In the world of Type-Moon, it all begins with becoming Morgan's husband!

This is a lie.

But Ian knew that not doing so would likely complicate matters further.

"That's it!"

Kintaro did not doubt Ian's words.

After all, Ian, who had gold nuggets just like him, couldn't be a bad person.

"I hope she comes back soon!"

"maybe."

Ian knew this wasn't a topic suitable for continuing the conversation.

He quickly changed the subject.

"Then, Kintaro, where is the boy you mentioned?"

"Boy!"

Kintaro looked around, as if he were searching for something.

Soon, he pulled out a wine gourd from a corner of the room.

"This is?"

Looking at Kintaro and the gourd of sake in his hand, Ian was somewhat puzzled.

"Given by the boy! It's a good thing!"

Kintaro looked at the gourd of sake in his hand as if it were gold.

Clearly, this is something he considers very important.

However, Ian saw other uses for this gourd.

"Kintaro, may I take a look at it?"

"..."

After hesitating for a moment, Kintaro nodded.

"Give."

You took the gourd of sake from Kintaro.

[The innate Onmyoji++ has been activated: You have begun to examine this wine gourd using your Onmyo magic.]

Just as you expected.

This gourd is not just any ordinary gourd.

You can sense the presence of a "ghost" above.

[The secret of your talent, hidden forever + activated: As before, you once again visualized the monster in your mind.]

It became increasingly clear in your eyes.

You were finally given a name.

"Shuten-doji."

Ian instinctively uttered the name that was in his mind.

"what!"

Kintaro looked at Ian in front of him and became even more excited.

"My friend! Do you know her?"

"……probably."

After confirming that the "friend" Kintaro mentioned was a demon, Ian had mixed feelings.

However, he knew that as an Onmyoji, he absolutely could not hesitate on such matters.

Ghosts are born from "thoughts," and even the slightest hesitation can be a crisis for the Onmyoji himself.

"Kintaro, do you have a way to find her?"

"No need to look!" Kintaro laughed heartily.

"She'll come on her own!"

"She'll come on her own?"

"Yes." Kintaro nodded. "Fill the gourd with water! She'll come!"

You realize this is a golden opportunity.

As an Onmyoji, you will not miss any opportunity to slay a demon.

You've decided to make good use of this wine gourd.

"Then, Kintaro, shall we fill the sake gourd now?"

"it is good!"

Clear mountain spring water was poured into the wine gourd.

Ian also began to cast layers of magic around it—magic that ordinary monsters could hardly withstand.

Kintaro waited excitedly for Shuten-dōji to appear.

Meanwhile, Ian was observing everything from the shadows.

As the most powerful Onmyoji in Heian-kyo, he was absolutely confident that he could kill this monster on the spot.

But things didn't go as smoothly as expected.

Although the gourd had been filled with water as Kintaro had requested, Shuten-dōji did not appear as he had predicted.

Ian didn't think Kintaro would lie—his mental state wasn't strong enough to support him doing such a thing.

Then there is only one possibility.

This gourd didn't have the effect he described at all.

"Why aren't you coming out..."

Kintaro looked somewhat disappointed.

It's clear that he's used this to bring Shuten-dōji here many times before.

"Maybe it's just not the right time yet."

Ian comforted Kintaro in this way, and then, while Kintaro's emotions were still relatively stable, he began to search for something in the vicinity.

This is a very simple principle.

Since Kintaro's gourd of sake has no practical effect, and Shuten-dōji always manages to appear in front of him.

So--

There might be some means nearby that would allow her to do that.

Perhaps she herself is in this vicinity.

[The Great Yin-Yang Master++ has been activated: You have begun using your Yin-Yang arts to investigate the surrounding area.]

You have indeed discovered some traces related to "ghosts."

[But you quickly realize that this might be a remnant from the battle between Usui Sadamitsu and Yamanbagiri.]

This is not something that can be completely resolved in a short period of time.

Even an Onmyoji like yourself would need to spend a considerable amount of time.

However, things soon took a turn for the better.

Because you heard an unfamiliar voice.

"Hey, sir, are you looking for us?"

A sound I've never heard before.

Ian turned around and saw a petite figure.

She stood barefoot on the path in the woods, her whole body covered by a large cloth.

She exuded a light, pleasant aroma of wine, as if she herself were a bottle of naturally crafted fine wine.

Her adorable face was accompanied by a playful expression.

But the most striking feature is the pair of angry horns on her head.

"Are you Shuten-dōji?" Ian asked directly.

"Oh my, you actually know me."

Shuten-dōji crossed his arms over his chest.

"It seems that you are quite knowledgeable, sir."

"But this kind of middle-aged man—"

Why is she standing next to that blond brat?

Even without further confirmation, Ian knew perfectly well that the "blonde brat" that Shuten-dōji was referring to was Kintaro.

To be fair.

It was rather comical for someone of her size to say such things.

"This has nothing to do with you."

Ian replied coldly.

He has never had a good impression of ghosts.

"Don't say that." Shuten-dōji was as frivolous as before.

"Even if they are Onmyoji, surely they wouldn't forbid us from asking any questions?"

"..."