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

The back garden was also filled with heat.

"Ibaraki, can you see how comfortable Uncle is here with us?!"

"The kind that you just can't stop!"

"turn down."

Ibaraki-dōji peeked out and looked at Shuten-dōji.

“I’m clearly happier with Lord Abe here.”

"No way!"

"Yes!"

"No! Ibaraki, don't even dream about it! This old man enjoys himself much more here!"

"It's Shuten-dōji who shouldn't be dreaming; I clearly provided a better experience."

The two little devils started arguing about something strange, and then both looked at the Great Onmyoji.

This is not surprising—whose back garden is more comfortable is, of course, determined by those who have actually been inside.

however.

When Shuten-dōji and Ibaraki-dōji looked at the Great Onmyoji, what they saw was a face that seemed to be deep in thought.

He didn't seem very happy.

"..."

"..."

Shuten-dōji and Ibaraki-dōji immediately fell silent.

The silence brought Ian back to his senses.

Upon realizing that both kids were watching him, he immediately smiled.

"what happened?"

"Didn't you say you were done having fun? Why are you still staring at me like that?"

Shuten-dōji hesitated for a moment before speaking:

"Uncle... what's wrong with you?"

"Did we go too far with Ibaraki?"

"of course not."

Ian gently patted the two little ones' heads.

"I was just wondering why Xiaoyu hadn't come back yet?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Shuten-dōji turned his face away.

"Uncle... it really was us and Ibaraki who didn't serve you well."

"That fox demon knows far more than we do, doesn't it?"

You realize that Shuten-dōji is somewhat upset because of your words.

You realize that this is contrary to the purpose of tonight.

You've decided to express your true feelings.

"No, Shuten-dōji."

That's not what I meant.

Ian stared straight at the two little devils beside him.

"I just hope that Tama can fix that mirror as soon as possible—that way, I'll have a chance to figure out how to break the bondage on Raikou,"

"Lord Abe."

After a long silence, Ibaraki-dōji finally spoke up.

"I have a question."

"Go ahead and say it, Ibaraki."

"Hmm..." Ibaraki-dōji licked the traces from the corner of his mouth.

"What if the cost of solving this is too high?"

“That still needs to be solved,” Ian answered without hesitation.

"Ibaraki, this is not a choice, there is no question of seeking advantage and avoiding harm."

"All I have to do is keep trying until I find a workable method."

"But uncle, is it all worth it?"

Shuten-dōji muttered to himself.

"You've done so much, but the cows don't know a thing."

Is such silent sacrifice really reasonable?

"There's no such thing as reasonable or unreasonable."

Ian gently stroked Shuten-dōji's head—he knew she was worried about him.

"This is my promise."

“I promised Lai Guang’s father that I would protect her no matter what.”

“I also promised Ushi Gozen that I would never let Raikou become her.”

"As an Onmyoji, one must be trustworthy."

Upon hearing this, Shuten-dōji pouted and leaned against Ian's lap.

"I'm so jealous."

"envy?"

"Yeah!" Shuten-dōji muttered, "I really want to be this old man's wife too."

"But now there's no chance at all, is there?"

"..."

"Uncle, what kind of look is that?!"

Shuten-dōji blushed and spoke in a coquettish tone.

"We're serious!"

"I like you a lot! I like you so much that I want to be your wife!"

After saying this, Shuten-dōji felt a little embarrassed and turned his face away.

Ian laughed.

He nodded and said gently:

"I understand."

"but--"

"I really can't let Shuten-dōji be my wife, I'm sorry."

"Waaaaah, they rejected us without even a second thought!"

Shuten-dōji sighed.

"But we already knew that."

"The middle-aged men of this era have long been taken over by dairy cows."

"only--"

The little female demon raised her head and forced a sad smile.

"I still really want to stay by your side, is that okay?"

"..."

Ian gently flicked Shuten-dōji's head.

Don't say things like that—

"It's not like I'm going to let you leave."

"Uncle..."

Shuten-dōji became even more embarrassed.

At this moment, Ibaraki-dōji raised his hand.

"Lord Abe, may I ask a question?"

"what is the problem?"

"Then what are I and Shuten-dōji to Lord Abe?" Ibaraki-dōji tilted his head slightly. "If not wives, then concubines?"

"what?"

Before Ian could answer, Shuten-dōji became anxious.

"Ibaraki, you idiot! Why did you ask such a question?!"

"But Shuten-dōji, don't you want to know?"

Ibaraki-dōji looked at his friend.

"This..." Shuten-dōji was speechless.

The two little devils' gazes once again focused on the Great Onmyoji in perfect unison.

"If that's what you're asking, then—"

Ian reached out and put his arms around Shuten-dōji and Ibaraki-dōji, one on each side.