*Chapter 513 – Thinking About It Seriously*
Because tomorrow was Saturday, they only had classes for half the day. Not only did they get weekends off, but the school even let them leave early on the day before. With a schedule this easy... Kaiser almost wanted to cry.
After saying goodbye to Rentaro-kun Kurama and the others, Kaiser left as usual with Yoshino Tomotake and Mako Hitachi, heading toward the Tomotake Family estate under everyone's watchful gaze.
Along the way, though, they drew a lot of attention—again. Some people even came up to greet them, trying to fish for information without making it obvious. That was when the three of them finally realized just how far this whole thing had spread.
When they arrived at the Tomotake estate, they ran into another group of guests who were just leaving. The two parties exchanged polite looks before parting ways.
Yasuharu Tomotake met Kaiser's eyes, and both of them gave a helpless smile.
"We can't keep going like this."
Murasame, who had stayed home today instead of wandering around as usual, was the first to speak, letting out a weary sigh.
"The situation with Master and Yoshino has spread faster than I imagined. If we don't do something soon, it's going to start affecting everyone's daily life."
That was Murasame's conclusion after observing the commotion throughout the day. She clearly thought they couldn't just sit back and watch things spiral any further.
"Why is it even like this?" Yoshino looked both tired and puzzled. "I know everyone's curious about my engagement, but this much fuss—it's getting ridiculous, isn't it?"
She honestly thought people were going overboard.
"Was it the same for you back then, Yasuharu-san?" Mako asked, referring to the relationship between Yasuharu and Yoshino's mother—the previous Lady Miko.
"It's true that Akiho and I caused quite a stir, too," Yasuharu said with a wry smile. "But that was after our engagement had already been officially announced. Everyone teased us and joked around, but it was all in good faith. Things calmed down pretty quickly."
This time, though, people weren't just gossiping—they were digging for the truth, desperate for a clear answer.
But because Yoshino wanted to keep things quiet, Kaiser, Yasuharu, and the others couldn't say anything concrete. All they could do was dodge the topic, and that only made things worse. The more evasive they were, the more people paid attention.
Instead of dying down, the rumors had exploded.
"It's also because of Master himself, isn't it?" Murasame added. "He drew the Divine Blade that's been enshrined in Hoori all this time. That's something that's never happened before—of course it caught everyone's attention."
"Then we welcomed him into the family, and now he's spending every day with Yoshino. There's no way people wouldn't notice."
"So now everyone wants to know—what kind of special treatment does the one who drew the Divine Blade receive? And is that why he's getting engaged to Hoori's miko?"
In short, two incidents that were already huge news had merged together, creating a reaction far bigger than either one alone.
If they could just give people a proper answer, it might calm down. But since no one wanted to say anything, everyone was getting more anxious.
"This really isn't good," Mako said, realizing how serious things had become. "If this keeps up, it's going to cause trouble for all of us."
"...I'm sorry," Yoshino said quietly, looking downcast. "It's my fault for being so stubborn. That's why things turned out like this."
She had wanted to avoid causing Kaiser more trouble, so she refused to announce their engagement. But that had only made the situation worse—completely the opposite of what she intended.
It made her feel utterly defeated.
Lately, everything she did seemed to backfire.
To keep Kaiser from being dragged into her family's affairs, she had rejected him—only for him to get gravely injured because of it.
To spare him further trouble, she pushed to keep their engagement a secret—only to drag everyone into a bigger mess.
Each failure reminded her just how wrong her choices had been.
"I'm at fault too," Yasuharu sighed. "I underestimated the impact this engagement might have."
After all, it had been his idea—a decision he made unilaterally to help his daughter improve her social relationships. He only wanted to save her, never expecting things to go this far.
"Well, now's not the time for regrets," Mako said gently. "What matters is figuring out how to calm things down."
Her words helped Yoshino and Yasuharu pull themselves together, at least a little.
"Let's just announce it," Murasame said bluntly. "It's not like it's some shameful secret. Just tell everyone in Hoori that my master and Yoshino are engaged."
If people got a clear answer, the gossip would peak for a bit and then die down. It wouldn't keep growing like this.
"I actually think that's a good idea," Yasuharu said immediately, clearly having thought the same.
Of course, he couldn't hear Murasame directly, but Mako relayed her words for him.
Then he turned to his daughter. "What do you think, Yoshino?"
"I..." Yoshino hesitated, torn.
She didn't trust herself to make decisions anymore.
"Say something too, Master!" Murasame snapped, glaring at Kaiser. "You've been sitting there sipping tea like it's none of your business. This is your engagement we're talking about! What do you think?"
Everyone's eyes turned to him.
Kaiser calmly took another sip of tea before speaking.
"If you ask me," he said evenly, "announcing the engagement right now would only make things worse for both me and Yoshino-san. This was never meant to be a real, binding agreement. If we make it public while everyone's watching, what happens later when neither of us plans to go through with it?"
"The whole town would blow up again, even worse than now."
If news of the engagement caused this much commotion, imagine what would happen if it was later broken off. Not just Kaiser— even the Tomotake Family would take a huge hit.
"It'd be better to deny the engagement altogether," Kaiser said coolly. "It was unstable from the start, with no real future. I don't feel like it's real, and Yoshino-san herself said from the beginning that it was just a temporary arrangement she planned to end later."
"So why acknowledge it at all?"
"If anything, we should make a statement saying the rumors are false. That way, at least neither of us ends up humiliated down the line."
His words silenced everyone.
The meaning was clear: Kaiser didn't think the engagement should have existed in the first place.
An arrangement even its initiator, Yasuharu, hadn't expected to last—what was the point of keeping it?
Just so Kaiser could freeload off the Tomotake Family's hospitality? That seemed absurd.
"I think it's better to just cancel the engagement," Kaiser said finally, looking straight at Yasuharu. "Then we can publicly say it was never real in the first place."
Yasuharu didn't respond right away. His expression grew troubled.
Murasame and Mako both fell silent too.
Then a loud voice cut through the air.
"...Excuse me. I need to be alone for a bit."
Yoshino left abruptly, head down, her steps sharp with anger.
Kaiser blinked, completely baffled. "What was that about?"
Murasame and the others exchanged uneasy looks.
"I'll go check on her," Mako said with a strained smile before hurrying after Yoshino.
"Mm... I'll head out too," Murasame muttered, floating upward. She turned to Yasuharu. "Yasuharu, your intentions were good, but it all happened too fast. My master still hasn't taken any of this seriously."
"Before the commotion outside gets worse, you'd better figure this out. Otherwise, it'll only hurt both Master and Yoshino."
Of course, Yasuharu couldn't hear a word she said.
Yoshino and Mako were gone, leaving only Kaiser able to hear her. But he just frowned and didn't bother translating for Yasuharu.
"...I'm going," Murasame huffed before drifting away—this time right through the wall instead of fading out like usual. She was clearly annoyed.
The room fell quiet, leaving only Kaiser and Yasuharu sitting across from each other in heavy silence.
"I guess I said something pretty unpopular, huh," Kaiser murmured after a moment, realizing what had happened.
"This isn't your fault," Yasuharu sighed softly. "It's mine. I made this decision on my own without your consent or Yoshino's."
"And maybe what I told you before—the reason for arranging the engagement—made you think I only did it to help Yoshino's social standing. That's probably why you never took it seriously."
"That's on me."
Yasuharu took all the blame himself. Then he looked Kaiser straight in the eye.
"But, Kaiser-kun," he said earnestly, "could I ask you to really think about this now? Forget everything else—just consider the engagement itself."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone sincere.
"Do you—have any intention of marrying Yoshino?"
Kaiser fell silent.
The question hung heavily between them.
(End of Chapter)
*Chapter 514 – Why Am I Like This?*
Mitake Shrine, inner hall.
By the time Mako Hitachi followed Yoshino Tomotake's trail there, Yoshino had already changed into her familiar red hakama and white chihaya. She was dancing alone in the main hall, performing the sacred kagura.
"Chime—chime—chime—chime—"
The sound of the kagura bells and the Hoko-suzu echoed through the hall. The miko's expression was as solemn as if she were standing before the gods themselves, her movements sharp and graceful, every step filled with reverence.
The dance was beautiful—just as it always was—and captivating in that sacred, ethereal way that reminded anyone watching that Yoshino was Hoori's miko, the messenger of the gods.
