"May I ask, Miko Hikari… does Lord Kusanagi have any other requests?"
Feeling a sense of despair, Mikihiko thought, why is it so difficult to achieve something good?! Although he was extremely frustrated, he dared not show it and instead cautiously inquired.
"Actually, it's not a big deal. It's just that Little Hikari is still too young and not very mature as a miko, so we simply hope to have her do some apprenticeship at your shrine."
With a slight smile curving her lips, Erica spoke in a teasing tone while stroking her golden hair.
The difference between a formal miko and an apprentice miko is just a matter of two words, but the outcomes are vastly different.
A formal miko, once chosen for a shrine, will not easily change her position and will guard it for life. However, an apprentice miko can come and go as she pleases; if she doesn't want to work, she can just say so and leave!
Yuri did not want Little Hikari to become the guardian miko of the Western Shrine, as that might mean the two sisters would never see each other again.
The little girl wasn't too keen on it either. Although she often acted quirky, she was still too young, with a simple mind. Like her sister Yuri, she had a strong sense of responsibility and had been told many grand principles by the Kuhoutsuka family, making her feel that this was a job that needed her and that only she could handle. Thus, she had the idea of giving it a try.
In fact, if she talked to Little Hikari more, she would realize that this was merely an excuse from the Kuhoutsuka family, primarily for their own benefit. Perhaps Little Hikari would no longer have such thoughts.
However, Sora did not want Little Hikari to be exposed to the dirty side of this world so early. The little girl should live happily and carefree. If she wanted to go, then let her go.
But it was impossible for the Kuhoutsuka family to claim Little Hikari as their own and use her as a tool!
"Apprentice miko?"
Upon hearing Erica's words, Comrade Mikihiko immediately understood her meaning, his brows furrowing deeply, and his heart sank to the bottom.
The Western Shrine was the most important place guarded by the Kuhoutsuka family; once those mikoes entered, they would basically never come out again for life.
An apprentice miko, does that mean letting this little girl go in to play, and when she's done playing, she can just leave? This was not the outcome that Comrade Mikihiko or the Kuhoutsuka family wanted!
"What's wrong? Do you think this is inappropriate?"
With a confident and sly smile, Erica had yet to meet her match in negotiations.
As for Liliana, she was a simple knightly girl who had been teased by Erica since childhood. Miss Kaoru could barely be considered a rival recognized by Erica, but hadn't she suffered a loss at Erica's hands last time?!
"This… this…"
A fine layer of sweat broke out on his forehead, and Comrade Mikihiko felt frustrated. It wasn't just inappropriate; it was extremely inappropriate!!
However, no matter how dissatisfied he felt, Comrade Mikihiko dared not voice it…
"Hehehe… it's not that we want to make things difficult for your family; it's just that because you invited Little Hikari, we reluctantly made this decision."
"Oh, I forgot to mention something to you. Yuri is the girlfriend of our king, and Little Hikari will also be one of the candidates for the future queen. Do you think your Kuhoutsuka family can let Little Hikari guard your shrine for a lifetime?"
With her eyes slightly squinted, although still wearing a smile, Erica's tone carried a hint of impatience and coldness.
As Erica's voice fell, the entire scene fell silent.
Yuri's body trembled, and her already flushed face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple. Liliana remained expressionless, while Ena continued to laugh carefreely. The little miko lifted her head, looking left and right, and then her face also flushed with embarrassment. She quickly nudged Athena and covered her face against Sora's chest, too shy to face anyone.
With a twitch at the corner of his eye, trying hard to maintain his composure and avoid any embarrassing actions, Mikihiko cast a deep glance at Sora. A trace of disdain flickered in his eyes, but more than that, he felt a sense of complete admiration.
This King Kusanagi was truly extraordinary; despite already having so many beautiful wives and concubines, he was still not satisfied and wanted to take in sisters as well!
Alright, Mikihiko admitted that while he felt disdain and admiration, he was also envious!
As for Sora at that moment, his expression was stiff, and the corner of his mouth twitched violently.
He swore that although he had these wicked thoughts, he absolutely did not let Erica say them out loud!!!
Looking at Erica, who had stuck her tongue out at him with a face that said "I'm just helping you," Sora knew that this little brat was definitely doing it on purpose!
Putting aside Erica's true intentions, just for the fact that she was "thinking of him," Sora decided that he would have to "reward" her properly later!
"Well, have you made up your mind, Your Excellency?"
"Although she is just an apprentice miko, she can still help your shrine a lot. Seeing you hesitate like this, could it be that you have some ulterior motives regarding Little Hikari?"
Looking again at Mikihiko from the Kuhoutsuka family, Erica's lips curled into a mocking smile, her voice dripping with unhidden sarcasm.
"No, no!"
