Rindou

With a wistful smile, he gently moved his fingers as if to brush one of the petals.
...
Later, at Hotaruya, we arranged the finished flower display in the banquet hall. Aoi had crafted a stunning piece using only lilies of the valley.
Geisha A: Wow... It’s so beautiful.
Geisha B: She’ll love this, for sure. She’s always adored lilies of the valley.
MC: Oh, right... tonight’s guest used to work at Hotaruya, didn’t she?
Aoi: Yes, that’s right. She was once a geisha here—now she’s married to a wealthy merchant from Koubai.
Rindou: She married...? A geisha’s formal marriage...?
Geisha A: The wedding was held right here at Hotaruya. It was grand and beautiful—she looked so happy.
Geisha B: And she’s renting out the whole place tonight, right? Her husband’s still as generous as ever.
Geisha A: Ugh, I wish I could be like her... Marrying someone rich and in love with you? That’s the dream.
Rindou: ......
(Rindou...?)
While the geisha around us chatted excitedly, Rindou stood in silence, eyes downcast—deep in thought.
His expression was quiet... almost lonely.

Chapter 3 - Outer Beauty And Inner Self
After finishing the arrangement of lilies of the valley that evening—
A grand banquet began in the large hall of the Hotaruya.
Lady’s Husband: Ah, this place is just as dazzling as ever.
Lady: And you even decorated with lilies of the valley, my favorite flowers. Hehe... such thoughtful taste—it must be from Aoi, right?
The banquet grew livelier and more festive.
Aoi and the other geisha took turns performing their arts.
Aoi: Now then, in celebration of your continued happiness together, allow me to offer this dance.
...
(Okay... it’s about time to bring out the next dish...)
Rindou: Master-han, are you sure you don’t need my help?
MC: Yeah, don’t worry about it. This was my job from the start, and it’s really not a big deal.
Rindou: I see. But if you need anything, just say the word, alright?
Geisha A: A banquet on their wedding anniversary? That lady really is loved.
Geisha B: Seriously, I’m so jealous.
Rindou: ......
...
After picking up the dishes from the kitchen and returning to the banquet room...
The atmosphere had shifted into a more relaxed, informal celebration.
Lady’s Husband:—‘What made me fall for her?’ Now that’s a bit of an embarrassing question...
Aoi: Hehe. Everyone here dreams of a marriage as happy as yours, you know. That’s why we’re all so curious... please forgive us for prying.
Lady’s Husband: No no, it’s just... well, it really is embarrassing. Let’s see... I suppose it was her kindness. Of course, I was drawn to her beauty too—but that alone wouldn’t be enough to build a life together. They always say, ‘It’s not the outside, but what’s inside that counts.’
Lady: Fufu... I’m happy to hear that. I feel the same way, my dear.
Rindou: ......
(Huh? Rindou? Where is he going...?)
...
Rindou: ...Not the outside, but what’s inside...
I quietly gazed up at the night sky.
From behind the sliding doors came the soft sounds of koto and shamisen, along with people’s laughter.
It all felt nostalgic.
Rindou: ...The stars in the night sky are just as they were in the past—distant, untouchable, shining far away. That person, too... used to stare at the sky like this, waiting for someone who never came back—
...
Young Male Geisha:—Welcome. I’ve been waiting for you for so long...
Noblewoman: Hehe. I’ve been waiting too.
The man, once a geisha, had fallen in love with a woman of noble status.
Because she once praised his beauty, he worked tirelessly to enhance his looks—adorning himself, striving to become ever more alluring.
Then one day, he confessed his feelings to her. But—
Noblewoman: Ahaha! ‘Let’s run away together?’ Are you serious? That’s just adorable. Silly man. I’m already engaged. Of course it was just a fling with you!
Young Male Geisha: ...A love born in the pleasure district is nothing but a fleeting dream. I was a fool to believe otherwise. And yet... it hurts so much. I still long for her. If only I could become even more beautiful... so famous that the whole world knew my name... Then maybe... just maybe... the one I love would return to see me again—
...
Every time I recalled that person I had once blessed with divine power, the pain and sorrow they carried would scorch my own heart like fire.
Rindou: ...That husband earlier said, ‘It’s not the outside, but the inside that matters.’ Then... all that effort that person made to become more beautiful—Was it all meaningless?

