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

Upon hearing this, Shimizu Asahi gave her a reassuring smile and said, "Don't worry, I'll be careful."

Seeing that he said that, Ye Zi had nothing to say and could only watch him from the side.

However, Shimizu Asahi was indeed well-behaved; he did not get drunk until the end of the banquet.

Although he did not adopt the custom of worshipping gods and the custom of ringing the bell at midnight, he did adopt the custom of ringing the bell at midnight.

After all, this moment is very meaningful.

In addition, the bell is timed using Yin-Yang magic, so it does not require human intervention. As soon as the time comes, it will resound throughout the entire Suzuka Mountain.

As the bell rang, the lively banquet came to an end. The islanders began to clean up the trash and bottles on the tables, and some of the drunkards were sent home with the help of their friends.

After confirming that Shimizu Asahi was only slightly drunk, Reiko and Yoko asked their father to take him home while they went to help him pack.

Upon returning to Suzuka Palace, Shimizu Asahi told Tamura Shimo to go back to his room and rest, saying he would just need some time alone. Tamura Shimo, also slightly tipsy, didn't refuse. After pouring him a glass of water, he went back to his room to rest.

After the door was closed, Shimizu Asahi sat quietly inside for a while, and then he went out onto the terrace.

Suzuka-dono is located on the mountainside of the highest peak of Mount Suzuka. Although it is not the highest point of Mount Suzuka, it offers a panoramic view of the villages below.

For example, right now, the village, still brightly lit, is clearly reflected in the depths of Qingshui Chaoyang's eyes.

A cool night breeze blew in from the distant sea, slowly clearing his somewhat groggy mind. He looked at the island, which was already taking shape and filled with laughter, and couldn't help but smile.

Sometimes, Shimizu Asahi feels that building Suzuka Mountain is like raising a child.

When I was a child, Suzuka Mountain was extremely poor and had nothing, just like a newborn child, pure and innocent.

But gradually, with the careful nurturing of its parents, villages, warships, and people appeared on Suzuka Mountain. It began to grow and become stronger, just like a robust teenager of sixteen or seventeen.

Perhaps it is not the real Suzuka Mountain yet, but as long as it continues to move forward at its own pace, Suzuka Mountain will eventually grow into what it is today.

It will become the 'home' that rules the seas three hundred years from now, making all the sea monsters laugh out loud.

Deep in Shimizu Asahi's heart, he felt immense pride and honor, because Suzuka Mountain belonged to him, to Reiko, to Yoko, to all the people here—it was built by them all...

This is what he is most proud of.

However, as he watched Suzukayama gradually grow and get back on track, a strange thought arose deep within him.

He knew very well what he was about to face and what he should do.

However, he never truly faced it.

Until tonight, overwhelmed by the gratitude of the people of Suzuka Mountain and spurred on by strong liquor, he began to confront his own problems.

—Is it time for me to leave?

Previously, he thought his goal was to help Reiko completely build Suzuka Mountain, but now he understands that his purpose in coming here is not to completely build Suzuka Mountain, but to plan a path for Suzuka Mountain that will continue to thrive even after he leaves.

"Three hundred years later, there's no trace of me on Mount Suzuka..."

Yes, he finally remembered. Three hundred years later, on Mount Suzuka, everyone remembered Ōtakemaru, and everyone knew that he was the master of Mount Suzuka, but he, Reiko, and Yoko had all disappeared without a trace.

No... that might not be quite right. Scorpion, Umi-no-Machi, and many other spirits of Suzuka Mountain remember Reiko, but he and Yoko have vanished without a trace...

He didn't know if Ye Zi also left after him, since he didn't know what happened after he left, but he knew that fate had destined him to disappear from this era.

His history ends here...

"If I could, I'd love to grow up alongside it..."

Looking longingly at the village below, the black-haired boy murmured something softly.

Before the time of parting arrives, everyone waits for it to come. But when parting is imminent, or even just around the corner, people wish that the time of parting could slow down.

Everyone is like that.

A helpless smile appeared on his face.

"..."

"..."

Silence spread quietly in the air. Qing Shui Chaoyang stood there silently, and as the light deep in his eyes gradually disappeared, his helplessness turned into gentleness.

"Alright, it's about time the period of depression passed."

"Although we are about to part ways, there are still things I can do. I can't continue to be depressed, and besides... this isn't like me."

"Let's walk to the end with a smile." Chapter 393, Section 396: Goodbye, Suzuka Mountain, goodbye, my 'home'.

Since realizing he was about to leave this era, Shimizu Asahi began to nurture Ōtakemaru, intentionally or unintentionally. Although he hoped that Reiko, as an older sister, could provide more help to Ōtakemaru, he, as her husband, knew his wife too well. Managing such a tedious matter as Suzuka Mountain was impossible for her. After he left, she would probably just entrust the affairs of Suzuka Mountain to Ōtakemaru, let him grow up, and then leave Suzuka Mountain.

Therefore, he could only try his best to train Ōtakemaru while he was still alive.

Under his deliberate guidance, Ōtakemaru gradually matured. Although he was still somewhat impulsive, he had improved a lot compared to before.

He used to only think about fighting and killing, but now he can think things through and make more reasonable choices.

As Shimizu Asahi watched Ōtakemaru grow up, his heart gradually calmed down.

That way, I can leave in peace.

And just like that, half a year passed in the blink of an eye.

In the past six months, Suzuka Mountain has grown larger and larger. The small island, which originally had less than a hundred people, has expanded to a scale of more than two hundred to nearly three hundred people. At the same time, Suzuka Mountain's reputation and prestige have grown, and some monsters that could not survive in other sea areas have begun to head towards Suzuka Mountain.

