How did I, an Onmyoji, become the Lord of Yokai?

After his entire body below the neck was submerged in hot water, Shimizu Asahi couldn't help but let out a long groan.

Because of local customs, taking a bath was a very uncommon thing in this era.

Before cleansing their bodies, many high-ranking officials and nobles would specifically invite a diviner to perform divination to see if the day was auspicious.

They believe that washing away dirt on unlucky days will open up pores, giving evil spirits a chance to enter the body.

If some nobles are afraid of trouble and don't want to hire a diviner to perform divination, then they will wait specifically for this day to pray to the gods and Buddhas.

After all, a purification ritual had to be performed before praying to the gods and Buddhas, and all the nobles and officials had to wash their bodies.

If you develop body odor from not showering for a long time, you can use a sachet to mask it.

If you can't afford a sachet, then there's nothing you can do.

This is why many ordinary people have an unpleasant odor.

As for why Shimizu Asahi doesn't care about these things, it's mainly because Shimizu Mio instilled in him the idea of ​​washing his body every day, even if he doesn't take a bath, he should still wipe his body with a wet towel.

As for those so-called evil spirits... if there really are evil spirits, Shimizu Mio will make sure they can never return.

"But come to think of it, I don't smell of alcohol on me."

Shimizu Asahi sniffed his own body and was somewhat surprised.

Ibuki-dōji has been pestering him to drink every day for the past few days. Although he only drinks a few cups each time, it adds up to quite a lot.

Since there was no bathing area in the shop, he could only wipe himself down with a towel. He had thought that since he hadn't showered, there would be some lingering smell of alcohol on his body.

To my surprise, there was no smell of alcohol, or even body odor.

"Speaking of which... Ibuki is the same. He drinks so much alcohol every day, but he still smells so good."

Recalling the scents she smelled in bed during the day, Shimizu Asahi couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

The master said that the demon race is even less hygienic than humans, and each demon carries a strong stench.

He used to believe it.

Now, he doesn't believe it anymore.

Not all ghosts smell bad. Chapter 13, Section 13: Shimizu Mio: Little brother, she just wants your body!

In front of the courtyard walkway, Qing Shui Chaoyang, who had changed into another set of dry clothes, was sitting quietly.

After taking a shower and having dinner, he didn't know what to do, so he came to the courtyard to sit in a daze.

After all, there were no cell phones, PDAs, or good anime and novels in the Heian period. If a person felt bored and wanted to pass the time, they could only stare blankly.

Of course, this doesn't mean there weren't games to pass the time during the Heian period. Games like koju (ancient football), Go (Weiqi), and shuttlecock kicking had already crossed the ocean and quickly become popular.

It's just that Shimizu Asahi isn't interested in these games.

Thinking about it carefully, it's not unreasonable that he spends all his time studying or practicing Yin-Yang techniques.

After all, if he doesn't do these things, he'll have nothing else to do.

After sitting in the hallway for a while, Shimizu Mio washed the dishes and came to his side.

"Thank you for your hard work, sister."

Qingshui Chaoyang kindly handed her a cup of hot water.

Hot tea should have been served at this time, but it's not appropriate to drink tea right after a meal, so hot water can be used instead.

Hmm... Although sitting in the courtyard drinking hot water feels a little out of place, oh well, it's nothing to worry about.

"Thank you."

Taking the teacup from her younger brother, Shimizu Mio smiled gently, then asked with feigned concern, as if she knew nothing about it.

"By the way, Chaoyang, did you finish the assessment? Were you injured?"

"Don't worry, sister, I'm not hurt, but I failed the test. The monster ran away before I arrived."

"Hey, the monster ran away?" the older sister exclaimed in surprise. "Your luck is a bit off."

"So the Onmyoji Bureau is going to re-assess you?"

"Yes, there are no suitable assessment tasks at the moment, we have to wait for the teacher to notify us."

"But sister, I don't think I'm unlucky."

Thinking of Ibuki acting like a little girl yesterday evening, Shimizu Asahi couldn't help but smile happily.

Seeing the smile on her younger brother's face, Shimizu Mio's eyes twitched.

She knew everything about Shimizu Asahi's actions over the past few days. There were only two things that made him happy: the monster's voluntary departure and his acquaintance with Ibuki Doji.

His smile could be because of the monster, or it could be because of Ibuki-dōji.

But her woman's intuition told her that Shimizu Asahi was smiling because of Ibuki Doji.

Oh dear, this is the first time my brother has ever smiled because of another woman.

Waaah, my little brother isn't just mine anymore.