Chapter 4 - Aoi's Proposal
After the banquet ended—
We were set to stay the night again, so I spent a quiet evening on the second floor of the Hotaruya teahouse.
Rindou stood leaning against the window frame, gazing gloomily out at the streets of the pleasure district.
(Rindou... He seems down. I wonder if something happened during the banquet...)
Aoi: —Hope I’m not intruding, you two.
MC: Ah…! Aoi-san, thank you for your hard work tonight.

Aoi: Thank you. You really helped me out today. I didn’t expect the banquet to run so late. Sorry for making you stay an extra night. Is there anything you’re short on? Anything troubling you?
(…Actually, maybe Aoi-san’s presence might lift Rindou’s spirits.)
MC: Um, Aoi-san. We’re just standing here, so... why don’t you stay and have some tea with us?
Aoi: Oh? Heh… MC, inviting me into your room this late? How bold of you.
MC: Wha—! N-no! I didn’t mean it like that...!
Aoi: Haha, I know, I know. You’re always so adorable. Then I’ll take you up on your offer—just one cup, though.
MC: Okay! I’ll go prepare it right now.
As I stepped out to make tea, Rindou glanced briefly at Aoi, then softly murmured a greeting before turning his gaze back out the window.
Aoi: …Hmm? Hey, MC. Did something happen with Rindou?
MC: Well… actually, he’s been like that for a while now.
I whispered quietly while handing Aoi his cup. He took a sip, then turned toward Rindou’s thin, lonesome figure and gently spoke.
Aoi: —Rindou, how was the banquet?
Rindou: ...It was very elegant. Every performance was so creative and refined—It felt like the very definition of a night worth experiencing at least once.
Aoi: That’s good to hear. But you don’t seem very cheerful for someone who enjoyed it. Did something happen?
Rindou: Well, that is...
Aoi offered Rindou a warm smile and spoke in a calm, comforting voice.
Aoi: You know, Rindou... If something’s troubling you, talking to someone might make it easier.
MC: Yeah. Maybe we can help, even just a little.
Rindou: You two are so kind… I’m sorry for worrying you.
Rindou: ......
Rindou: ...Actually... I was remembering something from long ago.
And slowly, Rindou began to speak—
About the person he once blessed, long ago...
...
Rindou: That person... tried so hard to win the heart of the one they loved by always improving their appearance. I... I was happy to see them fall in love. Happy to see them become more beautiful each day. But...
The man was harshly rejected by the person he loved, left heartbroken—
Rindou: Even after the heartbreak… he kept trying. He believed that if he became even more beautiful, maybe one day, the person he loved would notice him. Eventually, he became a renowned geisha in the pleasure district, famous for both beauty and popularity... But the one he loved... never came to see him again.
Aoi: ......
Rindou: The couple at today’s banquet said they fell in love with each other’s hearts—and they looked so happy. Hearing that made me think... That the person I blessed only focused on appearance, but... maybe there was another way.
MC: …Rindou…
Aoi: ...I see. You know, I don’t think that geisha’s way of thinking was wrong.
Rindou: ...What? B-but... if all they did was improve their looks—!
Aoi: Heh, hard to believe, isn’t it? In that case... why don’t we put it to the test? —As it happens, there’s a perfect opportunity coming up.
Rindou: ...Huh?

