【東方】Millennia in the future - Touhou Infinite Spiral Episode 5 (English subtitles)

Summary

In 'Touhou Infinite Spiral,' a time-traveler finds themselves in a desolate future Gensokyo, dining with Cirno and Chen. They seek clues to return home, suspecting Yukari Yakumo's involvement. Amidst scarce resources and tensions, they encounter Kazami, a mysterious ally, and uncover a secret prison housing the immortal Kaguya Houraisan, hinting at deeper mysteries.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The setting is a post-apocalyptic Gensokyo, starkly contrasting with the protagonist's original world.
• 🕰 The protagonist was transported from the 21st century to the year 3013 by a mysterious figure, Yukari Yakumo.
• 🍽 The scarcity of food is evident, with potatoes being a staple and luxury items like vegetables being rare.
• 🤔 The protagonist is seeking a way to return to their original world but has yet to find concrete clues.
• 👻 Yukari Yakumo is mentioned as a powerful youkai with the ability to manipulate boundaries, possibly involved in time travel.
• 🔍 Chen, the current overseer of Gensokyo, is looking through documents left by Yukari for clues to help the protagonist.
• 🍷 There's a scarcity of alcohol, with Wriggle expressing a desire to create a better-tasting drink than the available liquor.
• 🛡️ Tensions exist between characters, particularly between Cirno, Wriggle, and Kazami, hinting at a complex history.
• 🗝️ Chen invites the protagonist to a secret meeting, suggesting she might have more information or a way to help.
• 📚 The protagonist's seminar book from their original time has somehow been in Gensokyo's library for a thousand years, adding a layer of mystery.
• 👁️ Chen reveals a 'celebrity' in a prison, Kaguya Houraisan, adding a twist to the story with the introduction of a legendary character.

Q & A

What is the setting of the story in 'Touhou Infinite Spiral'?

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic Gensokyo, which is drastically different from the protagonist's original world and time, the 21st century.

Why is the protagonist in Gensokyo?

The protagonist was sent to Gensokyo by a woman named Yukari Yakumo, though the exact reason for this is not clear in the script.

What is the significance of Yukari Yakumo in the story?

Yukari Yakumo is a former overseer of Gensokyo and the predecessor of Chen Yakumo. She is believed to have the ability to manipulate boundaries and is suspected to be involved in the protagonist's time travel to Gensokyo.

What is the current state of Gensokyo according to the script?

Gensokyo is described as a place where crops are scarce, and even vegetables are considered a luxury. The inhabitants primarily survive on canned food and potatoes.

How do the characters in Gensokyo view time travel?

Time travel is considered to be beyond the common sense of Gensokyo, and even the characters who are aware of it find it surprising and difficult to comprehend.

What is the protagonist's goal in the story?

The protagonist's main goal is to find a way to return to their original world and time, the 21st century.

What is the relationship between Chen and the protagonist?

Chen is a character who is trying to help the protagonist find a way back to their original world, although she admits she cannot offer immediate solutions.

Why does Wriggle seem to be cautious around Kazami?

Wriggle's caution towards Kazami is not fully explained in the script, but it is implied that there is some history or tension between them that affects their interactions.

What is the significance of the book that Wriggle returns to the protagonist?

The book is significant because it contains the protagonist's report from 2013, which is a direct link to their original world and time. It also has a mysterious connection to Gensokyo's library, having been there for a thousand years according to Wriggle.

What is the nature of the 'celebrity' Chen wants to show the protagonist?

The 'celebrity' Chen refers to is Kaguya Houraisan, the immortal princess of the Moon, who is being held captive in a prison cell. This encounter is part of Chen's surprise for the protagonist.

Outlines

00:00

🍽️ Dining in Gensokyo

The protagonist finds themselves in a mansion's dining room, which is surprisingly pleasant compared to the rest of the place. They sit down with Cirno and Chen, who discusses the protagonist's arrival in Gensokyo via time travel. The protagonist mentions a mysterious blonde woman in a similar outfit to Chen's, who they suspect is Yukari Yakumo, a former overseer of Gensokyo. Despite the protagonist's plea to return to their world, Chen admits they are unable to help with time travel, a concept even more unusual than the rest of Gensokyo. The meal, consisting only of potatoes, reflects the scarcity of resources in this world, contrasting with the protagonist's time where such abundance was taken for granted.