Shimizu Mio once again felt like her younger brother had been taken away by another woman...

Unconsciously, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in Shimizu Mio's beautiful eyes.

But the next second she noticed her emotions and quickly composed herself.

Even if she had grievances, she could express them, but at least she couldn't show them in front of Shimizu Asahi.

So, Shimizu Mio, who was unhappy inside, asked with a gentle smile and 'curious' question, "Why do you say that?"

"Hehe... I met a good friend of Ooeyama in the old wine village. Her name is Ibuki, but she is not Ibuki Doji. It just happens to be the same name."

"A very beautiful and lovely child."

"I don't know if it's because of her personality, but she really likes to tease me, and she's always happy after she's done it."

"But she's very tactful and won't really make anyone angry... I quite enjoy chatting with her."

On a dark and cold night, what's not to like when a girl keeps you company, makes you laugh, and tries to cheer you up?

What's more, that girl is so cute and pretty.

Is that so?

Shimizu Mio's smile was a little stiff. "She seems to be a nice child. I'd like to meet her."

"Yes, if I have the chance to see it, I will definitely bring it back for my sister to see."

"My sister and she will definitely get along well."

Although Ibuki-doji's personality is somewhat childlike, Shimizu Mio is gentle and doesn't get angry, so...

They will definitely get along very well.

"Hmm, hmm... we'll definitely get along."

Shimizu Mio forced a smile. If they really met again, and Shimizu Asahi really brought her back, how would she face it?

Beat him up?

Or should we kick them out?

Ugh, this is such a difficult decision.

"By the way, Asahi, you said her name is Ibuki? Isn't she really Ibuki-dōji?"

Suppressing her emotions, Shimizu Mio reminded him as an older sister.

Although she didn't want to mention the name, anyone who mentioned the name Ibuki would definitely think of Ibuki Doji, so it would be strange if she didn't ask the question.

"Actually, I've thought about this issue too. After all, when Ibuki talks about the Demon King, although he uses honorifics, he doesn't show much respect. It's like he's just saying an ordinary name."

At first, Shimizu Asahi didn't think much of it, but after Ibuki got drunk, he felt something was strange, so he thought about it carefully.

Ibuki-dōji was a demon king revered and respected by countless evil spirits of Mount Ōe. When they mentioned his name, they felt only respect and fear. Under such circumstances, would any evil spirit of Mount Ōe name himself Ibuki?

Therefore, Shimizu Asahi also considered the possibility that Ibuki was Ibuki Doji.

However, his interactions with Ibuki over the past few days have left him hesitant to confirm his suspicions.

The legendary Ibuki-dōji was fierce, cruel, and capricious, a typical villain.

He said he saw a girl who liked to play pranks and jokes, and who remained quiet even when drunk.

He simply couldn't connect such a girl with Ibuki Doji.

A couple of days ago, he was wondering whether to confirm his guess with Ibuki, but then he thought that none of that mattered anymore.

If Ibuki really is Ibuki-dōji, then she must have her reasons for not telling, especially since he and Ibuki have become friends.

Since that's the case, hasn't he achieved his goal?

Therefore, whether or not to ask this question is no longer important.

"Oh, I see..."

Shimizu Mio's smile became even more forced.

She initially thought Shimizu Asahi wasn't aware of the issue, but it turned out he had already considered it and even stated that it wasn't important anymore...

Ugh, since you've considered this issue, why don't you think more deeply about her motives, little brother?

If the Demon King of Mount Ooe is willing to befriend you, then all he wants is your body. Why can't you see through that?

She wanted to tell Shimizu Asahi the truth, but all of Shimizu Asahi's words were good, without a single bad one, and he himself said that he didn't care about the issue anymore. Given her personality, she might bring it up again at most, but that would probably be of no use.

Damn it, I have to tell Kuzunoha and Tamamo about this as soon as possible! Chapter 14, Section 14: Kidomaru

The next morning, Shimizu Asahi got up early. After washing up and having breakfast, he set off with Shimizu Mio's gentle "Have a safe trip".

After walking along a long street, Shimizu Asahi arrived at the gate of a relatively large mansion in the north of Heian-kyo.

He knocked politely on the door, said "Excuse me," and then went into the courtyard.

The young student walked skillfully from the front yard to the back yard. As soon as he turned the corner, he saw a handsome young man with short red hair and yellow eyes standing under a big tree in the courtyard, blowing on the leaves.

The boy's name is Kidomaru. He is Shimizu Asahi's classmate and his only friend in the Onmyōryō (Yin-Yang Bureau).