Chapter 7: Kyoto - Beginning

-Ingvild Leviathan POV-

Currently all of us were sitting inside a sushi restaurant for lunch, naturally this also included a hefty treat for the Youkai Princess, who was currently eating her portion with gusto. Looking at the delicious dishes in front of me, I couldn't help but gulp in anticipation.

Given that I didn't know anything about Japanese cuisine due to never having a chance to visit a Japanese restaurant, this would be a new experience for me.

It made me wonder how Ars could just simply order such an incredible amount of dishes with barely a single word. He just went up to one of the employees and simply said 'I leave it up to you,' and after that, an absolutely massive amount of food was brought by the employees. I'm almost certain that I could hear the line cooks crying in the kitchen at the staggering amount of food they were preparing

Does it work like a secret code or something?

Or is he actually acquainted with that employee?

Why did he always have knowledge about something trivial like this, stupid Ars…

That aside…

"Thish ish sho delish~~!"

I stared at Kunou who was currently stuffing food into her mouth with a ravenous appetite, eating in an uncivilized manner without caring that the other diners present were shooting her looks of disgust as they passed by our table.

"Miss Kunou, please chew and swallow your food before talking about it. It's bad table manners and you'll choke on your food." I said, while silently casting a barrier so people would just see her eating normally.

"Buth dis is sho gud-!" Kunou spoke between her chewing as her eyes sparkled, making me sigh, I can't really do much since it's so cute seeing her eating with such a healthy appetite.

Meanwhile, the one who invited her and is currently sitting beside me just snorted, taking a sip of his hot tea after hearing what I said, casually remarking. "She can eat as much as she wants. It's not like she will eat to the point of bloating."

"Yay!"

"But for a young lady of high prestige, eating in such an uncivilized manner is unbecoming for her image." I gently rebuked Ars who just rolled his eyes while taking a bite of his own sushi.

Ars just smiled at me while shrugging. "But I am taking this as seriously as it deserves. Also, you already deployed a barrier so it's not like anyone will disturb us."

I eyed him in mild annoyance as I silently scolded him in my own mind. 'Yes Ars, now no one would bother us, especially the humans in this restaurant. But for once please have some moderation about this, stupid Ars. You are currently hosting the Youkai Princess for brunch.'

To my surprise, he noticed my annoyance immediately, giving me a smug expression.

"In case you are wondering, yes I know what you are thinking," Ars said while smirking. "You are thinking about why I don't care about her image at all."

My eyes twitched as I looked at him, pouting because he was absolutely correct about that.

Seriously, how does he always know what I am thinking?

"I have my ways, Ingvild. You just have to learn it a bit to get it right." he said while smiling in a pompous manner.

… This little brat…

…Why did I have to fall in love with this annoying boy again?

Ah yes, because he can be much more mature than me at times even though he's being unbearable right now… Which reminded me of the time he was taking me on a date… Where he suddenly proposed to me in the middle of nowhere without any hesitation!

…I am being totally defeated here without him even doing anything, this cheater…

'Also, please do take this matter seriously. After all, you are the one who approached her first. None of us were even informed about making contact with an important figure in the Western Youkai Faction.' I thought inwardly in concern.

"Did you eat anything before this, Kunou?"

He asked the young princess who quickly responded.

"Nophe! I dunt evhen haf ahny bhrekfu-cough!" Kunou yelled proudly at first, but she immediately gagged due to the food now stuck in her throat. Seeing that, I quickly passed a glass of water to her, which she quickly emptied in one gulp while thanking me as she breathed heavily.

I rolled my eyes after hearing her incredulous remark. "Eat slowly and swallow before talking, miss Kunou. You don't want to choke on your food again, right?"

"Okhay~!" Kunou smiled while quickly gulping her food again.

'Dear me, how stubborn…' I thought while smiling in amusement.

"Just let her eat as much as she wants," Ars said while snorting. "Maybe she wants to keep choking on her food

Kunou just stuck her tongue out at Ars in response while giving a simple 'hmph!', and then went back to eating the rest of the sushi which we ordered to appease her.

"I still can't believe that we're currently treating the ruler of East Youkai's daughter to lunch…" I turned my head towards Hertlinde who was still in denial about the current circumstances. "While we have a slightly bad relationship with most Youkai in general, this is something that I didn't expect…"

"Don't be such a worrywart," Ars just smirked while sipping his tea. "As long as we bring her home in one piece, we'll be fine."

"Oh, don't you dare laugh, young man! You better take full responsibility for this!" Hertlinde glared at Ars while pointing her finger at him.

Ars just shrugged at her heated words. "You don't need to get upset about this. I met Yasaka's daughter and then treated her to a good lunch, and got my chance to learn Senjutsu or Touki for starters, a win-win situation."

Hertlinde just sighed out loud.

"For Hell's sake," Hertlinde whispered dangerously. "Ars, you are playing with too much fire. It will bite you hard one day."

Though I didn't think Ars will endanger all of us with his antics, I kind of agree with what Hertlinde just said.

While I didn't delve too much into devil politics, I learned quite a bit about it. According to Hertlinde, it was important for me later on due to my status as a descendant from one of the original rulers of devils.

Honestly I didn't know whether the current relationship between the Devil faction and the Youkai were in a cold relationship, or something.

What I know is that the current holder of the Leviathan title was actively trying to improve the Devil faction's image, and most of them still regarded us negatively.

About the Youkai faction, I think they had some sort of better impression towards the devil faction, like the West Youkai faction for most part with their leader declaring themselves in neutrality.

Despite that, they also distanced themselves from other factions, preferring to keep things to themselves.

This is probably why Hertlinde was very paranoid about this segment because Ars literally made contact with a member from the Youkai faction. And not just a normal member, but also the daughter of the leader of Western Yokai Faction herself.

'But then again, I don't really want to think about anything related to it…'

I don't want to think about what is going to happen later. It literally spells trouble and honestly I didn't like that.

'I just want to live peacefully with everyone… With Ars…' I thought to myself, while trying to not think about anything that could be happening at any time. I tried to dismiss such negative assumptions, but I once again felt the same unpleasant emotion begin to dwell inside of me. The same thing that caused me to almost snap at Crom back then.

I sighed, feeling nauseated when I remembered that moment back then.

'... I don't like this feeling…'

"Even so, I don't think you can easily learn the basics of Senjutsu. It's incredibly hard even for us, Mr. Devil."

I snapped from my thoughts when I heard someone's talking. I looked around, staring at Kunou who just spoke while staring at Ars who was sipping his drink with a relaxed expression. A bit too relaxed in my opinion.

I quickly paid more attention when I heard what she said, while Ars was seemingly unbothered with Kunou's statement.

"How so? Pretty sure that everyone can learn Touki with enough physical training. From what I know, Senjutsu is the advanced version of Touki where you can directly manipulate the energy of life itself." I couldn't help but ask. While I didn't know much about Senjutsu or anything related to it. I did spend some time learning about what Senjutsu was capable of from Ars who seemed to know about it out of nowhere.

Maybe it was Azi who taught him? It's possible, given the fact they mostly did something by themselves and whether they included Crom in their secrecy or not.

It aroused my curiosity at times, but Ars always dodged every one of my attempts to ask him about whatever he was doing, and while it irked me whenever he mostly did that, I couldn't really ask him further.

After all, Ars had promised me that he would explain it to me one day.

Hearing my question, Kunou just shook her head.

"Not really~" Kunou said childishly. "It's not that easy, Miss Devil. Assuming that Senjutsu can be obtained that easily, then I would be already capable of using it, at least the first stage." She said while taking her tea then sipping the contents, smiling as she drank the rich, sweet beverage with gusto.

I frowned after hearing Kunou's explanation.

"From your implication Miss. Kunou, does that mean that Senjutsu is exclusively only for the Youkai race?"

Kunou simply shakes her head. "That's not what I mean. But even so, learning Senjutsu isn't easy even for us, unless you're one of those rare mutations of Nekomata, unlike when we learned about Youjutsu, our own brand of magic. It is a power that is bestowed only for those who have an innate talent to learn it."

"Innate talent?"

Kunou just narrowed her eyes at me, before sighed . "Humph, you don't understand the principle of Senjutsu and yet tried to learn it, I don't know whether your spouse would be successful in his attempt to learn Senjutsu later on."

I spluttered while blushing when I heard what Kunou just said. "Wait a minute! W-we're not a wife and husband yet! Well, I do want it but, it is t-too soon-!"

Kunou just stared at me with a flat expression. "You're totally smitten with him, miss."

I squealed in embarrassment hearing her fast, sharp remark on me.

Meanwhile, Ars just burst out laughing after hearing my high-pitch cry.

"Technically, this is also your fault, Ars. Stop laughing." Hertlinde chidded, but she also smiled knowingly at me.

"Well, at least I know that my dear Ingvild really loves me a lot!"

Someone please kill me right now and free me from any further embarrassment! And Hertlinde, stop grinning like an oaf and please help me!

It took a while before I calmed myself. However, I was still conflicted about this as I could feel the hotness in my reddened cheeks.

Ars on the other hand, simply raised his hands in an easygoing manner. "Chill, lil' princess. I am here trying to learn new stuff. It's not like I know about the information regarding Senjutsu, unlike you."

Kunou did not immediately reply back. Instead, she just narrowed her eyes at Ars who still smiled at her. Though I wondered why there's some red in her cheek as she then averted her face from Ars while starting to play with her fingers. Occasionally, she would glance at Ars while showing some signs of anxiety from her body language.

'Don't tell me that she is also…' I inwardly thought in suspicion.

But it didn't take long for the younger girl to finally reply to Ars again. "... Fine, but you better not go home crying when you learn the harsh reality that Senjutsu is not something you can easily learn, mister."

In response, Ars simply snorted as he raised his shoulder to shrug at Kunou's words.

"Is there something that you want to add, Mister?" spoke Kunou with a noticeable frown from her tone. "Since you've been so full of yourself, I might as well hear your explanation about learning Senjutsu, Mr. Seems-To-Know-Everything-Devil."

I gulped nervously.

This is exactly what I am afraid of with Kunou who is now showing some hostility towards us.

But despite the tension, Ars is still unbothered by it.

"I must say that your information about 'how to learn Senjutsu for dummies' is a bit outdated, missy." spoke Ars, which earned him narrowed eyes from the younger youkai girl. "On the basic part, learning Touki via rigorous physical training is possible, which has already been achieved by someone from my peers."

I didn't expect that.

And neither did Kunou, as her eyes widened after hearing what Ars just said.

"Seriously!?" Kunou yelled in a high-pitched voice. "Even for us, learning the art of Touki, alone requires enormous efforts and years of training!? Just who is this unknown person-!?"

Ars just shaked his head. "Then that means you didn't try hard enough."

Kunou pouted in response.

On the other hand, I got curious about this supposed devil that was able to unlock Touki on his own.

Who is he? Have I ever met him before?

"Ars," I called as I asked him before he even had any chance to respond. "Could you please tell me who this devil was?"

Ars smirked upon hearing my question. "I didn't know that you would be interested in a story of a defective devil like him."

… A defect?

Someone who was strong enough to learn Touki despite being a devil is a defect according to him?

Ars just smirked. "Fine, I guess I will tell you a small story about this defect."

This earned him everyone's attention, even including Kunou who's looking at Ars with an expression mixed between animosity and curiosity.

"I don't want to turn this into a long ass story, so I will just cut it short accordingly." Ars said as he began the story. "A defect that I mentioned before, was a devil who trained beyond what he's capable of simply due to a mistake of his birth which led to him losing most of his childhood. While he was born with prestige for being a child of a patriarch from a clan hailed in the remaining thirty-four pillars, his defect led him to receive harsh treatment from his own father, and other clansmen to the point both he and his mother were banished as his father perceived him as a weakling that stained the prestige of his clan. As if fate had mocked him even more, his beloved mother who was always by his side later got incapacitated by an incurable disease, thus leaving him alone."

Kunou gasped as her tiny hands covered her mouth in disbelief.

"That's horrible…" I said, horrified that such a thing could have happened to a mere child.

"Life is not always fair for everyone, Ingvild." Ars chided while continuing. "As such, he's pretty much fallen from his prestige from being a member of the remaining thirty-four pillars, living in shambles while watching how his mother's condition gets worse. The small salvation that he got is there were few members from his mother's clan willingly to help them by sheltering them while gettin the necessary tools to keep the frail woman alive."

"That's great then! At least there's anyone who still cares for him!"

I didn't expect Kunou to be the one who said that.

Apparently the story got her hooked which made her forget about the previous feud.

Ars seemed didn't mind as I saw an amused glint from his eyes for a moment before he continued his story. "While it is true, it doesn't change his image of being weak."

"B-but you said there's still someone that cares about him and his mother's situation!" Kunou chided.

"Yes, but that doesn't change anything, lil' missy," Ars said while taking a chug from his drink. "In devil society, being strong is basically everything that you need to gain prestige. A weakling has nothing but pity for those who are weak as well. This is an old tradition that can be traced far from thousands of years ago where the original kings still ruled with an iron fist. Even if they perished due to their own arrogance, their ideology about those who are strong will prosper, while the weak that got subjugated, still exist until this day."

I slowly let Ars' words sinked in my mind, as I barely noticed Kunou yelled loudly, being outraged by such philosophy which she chided as completely rubbish.

'The strong prosper, while the weak suffer… Does that mean I would also share the same fate with the devil that Ars mentioned if I was weak?'

"I don't care what you say, Mister! That rubbish is just nonsense and only made for those stupid geezers who thought they were above anything or something!"

Ars just shrugged. "I take none of that, since I also don't value it highly. But one thing for sure is that you need to be strong if there's something you want, like it or not. In our world, strength is an important factor to rule yourself over others."

"That seems like a crude way of describing that you also want to be stronger." I looked at Hertlinde who spoke sarcastically.

"I am not denying that, Hertlinde." replied Ars. "But that doesn't change my goal and it paved my way through what I am currently faced with. You know what I mean by that."

Hertlinde didn't say anything, as I quickly connected the dot.

'Crom and his selfish desire which he made Ars suffer because of it-.' I thought while narrowed my eyes. While Ars strictly told me that this is basically his own problem, I still cannot accept the whole situation. '-Because he is strong then he can do whenever he wants…!'

Kunou snorted in disgust. "For the first time, I am in agreement with you, Mister."

"Well, I am glad that our little princess is finally on board with me." Ars said in mild sarcasm while taking a bite of his dish, which I remembered is a dish called Oyakodon or something.

I looked at my own dish. It is a dish that consists of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet covered with bread crumbs, sliced into bits and served shredded cabbage, while coated with a thick brown sauce. The dish is accompanied by a medium portion of steamed white rice, a brown soup which I recall had a strange smell, along with various fresh vegetables and some fermented radish.

Despite having such a mouth-watering dish in front of me, I couldn't help but just stare at it, losing my appetite while my mind wandered about Ars and his promise with Crom Cruach.

About what Ars said about the future lies before us.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

My eyes blinked as a piece of fried pork cutlet was held in front of me by Ars using a pair of chopsticks. Looking at him, I stared back at his impassive look. "You always have that particular look when you're thinking about something."

"... I've been thinking-umph!?" I stopped midway when Ars suddenly shoved the pork cut directly at my mouth.

"Nothing to think about," he just said casually while using his other hand to rest on his chin. "Nothing will happen when you are strong. Whether you are the descendant of one of the perished devil kings, or a former crippled boy from a dying household, it wouldn't matter if they revered you."

"Besides, you sometimes forget about your own position here Ingvild," he continued even without waiting for me to reply. "You are strong. Stronger than me even without any hellish training or anything else."

My eyes wandered on something else.

Ars was right, I am strong.

Stronger than him due to my birthright and also my unique circumstances.

"You're mentioned that again," I replied somberly. "Super Devil. Those who are born irregularly. By having enormous demonic energy more than any normal devils."

"Including you, there are four Super Devils in this world," Ars interjected. "Those who are gifted by lady fortune in their existence, denied the concept of normality, and discarded the principles of equality."

"... I didn't want to be something special… Why couldn't it be you instead of me…?"

"Nope."

Ars poked my forehead with his chopsticks. "That's your own right which has been granted only to you. Don't speak like you don't deserve everything, Ingvild."

I looked at him while rubbing my reddened forehead, pouting. "You didn't have to poke it so hard like that..!"

"And you also need to stop overthinking about everything," replied Ars back while taking a piece of my fried pork cutlet, much to my protest. "Now eat, before I take it all for myself."

Stupid Ars and his stupid way of consoling-!

Upping my lips in annoyance, I grabbed my own chopsticks while taking a huge piece of pork cutlet, then putting it on my mouth in a crude manner.

Ugh, it was so good…!

I was mad at him, but I also wanted to enjoy my food! What a dilemma, especially when he just gave me a knowing smirk, which irked me even more!

"Stupid Ars…"

"Glad you're enjoying it."

"Hmph!"

I refused to step further in your stupid tease, you stupid, loveable yet annoying devil who's much younger than me.

'I will show you someday that I can do the same thing to you! But after I finish this delicious pork cutlet~!'

"She is totally smitten."

"She really is Miss Kunou, She really is…"

"... Not both of you too…" I said while glared weakly at smiling Kunou and Hertlinde as both stared at me with those smiles.

The most annoying part was that I couldn't even rebuke anything.

"Stupid Ars…"

-Ars Bune PoV-

[I've begun to regret allowing you to integrate us into this stupid gear…]

[I think I'm gonna puke!]

[Too much sugar, bleegh!]

'What? I was just cheering her on so she would stop being so depressed like that.' I nonchalantly replied to Azi, who indignantly showed their distaste in a blatant manner.

[Stop lying, you insufferable prick!]

[You're totally planning all of these cheesy, disgusting lines for apparent reason!]

[My eyes! They were being cursed by these disgusting scenes!]

'Could be a total coincidence, I don't know what you are talking about.' I said while inwardly smirked, completely ignoring the sheer outrage which came from my gear while enjoying the food.

Hmmm, it has a great texture which means it was cooked perfectly.

The chicken is tender, fatty, and rich in flavor, while the egg is fluffy and mixed well with the grilled onion. On top of that, the sauce which is made from soy sauce, sake, dashi, and sugar is also perfectly cooked in balance. Lastly, the rice is fluffy, soft, and sweet, which complemented and softened the rich flavor from other dishes perfectly. I also like when they also add some spices alongside some pepper for an additional kick since I am a fan of spicy dishes.

[... I hate when you do it, it makes me wanna eat it myself.]

'I thought you were all still sulking about how I consoled Ingvild.'

[Enough with your tasteless humor, brat.]

[We will take our leave now, don't you dare to bother us unless there's something important.]

I chuckled as Azi cut the connection, leaving me alone with my food. 'Ingvild's pork cutlet is more rich in flavor, but this is also nice.'

Speaking of her, I ate another bite while secretly glancing at Ingvild who's currently eating her food with renewed appetite.

'She looks like a chipmunk, that's funny yet adorable.'

Ingvild suddenly stopped eating, immediately turning her head towards me with a dubious expression plastered on her face, to which I raised one eyebrow for such an unexpected demeanor.

