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

As the two of them grew closer together day by day, Shimizu Mio couldn't help but panic.

Although she anticipated that Ali's offensive would be fierce, she did not expect it to be this fierce.

This kind of undisguised emotion, so intense that it evokes a strong desire to respond, is absolutely unfair.

If they continue to spend time alone together like this, there's no guarantee that her younger brother won't belong to her anymore.

Therefore, Shimizu Mio took action.

As long as Ali stays close to Shimizu Asahi, she will inevitably insert herself into their relationship, never giving them any time alone. Even if she is unable to be with Asahi due to certain matters, she will find various reasons to keep Ali by her side.

In short, it is absolutely impossible for the two of them to be alone together.

She wanted to nip any possibility of the philanderer in the bud!

After the operation began, their progress slowed down considerably.

However, even with Shimizu Mio present, Ari only toned it down a bit; her offensive was still present.

Besides, if she'll take action, Ali will naturally do the same... She'll definitely create opportunities for herself in various ways, just like this chance encounter.

Such an incident might be one thing, but if it happens a few more times, Shimizu Mio worries that Shimizu Asahi will no longer belong to her alone.

"We must ask Kuzunoha and Tamamo for help!"

Amidst a touch of tension and panic, the thought resurfaced in Shimizu Mio's mind once again.

After realizing that she could not effectively control Ari, Shimizu Mio had the idea of ​​asking for help.

In fact, she had wanted to ask Kuzunoha and Tamamo for help at the last gathering.

She just forgot about it because there were too many trivial matters that time.

When she recalled this incident, Ibuki-dōji's disappearance and Aonō-fu's indifference made her subconsciously relax her consideration in this regard, so she never mentioned it.

But now, Ali's powerful offensive is putting her under immense pressure. Not to mention during the day, she is now having trouble sleeping at night because of her worries.

She was terrified that when she woke up the next day, Ali would be lying next to her younger brother...

In order to save Chaoyang, she had no choice but to seek help from her 'sisters' as quickly as possible.

The reason she agreed to take A-Li to see the flowers was partly because she genuinely wanted to fulfill A-Li's expectations, and partly because she wanted Kuzuno and Tamamo to meet her.

Only by seeing Ali in person can 'they' give the best advice.

With this thought in mind, time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the next morning.

Because they were going to see the flowers today, the Shimizu family got up early.

After a quick wash, the four of them left home with lunchboxes and sake.

With light steps, the group quickly arrived at the foot of the mountain where Tamamo-no-Mae's family lived.

As spring draws to a close and summer approaches, lush greenery begins to spread, clear springs begin to gurgle once more, and the mountains and forests are coming back to life.

Strolling through this enchanting mountain forest, the Shimizu family chatted and laughed.

Amidst joyful laughter and chatter, they arrived at the Inari Shrine... Chapter 138, Section 141: The younger brother has grown up and no longer follows his older sister.

"Mio, Asahi, long time no see. Hmm...and who are those two?"

In the main hall of the shrine, the black-haired 'shrine maiden' in the main seat smiled as she watched her friend's family approach.

However, before the smile could fully bloom, a hint of curiosity was revealed.

He saw the two girls behind Shimizu Mio and Shimizu Asahi.

"It's been a long time, Tamamo."

"It's been a long time, Lady Tamamo-no-Mae."

The Shimizu siblings responded warmly.

Then, Shimizu Asahi turned to the side, exposing Aonobu and Ari completely to Tamamo-no-Mae, and introduced them: "Let me introduce them, Lady Tamamo-no-Mae. This is Aonobu, and this is Ari. They are my and my sister's friends."

"Tamazo-sama."

After the black-haired boy introduced himself, Qingnufang and Ali greeted him respectfully.

Tamamo-no-Mae carefully examined the two girls, and then revealed a gentle smile.

"Don't be so formal, have a seat."

"Thank you, Lady Tamamo-no-Mae."

The girls thanked him and then sat down next to Shimizu Asahi.

Despite Tamamo-no-Mae's advice not to be too reserved, they still couldn't quite control themselves.

After all, the beautiful 'shrine maiden' before them was a legendary great yokai who could stand shoulder to shoulder with the gods. How could they not be restrained when they were well aware of the difference in strength?

"Hehe." Perhaps sensing the girls' mood, Tamamo-no-Mae smiled and took out teacups, pouring them tea. "Please, don't be shy."

This kind gesture surprised the two women, who showed a slight look of astonishment, but quickly recovered.

"Ah, thanks."

