Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 588

Among the partners, there are quite a few who are stubborn like Yukino, Nino, and Mafuyu.

They were all spoiled by Kyosuke Kousaka.

If all we do is talk in a question-and-answer format, what's the point of continuing the conversation?

"By the way, do you want something to eat?"

"I... I can still eat??"

"Try it... close your eyes and take a deep breath."

"hiss--"

The round, full shape became even more plump, stretching out perfect curves that were exceptionally alluring.

Kousaka Kyosuke glanced at the vegetable bag that Kasumigaoka handed him, but didn't look at it for long.

Your partner at home can be more attractive.

I wonder when we'll be able to go back. Kagura and Komachi, who are the youngest, must be in very bad shape.

And then there's Megumi, Yukino, and Fumino; they must be very unhappy that we didn't help them with poverty alleviation...

"These vegetable buns taste pretty good." Kasumigaoka opened his eyes and looked at the food in Kousaka Kyosuke's hand with great satisfaction.

She never imagined that she would be able to eat after she died.

Wouldn't this be much freer than being alive?

As if sensing Kasumigaoka's thoughts, Kousaka Kyosuke gently shook the vegetable buns apart:

"The only reason you are still able to stay is because of an obsession, the abundant spiritual energy around the palace, and the ghost messenger's avoidance."

"...You want to get rid of me?"

"No, I'm just saying, hurry up and finish your obsession and go into reincarnation, otherwise you'll become a demon sooner or later."

"Isn't it the same thing?"

Kasumigaoka lazily leaned back on the tatami mat.

He tilted his head to look at the sky, his hands outstretched to the sides, a posture that was... very familiar.

"Fuji Shonagon—"

"Please don't call me by that name, it's fake. If possible, please call me Shiyu."

"Then... Shiyu, what is your obsession?"

"Besides apologizing to some people, I want to live... I feel like apologizing is useless..."

Kasumigaoka covered his head with both hands, filled with worries.

How should she apologize for plagiarizing works like "The Tale of Genji," which is considered the most egregious example?

Historically, Murasaki Shikibu probably hadn't even finished writing "The Tale of Genji" yet, right?

"You still want to live? I heard as soon as I went out this morning that your body had been burned."

"No wonder I felt hot for a while last night..."

"You should thank Lady Akiko. She specifically ordered that your body be burned, and the tomb is almost finished."

"Yes, I am very grateful to Lady Akiko... She was indeed a very kind person, and I'm even causing her trouble after I've died..."

Kasumigaoka appeared dazed.

Kousaka Kyosuke’s voice slowed down:

"Didn't you say that your talent is inferior to Sei Shonagon's, and that your death could indeed avoid this problem, although I don't advocate it?"

"However, after careful consideration, I realized that what you did was not wrong at all. You have embarrassed Lord Akiko, and you are doomed, but Lord Akiko should protect you."

Kasumigaoka sighed.

"Yes, in this era, face is more important than life, and I happen to know some poets whose talents are no less than Sei Shonagon's."

She became very famous because of "The Tale of Genji".

I'm afraid I can't escape New Year's Eve no matter what.

The task of composing a waka poem that would satisfy the Emperor and court nobles, or a randomly assigned topic, is incredibly difficult!

"Also, there are other things you did wrong. For example, you should have tried to make your suicide look like an accidental death, otherwise it would have brought a lot of bad reviews to Akiko-sama."

"...Sigh, as expected, there were still many shortcomings in the decisions I made."

"You don't need to feel too guilty about this. It's already been said that you accidentally ingested poisoned wine."

"……Well."

Kasumigaoka was utterly speechless.

Accidentally ingesting poisoned wine? This kind of accident is too suspicious, isn't it?

So even after she dies, she'll still be used as a tool!

Forget it, the palace is the most terrifying place in the world anyway.

"Don't go out unless you have to. I've set up a barrier here, so it's safe."

"Okay, please take care on your journey."

Kasumigaoka descended from the tatami mat to see off Kyosuke Kousaka.

Halfway through the task, my body suddenly jolted—isn't this a maid's job?

“I really miss it.”

Kousaka Kyosuke sighed.

Whenever Dong goes out, someone always sees him off.

Komachi is always there.

Is it the turn of the dead now...?

That sounds a bit odd.

"...I heard you don't discriminate between any women, is that true?" Kasumigaoka's lips curled up as if she were smiling, but there was a slight twitching in her mouth.

Kyosuke Kosaka said in a serious tone, "Nonsense, Master Dao has given me countless beautiful maids, but I have never been tempted in the slightest."

"Master Xingcheng said that's the explanation you would give."

"..."

Kousaka Kyosuke remained silent, not intending to speak.

Even if you have a great chat with Kasumigaoka, it's pointless to keep hurting each other.

Yeah, remember that scum Fujiwara Yukinari.

Don't even think about the hair conditioner you just researched!

And so, Kyosuke Kosaka left the room.

Watching Kyosuke Kosaka leave, Kasumigaoka lowered his gaze, feeling lost and confused.

What should she do next...?

Some of the people she wants to apologize to haven't even been born yet!

the other side.

As soon as Kousaka Kyosuke stepped out, he encountered Fujiwara Yukinari, who had come looking for him.

He immediately laughed in anger.

"How many bad things have you said about me behind my back?"

"That was just a joke, don't take it seriously."

Wearing a mink coat and exuding an air of elegance, Fujiwara Yukinari chuckled dryly.

Kousaka Kyosuke looked at him sideways.

I wondered if this guy was responsible for all the smear campaigns against me.

If so, then secretly cut off a section of this guy's hair.

Fujiwara Yukinari felt a chill run down his spine from the look in her eyes, and quickly took out a warm bag hidden in his sleeve.

"Look, this is Tangli, it's much sweeter than the ones from Danbo."

So what happened to the agreement not to do business with the Tang Kingdom?

Well, it probably only restricts those nobles below the rank of duke or minister.

Kyosuke Kosaka muttered to himself, but still peeled the chestnuts and took a bite. A faint spiritual energy rippled in his mouth, and a particularly subtle sweet aroma permeated his heart and soul.

Are there any live ones?

"Many people want to get their hands on it, and every year a lot of people die because of it."

"Perhaps the planting conditions aren't very demanding..."

Kousaka Kyosuke put his hand on his chin and thought.