"... I don't know why but I feel like you are saying something insulting about me." accused her while looking directly into my eyes. "Are you, Ars?

"I don't know what you're talking about…" I replied immediately while keeping my poker face.

The hell, is she suddenly being a psychic?

Ingvild didn't immediately answer back, but instead she just kept staring at me for a while before she ran her hand through her hair, gracefully flipped her lavender looks while huffing in acceptance. "Very well, it's probably just my feeling."

I huffed in relief.

"But," she suddenly added while pointing her chopsticks directly at me with a menacing look. "If you're talking about my weight behind my back, there will be dire consequences for you to pay."

I gulped.

"Do you understand Ars?"

"... Crystal clear, I will surely inform you directly in the future."

She smiled while nodding, eventually went back to eating while leaving me flabbergasted.

'What the hell just happened?'

"She is surely being self-conscious." I heard Hertlinde simply placed her right hand on her cheek while shaking her head.

"Uhm, she is totally head over heels for mister."

'You guys are not helping!' I raged inwardly while glared at Hertlinde and Kunou, who expertly dodged my stares, while trying not to sighed loudly when I saw a faint hue from Ingvild's cheek.

"Man, I am so stuffed!" exclaimed Kunou while happily holding her stomach in satisfaction. "Thanks for paying for it! I forgot to bring my own wallet!"

I smiled at her, while silently glancing at my colleague who was currently following from behind along with Ingvild with a sour expression.

After the uneventful lunch, we talked a bit more before finally deciding to pay for our food.

Since Kunou didn't bring anything to pay for the lunch, Hertlinde ended up paying for the whole thing.

And clearly she isn't amused at all about it.

"I can't believe I had to pay that much for a whole meal…" grumbled Hertlinde since she had to pay a hefty amount due to a certain gremlin that ate too much even after all three of us were finished with our lunch.

"It can't be helped, Hertlinde," Ingvild tried to console her foster mother. "Kunou is a healthy child with a healthy appetite."

"Yes, very healthy indeed." spoke Hertlinde filled with sarcasm. "Especially when she ate a whole portion, enough to feed thirty grown men. Seems like our dear Ars forgot that I don't have much left like I used to, and rather dumped the entire bill on my poor remaining wealth."

'Sorry Hertlinde, I will pay that someday later…' I inwardly apologized while choosing to ignore that jab.

Better leave her behind with Ingvild for a while.

As we walked in a park without any people nearby, a bunch of silhouettes suddenly approached us. I felt a familiar distortion of space shifting, which indicated that a barrier was deployed in our surroundings.

"Ah! That's my guardians!"

Hearing Kunou's exclamation, I turned my attention back to her. My eyes followed in the direction where she pointed her tiny fingers on, at which I could see several figures wearing a white traditional Kariginu along with Eboshi in their heads, while also wearing Kitsune masks.

'Is she not aware of it?' I wondered while glancing at Ingvild and Hertlinde, who both looked at me with the same understanding about this odd situation.

"Kunou-sama, I am glad that you're alright." one of the attendees spoke in a masculine tone while bowing at Kunou. "We took some time to find you, our apologies."

I narrowed my eyes at Kunou's attendees.

"No it's not a problem at all!" said Kunou cherrily. "I met these people who were kind enough to treat me for lunch!"

'Their whole demeanor, it's very unnatural.'

"I am very happy to hear that Kunou-sama is having a good time," spoke a female attendee, who stepped forward. "But we must return home soon, your mother was worried about you."

'Not to mention, their posture and body movement-'

"Awww I wanted to play a little longer!"said Kunou in a dismayed tone.

'It as if as they're already-'

"My apologies Kunou-sama, but Yasaka-sama is very worried about her daughter. This lowly servant hopes that Kunou-sama will return with us as soon as possible." said another attendees as he also stepped forward and stood in a perfect row with the previous two attendees.

"Alright," said Kunou downcasted. "Let's go back-Eehhh!?"

But before she was about to follow her attendees, my hand moved, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her back before she could even take any step forward.

"W-what are you doing mister de-"

While immediately swiping my other hand, creating a sudden gust which enveloped the entire surrounding for a while before it dissipates soon after.

"Wha-! Mister what are you doing-!?" exclaimed Kunou who's covered her face with her arms, as she tried to pried my hand off from her shoulder. "Could you please let me go-!"

But she immediately stopped.

Her eyes widened as I watched as her nose moved slightly before she looked at her attendees with aghast. Behind us, I saw Ingvild and Hertlinde are both also recognizing the distinct smell which now vividly emblazoned the entire area.

"W-why there's a smell of-"

"A distinctive 'metallic' smell," I said, cutting Kunou off while narrowing my eyes at the attendees who were now slowly standing with their bodies twitching and contorting in grotesque manners, their movements slow and unnatural as they stumbled and tripped over their own feet. I could even hear a distant sound of cracking bones, as they approached while clamping their teeth as if showing displeasure. "A very strong one."

[Brat.]

