Autumn is the season of bountiful crops, clear skies, and leaves of red, orange, and gold... and the excited voices of maidens enjoying the festivities.
Everyone comes to participate in the Hakurei Shrine Autumn Reitaisai, be they human, youkai, or even gods. Their reason for visiting Hakurei Shrine, where the festival is held, may differ, but they all carry a smile that is just as bright as the gorgeous autumn foliage.
―The autumn Reitaisai has begun!
As expected of the denizens of Gensokyo, all the visitors to the Reitaisai did as they pleased, like always. No, perhaps it was a little different from usual. Everyone seemed to be incredibly happy that the moment they had eagerly been awaiting had finally arrived. The crow tengu excitedly soared the skies in search of a scoop, and the noble vampire elegantly wandered the festival grounds escorted by her servant. The most-disastrous poverty god and pestilence god sisters dressed up for the occasion. The celestial, who once destroyed Hakurei Shrine in the past, and the sculptor god were also in attendance... The latter may have come to look for inspiration for a new work of art.
Some guests, including the rabbits and princess of Eientei, and also a magician riding a broom, have even brought along some of the flavors of autumn to the Reitaisai for everyone to enjoy.
"Here are some mushrooms that were growing near my house! They look like snakes! I've also brought my collection of the things I bought at the Black Market!"
It seems the god of marketplaces tried to liven up this Reitaisai as a market, but the shrine maiden put a stop to it, saying that today is a festival. Reimu did this while carrying around an offering box, which the god wisely decided not to comment on.
Reimu watched the countless visitors to the successful Reitaisai with a satisfied smile. She saw some people who she battled in a recent incident―the Great Tengu, her kuda-gitsune subordinate, and the oomukade who works at the mine where divine minerals rest in the earth. Reimu also sighted the god who made her Yin-Yang Orbs. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the festivities.
The yamawaro, who was involved with the Black Market, was happily enjoying the food and drink while discussing inventions with the kappa, who helped resolve that same Black Market issue. Hakurei Shine, colored in the glorious colors of autumn, was further decorated by the bright smiles of all the attendees, who were showing off their latest projects, seeing the sights, enjoying the festival atmosphere, and happily chatting.
"Oh, so you've come too."
Reimu smiled at you, and you noticed the offering box she was carrying. You reached for a coin, but―
"Go and enjoy this year's autumn Reitaisai, OK?"
"Wow, has Reimu ever not told someone to give an offering before?"
"I'm totally shocked. It's like a miracle!"
Hearing the expressions of surprise from the magician and wind priestess, Reimu looked up at the clear autumn sky and said...
"It's Reitaisai, so everyone should be merry, first and foremost."
Hakurei Shrine was full of smiling maidens. And when you followed Reimu's example and looked up at the sky, you saw a beautiful rainbow that had appeared as if in celebration of the festival.