Chapter Fifty-Six - Winner

As Yoshiko waited for a servant to make measurements, she faced the audience.

"It seems to be a close match this year." There was cheering in response. "Though we will find out who the true winner is shortly, I would like to extend the seat of honor to our runner up for a job well done." Another round of applause and the servant came to whisper in her ear. Without revealing anything, she pulled the two girls to her.

"Who is our winner? The miko, Kagome? Or our previous champion, Mayumi?"

The crowd fell into silence. Yoshiko smiled smiled brilliantly.