Tsuki-meguri no Hyakki Yome: Moonlit Night's Hundredth Wife

Tsuki-meguri no Hyakki Yome: Moonlit Night's Hundredth Wife - Chapter Five

I stood before the grand entrance of my family's ancestral home, my eyes drawn to the imposing, green-barred gate that signaled my arrival. Engraved upon it was the name of our proud family and a symbol of our heritage. The gate opened to reveal a sprawling estate that had been home to my ancestors for countless generations.

Nestled within this vast property was a small shrine that had always been an integral part of our family's history. Though the origin of the shrine had been lost to the mists of time, it had remained a sacred place of worship for us, honored by my grandmother and mother for years.

As I gazed upon the shrine, I knew that soon it would be my responsibility to tend to it. I would take up the mantle of family tradition and ensure that this sacred place remained a testament to our family's legacy for generations to come.

With a gentle push, I gently opened the gate, and its creaking hinges produced a familiar and comforting sound that echoed through the quiet neighborhood. The gate's rusted metal exterior gave way to an inviting stone path that led me to our three-story marble brick house. The unique architectural blend was a testament to the changes brought about by the exodus. New Japan was larger than its old Earth counterpart, and our family home reflected that.

I ascended the stone steps to the front porch and caught sight of my Grandmother, Yasue Risako, tending to the shrine. She was dressed in a stunning, flowing, mint green dress that cascaded like a waterfall. The dress was a perfect contrast to the lush greenery that surrounded her. Despite her age, she appeared to be someone in their forties or fifties, a testament to the agelessness that ran in our family. Her long silver ankle-length and flowing hair swept the porch as she moved gracefully. She completed her timeless appearance with classic Japanese geta clogs, giving the impression that she was a character from a mythical story.

My grandmother's face was a work of art, just like a delicate porcelain doll. It bore a striking resemblance to my own and my mother's, which was no surprise given that we were all related. Her skin was pristinely fair, almost alabaster, and as smooth as silk. Her features were delicate and captivating, with a heart-shaped face framed by long silver hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. But what really caught your attention were her eyes. They were a mesmerizing combination of royal blue and crimson, a condition known as heterochromia, just like my Mom and me. Her nose was daintily upturned, and her lips were plump and bow-shaped, giving her an alluring appearance. Her high cheekbones and elegantly rounded eyebrows added to her exotic look.

"Oh, good evening Ember, Dear. I hope your day at school went well," Grandma greeted me with a warm smile.

"It did; nothing too special happened," I replied, intentionally leaving out the part where I had been confronted by a mysterious student about some cryptic information. My Mom and Grandma worried about me enough already.

"Well, Hotaru told me to remind you not to forget your lunch," Grandma said, her voice tinged with concern.

"Yep, that's what I'm here for," I responded, grabbing the neatly packed lunch from the refrigerator.

"Okay, Dear. Remember to be careful tonight at night school," she reminded me, her maternal worry evident in her eyes.

I nodded at Grandma and gave her a warm hug. As I took off my shoes, I inhaled the familiar scent of her cozy home. With a sense of purpose, I made my way towards the kitchen to retrieve my school bag and backpack, which I needed for my night school. I opened the refrigerator and felt a cool breeze brush my face as I spotted my lunch. Without further ado, I packed it away into my backpack. However, as I walked towards the living room, I heard the faint murmur of voices. My curiosity piqued, and I followed the sound and entered the room. My jaw dropped in amazement as I saw what was happening before me.