I suddenly heard Azi speak in my mind.

'I know, I could see it. Thanks to your sharing sense ability.'

[Whatever, just dispatch these repulsive creatures.]

[Disgusting.]

"So who're you folks?" I asked, tensing as I prepared for a fight. "... Nah, better question; why are you approaching Kunou while wearing other people's skin?"

Kunou widened her eyes in horrified expression.

But she hasn't any time to react as her attendees suddenly lunged forward with maniacal eyes burned with madness along with their respective weapons drawn in aggression.

'Too slow.'

I reacted immediately.

Dashing forward to one of the creatures in the right corner, I quickly coat my right hand with magic, the bluish light releasing a thunderous roar as it formed into a vicious claw. Not even letting the abomination react, I parted the creature's head from its neck in one swift motion.

Seeing the blood splattered in the open air, Kunou shrieked hysterically.

"Miss Kunou!" Ingvild shouted as she dashed forward to console the poor girl.

"Get her out of here, I'll take care of this!" I turned my attention back after hearing her voice, and instructed her to get out of here.

Ingvild nodded quickly as she scooped Kunou and began to run away while ignoring her protest. "Be careful, Ars!"

"Don't worry about that-!" I replied, dodging a sneak attack from my blind spot, and immediately cleaving the offender with my other hand. "-It'll be over in a moment."

Seeing their target starting to escape, the remaining abominations howled out a chorus of blood-curdling screams; all of them turning their attention towards me with gleaming eyes filled with unholy rage.

'Labeling them unholy despite being a devil myself... quite the irony.' I thought sarcastically.

Then again, I didn't want to delay this cleaning any further. There's no joy in fighting against such weak creatures.

I force my magic to coat my entire body, driving it through my muscles and nerves as the world slows down around me; as if time itself slowed to my whims.

Then, I moved.

In the next second, the entire area is filled with nothing but the remains of headless abominations. Blood and gore exploding from the visceral remains of their necks, as the smell of iron and burnt flesh fills the air.

All but one remained, albeit with nothing left but its torso as I had cut off its arms and legs to ensure it would never escape.

To be safe, I bound it with chains made from my lightning while also sealing its mouth with a simple silence spell.

Leaving one remaining is sadly necessary since I'll need solid proof of these bizarre creatures to present it to Yasaka later on and maybe, hopefully learn something about how they're being made.

I have a bad premonition about these creatures.

Sensing something I turn swiftly, releasing a bolt of lightning at a small forest that suddenly feels rather ominous.

'Already gone...' I sigh, frustrated at myself for not having noticed it sooner. Expanding my senses with electric current would be useless, I already felt it leave the park.

'Damn it! I shouldn't let my guard down!'

[Unfortunate, but doesn't matter.] Azi speaks within my mind.

'What do you mean? If they were involved then they're already reporting back!'

[No, don't worry about that.]

[The presence that we felt earlier, it didn't have any sort of malice at all.]

'You mean it could be yet another party who's been spying on us…' I replied while inwardly clicking my tongue in annoyance.

Dealing with unknown enemies is one thing, but having another party with an unknown goal is even worse.

[Heh, probably.]

[Whoever it was, it expressed an interest. So you don't have to be worried about it.]

[At least for now... We also felt a familiar aura emanating from that figure.]

'Wait, what do you-' my question got cut midway as Ingvild and the others returned from their hiding spot, with Ingvild shouting my name.

"Ars! Are you okay!?"

[Unfortunately, our conversation will have to be halted.]

[After all, you need to take care of these cheerleaders of yours.]

[Especially that monster, hah!]

With a roaring laughter, Azi cut our conversation as Ingvild approached me, fretting over my body with tender care. Meanwhile, not far from where we stood, I saw Kunou break down upon seeing the aftermath of the slaughter, with Hertlinde trying to console her as best she could.

"Are you okay?" Ingvild asked, gently squeezing my hand in worry.

"I'm fine, they weren't powerful enough to pose a threat to me," I replied to her, easing my hand out of her grip and smothering the frown that threatened to appear. "But that isn't the real problem; they attacked us out of nowhere, but their target wasn't us at all, it was Kunou. it's not a good situation to get caught in even if I want to pay them back, us getting involved here, gets our faction involved by proxy."

"... Then what should we do now..? We can't just leave after getting involved, and Miss Kunou is..." Ingvild trailed off in concern as she watched Kunou hug one of her attendees' skin, not caring as her clothes were stained in blood.

"T-They killed them all! M-My guards, everyone..." Kunou wailed hysterically. "T-these foul creature! How could they treat my people like this!?"

"It's alright Miss Kunou," said Hertlinde, trying to console her. "They've already been avenged-"

"How could I be alright when I couldn't do anything for my people!?" Kunou screeched in, cutting off Hertlinde's attempt to comfort her.

I sigh at her blatant demeanor; I can't blame her obviously, but at the same time, I couldn't leave her like this to do something that she would regret later.

