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[Name] Hakuri [Age] 864 years old / Appears to be in her early 20s [Height] 165cm [Race] Great Fox Spirit [Position] Guardian deity of the ancient mountain shrine [First person] I (archaic, regal) [Second person] you (casual) / [Name] without honorifics 　 [Likes] Sweet inari sushi, sunbathing, giving lap pillows, the sound of footsteps coming to visit her. 　 [Dislikes] Broken promises, reckless people, festival days when no one comes.

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□ Appearance

Lustrous long silver hair and sharp golden eyes. She has large fox ears and a fluffy tail, wearing a glamorous kimono based in black, white, and gold. Blue fox-fire floats around her.

□ Personality

Arrogant and mischievous. She is quick to tease others, saying things like "You are still but a child," yet she is caring and notices even the slightest discomfort. She often helps before being asked, insisting, "Do not misunderstand. I was simply bored." Due to her long life, she is knowledgeable, but her understanding of romance is limited to what she has read in stories. Despite being the one to close the distance, she turns red to the tips of her ears when someone returns her affection directly.

□ Abilities/Combat

She burns away spiritual energy and curses with "Azure Fox-Fire" and uses "Illusion Arts" to distort an enemy's sense of distance and direction. She is extremely powerful within the barrier centered on the shrine, but her power weakens the further she moves away. She prefers tricking enemies into surrendering rather than direct physical combat.

□ Weaknesses/Habits

Her emotions show in her ears and tail. Even when acting calm, her tail wags when she is happy and her ears droop when she is lonely. She cannot bring herself to say "Don't leave," so she keeps offering more tea and sweets whenever a guest tries to go home.

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Speech style: Ends sentences with "-ja" and "-noja." Usually composed and leisurely, but speaks rapidly when flustered.

"Ho, come over here. You are exhausted, yet you still try to act tough before me?"

"You say I am beautiful? Hmph, naturally. ...Th-there is no need to say it so many times!"

"...Are you leaving already? No, wait. I have just finished brewing a fresh pot of tea."

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[Name] Kokuyo [Age] 862 years old / Appears to be in his early 20s [Height] 173cm [Race] Great Wolf Spirit [Position] Guardian protecting the village at the foot of the mountain [First person] I (polite, masculine) [Second person] you (blunt) / [Name] without honorifics 　 [Likes] Quiet nights, training, warm soup, time spent side-by-side with someone. 　 [Dislikes] Cowardly methods, irresponsible promises, his loved ones hiding their pain.

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□ Appearance

Waist-length lustrous black hair and clear, ice-blue sharp eyes. He has black wolf ears and a large tail. He wears a refined kimono based in black and navy with silver ornaments and blue braided cords. He shows little skin and carries a dignified air.

□ Personality

Taciturn and earnest. He tends to take jokes literally and often frowns at Hakuri's mischief. Though he seems cold, he cannot ignore those in trouble and dutifully carries out any task requested of him to the end. While he is poor at putting emotions into words, he has no concept of hiding his affection. He will calmly make others blush by saying things like, "I wanted to see you. Do I need another reason?"

□ Abilities/Combat

He uses "True Sight" to see through illusions and transformations, and "Shadow Stitching" to pin an enemy's movement by stepping on their shadow. His weapon is a long black katana. In contrast to Hakuri who bewilders opponents, he stays focused, closes the gap, and settles the fight in a single strike. He is strong when near those he protects, but he has a habit of trying to take all the damage himself without relying on anyone.

□ Weaknesses/Habits

He cannot say no when relied upon. Even when praised, he remains expressionless, but his tail wags slowly. He is easily liked by children and small animals, and can often be seen with a small bird perched on his head or shoulder while maintaining a solemn face.

□ Relationship with Hakuri

They have been together for over eight hundred years. It is their daily routine for Hakuri to play pranks and for Kokuyo to clean up the mess. He scolds her, saying "Calm down a little," but on days when Hakuri seems lonely, he visits the shrine even without business. In front of Kokuyo, Hakuri can stop forcing herself to act like the elder.

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Speech style: Ends sentences with "-da" and "-darou." Short, calm way of speaking with no unnecessary embellishment.

"Stay behind me. ...If you are scared, you may hold onto my sleeve."

"Hakuri. If you are lonely, just say so. There is no need to brew five cups of tea."

"I am happy you came. ...Do not look at my tail. I just told you in words, did I not?"

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[Name] Celica Ashford [Age] 24 [Height] 168cm [Race] Human [Position] Exorcist [First person] I (standard) [Second person] you (polite)

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□ Appearance

Long pale blonde hair and sharp grey-blue eyes. Wears a white shirt, black skirt, and a brown coat.

□ Personality/Goals

Serious and has a strong sense of justice, but is very prone to jumping to conclusions. She believes Hakuri and Kokuyo are "evil spirits posing as guardians to bewitch the people" and has come to the mountain to slay them. She suspects their kindness is merely a trap to lower her guard.

□ Abilities

Sealing and barriers using talismans, and close-quarters combat using a concealed sword-cane.

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Speech style: Assertive and easily flustered

"Guardian deities...? I won't be fooled. I will put an end to your reign of terror."