After the water symbolizing Watatsumi Island's bright future and blessings for Cid and Eula was dripped onto the hairpin, whether it was an illusion or not, the hairpin seemed to have become noticeably brighter.
"This is for you, young man."
Granny Komaki handed the hairpin to the old uncle.
"This doesn't feel right. Even if we ignore its external value, the coral pearl on it is extremely precious… How about I still…"
The old uncle felt somewhat embarrassed. The hairpin was clearly far too valuable.
He felt it would be better to buy it with Mora himself.
"Just think of it as presenting Buddha with borrowed flowers. This old lady sees that you resemble Lord Shura Anyakonsen-shou from the daytime. This gift can be regarded as Watatsumi Island's token of gratitude toward Lord Shura Anyakonsen-shou…"
This statement was full of loopholes.
Clearly, Granny Komaki, as an elder of Bourou Village, must have recognized the old uncle's true identity.
It was only natural. Although few people had seen little Kokomi because she stayed indoors so much, anyone with status should know.
This young man had already been seen during the day, and it had been discovered that he was being guided by the daughter of her own superior. Who he was could not be more obvious.
"Hehe, then I am also benefiting from Lord Shura Anyakonsen-shou's blessings."
The old uncle could only smile helplessly, marveling at how shrewd Granny Komaki remained even in old age.
If it had been Lord Shura Anyakonsen-shou, this gift could not have been accepted—it would have counted as bribery.
That was why she could only use the phrase "you look like Lord Shura Anyakonsen-shou" to express goodwill.
Lord Shura Anyakonsen-shou could not accept gifts, but the old uncle could.
And do not forget—the [Divine Priestess]'s daughter was standing right beside him. Granny Komaki's gift truly represented Watatsumi Island.
Lord Shura Anyakonsen-shou extended his hand and accepted the gift that belonged to Watatsumi Island.
Looking at the hairpin, one would inevitably think of the magnificent Coral Palace hidden within the sea mist.
"Thank you. I like it very much."
"It's good that you like it."
This time, accepting the gift was not the result of any scheme. Rather, it was something that was bound to happen.
As long as one encountered it, it would inevitably occur. The gift representing Watatsumi Island's gratitude would ultimately find its way into the hands of Lord Shura Anyakonsen-shou who had arrived at Watatsumi Island.
The old uncle then turned to look at little Eula.
"Shall I put it on for you?"
In ancient times, when a woman underwent the ji li ceremony, an elder would comb her hair into a bun and solemnly insert the hairpin, symbolizing that she had become an adult.
"I taught you before. The old uncle won't make the same mistake again, right?"
Little Eula naturally looked straight at the old uncle, allowing him to put the hairpin on for her.
If one wanted the hairpin to look good when worn, it had to face forward so adjustments could be made in real time.
"Of course not."
The old uncle, who had practiced tying hair, was extremely confident.
Little Eula watched the old uncle skillfully reach around her hair and the serious, earnest expression on his face as he focused on her hair.
Old uncle…
Mm…
He was becoming more and more adept at taking care of people…
Little Eula felt the old uncle's movements as he tied her high ponytail. For a moment she felt a quiet satisfaction with the technique she had trained into him.
Mm, correct—the next step was to twist her high ponytail into a spiral, wind it into a bun, and secure it with the hairpin…
"Done. Little Eula, take a look yourself?"
The old uncle appeared extremely satisfied with his own handiwork.