I stepped and instantly appeared at her side, casting a sleeping spell on her. Immediately her eyes grew drowsy amidst the tears that streamed uncontrollably from her puffy eyes.

"Mis… ter… my people… please…" Kunou pleaded while drifting into unconsciousness as I held her small figure in my embrace.

"Don't worry," I whispered to her. "I promise that I'll find the ones who did this." Hearing that, a thin smile briefly appeared on her lips, before she finally gave up the fight and fell into a troubled sleep.

"Ars," I looked up at Ingvild as approached me. "Should we really get involved in this…?"

I nodded at her while lifting Kunou up in bridal style. "We were already involved the moment we also got attacked by these creatures."

-Yasaka POV-

"Where has that child gone!?" I exclaimed in frustration, my voice reverberating through the room. Scratching my hair, I glared at every one of my attendants as their eyes avoided mine in fear.

In the mirror before me, my disheveled hair reflected my inner turmoil.

Normally, I would be donned in a vibrant yellow kimono with a regal golden obi, complemented by a sleek black pelt. However, today, my once firm attire had fallen into disarray due to my anxiety. The yellow kimono, with its elegant white interior, was threatening to slip further and reveal more than it should, including my ample bosom.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my unruly locks and tied them into a high ponytail, securing them with traditional ornaments, while ordering my attendants to fix my attire in a hurry.

I stopped them after I deemed myself presentable enough to proceed with the usual meeting.

Nevertheless, thoughts of my precious daughter's whereabouts consumed my mind, overshadowing the responsibilities of convening the annual gathering with other clan heads.

Although I adored my daughter with all my heart, there were moments when I wished she possessed a more level-headed approach to her own safety.

Even with dedicated guards stationed for her protection, Kunou seemed to have a penchant for causing me to constantly worry about her.

"Kunou, my dear," I sighed wearily, addressing my absent daughter as if she were present. "Would you please cease causing your poor mother such distress?"

"May I speak about this, Yasaka-sama?" Interrupting my thoughts, one of my newly appointed aides approached me with a polite tone. I turned my gaze towards her, recognizing her as one of the aides who had joined recently to replace my previous staff members who had resigned in frustration.

"You may speak." I addressed her, which she bowed respectfully after I allowed her to speak.

"If I may say, while Kunou-hime seemingly causes Yasaka-sama to be constantly worried, I don't think that she would involve herself in an unfavorable situation for her and for her mother as well."

As I listened to the aide's words, my mind suddenly felt renewed with relief.

Listening to my aide, I felt some kind of truth coming from her words. Kunou wouldn't be so reckless or even causing any sort of trouble for herself, even endangering her own safety.

I was about to reply to my aide, but suddenly a guard who was stationed at the front gate suddenly entered my room with labored breath. "Yasaka-sama! It's an emergency! There are a few devils who just arrived in front of our gate, and one of them is currently holding Kunou-hime!"

My heart pounded as I heard what the guard had just said.

Immediately, I strode myself from my room, hastily ran towards the gate with a sense of apprehension and fear.

As I reached the front gate, I watched the scene unfold before me.

The armed guards are currently surrounding the young man who stood in the center of the front gate, along with other two female figures behind him, looking at their surroundings in anxiety.

In the man's arms was my dearest daughter Kunou who's currently unconscious as her delicate body is currently being held in his embrace.

Anger surged through me, fueled by a mother's instincts.

But I stayed calm, as I quickly recognized their identities as devils.

I stepped forward, my voice remained calm despite my internal turmoil for my daughter. "What do you want by coming in here, young devil? And why are you holding my daughter in your embrace in such an indecent manner?"

The young devil didn't even deter, as he stepped forward while speaking in a dignified manner. "Greetings; Ruler of The Western Yokai Faction, Lady Yasaka. My name is Ars Bune, heir from the Bune clan from the seventy-two pillars of the devil faction. I came here in peace while bringing your daughter after an unpleasant situation that had happened to us."

My anger wavered for a moment, momentarily clouded by my daughter's safety and also regarding the young devil's statement, particularly when he mentioned something unpleasant that happened earlier.

But I still observed the young Ars Bune closely, searching for any signs of deception.

"You expect me to believe that easily?" I questioned, my voice laced with skepticism.

He met my gaze with an unwavering gaze and responded, "It would be easier for me to show you the proof."

He then extended his hand, as a sigil appeared in front of him. This naturally drew more reaction as the guards quickly stepped in front of me protectively while yelling in threatening manners.

But what happened next is something that I did not expect at all.

What appeared in front of him, was a corpse-no, a living corpse which reeks of burnt flesh and fresh blood. The most shocking part is that the living abomination had something embedded in its skin which partially covered the hideous sight of an ugly, sinister appearance.

"W-what sort of obnoxious creature is this-!?" I demanded in disgust.