"It is our honor that Little Hikari can agree to the invitation to become an apprentice miko at the Western Shrine. Miss Erica, please do not misunderstand; our Kuhoutsuka family absolutely has no other intentions."
Coming back to his senses, Mikihiko couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, repeatedly waving his hands and forcing a smile.
This woman was truly formidable; even if he didn't want to agree, he had to!
Seeing Mikihiko, who was frightened by her, Erica's lips curled into a smug arc. Although she didn't really want to pick a fight, they dared to have designs on Little Hikari, and it wouldn't be in her character not to scare them a little as punishment!
"Then it's settled! Little Hikari, you go home and prepare for two days. We'll take you to the Western Shrine together, and when you get tired of it, we'll come to pick you up."
Seeing that the matter was settled, Sora straightened up, patted the little miko's head, and spoke.
Recalling the plot from the original story, Sora was also somewhat interested in the heretic god sealed by the Kuhoutsuka family in the Western Shrine. He thought he would check the situation, and if possible, he would…
"Mm, thank you, Sora-oniichan!"
Although still a bit shy, the little miko Hikari lifted her head, looking sincerely grateful as she addressed Sora.
"Mikihiko-kun, since the matter has been settled, you may take your leave."
Looking at Mikihiko, who had been completely led around by Erica during this negotiation, Sora wore a half-smile.
Although he had lost in a rather miserable way, it didn't mean that this guy was useless; it was just unfortunate that his opponent was the legendary Crimson Devil, Erica!
"Then… I will take my leave. I will be sure to welcome Lord Kusanagi and everyone at the Western Shrine."
With a hint of dejection, Mikihiko ultimately said nothing more, bowed to Sora, and prepared to leave.
This time, his objective had completely failed. Whether he could borrow the god's power with this so-called apprentice miko was uncertain, but the secrets of the Western Shrine were bound to be exposed. When he returned, it would be a stroke of luck if his family didn't punish him!
At this moment, Mikihiko no longer had any thoughts of achieving merit to maintain his position as heir. He knew that his struggles had come to an end…
"Mikihiko-kun—"
Just as Comrade Mikihiko was feeling incredibly dejected and had not taken more than a few steps, he suddenly heard Sora's voice from behind him again.
"I wonder if Lord Kusanagi has any further instructions?"
Setting aside the burdens in his heart, Comrade Mikihiko found himself surprisingly calm, neither happy nor sad, and turned around to respond respectfully yet indifferently.
Erica and the others also wore puzzled expressions. The matter was already concluded, and they were unsure what their Demon King was suddenly planning to do.
"Hehe, there's nothing much to instruct. I just think Mikihiko-kun is quite good, and I have high hopes for you. I believe that once the Kuhoutsuka family is inherited by Mikihiko-kun, it will surely become even more prosperous. So, I'd like to congratulate you in advance!"
With a faint smile, Sora spoke these seemingly irrelevant words.
Mikihiko stared blankly at Sora, seemingly not expecting the other party to say such things.
However, after a brief moment of distraction, Comrade Mikihiko couldn't help but feel an overwhelming joy, his body trembling slightly with excitement.
Without saying anything, Mikihiko simply bowed deeply to Sora and then turned around without hesitation to leave.
Watching Mikihiko's departing figure, which was filled with grandeur and completely different from his earlier dejected demeanor, Sora's lips curled into a faint arc…
"Phew…"
After exiting the park, Comrade Mikihiko took a deep breath, feeling a surge of strength throughout his body.
Looking up at the distant sky, which was still overcast, it appeared so refreshing in Comrade Mikihiko's eyes at that moment.
"Sir…"
The bodyguard in a suit and sunglasses opened the car door for Comrade Mikihiko and said.
It was unclear if it was just his imagination, but the bodyguard felt that Young Master Mikihiko seemed a bit different than before.
It was hard to articulate, but if he had to say, it felt as if Young Master Mikihiko had become incredibly confident and relaxed…
"Let's go back to the family!"
Suppressing his excitement, Comrade Mikihiko didn't say much and directly got into the car…
…
"Why are you helping that guy, Lord?"
Erica's voice came as she wrapped her long arms around Sora's shoulders, looking at the already departed Comrade Mikihiko with a puzzled expression.
Not only Erica, but even Liliana, Yuri, and Ena showed curious and confused expressions. The little miko still didn't understand these matters and looked at Sora and the older sisters with a bewildered expression. As for Athena and Metis, they continued to nibble on snacks, appearing completely uninterested.
Although Sora seemed to have said something irrelevant earlier, it was not the case. As long as Comrade Mikihiko wasn't foolish to the point of no return, if he were to repeat Sora's words verbatim to the old fossils in his family, his position as the next head of the family would be secure!
"Hehe, it's not that I want to help him; I just think that guy is not bad. If the Kuhoutsuka family is controlled by him, it should be quieter and more obedient than before."
Shrugging, Sora casually replied.