I turned around to see who had said it.
The person said It was the fifth woman this week who had disappeared.
No wonder everyone was afraid to stay out alone.
I looked down and saw it—her chain. A little butterfly, and a heart. There was already a bit of blood on the ground. My fingers hesitated, but I took the chain with me.
Maybe… maybe I'll find her.
You never know.
I left the crowd and walked slowly toward Raiden. He looked like he wanted to say something—but didn't. He just walked beside me.
We headed to the card shop.
As we entered, we were surrounded by cards of all kinds—big, small, glowing, torn, golden. Every wall was covered.
Then a young voice rang out.
"Hello, lady… and good-looking man."
We turned.
A blonde woman stood behind the counter. Her eyes were blue. Actually, she looked kind like ,y sister Not the smart, mysterious kind. Just... there.
Only my sister had green eyes and blonde hair like that.
She asked us what we needed.
Raiden replied calmly, "We need a really good map."
She tilted her head. "Oh? A map that shows the way to a heart, perhaps? Well, when I look at you, I think you already found my heart."
I blinked.
Wait. WAIT. DID I JUST HEAR THAT RIGHT?!
I expected Raiden to ignore it.
But no.He smiled.He actually smiled.
"You're really pretty too," he said smoothly. "But I'm looking for a map... for the Rain of Memories."
I stood there, shocked.
EXCUSE ME?He called me a sheep not long ago.And now he's flirting with a girl he just met?
I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly saw my brain.Oh, what bullshit.
The girl blinked and said someone from Memory mentioned something like that once. "Give me a minute, I'm looking for the map now."
Raiden was silent.
And honestly… something about him felt strange. Almost distant.
She returned a moment later with a faded map in hand.
"You have to walk a bit further into the eternal whiteness," she said. "Then cross a small mountain. After that, you'll see a vast field of cherry blossoms."
Cherry blossoms…
My chest tightened. We were so close. How could that be?
We took the map.
Outside, Raiden slipped it into his coat.
I narrowed my eyes. "I didn't know you liked flirting so much."
He turned sharply. "ELOULA. What's going on now?"
I crossed my arms. "Oh, whatever."
Raiden hit his forehead and sighed, tired. "Never mind. I'll go find a place where we can spend the night."
I just wanted to go to the temple. The one the villager had told me about.
Maybe it would help me… even just a little.
But I didn't say that.
Instead, I said I was going for a walk.
Raiden frowned. "That's a really bad idea. You shouldn't be out alone."
"I can defend myself, okay?"
He didn't like it. But he also knew I wouldn't take a no for an answer.
"Fine. Let's meet here later."
I nodded and left.
The path to the temple was long and steep, lined with tall maple trees and endless green. Birds flew overhead, and the sky was cloudless.
I walked further, following the stone steps.
Then… I saw an old man walking down the path toward me. He wore a beautiful kimono, a sword at his waist, and a wide hat.
He smiled. "Ah, young lady, going to visit the temple?"
I nodded. "Yes. I hope it helps solve… things."
He paused. "Are you alone up here?"
That question felt strange.
"Yes," I replied cautiously.
He nodded again. "Thought so."
He walked on.
I continued toward the temple.
It was old—gray stone, moss-covered, with symbols carved into its pillars. But beautiful in a way only ancient places can be.
Inside, it was quiet. Empty. A red carpet was rolled out for visitors. I knelt down and began to speak
I just want to know what's happening to me.
Why don't I have courage?
Why is everyone lying to me? Am I misunderstanding everything?
Why me? Why does this keep happening to me?
I reached into my bag and pulled out the fan Raiden gave me.
"I DON'T WANT RAIDEN TO DIE.BUT I DON'T WANT HIM TO LIE TO ME EITHER."
My body trembled. I fell to the floor.
Thoughts rushed in like waves.
And then—pain.
My ear burned so badly, I screamed—and everything went black.
The battlefield appeared.
Blood. Screams. Swords. Death.
I stood there. I saw myself.
I was fighting.
I was covered in blood.
My face was the same. My hair… shoulder-length, just like now.
But then—I was thrown to the ground.
I turned.
There was a man.
Blood-soaked kimono. Two swords. But his face… I couldn't see it. It was blurred.
Like I should know him.
Like I've seen this scene before.
But I couldn't remember.
He raised his blade.
He wanted to kill me.
Tears ran down my face. I was angry, afraid, broken.
Then—
"LIANHUA!!"
That voice…
I turned. I reacted.
Why?
Everything turned black again.
I gasped and woke up.
I was still inside the temple.
On the floor.
Who had helped me?
I wasn't sure.
I clutched my chest.
Lianhua.
Just like the warrior.Just like the fighter.
IF I'M LIANHUA—NO.NOOOOOOOO—I'M NOT HER!
BUT WHY DID I REACT TO THE NAME?
It feels so wrong… but… she died 100 years ago.
How is that possible?
Lianhua had something to do with me.
But what?
I had to tell him.
I had to tell someone.
raiden
So I ran.
Ran faster than ever. Through the trees. Past the steps. Through the village.
The sun was already setting.
I was inside that dream for so long…
I ran through a dark alley, taking a shortcut.
I forgot I wasn't supposed to be alone.
Then—I felt it.
A numb hand on my ankle.