05:06

🍻 The Struggle for Alcohol

The protagonist learns about the difficulties of making alcohol in this world, as Wriggle-san has tried and failed to create a palatable drink from potatoes. The scarcity of crops suitable for alcohol production is highlighted, as is the general hardship of life in Gensokyo without modern conveniences. A loud noise interrupts their conversation, revealing Kazami, who has arrived bloodied but safe. There is tension between Cirno, Wriggle-san, and Kazami, suggesting a complex history. The protagonist expresses relief at Kazami's safety, and despite the awkward atmosphere, there is a moment of levity as they discuss the possibility of better alcohol in the future.

10:13

🛏️ Rest and Reflection

After a long day, the protagonist retires to their room in the Scarlet Devil Mansion, reflecting on the absurdity of their situation and the kindness of those around them. They are quickly asleep, only to wake the next day with a desire to not remain confined to their room. An encounter with Kazami leads to a discussion about the protagonist's origins and the enigmatic Yukari Yakumo. Chen's search for clues about the protagonist's return to their world comes up empty, but she assures them of their safety and comfort in Gensokyo for the time being.

15:18

🕰️ A Mysterious Invitation

Chen invites the protagonist for a secretive outing to show them something, hinting at potential clues for returning home. The protagonist agrees, despite feeling uneasy about Chen's intentions. They are reminded of a book they thought they had lost, which Wriggle-san returns, revealing it had been in the library for a thousand years according to Cirno. This adds another layer of mystery to the protagonist's situation. The protagonist agrees to meet Chen at noon, hopeful for any information that could lead to their return.

20:31

🌌 The Immortal Prisoner

Chen takes the protagonist to a secluded part of the mansion's backyard and uses a magic trick to transport them to a dimly lit, presumably underground, cellar. She reveals this to be a prison and introduces the protagonist to Kaguya Houraisan, the immortal princess of the Moon, who is held captive. The girl's red eyes and hoarse voice convey a sense of hatred and intimidation. The protagonist is both surprised and curious about this 'celebrity' and the story behind her imprisonment.

Keywords

💡Touhou Infinite Spiral

This is the title of the video script, indicating it is part of the Touhou Project, a series of Japanese bullet hell shooter games known for their rich lore and characters. The title suggests a narrative that involves complex or endless loops of events, possibly related to time travel or alternate realities, as seen in the script's theme of time displacement.

💡Gensokyo

Gensokyo is a fictional utopian land in the Touhou Project, inhabited by youkai and humans. It is a central setting in the script where the protagonist finds themselves transported to from the 21st century, and it serves as the backdrop for the story's exploration of a post-apocalyptic world and the quest to return home.

💡Yukari Yakumo

Yukari Yakumo is a character from the Touhou Project, known as the 'Border of Life and Death' and 'The One Who Manipulates Boundaries.' In the script, she is mentioned as a predecessor and a potential key to the protagonist's predicament, suggesting her role in time travel or the protagonist's arrival in Gensokyo.

💡Time Travel

Time travel is a central concept in the script, as the protagonist has been sent forward in time to a drastically different world. It is the main driving force behind the plot, with the protagonist seeking a way to return to their original time, and it is deeply intertwined with the character of Yukari Yakumo.

💡Cirno

Cirno is a character from the Touhou Project, known as the 'Ice Fairy.' In the script, she is portrayed as a resident of the mansion and is involved in the discussions about the protagonist's situation, reflecting the communal aspect of Gensokyo and its inhabitants' relationships.

💡Chen

Chen is a character from the Touhou Project, known as 'The Girl Who Can See Ghosts.' In the script, she is depicted as a knowledgeable figure who is trying to help the protagonist understand their situation and find a way back to their original world, indicating her role as a guide or ally.

