In the story, Yae Miko also knew that separation was inevitable, so she took the initiative to ask:
["Urakusai, how much time do you have left?"]
[Urakusai sighed: "Not much, none of us have much. We came from somewhere, and we must return there eventually."]
["Though everyone's content, we can't help but say: I really wish we could have another Hyakki Yagyo!"]
Hyakki Yagyo—this term stirred nostalgia in Kitsune Saiguu, as she was the one who "hosted the banquet" for the Hyakki Yagyo back then.
It was precisely because of Kitsune Saiguu, this "vixen," that she had the clout to gather all the youkai, big and small.
Back then, Urakusai was the one who loved telling stories the most at the drinking party. Yae Miko, young and often perched on her shoulder, liked to use tricks to prove she was "mature."
So Miko's favorite thing was to pick holes in Urakusai's stories, as if to show she was clever, grown-up, and couldn't be fooled.
Urakusai back then had plenty of patience and time, indulging little Miko's games, and the two sparred for who knows how many years.
Now, Urakusai had no time left and even admitted defeat to Yae Miko.
In a way, it was also acknowledging that Yae Miko had truly grown up.
But when Yae Miko actually grew up, what she wanted most wasn't the "recognition" of the great youkai anymore.
In the past, youkai loved to channel their powers and soar into the sky, competing to see who could blot out the moon first. Sadly, Yae Miko never earned recognition in that regard.
She thought growing up would let her join them, but once she did, the chance was gone forever.
Kitsune Saiguu deeply missed those days, like the drinking party where the Great Tengu declared he'd exorcise demons.
Yes, that was the one who fought alongside Mikoshi Chiyo in the Araumi underground palace to protect Inazuma's people and died in battle.
Back then, Mikoshi Chiyo didn't know him. Finding him amusing, she challenged him to a wrestling match—perhaps wrestling really was in the red oni's DNA?
Don't let Mikoshi Chiyo's petite frame and lovely appearance fool you—her strength was formidable. She threw that burly man flat on his back, leaving him humiliated and prompting laughter from the youkai crowd as he left.
Later, she had Ioroi hide the Narukami "Imperial Garden's" Narukusa grass, then pleaded for Ioroi after catching him, securing him the position of "Protector of Life."
She also danced with Mikoshi Chiyo and raced the Tengu clan leader.
Alas, those days were gone—how could one not miss them?
Kitsune Saiguu downed a cup of Sakura Wine in one gulp. If no one was around, she'd have taken a puff from her pipe. The story was good, but it hit hard.
Speaking of which… she'd given her pipe to Kamuna Harunosuke. She wondered where he'd put it. Sigh, time to buy a new one.
Regarding Urakusai's regret, Yae Miko in the story had already made arrangements. She told Urakusai that when her bell rang, it would be time for the Hyakki Yagyo.
Urakusai was excited and left the Traveler's body, intending to conserve energy for the "moonless night."
Before leaving, Urakusai asked one final question.
["Miko… I have one question. Have you been doing well these years?"]
[Yae Miko smiled: "Hehe, of course. I'm doing great, happy every day."]
["Especially lately—this world doesn't just have light novels, but also these two nosy outsiders."]
["Even that stubborn Ei is finally starting to get it."]
As if to prove her happiness, Miko's words grew more numerous.
[Urakusai smiled: "Good, that's good!"]
In reality, Miko paused, her gaze turning to Kitsune Saiguu.
Back when Hanachirusato thought she'd part with her, she asked the same question…
These youkai, these "elders," always cared most about whether she was happy when it came time to part.
Ei stared at Miko. Stubborn? That's how you talk about me? Bad fox!
Though you're not wrong, you can't just say it! How am I supposed to face my old friend now?
[Yae Miko continued to Urakusai: "Someone like you, who can tell stories and paint, would definitely be Yae Publishing House's ace, personally nagged by me for drafts."]
Lucian deeply related to this. When writing Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, that fox found him.
That creature watched him constantly, practically staring even while he slept, eagerly awaiting the story's progress.
In the story, Urakusai left, and the Traveler closed her eyes before opening them again, looking around spiritedly.
[Yae Miko said: "Is your head still clear? Come on, old routine—tell me—"]
[Traveler cut in: "Three, two, one, one, two, three."]
[Yae Miko laughed: "Oh, you've learned to jump in? Looks like your head's fine."]
Good thing Yae Miko wasn't selling crutches, or she'd have conned the Traveler into limping.
In fact, the Traveler was conscious during the possession and knew what was happening—she just couldn't get a word in, so she stayed silent.
Since Urakusai had left, the Traveler had to keep running errands for Yae Miko.
She had no choice—her manuscript fees were still in Miko's hands. What would happen to the fees if she didn't run errands? You can't fight money!
But Yae Miko had a bit of a conscience. She'd already prepared the ritual; she just needed the Traveler to clear out the shrine maidens during the ceremony.
Also, keep an eye on any monsters drawn in and purify a few. The rest would be handled by Yae Miko.
What's left, you ask? Hmm… dancing, of course! For Lumine, "dancing" with monsters was more interesting.
The Traveler was obedient since her fees were still in Yae Miko's hands.
First was notifying the shrine maidens—easy enough. Just tell Maki, and she'd inform the others.
The Traveler's main job was "clearing the field," using elbow strikes to fend off monsters when the time came.
Once the cleanup was done, the Traveler returned to the shrine to watch the ritual.
Upon returning, she saw the full moon surrounded in the sky, with youkai soaring under the moonlight, "singing and dancing."
An illustration depicted Yae Miko glancing back, her hair swept to one side, revealing her jade-like neck and back.
Such a beautiful back—shame not to etch a stigmata on it.
This image left even readers accustomed to stunning artwork in awe. The Guuji's charm was truly striking.
It seems the Ayaka faction's momentum would be outshone by the Miko faction for the next few days.
No surprise there—this is faction rivalry, the king's way! Why not press the advantage?