area51novel Page 445
Page 445
Because Kyoto Port is frequently attacked by yokai (supernatural beings), people often cannot go out.
Besides, as a young lady from a noble family, she shouldn't go out casually.
Therefore, Princess Zhenfei spent most of her time at home.
Only the younger brother, being male, could move around freely.
Unfortunately, the port of Kyoto, a town of similar size, is not safe anywhere.
People often die unexpectedly because of monsters or evil spirits.
It's not surprising at all that Shijou Tei, now known as Minamoto no Mikado's younger brother, encountered this situation.
"...Let's not talk about that. How did your blind date go, sister?"
"Find a fight!"
Enraged, Maki knocked Shijou Emperor down and stomped on his back, just like before.
She grabbed her younger brother's hands tightly and pulled him back hard.
"Ah-"
The screams lasted for quite a while before finally stopping.
It wasn't that Consort Zhen wanted to let her brother go.
Instead, it was because her father had already returned.
"Dad." ×2
"Um, Mikado, are you alright?"
A middle-aged, mature man with a beard on his chin, who looked remarkably like Shijou Tei, gave a soft "hmm."
While responding, his gaze was already fixed on Shijou Tei.
"I'm fine... Father, how are you?"
"It's a bit tricky. That earth spider monster has devoured at least five hundred people and is currently summoning their souls to prepare to invade Kyoto Port. We just sent some more Onmyoji to resist it."
“Tsuchigumo…” Shijou Tei murmured.
He wasn't surprised at all that monsters had taken over Kyoto Port.
To be precise, it's become commonplace.
I just felt like I'd heard of the monster "Tsuchigumo" somewhere before.
Oh!
It is the legend of the most famous samurai, Minamoto no Yorimitsu, defeating the Tsuchigumo!
"...Tsuchigumo, isn't that one of those monsters that the Kenbishi-cho (Detective Agency for Crimes) executed half a year ago?"
"what?!"
Shijo Tei stared at his sister in astonishment, looking as if to ask, "What's going on?"
Empress Zhenfei immediately understood the meaning behind the expression and was speechless.
"I stay in the mansion all day long. What else can I do besides listening to those pieces of information that seem true but are actually false?"
"Sister, don't complain so much. I'll take you to Arashiyama another day."
"The journey is too arduous, I don't want to! Let's get back to the topic—if it was the monster killed by Lord Kyosuke Beptou of the Kenbishi Agency, then I understand..."
“That’s right, it was the same kind of earth spider monster that Lord Kyosuke killed.” Shijou Makoto confirmed her daughter’s words in a soft voice.
Many of the Onmyoji in Kyoto Port had participated in the extermination of Mount Oe.
Onmyoji who have had contact with Kyosuke Kousaka know about the aura emanating from Tsuchigumo.
Because Kyosuke Kousaka once used magic to create a batch of swords that could use the power of the Tsuchigumo (earth spider).
Makoto Shijo slowly recounted the information she knew to her children.
It was mainly for my son.
He wanted his son to know more about the monster in detail so that he wouldn't do anything foolish in a moment of confusion.
Overestimating one's own abilities is one of the most foolish behaviors.
Even knowing that his son acted out of excessive emotion, he was unwilling to forgive him easily.
But Makoto Shijou doesn't scold her.
At this point, I wanted my son to fully understand how terrifying the supernatural forces in this world are.
“I understand.” Shijou Tei clearly sensed his father’s displeasure, and he nodded solemnly. “But I’m also very curious, how does this earth spider compare to ordinary earth spiders…”
Makoto Shijo replied, "It's not that much stronger; it's just that the demon's reputation isn't as widespread because the slayers are too powerful."
Before the hero slays the evil dragon.
The evil dragon is known to all because of its many sins.
When the dragon was slain, the hero gained fame even greater than that of the dragon.
At this time, the situation was exactly like this when the prosecutor's office killed the earth spider.
The earth spider's evil deeds were not severe enough.
Therefore, no one really cares.
"...That Kyosuke-sama is indeed very strong, and so is the Mirage Tower."
Empress Zhen couldn't help but offer a compliment.
Shijo Makoto glanced at Maki: "He's actually not much older than you, Maki, and he has a very good personality."
Zhenfei was stunned, as if she had turned to stone.
Shijou Tei scratched his head, his emotions a bit complicated.
"Dad, you mean..."
"It's just wishful thinking; we can't possibly reach that level," said Makoto Shijo, stating the truth.
He is very clear.
Even though Kyosuke Kousaka is still the same Onmyoji who serves as the Imperial Calendar Doctor in the Onmyo Bureau as before.
Their family was considered to be marrying above their station by marrying into the family.
The official positions in Kyoto Port were those of officials stationed outside the capital, not officials stationed in the capital.
In addition, Kousaka Kyosuke's family background is higher than theirs, so only the Shinomiya family, the main family in the modern world, meets the requirements for marriage alliance.
Of course, even if the Shinomiya family wanted to form a marriage alliance with the current head of the Kenshin Keisha Agency, it wouldn't be possible.
That's also climbing the social ladder.
What about them?
It's truly beyond my reach.
"...Did Father come back specifically to hurt me?" Maki asked expressionlessly.
She had also heard the maid mention Kousaka Kyosuke.
He's tall and handsome.
Although it's unclear how much of it is watered down.
If we analyze this based on the fact that even his father praised him in the same way... Kyosuke Kousaka's appearance is quite pleasing to the eye.
Right now, she should pay more attention to her father's unfriendly attitude.
"I'm just lamenting how difficult it is to find you a good husband."
"...Thank you for your hard work."
Consort Zhen was holding her breath in frustration.
It seems that Makoto Shijo is still in a state of self-pity.
She simply couldn't take it anymore.
Even though the father did the right thing, you shouldn't say it out loud!
That stinky dad!
“Father, shouldn’t we be more concerned about the safety of Kyoto Port right now?” Shijo Tei quickly said.
Makoto Shijo shook her head.
"It looks much more serious than before, but it's not a big problem."
"Because most of the goods were well protected, and the security zone was more secure than usual."
"that's enough."
The last sentence is exceptionally plain, yet it reveals an unspeakable cruelty.
Without realizing it, Shijou Tei recalled his subordinates who lived in what resembled a slum-like village, as well as their relatives, and his heart tightened.
Seemingly sensing her son's condition, Makoto Shijo said: