"I'm not sure she can solve it herself," Yukino added. "Her research isn't usually that complex. However, her family are true experts. If you can convince her to introduce you to her elders, your problem shouldn't be an issue."
Alistair sighed. Back to dealing with the 'Ancient Ones' again. But since the Academy of Elves was a melting pot of races anyway, building a bridge with the Oni clan early seemed like a good move.
"Where does she live? If she's in the Oni hidden village, we probably won't get in," Alistair noted.
"She's not in the village. She lives in a shrine on Mount Peak-Crest nearby. She blew up her family home while experimenting with explosive magic, so she was effectively kicked out... or rather, she chose to live in isolation to avoid more collateral damage."
"And her name?"
"Kaede Kuryuin. From the Kuryuin family. You should recognize the name; in the Oni world, they are the undisputed masters of magic."
Alistair blinked. The Kuryuin family was legendary. Specifically, because of Rumi Kuryuin, a genius who lacked the traditional Oni strength but possessed such a high aptitude for magic that she revolutionized their entire racial spellbook.
"The Kuryuin family... that's a reassuring name," Alistair said. "But what should I bring as a gift? I don't want to show up empty-handed."
"Kaede likes tea and magic research. She spends most of her time brewing tea and staring at the bamboo groves," Yukino said.
Alistair frowned. He knew nothing about tea. Whatever he bought from a shop wouldn't impress a high-ranking Oni. Maybe a scroll of the magic my uncle taught me? His uncle was the type who wanted his spells to be famous, so he wouldn't mind.
As Hanako served pudding for dessert, Yukino looked at Alistair and realized what he was thinking.
"Actually, you might not need a gift," Yukino said, lowering her voice. "You know that every Fantastic Race is struggling with a declining population, right?"
"Yeah, low fertility rates, skewed gender ratios... the 'Ancient' bloodlines are thinning out," Alistair nodded.
"Well..." Yukino blushed slightly. "You have the ability to control conception. And as a Dragon, you have no interspecies barriers."
Alistair stared at her. "Wait, are you suggesting I...?"
"The Oni prioritize bloodline strength. A Dragon's seed is the most precious 'gift' you could offer. You wouldn't even need to stay long—just fill their best candidates periodically. They even have potions to increase the success rate. One good 'session' could ensure a child within a decade."
"A decade? That's a long 'guaranteed' wait time," Alistair laughed.
"Is a decade long?" Yukino looked confused. To a Snow Girl who lived for centuries, ten years was a coffee break.
"Right... I keep forgetting I'm a Long-Lived Species now," Alistair muttered.