But Mako noticed something was off. Yoshino's movements, usually so precise they seemed instinctive, were rushed today—uneven and disordered.
"…Hah."
Yoshino seemed to realize it too. As if disgusted with herself, she abruptly stopped mid-dance.
"This is… ridiculous."
Her voice was low. It was hard to tell whether she was scolding herself or someone else.
"Lady Yoshino."
Mako stepped forward just enough, her tone soft as she looked at Yoshino, who stood there with her head down. "What's wrong?"
"…Mako." Yoshino turned to her, clutching her chest as if searching for words. She looked lost—like a child who'd dropped something precious and couldn't find it again. "I don't know why, but my heart feels… restless."
Before the girl she'd grown up with—the one who was less a guard and more a sister—Yoshino let her usual composure fall away. She rarely showed this side of herself.
"Is it because of Kaiser?" Mako asked gently, her voice warm and steady, the way an older sister would comfort a younger one. "He said it might be better to cancel the engagement. Are you upset about that?"
"I…" Yoshino opened her mouth but couldn't finish the sentence.
Was she upset?
It felt that way… but why?
Ending the engagement was what she'd wanted from the very start, wasn't it?
Now that Kaiser himself had brought it up, shouldn't she feel relieved—free, even? But instead, there was no joy. No sense of relief.
"I… I think something's wrong with me, Mako."
Yoshino's confused expression made Mako's heart soften.
This, she thought, was the real Yoshino Tomotake.
Despite her composed and serious appearance, that calm exterior was a mask. Yoshino might seem distant and dignified, but deep down she was a girl who wore her heart on her sleeve—someone who still didn't quite know how to handle her own feelings.
Every morning, she was so groggy that she'd stumble around half-asleep. Once, Kaiser caught her like that and she immediately slapped her own cheeks to wake herself up. That alone said plenty about her—she felt things deeply, and in many ways, she was still like a child.
She made mistakes, too—simple ones, born from her stubbornness. It was obvious in her recent actions, one misstep after another.
And above all, Yoshino was surprisingly slow to understand her own heart.
She'd devoted her whole life to her duty as a miko, keeping herself at a polite distance from everyone around her. Because of that, she'd never lived like a normal girl.
Despite her beauty, her position, and her talent—everything about her being "perfect," as Yasuharu often said—Yoshino didn't see herself that way. If anything, she was insecure.
She believed she was a cursed child, someone meant to be avoided. She carried her duty like a burden she couldn't set down. She avoided getting close to people, afraid she'd only bring them trouble or misfortune.
In her eyes, it was the ordinary girls—the ones who laughed, gossiped, and lived freely—who shone the brightest. She envied them, knowing she could never have what they did.
That was why Mako understood Yoshino better than anyone.
Yoshino hadn't opposed her engagement to Kaiser because she thought he wasn't worthy or because she felt superior. It was the opposite—she didn't want to drag him into her world. She wanted to protect him from the Curse, from the dangers tied to the Tomotake Family.
That responsibility was hers to bear as the heir to the Tomotake Family. No one else should suffer for it.
People in Hoori might gossip about Yoshino's future and the family's lineage, but she'd never once thought about things like marriage.
Even after she came of age and relatives began introducing suitors, she refused them all without hesitation. She never wanted to marry anyone.
So logically, when Kaiser suggested breaking off the engagement, she should have felt relieved—or at least indifferent. But instead, she'd gotten angry and stormed off, leaving everyone in awkward silence.
Now, after cooling down, she still couldn't figure out why. Why she was angry. Why her heart hurt.
That was why she'd said she felt strange.
But…
"This isn't strange at all, Lady Yoshino," Mako said softly. She didn't sound worried—in fact, she almost sounded happy. "It just means that deep down, you don't really want to end your engagement with Kaiser anymore."
"Your reaction tells you everything. You weren't happy about it being canceled. You were upset—because you didn't want it to happen."
Yoshino blinked, stunned by the words.
So… was she really unhappy about it?
But why?
"Right now," Mako continued carefully, "your engagement with Kaiser isn't something you want to reject anymore. You know better than anyone that he's become part of our lives—and part of our duty. He's our ally, someone we trust. He's someone who makes you feel safe."
"You've gotten used to having him by your side, haven't you?"
"So when he mentioned breaking the engagement, you subconsciously felt like he was going to leave. Like he was ending whatever bond the two of you share."
"That's why you got upset—why you panicked."
Mako didn't say what she was really thinking: that Yoshino's feelings for Kaiser had already started to change.
It was obvious from the little things. Whenever Kaiser was around, Yoshino would look for him first without realizing it. Her eyes would drift toward him again and again. Sometimes she'd just… stare.
Whether it was during meals, study sessions, or even bath time, Yoshino would ask Mako to call Kaiser—so they could eat together, or so he could bathe first. She worried about his classes, about whether he was doing well or needed help.
The old Yoshino would never have done any of that for anyone.
Mako wasn't the only one who'd noticed. Murasame, Yasuharu, even Genjuro Kurama might have seen it.
That was why everyone had started to believe there was something real between them.
But Kaiser… clearly hadn't realized any of it.
As Mako thought this, Yoshino quietly reflected.
Mako's words made sense.
Something inside her had changed. She no longer wanted Kaiser to keep his distance.
If anything, the thought of him leaving—of ending their engagement—made her chest tighten painfully.
"Why… why do I feel like this?" Yoshino murmured. She truly didn't understand herself, her usual obliviousness on full display.
Seeing that, Mako realized it was time to give things a little push.
Her eyes lit up mischievously.
"Lady Yoshino," she said suddenly, "why don't you come over to my place for a bit?"
"I've got something to show you."
Yoshino blinked in confusion. "Something to show me?"
Mako's smile was far too bright to be innocent.
"My collection of shoujo manga."
...
Meanwhile, Kaiser had already left the living room and stepped out of the Tomotake estate.
"Master~~~!"
Murasame appeared out of nowhere, floating in front of him.
"What now?" Kaiser shot her an irritated look. "Didn't you leave already?"
"I was just giving you and Yasuharu some space," Murasame huffed, crossing her arms. "So? Done talking?"
"What did he say to you?"
Her question made Kaiser's eyes flicker slightly.
"…Marriage, huh?" he muttered, his expression unusually complicated.
(End of Chapter)
*Chapter 515 – Totally Not Okay Right Now*
That day, Yoshino Tomotake didn't come back after leaving. Neither did Mako Hitachi, who had gone after her.
Later, Kaiser learned from Yasuharu Tomotake that Mako had taken Yoshino back to the Hitachi Family estate and that they probably wouldn't return tonight.
"I'll go check on them."
Murasame, clearly concerned about the two girls, floated off toward the Hitachi residence.
Which left the enormous Tomotake estate occupied by just two men—and no one to cook dinner.
Fortunately, Kaiser could handle that himself. He had spent two years training under a professional chef, so he wasn't about to starve.
Mako had already done the grocery shopping before she left, so when Kaiser peeked into the kitchen, everything he needed was there. He got right to work, moving with practiced speed, and before long, he had four dishes and a soup laid out on the table.
Yasuharu watched the whole process in mild astonishment.
After eating, he finally spoke up. "I'm sorry to say this about Mako, but your cooking, Kaiser-kun… it's even better than hers."
Coming from him, that was high praise.
Mako had been in charge of meals for the Tomotake Family for years. Her cooking always matched both Yoshino and Yasuharu's tastes perfectly. For Yasuharu to say Kaiser's food was better—that meant he was genuinely impressed.
Well, that's what happens when you've actually trained under a real chef. Two years might not sound long, but Kaiser had earned his teacher's approval and even received formal certification. He might not be at the level of the top-tier masters, but compared to the average "famous chef," he could definitely hold his own.
And that was just his everyday cooking.
He even had a private recipe book full of his teacher's signature dishes—legendary stuff, the kind that could floor a professional critic. But they also took ages to prepare, and Kaiser didn't have the patience for that kind of hassle. He preferred fast, practical meals. Tonight's four dishes and a soup fit that category perfectly.
Yasuharu, unaware of any of this, simply sighed. "I really wish Yoshino and Mako could've tasted this."
Kaiser didn't respond. After dinner, he made some light conversation and then excused himself to his room.
Lying on the tatami, staring up at the ceiling, he felt… off.
His thoughts were a mess.
Yasuharu's words from earlier kept echoing in his mind.