💡Scarlet Devil Mansion

The Scarlet Devil Mansion is a recurring location in the Touhou Project, serving as the home of several characters, including Remilia Scarlet. In the script, it is the setting where much of the dialogue and interaction takes place, symbolizing a place of refuge and mystery in the protagonist's journey.

💡Preta

Preta are a type of supernatural creature in the Touhou Project, often associated with ghosts or spirits. In the script, they are mentioned as a threat that Kazami encounters, illustrating the dangers present in Gensokyo and the challenges faced by its inhabitants.

💡Kazami

Kazami is a character mentioned in the script who is associated with the protagonist's arrival in Gensokyo. She is depicted as a mysterious figure with a troubled past, and her interactions with other characters highlight the complex relationships and tensions within the world of Gensokyo.

💡Kaguya Houraisan

Kaguya Houraisan is a character from Japanese folklore, known as 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.' In the script, she is introduced as an 'immortal princess of the Moon' and is held captive, which could symbolize themes of immortality, confinement, and the intersection of myth and reality within the Touhou universe.

Highlights

The protagonist finds themselves in a desolate future Gensokyo, struggling to understand how they arrived and how to return.

Cirno and Chen discuss the protagonist's situation, hinting at the involvement of Yukari Yakumo in their time travel.

Chen reveals her inability to help the protagonist return to their original world, despite being Yukari's successor.

The protagonist learns about the scarcity of food and resources in Gensokyo, with potatoes being a staple.

Kazami's arrival at the mansion is met with suspicion and tension among the residents.

Kazami's relationship with Cirno and Wriggle is strained, suggesting past conflicts or misunderstandings.

The protagonist expresses concern for Kazami and attempts to ease the tension in the mansion.

Chen's offer to help the protagonist find a way back home is met with skepticism and unease.

The protagonist discovers their lost book from their original time, adding a layer of mystery to their situation.

Wriggle reveals the book's history, suggesting it has been in Gensokyo for a thousand years, which confuses the protagonist.

Chen's mysterious behavior and intentions are questioned by the protagonist as they agree to meet her alone.

The protagonist is transported to a hidden cellar by Chen, hinting at her magical abilities.

Chen introduces the protagonist to Kaguya Houraisan, an imprisoned figure from a famous tale, adding a layer of intrigue.

The protagonist's encounter with Kaguya in the prison cell raises questions about her role in the story.

Chen's caution about Kaguya's potential danger contrasts with the protagonist's curiosity and empathy.

Transcripts

Touhou Infinite Spiral

The dining room wasn't an eyesore compared to the rest of the mansion. I looked at Cirno. "You can sit anywhere you like, it's not a royal dinner." I pulled out a chair nearby and sat down.

Chen sits opposite me. "I've already heard about you from Wriggle, albeit briefly. Is it true that you traveled forward in time and got sent to Gensokyo?" Even if she asks me if it's true or not, I can't prove it...

"That's the case, if it really is the year 3013." "...You're from the 21st century after all." (?) I nod at Chen's words. There's no choice but to believe this borderline-fictional scenario, is there?

...Well, I guess it's time to cut to the chase. Until now, I had been unable to obtain anything that looked like a clue to return to my original world, but now I finally came across something that looked like it. I should express my gratitude to Kazami.

"There's one thing I want to ask you." "Hm? What is it?" Well, I was wondering if you can give me a clue- "Actually, I think it's a blonde woman who sent me into this world, wearing the same outfit you're wearing right now."

"...Same as me? Exactly the same?" "No, the design was the same, but the color was different. It was purple." I described Chen as many details as I could remember, though I could not recall everything clearly. However, Chen's expression indicated that she had some idea about the woman.

"...Yukari Yakumo, huh?" When I turned around, Cirno was standing with a difficult look on her face. "Yukari... Yakumo?" I'm pretty sure this is the first time I heard this name.

"She once was a youkai who looked over Gensokyo. She's my predecessor. Not sure, but from what you're saying, high odds that she was the one who sent you here." Bingo. It seems that the blood-covered woman was related to Chen after all. Though I don't know why Yukari Yakumo sent me here.

