Phew...

(I'm starting to get the hang of being a shrine maiden.)

(It seems much calmer out there now, so I should be able to check in with the others to see how they're doing.)

(Huh...?

I see someone hunched over. I hope they're okay.)

(It's a girl. She looks around our age. Maybe younger... But I'm not seeing any friends or family members. Is she all alone out here?)

E-Excuse me.

Is everything okay?

Y-Yes...

I'm just a little tired...

I see...

But you don't look so well. I think you should rest for a little while.

There's a bench right over there where we can sit. How does that sound?

Th-Thank you...

*Sigh*

I really appreciate it. I feel much better now.

That's good to hear.

You really didn't look well back there.

...

Hm? Are you sure you're okay now? Is something still bothering you...?

N-No, it's not that...

I don't know if I should be asking a shrine maiden about this but...

I... I ran away from home...

What?

Why...?

My parents and I got into a fight over my future...

I really love baking...

So I brought up the idea of me going to a vocational school where I can learn to be a patisserie.

They rejected me by saying I have my head in the clouds...

That's why I came here.

My wish is to make it so they'll say yes to my decision.

Yes, I see.

But I can't actually wish this away, can I...?

I believe the opposite...

Huh?

I believe any wish can be granted as long as you have faith in it.

By the way, do you have an idea of what it's like to be a patisserie...?

Yeah, I did some research online, and even asked around at some local bakeries and cake shops.

They told me that I have to have the mental and physical stamina to be able to cope with a long and arduous process that doesn't always reward you.

(Mental and physical stamina...?)

(That reminds me of the time a professional pastry chef came to teach ASRUN how to make cakes. They mentioned the exact same thing.)

(For a time, they were only allowed to clean and check inventory. And when it got busy, they hardly had enough time to get any sleep.)

(But they're always able to get through all of that because they know somebody's waiting for their cake to arrive on their special day.)

Oh...

Would you mind me asking why you decided to want to become a patisserie in the first place...?

Huh?

Why...?

Your parents told you that you have your “head in the clouds”, no?

What if they just don't fully know or understand your reasoning behind wanting to become a patisserie? Wouldn't that help convince them of your decision?

*Gasp*...!

You're right. I don't think I explained everything to them well enough...

If that's the case, I believe you'll have no problem getting them to understand.

Now I see what they meant by what they said...

One year, I made my mom a birthday cake and she really loved it. I still remember the way she smiled like it happened yesterday...

I know that's what I need to tell them now...!

Yes, and I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job.

A-Again, thank you so much...

I'm so glad I came here today.

Likewise. I'm glad that I could help.

But it's starting to get dark, so please watch your step.

I will!

Bye, and thanks again!

(I hope I didn't pry too much...

Still...)

(I hope her dream comes true...)

E-Excuse me!

Could you point me towards the shrine office?

Yes...!

It's right this way!