Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

She drove as if nothing had happened.

Haruhiko thought to himself, "As expected of Mari-sensei, her mental fortitude is indeed stronger than mine."

"How is the Utsunomiya clan doing now?"

He suddenly remembered what happened yesterday and asked.

"She violated the regulations of the Imperial Palace by developing the Takamagahara ruins without authorization, which has already confirmed her guilt."

Mari Tsuchimikado said expressionlessly, "The decision regarding her punishment will be made soon."

What is the usual course of action?

Haruhiko asked curiously, "Is it serious?"

"First, she is banned from participating in the auction of the Takamagahara ruins for ten years; second, she is to be compensated with something of equal value to the ruins she developed."

Mari Tsuchimikado paused for a moment and said, "These are the two main ones. There are a few more left. You can take a look when we get home."

Haruhiko was thoughtful.

These two are serious enough.

In this age of seclusion, precious spiritual tools and materials all originate from relics from the age of gods.

The Takamagahara ruins are the largest ruins from the Age of Gods.

The products produced are stable and practical.

Half of the reason why the sixteen factions of the Psionic Council have grown to such a large extent is because of the Takamagahara Ruins.

As for the second one, Haruhiko wasn't entirely sure.

He asked, "Captain Kisaragi said that Aunt Mashiro took a few items. How much are the remaining items worth?"

"a lot of."

Mari Tsuchimikado replied, "It's roughly equivalent to one-seventh of the Utsunomiya clan."

"No wonder Mina Utsunomiya jumped into the trap even though she knew it was a trap."

Haruhiko said with some regret, "It's really heartbreaking to see this given away to the Edo Archaeological Bureau for nothing."

"This is a necessary sacrifice."

Mari Tsuchimikado said in a cool tone, "Besides, the most valuable thing has already been obtained, so there's nothing to feel bad about."

Upon seeing this, Haruhiko immediately realized that those items were probably priceless.

Come to think of it, since it involves deities, it can't be too bad.

The red car stopped.

Haruhiko opened the car door and entered the living room.

Tsuchimikado Mari parked the car.

Upon seeing Tachibana Yui, Haruhiko suddenly remembered that he hadn't had class today.

Has Tsuchimikado Mari forgotten?

Or is it another case of playing hard to get?

Haruhiko had just been toyed with by red lips.

It's really abominable!

"Auntie Mashiro".

Haruhiko smiled and greeted.

"good afternoon."

Tachibana Yui was clearly in a good mood.

She sat on the sofa, her fair little feet dangling, her toes faintly revealing a hint of red.

"That glass of lemonade on the table is for you."

Tachibana Yui pointed and said.

"Thank you, Aunt Mashiro."

Haruhiko sat opposite her and picked up a glass.

"You're welcome."

Tachibana Yui crossed her arms, her small face tense, and said, "You did a good job at the Takamagahara Ruins. Kisaragi has already told me."

Her demeanor immediately became dignified.

"I didn't actually do anything."

Haruhiko took a sip of lemonade and asked, "Captain Kisaragi, are you a member of the Tsuchimikado clan? How come you're a monk?"

“Strictly speaking, she is my niece.”

Tachibana Yui explained, "She's a relative from my mother's side, quite distant."

"I see."

Remembering the snake spirit language he had revealed to her, Haruhiko asked another question, "Is she trustworthy?"

"Ah."

Tachibana Yui unconsciously relaxed, mainly because crossing her arms over her chest didn't suit her.

"That's good."

Haruhiko continued, "Did Mari-nee tell you that I accidentally encountered that kind of writing in the ruins?"

"No."

Tachibana Yui was stunned for a moment, her delicate face puffing out. "Why didn't you just tell me?"

"..."

Haruhiko hadn't expected to be tricked by Tsuchimikado Mari again, and he explained, "It's because I didn't have time."

What script are you speaking?

Tachibana Yui gave a light snort and asked, "There are many characters in the Takamagahara ruins, the most common of which are those that resemble snakes."

"That's it."

Haruhiko looked at her adorable appearance and couldn't help but smile as he spoke.

"Really?"

Tachibana Yui's eyes lit up, her face showing considerable surprise.

"Ah."

Haruhiko nodded.

You really are... lucky!

Tachibana Yui sat up straight, her loose pajamas barely held together, revealing her petite curves.

She sounded quite excited and, without waiting for Haruhiko to speak, went upstairs.

Tsuchimikado Mari opened the door, took off her high heels, and walked into the living room.

"Where's the master?"

She sat down next to Haruhiko and asked casually.

“I told her about the snake script, and she immediately went upstairs.”

Haruhiko paused mid-sentence, feeling his hand being covered by intense heat.

His once calm heart began to pound; he tried to pull his hand away, but it wouldn't budge.

"Classes begin."

Tsuchimikado Mari, her legs encased in black stockings, slightly closed, said calmly, "No matter what the situation, stay calm."

"..."

Haruhiko felt that he might develop a heart condition before anything even happened to him.

That's really too stimulating.

A sound came from upstairs.

Haruhiko's pupils contracted sharply. Seeing that Tsuchimikado Mari remained unmoved, he scratched himself twice before escaping the canyon.

"Haruhiko, take a look at these, do you recognize them?"

Tachibana Yui appeared in front of the two of them, carrying a stack of documents.

"Let me see."

Haruhiko picked up the top folder, opened it, and asked, "Were all of these unearthed from the Takamagahara ruins?"

"Exactly."

Yui Tachibana explained, "Because no one can understand it, all sixteen members of the Psychic Council have a copy."