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

"This... I'm so sorry, General, I'm not very familiar with these things, so..."

The boy rubbed his head, responding somewhat shyly, but then he smiled and invited, "Since General and Ye Zi are here too, why don't we think of a name together?"

"Together? That's a good idea. Well then, let's think of names that suit both your surname and ours."

Ye Zi blinked, feeling a little happy. Since the princess had entered the Tamura family, she would naturally have to refer to herself as a daughter of the Tamura family in public. Therefore, it was inevitable that she would take the surname Tamura. As for Shimizu, that was the princess's own request. Moreover, if the princess and the gentleman got together, then the surname Shimizu could be used openly and legitimately.

However, bringing up this topic, Yezi couldn't help but think of her own name, Shimizu Yezi. It sounds like a pretty name, doesn't it...?

"Then... let's all think about it together."

Tamura chuckled and indicated that it was no problem.

So the three of them started discussing what kind of name they should choose.

The surname Shimizu is quite good, and many characters can be used to match it, but Tamura is not so good. It is much more difficult to find a surname that can be used for both surnames than before.

However, after a heated discussion, the princess's name was finally decided.

Tamura Reiko... or Shimizu Reiko, that's the princess's name.

Well, because Shimizu Asahi felt that no other name was suitable, only the character "Rin" matched the princess perfectly and also suited both surnames, so they wouldn't accept a name without "Rin". However, they couldn't just use "Rin" as the character, so at Yoko's suggestion, they added "lezi" after "Rin", and it became "Reiko".

Hmm, this name is not bad. At least Shimizu Asahi doesn't feel too out of place.

"Reiko...is this my name...?" After confirming her name, Princess...no, Tamura Reiko murmured her name softly. Although it was just a name, she felt that it carried many meanings.

This would be her title from then on, the title that accompanied her throughout her life, until her death!

"...Thank you, Yoko, Father, Shimizu!"

Tamura Reiko thanked the three of them happily, and seeing her joyful expression, the three of them also smiled.

"Alright, Lingzi's matter has been resolved. Now it's time to let the world know."

"Lingzi, from now on you will be Yezi's older sister. After all, you two look so alike. People will be more likely to accept it if you say you are sisters."

After deciding on Reiko's next steps, Tamura Shibin continued, "Also, you and your husband should prepare yourselves to come with me to meet the Daimyo tomorrow morning."

"To meet your esteemed name?"

Shimizu Asahi and Tamura Reiko exchanged a glance, their expressions puzzled.

"Yes, this island incident was only able to end safely thanks to you, sir. This is all your merit, so I will request the Daimyo to bestow a reward tomorrow. At least something to make amends for the mistakes we humans made this time..."

......

An endless, deep blue sky enveloped the entire expanse, with glittering stars and a bright moon shining brightly. The capital of the Mountain City Kingdom was sleeping peacefully, and both the common people and the demons maintained the utmost tranquility at this most profound moment.

However, within this tranquility, there is a subtle, unsettling noise.

At the Tamura residence, a faint light broke the quiet darkness. Shimizu Asahi and Tamura Reiko opened their eyes and got out of bed. After a quick wash, they left the mansion, led by Tamura Samurai.

They were going to meet the daimyo of Yamashiro Province.

Yesterday at noon, Tamura Shigemitsu proposed taking them to meet the daimyo and request a reward. Shimizu Asahi wanted to refuse this proposal. After all, only a fool would choose to leave his warm bed to deal with a bunch of brainless old men at three or four in the morning.

Besides, if Lingzi goes along, they will inevitably question her or even make things difficult for her. If this makes Lingzi unhappy, then it will be a loss.

However, Tamura was adamant and said that they only needed to come along, and he would take care of everything else.

Since Tamura had put it that way, Shimizu Asahi naturally couldn't refuse. So, after discussing it with Reiko, he finally agreed to go together.

After leaving Tamura's house, the three of them followed the road to the vicinity of the Imperial Palace in the western district.

