The news of the evil god "Kotan Koro Kamui" leading his family's army south spread like wildfire across the island nation.
The rapid dissemination of information was thanks to the network of post roads, lodging stations, express messengers, and shikigami that facilitated intelligence transmission.
"...That's pretty much it."
Yoake sighed, scratching his head in exasperation.
"That monster that destroyed the territory has recovered by absorbing the spiritual veins that our clan has managed for generations. This time, it seems to be planning to lead its army south to attack Kurohime Mountain and the exorcist families who occupy the spiritual veins in the surrounding area..."
His foster sister, Ayaka, and the old retainer, Matsudaira Inomaro, exchanged worried glances upon hearing this news.
"T-Then, wouldn't that mean a huge disaster is about to happen...?"
Ayaka's lips trembled.
Images flashed through her mind: a castle engulfed in a sea of flames, villagers screaming and running from pursuing demons.
Black-winged monsters, half-human and half-owl, swooped down from the sky, tearing apart human bodies with their claws in an instant.
Besides that, there were the blood-stained faces of familiar maids, the faces of the Tsukigara family's exorcists twisted with rage, and the ever-calm face of her foster father... All sorts of past scenes played out like a revolving lantern in her mind.
'How terrifying!'
One memory after another assaulted her like a seizure. The girl with the delicate face trembled, a chill running down her spine as she groaned.
"It's okay."
Yoake gripped his foster sister's hand tightly.
"This time is different. Now I have the power to protect Ayaka, and everyone else too."
His voice was gentle, yet full of strength.
A look of surprise crossed Ayaka's face.
She vaguely realized that her brother was completely different from the past in some ways.
"Young Lord, what do you mean by that?"
Matsudaira Inomaro sensed the underlying meaning.
"This is a golden opportunity."
Yoake said in a low voice, "I plan to take advantage of the Night Cry God, 'Kotan Koro Kamui,' heading south to return to the Tsukigara family's territory and investigate."
"Wait, why would you do that?"
Ayaka cried out in alarm.
She felt it was too dangerous.
"That's right."
The old man Matsudaira also looked worried.
"Although the Night Cry God is heading south this time, there's no guarantee that the old territory is safe. There may still be many powerful monsters guarding that place, because it has become a nest for Kotan Koro Kamui and his family."
"I still have to go."
Yoake firmly expressed his opinion.
"Actually... Father told me something else when he sent me away," the girl pondered. "He told me that if I had the chance in the future, I should try to return to the old territory and retrieve something."
"What is it?"
Matsudaira asked again, "That's strange. Why would the family head say such a thing?"
As a retainer of the Tsukigara family, Matsudaira Inomaro knew the family head he had served for many years very well.
The old man didn't think he would put his child in danger.
Even if Yoake went to the occupied territory again, what would be the point? What exactly was he supposed to find?
"I don't know."
Yoake shook his head.
"However, I don't think Father would say something 'meaningless.' He must have a reason for saying that."
He was determined to take this opportunity to explore the old territory.
"That's settled then... Also, the Kurohime Mountain clan is also a bit troublesome. We're not part of that clan, so it's best to keep a distance from the Kurohime Mountain family in the near future—"
After Yoake returned, he explained the situation of the Kurohime Mountain clan.
He also told them that he might be coerced by the family head Miyuki, and later, he also told Ayaka and Matsudaira that he had become a disciple of Mikado, the former family head of the Kurohime Mountain family, and explained everything clearly.
"Family Head Miyuki is too eager for quick success, and she's probably going to suffer the consequences... However, this involves the internal affairs of the Kurohime Mountain family, and my current identity is a bit awkward, so there's no benefit to rashly getting involved."
He explained, "It's best to avoid the limelight. That's why I made this decision."
"That makes sense."
The old man Matsudaira seemed to be thinking about something for a moment, and then he nodded.
"In that case... then this old man will go with you, Young Lord..."
"Ah, of course you can."
Hearing this, Ayaka pursed her lips, her expression somewhat heavy.
At that moment, she sensed her brother's "change" with her keen intuition, which must have a lot to do with that man—
'That's the only possibility.'
Yoake, her brother, had obviously grown compared to the past.
However, this growth and change had nothing to do with her.
It was because of that person—that it had happened.
For a moment, Ayaka felt a sour feeling in her heart.
She knew very well that this was jealousy.
However, Ayaka didn't know who she was jealous of.
"I... I want to go."
Suddenly, she spoke forcefully, expressing her true feelings.
"Huh?"
Yoake was stunned. He didn't expect his foster sister to make such a request.
"Miss Ayaka, don't be ridiculous."
The old man Matsudaira immediately objected.
"We're going to a dangerous place similar to enemy territory. Bringing you along will only add a 'burden.'"
