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

"However, this is not something that can be controlled overnight. In fact, I think even if I reforge enough weapons, it will be difficult for him to forge one."

"Even so, it doesn't matter. Ōtakemaru will have to master these things sooner or later. Letting him train earlier now will allow him to grow sooner."

"Well... never mind, since you put it that way, let's continue like this..."

Reiko paused for a moment, then realized that Shimizu Asahi's words made sense, so she gave up trying to persuade him further.

After the conversation ended, Shimizu Asahi quickly prepared dinner. He brought out roasted rabbit meat and wild vegetable soup, as well as the bowls and chopsticks he had prepared that day.

Starting today, they will be eating with bowls and chopsticks.

Although Ōtakemaru protested that they couldn't eat properly like this, Shimizu Asahi said that the protest was invalid and that they would have to eat like this from now on. If they couldn't learn it, they would just have to eat less each day.

Of course, he also knew that it would be very difficult to get used to chopsticks for the first time, so he sat down next to Ōtakemaru and taught the little guy how to use them.

Although Ōtakemaru was still a little uncomfortable, after feeling Shimizu Asahi's sincerity, he still pouted and began to learn seriously.

After the meal, Ōtakemaru gradually learned to use chopsticks. Although he was not yet proficient, he was already doing quite well.

Upon seeing that he could use chopsticks, the little guy immediately showed a proud expression. He raised his little head, and the smug look on his face was practically saying, "Praise me!"

Shimizu Asahi didn't hold back his praise. He patted the little guy's head and recited the prepared compliments. Finally, he added, "If you want to, you can succeed."

Although Ōtakemaru didn't understand what Li Mo meant by those words, Reiko, who was sitting next to him, seemed to have noticed.

She glanced at Shimizu Asahi, then at Ōtakemaru, and finally chuckled softly.

'Water really works wonders for kids. Looks like I won't have to worry too much when I have children.'

Hmm... this future ruler of the sea kingdom has a slightly erratic way of thinking.

After dinner, Lingzi washed the dishes and then went back to her room with Shimizu Asahi to rest. Soon, the next day arrived.

The three of them had a quick breakfast and then went back to their respective work.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, evening had arrived. The three of them returned to the house.

This time, however, Ōtakemaru's face was no longer sullen as it had been the day before. As soon as he returned, he sat down on a wooden stool and began to ponder. Although he didn't ask anything, Shimizu Asahi could guess that the little guy was troubled by how to forge a weapon.

Good news.

Doing what you're interested in is always more worthwhile than doing what you're not interested in. If Ōtakemaru can maintain this attitude, he might actually be able to master his demonic power before the weapon-forging mission ends.

And so, time passed little by little, and in the blink of an eye, a month had gone by.

A month later, at the foot of the eastern shore of Suzuka Mountain, Shimizu Asahi looked at the houses that had been built and couldn't help but smile happily.

"Phew...it's finally over."

"Two hundred houses can hold out for a while. Once the weapons are forged, we can absorb the sea monsters."

"However, with the arrival of the siren, we also need to prepare clothing and rice... We'll have to make a trip to the Mountain City Kingdom."

Suzuka Mountain does not have these materials. If it wants to prepare them, it must go to Yamashiro Province to purchase raw materials to get through the initial stage. Only when Suzuka Mountain can produce its own raw materials can it truly achieve self-sufficiency.

However, the thought of returning to the Mountain City Kingdom made Shimizu Asahi think of his family who were still there.

"When I get back, I need to check on Father and Yoko. And Kurako too; I wonder if she's gone back to the shrine yet..."

"See if Reiko has time. If she's not busy, let's take Ōtakemaru back with us."

With this in mind, Shimizu Asahi returned home and told Reiko about his idea. Reiko replied without hesitation that she was not busy and would have no problem leaving even if she had to leave tomorrow.

Clearly, Reiko was eager to see her father and the others.

Since his fiancée had said so, Shimizu Asahi naturally had nothing more to say, and thus decided to go back first thing tomorrow morning. Chapter 378, Section 375: Tamura Samurai's Not-So-Good Life

The next morning, Shimizu Asahi, along with Reiko and Ōtakemaru, set off for Yamashiro Province. With the speed of the paper cranes, they quickly arrived in the skies above Yamashiro Province.

Following the path they remembered, they landed directly in the courtyard of the Tamura family without disturbing anyone.

Because they concealed themselves, even the servants inside the mansion did not notice them.

Although they thought the servants in the mansion wouldn't distance themselves from Reiko because of her true identity, the relationship between humans and yokai in this era was ultimately too terrible. What if, what if someone spoke ill of Reiko because of her yokai identity? Wouldn't that ruin their good mood of returning home?

Therefore, the two decided to be cautious.

However, when they entered the mansion, they suddenly realized that the atmosphere seemed a little off.

"Shimizu, the atmosphere at home feels so different."

