The sound of 'oohs' and aaahs' broke the brief silent of the night as Nurarihyon ducked into an inn. Yohime blinked at the sight of so many ayakashi. Though some were low level, quite a few were very strong. She felt a stirring in her soul as the powers that defined her as a miko began to awaken.
"Ah, so this is the one the Supreme Commander's been going to seduce every night!"
A miniature oni spoke in admiration, as a natto ayakashi jumped up shouting.
"Kyoto's No. 1 Beauty!"
Subconsciously placing her fingertips in front of her mouth, she blinked again. She took in the yuki-onna who was not very happy, not to mention the astonishing number of smaller ayakashi. Her attention returned to Nurarihyon as he spoke to the one she assumed was the tengu he mentioned when he first came to see her.
"What do you think, Karasu-Tengu?"
"I'm amazed. She's more beautiful that even rumored."
Leaning closer she whispered quietly.
"T-they're all ayakashi, aren't they?"
Nurarihyon smirked.
"Don't worry, they're all my subordinates."
He strolling forward, Yohime attempting to follow, only she couldn't move due to the number of ayakashi tugging at her clothes, asking her to come with them.
Panic began to build up.
"Uno… Nurarihyon-sama!"
He glanced back and briefly chuckled before turning back.
She didn't have time to chase after him as she was roped into playing a game. A fan was suddenly in her hands, and the game they began to play was one she recognized. Her turn came and she half-heartedly threw the fan. The cheering and shouting reminded her of something similar so long ago. For the first time in years, she began to enjoy herself.
"Wow, that's amazing!"
"Is this really your first time?"
"Ukihashi of Dreams, 50 points!"
"You're amazing, Yohime!"
Turning her gaze away from her fan she had thrown, she smiled, for once not worrying about covering her mouth.
"Oh, no it's pure luck!"
A one eyed ayakashi with his tongue hanging out held up his fan announcing he was next. The Natto instant disagreed saying it was his. Several other voices chimed in, each declaring it was their turn.
The last threads holding her back snapped. Her eyes crinkled up as she laughed freely, something she couldn't remember doing in decades.
Her bell-like laughter rang quietly drawing the attention of several strong ayakashi.
Two in particular, griping about her.
"I don't understand what the Supreme Commander is thinking!" One reeking of blood, covered by a cloak said.
"Bringing a human woman into this group of ayakashi, he's so eccentric! I wonder if he's going to eat her liver later?"
The other, appeared to have no mouth, yet he still spoke unhindered by this fact.
"I don't know. I wonder what he's got planned?"
Slightly to the left, if one would turn, the aforementioned Commander was drinking sake, being tended to by the yuki-onna.
Leaning closer, she whispered in his ear,
"Ne, Nurarihyon-sama, let's go have a drink over there, just the two of us."
Her voice was breathy and sensual, however Nurarihyon stood up, ignoring her 'wait', he made his way to Yohime.
"Having a good time, Hime?"
She was surprised by his question, but she smiled and blushed anyways.
"It's very nice being outside."
At her answer, he smirked and a suspicious gleam shone in his eyes.
"Yohime."
"Yes?"
"Let us become man and wife."
A/N Ah, the joys of a decisive man falling in love with you...
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