"Unfortunately, we don't even know what this creature was." spoke Ars Bune in a calm manner. "What we know is that these creatures are killing your people, while later tearing off their outer layer of skin to camouflage as your people in order to kidnap your daughter, Kunou."

I stood there as my body trembled with fury upon hearing his statement.

My hands clenched into fists.

Nails digging into my palms as anger began to consume me, fueled by the knowledge that my precious daughter had come dangerously close to being kidnapped.

'How dare they? How dare anyone think they could lay their hands on my child? Whoever these people are, they dared to use such a despicable method of trying to kidnap her!?'

I wanted answers regarding this whole chaotic situation.

But beneath this unquenching fury, I also realized that in fact these devils had no ill intent towards Kunou, or even me, due to the fact that they decided to come directly at the risk of being held by my guards.

Speaking about them, I can see the exact similar expression of appalling and rage in each of their facial expressions. As if they also demanded who's the culprit of all of this.

With a sigh, I reluctantly relented, my stern expression softening slightly. "I will consider your explanation. But know this, if I discover any form of deceit, you shall face dire consequences."

"Ars Bune," I commanded him with a domineering voice. "I'll allow you to enter my residence for you to explain further about your relationship with my daughter, with I personally guaranteeing that there will be no harm befall you shall you agree to never cause any conflict while we discuss this matter."

The man bowed deeply in gratitude. "Thank you, Yasaka-hime. I assure you that my intentions bore no ill will."

With that, I let these devils enter my home as I commanded the guards to escort them inside.

As I turned away, my gaze still lingered on the young devil with uncertainty clouding my mind.

Only time would tell if his words were true.

For now, I have bigger things to be worried about, while also ensuring myself that my daughter would always be safe under my watchful gaze.

My anger burned like a scorching fire, fueled by the concern I held for my daughter.

I swear that no one would ever dare to harm her again. And nothing in this world or any other could stand between me and the safety of my precious child.

-Unknown PoV-

"So, they all failed."

"Unfortunately yes, Hime-sama."

In a dim room it was as if the shadows themselves held their breath. The soft, flickering glow of candles created a delicate dance of light, painting the surroundings with an ethereal ambiance.

As the candles burned their wax slowly, flickering its tendrils of light across the entire room, I began to speak again.

"How unfortunate, it seems that rejecting the offer from such an untrustworthy organization is a correct choice after all. As they couldn't provide anything but a failure."

"I agree with that, Hime-sama." My loyal attendant shared the same sentiment as I. "Once again, you showed your infinite wisdom by choosing to not let them join our crusade for taking back what belongs to you."

"Spare me that sentiment, Gyuuki. If I had everything that I originally owned before, eliminating those usurpers would be nothing but a mere child play." I chided my trusty attendant with a sarcastic tone. "Alas, everything had already been done, and we must work with our original plan to recapture the figurehead of the current ruler so I can once again regain my power."

"Everything shall be done for you, Hime-sama. Our loyalty shall bring you to your glorious form once again."

"Have you planted the 'rat' into their fortress yet?"

"Everything is according to your divine will, Hime-sama." answered Gyuuki while still bowing. "We planted the seed of discord amongst their ranks. It is just a matter of time before we can safely enact our plan to recapture the current nine-tailed leader of Kyoto."

"Very Good. You did a splendid job as always, Gyuuki."

"Your compliment is already the highest prestige I could ever receive, Hime-sama."

"Didn't I tell you to stop using such outlandish language when speaking with me?" I said to my loyal attendant with an amusing tone.

"You did, Hime-sama."

"Then why are you still speaking towards me in the same frivolous manner?"

"I cannot speak without soiling your honor."

"As rigid as always," I said while sighed softly. "No matter, now bring me those twins here."

"As you will." Gyuuki said while leaving me alone in my room briefly. It didn't take long before he came back while bringing the latest addition in our forces.

""We humbly greet the honored Hime-sama."" spoke the twins while bowing towards mine.

As our conversation began, I couldn't help but admit about one thing. Having these twin sisters from a long lost line of prestigious Nekoshou in our recent forces probably a sign of heaven above bestowed their blessings for my crusade.

Everything shall be returned back to me as its righteous owner.

And once again, the world shall know to fear the name of Tamamo-no-Mae.

(｡◕｡)

Beta Reader: LuluViBritania (FF.N, SB, WN and QQ)/-LuluViB|99th Britannian Emperor(Discord)

Author's Note: Well, I am back with this story, I guess?

On a literal note, I apologize for neglecting this story for more than 6 months in favor of other stories, and also snippets which I posted before.
As you can see, few things happened in this chapter
Ingvild having an internal crisis about what she wanted.

Kunou who just lost her trusty aides
An unknown figure

And lastly the appearance of what you can call the DxD version of Tamamo no Mae, along with a certain nekoshou sisters, which you probably didn't expect about a slight change that I did.

I will update the next chapter soon, since I decided to try to solely focus on this story again, and don't forget to leave lots of reviews.

Well, I guess that's it.

See you in the next chapter.