relaxed a bit.

-_- "You're hot, and your legs are shaking. You should rest first before your fever gets worse", Tomoe teasingly smirked before leaving the yard.

I'm unaware that he's currently amused at how I handled well his alluring skill.

"Gah!! Stupid fox!" I desperately shouted my complaint in my head. I wouldn't feel this way if he didn't scare me, right? RIGHT?!

I am not attracted to him!

I repeat!

I am NOT ATTRACTED to HIM!!!

I slapped my cheeks to wake up from whatever alluring magic he cast on me.

How come I attract his attention even though I'm just a side character here?

I just hope it doesn't affect his destined fate with Nanami. Idiot fox!

I sat down the stairs of haiden(26) for a while, trying to recover my lost strength that escaped my body from earlier.

I took a deep breath once more. "Come to think of it, I also don't know I effectively cast that talisman last night". I thought and realized I just honestly acted according to my instinct. It's like my body moved on its own.

"I won't know if I won't try!", I heard Nanami's loud yell inside the shrine.

"Ah, they're already going to town soon"

I went back inside the temple and expectedly met Nanami and Tomoe in the hallway. Ready to leave.

"Nice timing, Mikoto! We're going to town! Tomoe said he's going to help in searching for Kotarou. So I thought maybe it's better and faster if the three of us will look for him", Nanami energetically suggested.

I secretly glimpsed at the familiar beside him, raising the sleeves of his kimono to hide his lower face.

Tomoe right now is unawarely afraid that Nanami will leave him behind just like Mikage-sama that's why he's going with her. It doesn't mean he agrees to help grant Himemiko's wish to meet Kotarou so I'm pretty sure he might try to avoid Nanami to find him.

While, if I accept to come with them, I'm afraid I'll attract more unnecessary attention towards me just like last night. I must lay low for now and make sure at the same time, the goals are met.

"Hmm..", I immediately thought of a good plan. "Tomoe said I might have a slight fever so I want to rest for today", I used the fox yokai as an excuse.

"Ehh? Are you alright Mikoto?" my deity friend asked me with honest concern. She tried to touch my forehead but I back away. Since my temperature has long gone returned to normal.

"Sorry Nanami, it's better if you don't come near me. You might catch my fever", I avoided her.

"It's alright! I have a very strong immune system. I rarely get sick. Honestly, I don't know when was the last I got a fever", she proudly boasted and kept trying to come closer to me.

While I know the real reason, it's also a bad thing if she managed to realize I'm just lying about my fever.

Tomoe pulled back Nanami before I could think of another good excuse to avoid her, "Let's go. We're wasting time. Mikoto will be alright".

"Ah, yes sure", the human deity replied. "But change your clothes first! Don't come with those loose attire!"

Glad that her attention is shifted, I safely excused myself.

"Don't forget to hide your ears and tails", I reminded Tomoe before completely walking away. "Nanami's sense of normality is completely off now since we spent a week living here", I giggled which makes her blush because it's the truth.

"Oofff!! And I almost forgot!" I turned back to them again. "I suggest trying going to the ice cream shop in the town for rest."

"Huh?" Nanami was puzzled.

"......"

"Can't you guess? I want you to buy me an ice cream from there", I throw a fitting tantrum.

She laughed, "You're cute when you're sick, Mikoto. You're like a kid".

I smiled back. It's just an old trick of mine every time I got sick. It's the only chance to have my Mom's complete attention only on me, anyways.

~ʚĭɞ~ Author's Note: Phew, there are lesser jemoticons in this chapter which makes me sad. Writing the story is easy, but looking for a corresponding emoji eats a lot of time (even though it's fun) so I might edit it later. Can I hear opinions from you, dear readers? And do share and like too. It motivates me to continue writing this fanfic. Love lots and see you soon~ haiden(26) - where visitors pray or pay their respects to the kami, or gods of the shrine. Enjoy Reading and... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!