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Shiki had thought that the Tanuki clan's magic power had some unique cultivation method, like some insects breathing through their butts, which humans couldn't do.
But good heavens, so your magic power comes from traveling?
Hey, hey, bring back her fantasy of elders guiding juniors in magic!
"Why does your magic power increase when you travel? That's not monstrous at all!"
"Well... I can't really explain it," Ioroi said, spreading his hands. "When we go to different places, the magic power in our bodies increases a bit, somewhat like how you humans expand your knowledge."
"See, you humans travel to gain knowledge and experience, and our clan gains magic power. It's very reasonable, isn't it?"
"Hmm, very reasonable... my foot!"
If she had a bag of salt in her hand right now, Shiki would throw it without hesitation.
Although she had anticipated that the Tanuki's cultivation method would be different from humans', this was just too absurd!
"Does that mean I can only go find Yae the Fox?" Shiki sighed, knowing that this trip would definitely involve a bout of verbal teasing from Yae Miko.
"No worries, I'll go with you. With me backing you up, won't it be a piece of cake?"
Ioroi patted the girl's shoulder with his large, furry paw. Indeed, no Fox should be underestimated. The little one who used to get scared stiff by him had now become unfathomable.
There's an old human saying that fits perfectly here, what was it? Oh right, "the wheel of fortune turns."
"I hope so, but at worst, I'll activate my Mystic Eyes. She always gets her fur bristled when those eyes stare at her."
Shiki certainly had ways to counter Yae Miko, but doing so would be unseemly, as their relationship was no longer as stiff as it once was. Even bickering was just playful banter.
Shiki only showed her cold side to enemies; for friends, she was quite tolerant.
It's just that every time they met, she couldn't help but give Yae Miko a'stab' (a playful jab).
"That's great!" Ioroi said. "I didn't know your Mystic Eyes had such an effect. It seems I can finally get my own back for the times I lost face!"
...Didn't you say you were going to back me up? Why does it feel like I'm backing you up instead?
"Oh, we're the best of friends. What's the difference if you help me and I help you?"
"..."
Shiki was already used to Ioroi's strange thought process. Hmm, it was on par with Paimon's.
"Then let's go, to Grand Narukami Shrine."
"Grand Narukami Shrine nao!"
One human and one Tanuki crossed the stream and followed the mountain path to the edge of Chinju Forest, where a Waypoint stood.
After activating the anchor and establishing a connection, Shiki became a human GPS; getting lost was simply not an option. The Ley Line network was the best map.
And this anchor was closer than the one at the Kamisato Estate, so she naturally chose this one.
At the entrance of Grand Narukami Shrine, a giant Tanuki suddenly appeared, but before it could attract attention, it shrunk to its normal size.
At that moment, Shiki's figure emerged from behind Ioroi. There was no helping it; Ioroi's elephant-like body was simply too large, easily obscuring her small frame.
"Miss Ryougi? Are you here to see the Guuji?"
It was still the familiar Inagi Hotomi, the Shrine Maiden, who spoke. However, due to the girl's change in official position, her address changed from "you" to "you (formal)."
In Grand Narukami Shrine, the only ones who can be called "Adult" are Guuji Yae Miko and the Raiden Shogun in Tenshukaku; everyone else, no matter who they are, can simply be addressed as "You."
One must know that shrine maidens serve the Archons, and are no less important than those officials.
"I didn't expect you to guess it; yes, we are here to find Yae." Shiki nodded.
"We…?" Inagi Hotomi heard the girl's address and looked around, finally spotting a charming Tanuki at her feet.
"Oh! Has Mr. Ioroi also come this time?"
"Not bad, little girl, you can actually remember my name!"
"Of course, we were colleagues during the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, how could I possibly forget?"
That experience could be said to be Inagi Hotomi's most profound memory; she had never experienced anything so exciting in her life.
"Cough cough, I almost forgot that the two of you are here to see Guuji-sama. Since that's the case, let's not reminisce for now. It's not too late to chat after you've finished your important business."
"Mm."
After Inagi Hotomi finished speaking, she led the two deeper into Grand Narukami Shrine.
Meanwhile, under the Sacred Sakura Tree, Yae Miko held a light novel in one hand and a porcelain bowl in the other, which contained a clear, transparent liquid.
Judging by the aroma wafting through the air, it was undoubtedly sake.
"Oh dear, the quality of Yae Publishing House's light novels has been generally poor lately. Are the editors working diligently?"
"Hmm… this one is still alright, but it's still a bit lacking compared to 'faded.' However, it's good for passing the time, so tonight won't be so boring."
"It's a pity, though, that I can't rush the updates…"
Yae Miko said, taking a small sip of the sake, and then heard a pleasant sound of bells, along with a familiar voice.
"Are you really that fond of reading my books?"
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