Comrade Mikihiko was very happy because he finally received a reply from the miko who had been pestering him for days!
Lately, Comrade Mikihiko's days had been tough; even his position as the family heir was shaky.
Was it because Comrade Mikihiko didn't study hard and wasted time like some guy?
No, no, no. Comrade Mikihiko had always been diligent and serious, working tirelessly for the family's affairs, almost turning himself into an old ox. But alas, alas…
Comrade Mikihiko was neither the savage woman from the Seishuuin family nor the fox spirit from the Sayanomiya family. That dignified seven-foot-tall manly figure was once Comrade Mikihiko's pride.
But now, it had become the source of all his bitterness…
It was said that the head of the family and the clan elders had already started looking for a new family heir. Unsurprisingly, the candidates were all the young and beautiful unmarried women within the family.
Comrade Mikihiko was well aware of what the family was scheming. Actually, he didn't blame his family. If he were his grandfather, the current head of the family, he would have made the same choice for the sake of the entire clan.
However, understanding aside, as an ambitious man, Comrade Mikihiko still felt a bit unwilling!
Regarding the demon king who caused his current predicament, it would be false to say Comrade Mikihiko held no resentment. But he also knew that in the face of such an absolute disparity, his little resentment was meaningless and could not be shown.
In fact, compared to the resentment in his heart, Comrade Mikihiko felt more envy.
That demon king was surrounded by beauties, all world-renowned top-tier beauties, living a decadent and extravagant life every day. Any normal man would probably envy him to madness!
But envy aside, Comrade Mikihiko also knew he would never reach that level in his lifetime and could only helplessly sigh at the difference in fate…
Of course, although reality was always frustrating and discouraging, Comrade Mikihiko had not given up hope. Before his family officially revoked his status as the next family head, he felt he should struggle and do something. Even if it still didn't work out, he would have no regrets.
Perhaps heaven rewards the diligent, because Comrade Mikihiko actually found a glimmer of hope!
Although the other party's secrecy was well maintained, Comrade Mikihiko managed to discover through the family's powerful intelligence network the existence of a miko with the power of [Calamity Purification]!
Mikos with the power of [Calamity Purification] were extremely rare, not even appearing in the past hundred years. For others, this was a precious ability, but for their Kuhoutsuka family, it was extraordinarily valuable!
Through the miko possessing the power of [Calamity Purification], the Kuhoutsuka family could borrow the power of a certain divine lord who had been sealed and guarded for thousands of years. This was of immense significance to the entire family!
If the [Calamity Purification] power had appeared in any other miko, Comrade Mikihiko would have already forcibly taken her away. However, the identity of this miko with the [Calamity Purification] power was somewhat special—her older sister was one of the demon king's lovers.
This gave Comrade Mikihiko a headache. Whenever it involved that demon king, he had to be extremely cautious. Strong-arm tactics to take her away were out of the question because he still wanted to live a few more days and didn't want to bring trouble to the family.
But Comrade Mikihiko was unwilling to give up so easily.
If force wouldn't work, then persuasion should, right? He was only inviting her to become the guardian miko of the Western Shrine, where the divine lord was sealed. Even that demon king would have no reason to object, right?
What gave Comrade Mikihiko hope was that the other party was young, pure, kind, and had a strong sense of responsibility and justice. Although she initially refused the invitation, with his silver tongue, she was now beginning to waver.
Although he felt somewhat shameless for seducing an innocent and naive girl, Comrade Mikihiko was no longer the pure and honest boy he once was. For the family and for himself, shameless or not, he had done it!
He had just received a reply requesting a meeting, and Comrade Mikihiko was very excited. Over these days, he had gotten to know her temperament well and had absolute confidence that he could persuade her!
If he could get this miko with the [Calamity Purification] power, it would be a great achievement. Perhaps then he could keep his status as the family heir! And even if it still didn't work out, his grandfather, the family head, would try hard to help him and would not treat him unfairly.
Though these days had been exhausting and nerve-wracking, at this moment Comrade Mikihiko felt incredibly relaxed and full of energy.
When he arrived at the designated location, the black sedan had just stopped, and Comrade Mikihiko eagerly pushed open the door and got out.
"Hm?"
A desolate park came into view. Comrade Mikihiko was puzzled. Since she was a miko, wouldn't it be more normal to meet at a shrine?
Though a little confused, Comrade Mikihiko quickly pushed the thought aside. It didn't matter where they met; these were trivial matters.
Without hesitation, Comrade Mikihiko stepped forward and walked into the park full of anticipation…
…
Staring dumbfounded at the scene before him, Comrade Mikihiko's once passionate and hopeful heart instantly fell into an endless abyss. He bitterly smiled and thought to himself, "It's over…"
On a park bench, the Seventh Campione, King Kusanagi, sat in the middle, with two small lolis munching on snacks sitting on his lap.
On his left was Mariya Hikari, a miko with the ability "Calamity Purification" whom he had been relentlessly trying to seduce these past few days. She was currently clutching one of the Demon King's arms, her expression full of adoration. On his right was Mariya Yuri, Mariya Hikari's older sister and one of King Kusanagi's legendary lovers, as evidenced by her flushed face as she was embraced by King Kusanagi.
Behind the bench, a queenly, noble blonde beauty leaned over King Kusanagi's shoulder, a slightly alluring and captivating smile on her face. She was an absolute vision, enough to mesmerize any normal man!