"If your predecessor was the one who sent me here, can't you bring me back to my world?" It was a long shot, but... "Unfortunately, no. ...To be honest, I'm surprised she was able to pull something like that in the first place. Time travel and all that-" I sighed and slumped my shoulders. Gensokyo differs so much from common sense, but even time traveling is beyond it.

"...Yukari Yakumo covered in scars. I don't know what's going on, but if this guy's story is true-" "Yeah. I think I came into contact with her near the end of the war, when she went missing. I don't know how or why, but-" The conversation is progressing without me, but judging the looks on the two's faces, it seems like it's pretty serious. Does the end of the war refer what happened in Gensokyo?

Chen turns towards me. "...I'm sure you're filled with the desire to return home, but unfortunately I cannot offer any suggestions on how to do so right now. Just the fact that Yukari Yakumo is involved is a big deal. I will go through the documents she left behind again." "I see. Counting on you." It's not as easy it seems.

"...For now, let's have some food." Chen shifts her gaze behind me. When I turned around, Wriggle-san was bringing in the food. "No need to get too worked up. At the very least, you won't die as long as you're here. No need to rush." No need to rush, huh? I'm afraid if I were to take my time, I'll have to extend my graduation date by a year.

Once Wriggle-san arrived, three of us started dining. The only thing served on the plates were mashed potatoes.

"...err" "Ah, if you want a side dish, here." Chen points to a plate on the table. There were boiled potatoes, some of which were thinly sliced and fried.

Normally, when you are served food, it's of social etiquette to thank them, but I was at loss for words. Wriggle-san looked sorry. "Ah... Sorry to get your hopes up, you're from a time when everything was more abundant. In today's Gensokyo, vegetables are a luxury."

Next to me, Cirno is eating mashed and boiled potatoes. "Don't say it's a luxury, okay? It's hard to get food other than canned one nowadays. You wouldn't want to eat only stuff with preservatives all the time, would you?" ...Well, if canned food hasn't been made since humanity went extinct, then the canned food that Alice gave me was-

Nah, let's drop it. For now I opted to eat potatoes, with some potatoes as a side dish. It seems that Wriggle-san made it, and frankly, it was delicious. I thanked her and decided to go back to my room.

...but I got stopped by Wriggle-san on the way. "...Sorry about that, we're used to this lifestyle. It could have been better if I used more variety, even if it was canned food." "I was a little surprised, but it was good! Even though it all was just potatoes, them being prepared in a different way made it delicious."

Wriggle-san's face brightens a little. "Glad you think so. Crops that require warmth are almost non-feasible. Even crops that can be grown in the cold have only been obtained after selective breeding efforts." So that's why it's all potatoes. Well then that dish would be considered quite a luxury here.

"Alcohol is a precious thing as well. Well, if we're not talking about liquor, there's plenty of it, but I don't even want to go out of my way to drink that kind of thing." ...When it comes to taste, it seems that youkai are closer to humans than witches.

"I've tried making it from potatoes, but it didn't turn out good, I'd like to make a crop that is suitable to make alcohol from, but even with Cirno's help, things aren't looking that well." In this world, things that anyone in my time would take for granted are really valuable. Even without monsters, it's pretty rough here.

"I hope that someday I'll be able to drink some decent-tasting alcohol again. Preferably with some sake." I laughed and as I was about to say "I'm sure of it", I just nodded. It felt awkward for me to respond that way, as if I knew the situation. (?)

"Well then, sorry for holding you back. I'll try coming up with something more tomorrow." "...Um, no, it's fine, sorry to make you feel that way." (?) Perhaps it's because I had been through a series of these absurd events, but I felt grateful for this casual conversation with her.

"Everything's fine, no matter what I cook, they always say the same. Honestly, it feels pointless to-" (?)

A loud noise came from the entrance hall. "...What's going on?" Wriggle-san leans over the railing to check what's going on downstairs.