"I hope you can forget everything I said before—and forget the situation you and Yoshino are in now. Just think seriously about your relationship with her."
"The engagement was something I forced onto you. It's fine if you never took it seriously."
"Pretend none of that exists. Get to know Yoshino for who she is, and spend time with her."
That was the last thing Yasuharu had said to him that afternoon.
Kaiser understood what Yasuharu—and even Murasame—were worried about: that he was rejecting any connection to Yoshino simply because of the so-called engagement.
To him, it had always been an unrealistic, temporary arrangement. Something that would inevitably be called off.
So he'd never truly seen himself as Yoshino's fiancé. He treated the whole thing as if it were someone else's business, something happening far away that had nothing to do with him.
That's why he could stay so calm about it all. Because he didn't care.
Because he didn't believe it was real.
Yasuharu had only arranged the engagement to help his daughter with her social standing; he'd never truly expected them to marry. Yoshino herself saw it as a burden that might bring trouble to others. She never once treated Kaiser like her fiancé. So, Kaiser didn't take it seriously either—it was just a polite fiction, a harmless lie.
That's why earlier that day, he had been so casual about suggesting they cancel it.
But the reactions he got… weren't what he expected.
Yasuharu might have intended it as a means to help his daughter socially—but it didn't seem like he was completely against the idea of them actually marrying. In fact, judging by his tone, he seemed almost hopeful about it.
And Yoshino… her storming out spoke volumes. She clearly didn't see the engagement as just some meaningless formality anymore.
Even Murasame and Mako had looked stunned and uncertain when he mentioned ending it. They hadn't seen the engagement as something disposable either.
All of them—Yasuharu, Murasame, Mako—they all seemed to want him and Yoshino to keep moving forward together.
So when Kaiser suggested breaking it off, they'd all gone silent, caught off guard, realizing what he truly thought.
Yasuharu must have realized then that his earlier words and actions had given Kaiser the wrong impression. That's why he told him so earnestly to let go of all the outside factors and think seriously about his relationship with Yoshino.
Even Murasame, after seeing him go quiet, had thrown him a pointed remark before leaving.
"I think, Master, that you and Yoshino are no longer staying under the same roof just because of a piece of paper—or a verbal promise. Don't you think so?"
She hadn't said anything else after that. She probably didn't want to interfere with his thoughts.
And that was when Kaiser finally realized something.
He had never really looked at his time with the Tomotake Family for what it was.
When he first moved in, it was for two reasons: to explore the supernatural world he'd stumbled into and to honor his grandfather Genjuro Kurama's request to stay under Yasuharu's care for a while.
As far as he was concerned, he was there because they needed him—because he'd drawn Murasame-maru. The Tomotake Family had asked him to stay, given him food, shelter, and even covered his expenses. The engagement was just a convenient formality to justify it.
In his mind, it was simple: they needed him, so he stayed.
But maybe he'd oversimplified things too much.
Maybe he'd treated it all like a transaction, a business arrangement—and that made it feel cold, mechanical, lifeless.
Was every day he'd spent here really that meaningless?
Were the bonds he'd built with these people nothing more than part of a "deal"?
Human relationships didn't work that way. They changed—grew deeper with time.
The others had changed, that much was obvious. But he hadn't. He was still stuck in that same detached mindset from the beginning.
"Am I really that dense… or just that cold?"
Kaiser rubbed his temples with a sigh.
After a moment of thought, he reached for his phone—something he hadn't used much lately—and dialed an international number.
It took a while, but finally someone picked up.
"…Is that you, brat?"
The familiar voice on the other end instantly cleared his head.
"It's me." Kaiser's tone turned a bit sarcastic. "What, it's only been a couple of weeks and you've already forgotten your own son's voice and number? Seriously, Mom?"
That's right—the voice belonged to his mother, Tsuko Kurama, daughter of Genjuro Kurama.
"Forgot your voice? Please," Tsuko snorted. "You're the one who disappeared for weeks without a single call to your poor, lonely mother."
"I just didn't want to interrupt your honeymoon," he said dryly. "You ditched your son to go run off with your husband, remember?"
Tsuko didn't sound the least bit guilty. "You should be happy your parents still love each other this much. People would kill to have what we do."
"Besides," she continued, "you hadn't been back to Hoori in ages. Going to greet your grandfather was the least you could do."
Kaiser had to admit—his parents were disgustingly affectionate.
Or maybe his mother was just too good at charming his father. Typical island girl. A few soft Japanese words and his dad melted like butter—except in one particular area that stayed, uh, firm.
Honestly, watching them act all lovey-dovey every day, Kaiser still couldn't figure out how he'd even been born. A miracle, really.
Once, he'd actually asked his dad if middle age had dulled his "performance." The result: a brutal tag-team beatdown from both parents.
Just remembering it made him groan.
"You two just wanted to ditch your unexpected kid and enjoy your true love story, huh? I see right through you."
"Please," Tsuko shot back instantly. "You were an accident. If you'd come along a few years later, your dad and I could've had a lot more time to ourselves."
Her boldness left Kaiser speechless.
"And don't act like you've been suffering out there," she continued. "From what I hear, you're doing pretty damn well for yourself."
"I send you to help out at your grandfather's inn, and what happens? I turn around and hear you've somehow snagged the local miko as your fiancée!"
"I still can't believe it. My son—the sword-swinging idiot—ends up as the future son-in-law of the Tomotake Family?"
"You didn't, by any chance, awaken some kind of harem protagonist system, did you?"
Her teasing tone made Kaiser's eye twitch.
"Mom, stop reading web novels from the mainland. They're melting your brain."
He was seriously considering tattling to his dad.
"Quit whining," Tsuko said sharply. "You're about to marry Hoori's princess, aren't you? Compared to that, your father's courtship skills look pathetic."
To be fair, she wasn't wrong about her own status—Tsuko came from the respected Kurama Family, a household well-known in Hoori Town. When she'd eloped with Kaiser's father, plenty of people had gnashed their teeth in envy. His dad still bragged about it to this day.
But now? The tables had turned. Their son had apparently one-upped them both by landing the Tomotake Family's miko herself. His father was over the moon, constantly muttering, "That's my boy."
Seriously, were they both cursed to charm Hoori women?
"Such a shame, though," Tsuko sighed suddenly. "If the miko hadn't beaten me to it, my choice for your future wife would've been perfect."
Kaiser froze. He already knew who she meant.
Roka. It had to be Roka.
You scheming woman…
Yep. His mom had definitely been trying to play matchmaker behind his back.
(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
(End of Chapter)
*Chapter 516 – Try Getting Along*
Since Tsuko Kurama had already brought up Yoshino Tomotake, Kaiser had no reason to dodge the topic.
After all, that was exactly why he'd called his mother in the first place.
"Looks like Grandpa and Roka-nee already told you everything. Guess that saves me the trouble," Kaiser said, dropping the banter with his overly casual mom. "So, I wanted to ask—what do you and Dad think about all this?"
He really wanted to know how his parents viewed this sudden engagement.
He himself was still a mess inside, so hearing their opinions might help.
But Tsuko Kurama's next words made him instantly realize—he was asking the wrong person.
"What do we think? Obviously, it's like hitting the jackpot!" she declared without hesitation. "My antisocial son actually got noticed by the Tomotake Family. In your dad's words, that's our ancestors blessing us from beyond the grave."
"Wait, seriously? You're just… okay with this?" Kaiser sat up straight on the tatami, dumbfounded. "Your only son goes on a short trip, visits his mom's hometown, and suddenly he's engaged to someone you've never even met before. You don't find that even a little concerning?"
Sure, he might've been an accident—but he wasn't that disposable, right?
Any other parents would've been losing their minds by now.
But Kaiser forgot—his mother was a born-and-bred Hoori native.
"Kid, you need to understand something," Tsuko Kurama said earnestly. "Your fiancée is Lady Miko. Do you even know what that means? She's the most revered person in all of Hoori."
"When I was little, your grandparents drilled it into me—there are two people in Hoori you must always respect: Lady Miko and Lady Murasame."
"Hoori might be a small town, but the Tomotake Family are practically the rulers there. For them to take an interest in you? I'd say it's divine favor."
Tsuko Kurama had always worried that her son—who spent all his time training and had clear signs of social withdrawal—would end up completely alone.
That's why she'd done her best to connect him with others, having him tag along with Roka Maníwa, or spend time with the Kurama siblings, just to help him open up a little.
