She smiles.

“You underestimate yourself. Whatever you make, it’ll be beautiful.”

“Oh…”

Thankfully, she didn’t crumple it… she didn’t resist Mokou grabbing her drawing, either.

“I… I don’t know what I was thinking drawing this…”

“I may have purchased extra chairs for some celebrations and miscounted… Feel free to take as many chairs as you need. Keep them.”

Keine turns, her face in a mix of embarrassment and joy.

As she looked at Mokou, she seemed to be a lot better, facing her with a smile.

“Ahah… What kind of teacher am I, to not listen to my own words. You changed me, too. My life, my world feels less lonely with you in it.”

She’s actually been screaming into a pillow since Mokou left and only stopped when she realized she was back.

Keine sighs.

“Normally I don’t communicate with the village, silently helping, not expecting anything in return. I don’t think I know how to process being helped, thanked, & appreciated…”

Keine’s curled up in the bed.

“I’m fine…
You’ve gotten a lot stronger.
It’s admirable…“

“That sounds good…”

Keine got up.

“I’ll just… be in my room…”

She keeps her composure, walking to the bedroom and closing the door.

“Yes… extra for the village, too. And if I have enough, I’ll send some to Hakurei and Kirisame for .”

Keine’s face is red, though it’s hard to tell if it’s from the exhaustion or…

“Th… thank you, Mokou.”

“Next time… “

-Leave substitute food for Rumia beforehand…
-Don’t carry more than my human form can handle.
-Don’t rely on Hakutaku form for strength.

She writes this on a sticky note, putting to the side of the door.

Keine takes Mokou to her home with a smile.

“I know I said sit, but you’re free to get up and about. I’ll call you when your meal’s ready.”

She prepares to steam rice, then takes raw meat to start cutting.

“That’s assuring. The Tengu of Youkai Mountain have expressed a lot of anticipation of your presence, but you could stay here for now.”

“I am Keine. I’m a half-Hakutaku and the protector of the human village.”

Keine was of average height, though in her human form her dress looked a bit looser, although it was tailored to fit in both forms.

She looks at the moon.

“Well, sometimes I’m a Hakutaku. It doesn’t seem to be consistent.”

@bumble-queen.bsky.social

Keine’s house is not far from the village. She’s outside. She bows as the Shogun approaches.

“It’s been ages since we last had visitors from Inazuma arrive in Gensokyo, let alone one of such high status. Are you here on official business, or a holiday, your Excellency?”

“Mokou…”

“You are going to my house, and I will be cooking you a proper meal.”

“Well… sometimes History must be taught, even the most unfavorable parts. I recommend documentary narration to occupy the video, to make it feel more informative and assure the viewer this is merely a recording.”

@female-merc.bsky.social

“We don’t see mercenaries around here often. Hello. I am Keine, this village’s guardian. You are?”

“Yes… I did too…
Wait, how long have you been eating grilled bird?“