"Hmm...it was as if something was shrouded in shadow, and the servants' faces were filled with worry and anxiety, as if something was forcing them to do something."

Shimizu Asahi nodded gently, then squinted his eyes.

"It seems that a lot has happened to Father during the time we were away."

"Let's go see Father."

"Ah."

After a brief conversation, the three of them quickly headed towards Tamura Samurai's study.

A short while later, they arrived at the study door. After carefully looking around to make sure no one else was there, Shimizu Asahi raised her hand and knocked on the door.

"Dong dong dong."

A melodious and rhythmic sound rang out, and as the knocking sounded, a slightly tired and aged voice came from inside the house.

"Come in."

With permission granted, the black-haired boy opened the door and stepped inside, followed by Reiko and Ōtakemaru.

And Ōtakemaru, who was leaving last, very considerately closed the door behind him.

However... their entry shocked Tamura Shiro, who was inside the house, because they were still invisible, so they were stunned upon seeing this scene.

"monster!?"

“It’s not a monster, it’s us, Father.”

Shimizu Asahi dispelled the invisibility spell on his body and said with a smile, "Father, we've come back to see you."

"Father, I'm sorry it's been so long since I came back to see you."

A hint of longing and joy appeared on Lingzi's face, but a trace of embarrassment also lingered in her pale yellow eyes.

"Shimizu and I should have returned a month ago, but we had some things to take care of, so it was delayed until now."

"How are you doing? Are you in good health?"

"Hehehe, good. It's good that my body can still go to the battlefield and fight. But now that you've come back, my body is even better."

Upon seeing his son-in-law and daughter return, Tamura Shigeaki, who had initially looked somewhat tired, suddenly perked up. He laughed heartily, then stood up and walked over to the two of them.

After carefully examining the two of them, his smile grew even wider.

"Okay, seeing that you all treat me so well makes me feel at ease."

"Come, sit down."

After confirming that the two had not wronged him, he took Shimizu Asahi's hand and led them to the low table, asking them to sit down so he could have a proper chat with them.

However, after sitting down, he suddenly noticed Ōtakemaru.

"This little guy... is he the monster from the port a month ago?"

Although they were quite far apart, he quickly recognized Ōtakemaru's identity.

"Yes, his name is Ōtakemaru. He lives with us in Suzuka Mountain now, so he's like our younger brother."

Shimizu Asahi gave a brief explanation, and then said to Ōtakemaru, "Ōtakemaru, this is my and Reiko's father, Tamura Samurai. He is the best general in Yamashiro Province."

"...Oh, hello."

Ōtakemaru blinked, glanced at Tamura Samurai briefly, and then greeted him with a lack of interest.

Although he acknowledges Shimizu Asahi and Reiko as his family, it doesn't mean he acknowledges anyone else, even if that person is their father; he won't show them much respect because of that.

No matter what, he is a siren, and as a siren, strength is what matters.

However... after all, he was their father, so after thinking for a moment, he still added a hello.

"Hehe, this little guy seems a bit shy."

The little guy's attitude didn't make Tamura Shige feel unwelcome; instead, it made him smile with his eyes narrowed.

Clearly, because of Shimizu Asahi and Reiko, the old man regarded him as his junior.

"Yes, Father is really good. He could tell right away that the little guy was a bit shy."

The black-haired boy immediately laughed, reached out and rubbed the little guy's head, suppressing the protest and dissatisfaction that Ōtakemaru was about to utter.

"Haha, you guys have such a good relationship."

Tamura chuckled, then, as if remembering something, he gently patted his head and said, "Oh right, how could I forget about Yoko and Kurako? You wait here, I'll go and call them now."

"Kurako? Hasn't she left yet?"

Upon hearing the name, Reiko reacted immediately. She had thought that this annoying person would leave soon after Shimizu Asahi left, but she never expected that she would still be here.

“Izumo Taisha doesn’t have any festivals to prepare for recently. The Shin-zai-sai and the New Year’s Day are still a while away, so Kurako said she’d stay here a little longer.”

After explaining why Kurako had stayed there, Tamura asked the three of them to wait a moment, then got up and left the room.

However, as soon as Tamura Shiki left, the smile on Shimizu Asahi's face slowly disappeared.

He looked at his fiancée beside him and said, "Lingzi, it seems that your father hasn't been doing well lately."

"Not only is she not feeling well, but she also looks much older."

"Is it because of us...?"

"Perhaps... let's ask Father directly. Even if Father doesn't say, we can ask Yoko and Kurako."

After a brief discussion, the two nodded and then fell silent.

Soon, Tamura Samurai, who had left the room, returned, with Yoko and Kurako behind him.

The two girls immediately showed joy upon seeing the two people inside the house, and even the usually calm Kurako couldn't control her emotions.

They approached Shimizu Asahi and Reiko, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Asahi (Mr.), Reiko (Sister)! You're back?"

"Yes, we've come to see you." Chapter 376, Section 379: What happened?