The decision was made—Katsu would take up the mantle of Warden of the South. The announcement was met with less-than-enthusiastic reactions from the other lords, but none dared to voice their protests too loudly, wary of invoking the wrath of the Lord of the West.
Masaru, Makaira, and even Inuyasha would accompany Katsu on his journey south, traveling with the small contingent of dragons that had originally arrived for the conference. But before their departure, Kagome had insisted—rather forcefully—that there be a farewell celebration. She wasn't about to let everyone leave without a proper send-off, much to Sesshoumaru's resigned acceptance.
With the matter of the southern territory settled, Sesshoumaru formally declared the gathering concluded. Lords and ladies alike wasted no time making their exits.
Lord Homura was the first to leave, eager to return home and ensure his lands hadn't been pillaged by opportunistic wolves in his absence. The phoenix demon hardly bid anyone farewell, muttering something about how this entire ordeal had been a waste of time before vanishing in a swirl of flames.
Lady Luanling, on the other hand, was far less keen to leave. She made a point of finding Kagome before her departure, offering the priestess a sly smile. "Expect me to visit often, dear," she mused, brushing a strand of white hair over her shoulder. "The eye candy here is far too enticing, and I do find your company enjoyable."
Kagome could only laugh awkwardly, well aware of whom Luanling was referring to.
One guest, however, lingered longer than the rest. Kouga seemed to be searching for an opening to speak with Kagome alone. Whether he intended to apologize or attempt, once again, to sway her away from Sesshoumaru was unclear. But whatever his plan was, it never came to fruition.
Sesshoumaru intercepted him at every turn.
If Kouga so much as took a step in Kagome's direction, the dog demon was suddenly there— golden eyes cold with warning.
Eventually, Kouga admitted defeat. With a frustrated huff, he turned on his heel and left with his pack, grumbling under his breath about possessive mutts. Kagome, blissfully unaware of the silent battle that had taken place, simply waved as the wolves disappeared into the distance.
Meanwhile, Lord Haruto stood at the edge of the courtyard, arms crossed and expression grim. The bear demon had little to celebrate. Though he was relieved this ordeal was finally over, he had gained nothing from it. In fact, he had lost more than he had bargained for—soldiers, money, and resources had been sacrificed, and in return, he had won no favor and secured no advantages.
To make matters worse, his only son was now bound for the South, playing ambassador instead of remaining in the East to strengthen their influence—or better yet, finding a suitable mate. The disappointments continued to pile up.
With the shiro now quieter and far less crowded, the intimate celebration for Katsu's new position began in earnest. The grand halls and courtyards, once filled with lords and their entourages, now held only those closest to the West—friends, family, and trusted allies. The scent of sizzling meats and fragrant rice wines filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and the distant hum of a shamisen playing a lively tune.
Miroku and Sango, along with their ever-growing brood, stayed just long enough to enjoy some of the festivities before reluctantly departing. Sango insisted they needed to return home before their children turned the guest quarters into a battlefield. Miroku, though disappointed to leave the revelry, wisely followed his wife's lead, bidding Kagome farewell with a knowing smile and a few words of wisdom about her upcoming mating.
Kohaku, on the other hand, had chosen to make himself scarce before the party even began. After enduring the quiet yet painful sting of Rin's rejection, he had no desire to linger. The last thing he needed was to spend the night watching her laugh and dance while pretending his heart hadn't been stomped into the dirt.
Shippo, on the other hand, could not have been more delighted. The moment he caught wind of Kohaku's withdrawal, the fox demon was practically glowing. If Rin's heart was free, he would waste no time in staking his claim.
As the festivities continued, Kagome and Sesshoumaru remained seated in a private pavilion overlooking the courtyard, where tables laden with food and drink were surrounded by those celebrating. Soft candlelight flickered along the carved wooden beams, casting warm shadows over them. Kagome, nestled comfortably beside Sesshoumaru with his mokomoko surrounding them, rested her hand lightly in his, enjoying the rare moment of peace. His thumb idly traced over her knuckles, a small but intimate gesture that sent warmth curling in her stomach.
