Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

"Lord Kyosuke, you are going to war tomorrow, but I haven't even seen your armor yet."

"You're overthinking it. I'll wear a hunting robe tomorrow. The Onmyoji are the main force this time. Those wearing armor are generally mid-level personnel who will directly confront the monsters with swords."

When Fujiwara Kaori asked, Kousaka Kyosuke answered without hesitation.

With a mix of worry and a desire to investigate, Fujiwara Kaori carefully continued her question:

"So what did you mainly do in the military?"

"Order the soldiers to engage the monsters and intervene when they sense a problem. Most importantly, kill Shuten-dōji, the leader of Mount Ōe. I should cooperate with Lord Raikou at that time."

"To fight against Shuten-dōji..."

"Yes, after all, my strength has been recognized by Lord Raikou. As the commander-in-chief, he will not forget me. I am very honored."

"..."

Fujiwara Kaori remained silent, unsure of what to say.

Shuten-dōji is arguably the most famous yokai in this mythological era, as well as in modern folklore.

The danger of confronting it is extremely high!

"No need to worry, this battle won't last long. Since the monsters are familiar with the terrain, our attack will be decided quickly."

"...Wouldn't that be even worse? Once we enter a stalemate, the offensive will falter, and morale will likely plummet."

Fujiwara Kaori, who was generally quite knowledgeable, couldn't help but feel her heart pounding faster.

This extermination attempt was downright dangerous!

“Generally speaking, it is indeed more appropriate to proceed cautiously and steadily,” Kyosuke Kosaka said with a smile. “The problem is that some people in the government are not buying it this time, so the amount of military spending is not very large.”

At this time, Kyoto was not yet a place where yokai could freely enter and exit as in the main storyline.

The Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for the expenses, is certainly unwilling to foot the bill for this.

The problem is that the Minamoto and Fujiwara clans in the court were unusually united this time, so there's not much to say.

In fact, it is indeed necessary to do this.

Because it wasn't just Mount Ōe that was being exorcised, but also the evil spirits and monsters around Kyoto.

If we wait until the main storyline's Netherworld Rift appears and the Yin energy becomes extremely strong, ordinary evil spirits and monsters will be much harder to defeat...

By then, Minamoto no Yorimitsu's reputation as the commander-in-chief will likely be even greater.

Those who participate in the extermination should also be able to take advantage of the opportunity to gain many benefits.

“Indeed,” Fujiwara Kaori said with some understanding. “As long as Kyoto remains safe and sound, no one will be too anxious.”

People only start to panic when their eyebrows are on fire.

But by then it was too late!

Man, that's it.

The girls who were quietly listening to Kyosuke Kousaka and Kaori Fujiwara's conversation were also very worried.

However, given my position, I cannot say more.

Night fell.

Nino, Miku, Itsuki, and Kirisu Mafuyu, all suppressing their emotions, went completely mad.

Kyosuke Kousaka was completely bewildered.

He really won't die.

There's no need for that.

How could someone with such a strong survival instinct possibly die?

Unfortunately, no amount of explanation worked, and even Xiangzi became much more agitated than usual.

Basically, Kyosuke Kousaka just lay there comfortably...

Just as he was about to comfort Xiangzi, May, who was usually incredibly shy except for the first time, hugged him again.

"No rush, let's take a rest."

Kyosuke Kosaka embraced May, whose eyes were red, and comforted her.

As a result, Nino and Miku ambushed him from behind and hugged him again.

As Kousaka Kyosuke's body tilted slightly, he vaguely saw Kirisu Mafuyu clench her small fists.

His lips were lip-syncing to "Miscalculation..."

Isn't it no longer "shameful"?

congratulations.

Day 85 of crossing

Before setting off, the girls who hadn't spent time together the night before met with Kyosuke Kousaka one after another, as if by prior arrangement.

Shizuko took out a ceramic jar with a diameter of about 15 centimeters.

"Lord Kyosuke, this is some fermented soybean paste I made. It can be stored for a long time..."

"That really suits your style."

Kyosuke Kosaka accepted it with a smile and placed it into the space created by magic.

Seeing the gift being accepted, Shizuko quietly lowered her head.

She hesitated.

She considered herself to be fairly good-looking, but compared to her companions in the mansion, she was still quite different.

In this day and age, everyone is of marriageable age, so Kyosuke Kousaka seems like the best choice, right?

After all, that aura of protecting his woman behind him is just too awesome!

"I will take care of you." Kousaka Kyosuke smiled.

He raised his hand and gently stroked the girl's delicate cheek.

The girl's cheeks were a healthy wheat color, as was her skin.

You can also see calluses on her slender hands from overwork.

She was almost no different from an ordinary peasant girl.

But Kousaka Kyosuke likes the character of Shizuko in front of him.

He was also willing to make a promise to put Shizuko at ease.

"Ah..." Shizuko looked at Kousaka Kyosuke in surprise. You're really not picky!

Kyosuke Kosaka chuckled and patted her head again: "It's oily, you should wash it more often."

"Hehe." Jingzi chuckled awkwardly. She washed her hair every day, but it was always sweaty and oily.

It's Chitanda Eru's turn—

Her cheeks were burning hot, and her small ears were also red, but she still looked straight at Kyosuke Kousaka.

"Lord Kyosuke, you must come back this time. I look forward to that day..."

"I'm looking forward to it too!"

Kyosuke Kosaka said it readily.

Chitanda nodded emphatically, her large eyes filled with trust and admiration.

Completely devoid of desire, Kousaka Kyosuke simply smiled, displaying confident composure.

It's Yukinoshita's turn—

She simply stared intently at Kyosuke Kousaka.

"Please, I..."

"Take your time, take your time," Kyosuke Kosaka quickly reassured him.

Yukinoshita, her face flushed with nervousness, took a deep breath.

"Lord Kyosuke, didn't you say before that you were looking forward to the day after the extermination? I will be ready for that day!"

"……it is good."

Kyosuke Kosaka nodded blankly.

He thinks.

Yukinoshita is truly remarkable for speaking so quickly in one breath.

Especially the content.

Yukino saw that Kousaka Kyosuke seemed to be looking surprised, but in the end she didn't turn her head away.

She simply lowered her eyes, avoiding eye contact.

Never give up on something you've decided to do well!