Even if Shimizu Asahi and Reiko stop going on adventures, sirens will still join Suzuka Mountain.

Riding on the momentum of Suzuka Mountain's rise, the first batch of soldiers of Suzuka Mountain has finally been formed. Even if all the high-end combat forces such as Shimizu Asahi leave Suzuka Mountain, Suzuka Mountain is no longer a power without any defenses.

“That kid, Ōtakemaru… has grown up.”

Halfway up the main peak, Qingshui Chaoyang looked at the bustling scene before him, and a deep sense of satisfaction and fascination appeared on his face.

My own 'children' and my own younger brother are growing up healthily step by step.

"Hmm... I believe that Suzuka Mountain will be fully completed within two years."

"Once Suzuka Mountain is completed, we can completely let Ōtakemaru manage it."

Beside the black-haired boy, the mermaid princess stretched comfortably, then smiled happily and mischievously, saying, "After Ōtakemaru takes over Suzuka Mountain, let's go on an adventure."

"I'll travel all over the ocean and traverse the entire continent. Once I've had my fill of fun, I'll come back and tell these stories to Ōtakemaru."

The idea of ​​going on an adventure at sea suddenly came to Reiko as she grew up in Suzuka Mountain. Her initial idea was to command the sirens and provide a warm haven for the homeless ones.

She had previously believed that no one but herself could shoulder the responsibility of commanding the sirens.

However, when Shimizu Asahi entrusted the important task of managing Suzuka Mountain to Ōtakemaru, and Ōtakemaru did not disappoint her expectations, not only growing rapidly but also managing Suzuka Mountain in an orderly manner, she suddenly felt that entrusting Suzuka Mountain to Ōtakemaru seemed to be a good choice.

This is a successor who can take over the command of Suzuka Mountain and protect it.

Therefore, she had a completely new idea.

Whether as a monster or a living being, her nature drives her to pursue freedom.

What could be more fun than adventure?

Although I feel a little sorry for Ōtakemaru, this is probably the result Ōtakemaru hoped for.

Having wandered the seas for so long, he probably longs to live with his 'family' in this home more than to embark on adventures.

Although the little guy didn't say it out loud, Shimizu Asahi and the others could tell that he had already regarded Suzuka Mountain as his home, and that it was something he would do anything to protect.

Therefore, even if it were asked to accompany them on a sea adventure, he would refuse without hesitation.

“If you and I both leave, who will protect Mount Suzuka? It was you who decided to build this island, but now you’re abandoning it and leaving. You’re really unfit.”

Perhaps, that little guy would say the same thing.

Imagining the little guy's expression and tone when he said this, Yezi and Cangzi couldn't help but laugh.

"If that little guy finds out, he'll definitely throw a tantrum again."

Shimizu Asahi couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. His dashing wife really enjoyed teasing that little guy.

“If you don’t tell and I don’t tell, how will he know? Besides, I will give him a chance to go to sea with us. As for whether he goes or not, that’s his own business.”

Lingzi said this with her head held high and chest out, speaking with a clear conscience.

"You..."

Gently patting his wife's head, Shimizu Asahi smiled and said, "Alright, there are still many things waiting for us to take care of in Suzuka Mountain. We can talk about the sea adventure later."

"Our time to slack off is over, it's time for us to go back."

After saying that, the black-haired boy was the first to turn and leave. Miss Ye blinked and said helplessly, "You were the first one to hand over the work to Ootakemaru. Among us, you are the only one who has no right to say that, Asahi."

"Alright, Yezi, even if you say that, the master will only use the excuse that 'I'm really training Ootengu' to fob us off."

"Let's go back for dinner."

The group returned to Suzuka Palace from the mountainside. Ōtakemaru, who had been working at Suzuka Palace all day, couldn't help but complain as soon as he saw them return.

He said he works so hard, busy from morning till night, while they only know how to go out and play. They don't even think about sharing the workload with him and don't care about their younger brother at all.

However, Ōtakemaru's complaints did not make Shimizu Asahi and the others feel ashamed. After all, they were already used to the little guy's resentful gaze, and naturally, they had also mastered how to deal with this resentful look.

If you cook him something delicious in the evening, he will obediently put his grievances aside and continue to do so the next day.

Those who possess the Noble Phantasm against Ōtakemaru can do whatever they want.

Soon, dinner was served by Shimizu Asahi, and under the influence of Shimizu Asahi's delicious food, Ōtakemaru successfully cast aside his resentment and once again chose to forgive them.

After dinner, the family gathered together for a short chat before going to their respective rooms to rest.

As darkness gradually fell, the deep darkness began to envelop the entire Suzuka Mountain. Since the establishment of Suzuka Mountain, the nights have remained as quiet as ever.

But tonight, in the Suzuka Palace, in the room reserved only for the Shimizu sisters, Asahi and Reiko, the black-haired boy who had been sleeping peacefully gently opened his eyes... Chapter 397, Section 394: Three Hundred Years Later, I... Have Returned.

The next morning, the gentle and warm sun slowly rose, and its soft light caressed the faces of the two people in the room like a warm hand. Lingzi, who was fast asleep, seemed to sense something and moved her eyes. Then, she opened her eyes.

"Well......"

The white-haired mermaid habitually rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up with a yawn.

Then she discovered that the spot where her husband should have been was empty.

"Has the water started flowing yet?"

As the girl thought this, she got up from the bed.