Tamamo-no-Mae nodded in response to the girls' thanks, and then looked at Shimizu Mio.

"You're here early today, Mio."

"After all, this is the first time our three families have enjoyed the flowers together, so we're really looking forward to it," Shimizu Mio replied with a light laugh. But after saying that, she glanced at the open door and asked, "Speaking of which, where are Aika and Hagoromo? Are they still asleep?"

"Aika is preparing the pastries for later, while Hagoromo is still with Kuzunoha. He will come with Kuzunoha and Seimei later."

"Eh, isn't Hagoromo at the shrine?" Shimizu Mio murmured softly.

"That child seems to be competing with Seimei. He wants to challenge Seimei to a duel every day. I saw that he was having a hard time running back and forth every day, so I let him stay at Abe's house."

As she spoke, a hint of helplessness, as if saying "the child has grown up," appeared on the 'shrine maiden's' face.

Seeing the child you've raised with so much effort running off to other people's homes every day... even if it's your best friend's house, it still makes you a little emotional.

"Yes, I understand that feeling."

Seeing Tamamo-no-Mae's expression, Shimizu Mio felt as if she had found a kindred spirit. Her eyes lit up, and she said with deep empathy, "The child has grown up. She has her own thoughts and goals, and she won't only have eyes for us anymore."

"I wouldn't be surprised if they said they wanted to leave us one day."

"We raised them, but we have to give them to others... It's so hard for us."

"One day... no, I feel the sunrise is leaving me right now..."

As the gentle, black-haired girl spoke, her gaze drifted to her younger brother beside her.

Those beautiful black eyes carried a hint of melancholy.

"Sister, you're overthinking it."

Faced with her sister's resentment, Shimizu Asahi smiled and said, "I won't leave you."

Although he didn't know why his sister would suddenly say those things, it didn't stop him from comforting her.

"Really?" Shimizu Mio pouted, somewhat disbelieving.

"Really!" the boy nodded again in response.

"Hmm... then I'll take it as true, sister."

The girl, having received an affirmative answer, glanced at Ali casually before turning her head away.

"..."

Sitting in the main seat, Tamamo-no-Mae stared blankly for a moment as she watched what had just happened, before a hint of doubt appeared on her face.

Although Shimizu Mio expressed his true feelings, he felt as if she wasn't telling him the same thing.

Tamamo-no-Mae blinked gently, pondered for a while but couldn't figure out what was wrong, and then put the question out of her mind, skipping over the topic.

Judging from Shimizu Mio's expression, it's best to avoid discussing this topic.

After the topic was dropped, Shimizu Mio returned to her usual gentle demeanor, and then the two great demons chatted about everyday matters like ordinary young ladies.

Not quite able to interject, Shimizu Asahi, along with Qingnvfang and A-Li, listened quietly.

Before long, laughter came from inside the room.

Perhaps because the atmosphere was too warm, the five members of Shimizu Asahi were unaware of the passage of time.

until......

"Father, the pastries are ready."

A clear and melodious voice broke the cozy atmosphere of the room, and the five people inside looked up at the sound—a pretty white-haired girl appeared at the door of the room.

"Oh, it's Aika... Are the pastries ready so quickly?"

Tamamo-no-Mae asked, seemingly unable to keep track of the time.

“I’ve already packed them all into lunchboxes,” Aika replied.

"Everything's ready, thank you, Aika." After thanking her daughter, the 'shrine maiden' looked at Shimizu Mio.

"Then let's go, Mio."

"Now? Aren't we waiting for Kuzuha?"

Shimizu Mio paused for a moment, then looked puzzled.

"She won't be here so soon. Let's just go to the cherry blossom field and wait for her. Yu Yi will bring them."

Although the siege of the monsters had ended a month ago, Abe Masatsugu was still busy and had to take on a lot of tasks, especially with the manpower shortage at the moment.

Therefore, the Kuzuha family will not arrive so soon.

"Oh, I see. Well then, there's nothing we can do but go ahead."

Shimizu Mio nodded knowingly.

The decision made by the two most senior elders should be obeyed by Shimizu Asahi and the others.

Soon enough, everyone gathered in the main hall of the shrine.

After repeatedly making sure they hadn't forgotten anything, the group headed towards the cherry blossom field.

The cherry blossom garden belonging to the Tamamo-no-Mae family is located on the summit of another mountain. Because Tamamo-no-Mae planted cherry blossom trees all over that mountain, the summit is the most beautiful place to enjoy them.