Chapter 5 - The Dressing Expert
Three days after we finished our work at Hotaruya...
We visited the Hanazaki Mansion to meet with the Lady.
During the banquet, Aoi-san had apparently been told that she had something she wanted to talk about.
(It might be something that could also help lift Rindou’s spirits…)
...
Lady: I’m so sorry, Aoi. You must be busy, and yet you still made time for me...
Aoi: Heh, don’t worry about it. If it’s for you, Lady, I’ll always make the time. Oh, and of course—this conversation stays strictly between us. You have my word.
Lady: Of course. I trust both you and her.
The Lady smiled warmly at Aoi-san, then at me.
Rindou: ......
Next to me sat Rindou, who had been told the plan for today.
Though he remained in spirit form, he sat with excellent posture, looking slightly nervous.
Aoi: So, about your request, Lady... It was about your husband, correct?
Lady: Yes. Lately, he’s been going out more often, saying it’s for work… but he hardly comes home anymore. And once I started thinking it might be an affair, I just couldn’t stop worrying...
(...From how loving they seemed at the banquet, it doesn’t really feel like he’s cheating...)
MC: Um... Have there been any changes in your relationship recently?
Lady: No, not really. I think our relationship is still good. Maybe that’s what makes it even more confusing. I don’t understand him right now, and it scares me. I’m not asking for much. I just want him to stay by my side a little more. It might sound like a small wish—but to me, it’s everything. I don’t know what to do...
Aoi: ...Understood. Leave it to me.
Lady: …! Thank you, Aoi…! But um… What exactly do you have in mind?
Aoi-san turned his gaze to me.
Aoi: Well—I was thinking we should give your appearance a bold makeover.
Lady: M-my appearance...?

Aoi: Yes. A visual change can have a powerful emotional impact. If you dress up, I’m sure your husband won’t be able to take his eyes off you. Which is why—I actually used a special connection today to bring someone in. They’re a fashion expert—someone not yet known around the pleasure district.
Lady: Oh my! You mean...?
MC: Y-yes! I’ll do my best to help choose clothing that brings out your natural charm, Lady.
(...Though really, I’m just the middleman. The true expert here is Rindou...)
Rindou perked up at our conversation and hesitantly spoke.
Rindou: U-um... First off... could you tell us what kind of kimono you usually wear?
MC: Lady, what kind of kimono do you normally wear at home?
Lady: Let’s see... Lately, I think I’ve mostly been wearing striped ones. Dark, calm colors—like wisteria purple or deep greys.
Rindou: —! Oh no, that’s just not right at all...! Kimonos like that only dull your natural beauty, Lady...!
I relayed Rindou’s advice to the Lady, word for word.
MC: Ahem... Personally, I think a fresh, elegant kimono would really suit your gentle and graceful image, Lady.
Lady: Oh my, you might be right. Now that I think about it, I’ve only been wearing dull colors lately. With my husband so busy at the shop, I thought it was only proper not to fuss over my appearance... So, what kind of outfit would you recommend?
MC: Well, um...
Rindou: A white-based kimono with floral patterns would look refined. And a soft, sky-blue gradient at the hem would brighten your complexion beautifully. Pair it with a golden obi, and maybe a deep red or green obijime. Oh, and your makeup should complement the outfit as well—
(...Rindou looks so alive right now.)
Both Aoi-san and I smiled, watching Rindou excitedly offer advice with such enthusiasm.
...
That day, Rindou’s guidance continued from morning to night, with me relaying his words to the Lady.
We visited a kimono shop, practiced makeup to match the look—
By the end, the Lady was all smiles as she left the Hanazaki Mansion, clearly thrilled with the result.
Aoi: —Well, Rindou. You really outdid yourself today.
MC: Seriously...! The Lady looked so happy!
Rindou: …Thank you. But… um… Was that really okay…? I kind of got carried away and just focused on making her look beautiful, but... I still wonder. Is focusing only on appearance really enough...?
Aoi: No need for such a gloomy face.
Rindou: Huh…?
Aoi: Give it two or three days. You’ll see soon enough. Sometimes, a change in appearance can create a whole new smile.
As if to hint that something delightful was just around the corner, Aoi-san exhaled a puff of smoke from his kiseru pipe and narrowed his eyes with a sly smile.

Chapter 6 - A Letter From The Lady
A few days had passed since the lady had visited the Hanazaki Mansion. I was finishing up a guild activity report when—
Aoi: Hey, MC, Rindou. A letter arrived from the lady. Want to read it together?
MC: Wow, really? I’d love to!
Aoi: Rindou, how about you?
Rindou: ...Are you sure it’s okay? What if... because of me, their marriage fell apart or something...
Aoi: Now, now. Don’t worry so much. We’ll find out once we read the letter, right?
Aoi gave a gentle smile, then began reading the letter aloud.