Since Heian-kyo had not yet been established, the imperial palace of the Heian period had not yet appeared. The residences where the daimyo lived were merely large, luxurious palaces that bore the name of an imperial palace.

Upon arriving at the palace, they had to wait because the palace gates were not yet open. While they waited, the other court officials who were qualified to attend court also arrived.

Because they all served in the same court and saw each other frequently, even if they had conflicts, as long as it wasn't a serious falling out, they would simply exchange greetings.

For example, right now, questions like "What did you eat yesterday?" and "What did your child do?" are uttered, leaving people speechless. However, after a brief greeting, the powerful ministers' gazes are focused on Shimizu Asahi and Tamura Reiko... Chapter 283 Title... Suzuka Gozen! ?

Normally, people go to court alone, or at most with a few servants. Scenes like Tamura-ji bringing two juniors are extremely rare.

Then, an elderly man with white hair walked up to Tamura and asked with some curiosity, "General Tamura, what are you... trying to do? Even Miss Yoko shouldn't just come in without important business, let alone a boy that none of us have ever seen before."

In response to the old man's question, Tamura Samurai simply replied, "I will report this matter to the daimyo himself, so there's no need for Lord Maro to trouble himself with it."

"General, this is not..."

The man named Maro seemed to want to say something more, but just then, a faint chime came from inside the palace, and at the same time, a crisp creaking sound rang out, and the red gate blocking everyone's way was slowly opened.

"Alright, let's talk about this later, Lord Maro. It's time for court."

After speaking to Lord Maro, Tamura said to Shimizu Asahi and Reiko, "Sir, Reiko, please wait here for a moment. A guard will come to take you inside shortly."

"Okay, we understand."

After responding, Shimizu Asahi and Tamura Reiko watched as a group of dignitaries walked towards the palace.

After everyone had disappeared, the two waited quietly. However, perhaps because they had gotten up a little early, Shimizu Asahi clearly felt that his energy was running low.

He rubbed his stomach and then leaned against the wall.

Having grown accustomed to three meals a day, including breakfast, he found it rather difficult to adjust to the routine of eating dinner at 4 p.m. and then having lunch at 10 a.m. the next day.

Especially now, he hasn't eaten for twelve hours, only having eaten some fruit in between.

"I hope the general can act quickly."

He murmured this with a hint of helplessness.

Shortly after he said this, several guards came out and approached the two men, saying, "Gentlemen, the lord has summoned you. Please come with us."

This swift action surprised Shimizu Asahi, but the next moment he laughed. Tamura Samurai was indeed a general; even in court, he was so decisive and efficient.

Following the escorting guards, Shimizu Asahi and Tamura Reiko quickly arrived at the main hall of the Imperial Palace.

"I've met your esteemed name, Shimizu Asahi!"

"I've met your name, Tamura Reiko."

Upon entering the main hall, Shimizu Asahi immediately greeted everyone, and Reiko, standing beside him, echoed her.

"Are these two the heroes who helped the general defeat the sea monster?"

At the head of the table, the daimyo, who looked to be in his thirties or forties, revealed an amused expression. He chuckled as he looked at Shimizu Asahi and Tamura Reiko, and then said, "Not bad, not bad. Although Mr. Shimizu looks very young, his charm is truly undeniable. Even Tamura Yoko cannot compare. No wonder the general speaks so highly of him."

"And this one, if I didn't know that Tamura Yoko was seriously injured and still recuperating, I probably would have mistaken her for Tamura Yoko at first glance... I never imagined that you, General Tamura, had another daughter. You really hid it very well."

Upon hearing Daimyo's words, Shimizu Asahi immediately narrowed his eyes and scanned his surroundings.

He noticed that although the powerful figures standing on either side all wore expressions of dissatisfaction, they never stepped forward to speak, as if they had already been reprimanded.

'As expected of General Tamura, I thought we'd come here to fight them, but I didn't expect him to resolve everything so quickly.'