And it had worked. He got along well with Roka, and even his cousins back home.
But once he left Hoori and returned to Japan proper, he'd reverted to his old self—never hanging out with anyone, never going out, his phone contact list consisting only of family and his homeroom teacher. Not a single friend in sight. It was enough to make a mother despair.
She'd even worried he'd never find someone who liked him, that he'd be alone forever.
And now, not only did he have a fiancée, but that fiancée was the princess of Hoori.
How could she not be overjoyed?
As for the usual mother-in-law worries? Please.
This was the daughter of the Tomotake Family, the Lady Miko of Hoori. There was no way her character would be questionable.
Tsuko knew how extraordinary Lady Miko was. She'd watched the previous generations perform the Kagura Dance herself—dances that were true works of art, the result of tireless devotion and sincerity.
To her, being engaged to Lady Miko wasn't just luck—it was a once-in-a-lifetime blessing.
"And Dad?" Kaiser asked quickly, realizing his mother might be biased by her childhood reverence for the shrine. "What does he think?"
"Him?" Tsuko Kurama snorted. "He nearly lost his soul when he saw Lady Miko's photo. Said if I'd given him a daughter like her, his life would've been perfect. If that girl ever called him 'Dad,' he'd probably die smiling in his sleep."
Kaiser was speechless.
What kind of parents are these...?
"So you'd even be fine if I got married into their family?" he asked bluntly. "The Tomotake Family has always been single-line inheritance. If I marry Yoshino Tomotake, there's no way she's moving in with us. I'd be joining their house—like Yasuharu-san did, right?"
His own family was also single-line. He was the only heir. Surely his parents wouldn't be okay with him being the one to marry in?
But Tsuko Kurama didn't even blink.
"Relax. We don't have any stuffy old traditions here. Your dad and I don't care about that sort of thing. Worst case, we'll just have another kid later. Don't tell me you think your dad's washed up already?" she said with a smirk. "What matters is—what do you want to do?"
"You called to ask us, didn't you?"
Truly, no one knew a son better than his mother.
Even if they'd been bickering earlier, Tsuko Kurama understood him completely.
Kaiser opened his mouth, but no words came.
He wasn't the kind of guy to whine to his mom—especially not someone who'd lived two lives.
Normally, he'd never call her just to chat. So if he had called, it had to mean something.
Tsuko had known that from the start.
"What happened? Did you two have a fight?" she asked gently.
Her tone had softened—so much so that Kaiser had to admit, despite her usual lack of decorum, his mother was a true Yamato Nadeshiko at heart: gentle, understanding, and quietly strong.
No wonder Roka Maníwa, despite being a generation younger, loved calling her to talk for hours.
That kindness drew people in.
Hearing that warmth in her voice, Kaiser found himself speaking honestly.
"Not really a fight," he murmured, staring at the ceiling. "It's just… I suddenly don't know how to look at the relationship between me and her."
"I figured as much," Tsuko Kurama replied softly. "You've never been the type to socialize easily. Now you're in a new place, suddenly engaged to someone you barely know—it's no wonder you feel lost."
"Your grandpa tells me you're doing fine at the Tomotake house. Roka says you and Lady Miko are always together, and you look good side by side. But I know you."
"You probably didn't take any of it seriously. You're just going through the motions, focused on your own stuff, not really paying attention to the people around you. So it's only natural you'd end up spending time with a girl you barely know without even realizing what that means."
"You're not antisocial, but you're definitely not a social butterfly either. In this situation, no one expects you to just click instantly with a beautiful stranger."
She really did know him too well—it was like she could see straight through him.
"Honestly, I'm just glad you called," Tsuko said cheerfully. "If you hadn't, I'd assume everything was fine, whether it was or not. You only ever reach out when something really matters."
"If you'd stayed silent, this engagement would probably have fizzled out eventually."
"But since you called, it means you're actually thinking about it now. You're not treating it like nothing anymore. That's progress."
Kaiser stayed quiet, listening to her laugh softly through the receiver.
After a moment, she spoke again.
"Tell me, brat. Do you like Lady Miko?"
The blunt question caught him off guard.
His first instinct was to say no.
Sure, Yoshino Tomotake was beautiful—easily the most beautiful girl he'd ever met. She looked like she'd stepped right out of an anime, almost too perfect to be real.
If Kaiser were a normal young man, he'd have been head over heels already.
But he wasn't.
Having lived two lives, he wasn't some hormone-driven teen anymore.
He didn't lose his mind just because a pretty girl shared a roof with him.
He didn't fantasize about impossible relationships.
From the start, he'd kept things rational. She was a girl from another world entirely, and he reminded himself of that constantly. That's why he'd been so indifferent—and why he'd even argued with her when she tried to stop him from digging into Hoori's secrets.
He told himself he only admired her beauty in a detached, logical way.
So, if asked, he could say with confidence: no, he didn't like Yoshino Tomotake.
But deep down, he knew that would be a lie.
Because there had been a moment—just one—when his heart had moved.
He still remembered that day he returned to Hoori, the first time he stepped into Mitake Shrine.
The moment he saw her.
A beautiful miko, dressed in chihaya and shrine robes, radiating purity and solemn grace as she danced.
Everyone had been spellbound.
That was his first impression of Yoshino Tomotake—and one of the rare times in his life he'd truly lost composure.
The Kagura Dance had been breathtaking.
And so was she.
That was when he'd felt it—a spark of emotion he hadn't experienced in this lifetime.
A heartbeat that wasn't his own.
And later that night, when she fell from the cliff, he hadn't even thought before diving after her—ignoring the Tatari-gami's threat to his life.
"I…" Kaiser hesitated, his voice low. "I can't really say I like her… but I can't say I dislike her, either."
That was his truth.
It was too early to call it love, but pretending he felt nothing would be a lie.
"I see," Tsuko Kurama said gently, instantly grasping his feelings.
"You two just haven't known each other long enough," she said. "Even with everything that's happened between you, it's still too soon to talk about love. I'd say Lady Miko probably feels the same."
Kaiser nodded silently.
He doubted Yoshino Tomotake liked him that way yet.
But judging by her behavior today, it wasn't as if she felt nothing either.
They were both in that uncertain place—
"Friends, but not quite lovers yet?" Tsuko finished for him, sounding like an experienced romance guru. "That's a good thing, you know."
If they weren't even that close, there'd be no hope at all.
"So stop overthinking it," she advised. "Forget about the engagement, forget about drawing the Divine Blade, forget all that."
"Just try spending time with your fiancée. Hang out like friends. Go on a date if you want. The more time you share, the better you'll understand each other."
"Everything takes trial and error. Whatever future you two might have—you'll only find it if you try."
"Take even half the passion you put into sword training and invest it in this relationship. Once you've really tried, then decide what you want to do."
Her words made Kaiser's eyes flicker slightly.
"Try getting along… huh?" he murmured, deep in thought.
Tsuko Kurama didn't interrupt him. When he stayed silent, she quietly hung up.
Staring at her phone, she smiled.
"Maybe this time… it'll really work out."
With that happy thought, Tsuko cheerfully ran off to the bedroom—eager to share the good news with her husband.
*Chapter 517 – A Transfer Student My Age?*
The long, complicated night slipped quietly away.
At the first hint of dawn, Kaiser's internal clock woke him right on schedule.
"Master!"
Half-asleep, he could've sworn he heard a familiar voice—the one that used to greet him every morning the instant he opened his eyes.
But when Kaiser blinked awake, there was no small, floating figure above him.
Only silence.
"Guess I've really gotten used to my current life," he muttered, feeling a strange emptiness at not seeing that tiny figure right away like before.
"That little blade should still be with Hitachi, huh?"
He couldn't help wondering how Yoshino Tomotake was doing, and whether he'd get to see her today.
Lately, she'd always joined him for morning training. The moment he stepped out of his room, it wouldn't be long before she appeared in her pajamas, sleepy-eyed and stumbling into the living room.
But this morning, after washing up and heading out, Kaiser found the living room empty.
"Well, right... she's not home today."
For some reason, that left him a little disappointed. Still, he quickly shook it off and left the Tomotake residence.
Morning training was non-negotiable—it had become an essential part of his daily routine. A little sentimentality wasn't enough to make him skip it.
"Seems like my Divine Power's been growing steadily, too."
Kaiser stretched, then activated his power. A cool, faint light shimmered along his outline, wrapping around his body.
