"Tōga, do you think the Third Elder is beautiful?"
As they flew toward the main stronghold, Shirayuki stretched out her hand and cast a temporary soundproof barrier, her eyes tilting downward ever so slightly.
She glanced at Tōga, who was sitting cross-legged, and from her soft pink lips floated a feather-light question.
"Beautiful."
Tōga replied without the slightest hesitation.
When it came to being with Shirayuki, it would be disastrous to say one thing to her face and another behind her back.
Even if, someday, he were to take a concubine, he would still have to find a way to bring her openly into the household.
It wasn't exactly fair to Shirayuki, and it might have been shameless of him—but Tōga wanted to be the kind of man who could have both.
Fortunately, in this world, there weren't so many rules and restrictions.
With enough effort, a harem of three palaces and six courtyards wasn't impossible.
"..."
Shirayuki stared at Tōga's completely unashamed expression for two or three seconds. Then, with a light huff, she dissolved the soundproof barrier, raised a hand to adjust her coiffure, and sat in silence without another word.
The Great Elder, who noticed that something seemed to have just passed between the young couple riding on his back, only turned his massive eyes slightly. He didn't say a thing, continuing to maintain the wind-shielding barrier around them.
But in his heart, he was already thinking: once they returned, he would need to have a proper talk with the Dog General.
Everyone among the elders knew Shirayuki's temperament inside and out.
If they didn't step in to help arrange things, who knew how long Shirayuki's marriage to Tōga would drag on—perhaps until the end of time itself.
If he could see the next generation of the Dog Clan thriving before he fell in battle someday, the Great Elder felt he would have no regrets.
Shirayuki sat quietly, but her thoughts drifted back to the Third Elder.
That fiery figure, coupled with a bold yet seductive style of dress, tickled at something deep inside her.
Forget Tōga, even she had to admit the woman was stunning.
Shirayuki lowered her head slightly, glancing at the faint swell of her own chest. She couldn't help but recall the time she bathed in the hot springs with the Third Elder, when she'd seen those two snow-white peaks floating on the water. Envy pricked at her heart.
'It's only twice the size of mine' she encouraged herself silently. 'When I grow older, I'll be like that too.'
'And besides—Tōga isn't only fond of large ones. He likes a beautiful face, a slender waist, long graceful legs…'
Her lips curved upward. '...And most of all, he likes me!'
The thought left Shirayuki's heart sweet and warm. She shifted her body slightly, turning away so Tōga wouldn't see the blush coloring her cheeks.
Her fingers brushed lightly across the hilt of her Fang-forgeed sword resting at her waist.
Her face, pale as the moon, now carried a faint red glow, a smile edged with a subtle, dangerous sharpness.
"Hmph. Any dog, cat, or fox that dares get close to Tōga deserves divine punishment."
Tōga suddenly shivered. He cracked an eye open, glancing at Shirayuki—who was inexplicably shaking her head, her long hair swaying like a banner. He only raised a brow, then closed his eyes again to resume his training.
Power was never something accumulated overnight. The buildup of energy, the refinement of its quality, and the true understanding of its essence; all took time.
Innate talent could speed the process and reduce the difficulty, but in the end, training and perseverance were still required.
He had already completed both the accumulation and refinement of energy at the level of lower-class yōkai. He had even found a direction for his essence. Once he returned to the clan lands, he would be able to attempt a breakthrough—a true transformation in his cultivation.
When his strength advanced, he wouldn't have to worry about failing as a husband in the future… or facing a tragic end at the edge of a jealous woman's blade or fang.
—
Endless mountain ranges stretched across the land, their peaks winding like serpents. The ridges layered one upon another, covered entirely in white.
The setting sun cast a gentle light over the boundless sea of snow, filling the world with a soft glow.
Amid this snowy expanse, the Dog Clan's stronghold stood like a black jewel inlaid upon pure white silk.
The fortress had been built in imitation of human cities: a square layout, neat and orderly, enclosed within a massive barrier.
The barrier glimmered faintly with blue light, sealing the city within its protective embrace.
On the streets, a group of young dog yōkai who had yet to take human form ran about joyfully.
Some were white, others gray or yellow. Some were long-haired, some short. Their coats were as varied as their mismatched little faces.
Excited, the pups yipped and barked, their clear, childish voices echoing through the streets and alleys.
Just then, a massive demon hound soared across the sky. Passing through the barrier, its body flashed with light, transforming in an instant into human form.
Amid the respectful gazes of the nearby dog yōkai, the Great Elder landed steadily, coming to rest before the towering Tenshukaku at the city's center.
"You two go rest first. I'll go see our lord."
The Great Elder turned, his gaze soft as it passed over Tōga and Shirayuki as they landed gracefully. Then, lifting his feet, he strode toward the castle tower.
Shirayuki's bright eyes blinked, sparkling like starlight against the night sky.
She tilted her head slightly, looking at Tōga. Then, with her hands clasped behind her back, she skipped lightly toward the tower—though not along the Elder's path.
Her way led instead toward her maiden's quarters.
Tōga had been there countless times. The only regret was that he had never once been allowed into her private chamber.
"This girl… she always leaves me guessing."
Tōga followed her at a leisurely pace, the sound of his familiar footsteps behind her making Shirayuki's lips curl unconsciously upward.
Soon after, on the training grounds before Shirayuki's residence, the two crossed swords in a vigorous spar, sweat flying.
Meanwhile, the Great Elder entered the grand hall of the Tenshukaku. As the sliding doors creaked open, a solemn and majestic air washed over him.
A massive luminous pearl hung from the ceiling, filling the ancient hall with soft, radiant light.
The Dog General, already informed of their return, sat upon the throne at the far end.
His robust frame filled his noble robes, armored with fanged plates and bracers. Yet his pale face, drained of color, stood in stark contrast to his overwhelming aura.
The sheer majesty, as vast as mountains and rivers, made the Great Elder feel suddenly small. He lowered his head respectfully.
From Tōga's proposal, to the battle's details, to the aftermath—woven with Tōga and Shirayuki's remarkable performance, the Great Elder recounted everything in full.
"Well struck! Well done indeed!"
The Dog General laughed heartily. "To see the next generation shine so brightly, then all we old fools fighting with our lives on the line, it's worth it."
"Yes," the Great Elder replied. "Everything we give is so the next generation will never suffer oppression."
And then, without hesitation, he spoke plainly:
"So, my lord—when will you announce the betrothal of Lady Shirayuki and Tōga?"
The harmonious atmosphere of the hall froze. The attendants lowered their heads, careful not to reveal any reaction.
After a short silence, the Dog General pinched his brow, speaking with a weary sigh. "Great Elder, you know Shirayuki's temperament. If I were to make such a decision unilaterally, she might well run away from home."
Looking at the speechless Elder before him, the Dog General secretly felt a burst of joy.
As a doting father, he had no intention of so easily handing over his beloved daughter.
Especially not to that little white-haired brat, Tōga—who had harbored 'impure intentions' toward her since she was just a child!
─── ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆ ───
[T/N: Tenshukaku (天守閣) is a Japanese word that refers to the main keep or central tower of a Japanese castle. It is the tallest and most prominent structure within a castle complex, often serving as the residence of the castle's lord and a powerful symbol of their authority and wealth.
The word itself is composed of three kanji:
天 (ten): Heaven, sky, or imperial.
守 (shu): To guard, protect, or defend.
閣 (kaku): A tower, tall building, or palace.
Thus, Tenshukaku literally means "Heavenly Protector Tower" or "Tower of the Protector of Heaven." It is also commonly referred to simply as Tenshu (天守), which shares the same core meaning.]