[135] Dorodango, is this an Artifact?

Kaoru walked toward Towako's mansion, intending to review her collection of relics in hopes of finding something that could either intrigue him or add value to his personal artifact collection. Beside him, Hippo, the formally dressed yet childlike butler, followed eagerly. Though he often annoyed Kaoru with his antics, Hippo was known for his professionalism and his surprisingly reliable combat skills.

After pressing the doorbell a few times, the mansion's door swung open, revealing Shiki Reika, Towako's loyal attendant. Reika was an elegant woman with a refined demeanor, yet unlike most attendants, she wore a sleek black butler suit that accentuated her figure. Her cheeks colored faintly as her eyes met Kaoru's—a reminder of an embarrassing incident from the past. Though it had only occurred within an illusion, it left her feeling awkward, especially around suggestive matters.

"Welcome, Kaoru-sama, and… Hippo-san," she greeted them in a calm voice, working to steady her nerves.

Kaoru gave a slight nod and smiled. "Shiki-san. I'm here to look over the relics Miss Towako collected. Perhaps something will catch my interest."

Reika bowed her head slightly, a gesture of respect, though there remained a hint of nervousness within her. "Understood. Please follow me, Kaoru-sama. Lady Towako has prepared the relics in the collection room."

Kaoru followed her graceful lead, with Hippo trailing behind, occasionally glancing around with curiosity. They passed through opulent corridors decorated with classic ornaments and portraits of the Yangyu family, showcasing both their wealth and rich history.

Upon reaching the collection room, Towako was already standing in front of a large table adorned with numerous gleaming relics. She turned with a graceful smile as Kaoru and his party entered the room.

"Welcome, Kaoru-san. I've prepared several relics that may interest you," Towako said warmly. "Some of these relics even appeared after Kyuubi's defeat. It seems there's much hidden away, waiting to be discovered."

Kaoru approached the table, his eyes drawn to a crescent-shaped relic that glowed softly amidst the other items. He examined it closely, feeling an unusual energy emanating from the artifact. After a moment, he picked it up.

"Do you know what this is?" he asked, showing Towako the crescent-shaped relic.

Towako squinted slightly and then reached for the notebook by her side, flipping through its pages to find information on the relic Kaoru had chosen. "That… is quite a rare item," she replied as she read carefully. "It's called the Lunar Tear. Legend has it that it was once used in ancient rituals to manipulate the phases of the moon. Some sources suggest that the Lunar Tear can enhance one's spiritual abilities at night."

Kaoru regarded the item with growing interest. "So, it's connected to lunar energy? Interesting. There must be some hidden powers we could further explore."

Towako nodded with a smile. "Yes, but do be cautious, Kaoru-san. Relics tied to lunar power can have unpredictable effects. There are accounts of users becoming ensnared by its influence if not handled correctly."

Kaoru nodded thoughtfully, carefully holding onto the Lunar Tear. "I'll be sure to exercise caution. This seems like it'll make a useful addition to my collection."

Hippo, observing the exchange with great enthusiasm, couldn't help but comment, "Master, it looks nice, but don't you already have fancier artifacts?"

Somehow, Hippo's remark made Towako's eyebrow twitch slightly, a hint of displeasure showing at the indirect critique of her family's collection. Kaoru shot Hippo a sharp look.

"It'd be best if you stayed quiet…" Kaoru warned in a firm tone, prompting Hippo to immediately close his mouth, realizing his mistake.

Kaoru then turned to Towako with an apologetic expression. "My apologies for my companion's lack of decorum."

Towako merely gave a small smile, diffusing the tension. "No worries. It seems you're surrounded by… unique individuals," she replied with a lighthearted tone, though her expression remained serious.

Kaoru nodded, and his gaze was suddenly drawn to another item on the table—a small clay ball. This relic looked simple, almost mundane among the grander items around it. However, Kaoru felt a subtle but profound energy radiating from it.

"Hm… What about this one?" he asked, inspecting the clay sphere.

Towako stepped closer, eyeing the clay ball with confusion. She opened her notebook again, trying to locate any information on the item, but found nothing. "Hold on, Reika-san," Towako turned to her attendant. "Is this item a relic? You're sure you didn't just pick it up at random?"

Reika nodded confidently. "My Lady, this item was mixed in with the other relics that surfaced after Kyuubi's defeat. My spiritual vision detected energy within it, so I assumed it was a relic."

Towako and Kaoru exchanged puzzled looks, still unsure of what to make of the plain clay ball. Meanwhile, Kaoru felt an odd yet positive sensation coming from it, as though something inside it was waiting to be revealed.

"Well, if it doesn't interest you, I'll just take it for myself," Kaoru said, looking at Towako with a calm expression. "You're fine with that, right?"

Towako sighed, shrugging in resignation. "Go ahead, take it. If it turns out to be useful, I trust you'll put it to good use."

Kaoru nodded gratefully, carefully placing the clay sphere into his special storage pouch. With the selection of relics complete, Towako invited Kaoru for a light chat in the mansion's sitting room, creating a relaxed atmosphere amid the valuable relics scattered around them.

"So, you plan to auction off the remaining relics?" Kaoru asked, eyeing the artifacts still laid out on the table.

"Well, it's the nature of my business to hold auctions for supernatural items," Towako replied with a slight nod.

Kaoru raised his eyebrows, somewhat surprised. "Oh, so you run an auction house for mystical artifacts? That's unexpected," he said with a grin.

Towako smiled faintly. "Yes, that's right. There's a whole world of collectors hungry for rare items. And I'm fortunate enough to provide what they seek." She paused for a moment, her gaze fixed on Kaoru with a thoughtful expression. "By the way, Kaoru, may I ask something of you?"

"Hm, what is it?" Kaoru replied, taking a sip of the warm coffee Reika had served him, savoring the perfect pairing with the relaxed setting.