After weeks of effort, his Divine Power had grown by nearly half—almost one-fifth of Murasame and Murasame-maru's strength.
That might sound slow, but considering he'd only gained this power less than two weeks ago, it was ridiculously fast.
At this pace, his power would double in a month, and within a year, he'd catch up to Murasame and Murasame-maru.
Give it ten years, and his Divine Power could easily surpass theirs tenfold.
What would things look like then?
Would he stand shoulder to shoulder with the gods of Hoori themselves?
"Heh… that's something to look forward to."
Feeling his body heat up and grow lighter, stronger, he smiled faintly—then shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bowstring.
His speed was incredible, kicking up dust and leaves as he passed.
Because he'd always needed to match Yoshino's slower pace, Kaiser's runs had been deliberately restrained. But with her gone today, he didn't have to hold back.
He didn't just want to jog—he wanted to sprint, to find out how far he could go.
Maintaining his Divine Power the entire time, he pushed himself hard for thirty minutes straight before collapsing to the ground, panting.
"Damn… that hurts."
As his power subsided, the heat faded, replaced by waves of stinging pain that made it feel like every muscle was tearing apart.
"A mortal body really can't handle Divine Power for long. Even if my strength's still weak and I didn't push past my limit, keeping it active too long still wrecks me."
He winced, gritting his teeth through the pain.
"Still… it's not all bad."
He could feel it—his body had gotten stronger again.
Constantly forcing Divine Power through his system was like weighted training. The strain pushed his physical limits, accelerating his growth.
Just like muscles grow tougher after tearing and healing, or the body gains immunity after illness, the repeated overload helped him adapt. It strengthened his power, increased his resistance, and boosted his physical abilities all at once.
A three-in-one deal. Painful, sure—but satisfying.
"I wonder if I'll ever reach a point where I can fully handle Divine Power. Maybe I'll become an actual superhuman someday."
He chuckled at the thought. Far-fetched, maybe—but not impossible.
Besides, how many people even got a chance like this?
Compared to most, he was already incredibly lucky.
"I just don't know when I'll have enough power to break the Tomotake Family's curse…"
The thought lingered.
He'd been living with the Tomotake Family for a while now, and it felt about time to dig deeper—to start uncovering the secrets of the Tomotake line and of Hoori itself.
He already knew things most humans could never dream of, but even so, there were clearly still truths hidden from him. The curse of the Tomotake Family remained wrapped in fog, its origin obscured.
The curse had persisted for centuries—obviously, if they kept doing things the same way, it would never end.
"Exorcising Tatari-gami and purifying the Filth… that's just treating the symptoms. Once the Filth builds up again, another Tatari-gami will appear, and the curse will resurface."
"To truly lift the curse, the Miko can't just keep repeating the same rituals. There has to be a core, a root cause—something still hidden."
Only by finding that key—the true source—could the curse finally be broken once and for all.
As that thought settled, the pain throughout his body began to fade, allowing him to sit up again.
If he had gone full power, the damage would've been much worse—he'd be bedridden for days. But since he'd stayed within a manageable range, recovery came quickly.
Murasame had warned him countless times about that.
"Listen carefully, Master. Divine Power doesn't just strain the body—it affects the soul."
"If you're reckless, not only will you lose control of your body, your soul will also become unstable. You could fall unconscious—or worse."
"If that happens, you might never wake up again."
She'd been dead serious when she said that.
As a mortal wielding divine power, any abuse of it came with consequences.
Stealing from the gods was never a good idea.
That's why Murasame always kept an eye on him—watching, scolding, making sure he didn't overdo it.
If he ever lost control, his body could fail entirely, leaving only his spirit—just like hers. And that would be a nightmare.
Kaiser wasn't reckless enough to ignore her warnings.
He'd never once gone all-out.
Besides, he didn't need to.
Even now, he could defeat a Tatari-gami with ease.
He'd slain one before without even fully activating his power—just by channeling Murasame through Murasame-maru.
There was no reason to risk going any further.
"Still… if I dig deeper into the curse, I'll probably run into stronger opponents."
Muttering to himself, he stretched again. He planned to cool down a bit before heading back.
It was Saturday—a rest day. He didn't have class today or tomorrow. He could've kept training longer, but honestly? He wasn't about to spend his whole weekend grinding.
It was his break, and he intended to enjoy it.
He was done with overworking himself—for school or training alike.
Just as he was about to leave, a familiar voice called out.
"Hold on, Kaiser."
Turning, Kaiser saw Genjuro Kurama approaching from the other direction.
"Grandpa?" Kaiser stopped and blinked at him. "You're here again? Planning to spar with me today?"
He glanced instinctively at Genjuro's hands—no wooden sword.
"No, not today."
Genjuro chuckled at his grandson's eager look.
Only this kid would look forward to fighting him. Anyone else would've run for their lives the moment he suggested a match.
Despite his age, Genjuro was still sharp—his swordsmanship hadn't dulled much over the years. In this era, there were hardly any who could match him, and fewer still who'd want to.
Even his own grandson—well, the other one—was terrified of him.
Only Kaiser, gifted and fearless, actually looked forward to crossing blades.
Not that Genjuro minded; he was proud of the boy.
After all, Kaiser had won the national kendo championship without even using half his strength. Maybe not even a fifth would've been enough.
Only Genjuro could still keep up with him—proof that the old man's blade was far from dull.
If Kaiser hadn't gained Divine Power, he might not have been able to beat him at all.
This old man was that strong.
But Genjuro wasn't driven by competition anymore. Seeing his grandson's growth was enough.
"You're off today, right?" Genjuro got straight to the point. "If you've got time, I'd like your help with something."
"What kind of help?" Kaiser asked, his interest piqued. "I've got plenty of free time today, Grandpa, just tell me."
Sure, he had some homework—but Ukayama Academy's teachers were saints. The workload was light; an hour of focus and it'd be done.
And he definitely wasn't planning to spend the rest of his weekend studying, so he had time to spare.
"If it's something at the inn, I can help."
He hadn't forgotten—originally, he'd come to Genjuro's inn to help out.
But after drawing Murasame-maru, his part-time job had gone up in smoke, leaving Shinato-sou short-staffed during peak season.
Genjuro had promised to handle it, and now that the Spring Festival was over, Hoori wasn't as busy. Still, as a hot spring town, it never really slowed down.
So, if the inn needed an extra hand, it wouldn't surprise him.
But Genjuro shook his head.
"No, the inn's fine now. I hired new staff—they've already filled the gap."
He smiled faintly. "Actually, the favor's about that new hire. If you're free, I'd like you to go pick them up."
"Pick them up?" Kaiser blinked. "They're from out of town?"
"From out of the country, actually," Genjuro said. "I had to pull a few strings to find them. Apparently, they've been eager to come here for a while. They'll be working at Shinato-sou—and transferring into the local school."
Kaiser froze.
School?
That meant… the newcomer was his age?
After all, there were no universities in Hoori, and only one high school—Ukayama Academy.
So the new staff member was likely a high schooler too.
Couldn't be a middle schooler—too young to be working part-time.
"Anyway, they'll be arriving this afternoon," Genjuro said. "Go meet them, show them around town, help them get familiar with the area."
Kaiser sighed, but smiled helplessly. "Got it."
What else could he say?
He nodded.
(End of Chapter)
*Chapter 518 – The Encounter at the Bottom of the Slope*
Afterward, Genjuro Kurama gave Kaiser a simple rundown of the person he was supposed to pick up.
"Her name is Lena Liechtenauer. She's from Northern Europe, about your age. If she transfers here, you'll probably be classmates. She's been studying Japanese, so communication shouldn't be a problem."
The concise explanation made Kaiser blink in surprise.
"A girl? My age?"
That was unexpected.
Working at the inn wasn't exactly an easy job.
He still remembered helping his mom at Shinato-sou before—it was brutal. If not for his regular training, he would've collapsed halfway through.
It wasn't just serving guests that was tough; most of the visitors were foreigners, so language barriers often led to awkward misunderstandings or worse, actual conflicts. Even the back-end chores were exhausting—by the end of the day, you were completely drained.
Of course, that experience had been good for him too. His foreign language skills improved a lot, and his stamina got better. If you did it long enough, you got used to it—and it became another kind of training.
Still, "tedious" was "tedious." Even now, Kaiser had zero fondness for inn work.