Just one glance and Comrade Mikihiko quickly averted his gaze, his heart pounding and breathing heavy, afraid that he might inadvertently fall deeply in love and do something inappropriate.
Beside the blonde girl stood another girl with long, silver hair tied in a ponytail. Her features were refined, her expression cool and serene, and she carried herself with the imposing air of a female general.
Comrade Mikihiko naturally knew these two girls; in fact, it was impossible not to. They were Erica Blandelli of the Bronze-Black Cross and Liliana Kranjcar of the Copper-Black Cross, both immensely famous throughout the magical world. They were two super-talented beautiful girls, and also the knights and queens of the Seventh Campione, Kusanagi Sora.
As for the last, unkempt black-haired girl standing to the side, well, Comrade Mikihiko didn't want to talk about her. If Comrade Mikihiko had to vote for the two most annoying and detestable people in the world, he would cast one vote for her and the other for that tomboy, that vixen from the Sayanomiya family!
A strange sense of grief and discomfort welled up in Comrade Mikihiko's heart as he recalled how that savage girl used to beat him until he cried for his parents when he was a child, chasing him around with a knife. Those memories were the shadows of his life, an eternal pain…
"Hehehe… Little Mikihiko, you've gotten quite bold recently, daring to even abduct my little Hikari!"
Looking at the flustered and uneasy Comrade Mikihiko approaching, Ena, with her two small fists clenched, said with a smiling face.
"Hahahaha, Miss Ena, you jest. I merely sincerely wished to invite Miko Hikari to our Shrine. I had no ill intentions whatsoever."
His eye twitched. Although he felt extremely guilty, thinking that he had no incriminating evidence in their hands, Comrade Mikihiko forced himself to calm down, a strained smile on his face.
"Kuhoutsuka Mikihiko greets King Kusanagi-sama! And both divine masters!"
No longer paying attention to Seishuuin Ena, the true important figures were elsewhere. Comrade Mikihiko tugged at his clothes and respectfully bowed to Sora and the two loli goddesses who were busily munching on their snacks.
Looking at Comrade Mikihiko, Sora's right hand, which was holding Yuri, tightened subtly, and his left hand rested on the little miko Hikari's head, gently stroking it. He had a gentle, friendly, smiling expression, but he did not speak.
As for Athena and Metis, who were busy eating their snacks, they didn't even bother to lift an eyelid. In their eyes, Comrade Mikihiko was no different from the surrounding air.
Although he was "coldly received" and felt extremely awkward, Comrade Mikihiko dared not show the slightest hint of dissatisfaction. He still maintained a faint smile that wouldn't make others feel disgusted. Comrade Mikihiko didn't care about being "coldly received" or not; he would be thankful as long as they didn't find excuses to pick on him.
"The next head of the Kuhoutsuka family, I hear you wish to invite Hikari to be the guardian miko of your Shrine. Is this true?"
It was Erica's voice. Her two delicate hands still rested on Sora's shoulders as she straightened up, speaking with elegance and composure.
Although the other party had already spoken with Ena and he already knew what was going on, this was a tactic and means of negotiation. Asking didn't have much meaning, but not asking would make him seem inferior and unprofessional!
Although Sora thought his "talk no jutsu" was also quite good, Erica was the real expert in this regard. Since he had already instructed her, Sora was happy to leave all these negotiation matters to Erica.
"Indeed, that is true. I represent our Kuhoutsuka family in sincerely inviting Miko Hikari to be the guardian miko of our shrine. The remuneration has already been discussed with Miko Hikari. Our Kuhoutsuka family will absolutely adhere to the highest standards and will not mistreat Miko Hikari."
Comrade Mikihiko had heard of the formidable reputation of the "Red Devil" before him. Even that vixen from the Sayanomiya family had suffered at her hands, so he couldn't help but be cautious. He thought carefully and confirmed there were no issues before answering.
"Sir, there's no need to be nervous. We have no intention of making things difficult for you, nor are we refusing the Kuhoutsuka family's invitation. In fact, my Demon King-sama has already agreed and even approved of Hikari becoming the guardian miko of your noble shrine."
Looking at the cautious Comrade Mikihiko, Erica's lips curved slightly into a smile, and she spoke words that momentarily stunned him.
"Is what Miss Erica said true?"
His expression froze, and then joy welled up in his heart. He had thought there was no hope, but unexpectedly, such a change occurred; they had actually agreed!
Although he was incredibly excited, Comrade Mikihiko was a well-trained, exemplary young man. He quickly regained his composure. Taking a deep breath, Comrade Mikihiko's gaze, filled with a hint of inquiry, turned towards Sora.
"Erica's meaning represents my meaning."
With a sly smile, Sora gave Comrade Mikihiko the answer he desired.
"I… thank you, Lord Kusanagi!"
Feeling a surge of excitement, Comrade Mikihiko bowed to Sora, almost overwhelmed by the urge to shout to the heavens.
"Hehehe, my dear, don't be too happy just yet. Although we have agreed to your clan's invitation on behalf of Little Hikari, there are still some matters we need to discuss first…"
With a gentle touch to her golden, silky hair, Erica's eyes sparkled with a sly, fox-like cunning.
"Uh…"
Pausing for a moment, the excitement and thrill in Mikihiko's heart were abruptly halted. Looking at Erica's mischievous smile, he suddenly felt a wave of unease rising within him…