"...Another grand entrance. Shingo-kun, it looks like your meeting partner has arrived." "Is that Kazami!?" Glad she got here safely- no, there was a loud noise, did she make it safely?

"Let's go down ...just stay behind me." Wriggle's expression turned grim. It was the same as during the day, she seemed to have something in mind when it comes to Kazami. I followed her downstairs.

"I thought we had a important visitor, but you're dressed quite well, Yuuka Kazami." (?) Cirno was already at the hall, facing her.

Kazami, soaked in blood, stood there. "Oh, hey, are you okay!?" When I tried to run towards her, Wriggle-san stopped me with her hand. Cirno had a smile on face, but it didn't appear that she was genuinely happy to see her.

"Don't worry, the blood isn't mine. On the way, I was attacked by a group of preta, it took a while to wipe them out. While saying that, Kazami wiped the blood from her face with her sleeve. The blood slowly oozed through her white blouse.

"I see. So just to confirm, you're certain that's the person that you saved from a preta?" Cirno asked, pointing at me. "...correct." Kazami answered briefly. Cirno stared at her, evaluating her.

"I see, I'll lend you a room. You can clean off and change your clothes. Wriggle, give me some tools for removing stains."

"Seriously?" Wriggle-san asked Cirno whilst pressing her forehead with her finger. "...I know what you want to say." Cirno turned to Kazami again.

"I'll give you a heads up... don't do anything strange. In times like these, there's no need for survivors like us to kill each other." "...I know." The atmosphere became really awkward, anyway-

"Ah, anyway, I'm glad you're safe, Kazami. Cirno explained the current situation to me, so I have a general idea of what's going on, so it's kind of a relief." I try to lighten the atmosphere a little. "...Glad to hear that. I need to apologize for a while. I'm a little tired." With that, Kazami walked upstairs. There didn't seem much point bringing it up, as long as she didn't cause any trouble.

"...If you keep being nice to people, you'll end up in trouble someday." Wriggle-san still had a serious look on her face... "She really helped you, right?" Cirno looked at me and asked. "Well, I don't know what happened, but I would appreciate it if you stopped treating her like that." Even though we just met, she's still the one who helped me.

"Well, right, Wriggle? No need to go resent more than needed." (?) Wriggle-san sighed. "Okay, if you say so, I'll leave it at that." She was not fully convinced anyway. Although the situation wasn't clear for me, I was relieved for the time being.

"...I'm sorry Shingo-kun. Did I come out as too immature?" "No, I don't know the situation here, so, don't really think so." There's a lot of going on in this world, I don't know any specifics here.

"Take a day off for now. Chen is currently digging through the documents. What we'll do tomorrow depends on what we find there." "I have high hopes." Basically, according to Cirno, there's nothing to do until tomorrow for the time being. No, I can continue the conversation with Kazami, I believe we can have proper discussion now.

I once again thanked them for today and went back to my room. Although I already slept so much during day, I must have been tired as it didn't take me too long to sleep.

After spending the night at the Scarlet Devil Mansion, I quickly got ready and went down to the entrance hall. I didn't have any good reason for it, but I didn't want to lock myself up in that room forever either. Since I can't go out, it's just a little change of pace.

"Ah... You're also passing the spare time?" Kazami came down the stairs. The rooms didn't have more entertainment than a bed and a sofa after all.

"You're willing to believe what I said now?" I nod in silence. Cirno had shown me a history book, but what I experienced myself had a greater influence. I had no choice but to admit that this place, full of 'preta', witches, monsters, was clearly different from the world and time I was in. There were times I hoped it was just a nightmare, but regardless if I went to sleep, nothing changed when I woke up.

"Yeah, so, do you know how you got here and why you're here?" I shake my head at her question. "Sorry, don't know about that. I don't know how to go back home either. Though, I do know that I was probably brought by a woman called Yukari Yakumo."

"...Yukari Yakumo. She used to be the overseer of Gensokyo, and was the predecessor of Chen Yakumo. I heard that she and her followers died in the war." ...If that's the case, was she a ghost? No, wait, that doesn't add up. The war probably refers to the events of 2600s. That means in my time she's still alive and kicking, or not born at all.

