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

Tamamo-no-Mae hesitated.

Obviously.

Although the delicious food in front of her was a rare treat for her, who was starving, Ian's question was something that required careful consideration.

After a moment's thought, she gave her answer:

"May I hear what the problem is first?"

"After all... my abilities are limited. If you want to know some overly complicated questions, I am unable to answer them."

"You definitely know the answer to this question."

Ian took a sip of the sake on the table.

"Are you... the 'Algae Maiden' that the Hierarchy has been searching for recently?"

He wasn't asking random questions.

After all, I am by no means the kind of person who refuses to receive anyone.

If someone's identity is legitimate, there's absolutely no need for them to be secretly observing you like this.

There's no need to even think about finding opportunities to be alone together.

So--

There's only one possibility left.

That means Tamamo-no-Mae's identity must be extraordinary.

Combining the previous ideas, the only one that fits all of this is the "Algae Woman".

"..."

Tamamo-no-Mae's eyes flickered—this was clearly a reaction to Ian's prediction.

Her expression began to turn somewhat awkward.

However, Ian spoke up at this moment:

"Eat first."

"Migu?"

Tamamo-no-Mae was somewhat surprised, but she still nodded.

"Hey, okay."

[Tamamo-no-Mae is somewhat surprised by your answer.]

But perhaps she was truly starving.

This is understandable—after all, for someone like "Mammoth Girl," getting enough to eat in the current hunting environment of Heian-kyo is no easy feat.

Under your watchful gaze, she nervously filled her stomach.

"Thank you, Mr. Abe."

After finishing her meal, Tamamo-no-Mae bowed deeply to Ian.

You knew my name before?

“Yes.” Tamamo-no-Mae raised her head. “Mr. Abe is very prestigious in Heian-kyo. Even though I haven’t specifically investigated, I know your name.”

"In that case—"

Ian looked at Tamamo-no-Mae, who had a pair of cute fox ears.

"You should know who I am."

"Is that right, Miss Zaono?"

"..."

Silence is confirmation.

Ian is now almost 100% certain that the Tamamo-no-Mae in front of him is the "Mammo-no-Mae" that Emperor Ubume has been searching for.

From a stakeholder perspective, his best option right now is to offer her up in the name of Minamoto no Yorimitsu.

In this way, Genji could be considered to have accomplished a great feat.

Minamoto no Yorimitsu will inevitably be given even greater responsibilities.

but--

Ian found that he still couldn't forget the look in that eyes he saw on the street that day.

Let's at least figure out what happened first.

Thinking this, the Great Onmyoji spoke again:

"It's okay if you don't want to admit it."

"Anyway, as long as I hand you over, everything will come to light."

"But what awaits you then—I have no idea."

"Migu?!"

Tamamo-no-Mae suddenly became quite flustered.

She shook her head repeatedly, then quickly said:

"I admit it! I am the 'Zao Nu' that the capital has been searching for."

Finally, Tamamo-no-Mae admitted her identity, but Ian didn't stop there. Instead, he continued to ask:

"Isn't that even stranger?"

"Since you are the 'Algae Maiden,' why did you come looking for me?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Tamamo-no-Mae seemed to feel a little nostalgic.

"because--"

“Mr. Abe gave me a very friendly smile on the street that day.”

"This is the first time I've ever experienced something like this."

"Therefore, I thought Mr. Abe would be someone who could help me."

Tamamo-no-Mae spoke with great emotion, but Ian's expression did not change significantly.

He glanced back at the shoji gate behind him, making sure it was tightly closed, before continuing:

"Then tell me about it."

"What... exactly happened to you?"

"My concubine understands."

[Tamamo-no-Mae tells you the reason why she came to Heian-kyo.]

She had no intention of entering the court to serve the French Emperor.

[He had only met with one of his important ministers in the mountains before being forcibly summoned to court.]

[After that, Tamamo-no-Mae seized the opportunity to escape.]

"..."

After hearing Tamamo-no-Mae's story, Ian remained silent for a long while before continuing:

"You...do you dislike the Emperor?"

“Of course,” Tamamo-no-Mae answered without hesitation.

“He put me in a prison cart and brought me to the capital, and then he wanted me to serve him.”

"Although I have a good temper, I cannot be treated so rudely!"

"That--"

Ian looked at the sulking Tamamo-no-Mae in front of him, but he did not lose his logic.

He pointed out a point of doubt based on her words.

"Now that you've already escaped, why don't you just leave Heian-kyo?"

"Why did you come looking for me again?"

"This……"

Ian's words pulled Tamamo-no-Mae back to reality from her angry state.

She muttered to herself.

"One reason I came to see Mr. Abe was because of that smile."

"On the other hand, it's because I can't get out."

"Can't get out?"

Ian quickly realized what was happening.

"Are you saying that all the roads to Beijing are blocked?"

“Yes.” Tamamo-no-Mae nodded. “I have done my best to investigate every possible route out of here.”

"But neither of these options is suitable for me."

Ian knew that Tamamo-no-Mae was not lying.

After all, as a great Onmyoji, he could be considered to have provided some guidance on this method of blocking monsters from entering and leaving.

in other words--

She only came to me when she was desperate and had nowhere else to turn.

Ian looked at Tamamo-no-Mae, who was looking very sad.

Her two fox ears were drooping, and she looked rather listless.

"But can't you conceal your aura?" the Grand Onmyoji continued, "why not just slip through like before?"