Their brief reprieve was soon interrupted as a pair of familiar figures approached the pavilion. Kagome looked up, her eyes widening slightly as Rin and Shippo came forward—hand in hand.
Her gaze immediately darted to where their fingers were entwined. Rin, with her usual bright smile, showed no signs of hesitation, while Shippo practically radiated smug satisfaction. The fox looked as though he had just won a long-fought battle, his chest puffed with pride, tails flicking in excitement.
Sesshoumaru's golden gaze flickered down to where their hands were joined, his expression unreadable as he shifted his attention lazily from their entwined fingers to Shippo's face. One silver brow arched ever so slightly, the only indication that the sight was even worth acknowledging. Yet, in the subtle way his fingers tensed ever so slightly in hers, Kagome could tell he was paying more attention than he let on.
She barely held back a laugh.
"Well," Kagome murmured, tilting her head, "is there something you wanted to ask us?"
Shippo's emerald eyes gleamed, his sharp canines flashing in an eager grin as he helped Rin sit before them. His fluffy tails twitched with uncontained excitement, betraying just how thrilled he was about whatever he was about to say.
"Now that Rin has passed her exams and I have my fifth tail," he began, "I wish to properly court Rin, and we wanted to ask for your blessing!"
The words had barely left his mouth before he shot Kagome an expectant look. He had done everything right. He had followed every rule Sesshoumaru had laid before him, he had trained, grown, and proved himself worthy—there was no way this moment could go wrong.
Nothing could ruin this.
Nothing cou—
"No."
Kagome's voice was gentle, her expression warm, yet the single word shattered Shippo's euphoria like a ceramic cup hitting stone.
Even Sesshoumaru, who had thus far remained stoically indifferent, blinked at her in mild surprise.
Rin gasped softly, her dark eyes darting between Kagome and Shippo in confusion, while the poor fox himself sat frozen, tails drooping behind him, mouth opening and closing like a fish caught on land.
"Wha—why?" he finally managed, his voice cracking in disbelief. "I—But—I did everything! Lord Sesshoumaru had all those ridiculous conditions, and I met every single one! So why are you saying no?!"
Kagome squeezed Sesshoumaru's hand before releasing it, reaching out instead to take Shippo's between her own. "This isn't a forever no," she reassured him before glancing at Rin, who looked just as distressed. Kagome took her hand too, squeezing gently. "Just... not yet. You both need a little more time."
Rin frowned slightly, her lips parting in protest. "But, Mama, I am old enough! Shippo told me I'm just as old as you were when you came through the well!"
"That is exactly why I want you to wait," Kagome countered. She sighed, giving their hands another squeeze. "When I was fifteen, I thought I knew everything. I thought I was old enough to make major life decisions—traveling through time, fighting demons, falling in love. And while things mostly worked out in the end... there are still choices I wish I could go back and change."
Shippo opened his mouth to argue, but Sesshoumaru's voice cut through the discussion before he had the chance.
"How long do you think is appropriate for them to wait?"
His tone was thoughtful, more curious than disapproving. Despite all his knowledge, how humans age in maturity was still an abstract concept to him.
Letting out a soft breath, Kagome released their hands and turned back to Sesshoumaru. "At least another five years."
She barely had time to react before Shippo made a strangled noise that could only be described as a choked gasp of betrayal.
"FIVE?" he sputtered. His tails bristled. "Five years?! That's forever!"
Ignoring his dramatics, Kagome continued as if he hadn't just had a minor heart attack. "If you two can't wait that long, then perhaps Shippo should join Inuyasha in the South for a bit."
Shippo visibly recoiled. "Exile?!"
Sesshoumaru hummed in quiet amusement at the way the fox practically combusted. Rin, meanwhile, stifled a giggle behind her hand.
Kagome merely smiled sweetly. "Consider it a test of patience."