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

A month ago, members of the royal family suddenly came to their village and told them that danger would soon befall them and that they should leave the village temporarily to seek refuge.

Because they were members of the royal family, none of the villagers refused them, and the place where the royal family settled them was the inner shrine of Izumo Taisha Shrine.

It was only after she came here that she had the opportunity to watch real dance and music up close.

Well, because her mother had discovered this a few times, whenever someone patted her on the shoulder, she would subconsciously assume it was her mother.

I never expected to run into Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo this time.

"I see, so you've come to seek refuge?"

After learning the details of the incident, Shimizu Asahi exclaimed "Oh!" in understanding.

As for the entity where Kiyohime was, he had some guesses about it.

If I'm not mistaken, Kiyohime should be a villager from the village across from the Snake Mound.

The only crisis facing Shenmen County this month has been the Snake Tomb incident, and the village across from the Snake Tomb is indeed deserted, so this guess is not difficult.

While the black-haired boy was slightly lost in thought, the girl who had been observing him suddenly showed a hint of disappointment. She gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with grievance and stubbornness, and said, "I... I know my dream is naive, but I will not give up. One day, I will become a priestess and find my own happiness."

"Eh?"

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted, and Qing Shui Chaoyang snapped out of his reverie.

He looked at the girl who had that expression appearing without any warning, and subconsciously showed a hint of confusion.

However, upon seeing her eyes, Shimizu Asahi understood everything.

Those were eyes that had endured much ridicule and sarcasm, eyes filled with scars.

"Is that so...? My dreams aren't recognized by others...?"

Because the gods held such a high position in the hearts of the people, the priestesses who served the gods were revered as messengers of the gods and respected by the people. They believed that priestesses were chosen by the gods and that only extremely outstanding beings could hold such a position. For this reason, no one believed that an ordinary girl from a village could become a priestess.

In this era, the opinions and attitudes of the majority represent what is correct and true. If one does not accept the opinions and views of the majority, one will be ridiculed as a fool.

She was probably often ridiculed by her fellow villagers when she was in the village.

The reason she hesitated just now was probably because she was thinking about whether or not to tell them about her dream.

Another girl who breaks my heart...

Thinking this, Shimizu Asahi's gaze softened further. He chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Sorry, I was just thinking about something else and got lost in thought for a moment. But it's a good dream. Although we've only just met, I think you can become an excellent shrine maiden."

"Really, really?"

The unexpected words startled the girl slightly, but then her eyes revealed great joy.

"You, is that really what you think?"

"Yes, really. As long as you don't give up, you'll definitely achieve your dream one day."

"Moreover, the gods will not abandon their people who have such faith in them. The gods who receive your heartfelt wishes will bless you."

With such heartfelt anticipation, Shimizu Asahi sincerely cheered her on.

P.S.: Kiyohime's story wasn't told all at once; the most important part is finding her own happiness, hehe.

Chapter 174, Section 177: Kiyohime: No, no, Mr. Shimizu, please don't!?

Kiyohime could feel it, though she didn't know why, she just could.

He was genuinely cheering her on.

There was no hidden pretense, nor any overt mockery... He genuinely believed that she could become an excellent priestess.

For the first time, she felt that gentle gaze and tone, that sincere blessing and encouragement from someone other than her own mother.

At that moment, Kiyohime felt a surge of gratitude for being recognized.

"Th-thank you... I will definitely do my best!"

She will definitely become a priestess and find her own happiness!

Seeing the girl speak with such determination, Shimizu Asahi smiled contentedly.

However, as if he suddenly thought of something, he paused for a moment, then his eyes lit up, and he cleverly suggested, "By the way, Kiyohime, would you like to come in with us?"

"Instead of learning secretly here, why don't you go in and ask the shrine maidens for guidance? Although I don't know much about the Hōdō, it must be very hard for you to learn all by yourself."

Shimizu Asahi thought her suggestion was excellent and that Kiyohime would happily agree, but unexpectedly, she did not.

The girl's expression was slightly intense. She shook her small head and said somewhat humbly, "No, I can't do that. It's already against the shrine's rules to sneak around and watch the shrine maidens practice their dance. If I were to ask the shrine maidens for guidance, then, then I would be going too far."

Indeed, for Kiyohime, being able to secretly watch the shrine maidens practice their dances was already a great honor. If she asked for more, she would not forgive herself.

The black-haired boy's smile softened even more at the boy's excited reaction and words. Although he had some suspicions, he hadn't expected the child to be so innocent.

Most people would be overjoyed to accept such an opportunity, but when she encountered it, her first thought was whether she should do it at all.

She already felt extremely guilty for secretly coming here to learn dance, and she never even considered further guidance.

She's an easily satisfied girl, yet also quite stubborn.

"It's alright, the shrine maidens won't mind. You are a person they are meant to protect, a believer in Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and they will definitely welcome you."

After a slight pause, the boy began to offer his advice.

"But...but I came here without permission, I can't..."

"You're my friend, and I invited you here, so it's okay."