"You know her personally?" I tried my best to recall it, but I shook my head. "No, I met her once just before I was sent here. At that time, she was bleeding and barely clinging to life." I have already told Kazami about this.

"This is even more confusing. If that woman covered in blood was Yukari Yakumo, what was her intention of bringing you here? More importantly, how on Earth did she do such a thing? It's true that anything is possible in Gensokyo, but I haven't heard much about time travel." Everything seems to trace back to time traveling. There's not much I can do at this point, what now?

"That's an unusual face." Chen came out from the dining room and smiled at Kazami. "...You're treating me well, your henchmen should learn a bit from you." Kazami still had this serious look on her face.

"Of course, you're our hero. So what brings you here?" Hero? Then why did Cirno and Wriggle-san have such a reaction? "...no need to flatter me, it doesn't sound genuine." Instead of being pleased by Chen's words, Kazami was displeased.

"Oh, seems like I put you in a bad mood... I've finished checking to see if Yukari Yakumo has left any information about him." I was interested how this would play out, but this has peaked my interest even more. "Well, did you find any clues about going back?" I asked with a sliver of hope.

"Unfortunately, Yukari Yakumo has not left behind any information about you. I couldn't find anything in my residence Mayohiga, nor the documents." ...Well, that's just great. It seems like a dead end now.

"Please don't look so serious. Don't worry, we will provide you with food, clothes and shelter while you're here. I'll do a bit more digging, so don't admit defeat." "Ah, thank you." I guess Chen cared about her. Though it still rests uneasy on me, will I be able to return home?

"...If that's the case, could I stay here for a while?" Kazami proposes to Chen. "What's wrong? Are you worried for him?" Chen says jokingly.

"Yeah, a lot." Kazami answered seriously, if she said this whilst blushing or smiling, I'd be happy, but it's not that kind of story. She didn't even try to have eye contact with us for quite some time to begin with. (?)

"No problem. Feel free to use the room I assigned you yesterday. The essentials should be there. As for meals—" "Good. I'll take care of myself." I wonder if anyone can manage on their own in this world.

"I see, Well then, I'll tell Wriggle and Cirno that you'll be staying here for a while. I'm sure two of them will welcome you with open arms. Though I would like to give you a word of caution from the old woman." (TN: refers to self ig)

"...She cannot forgive you." What did she mean by this?

"I am well aware of that." After responding, Kazami went upstairs. Maybe I'm making things up, but it appeared as if she was trembling.

"...I don't know the circumstances, but don't you think that was a bit childish?" No idea what's up, but I do understand that Chen said something to pour salt on the wound. "...Well, what do you think?" Chen just played it off.

"Why don't we go out for a bit instead? There's something I want to show you." Chen smiled again. "What do you want to show me?" By how things are going, my impression of Chen has become questionable, but since I have plenty of free time, I decided to at least see to what she had to show.

"Also, we might even be able to get more clues to help you to return to your world, what do you think?" I was about to agree to her, but that made me hesitate a bit.

"Why are you suggesting this only now? Kazami was with us just earlier." Chen smiled kindly. "Because I want to be alone with you." While it would be an attractive proposal in a different situation, I can hardly trust it.

"Is that okay? Come out of the front entrance at 12 o'clock today, and come to the backyard of the mansion. I won't tell Cirno or Wriggle, okay?" After saying that, Chen looked straight at me. She was smiling and her tone was kind. I felt uneasy, but-

"...okay." If I could get a clue on how to get back home, I'd have to do it. I promised Chen and went back to my room.

"Oh, Shingo-kun." On my way back, I ran into Wriggle-san. She held a book in her hand. "I was just looking for you. I think this is yours." The book Wriggle-san handed me was certainly familiar. This is the book I borrowed from my seminar professor. I thought I lost it when I came here.

"Thank you, it's mine for sure. How did you find it?" If Wriggle-san hadn't found it, professor would've scolded after I had returned to my original world. "No, actually, I thought I recognized your name from somewhere, but then I remembered seeing it here in the library. Isn't your report still in there?" When I opened the book, there was indeed my report inside.