This was indeed somewhat unexpected for Shimizu Asahi, after all, this was a powerful minister in the imperial court, and Tamura Samurai was able to resolve it so quickly... Even he had to admit that it was impressive.

"Thank you, my lord."

After looking around, he looked away and humbly replied, "It's what I should do."

"Hehe, good, as expected of the people of my Mountain City Kingdom."

Daming laughed heartily, seemingly very satisfied with his answer. After laughing, he changed the subject and said, "However, it is only natural and right to reward those who have made contributions. I heard from the general that you have been traveling around and making your home wherever you go, but you have not yet found a place to settle down. In that case, I will choose a good place for you to settle down."

"As for Tamura Reiko, I will bestow upon her the title of 'Suzuka Lady-in-Waiting'. What do you think?"

"W-what!?"

The Emperor's first sentence was nothing special, but his second sentence ignited the entire scene.

"Before the Emperor! That's an imperial title!"

Whether in this era or three hundred years later, "Zen" or "Gozen" are honorific titles for the female members of military commanders' families, bestowed by the daimyo or the emperor. Every woman who received this title had made great contributions to the country and its people.

For example, fighting on the battlefield and defeating enemy forces, or being a good parent, managing the household well, and gaining widespread fame.

Now, Reiko Tamura has gained this title simply for slaying a sea monster, which is definitely a huge win for her.

Although it may not seem to offer the same tangible rewards as Shimizu Asahi, this title is enough to make her the most outstanding woman in the Mountain City Kingdom—she is the only one to have received an imperial title!

Even the Lady of the Great Name is no match for her!

This is a tremendous honor!

The surrounding dignitaries were utterly shocked and couldn't help but look at her with envy and jealousy, regretting that it was Tamura Reiko who received this title, and not a woman from their family!

hateful!

However, no matter how much she regrets it, the title of Suzuka Gozen has been bestowed, and from now on, Tamura Reiko will be called Suzuka Gozen!

A deep sense of satisfaction and joy also appeared in Tamura Samurai's dark eyes.

Even he couldn't find any fault with this reward.

So, just be happy about it.

However, amidst these two polarized gazes, there was another gaze that seemed out of place.

That was the gaze of clear water and rising sun.

It was hard to imagine, or rather, astonishing; in any case, his eyes were filled with disbelief.

When he heard the daimyo bestow upon him the name Suzuka Gozen, his mind went completely blank. The unimaginable fact left him no time to think.

Suzuka Gozen? The mermaid princess on that island was Suzuka Gozen, the first leader of Mount Suzuka!?

The mermaid princess he met while fighting a siren turned out to be the legendary Suzuka Gozen... This absurd fact made Shimizu Asahi instinctively want to deny it. Traveling back three hundred years and meeting Suzuka Gozen, what kind of plot is this? Even if it's a coincidence, it's too much of a coincidence, isn't it? Chapter 284: I am the person Suzuka Gozen is looking for?

Although Shimizu Asahi instinctively wanted to deny the coincidence, he couldn't.

The moment the name Suzuka Gozen appeared, his intuition told him that this was it, the name he had been searching for, the most suitable name for this mermaid girl, was Suzuka Gozen!

Without a doubt, she is the real Suzuka Gozen, the legendary leader of the sea kingdom!

Actually, he shouldn't be too surprised by this. After all, if he calms down and thinks carefully, he can match up all the information he knows.

Legend has it that Mount Suzuka is an island near Heian-kyo (Kyoto), and its owner, Suzuka Gozen, is the only remaining descendant of a mermaid in the world. Now, an island has appeared near Yamashiro Province, the predecessor of Heian-kyo, and there is a mermaid princess on that island. If these two things are connected, 80% of people will think of this story.

It's just that Shimizu Asahi didn't think about it in that way.

Meanwhile, the princess, who was standing quietly, noticed Shimizu Asahi's gaze amidst the many eyes on her. She gently turned her head and looked at him with her black eyes.