「To Aoi and Miss MC, Thank you again for everything the other day. First and foremost, I want to tell you the result—Thanks to you both, my husband and I have grown even closer as a couple.」

MC: That’s such a relief…!
Rindou: …!
Aoi: Hehe, see? ...Here, Rindou, why don’t you read the next part?
Rindou: O-Okay...

「Afterward, when I dressed up just as you taught me, my husband immediately noticed. When I told him I had done it for him, he was overjoyed. He told me I reminded him of how he first fell in love with me—how I had the pure, graceful beauty of a lily of the valley. It turns out, all those times he was going out lately were actually for my sake. He thought that I’d stopped dressing up like I did before we got married because I felt restricted. So he was working longer hours to earn more and lift that burden from me. In the end, it was a small misunderstanding born from how much we cared about each other… But what made us realize that, without a doubt, was the change brought by my appearance. One day, we’ll come back together to thank you in person. Truly, thank you.」

Even just from her words, we could feel the lady’s happiness shining through.
MC: That’s wonderful, Rindou! You did it!
Rindou: …All thanks to… me?
Aoi: That’s right, Rindou. Sometimes, making someone feel beautiful on the outside can truly make them happy inside, too. Actually, in this case, you didn’t just make her happy—you saved something precious. So you see? It wasn’t a bad thing at all, was it?
Rindou: ......
Rindou: …But still… that person… even after making himself look beautiful, his feelings never reached the one he loved. Looks are all he had. And me… I’m the same. That’s all we had to offer… nothing else. What happened with the lady was just one result. That alone isn’t enough to change how I feel—
Clink. The dry sound of Aoi tapping his pipe echoed softly. He spoke calmly.
Aoi: I’m not telling you to change your mind. But I just want you to understand—making yourself beautiful is not meaningless. ...In the pleasure districts, love is often like a fleeting illusion. A man who takes it seriously is called naïve. A woman who mocks it is called cruel. But in the end, neither is truly at fault. That’s just how things are in that world.
Rindou: …Fleeting…
Aoi: That’s right. That’s what the pleasure district is. But even there, sometimes two people do manage to connect—and fall in love, for real. So let me say it again, Rindou. Trying to look your best for someone you care about isn’t wrong. At the heart of that effort is a beautiful wish—a sincere desire to be liked, to bring someone joy. The man you once looked after, he was incredible. He loved just one person with everything he had. You should be proud of him. That’s the kind of person you chose to admire.
Rindou: …Aoi-han…
Rindou sat still, silently reflecting on Aoi’s words.
Aoi: Oh—and don’t go saying all you have is your looks, okay? Right, MC?
MC: Of course. Rindou, you have so many wonderful qualities besides your appearance.
Rindou: You too, Master...
Rindou: ......
Rindou: …This is the first time anyone has said something like that to me. When you purified me… I started to feel better. But the memories that keep coming back are only the painful ones. I didn’t know what my existence meant—if all I had was how I looked…
MC: …Rindou…
Aoi: Rindou—you don’t have to try so hard. Just be free. Do what you want to do.
Rindou: Be free… and do what I want to do?
Aoi: Yep. I mean, I’m also still figuring out what I want to do next. So you can take your time, too. It’s okay to hesitate, to stop for a bit, even to take a step back. —Because we’ll be right here beside you.
Rindou blinked slowly at those words—
Then quietly looked up toward the vast, distant sky… as if remembering someone dear to him.

Last Chapter - Be A Flower That Connects Hearts
About ten days had passed since the letter from the lady had arrived—
Rindou: Hmm... so you prefer that one? But this one’s hard to ignore too...
Aoi: Still, if you pair it with this hairpin, it gives off a totally different vibe. And it depends on the direction you take with the makeup, too...
Rindou: Ahh, I hadn’t thought of that. Then maybe... let’s try both again.
Right now, I was sitting still while Rindou and Aoi fussed over which kimono I should wear.
All around us were gorgeous kimonos the two had gathered from around town, displayed in a vibrant array.