If Shinato-sou hadn't been part of his grandfather's business—and his mom hadn't invested in it, meaning he'd eventually get a share—there's no way he would've wasted his vacation helping out there.
So yeah, hearing that a girl his age was voluntarily coming to do this kind of work was… surprising.
"Don't tell me she got tricked by some shady recruiter?" Kaiser muttered suspiciously.
"Don't slander people," Genjuro said sharply. "The agent's a friend of mine. They're also connected to her family. There's no way they'd just send a young girl to another country alone if they didn't trust the arrangement."
Apparently, Lena had chosen to come because she loved the culture here.
Kaiser was still skeptical, but since his grandpa wasn't exactly the exploitative type, he decided to trust him—mostly.
Lena was due to arrive that afternoon. It was barely seven in the morning now, so he had plenty of time.
He jogged back home at a leisurely pace, stopping by the market to pick up some groceries for breakfast.
When he returned to the Tomotake residence, however, he was surprised to find Mako Hitachi already there.
"Oh, good morning, Kaiser-sama."
Mako, who'd been wiping down the table, immediately stood up with a bright smile.
"Morning, Kaiser-sama."
She was as cheerful as ever, full of energy—apparently unbothered by anything that had happened yesterday.
"You're here, huh, Mako?" Kaiser said, a little surprised. "Morning. If you're back, then that means Yoshino-san's home too?"
He glanced instinctively down the hall, half-expecting to see Yoshino's sleepy figure wandering out in her pajamas.
Unfortunately—
"No, Lady Yoshino hasn't returned yet." Mako shook her head. "She stayed up pretty late last night, so she's still sleeping. I didn't want to wake her, so I came over first."
She laughed softly, clearly amused.
The reason she'd taken Lady Miko home in the first place was to help her relax—and, ideally, give her some advice.
After all, despite Yoshino's graceful and composed demeanor, she was terribly innocent—almost childlike in some ways—and absolutely clueless when it came to romance.
Mako had wanted to "educate" her a little before things between Yoshino and Kaiser progressed any further.
But there was one small problem.
Mako herself had never been in a relationship either.
So, her grand plan to "guide" Yoshino had quickly turned into… pulling out her own secret stash of shoujo manga.
Since all of her understanding of romance came from manga, she figured it might work for Yoshino too.
It did. Just not how she expected.
Lady Miko, who had never even talked about love before, was instantly hooked—like she'd discovered a whole new world.
She ended up binge-reading manga all night long.
Yes, Yoshino Tomotake had pulled an all-nighter reading shoujo manga.
Mako, on the other hand, had fallen asleep early, completely unaware.
When she woke up, the first thing she saw was Yoshino, eyes sparkling, dark circles under them, still completely engrossed in a stack of manga volumes.
Mako nearly had a heart attack. She'd forcibly dragged Yoshino to bed afterward, making her rest.
So now Yoshino was still fast asleep, while Mako had come ahead to handle the housework.
She wasn't worried—Murasame was there to watch over Yoshino. Once Lady Miko woke up, she'd know where Mako went and follow her back.
"I see."
Kaiser nodded, though his expression was a strange mix of disappointment and relief. He handed over the groceries. "I picked these up on the way. Since you're here, I'll leave breakfast to you."
"Of course," Mako said, taking the bag quickly. "Sorry to trouble you, Kaiser-sama. This should've been my job."
"It's nothing, don't worry about it." Kaiser waved it off. "I'm gonna shower. You're not using the bathroom yet, right?"
"N-No, not yet," Mako stammered, face turning red for some reason. "I'll clean it last, so please go ahead."
Her reaction made him freeze for a second—then it hit him.
Right.
She also had a habit of showering in the morning—except she always did it last, after finishing the chores and cleaning the bath.
That was the day he'd walked in on her by accident.
Completely naked.
Clearly, Mako was remembering it too. Her cheeks flushed even darker, and the air between them instantly turned painfully awkward.
Kaiser's gaze flicked to her out of reflex—then darted away again as his own face tensed.
"..."
The silence was unbearable.
"I-I'll start making breakfast!"
And then she bolted. Like, literally vanished mid-sentence.
Kaiser could only sigh. "...Guess that ninja training really pays off."
Shaking his head, he headed for the bath.
He decided he'd finish his homework afterward—better to get it done before heading out in the afternoon.
*Afternoon. 1:00 PM.*
After a quiet lunch (without Yoshino), both Yasuharu Tomotake and Mako went off to handle their own errands.
Murasame hadn't come back yet either, leaving Kaiser alone again.
"Well, time to take care of Grandpa's errand."
He glanced out the window. "She should've arrived by now… I really should've asked for her contact info."
No phone number. No photo. Nothing.
Finding her like this was going to be a nightmare.
Genjuro, of course, didn't see the problem.
"There aren't that many ways to get into Hoori. Just wait by the station—you'll find her."
Not exactly helpful, but technically correct.
So Kaiser set out for the station.
He put away Murasame-maru—freshly polished and resting on its rack—then changed into casual clothes and left the house.
Mako was still doing dishes in the kitchen, and Yasuharu had gone to the shrine.
Since he'd already told Mako he'd be heading out, he didn't need to say anything more.
The streets were lively now, far busier than they'd been at dawn.
Tourists—many of them foreign—passed by one after another. Locals paid him no mind, though a few started whispering once they recognized him.
"That's Lady Miko's…"
"The one who drew the Divine Blade?"
"The fiancé…"
Kaiser caught fragments of the chatter and sighed.
"Great."
Before the murmuring could turn into a scene, he slipped into a side street.
"Better stick to the back roads. If I stay on the main one, I'll get mobbed."
It was strange—he'd never expected to become so… noticeable in his mom's hometown.
The last time he'd drawn this much attention was back during the national kendo tournament, when he'd made it to the semifinals.
Back then, being in the spotlight was fine. Cameras, interviews—none of it bothered him.
But this? Being recognized by people who actually knew him? That was a different kind of uncomfortable.
He could ignore strangers. But not people who mattered.
"Yeah… this is better."
The smaller path was quieter. The further he went, the fewer people there were—until it was just him.
Eventually, he reached a slope lined with blooming sakura trees.
That's when it happened.
"Move—!"
A startled voice echoed from above.
Kaiser froze mid-step, looking up just in time to see someone barreling down the hill—fast—and heading straight for him.
"...!"
His eyes sharpened. Just before impact, he stepped aside in a blur.
The figure shot past, unable to stop, heading for another crash.
On instinct, Kaiser reached out, grabbing the back of their shirt to stop them.
He meant to help.
Judging from the way their legs were flailing, they clearly weren't running on purpose—they'd lost control completely.
But he miscalculated.
Both the force of their descent—and the fabric's strength.
Riiiip!
A sharp tearing sound rang out.
The momentum carried the person forward while Kaiser was left holding… two torn pieces of cloth.
Thud!
The person hit the ground hard, rolling once before coming to a stop. Kaiser winced instinctively.
"Owww… that really hurt…"
The voice was soft, feminine—and trembling.
A girl slowly pushed herself up, clutching her reddened forehead, eyes watery.
"You okay?" Kaiser asked, stepping forward—
Then stopped dead.
Because as he finally got a full look at her, his brain completely froze.
The girl groaned, still dazed. "Ugh… I think I saw my grandma just now…"
She staggered toward him, still dizzy—
And something else was… also bouncing in rhythm with her steps.
Something very, very distracting.
Kaiser just stood there, utterly still, mentally short-circuiting.
The girl blinked blearily at him, finally regaining focus.
"Um… who are you?" she asked, confused—then noticed the torn cloth in his hands.
"Huh? Wait… why do those look so familiar?"
Then the wind blew.
A gust swept through the slope, rustling the trees—
—and the girl suddenly felt a chill.
She looked down.
Her eyes went wide.
"Eeeeeeek—!!!"
Her scream pierced the sky.
(End of Chapter)
*Chapter 519 – I Could Probably Fool Her into "Two in Three Years"*
After some time...
In a deserted corner of Hoori Town, Kaiser stood before a patch of tall grass—half on guard, half staring blankly at the sky.
Behind him came the rustle of movement, someone clearly busy with something. But Kaiser no longer had the heart to care.
He just looked up and let all his tangled thoughts slip out in one dry, life-questioning sigh.
"Ever since I came back to Hoori... hasn't my life gotten a little too dramatic?"
Yeah, he was really starting to question reality.
