While Kaito was enjoying the fireworks in the Sanctuary, Lilia and the others were also taking in the display from a prime vantage point under Sky’s guidance.
The area was set up like a terrace. Everyone had gathered around a particularly large table to chat and watch the show.
They had visited the Lower Level earlier to grab some snacks from the stalls, and it should have been a wonderful time to reminisce about the day’s events... and yet, Hina looked a little downcast.
Sky was the first to notice her mood and asked with a look of concern.
"Hina-san, is something wrong?"
"Sky-san..."
"Are you not enjoying the fireworks?"
"N-No, they’re gorgeous. I’m having a great time. I love festivals, it’s just... I started thinking about how it’s almost over, and it made me feel a bit lonely."
Her voice was so small it was nearly swallowed by the booming of the fireworks, but Sky caught her words. She gave a soft smile and took the seat next to her.
"I understand that feeling all too well, Hina-san. It is always bittersweet when a happy time comes to a close. Because of my position, I rarely have the chance to interact with anyone besides other Gods. Meeting all of you and serving as your guide has been a fresh and wonderful experience for me."
"...I’ve really enjoyed having you show us around, Sky-san."
"Hearing you say that makes it all worthwhile. It’s true that it’s sad when a fun day ends, but the things we feel and the experiences we gain today will stay with us tomorrow. I like to think of it not as an end, but as a bridge to whatever comes next."
"To what comes next..."
Speaking in a soothing tone, Sky glanced around at the Humans and Demons watching the sky, and then at the fellow Gods who were stealing glances at the fireworks in between their duties.
"...I believe that what the Gods, myself included, have gained from this White God Festival is more significant than words can express. I can feel the God Realm beginning to change. Our world has been quite insular until now, but our ties to the Human and Demon Realms are growing. I’m sure it’s a change for the better."
Seeing Sky’s expression as she spoke, Hina let out a shy smile and whispered as if to herself.
"...I always envied my friends who had older sisters."
"Oh?"
"I’m the youngest in my family. I have two older brothers, but no sisters, so I always kind of longed for one. I know it’s probably rude to say to a high-ranking Goddess, but you’re so kind and warm, Sky-san... You’re exactly like the ideal older sister I always imagined having."
She paused for a moment, then looked down again, her expression turning somber.
"I wanted to talk to you so much more... but I know how it is. We only met because of Kaito-senpai. In reality, you’re an incredibly important person, Sky-san—not someone I can just go and see whenever I want. That’s the part that feels... a little lonely."
"...Hina-san."
"S-Sorry! I shouldn’t have said such a weird thing. Let’s just focus on the fireworks—eh?"
As Hina tried to force a change of subject, Sky gently rested a hand on her head. Hina looked up in surprise, meeting Sky’s warm, affectionate gaze.
"I’m truly happy that you feel that way. Since there is no concept of family among the Gods—only hierarchy—it is a little difficult for me to fully grasp. Even so, I am glad I met you, Hina-san. And just as you want to spend more time with me, I feel the same way. I want to talk about so many more things with you."
"...Sky-san."
"I don’t want this connection to end here. This desire to keep moving forward together is another thing I found during this festival... a precious, wonderful change."
Sky continued to stroke Hina’s hair as she spoke in a serene voice.
"I grant you... the Blessing of the Sky."
"Wait, what? S-Sky-san!?"
"With that blessing, you will be able to enter the Middle Level of the God Realm. Please, come and visit me whenever you like. I will always be waiting to welcome you."
"Oh... ugh... T-Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"Whoa there... fufu."
Overjoyed by the gift and the invitation, Hina’s eyes brimmed with tears of happiness. She impulsively threw her arms around Sky.
Startled for a heartbeat, Sky quickly relaxed and returned the embrace, stroking Hina’s head. Bathed in the light of the fireworks, the two of them looked exactly like a pair of devoted sisters.
???: "Just as I thought, Sky-san gave Hina-san her blessing. What a heartwarming little tale... Hm? Serious-senpai? She’s still in the middle of her treatment. By the way, those 86 Hours were just the 'review' phase. The actual treatment starts after that, so who knows how she’ll end up..."