CH. 428: Tea Ceremony

Asahi cleaned the Gae Bolg from Susanoo's blood.

[—You earned 3,400,688,000 XP for killing [Level 307 Susanoo-no-Mikoto.]

[—You have leveled up!]

[—You have leveled up!]

[—You can choose a new class.]

—Bane of Supernatural

—Spearman

—Magician

—Enigmatic Enchanter

—Deathless Tank

Getting rid of an annoying god and gaining two levels; godslaying was absolutely worth it. Unfortunately, the classes list had no new additions to speak of.

While Asahi was celebrating the achievement, the Youkai were just short of breaking into a frenzy. Susanoo, one of the most influential gods in Shinto, met an abrupt and shocking end at the hands of their savior. Even the strongest of Youkai couldn't contend with the gods, much less the old, feeble Youkai present in the room. If that wasn't enough, Youkai were already condemned among the gods for being similar to devils as they both shared the same weakness for light-based powers.

Which side should they pick in this situation?

The man who effortlessly slew a god and the savior of many of their kin, or the criticizing gods.

They were lost.

Someone had to guide them in this situation. So, all eyes turned toward their kitsune leader.

"Everyone, please don't panic. We…" Yasaka tried to calm the situation, but she couldn't find more words to say.

Asahi gave Yasaka an assuring smile. "I'll take full responsibility for my actions. If somebody here wants to avenge this idiot's death, send them to me. I'll be happy to greet them."

Susanoo's death was bound to raise some ruckus. Nothing he and his trusty fists couldn't handle. Saeko and Shiori might take the matter into her hands, for the siblings were obsessed with fighting mythology figures from Japan. Even without Yasaka in the picture, helping the Youkai wasn't a bad thing in the bigger picture. Gaining Youkai's alliance might prove helpful in the future. With Yasaka, though, helping the Youkai was a must.

"Inviting them to their death. Great," Ddraig said, sarcasm filling her voice.

Asahi's uncaring grin unnerved Yasaka. He hadn't flinched when killing Susanoo as if it was a common thing for him. It was only then she recalled his introduction as the new leader of the Underworld.

'He appears so young… could he also be old like those devils? His presence doesn't feel unholy like a devil.'

She chased the thoughts and took a sigh of relief.

Even though the Youkai were bitter about the upcoming conflict, they came forward to applaud Asahi's assistance in rescuing their brethren. They might be against Asahi if Susanoo had been a better person. Which he clearly was not. Susanoo didn't enjoy the best reputation for trying to pressure their gracious leader Yasaka into marrying him.

"Let's move to a different chamber," Yasaka proposed.

"Yes, it stinks," Rika said with a hint of disgust on her face.

Asahi glanced at the place stained by a god's blood. "Sure."

***

Every Youkai's attention was on Asahi. He felt a bit flattered by their incredible appreciation for helping them. Yasaka, on the other hand, dismissed everyone from the room, leaving her alone with Asahi and Rika. She tried probing bits and pieces about the Underworld and how he became its ruler.

'Another woman who is a lot different from my imagination.'

Yasaka of this era was serious about everything without any flirtatious aura about her, despite her suggestive appearance.

(She hasn't gone through her phase of raising Kunou… neither have I… Ahem, ignore that. I was just mumbling things.)

'You little, you love sneaking in your wishes like that, don't you?'

(Hehe.)

Asahi shook his head and looked at Yasaka. "So."

"Yes? Do you have something to say?"

"Are you perhaps married to anyone?" Asahi posed a curious question.

Yasaka flinched at Asahi's question, her eyes widening ever so slightly. She was taken aback by the sudden personal question.

"No… I have my responsibilities as the Kyuubi Maiden. Marriage isn't leisure I can afford."

Yasaka waited to see Asahi's reaction. As expected, his face became a bit brighter as if he was happy at the prospect of her being a single woman.

'The Devil King is after me… Am I reading too much into it?'

Yasaka couldn't help but sigh under her breath. First Susanoo and now the illustrious Devil King of the Underworld. She couldn't catch a break.

Asahi noticed Yasaka's raised guard and chuckled. "Am I that horrible of a person?"

"You are," Rika admitted.

"No, I didn't mean it…" Yasaka gave an embarrassed giggle, trying not to come off as disrespectful. "I only want to focus on the betterment of my people."

"A considerate leader, huh."

Yasaka returned a polite smile. "Kyuubi has been a symbol of prosperity for Youkai. I will continue to uphold the tradition."

"That's admirable," Rika commented.

"She is the strongest Youkai, yet she is so humble. Quite underwhelming for someone of her strength," Ddraig muttered her opinion on Yasaka.

'Well, some people rarely abuse their power.'

Seeing Asahi lost in thoughts, Yasaka quietly left the room, a cluster of nine blonde tails waving behind her. She returned with everything needed for a traditional tea ceremony. Asahi and Rika watched in awe as Yasaka gracefully prepared tea.

Rika looked at Asahi. "She is more traditional than a true Japanese… is this the power of a kitsune shrine maiden?"

"Yes," Asahi nodded.

Yasaka looked up with a smile and gently slid the tray towards Asahi. "Our race has deep roots in Japanese culture. Some still risk their lives to go out and gather herbs in the war-stricken country… Youkai have embraced the culture of the land that gave birth to them."

Asahi accepted the tea with a nod. "Old habits are hard to change."

Yasaka hummed and glanced toward the garden outside the room. "I still can't believe a god died… so easily."

Her idle whispers were caught by Rika and Asahi. The tanned woman grinned. "Gods are people too, you know? Death treats everyone equally."

"That is very true." Yasaka nodded and assumed a serious expression. "I do know it's too much to ask from you… but Devil King, will you seriously help us against the Shinto deities?"

Asahi's face took a slight frown. "You're doubting us?"

He already told her his plans to help the Youkai with the gods. After all, even the weaker gods scaled quite well as XP bags.

"I don't." Yasaka slowly shook her head. "I can't understand your motive for going so far for us..."

Asahi chuckled. "You don't want charity? Alright, let me touch your tail everytime I help your people."

Rika pinched his thigh under the low table. "Geez, hitting on her already."

Asahi laughed in response. "Old habits are hard to change."

Yasaka stared at Asahi, stunned. "Is that all you want?"

"Yes."

"...That's not a hard request."

"Great. As for how to contact me…" Asahi whipped out a phone and placed it on the table.

Yasaka curiously picked the device, finding it surprisingly hefty for something insignificant in size. "What is this?"

Asahi exchanged a grin with Rika. "Let me explain…"

The duo went over and sat beside Yasaka, sandwiching the self-proclaimed Kyuubi Maiden. Asahi took the phone from her hand and flipped it open.

Yasaka recoiled back from the shiny display. "M-Magic?"

The usually composed leader couldn't hide her shock.

"No, it's a phone," Asahi said and scrolled through the interface, teaching Yasaka the useful features of the tiny device. The more he spoke, the more Yasaka leaned in, eyes fixed on the device in his hands.

(My love found the candy to entice this child.)

'Haha.'