Ethan Clark was confused: "I don't know." Before coming here, she had never imagined that gods could still exist in this world.
Family Deity looked at her with a smile, shaking his head slightly, the meaning unclear. Ethan Clark wanted to say something more, but saw the two old ladies return, this time bringing a group of people dressed in white. They carried offerings and held pale red incense sticks.
No one dared look directly at the Family Deity in the center of the shrine, and naturally, no one saw Ethan Clark hiding behind the Family Deity. For some reason, Family Deity did not reveal Ethan Clark's presence. The women replaced the offerings, lit the incense, bowed skillfully to the Family Deity, and then quickly and orderly withdrew.
Inside the shrine, blue smoke curled. The Family Deity, whom Ethan Clark had instinctively used as a shield, watched the smoke, gathered his sleeves, and walked out... drifting out of the shrine. His hair spread out slightly, as if pulled by an invisible wind, and so did his sleeves, making people afraid to get too close. Ethan Clark was stunned for a moment, then followed him at a not-too-close, not-too-far distance, trailing behind him like a tail for two circles. "Are you... performing some kind of ritual?"
Family Deity replied kindly, "Just out for a walk to get some fresh air. The smoke is a bit choking."
Ethan Clark never expected this answer and was momentarily dumbfounded. A walk? He was clearly floating, and the smoke... choking? Admittedly, the smoke was a bit irritating, but how could a god dislike smoke for being choking?
"Then, should we put out the smoke?" She asked instinctively, as if talking to her younger sister.
Family Deity: "No, the smoke is to repel mosquitoes. If it's put out, there will be more insects at night."
Ethan Clark heard this and once again showed a confused, blank expression. Repel... mosquitoes?
Family Deity chuckled softly, "I'm just joking with you. That incense has a special purpose. As long as I'm awake, it must be burned every day."
For a moment, Ethan Clark felt that Family Deity was like a slightly mischievous old man, completely different from his overly youthful appearance and nothing like what she had imagined before.
Suddenly, her stomach rumbled loudly with hunger.
Family Deity sighed, "Ah, ordinary people need food every day."
Ethan Clark lowered her head, "Earlier, I stole some of your offerings."
Family Deity: "It's fine. Those offerings would just go to waste sitting there. I can't eat them anyway."
Ethan Clark asked softly, "Then can I go get a bit more of the offerings to eat?"
Family Deity: "No."
Ethan Clark: "...?"
Family Deity: "I recall that mortals are supposed to eat grains. Just eating those offerings won't do." As he spoke, he smiled and raised a hand, letting his sleeve hang in front of her, looking a bit bright and youthful.
For a moment, Ethan Clark couldn't figure out what he meant, shrinking her hands as she looked at his sleeve.
Family Deity: "Go ahead, hold on."
Ethan Clark nervously grabbed the soft "weapon" and followed Family Deity toward the exit of the courtyard. Family Deity floated out as usual, and she was forced to hurry after him. Sure enough, many people were standing guard outside the courtyard, all with serious expressions, dressed in ancient-style clothes completely different from modern customs, yet with guns tucked at their waists. Seeing these people, Ethan Clark grew tense and gripped the sleeve tightly.
But she soon realized that these people acted as if they couldn't see either her or Family Deity, their eyes fixed straight ahead.
Ethan Clark closely followed Family Deity's steps, glancing back at the motionless, statue-like guards, and walked toward another courtyard. There, she saw the two old ladies who called themselves "氏女" again. They were kneeling with several young women in front of many spirit tablets, chanting some unknown song. As they chanted, they bowed, as if teaching some kind of ritual. Family Deity led Ethan Clark past them, and their expressions did not change in the slightest.
They really couldn't see them.
So there were actually so many people in this large courtyard. When she first arrived, she hadn't seen anyone and thought only the two old ladies were here. The courtyard by day and by night seemed like two different worlds, inside and out.
"We're here."
Ethan Clark saw a kitchen and a dining hall set up like a restaurant. Although the exterior was ancient architecture, inside there were still modern machines and equipment. Walking in gave a sense of disorientation.
"People eat here," Family Deity introduced, like a thoughtful and polite host entertaining a guest.
Ethan Clark saw many dishes placed on clean plates, waiting to be taken. She hadn't eaten a proper meal in days, and the aroma of the food was so strong she couldn't help but swallow.
Family Deity smiled and gestured for her to help herself. Ethan Clark took a set of disposable chopsticks and a bowl, trying to get some food. She still didn't dare let go of the sleeve, afraid the nearby cooks would see her.
Seeing Ethan Clark hesitate, Family Deity suggested, "Why not try this?"
He pointed to a dish of richly sauced duck. Ethan Clark obediently picked up a piece and put it in her mouth.
Family Deity asked gently, with a hint of curiosity, "How is it? What does it taste like?"
Although it was delicious, Ethan Clark really didn't know what words to use, so she simply said, "Well, it tastes like... meat."