In all his decades—past life and present—he had never experienced this many romantic "accidents."
He used to be the type who barely had the chance to talk to a pretty girl, much less spend time alone with one.
Yet lately, it felt like the gods were dropping him into one "lucky pervert" situation after another.
Just look at what's happened since he came back to Hoori.
First, he accidentally barged into the Tomotake Family's bath and saw Mako Hitachi completely naked.
Then he ran into Yoshino Tomotake on the mountain and caught her in... less than proper attire.
And now, he'd just torn a total stranger's clothes in the middle of the street and saw everything.
Seriously—what the hell?
He had never once run into this kind of "lucky wolf" scenario before, and now they were lining up one after another!
Could it be that what he pulled from Mitake Shrine wasn't the Murasame-maru—the blade said to slay the beings that shouldn't exist—but instead the Red Thread of Fate, blessed by some matchmaking god?
Or maybe the local deities of Hoori were secretly rewarding him—pleased by how diligently he'd been exorcising Tatari-gami and purifying Filth—by sending him these... "benefits"?
Oh great god of Hoori, thank you so much...
"I—I'm done changing..."
Just as Kaiser was about to start doubting his entire existence, a timid voice came from behind the grass.
The girl—who had just granted him that "massive blessing" moments ago—stepped out nervously. She was now dressed again.
Kaiser turned around.
And froze.
The girl was gorgeous—stunning, even. About his age, with delicate features and a distinct foreign look.
Her long blonde hair was tied into twin tails, her eyes bright and amethyst-colored like crystal. She wore a cropped blue-and-white long-sleeved top that showed off her navel, a short blue-gray skirt trimmed with lace, and thigh-high garter stockings of varying shades of blue. A red crossbody bag completed the look—cheerful and lively.
If Yoshino Tomotake was the image of a classic Japanese beauty, then this girl was a dazzling foreign gem—every inch of her radiated exotic charm.
But the most attention-grabbing thing wasn't her face. It was her figure.
To put it bluntly—it was spectacular.
The kind of body that made "curves" sound like an understatement. Even loose clothes couldn't hide her presence. Her waist, however, was absurdly slender—like a delicate branch bearing heavy fruit.
Any guy who saw her would swallow hard.
And Kaiser—who had just gotten a full, unfiltered view of that body—was no exception.
He could still picture that moment when she'd stumbled toward him, completely unaware...
Yeah, no wonder his gaze grew awkward.
Of course, if he was uncomfortable, the poor girl who'd been the victim was mortified.
"T-thank you... for keeping watch," she said nervously.
"No, I should be the one thanking you," Kaiser blurted out before he could stop himself.
"Eh? Why?" The girl blinked, confused. "I didn't do anything worth thanking me for... or does 'thank you' mean something else in Japanese?"
"Ahem, n-no, it means the same thing. In Japanese and for me both." Kaiser coughed twice, trying to regain composure. "Anyway, I'm Kaiser. You are...?"
Without hesitation, the girl introduced herself—catching him completely off guard.
"I'm Lena Liechtenauer. I came to Hoori to study and work part-time."
Lena Liechtenauer...
Wait a minute—wasn't that the person he was supposed to pick up today?
You've got to be kidding me.
Kaiser stared at the bombshell in front of him, surprise plain on his face. Lena panicked instantly.
"W-what is it? Did I mess up my Japanese?"
Seeing her flustered expression, Kaiser couldn't help but chuckle.
"No, your Japanese is fine. It's me who's the problem." He shook his head with a grin. "You just got here, right? Why did you suddenly come running down that hill?"
He pointed toward the slope not far away. Lena's face turned bright red as she remembered.
She explained, embarrassed, that it wasn't her idea to charge down—it was her suitcase's.
She'd arrived planning to wait at the station for her escort, but got distracted by how beautiful the town was.
Kaiser himself was long used to the scenery, but for newcomers, Hoori was breathtaking—a place so picturesque it had earned the nickname "Little Kyoto."
Lena had been captivated, wandered off to explore... and got lost.
Then, trying to chase after her runaway suitcase on that slope—well, gravity did the rest.
The result? The chaotic encounter that left Kaiser both grateful and mortified.
"So, are you hurt?" Kaiser asked, changing the subject before her embarrassment deepened. "That fall looked pretty rough."
"I-I'm fine," Lena said, shaking her head quickly. "Just... my chest hurts a little."
Right. With airbags like that, even a crash landing would be safe.
"As long as you're okay." Kaiser nodded, relieved. "Since you're lost, how about I show you around?"
"Really?" Lena's eyes lit up. "Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
Trouble? Not even close. Considering he'd come here to find her, it was practically fate.
But seeing her so happy... he felt a twinge of guilt.
He'd literally just torn her clothes off in public. Shouldn't she be at least a little wary? What if he turned out to be some creep trying to lure her away?
Looking at her bright, trusting eyes, Kaiser realized—yeah, this girl was the definition of naïve. Beautiful, shapely, and way too easy to fool.
Good thing she ran into him.
"It's only right to help people out," he said instead, smiling. "And since I couldn't save you just now, consider this my apology. Let me lead the way."
"Here, let me take your suitcase."
He reached for it, and Lena hesitated only a moment before handing it over, smiling with relief.
"Thank you so much, Kaiser."
Not even a hint of suspicion. She just handed her luggage over like it was nothing.
Kaiser couldn't help thinking:
"I could probably sweet-talk her into anything."
Too bad I'm a good guy.
Thanks to his friendly chatter and easygoing demeanor, Lena soon forgot the earlier embarrassment. She followed him happily, chatting as if they were old friends reunited in a foreign land.
Along the way, she told him all about herself—born in Northern Europe, self-taught in Japanese, coming here to study and work because she adored Japanese culture.
"Studying and working in Hoori—it's been my dream!" she said, smiling radiantly.
Kaiser's expression twitched.
Dream, huh?
Hoori might look idyllic, but it was still a remote countryside town—worse, a place locals called Cursed. Even cab drivers avoided it like the plague.
If they heard her call this place her dream, they'd probably assume she'd lost her mind.
Still, while Lena was pure-hearted, she wasn't dumb.
Kaiser noticed how she subtly relaxed only when they reached the crowded main street. Clearly, she wasn't entirely defenseless—had he led her somewhere deserted, she'd probably have bolted.
And the suitcase? No issue. Her phone and wallet were safely in that red crossbody bag. The luggage was likely just clothes and toiletries.
Satisfied, Kaiser finally decided to reveal his identity.
"So you're the one who came to pick me up?!" Lena gasped, eyes wide, then beamed. "That's amazing! I was so worried I'd missed you—I was already rehearsing how to apologize once I got to Shinato-sou!"
"Shinato-sou is my grandfather's inn," Kaiser explained with a grin as he wheeled her suitcase along. "He asked me to meet you at the station, but I guess fate decided to save me the walk."
And let me score a... view, too.
"So, are we heading to the inn now?" she asked curiously. "Is the owner waiting for me?"
"No rush," Kaiser replied. "Grandpa told me to show you around first. You'll be studying and working here for a while, so it's better to get familiar with the area."
"Hoori's a small town, and we're about the same age. Once you transfer in, we'll probably be classmates too."
"Grandpa asked me to bring you to Shinato-sou at three. It's only a little past one, so if there's anywhere you want to go, I can take you."
Naturally, he didn't plan to drag her luggage everywhere. He dropped it off at a shop run by an acquaintance—Tadenshiya.
Roka Maníwa wasn't there; she was out buying supplies. Koharu Kurama was on leave, so Kaiser met Roka's parents instead. Thankfully, they remembered him and agreed to store the suitcase without a fuss.
After that, Kaiser gave Lena the grand tour.
First lunch—she hadn't eaten since morning, wanting to save her appetite for sushi and tempura. Then a stop by Ukayama Academy so she could learn the route, followed by visits to a few popular stores for daily necessities.
Kaiser had spent months at a time in Hoori before; even though years had passed, he knew the place like the back of his hand. His guidance was confident, almost local.
By the time the clock neared three, he had safely delivered Lena to Shinato-sou, completing Genjuro Kurama's assignment.
From here on, it was no longer his responsibility.
Lena would be staying at the inn, commuting from there. Genjuro would handle her transfer paperwork for Ukayama Academy—she'd likely be enrolled within a day or two.
Meaning, by next week... she'd be his new classmate.
