Ei had just come back from Araumi.
Before returning to the shrine, she made a stop in Inazuma City.
Walking down the street, she soon spotted Yae Publishing House.
In her consciousness, Xia Ying spoke. "I think you should change your appearance."
Ei paused. "Change my appearance?"
"The Shogun showing up at Yae Publishing House to buy multiple light novels might not be a big deal, but it's better to avoid gossip when possible."
"…Alright."
Ei nodded. Along the way, plenty of people had already recognized her and greeted her.
She stepped into an alley. Moments later, she emerged with a different appearance.
Then she walked into Yae Publishing House.
A staff member smiled. "Welcome to Yae Publishing House. We have new light novels on the shelves today. The bookshelf over there has the latest bestsellers, including award-winning titles from This Novel is Amazing! They were just compiled and put up for sale."
Ei glanced over and was immediately drawn to one book.
Reincarnated as the Raiden Shogun, I'm Now Invincible.
---
In her consciousness, Xia Ying said, "Don't buy that one."
"Then which one?"
"That one. Regarding My Chaotic Youth Romantic Comedy."
"…Okay."
Ei spoke to the staff member.
They quickly retrieved a copy for her.
"Would you like any other light novels?"
"Do you have books by Rainy Night With Blade but Without Umbrella?"
"Sorry, Rainy Night's books are extremely popular and are currently sold out. We'll be restocking soon."
"I understand."
Ei nodded and paid.
After leaving Yae Publishing House, she went straight back to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
In a distant alley, Urakusai stared at the shop's entrance, a thoughtful look on his face.
Then he also returned to the shrine.
Not far behind him, Charlotte lowered her Kamera, curiosity written all over her face.
"Wasn't that Urakusai? Why was he acting so sneaky?"
---
At lunch.
Urakusai stared at the large bowl of strange-looking food Xiangling set in front of him and fell into silence.
"Miss Xiangling, this is…?"
"This is a deep-fried version of Almond Tofu!"
"Why is it black?"
"This is an improved version. I added some special ingredients. It looks black, but it tastes pretty good!"
"…May I choose not to eat it?"
"Huh? But Lady Yae said you really like fried tofu and told me to make sure I brought it to you."
"…I understand. Thank you, Miss Xiangling."
"Mm-hmm. Hurry and eat it! It won't taste good once it gets cold!"
Urakusai felt helpless.
Was it really necessary to hold such a grudge just because he sneaked into the kitchen and ate a serving of fried tofu the other night?
That fox…
He picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of the strange fried tofu, and took a bite.
Xiangling asked eagerly, "How is it?"
Urakusai narrowed his eyes, chewing carefully. "Perfectly seasoned. Extremely delicious. It's the best fried tofu I've ever had!"
Xiangling's eyes widened. "Really? That's strange… when I tasted it earlier, it felt kind of… Could it be that youkai taste buds are different from normal people's?"
Urakusai squinted and showered it with praise again.
Not far away, Yae Miko had been secretly observing. Seeing this, she felt puzzled.
When Xiangling passed by with a happy expression, Yae Miko pulled her aside to ask.
Xiangling said, "Urakusai said it's amazing. He said it's the best fried tofu he's ever had and asked me to bring him all the leftovers from the kitchen."
Yae Miko wondered if something that looked that strange could really be good.
But a fox's curiosity was just like a cat's. Once hooked, it was hard to resist.
When Xiangling returned carrying the remaining fried tofu, Yae Miko could not help herself. She stopped Xiangling, picked up a piece with her chopsticks, and tasted it.
The moment it touched her tongue, an indescribable flavor exploded in her mouth.
Xiangling looked at her eagerly. "Well? It's really good, right?"
Yae Miko paused, then smiled and nodded. "It really is very delicious…"
Xiangling had been doubtful before, but hearing Yae Miko say so put her at ease.
As expected, fox youkai had different taste buds.
Xiangling placed the fried tofu on Urakusai's table and went back to her own seat to eat.
Only then did Yae Miko discreetly spit out the food in her mouth.
She turned her head and saw Urakusai doing the exact same thing.
The old fox and the little fox exchanged glances, sly smiles spreading across their faces.
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