Divine Protocol: Rise Beyond Mortals

When Hiroshi saw the girl acknowledge her mistake, he pointed toward the Yoshino Cedar and said, "The deer is behind that tree. It got hurt because of you. I didn't have medicine, so I just tied a cloth to stop the bleeding. If you have any, fix your mistake and treat it." His tone was firm but fair, reflecting his growing confidence.

Sayuri, seizing the chance to redeem herself, nodded gratefully. "Thank you again," she said before hurrying behind the tree. Hiroshi watched her go, a sense of satisfaction settling in.

Once she left, he sat back down, muttering to himself, "Tricking people here into doing stuff isn't that hard with words. She was straightforward, so she agreed. If it were someone else, they'd have started beating me up, you fool!" Ryūjin Shirakawa's voice chimed in, teasing, "Oh, look at you, master manipulator!" Hiroshi blinked in shock. "You can hear my thoughts too?!"

Ryūjin laughed, his tiny form hovering. "You thought I was some useless snake, huh? As long as I'm in your body, I can hear every thought with both ears!" Hiroshi's jaw dropped, but before he could respond, Sayuri returned, the two-headed deer limping beside her. Its leg, now bandaged with a glowing salve, looked much better. The deer locked eyes with Hiroshi and bowed its head, as if saying, "Thank you for saving my life—I'll never forget your kindness."

Hiroshi smiled warmly. "No need to thank me. You're free now—go back to your family." The deer bowed again and trotted off into the forest. Sayuri watched the scene unfold, her respect for Hiroshi deepening. Seeing him speak so gently to the animal, tending to its needs, stirred an odd admiration in her heart.

Masking her feelings, she asked, "I've never seen you in this kingdom. Where are you from, and what's your name?" Her tone was polite, a stark contrast to earlier, which made Hiroshi feel at ease. He replied with equal courtesy, "I'm from Maharashtra. My name's Hiroshi."

Sayuri frowned, puzzled. "Maharashtra?" She racked her brain, searching for any memory of such a place, but drew a blank. It was a name she'd never heard in Kami no Sekai. Hiroshi noticed her confusion but didn't press, while Ryūjin whispered, "You find her thinking weird, don't you? And I find you weirder!" Hiroshi shot back, "What do you mean?" Ryūjin chuckled. "It's obvious, buddy! You're from Earth, telling her about Earth stuff—makes you the odd one here!"

Hiroshi's face flushed with embarrassment, realizing his slip-up. To deflect, he said, "Never mind me—what's your name?" Sayuri stopped overthinking and smiled. "I'm Sayuri." Hiroshi grinned. "Sayuri! Sweet name." Her smile widened, flattered, but then she studied his clothes—black shirt, blue jeans, and shoes—clearly not from Kami no Sekai. Hiroshi caught her gaze and lied, "Oh, you're checking out my clothes? Nice, huh? I designed them myself. What do you think?" Internally, he panicked, What if she figures out I'm from Earth? If she's allied with demons, I could be in big trouble!

Sayuri's eyes sparkled. "You made these? So you're a tailor!" She nearly danced with excitement. Hiroshi's mind reeled. Tailor?! Aloud, he clarified, "No, no—there's a difference. A designer creates the style, not just stitches." Sayuri cut in, "Same thing! You make clothes to wear, right?" She admired his outfit. "They're amazing! I've never seen anything like this. You're a great tailor!" Before Hiroshi could react, Ryūjin laughed, "Hey, tailor ji, sew me some clothes too—or do you only make scarves for girls?" Hiroshi muttered under his breath, "Get out first, and I'll stitch your mouth shut!"

While Hiroshi fumed, Sayuri's mind raced. She proposed, "Hiroshi, if you're a tailor, come with me. My sister's wedding is soon, and we haven't found a good one. It'd be a huge favor." Hope shone in her eyes, but Hiroshi's head throbbed. Ryūjin teased, "Look, buddy, a job offer! Time to start sewing!" Hiroshi ignored him and declined, "Sorry, Sayuri, I'm not interested. You can go now." Sayuri's face fell, muttering, What an arrogant guy! I'm Sayuri, the kingdom's beauty, and he refuses me so easily. Is he blind or just not into girls?

She wasn't wrong—Sayuri was renowned for her beauty, her tales spreading beyond Shivakura. But Hiroshi, from Earth, was used to stunning women, especially Aoi, whose beauty outshone goddesses. Why bother with others? Sayuri missed this context. Pouting, she said, "Fine, if you don't want to, it's your choice," and headed to her horse, suppressing her desire to insist, mindful of her royal dignity.

Hiroshi felt a twinge but stayed silent. Ryūjin, however, protested, "Why'd you refuse her, bro?" Hiroshi snapped, "You want me to sew for her sister?" Ryūjin reasoned, "You've got no home, no food, no clue here. If someone invites you, why say no?" Hiroshi pondered, then admitted, "But I can't sew—not even sew a button!" Ryūjin smirked. "Who said we're sewing? Stay a few days, find an escape. What say?" Hiroshi's face lit up with a grin.

Sayuri, mounting her horse, heard Hiroshi call, "Okay, if you're so insistent, I'll come!" She froze, turning to see him strutting like he was doing her a favor. Insistent? I just asked once! Why's he acting like this is a big deal? Has he fallen for my beauty after all? she wondered, her mind buzzing with questions. Ignoring them—she needed him—she said sweetly, "Let's go then!" Hiroshi smiled and followed.

They walked, her horse trotting beside, the afternoon sun warm. Hiroshi asked, "What's this city called?" Sayuri's eyes widened, confirming his newness. "It's Shivakura," she explained. He nodded, then asked, "Do you know a girl named Aoi? She's incredibly beautiful—maybe you've heard?" Sayuri pouted at the compliment to another, then shook her head. "No, I've never heard of her." Hiroshi's mood darkened, and they walked in silence.

Soon, they crossed the forest, entering the city. Hiroshi marveled at the markets, quaint homes, and strange creatures, until they reached a grand palace. Staring at its towering spires, he muttered praise, then asked, "Do you live here?" Sayuri smiled. "Yes, I do!" Hiroshi blinked, wondering if she worked here or her father did, granting her residence.

As she strode inside confidently, he followed, curious about what lay ahead.

What will Hiroshi's reaction be when he learns Sayuri is a princess? Why was Sayuri so excited about a tailor? Does the royal family lack tailors? How will Hiroshi find Aoi? What twist awaits his story?