Kaiser saw her off, then returned to the Tomotake Family estate.
And there—he found the person who hadn't come home last night.
*Chapter 520 – A Candid Conversation*
"Ah..."
When Kaiser stepped into the Tomotake Family's living room, the first thing he heard was a small, startled gasp.
Yoshino Tomotake was sitting there, a cup of tea in her hands. The moment she saw him, her face flushed pink for reasons even she couldn't explain.
"Yoshino..."
Kaiser froze as well, staring at her in surprise.
The two of them just stood there, silently looking at each other, and the air seemed to shift.
Yoshino had only been away for a day, staying overnight at the Hitachi Family's house—nothing out of the ordinary.
But perhaps because of what happened yesterday, the air between them felt... different.
Neither of them could quite say what had changed. Yoshino's gaze kept flickering away, and Kaiser—who once could speak to her calmly—now found it strangely hard to act natural.
"...What are you two staring at each other for? Why isn't anyone saying anything?"
A sulky little voice broke the silence.
"Don't tell me you're both ignoring me now? Or can't you even see me anymore?"
Of course, that was Murasame, floating lazily above the living room. She glanced at Yoshino, then at Kaiser, puzzled that both of them were ignoring her completely.
To be fair, she wasn't the only one.
"Now, now, don't say that, Lady Murasame."
Mako Hitachi was there too, teapot in hand. It looked like she had just poured Yoshino's tea, standing right beside her—close enough to reach out and touch.
And yet, both Kaiser and Yoshino were completely ignoring her existence, locked in their little staring contest. Mako blinked, then grinned teasingly.
"Isn't there a saying from the mainland—'one day apart feels like three autumns'? Guess it makes sense that you two would miss each other this much."
That line snapped Yoshino out of her daze—and made her face turn even redder.
"W-what are you talking about, Mako?! Don't say weird things!" she stammered.
After spending all night reading shoujo manga, Yoshino's mind wasn't quite as composed as before.
Mako's teasing instantly brought to mind a few scenes from those stories—particularly the spicy ones.
Don't think girls aren't interested in that kind of thing. Sure, some might call it embarrassing, but in truth, girls can be just as curious—if not more so—than boys about love and romance.
Until now, Yoshino had been rather innocent, maybe even a little oblivious. But after the emotional rollercoaster of last night's manga binge, her mind kept wandering to all sorts of inappropriate places.
Her face burned hotter by the second.
"I—I'm going to practice my dance!"
And with that shameful declaration, Yoshino bolted from the room.
"Wait—"
Kaiser reached out instinctively, but she was already gone.
"Go after her, Kaiser-sama!" Mako urged, grinning from ear to ear. "Yoshino-sama's defenses are at their lowest right now—perfect time to strike while the iron's hot!"
"She's right, Master!" Murasame cheered, pumping her tiny fists. "Go get her! Best case scenario, you bag that Yoshino in one shot!"
Both of them looked way too excited, practically glowing with gossip-fueled energy.
"Enough already," Kaiser sighed. "You're making it sound like I'm about to propose or something. I just need to talk to her, that's all."
"Same thing, same thing!" Mako laughed, pushing at his back. "Whatever you're planning, now's the time. Go for it!"
"Yeah, Master!" Murasame added gleefully, helping shove him toward the door. "Show her your manly side—charge!"
The two of them didn't even give Kaiser the chance to resist. They pushed him straight out of the living room and slammed the sliding door shut behind him.
"You two are unbelievable..." Kaiser muttered, staring at the closed door. Then he sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll go."
He hadn't actually planned on chasing her, but since things had escalated this far... well, there was no backing out now.
He followed the direction Yoshino had run off to—toward Mitake Shrine.
Soon, he reached the shrine's main hall, where Yoshino usually performed her dances.
She hadn't started yet; she'd just changed into her chihaya and miko robes. When their eyes met, she looked genuinely startled.
"K-Kaiser-san?"
Seeing him show up made her even more flustered. Her cheeks were still pink—clearly, she hadn't calmed down yet.
Kaiser, on the other hand, had taken the time to settle his thoughts along the way, and by now he was composed again.
"Am I interrupting?" he asked with an easy smile. "If so, I can leave."
"N-no, it's fine," Yoshino said quickly, shaking her head. After a deep breath, she managed to steady her tone. "The Kagura Dance is meant to be performed for others to see. Even if it's not for the gods, I dance it for the people during the Spring Festival."
"I'm used to having an audience. You staying won't bother me."
That was, after all, a basic quality of any miko.
Whether facing one person or a crowd roaring with cheers, Yoshino could perform with perfect focus—as long as no one deliberately interfered.
"Then I'll stay and watch for a bit," Kaiser said. "After you're done, we can talk."
"...Alright."
Yoshino understood that he had something to say. She gave him a brief look, then quietly turned away.
Kaiser sat down against the wall, silent and patient.
"...Haa..."
Yoshino exhaled softly, then centered herself.
The clear chime of bells rang out—
Jingle—
With a hoko-suzu in one hand and kagura bells in the other, Yoshino began to dance.
Even though she'd only been away for a day, she never missed her daily ritual. This wasn't just training—it was a sacred duty.
Every miko of the Tomotake Family had done this for generations: performing the dance to purify Filth and slow the accumulation of Impurity over Hoori.
It was a tradition etched into their very bloodline.
A miko of the Tomotake Family could neglect many things—but never the Kagura Dance, never the purification of Hoori.
Jingle... jingle...
Yoshino moved like flowing water, her long sleeves fluttering, her steps precise yet graceful. Her expression grew serene and solemn, every motion radiating divinity and elegance.
Even though Kaiser had seen her dance before, he couldn't help but be entranced again.
There was no way anyone could call this dance anything but beautiful.
And no way anyone could look at Yoshino Tomotake in that moment and deny her charm.
Even a man who had lived two lifetimes could lose himself completely in the sight of that sacred, fleeting grace.
For that moment, there was nothing else in his eyes but her.
When the dance finally ended, Yoshino lowered the hoko-suzu and kagura bells, letting out a long breath as the tension melted from her features.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
She walked over to Kaiser, still catching her breath.
"It wasn't long," he said with a small smile. "Besides, most people only get to see your dance during the Spring Festival. Watching it like this... it's worth any wait."
And truly, with how stunning her dance was—more captivating than any show—who could ever call it boring?
"It's just a kagura dance," Yoshino said shyly, her cheeks coloring again. After hesitating a moment, she sat down beside him.
They leaned against the wall, barely a hand's width apart. The hall was empty and quiet enough that they could hear each other's breathing.
Silence stretched between them, heavy and awkward.
Then, suddenly—
""I'm sorry""
They both spoke at once, freezing in surprise.
""Why are you apologizing?""
Again, they said the exact same thing in perfect unison.
""You—""
And once more, their voices overlapped.
This time, they both paused—and burst out laughing. The awkward air instantly broke.
"You first," Kaiser said with a grin. "Why are you apologizing?"
"...Because I lost my temper yesterday," Yoshino admitted softly, her expression tinged with guilt. "I shouldn't have walked out like that while we were discussing something important. That was rude of me."
Yoshino could be stubborn, yes—but she wasn't unreasonable.
Looking back, she knew she'd overreacted. Kaiser hadn't said anything truly offensive. He was just being rational—and she had taken it too personally.
She had wanted to apologize ever since last night.
"It's fine," Kaiser said easily. "If anything, I should apologize. I was too blunt—too cold."
"I should have realized things are different now. We're not strangers anymore. Even if Yasuharu-san's talk of an engagement was only a verbal promise, a temporary measure, it was thoughtless of me to dismiss it so harshly."
"That was... unkind of me."
His words softened Yoshino's expression.
"There's no need for forgiveness," she said gently. "You were right about everything. I was the one being oversensitive."
"Then let's just say we both made mistakes—and both learned from them." Kaiser smiled faintly. "Let's put it behind us, alright?"
"Of course." Yoshino nodded quickly. "I'm glad you think so too."
"Good."
Their smiles met—and somehow, the air between them felt closer than ever before.
Looking at her radiant face, Kaiser hesitated... then decided to speak his mind.
"Then... about the engagement," he said quietly. "I'd like to talk about it seriously this time. Is that okay?"
Yoshino's smile faded. She took a slow breath and nodded.
It was time.
Time for them to have a real, honest conversation about the future neither of them could ignore.
(End of Chapter)