Before the girl could react, Shimizu Asahi reached out and grabbed her small hand, pulling her up with force.

"Okay, cheer up, let's go inside."

"Eh, eh, no, no, Mr. Shimizu, please don't!?"

Amidst the lovely cheers, Kiyohime stepped into the inner sanctuary, a place reserved only for shrine maidens.

......

"I never imagined you had such a lovely follower, my husband."

In the quiet courtyard, Qi Dao was slightly surprised. She hadn't expected that the girl who was secretly learning to dance outside the gate would be a follower of the Han Dynasty.

"Hehehe, with so many followers, it's normal to have a few such cute little ones."

Even so, the smile on his face betrayed his truest thoughts.

"Why are you so smug? This little one believes in you so much, and you haven't even granted her wishes. You're clearly not a qualified deity."

"Your sister is right, you just like to do things that aren't worth doing."

Looking at her smug husband, Qi Dao rolled her eyes and pressed his little tail down again.

“Look at Chaoyang, that child does a better job than this god.”

"But then again, Chaoyang is just like what my sister said. He's so kind and gentle. No wonder my sister likes him so much."

"Even if it weren't for my sister, I personally like this little guy a bit."

She had seen everything Shimizu Asahi did, and it was because she had seen him with her own eyes that Qidao said those words.

The gods have the ability to see through people's hearts, perceive good and evil, and distinguish right from wrong. They can see at a glance whether the people's prayers are sincere and whether their words are genuine.

What she had just witnessed was a deep sense of goodwill, without a trace of discrimination or disdain; from beginning to end, he maintained a heart full of trust.

This is a truly kind child; no god would dislike such a child.

However, after expressing his joy, Qidao suddenly became worried.

"No wonder my sister asked me to help watch over Chaoyang. That little guy is so gentle to a stranger. If he encounters a good person, that's fine, but if he encounters a bad person, that would be terrible."

"Qidao, your sister is worrying unnecessarily. I know that little guy Chaoyang. He's very shrewd. No one can easily fool him."

"Alright, alright, let's stop talking about that. Let's discuss how to bring Asahi and Ibuki together. I already have a plan in mind, what do you think..."

With a casual wave of his hand, the big man ended the topic and then started talking about how to bring Shimizu Asahi and Ibuki Doji together.

Although Da Han wasn't a good younger brother, he was definitely a good older brother.

Well... that's what he firmly believes.

......

While Da Han and Qi Dao were discussing the second matchmaking plan, on the other side of the shrine, in the inner hall of the Kagura Hall, which was full of shrine style, the black-haired girl Kiyohime was happily receiving guidance from the shrine maiden sisters, while Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo sat to the side, watching their dance and music with a very relaxed mood.

Although Kiyohime was initially somewhat reserved, with stiff movements and a rigid mind, she gradually relaxed under the careful guidance and gentle treatment of the shrine maidens. As she relaxed, her previously flawed movements became smoother.

While Kiyohime was learning to dance with the shrine maidens, Kyogoku I also came here.

After learning that Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo had reconciled, she breathed a sigh of relief. However, when she saw Kiyohime, she showed a slight surprise.

In fact, it was Kyogoku I who was in charge of settling and taking care of those villagers. After settling the villagers, she would visit them every day, so she naturally got to know Kiyohime.

When she went to visit the villagers, she didn't see Kiyohime. She thought the little one had gone somewhere, but unexpectedly, she came to Kagura-dono and was with Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo.

Under her astonished gaze, Shimizu Asahi explained the events that had transpired... Chapter 175, Section 178: Susanoo-no-Mikoto's daughter is Inari-no-Kami.

"So that's how it is. I never thought Kiyohime had such a dream... That's why the villagers laughed at her as a fool."

After listening to Shimizu Asahi's explanation, Kyogoku I showed a hint of self-reproach.

“I’ve known that child for so long, and I didn’t understand any of this… It’s my fault, it’s all my fault. If I had understood what that child was thinking sooner, I could have made arrangements for her sooner.”

"Princess Yi, aren't you... angry?"

Blinking, Shimizu Asahi asked, half puzzled, "Kiyohime violated the shrine's rules, and I also brought her in without permission... I'm prepared to take responsibility."

“Hmm, that makes sense… If we exclude you, then Kiyohime did indeed violate the rules, and according to the rules, I should expel Kiyohime from the shrine. However, she is your friend, and that reason is enough. Right, Mr. Shimizu?”

Kyogoku I smiled gently, a hint of cunning flashing in her beautiful eyes.

"...Yes, Kiyohime is my friend."

After glancing briefly at the girl beside him, Shimizu Asahi smiled.

As long as she has the identity of being a friend of Shimizu Asahi, Kiyohime will not be punished. In fact, she can openly enter and leave the inner shrine and learn dances from the shrine maidens at any time.

Of course, Kiyohime wouldn't do that.

But that's alright, Kyogoku I will find a way to arrange it for her. This child won't be learning to dance alone anymore.