The first rays of sunlight kissed the vilge of Edo awake.

  The mist that had bnketed the fields during the night slowly lifted, revealing the busy pulse of morning. Farmers hauled heavy baskets toward the fields, merchants cttered open their shopfronts, and the metallic cng of a bcksmith hammering echoed through the air.

  High above, hidden in the shadows of the trees, sat Tessa. Motionless. Silent.

  Her gaze drifted over the vilge—but her mind was far away. Not with the farmers. Not with the merchants. But with Miko.

  "So... wanna talk about st night?" Mike’s voice trickled into her thoughts like a sarcastic waterfall.

  Tessa groaned softly. "Must we?" "Oh, absolutely." Mike practically radiated mischief. "The fearless empress, the ruthless goddess—suddenly standing there like a lovestruck teenager, drooling over a delicate little shrine maiden."

  Tessa snorted. "It was just observation. Tactical analysis." "Oh, really?" Mike sounded as innocent as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. "Is it normal during tactical analysis to almost reach out and gently stroke the target?"

  Tessa growled quietly. "I... got carried away."

  Mike ughed—a genuine, wicked chuckle. "Carried away. Sure. Pure reflex. Unstoppable instinct. Totally professional, huh?"

  Tessa stayed silent. Because she couldn’t expin it herself.

  Mike was gearing up for another jab— —but then he stopped.

  An unexpected thought hit him like a punch to the gut. Miko. Her face. Her soft voice. The quiet grace in her every move.

  He knew this type. He’d seen it a thousand times— —in the anime he had devoured years ago. —in the characters his heart had secretly favored.

  Petite. Gentle features. A quiet strength beneath a delicate shell.

  Mike mumbled almost to himself: "Damn..."

  Tessa’s ears perked up. "What’s wrong? Where’s my daily dose of dumb jokes?"

  Mike muttered: "Nothing."

  Tessa immediately grinned, sharp as a cat scenting a wounded bird. "Ohhh? Did our all-knowing commentator just find a little problem of his own?"

  Mike hastily deflected. "Nonsense. I’m just saying... she looks exactly like the characters I used to like."

  Tessa leaned back against the tree, her grin not fading. "So you like her."

  Mike fell silent. Tessa chuckled softly. "Well, Mike. Welcome to the club."

  Meanwhile at the Shrine Miko swept the steps of the shrine in the soft light of morning. Her movements were calm, almost mechanical. The broom glided over the stone sbs, and she carefully pced fresh bowls of rice and water on the altar. She lit incense, letting its sweet scent spiral into the sky.

  But her thoughts were elsewhere. Not on the rituals. Not on the prayers. But on the night.

  On the breath that had brushed her skin. On the fleeting, almost tangible touch that had felt far too real.

  Miko was no naive dreamer. She believed in the gods, in signs, in things between heaven and earth. But this feeling...

  Had it been her imagination? Or had she truly sensed something?

  She shook her head slightly, forcing herself to focus on the prayers. But the quiet, gnawing sensation remained.

  The stillness was abruptly broken when a voice called out: "Miko, you’re... different today."

  Miko looked up. Aiko stood at the entrance, bancing a basket on her hip, studying her with that typical, piercing sisterly gaze.

  "What do you mean?" Miko asked quickly—too quickly.

  Aiko grinned broadly. "Did you dream that a handsome prince kissed you?"

  Miko flushed bright red. "N-No! Of course not!"

  Aiko’s ughter rang out, clear as a bell. "Hmm... but you’re so dreamy today. So sweetly enchanted."

  Miko quickly looked away. "I... I just didn’t sleep well."

  Aiko tilted her head, her grin widening. "Or maybe... an invisible admirer paid you a visit?"

  Miko froze. Only for a fraction of a second. But it was enough. Aiko saw it.

  She shook her head, ughing. "You’re so cute when you get nervous."

  Miko scowled. "I am not nervous!" But her blushing cheeks shouted otherwise.

  Aiko giggled and let it drop—for now.

  Miko tried to return to her tasks. But even when Aiko left... Even as the sun climbed higher... Even as the vilge came fully to life below her...

  The feeling lingered.

  The breath on her skin. The thought in her heart. The doubt that would not leave.

  Had she really been alone?

  End of Chapter 20