"Ren-dono, the palanquin is ready," said Sakenmaru, hurrying over as he saw Ren emerge.
It was only to see a fireworks display, so this time's procession wasn't as grand as the one to the Flower Capital. Even the number of guards was significantly reduced.
In truth, there was no real need for guards. Ren himself was the strongest existence in this Wano Country, perhaps even the strongest in all of Kuri. It would be strange indeed if anyone could harm him.
The guards were merely for show or to maintain order.
However, the number and size of the palanquins prepared this time had increased considerably.
After all, there were many more people riding this time. Last time, Yukiko had only been able to accompany them as a retainer, but this time she was accompanying them as family.
Still, they couldn't all squeeze into a single palanquin. If Ren were surrounded by so many beautiful women, he would look like a lecherous old man.
Sharing the palanquin with Ren were Yukiko and Keiko.
Yukiko was now famous throughout the nation. The title "Frost Flower's Ice Princess" had made her the most renowned person in Kuri, second only to Ren.
Moreover, she appeared in public more often, and there was no one living in Yashagigata who didn't know her.
Women either envied her beauty and status or admired her noble elegance, while men felt longing and admiration for her.
Especially today.
In the past, people had seen the Ice Princess who was cold and aloof to everyone, standing high above all, untouchable. Like a white snow lotus growing on a sheer cliff.
But today, they saw a different side of Yukiko.
She wore a white kimono, decorated with sakura-colored patterns, just as she always did.
The patterns were lifelike, but they seemed to pale in comparison to her face, which was now flushed with the shyness of a young maiden.
Only now did they realize that their untouchable Ice Princess could also reveal such an intoxicating expression.
If Yukiko of the past was a red plum blossom blooming in the depths of winter—beautiful, yet standing alone with pride, like rime, a beauty that was distant and cold—then now she was like the gentle spring that arrives quietly amidst the lingering snow after the ice has melted.
She was not just beautiful; she made one feel as if their heart were being bathed in warm sunlight.
The former was firm and sharp; the latter was gentle and graceful.
But this gentleness was not meant for them, which made countless men feel a pang of jealousy. However, when their eyes shifted to the man sitting beside Yukiko, whom she was serving, that jealousy quietly vanished.
The man sitting in the center of the palanquin looked down at them with lowered eyes, making one think of the solemn and majestic divine statues in temples, which also cast such a gaze down upon the mortal world.
Or perhaps, in the hearts of the people of Kuri, this man was no different from a god.
After the Sky Lord's corpse, killed on Sky Island, was brought to Wano Country along with Apayardo, Yukiko had the Sky Lord's remains transported to the outskirts of Yashagigata. Many people had gone to see this great snake, which seemed capable of devouring mountains, and were stunned by the power Ren possessed.
If that giant snake was a legendary demon or evil god, then the one who had slain it, Ren, was undoubtedly a true deity!
It must be that only such a "god" was qualified to make the legendary Ice Princess show such an expression, right?
But it wasn't just Yukiko. The other woman sitting beside the daimyo, pouring wine for him, was breathtakingly beautiful. Behind them, in the next palanquin, sat the graceful Yuriko and the lively Jasmine. In the palanquin after that were the identical twins, Saori and Saya.
Being watched by so many people, they subconsciously became more formal, sitting perfectly still in their palanquins. The surrounding looks of envy, respect, or even admiration made them feel immense pressure.
It was still early for the start of the fireworks festival, but Sakenmaru had already secured a good spot, so there was no worry about finding a place. There was still some time to wander around the city with Yukiko and the others.
In fact, they had already been out to explore a while ago, but not with such a grand procession. They had worn masks during the memorial service, hiding their faces.
People often feel they can only take off their real masks when they put on a false one. They had the most fun back then, unlike now, with countless people surrounding them and stopping to stare.
As they moved forward, people instinctively parted to the sides of the road, afraid of blocking the way and displeasing the daimyo. Thankfully, the Tenryubito's army only maintained order and didn't arrogantly drive the crowd away. Those who made way for them weren't afraid; they craned their necks, eager to get a good look at the daimyo of Kuri or the beauties by his side.
"Women favored by the daimyo are on another level entirely, not to be compared with those from the pleasure district."
"Still, only a man like the daimyo is worthy of them. Men like us don't even dare to dream of it."
They felt that even fantasizing about someone like Yukiko was a sin, but marrying a regular handmaiden from the daimyo's mansion would be an honor and a blessing for them.
Some of the handmaidens in the mansion were dismissed after reaching a certain age, while others left after earning enough money. Most of these women were from other regions and wished to settle in Kuri. With money, they could buy a house and live there, becoming true residents of Kuri.
After leaving the daimyo's mansion, these women became highly sought-after, and many wealthy men took pride in marrying them. They didn't care that these women might have served Ren and the others with their bodies while working in the mansion.
"I wouldn't dare to think of that. I only hope my daughter can become a handmaiden in the daimyo's mansion. That would be a case of a commoner's daughter marrying into nobility," someone laughed.
"So boring..." Jasmine squirmed, then quickly sat up straight. She felt she was about to turn stiff from sitting this way. "I knew we should have just watched the fireworks at the mansion. We can't relax at all like this!"
"Calm down. How many times have I told you not to be so impatient," Yuriko sighed, looking at her hyperactive daughter, and couldn't help but pat the back of her hand.
In truth, Yuriko was also a bit tense. Otherwise, she would have just patted Jasmine on the head.
"My feet are going numb..."
"Just hold on a little longer. It'll be fine once we get to the spot for the fireworks. Sakenmaru-dono has already cleared the area for us," Yuriko comforted her.
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