Rindou: ...Master, thank you for indulging my selfishness like this.
MC: No, don’t worry about it. I’m really enjoying myself too. And getting to try on so many beautiful kimonos... if anything, I should be the one thanking you.
Aoi: Haha, looks like Rindou’s current passion is ‘making you even more beautiful, helping you shine’—how poetic.
Rindou: Yes. I thought long and hard about it... and in the end, I realized my gift lies in adorning others—and myself. So naturally, the first person I’d want to dress up is the one closest to me, someone I deeply care about... and that’s you, Master. Doesn’t that make sense?
Aoi: Haha. Though, it has been three days straight of nonstop dress-up sessions whenever we get the chance.
Rindou: W-Well... maybe I’ve taken your kindness for granted a bit... but that’s just how strong my desire is to see you beautifully adorned.
MC: Hehe. Don’t worry about my time. Today’s my day off anyway—I'm all yours.
Aoi: ...Really, you're too kind. Oh! That reminds me—MC, one of these kimonos was actually picked out by me. Can you guess which one?
MC: Hmm... maybe that one over there? The slightly more mature-looking one?
Aoi: —Fufu. I’ll tell you next time I get to dress you in it.
(Wh-When he dresses me…!?)
I froze at Aoi’s sweet whisper, but then—
Rindou: Master, would you try this kimono on next?
...
After changing in another room and returning—
Rindou: Ahh, just as I thought. It suits you perfectly.
Aoi: Oh my, truly charming. You look like a real princess.
Rindou: Now then, time for makeup. I’ll do it for you, so sit still, alright?
As his materialized form guided me to sit down, I followed—
(Whoa... Rindou’s face is really close...)
Rindou: Hehe. Your skin is flawless today too. Alright, time for lip color. The trick is to go slow with the brush... gently... now for the lower lip...
As the brush touched my lips, the ticklish sensation made me hold my breath.
Rindou: Hm? Master? No need to tense up so much. Still not used to having makeup done, I take it?
MC: Ahaha... I guess I just get nervous thinking that if I move even a little, I’ll mess everything up...
Rindou: ...Hehe. You’re adorable.
A soft, elegant smile crossed Rindou’s lips without him even realizing.
Rindou: Alright. All done. Take a look in the mirror, Master.
MC: ...Wow! This one feels much more mature than before.
Aoi: Hmm, lovely. A whole new side of you. Oh—wait, the hairpin’s a bit off. And—here, this part of your hair comes loose. Let me fix it.
As Aoi gently smoothed down my hair, the touch stirred distant memories.
Rindou: Hm? Let’s blend the eyeshadow a bit more...
Rindou’s brush swept lightly from my eyelid to my temple.
Aoi: Fufu. MC, your cheeks are so red. Maybe we should’ve gone lighter with the blush?
Rindou: Master, you really are beautiful.
(Being flustered right now is almost unavoidable... with both of them so close, saying things like this...!)
Aoi: Oh—I just had a thought. Since we went through all the trouble of dressing you up... why don’t we take a walk through town together? Of course, keeping this just between us here is nice too... but you look so beautiful right now, it’s hard not to show you off.
Rindou: Oh, that’s a wonderful idea. I bet everyone will be stunned by how beautiful you are, Master.
(That would mean... Rindou would be in his physical form too, right? But honestly, I think people would be more stunned by these two walking side by side than by me...)
Surrounded by two strikingly beautiful figures—graceful and alluring—I was already worried about the kind of attention we’d draw in town.
...
...Master. Aoi.
You helped me realize something very important.
That polishing one’s appearance isn’t meaningless.
That the feelings of that person from my past... were something to be proud of.
Rindou: (...It’s like the thorn lodged deep in my heart had quietly slipped free.)
I want to repay this kindness... in my own way.
I’ll do what I can, in the way that suits me. Even if I struggle, even if I stop or take a few steps back—
For the sake of you, Master, and Aoi... the ones I can truly call precious to my heart.