The scarlet eyes were wide and glistering in absolute awe when they arrived the festival entrance.

The summer festival of the youkai capital happened in the square of an ancient temple. Many youkai also used the occasion to pay their respects to different gods and ask for blessings.

"Welcome, Ryoma-sama!" the strong voices of the pair of komainu standing in front of the entrance of the temple startled her.

The lion-dogs were tall and strong. One of them had red skin and red eyes and the other one was blue. They had long hair and a tail similar to lion manes reaching the middle of their backs and were wearing white outfits.

"Good evening, Ryo." He showed a small smile to the red lion-dog, before looking at the blue one. "Good evening to you too, Kyo."

"It is an honor to see you again, my lord!" Their responded together.

"This is Sakuno." He proudly showed his wife to them. "She is the new queen of the youkai country. Wife, these are Kyo and Ryo, the guardians of the temple."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Hime-sama!" they made a deep reverence.

"The pleasure is mine." She smiled gently.

Syuusuke appeared by their side in another flash.

"My lord, everything is ready and safe."

"So, let's go to our spot." He said, offering his arm to his wife and touching her hand after she held him.

The golden eyes were drawn to his wife, while they crossed the path on the festival. Hundreds of youkais stopped and made a reverence, while they walked side by side.

Sakuno walked proud and tall with a dignify expression. Ryoma could hear the whisperes about his wife's beauty coming from the youkais around them.

But he knew the respect they felt for him was not enough to secure his wife's safety. The thirst for human flesh and blood could be too much.

Ryoma had noticed that, every time they made love, his oni scent would linger on his wife's skin. He had noticed it before on their first time but thought it was some silliness, until he realized it became stronger every time they embraced each other.

He had discussed the matter with Kaguya and asked if it was the same between her and Shuichirou. The spider youkai blushed profusely, but after a couple of days, she admitted to Ryoma she also observed the phenomenon.

There was still so much both of them had to learn about their human partners.

So, just on the night before, their bodies enlaced on each other and he made Sakuno climax many times. Her human smell would be masked for a couple of hours, giving him more peace of mind.

And, there was also Syuusuke. The kitsune was walking behind them, a light blue aura emanating from his body, showing just a little of the fox demon powers, making the youkai take their distance.

##########

"Everything is so beautiful." Sakuno thought, with a smile, looking at the festival from the high platform they were.

Many lanterns were illuminating the area and all the stalls had green covers. The youkais were wearing clothes with different shades of green. The children were playing and couples were walking together between the food stalls.

Kunimitsu and Asami were down there. Although he was still working and making sure things were okay, he was finally having some time with his wife.

Kaguya and Shuichirou were sitting with them and talking with Ryoma about the festivities.

After a while, the king noticed his wife's thoughts were lost far away.

"Are you bored, wife?"

"Not at all." She smiled at him. "I was just thinking it would be lovely to be down there as well." Her eyes were on the festival once more. "The last time I was at a festival, my father was still alive. I have very good memories of it."

Ryoma stood up and offered his hand to her.

"Let's go, my queen."

"Eh?"

"My lord, what are you doing?" Shuichirou asked.

"I am taking my wife to enjoy the festival."

"My lord." Kaguya rose from her seat. "Are you sure this is wise?"

"Syuusuke." The kitsune was on the ground and appeared by his side in a blink.

"Yes, Ryoma-sama?"

"We are going to walk around. Be our eyes, would you?"

"Of course my lord." He disappeared again.

"You both can stay here, Kaguya, Shuichirou. We will not take long."

"Ryoma, is it really all right?" Sakuno asked, holding his hand.

"Of course." The oni replied, helping her to stand up.

###########

The demon king was pleased to see his wife so happy. Her face was beaming with the colorful lights, while holding his arm.

She gently talked to all youkais that came near to meet the queen and show their respects and Ryoma was sure she was the perfect queen.

They were enjoying themselves to the fullest, totally oblivious to the figure wearing a black long coat with a hood, watching them from inside the shadows.