The word "burden" made Ayaka's body tremble.
She bit her back teeth and said, "But the enemy territory you're talking about is also my and Brother's 'home.' Why can't I return to my own home?"
"..."
The old man Matsudaira was speechless, unable to answer.
"But, Ayaka," Yoake scratched his long black hair.
"This trip might really be dangerous."
"I still want to go."
She said this, knowing in her heart that she was being selfish, but she still insisted on saying it.
"Alright."
Yoake nodded.
"What?"
The old man Matsudaira's eyes widened.
"Eh!?"
Ayaka opened her mouth.
"Brother, do you mean that I can go too?"
"Of course."
Yoake nodded.
"It's just one more person, it's not a big deal. I'll protect you well then."
He said with a smile, "Besides, we're family. If we're going home, there's no reason not to bring you."
Yoake's words made Ayaka a little surprised and touched. Her brother's words made her feel surrounded by warmth—she could feel that Yoake was indeed different from the past. He had become more courageous and his will had become stronger.
"Thank you."
Ayaka said with a smile.
In any case, she didn't hate this change.
...
"You've been doing a lot of things behind my back, haven't you?"
Kudzu looked at the man in front of her with displeasure.
"Also, you've been doing a lot of troublesome things without my permission."
"Please forgive me."
Hyakusuke quickly struck a respectful pose.
"This is also for the benefit of the clan..."
"Is that so?"
Kudzu said with a smile, "Being intimate with that Tsukigara Yoake is also for the benefit of the clan?"
"W-What do you mean?"
Hyakusuke was shocked.
"I also heard that you seem to have a good relationship with that shrine maiden from the Kamizakura Main Shrine, and she even invited you to visit the shrine, is that true?"
Why does she know about this?
Hyakusuke quickly lowered his head.
"That lady is just kind to people, and her status is noble, please don't say such terrifying things?"
He had a bad feeling, and cold sweat began to drip from his forehead.
"Is that so?"
Kudzu chuckled.
"Also, that little girl Yae from the Renjo Trading Company seems to have confessed to you, is that... Hehe, you're just a servant, but you're really popular with women, aren't you?"
Her voice clearly had an unpleasant tone.
"Most people would say this is 'having good luck with women,' right?"
Hyakusuke lowered his head even further, and the sweat on his head gradually flowed down.
"Miss Yae is just a child... No matter what she thinks, I only treat her like a younger sister."
"Oh, really?"
She hummed with a low snort, "I also heard that you seem to have made a promise to her, saying that when she grows up, she should confirm her feelings and come to you again."
"That was just a joke with a child."
Hyakusuke could only smile wryly.
However, Kurohimeyama Kudzu in front of him did not smile, her eyes were cold.
This is not good!
He knew very well that he must have angered this Second Miss.
However, Hyakusuke did not know why he had angered Kudzu.
He was just a servant, and even if someone liked him, it didn't seem to have anything to do with this Second Miss.
'Could it be... that she's jealous because I have 'good luck with women?'
A flash of inspiration struck Hyakusuke's mind, and he suddenly came to this conclusion.
No, this was not an impossible thing to think of.
However, he shook his head in his heart.
How could Kurohimeyama Kudzu like him? Her "relationship" with him was not that deep, and from the game's Kudzu route, to make her, who was suspicious and desperate about human nature, fall in love with someone, at least several conditions had to be met.
In the game, the love development between Kudzu and the protagonist was full of twists and turns, and without various accidents, it could not be achieved. However, the protagonist had conditions that he did not have.
According to the game's individual route, he could not meet those requirements at all.
So, what exactly is it?
Hyakusuke racked his brains to think, he was very afraid that Kudzu would do some kind of "punishment" to him for reasons he didn't understand.
"Raise your head?"
She said a sentence.
However, Hyakusuke did not raise his head.
Suddenly, slender fingers stretched out.
Kudzu's fingers lifted his chin.
She looked down at him, close enough to feel her breath.
"Listen carefully, servant."
Kudzu looked serious.
"I want you to remember one thing well, you are mine, understand?"
"Of course."
Hyakusuke quickly replied.
"I understand that very well."
After all, he was always a member of the Kudzu faction.
"Good that you understand."
Kudzu raised the corners of her mouth.
"So, don't be deceived by others... I can't allow you to be seduced by some woman and forget who your master is?"
"Yes, I will not forget my duty."
Hyakusuke understood.
This was probably because he was her "tool."
Kudzu must have felt that there was a possibility that he would be taken away by "others," and that's why she doubted his "loyalty."
Honestly, Hyakusuke didn't have any loyalty to the Kurohimeyama clan or Kudzu herself, but he didn't have any intention of rebelling against this clan right now.
"Very good."
Kudzu got his answer and happily released her fingers.
