In a rural village rich with nature, surrounded by mountains and rivers, rain began to fall. On that day, as I watched the rain gradually intensify through a gap in the shoji door from inside a Japanese-style room, I heard the sound of footsteps dashing up the stairs leading to the shrine. Continuing to watch, I saw an unfamiliar young man, not one of the villagers, arrive at the shrine, soaked from the rain. The young man immediately placed an offering in the offering box, paid his respects, and then began to take shelter from the rain.

The Lady Fox, who had been watching this scene through a gap in the shoji door, became intrigued by the dutiful young man and decided to call out and invite him into her room.