Yuki - The Gifted Child

THE sky was blazing with the fire of the setting sun. It was getting late. As a final routine of the day, the Mikos lighted up the wooden lanterns around the shrine's main building after the last visitor left the shrine.

It is time to go home.

After lighting up all the wooden lanterns, the Mikos went into the Heiden; Hall of Offerings to assist Shinshoku-sama back to the Maruyama Manor. To get into the Heiden, they had to go through the Haiden; Hall of Worship first.

"Yuki-ojousama. Shinshoku-sama. Let us assist you to the manor." The Mikos bowed.

Shinshoku-sama finally stood up. Behind her was a pair of six-panel Byōbu; a Japanese folding screen or wind wall illustrating Pine Trees and ornamented with some handwritten talisman. It was right between Shinshoku-sama and the Honden; Inner Sanctuary.

A young lady named Yuki was sitting behind the Byōbu. The Byōbu completely hid her face. As the Maruyama Head forbade for Yuki to be gazed upon by others aside from Shinshoku-sama and the Mikos, she had to sit behind the folding screen all the time and during performing purification with visitors.

As she was sitting behind the folding screen, she could not make any noise. And no one should see her. As if she was never there.

Once Shinshoku-sama called out her name, Yuki showed up. The first thing others could see of Yuki was her natural red hair, amber-coloured eyes, and porcelain skin. Yuki's best unique traits are striking and beautiful. She does not look like a Japanese at all. But the folks in the shrine and Maruyama Manor truly adore her.

It was Yuki that healed the previous man. But of course, that matter is a secret. No outsiders should know about it.

Shinshoku-sama and the Mikos bowed to Yuki as a sign of respect, for she is the gifted child.

"Thank you for your hard work today too, Yuki-ojousama," said them.

In the Shinto hierarchy, Shinshoku-sama, or the high priestess, is actually at the top. But in Seisen-chi Shrine, Yuki assisted the Shinshoku in cleansing souls and healing others' spirituals.

Shinshoku-sama and the Mikos respect her. Yuki is a bright child. Every Sunday, she would be at the shrine to help around. Well, not exactly 'around'. But honestly, she did the hardest work. Well, she was the only person on earth gifted with healing power.

Yuki was allowed to leave the manor only on Sundays. On the other days, she is home-schooled. And spent most of her time reading. And only reading. She can embroider, play some musical instruments, cook, and more. But her most favourite hobby would be reading. Reading is fun for her and improves her knowledge of the outside world.

She was born and grew up on this island. So there was not so much she could do. Literally, 'allowed' to do. She could not go hiking, swimming, or sightseeing around the island. The furthest she ever went to was the private lake behind the Maruyama Manor.

She never knew the reason why the Head kept her confined in the manor. But she did not care. Everyone was kind to her, and she loves being with them the most. However, it is not a lie that sometimes she wished to visit the mainland. If possible.

The Head kept saying to her that the mainland is dangerous. And Yuki trusted her. Being with the Head, who Yuki considered almost as her real grandmother, could make her doubt and anxiety disappeared.

If the Head said no, then it meant no. Yuki never stood against the Head that she loves so much. Yuki is a good girl.

Before heading out of the main building, Yuki wore her outer robe as a veil to cover her face and hair. It took roughly fifteen minutes to reach the manor. And any outsiders might see her. Yuki would not risk any chance to reveal her face to others because the Head said don't. And all she had to do was obey the Head.