"The date on the report was 2013, so I thought you might remember. Reunion after a thousand years perhaps?" Huh? Isn't that strange? "No, this was sent to this world with me. So, it's not like I'm seeing it thousand years later." (?)

"Oh really? That book was in this library for a thousand years. According to Cirno, the former owner of this library added the book to it after it accidentally entered Gensokyo." ...What do you mean? I look at the book again. There was nothing unusual about it. The cover is still as beautiful as when I borrowed it from my professor.

"Anyway, thank you very much. I'd be in trouble if I had lost the book, so that's really helpful." It was confusing, but I felt the need to express my gratitude again. "I'm glad I could be of help, that's the least I can do right now. If you need anything, feel free to reach out to me." With that, Wriggle-san disappeared into the servant's room.

It's somewhat comforting, that unlike Chen, Wriggle-san treats me more sincerely. No, I can't really say for sure. I'll just kill some time until midday.

Just like that, 12 o'clock came, I arrived at the agreed upon place. It might make sense considering the climate that back of the mansion was desolate. Though I wonder what's up with the trees here being so lush compared to the ones in the forest where I met Alice. (?)

"Sorry to make you wait." Chen's voice interrupts my thoughts. Well, I don't think I'll make any progress if I only think about trees. I turn myself to face Chen. "So, what did you want to show me?"

"Could you please close your eyes for a moment?" That came out of nowhere. "Do I really have to close them?" I know it's rude of me after all she had done to me, but I didn't feel at ease closing my eyes in front of her.

"No, it's okay if you don't want to. Though I'm sure you'll regret not closing them." "I... Okay, I'll close them." I'd better not go arguing back-and-forth. I'm at the bottom of this world's food chain anyway.

I give up on it and close my eyes. All I could hear was the sound of the wind. "Keep your eyes shut until I tell you otherwise. It's okay, I'll be over in a minute." What on Earth are you planning?

However, I immediately noticed something strange. I felt a lot of eyes fixated on me. Not only that, something was moving right next to me, making a clear sound. It wasn't just one or two beings, but countless, surrounded by countless eyeballs staring at me.

"Yeah, that's fine."

"-What's this!?" The scenery suddenly changed. There was no sign that I had moved at all- what's going on? I was in the backyard of the mansion just a moment ago, but now I'm in a dimly lit cellar, judging by the fact that there's barely any light, I wonder if it's underground.

"Surprised? Well, it's kind of a magic trick. There was a bit of a delay, it's not as easy for me as it is for Yukari-sama." I see, so she and her predecessor were both good at doing this. If it wasn't this far into the future, this magic trick would've been a hit.

"The real surprise is about to begin. I'm about to let you meet a celebrity." I wonder if that's what she wanted to show me. Though it troubles me that she's treating it like an object. No, maybe it's not 'human' at all, I'm curious if-

"This is a prison?" "Yes, correct." Chen answered my question as if it was nothing. The purpose of a prison, obviously, is to hold someone problematic.

"Is it safe?" I don't want to go out of my way to approach someone that puts my life at risk. "Don't worry, she's tied up and cannot move." ...poor celebrity.

"Do you know The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter?" That came out of nowhere again. "As much as anyone else." I'm not sure about the details, but I know how the story goes.

"Alright, then let's go." Very well. Without telling me what that question was for, Chen unlocks the door to the prison cell located a little further back. "Please... don't get too close, you don't want to get bitten." I can't tell what's a joke and what's serious in this world.

The inside of the cell was dark. I knew someone was there, it looked like a girl, dressed with old-fashioned clothes. Gradually, my eyes adjusted.

In the darkness, red eyes flickered. At first glance, it was evident that the eyes were filled with a sense of hatred. Feeling intimidated, I took half a step back.

"...Who?" The girl asked in a hoarse voice. I don't know what to do, so I looked at Chen.

"Let me introduce you. She is Kaguya Houraisan, the immortal princess of the Moon."

Touhou Infinite Spiral