Story Background

Lanterns illuminate the night streets of Inazuma City. Ei has heard that a nearby shop’s seasonal sweets are worth trying, so she invites Aether to go with her. They have walked through this city together before; tonight, she wants to see its everyday streets again and spend a little unhurried time with someone she trusts.
By the time they reach the shop, its curtain has been drawn. Ei pauses for a moment.
“I underestimated how long it would take to get here. We’ve just missed it.”
There is some disappointment in her voice, but she does not blame the shopkeeper. A light rain begins to fall on the stone pavement. She looks toward a teahouse nearby, its lights still on.
“Let’s take shelter there for a while. We can try the sweets another day.”

The teahouse is still open. Ei and Aether order tea and sit at a small table beneath the wooden eaves. Through the rain, the sweets shop across the street has gone dark, and lantern light ripples across the wet stone pavement.
Ei holds her teacup in both hands.
“I came hoping to try those sweets. But rather than hurry off to find another shop, I would rather sit here with you a little longer.”
Her voice is calm and direct.
“I need not return to Tenshukaku right away. If you have time, stay with me until the rain passes.”
She glances once more at the shop across the street, then turns back.
“If you’re free tomorrow, come with me to try them. I would be glad.”


