Fujiwara no Mokou burning in flames wasn't entirely outside Kaguya Houraisan expectations. After all, the essence of the "Hourai Elixir" wasn't to remove the influence of the bloodline, but to grant her powerful recovery and resurrection abilities. This way, even if she were scorched, she would eventually recover. They just didn't expect that after taking the elixir, Mokou would turn into an ignited ammunition depot and explode instantly.
Without the elixir's resurrection ability, this could almost be defined as "murder."
In fact, Kaguya plan was sound, but the problem lay in the fact that the "crest feather" Lancer brought back was of too high a quality.
Mokou current situation was the result of a bloodline awakening from Amaterasu—the ancestor of the Emperors. However, a Phoenix's own rank is no lower than Amaterasu's. Add to that the fact that one was just a weak bloodline in a descendant showing atavism that had been suppressed until now, while the other was the massive power of the Phoenix, and the result was predictable.
A fierce battle broke out between the two.
Amaterasu's bloodline power attacked.
A battle occurred.
Amaterasu's power called "GG."
That was roughly the situation. Though some accidents happened, such as the explosion when the powers clashed, Mokou began to resurrect under the terrifying life force of the elixir itself. The ignited Phoenix flames directly and completely devoured the last trace of Amaterasu's bloodline.
The bloodline evolution succeeded, though with some differences.
Looking at the flames that had gradually subsided, Kaguya couldn't help but sigh in relief. Regardless, she had completed what she promised Lancer.
"Youkai Sage, please take me back."
As soon as Kaguya finished, she noticed Yukari Yakumo looking at her with a strange expression, eventually shaking her head.
"I will go back to help him. As for you, stay here for now. That woman shouldn't know you've appeared in Fujiwara-kyo. Wait until Lancer and I handle..."
"It's useless."
"What do you mean?"
"Master is the most mysterious person in the Lunar Capital, and also one of its strongest. No matter how powerful Lancer is, he cannot defeat Master, even with you. Now that I've helped Mokou take the 'Hourai Elixir,' Master only cares about my situation. She doesn't care about others. So, take me back."
Kaguya words were logical and convincing, so Yukari chose to—refuse.
"The request I received was to take you away. The implicit requirement is to protect your safety, so I cannot take you back..."
Yukari was interrupted by Kaguya. Her serious expression made Yukari wonder if she had recognized the wrong person. Because of Lancer, she had "observed (peeked at)" Kaguya for a while; in her memory, the other was a NEET princess who pretended to be a perfect lady. But now...
"Safety? Don't worry about it. After all, I am Tsukuyomi's daughter. No one in the Lunar Capital will harm me recklessly. Moreover... am I the only one who took the 'Hourai Elixir'? Don't waste more time. You have no idea what Lancer is facing. If you delay, he might really die!"
When Kaguya turned serious, she radiated a strange pressure. Though it didn't affect Yukari much, it was enough for her to realize the gravity of the situation.
The Moon—or rather, the Lunar Capital—had cut ties with the surface long ago. Even as the Youkai Sage, Yukari had no way to learn about Lunar affairs. Furthermore, Eirin Yagokoro had made her name years ago; an average person wouldn't know.
But looking at Mokou, who was being reborn in the flames, Yukari began to waver. She was worried about Lancer safety but also cared about Mokou condition. Fortunately, a figure rushed in from outside.
The Head of the Bureau, dressed in a hunting robe and guarded by Shikigami, had rushed into the sea of fire. He saw Yukari in her purple kimono immediately. Few people wore such a color—not only because purple dye was hard to mix, but more importantly, because not everyone could pull it off. On most, it would just look awkward.
He wasn't surprised to see Yukari. Though he didn't know her relationship with Lancer, he had seen her near him several times and knew she was on Lancer side. But when he saw Kaguya, his eyes widened.
"Princess Kaguya, you are..."
"We came to deliver medicine at Lancer request. I won't say more. Please look after Mokou-chan for now. Also, give a message to Fujiwara no Fuhito and the other four for me—Though they are a nuisance, I am honored to have received their favor as a woman."
The Bureau Head hadn't met Kaguya many times due to his duties. Hearing her request now, he stood there dazed.
From a certain perspective, it should be a happy thing that Fuhito was called by name rather than being referred to as one of "those five," but anyone would be angry at this evaluation, right? The Head was already thinking about how to "beautify" Kaguya words. However, Kaguya, who had just caused him a major headache, had no self-awareness and looked at Yukari.
"Don't waste time. Master won't stop until she brings me back to the Lunar Capital. Lancer doesn't know how long he can hold out."
Hearing Kaguya reminder again and seeing the Head nod seriously, Yukari no longer hesitated and opened a gap. Immediately, a gale whipped past, accompanied by massive roars and fragments of dissipating mana.
Kaguya saw at a glance Eirin Yagokoro standing in the air and Lancer, leaning on his spear, trying to stand up.
She rushed in front of Lancer without hesitation.
"Master!!"